Host Simon Hodgkins welcomes David Galea, a prominent figure in digital transformation and emerging technologies, to The Global Discussion. David, who holds multiple influential roles, including Board Member at the Smart Cities Alliance EU Tech Chamber, Director at Centigo, and Group CEO of BEAT Limited, Malta, shared his extensive experience and visionary insights into the future of technology and its impact on business and society. A Passion for Change A pursuit of change and improvement characterizes David Galea's career. With over 25 years of experience, David has been at the forefront of guiding startups and established businesses through the complexities of digital transformation. His approach is grounded in the belief that technology, while not a magic wand, is a crucial enabler of change. "Technology is a key enabler of change, providing opportunities for organizations to innovate and drive progress," Galea emphasized during the podcast. From Startups to Global Giants Galea's portfolio is diverse. He has mentored digital startups across various sectors, including education, health tech, and fintech. His work extends to large-scale corporate projects and public sector initiatives, notably in setting up a Programme Management Office for British Petroleum's technology functions and managing the rollout of the 4G network in the UK. He has spearheaded digital projects in Malta that have transformed industries and government services. His passion for helping in the business world—startups and SMEs—is evident. He finds smaller entities' agility and innovative spirit particularly rewarding, as they often have the potential to outmaneuver more prominent and established competitors. Digital Made Simple One of the highlights of Galea's career is his book, "Digital Made Simple." This best-selling book, which has won the Axiom Business Book Award, distills the complexities of digital transformation into practical, actionable insights. "Today's problem is not the lack of information but the overload of it. My book aims to help sift through the noise and focus on what really matters," Galea explained. The book advocates for simplicity in digital strategies, emphasizing the need for organizations to focus on key performance indicators (KPIs) that truly drive success rather than getting bogged down in unnecessary complexity. Smart Cities and the Future of Work A portion of the podcast discussed the future of work and smart cities. Galea challenges the conventional term "smart cities," preferring "smart communities" to emphasize the centrality of human needs. "The focus should be on building cities around the needs of people – as consumers, citizens, and employees," Galea stated. David also highlighted the importance of fostering trust and relationships in remote work settings, essential for driving innovation and creativity. He believes that the future of work will increasingly require organizations to become learning entities, constantly adapting and evolving in response to new information and technologies. Looking Ahead As David looks to the future, he focuses on mentoring and coaching decision-makers to design and implement sustainable digital transformation programs. His approach is pragmatic, built on years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of technology. Follow The Global Discussion on LinkedIn, YouTube, Spotify, and more! Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from Creatives, Leaders, and Thinkers on The Global Discussion. Join the newsletter for updates on new episodes. To support The Global Discussion, please visit: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/globaldiscuss Watch or listen to The Global Discussion Web: https://www.theglobaldiscussion.com⁠ Audio Podcast: ⁠Spotify⁠ | ⁠Google⁠ | ⁠Apple⁠ Video Podcast: ⁠https://www.theglobaldiscussion.com⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://bit.ly/TGD-YouTube⁠ Follow us on LinkedIn/Social Media ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/theglobaldiscussion⁠⁠ Others: X, Instagram, and Facebook