

Searching for Mana with Lloyd Wahed
Lloyd Wahed
Welcome to the Searching for Mana show in association with the London Stock Exchange, the leading podcast that interviews tech's most influential leaders, innovators and disruptors to discover their mana – the superpower that has helped them to succeed. Hosted by Lloyd Wahed, co-founder of the Mana group, which is focused on building the future of work via their search, lab and venture business, the podcast is a must-see/listen for industry insiders, established or budding entrepreneurs, or anyone with an interest in the most exciting and dynamic sector in the world.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 19, 2025 • 1h 53min
Mishal Kanoo, Chairman of The Kanoo Group | Legacy, Innovation, and Dubai’s Tech Revolution
In this episode of Searching for Mana, host Lloyd Wahed sits down with Mishal Kanoo, Chairman of the Kanoo Group, for a thought-provoking conversation on the intersection of tradition and innovation in business.Kanoo shares insights into his family's business legacy, the importance of professional management, and the role education plays in ethical leadership. The episode also tackles broader themes such as the socio-economic impacts of AI and the importance of community and respect in business. Tune in for a deep dive into the principles, challenges, and future trends in business and technology. Mishal Kanoo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mishal-kanoo-14099111b/Follow Searching For Mana to stay updated on our latest episodes.Website: https://manasearch.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mana.search/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mana1👍 Like this episode and subscribe to this channel if our content helped and inspired you!

Mar 5, 2025 • 1h 17min
Frederik Gregaard, CEO of Cardano Foundation | Never Down: Blockchain’s Next Frontier
In this episode of Searching for Mana, host Lloyd Wahed speaks with Frederik Gregaard, CEO of the Cardano Foundation, to delve into the expansive possibilities of blockchain technology and Cardano's unique position in the ecosystem. Discussing Cardano's resilience, decentralised governance, and long-term vision, Gregaard sheds light on how the Foundation's non-profit ethos drives innovation and social impact. The conversation touches on the challenges and successes faced by Cardano, its academic foundation, and the potential for blockchain to redefine global governance and economic identity. Gregaard also shares his personal leadership philosophy and vision for a future where blockchain empowers communities globally.Don't miss this insightful episode to understand the intricate balance between technology, ethics, and the future of decentralised networks. Cardano Foundation website: https://www.cardanofoundation.org/Frederik Gregaard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregaard/Follow Searching For Mana to stay updated on our latest episodes.Website: https://manasearch.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mana.search/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mana1👍 Like this episode and subscribe to this channel if our content helped and inspired you!

Oct 28, 2024 • 1h 12min
Lily Liu, President of Solana Foundation | How Blockchain Enables the Financialisation of Scarcity
Lily Liu, President of the Solana Foundation, is a pioneer in blockchain, merging her traditional finance background with digital innovation. She shares her journey from Bitcoin enthusiast to leading a blockchain powerhouse. Discover how Solana overcame the FTX crash to build a robust community with over $5 billion in total value locked. Lily discusses financial sovereignty, the importance of self-custody, and the future of decentralized finance, highlighting the transformative power of blockchain and its role in reshaping financial systems.

Oct 2, 2024 • 41min
Robin Gilthorpe, CEO of Earnix | The AI-Driven Future of Insurance
In this episode of Searching for Mana Fintech, co-hosts Dan and Sachin engage in a compelling conversation with Robin Gilthorpe, CEO of Earnix, a pioneering company providing AI-driven SaaS solutions for the financial and insurance sectors. Since its founding in 2001, Earnix has led innovation with dynamic tools that transform insurer operations, from risk evaluation to real-time pricing.The discussion explores strategies that have positioned Earnix as a key player in this evolving industry, covering global market expansion and complex regulatory environments.Robin shares insights on how Earnix’s technology enables insurers to launch products faster, make smarter pricing decisions, and stay competitive. He also addresses the challenges of global scaling and navigating diverse regulations.Tune in to discover the strategies positioning companies like Earnix at the forefront of industry advancements.Earnix website: https://earnix.com/Robin Gilthorpe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robingilthorpe/Follow Searching For Mana to stay tuned into our latest episodes.Website: https://manasearch.co.uk/browse-jobs/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mana.search/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mana1👍 Like this episode and subscribe to this channel if our content helped and inspired you!

Jul 11, 2024 • 1h 10min
Jeremy Allaire, Founder & CEO of Circle | USDC: The Stablecoin Revolutionising the Financial Ecosystem
In this compelling episode of Searching for Mana, host Lloyd Wahed engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Jeremy Allaire, the visionary Co-Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Circle.Together, they explore the transformative journey of Circle and its flagship digital currency, USDC. Delving deep into the origins, challenges, and subsequent rise of Circle, the conversation sheds light on how stablecoins like USDC are pioneering the future of digital finance, providing a seamless bridge between cutting-edge blockchain technology and traditional financial systems.From navigating the turbulent waters of ‘crypto winters’ to scaling operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, this episode highlights the resilience and foresight required to integrate blockchain technology with established financial systems, offering listeners a comprehensive look into the future of digital currencies.Circle's website: https://www.circle.com/en/Jeremy Allaire's profile on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyallaire/Follow Searching For Mana to stay tuned into our latest episodes.Website: https://manasearch.co.uk/browse-jobs/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mana.search/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mana1👍 Like this episode and subscribe to this channel if our content helped and inspired you!

