X4 Talks

Hosted by X4 Group

BusinessInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

Latest episode

May 2026

Language

EN-GB

About the show

Welcome to X4 Talks, where you'll get an exclusive look into the minds of the world's top business leaders! Our goal is to bring you inspiring stories from game-changing entrepreneurs, innovative CEOs, and experienced professionals who are paving the way for the future. Through our conversations, we'll explore the breakthrough technologies and cutting-edge methodologies that are driving their success, and share valuable insights that you can apply to your own life and business. Join our global community of like-minded individuals. Together, we'll dive deep into the most exciting trends and ideas shaping the future of the business world, one conversation at a time.

Listen to episodes

14 recent

May 14, 202636 min

Inside the Schedule: Regan Soldner on Data Centres, AI and Smarter Project Delivery

In this episode of X4 Talks, Joe Wood‑Lowe, Head of Construction at X4 Engineering continues his mini-series in Project Delivery. Joe’s next guest is Regan Soldner, newly promoted Vice President of Scheduling at Ryan Companies. Regan is a scheduling leader specialising in large, complex program delivery. Regan began her career in consulting before moving to the general contractor side, gaining deep experience across major projects, including large‑scale data centres. She is known for bringing efficiency and clarity to complex environments, aligning teams and improving how work is planned and executed. Regan’s path into construction is an interesting story. She grew up in a construction family and learned to read drawings as a teenager. After playing Division I basketball and teaching English in Rome, a chance encounter led her into consulting and eventually to roles across Hawaii, California and the mainland US. Her philosophy is simple: “Seize the opportunities… that’s what’s really got me to where I am today.”Discussions in this Episode include:• Why GCs have historically guarded native schedules • How trust and early collaboration with trade partners improve outcomes • The real state of AI in scheduling • The rise of scheduling collaboration tools that shift schedulers from data entry to true analysis A rich, insightful episode for anyone delivering complex projects or navigating the evolving world of construction scheduling and technology.Hosted by Joe Wood-Lowe, Head of Construction at X4 Engineering and featuring Regan Soldner, Vice President of Scheduling at Ryan Companies.

April 16, 202635 min

How Projects Really Get Built: A Scheduler’s Guide to Delivery Excellence with Christopher Perkins, Senior Scheduling Manager at Barton Malow

In this episode of X4 Talks, Joe Wood‑Lowe, Head of Construction at X4 Engineering kicks off a new mini-series in Project Delivery. Joe’s first guest is Christopher Perkins, Senior Scheduling Manager at Barton Malow and one of the most respected scheduling leaders in U.S. construction. Born into a construction family and now responsible for more than $2 billion worth of work in place, Christopher brings a rare blend of field‑tested experience, technical mastery and an instinct for developing the next generation of schedulers.Christopher’s portfolio spans some of the most complex environments in the built world including hospitals, high‑rises, aerospace facilities and major sports venues. Today, he’s deep into two headline projects: a $400 million renovation of Camping World Stadium in Orlando, FL and a new $300 million municipal arena in Macon, GA.Discussions in this Episode include:Why field experience is the most underrated advantage in schedulingThe biggest misconceptions junior schedulers bring on day oneHow to teach sequencing, logic, and critical path thinking that actually sticksThe art of getting buy‑in from PMs, supers and subcontractorsWhat AI will and won’t automate in construction planningHow humility, communication and curiosity shape elite schedulersIf you work in Project Delivery, Scheduling, Project Management, Field Ops or Executive Leadership this conversation really is a masterclass!Hosted by Joe Wood-Lowe, Head of Construction at X4 Engineering and featuring Christopher Perkins, Senior Scheduling Manager at Barton Malow.

January 8, 2026Episode 1126 min

How do early-stage biotechs navigate regulation? With Bruno Speder, Vice President Regulatory Affairs – Aletheia Life Science

In this episode of X4 Talks, we sit down with Bruno Speder, Vice President Regulatory Affairs at Aletheia Life Science, who brings nearly two decades of experience guiding global drug development programmes and leading interactions with major health authorities, including the FDA and EMA. Having worked across CROs, biotech companies, and early-stage spin-offs in the UK, France, and Belgium, Bruno offers rare insight into why regulatory leadership is essential from day one.Discussions in the episode:Why early scientific innovation must be matched with strategic regulatory thinkingWhat leaders should know when preparing therapies for human challenge trialsWhy science alone isn’t always enough in early developmentThe role of regulatory affairs in volunteer and patient recruitmentAdvice for those looking to move into regulatory affairsThis episode is hosted by Alicia Cliff, Head of Medical Communications at the X4 Group.

December 11, 2025Episode 1145 min

AI at the Heart of Modern Payments with Luke McAlpine, Chief Product Officer at B4B Payments

In this episode of X4 Talks, we sit down with Luke McAlpine, Chief Product Officer at B4B Payments, to explore how AI is being woven into modern payment experiences. With a background in scaling product strategy and driving innovation, Luke shares how B4B is experimenting with new tools, keeping compliance front and centre, and using AI to build faster, smarter and more intelligent payment journeys.Discussions in the episode:How B4B is approaching AI across product, innovation and strategyExperimentation, new tooling and modern ways of workingWhere AI is already delivering real value in paymentsThe biggest opportunities to make payments smoother, faster and more personalisedHow product roles are evolving with AIThis episode is hosted by Lydia Howard, Head of Payments and FinTech UK & Europe at the X4 Group.

