The So What from BCG
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Global trade is entering a new phase marked by unpredictability. Marc Gilbert and Michael McAdoo discuss how companies can respond by building supply chain flexibility, strengthening scenario planning, and enhancing their understanding of geopolitical developments. Learn More: Marc Gilbert: https://on.bcg.com/3SpNytS Michael McAdoo: https://on.bcg.com/4iQA6Ku BCG’s Center on Geopolitics: https://on.bcg.com/3EA5A9A There’s Nowhere to Hide as Tariffs Reshape Global Trade: https://on.bcg.com/44RLO47 How Tariffs Are Shaping Investor Expectations: https://on.bcg.com/4iQA5pU This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
The Global South isn’t standing still as tariffs and uncertainty roil financial markets and business plans. Aparna Bharadwaj, leader of BCG’s Global Advantage practice, explains how these nations are forming smart partnerships and moving from low-cost production to innovation-powered impact. Learn More: Aparna Bharadwaj: https://on.bcg.com/4cIKW3V In a Multipolar World, the Global South Finds Its Moment: https://on.bcg.com/42UhQLn BCG on Emerging Markets: https://on.bcg.com/4cMJ9e4 BCG's Center for Geopolitics: https://on.bcg.com/3EA5A9A [00:00] Aparna's 'So What' [02:18] The Global South From Its Own Perspective [04:12] Common Themes In The Global South [07:43] Climate And Sustainability [08:47] How Countries Are Navigating Their Own Paths [11:08] China's Role In The Global South [13:28] How Leaders In The Global North Can Flip The Narrative [14:53] Emerging Industries In The Global South [17:15] The Global South Is A Positive Story [18:31] The Future Of Global Commerce [20:21] Advice To Leaders In The Global South [21:26] The 'Now What' This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
Nicolas de Bellefonds, BCG’s global AI leader, unpacks the myths, challenges, and real potential of AI agents. They can transform how work gets done if companies stop chasing shortcuts, rethink outdated processes, and prepare for the costs and complexity that come with real change. Learn More: Nicolas de Bellefonds: https://on.bcg.com/4lr0Dkh BCG’s Latest Thinking on AI: https://on.bcg.com/3Y1NHaq The CEO’s Workout for Peak AI Performance: https://on.bcg.com/44opFtV From Potential to Profit: Closing the AI Impact Gap: https://on.bcg.com/3XZBGSL Chapters: [0:25] Nico’s So What [1:16] What Are Agents? [3:57] What Problems Do Agents Solve? [5:56] How Do Agents Affect Processes? [7:50] What Should Leaders Focus On? [9:06] How Do You Start Improving Data and Infrastructure? [10:24] What Are the Biggest Challenges? [13:48] What Is Next? [14:49] How Close Are We to AGI? [15:43] What Are the Risks? [17:13] Now What? This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
By the year 2035, we will likely be able to utilize AI to crunch complex data sets and produce far more accurate predictions of the future, for everything from stock market fluctuations to consumer trends. Already, meteorologists are using AI to improve weather forecasting—for instance, by more accurately predicting when a hurricane will make landfall. But BCG’s Alan Iny says this does not mean that business leaders will be able to dispense with planning for multiple scenarios. Predictions will never be perfect—and everyone will have access to the same tools—so strategic planning will remain critical even as it evolves in new ways. LEARN MORE: Imagine This: https://lnk.to/imagine-this-general-show09 Alan Iny: https://on.bcg.com/4fCNDo5 Are Leaders as Prepared for Strategic Risks as They Think They Are?: https://on.bcg.com/3AXqw8J BCG on Corporate Finance and Strategy: https://on.bcg.com/496c3Ek CEO Moments of Truth: https://on.bcg.com/ITMoT This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
Karin von Funck, BCG’s global lead for zero-based transformation, explains why great cost transformation goes beyond spreadsheets. The best companies don’t slash expenses. They have a deep understanding of what drives value, a rigorous approach to spending, and a culture that supports smart decision making. Quick cuts may deliver short-term relief but can erode long-term growth—as well as the trust of employees. Learn More: Karin von Funck: https://on.bcg.com/4iBZXqn BCG Latest Thinking on Cost: https://on.bcg.com/4iU0RhB Cost Management Remains an Executive Priority in 2025: https://on.bcg.com/41VTsYm This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
For years, extended reality (XR) has waited to find its place in business. New lightweight, AI-enabled headsets are bringing the power of AI to the frontline. Tibor Mérey, BCG’s global business leader in frontier tech, explains how XR can boost productivity and address labor shortages. But will workers embrace it? Tibor Mérey: https://on.bcg.com/43l9LQI BCG’s Latest Thinking on Technology, Media, and Telecommunications: https://on.bcg.com/4hek0JY BCG on Augmented and Virtual Reality: https://on.bcg.com/4hcx0zu Seeing the World Through AI Glasses: https://lnk.to/imagine-this-Woolsey-smartglasses09