Jun 12, 2024 • 1h 3min
Mo Shaikh, CEO and Founder Of Aptos | Revolutionising Global Monetary Transactions
Metaverse, blockchain, ChatGPT, NFT marketplaces and more! Discover the journey of Mo Shaikh, the innovative mind behind Aptos Labs, as he dives into his entrepreneurial roots and the inspiration behind his groundbreaking platform. From discussing ecosystem tools to emphasizing the power of empathy, Mo shares insights into his daily routine and strategic approaches to success.
Join host Lloyd Wahed, CEO and founder of Mana Group, as he unravels the fascinating story that drives Mo's vision, in an episode that encapsulates passion, business acumen, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
Tune in for a captivating exploration of creativity, dedication, and the intersection of technology and humanity.
Website: https://manasearch.co.uk/browse-jobs/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mana.search/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mana1

May 29, 2024 • 29min
James Hickman, CCO of Ecospend | Ecospend's Journey to Government Partnership
This episode of Searching for Mana takes you on a journey, exploring the transformation of Ecospend from a fledgling startup to an industry powerhouse, illustrating how fintech companies are evolving and impacting a rapidly changing financial landscape.
Our hosts Dan O'Riordan and Sachin Doshi welcome James Hickman, CCO of Ecospend, and share a vivid chat about the company's growth, innovative approaches and the challenges encountered on the road to achieving a strategic vision.
Major focal points of the episode include the scaling-up process of Ecospend, the resulting cultural and operational shifts, and the uncharted possibilities hinged on open banking.
Our speakers delve deep into discussions about the seismic changes happening within the realms of open banking, the innovative use of account information and transaction data to create value, and how these trends are reshaping the broader financial sector.
Whether you're a fintech enthusiast, industry insider, or just curious about the future of finance, this episode will intrigue, inform and inspire.
Follow Searching For Mana to stay tuned into our latest episodes.
Website: https://manasearch.co.uk/browse-jobs/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mana.search/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mana1

May 1, 2024 • 1h 21min
Cathie Wood, CEO and Founder of Ark Invest | Disruptive Technologies: Redefining the Global Economy
Cathie Wood, CEO and founder of Ark Invest, shares her insights on the transformative power of disruptive technologies. She highlights five key innovations driving change, including robotics and AI, and underscores the importance of adapting investment strategies for a rapidly evolving market. Cathie discusses the impact of Bitcoin's upcoming halving, the emotional toll of market volatility, and the promising future of AI in education. With visions of a $220 trillion market by 2030, her predictions amplify the thrilling potential of tomorrow's economy.

Apr 16, 2024 • 51min
Tim Draper, Venture Capitalist | Tomorrow's Tech Titans: AI, Bitcoin and Investments
Tim Draper, a legendary venture capitalist and founder of Draper Associates, dives into the revolutionary impact of AI and Bitcoin. He discusses how these technologies are reshaping industries and investment opportunities. Draper shares insights on navigating challenges in entrepreneurship and the crucial role of innovators like Steve Jobs and Elon Musk. The conversation also explores the evolution of venture capital and the future of Bitcoin as a potential primary currency, highlighting the importance of personal 'mana' in achieving success.

Mar 27, 2024 • 1h 5min
CEO of Animoca, Robby Yung | Blockchain and Web 3 in Gaming Industry
Join us in this fascinating episode of Searching For Mana where we delve into the nuances of Web3 technologies and their impact on the gaming landscape, featuring our speakers Lloyd Wahed and Robby Yung.
Yung takes the listeners on a riveting journey charting the rising influence of Web3 and how companies, like Animoca Brands, are pioneering games that utilise blockchain technology to democratise digital asset ownership.
The digital currency and asset principles of Web3 seamlessly synergise with the gaming industry's established model of using virtual currency for in-game purchases. The transformative potential of Web3 extends beyond the gaming niche, aiming to revolutionise the broader digital ecosystem and significantly empowering the creator economy.
❓Curious about Robby Yung and Animoca Brands? Dive deep into their ideas here:
Robby's Linkedin's page https://www.linkedin.com/in/robyung/?originalSubdomain=uk
Animoca website: https://www.animocabrands.com
Follow Searching For Mana to stay tuned into our latest episodes.
Website: https://manasearch.co.uk/browse-jobs/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mana.search/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mana1
✍️ We'd love to hear your thoughts! Drop us a comment with your opinion, experiences, and questions – we would love to bring them to our future episodes!
👍 Like this episode and subscribe to this channel if our content helped and inspired you! See you in our next episode!


