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In this episode, Quinn Harrington and Naila Mir discuss the evolving landscape of workplace dynamics with Leo Bottary, founder of Peer Novation. They explore the shift from traditional top-down leadership to a model that emphasizes peer power, accountability, and collaboration.

The conversation delves into the importance of psychological safety, the impact of millennials and Gen Z on organizational culture, and the integration of AI in the workplace. Bottary highlights the significance of diversity and inclusion in peer learning and shares insights on how cultural differences affect peer interactions. The episode concludes with a look at the future of management and the need for clarity in leadership roles.

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After months of getting to know fascinating guests, it's time you got to know us! In this special episode, Quinn and Naila flip the script and interview each other about everything they've never shared on air.

What You'll Discover:

• How Naila's 24 years in Pakistan shaped her sustainability mission (spoiler: it started at age 10)
• Quinn's most ridiculous client story involving techno music and a major bank
• The real story behind Naila's decade-long "I'm going to learn guitar" promise
• Why Quinn has been strategically purchasing fleece-lined tights for months
• Naila's secret children's book project and app idea that could change how we connect for good
• The most embarrassing moments from 14 years at Unilever vs. 20+ years in advertising

Plus: A game of Two Truths and a Lie that reveals which host once [spoiler alert - you'll have to listen], rapid-fire favorites that span continents and decades, and the surprisingly emotional story of how a corporate sustainability expert and a brand strategist from different sides of the Atlantic became creative partners.

Whether you're here for the business insights, cultural perspectives, or just want to hear two friends figure out they both have way too many unfinished creative projects, this episode proves that sometimes the best conversations happen when you stop trying to be professional.

Connect with Quinn: @hdco on Instagram, LinkedIn Connect with Naila: @p3connect.uk on Instagram, LinkedIn

Where to Listen & Watch

Podcast Platforms:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Amazon Music
• YouTube

Follow Now, Near, and the Future:

• Website: nownearfuture.com
• Instagram: @nownearfuture
• LinkedIn: @nownearfuture
• Facebook: Now, Near, and the Future

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What if fashion wasn't about expressing who you are, but about letting your actions speak louder than your wardrobe? This week, we sit down with Naz Pauperio, co-founder of FIFI, a Portugal-based sustainable clothing company that's flipping the fashion industry on its head.

The Revolutionary Approach: While fast fashion churns out 50-60 new collections daily, FIFI offers just six black items designed to last years, not seasons. Their radical philosophy? "You are unique. You are not your clothes. Your clothes don't define you."

What You'll Discover:

• Why FIFI's founders would be happy to never see you again (seriously!)
• The digital passport revolution coming to track every garment's journey
• How Portugal's rich textile heritage is fueling sustainable innovation
• Why younger generations are choosing charity shops over shopping malls
• The shocking CEO-to-worker pay gaps driving fashion's sustainability crisis

Standout Quote: "We'd be happy if we don't see you again. That sounds kind of crazy, but that's what we believe. We'd rather have lots of customers that come to us, but really they're buying one piece and they don't need to come to us very often."

Whether you're a conscious consumer or curious about sustainable business models, Naz's mission to "close the loop and open minds" offers a refreshing take on fashion that prioritizes planet over profit.

Connect with Naz & FIFI:

• Website: fifi-wear.com
• Instagram: @fifiwear

Where to Listen & Watch

Podcast Platforms:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Amazon Music
• YouTube

Follow Now, Near, and the Future:

• Website: nownearfuture.com
• Instagram: @nownearfuture
• LinkedIn: @nownearfuture
• Facebook: Now, Near, and the Future

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Ever wondered what happens when AI meets authentic human creativity? This week, we sit down with professional voice actor Alaina Wis, who's brought characters to life in major video games like Starfield and Skyrim, and voiced commercials for brands like Google, Amazon, and Toyota.

What You'll Discover:

• How AI is actually HELPING voice actors find better creative partnerships (spoiler: it's not what you think!)
• Why brands are choosing human voices over AI - even when the AI sounds "good enough"
• The wild world of video game voice acting (including Alaina's hilarious zombie moaning session)
• What a typical day looks like for a working voice actor (hint: 20-25 auditions daily!)

