Juan Verde Unfiltered: Obama, Al Gore, Globalization & The Future of AI
In this episode of Tomorrow, Today, Shekhar Natarajan sits down with Juan Verde for an honest and insightful conversation about his journey, the people who shaped him, and the lessons he has learned along the way.
Juan grew up in the Canary Islands in a family of six children. His early life taught him the importance of hard work, generosity, and staying true to your values. One act of kindness toward a Cuban immigrant family helped change the direction of his life, eventually leading him to the United States and a career that would take him into the worlds of public service, international business, and diplomacy.
Juan also reflects on his decision to choose public service over a lucrative consulting opportunity, the mentors who guided him, and his experiences working with influential leaders, including Bill Clinton, Al Gore, and Barack Obama.
Beyond his personal story, the conversation explores some of the biggest challenges facing the world today. From international trade and globalization to protectionism and economic inequality, Juan shares his perspective on how countries can work together to create prosperity and lasting peace.
The discussion also looks at sustainability, the green economy, ESG, and the role businesses can play in building a better future. As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the world, Juan and Shekhar explore what these changes could mean for jobs, education, and the next generation.
In this episode, you'll hear about:
• Juan Verde's early life and journey to America
• The experiences that shaped his approach to leadership
• Choosing purpose and public service over financial rewards
• Lessons from working with influential political leaders
• The connection between international trade, peace, and prosperity
• The challenges of globalization and protectionism
• Sustainability, ESG, and the future of the green economy
• Artificial intelligence and its impact on jobs and education
• The importance of resilience, relationships, and reinvention
• Juan's thoughts on future opportunities around the world
About Juan Verde
Juan Verde is a Spanish-American entrepreneur, diplomat, and sustainability advocate whose career spans public service, international commerce, and the private sector. His work focuses on the intersection of economic opportunity, global cooperation, and sustainable development.
About the Host