December 4, 2025Episode 1033 min

How do we regulate AI responsibly? With Nilton Cardoso, AI Director at Equifax UK and Simon Whiteley, CSO of Helios Global Group

In this episode of X4 Talks, we sit down with Nilton Cardoso, AI Director at Equifax UK, and Simon Whiteley, Chief Scientific Officer at Helios Global Group, to explore one of the most pressing questions in technology today - how do we regulate AI responsibly?Together, they bring two industries that may seem worlds apart, finance and healthcare, to discuss how each is being transformed by artificial intelligence, and how innovation, ethics, and governance must evolve side by side.Discussions in the episode:What is AI, and why is it transforming everything?Building trust and the importance of explainable AIRegulation vs. innovation; where’s the balance?Preparing for the AI shift; skills, teams, and adaptabilityLooking ahead; what’s the next big change AI will bring?This episode is hosted by Alicia Cliff, Head of Medical Communications & Lydia Howard, Head of Fintech & Payments at the X4 Group.

November 13, 2025Episode 940 min

The Truth About AI and Neurodiversity with Dennis Curry, Former CTO of TalkTalk

In this episode of X4 Talks, we sit down with Dennis Curry, a long-standing innovator, AI Evangelist for over 25 years and visionary technology leader who has previous served as Chief Technology Officer at TalkTalk. With over two decades of experience leading business development, technology transformation, product innovation and project management, Dennis brings deep insight into how thinking differently can drive meaningful progressDiscussions in the episode:The balance between failure and success, and why both should be treated equallyAI: What are we missing?Navigating the complexities of AIHow neurodiversity and AI can complement each other to build a better, more human futureThis episode is hosted by Oliver Goldring, Lead Consultant at the X4 Group.

May 22, 2025Episode 819 min

Transforming Healthcare Storytelling with Cassandra Sinclair, President of VCCP Health US

In this episode of X4 Talks, we sit down with Cassandra Sinclair to explore the powerful role of storytelling in healthcare marketing, delving into why it matters, how it changes behaviours and how brands can create truly human-centric communication in a scientific world.Cassandra is passionate about reshaping healthcare advertising through authenticity, emotion, and cultural understanding. As President of VCCP Health US, she’s leading a new era where storytelling isn’t just creative; it's a catalyst for real societal change.Discussions in the episode:The key to balancing science and creativityMaking campaigns memorable with humour, emotion, surprise and soundHow data, culture and human insights drive authentic narrativesAdvice for those passionate about advocating changeThis episode is hosted by Alicia Cliff, Head of Medical Communications at the X4 Group.

May 15, 2025Episode 727 min

Getting Real About Crypto with Jovi Overo, CEO of Vault

In this episode of X4 Talks, we sit down with Jovi Overo to unpack the realities of the crypto space—what’s hype, what’s real, and how to navigate a career in one of the most polarising finance sectors.Jovi is at the forefront of digital transformation in finance as the CEO of Vault, a cutting-edge platform that’s redefining how digital assets and crypto banking can co-exist in a regulated, accessible, and user-friendly way.Discussions in the episode:The key skills needed to build a sustainable career in cryptoWhat’s holding mainstream adoption back?The future of crypto: financial inclusion, volatility, utility & regulationThe role of education in demystifying digital assetsThis episode is hosted by Lydia Howard, Head of Payments and FinTech UK & Europe at the X4 Group.

March 25, 2025Episode 513 min

From Industry to Notified Body: Navigating Medical Devices with Ibim Tariah, Technical Business Development Director at SGS

In this episode of X4 Talks, we sat down with Ibim Tariah, Technical Business Development Director at SGS, to explore his journey from working in the medical device industry to his role at SGS, one of the world's leading Testing, Inspection and Certification companies.Discussions in the episode:The role of notified bodies in ensuring public safetyThe future of medical devices & regulatory challenges in the next 5-10 yearsHow innovation is often outpacing regulationThis episode is hosted by Matthew Wisdom, Principal Client Success Lead at the X4 Group.

March 18, 2025Episode 631 min

Navigating Growth & Innovation in Life Sciences Construction with Michael Asher, Operations Director at A/Z Corporation

In this episode of X4 Talks, we spoke with Michael Asher, Operations Director of the Mid-Atlantic region at A/Z Corporation, to explore the evolving landscape of life sciences construction post-pandemic. Michael shares insights on why some firms are thriving while others struggle, the role of AI in shaping the industry, and the key strategies for successful scaling and talent retention.Other discussions in the episode include:Mergers & acquisitions: Do they benefit big or small firms more? Market saturation and the emergence of new opportunitiesThe ideal balance of a high-performing project teamAdvice for leaders on building & sustaining a strong cultureThis episode is hosted by Joe Wood-Lowe, Head of Projects at the X4 Group.