Laugh-Out-Loud Moments:

• Naila attempts her "professional podcast voice" and immediately gets roasted
• Disney princess rankings get serious (Team Rapunzel vs Team Ariel!)
• Accent showdown: Mid-Atlantic madness with questionable attempts
• Quinn's surprisingly solid Bill Clinton impression emerges

Industry Insights:

• The ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike affecting major gaming companies
• How remote recording opened global opportunities for voice talent
• Why acting training is non-negotiable for gaming voice work
• The future of interactive entertainment and narrative-driven games

Alaina shares her journey from traditional studio sessions to building a thriving remote business, proving that creativity and authenticity will always have a place in our increasingly digital world. Plus, you've actually heard her voice before - she's the talent behind our podcast intro!

Whether you're a creative professional navigating industry changes, curious about voice acting, or just love hearing authentic stories about building a sustainable creative career, this episode delivers both insights and entertainment.

Connect with Alaina:

• Website: alainawis.com
• Instagram: @alainawis or @belleieve
• LinkedIn: Alaina Wis

Find Now, Near, and the Future:

• Website: nownearfuture.com
• Instagram/LinkedIn: @nownearfuture
• Available on all major podcast platforms

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"When you say something as an introvert, it has weight. It changes the energy of the room."

If you've ever felt like the corporate world wasn't built for quiet leaders, this episode will change your perspective entirely. Many introverted professionals struggle with visibility and authenticity in leadership roles, but what if your natural tendencies are actually your greatest strengths?

In this episode of "Now, Near, and the Future," hosts Quinn Harrington and Naila Mir sit down with Sadaf Javed, Executive Leadership Coach and founder of Quiet Thrivers, to explore why introverted leadership might be exactly what today's chaotic business world needs most.

Sadaf, drawing from her decades of corporate experience at companies like Unilever, reveals the hidden advantages quiet leaders possess and shares practical strategies for thriving without changing who you are. She unpacks why "getting clearer" matters infinitely more than "getting louder."

In this episode, we explore:

• Why introverted leaders often outperform with self-motivated teams
• The visibility trap and how to reframe it as "speaking up in moments that matter"
• How hybrid work environments actually favor introverted leadership styles
• The physical workspace challenges that hinder quiet leaders
• Why organizations need to expand their diversity and inclusion efforts beyond demographics

Key takeaway: "You suffer more in imagination than in reality" - a Stoic philosophy that perfectly captures the internal struggles many introverted leaders face.

Whether you're an introverted leader seeking authenticity or an organization wanting to unlock the potential of all personality types, this conversation offers practical insights for thriving in corporate environments without compromising who you are.

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Meet the inventor who's making plastic vanish! Bob Hawkinson joins Quinn & Naila to reveal his revolutionary soil & marine biodegradable plastics that could transform agriculture & landscaping. From mulch bags that become weed barriers to trimmer line that doesn't pollute, Bob's innovations tackle the billions of pounds of plastic waste threatening our planet. Plus, don't Bob's amazing service dog Dixie, who detects blood sugar changes faster than medical devices! 🌱 #SustainablePlastics #BiodegradableSolutions

What happens when a digital community drops "Digital" from its name? Bureau founder Carl Smith joins us to share why his thriving agency leadership community is embracing a future where digital is as ubiquitous as electricity. With his trademark humor and frankness, Carl reveals the state of digital services in 2025, why smaller shops are thriving, and how community-building transcends industry jargon.

From agency leaders mistaking cultural differences for personal slights to the surprising cost of running a Slack community ($75K a year!), Carl offers insights that are equal parts strategic and heartfelt. As he puts it, "We have to work together... when one person's in trouble with too little and another's in trouble with too much, we have to find a way." His parting wisdom? "Slow down. You're gonna be okay."

Whether you're running an agency, building a community, or simply navigating the evolving digital landscape, Carl reminds us that behind every rebrand and business model, human connection remains the essential ingredient.

In this eye-opening episode of "Now, Near, and the Future," we explore the evolving role of AI in filmmaking with award-winning cinematographer Britt McTammany. From using Midjourney to visualize futuristic worlds for multi-million dollar film pitches to his experiences shooting the critically acclaimed "The Artifice Girl," Britt shares fascinating insights about how AI is transforming the creative process. We discuss the balance between technological advancement and preserving the human element in storytelling, the ethical considerations when using AI for concept development, and the future of production in an increasingly automated industry. Whether you're a filmmaker, creative professional, or simply curious about how AI is reshaping visual storytelling, this conversation offers both practical wisdom and thoughtful perspective on navigating this technological revolution.