HR is no longer just about managing people—it’s about shaping the future of work. Jens Baier, BCG’s HR transformation expert, discusses how AI and shifting employee expectations are forcing companies to rethink talent strategies. From re-recruiting to upskilling employees, HR must adapt to a rapidly changing landscape. Learn More: Jens Baier: https://on.bcg.com/41ca7Gv BCG on People Strategy: https://on.bcg.com/3QtAjro Decoding Global Talent: https://on.bcg.com/4gUC4IT https://on.bcg.com/4gUC4IT
Businesses are overlooking AI’s ability to create entirely new products and businesses. Beth Viner, who leads BCG’s corporate venturing and business building at BCGX, explains how organizations can move beyond efficiency and generate big revenue gains. Companies can combine their historical strengths with AI’s power to meet customer needs in new and unexpected ways. Learn More: Beth Viner: https://on.bcg.com/4193Lco BCG X: https://on.bcg.com/3WUviLQ BCG on AI: https://on.bcg.com/42OlGpK Beth’s TED Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x92AnU6MUr0
Supply chains are more important than ever. Geopolitical shifts and an ever-increasing need to reduce carbon emissions have created new challenges. Camille Egloff, head of travel, transportation, infrastructure, cities, and logistics for Europe, Middle East, South America, and Africa, explains how businesses can reduce risks and take advantage of emerging digital technologies to create lean, resilient supply chains that flex to meet demand. Learn More: Camille Egloff: https://on.bcg.com/42s5F8V BCG on Transportation and Logistics: https://on.bcg.com/4haftJ6 The Real Cost of Decarbonizing the Shipping Industry: https://on.bcg.com/3WBjy0L
Vinay Shandal, BCG’s sustainable investing leader, explains why global competition is both a challenge and a catalyst for clean energy. He talks about how governments can remove barriers and red tape in addition to providing financing—and why private companies are farther along than public companies in their net zero goals. Learn More: Vinay Shandal: https://on.bcg.com/4fSXsxH How AI Can Speed Climate Action: https://on.bcg.com/3C3kYKq A Year of Sustainability Progress in the Private Markets: https://on.bcg.com/3Pxh6oi Where Are Private Equity Firms on Their Way to Net Zero?: https://on.bcg.com/3Wdmy3s BCG on Climate and Sustainability: https://on.bcg.com/40cZsuD Vinay’s TED Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Q59suYxIec
One in every three people will likely find their jobs significantly disrupted by AI in the next decade. Sagar Goel, leader of BCG’s work in digital reskilling and leadership development, talks about the role of the public and private sectors in preparing employees for this exciting, uncertain, and sometimes frightening world. Learn More: Sagar Goel: https://on.bcg.com/46D3O12 Sagar’s TED Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qC1QlUr5mCE BCG on AI: https://on.bcg.com/3SClDaT Harvard Business Review Article: https://hbr.org/2023/09/reskilling-in-the-age-of-ai
Home to over half of the world’s supply chain activity, Asia is a complex powerhouse. Bitan Datta, BCG’s Asia Pacific leader in manufacturing and supply chains, describes how to balance cost, resilience, and geopolitics in this lively market. Learn More: Bitan Datta: https://on.bcg.com/49IlBW0 BCG on Supply Chain Management: https://on.bcg.com/3VHFYwN How GenAI Reimagines Supply Chain Management: https://on.bcg.com/49FwAj3 CEO Moments of Truth: https://on.bcg.com/TSWMoT
The consumer goods industry is facing threats from new competitors, inflation, and changes in consumer behavior. Rohan Sajdeh, global leader of BCG’s consumer practice, outlines how companies can adapt through portfolio reshaping, advanced pricing strategies, and personalized customer experiences. He also discusses how AI and sustainability are shaping the future of the industry. Learn More: Rohan Sajdeh: https://on.bcg.com/4ggm0RL Consumer Products Industry: https://on.bcg.com/4f2DyQe CEO Moments of Truth: https://on.bcg.com/TSWMoT This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy
More than half of M&A deals fail, while winning deals can deliver five times the average payoff. Daniel Friedman, BCG’s global leader of transactions and integrations, explains the importance of a clear plan, thoughtful choice of targets, and strong teamwork. Finally, if company cultures don’t mesh, even the strongest financial deals won’t create lasting value. Learn More: Daniel Friedman: https://on.bcg.com/3V2Wlnp M&A Activity by Year: The BCG M&A Report Collection: https://on.bcg.com/3OdAV3j BCG on M&A: https://on.bcg.com/4hYkp4y CEO Moments of Truth: https://on.bcg.com/TSWMoT This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy
Hubertus Meinecke, BCG’s global climate and sustainability lead, and Axel Reinaud, CEO of NetZero, discuss what climate startups can learn from large corporations and vice versa. Corporations have capital that startups need but take a long time to make decisions. Startups are fast moving and have strong technical skills but are short on the capital that large corporations can provide. Learn More: Hubertus Meinecke: https://on.bcg.com/3AqhSzp Axel Reinaud: https://netzero.green/en/team/ NetZero: https://netzero.green/en/ Green Growth Accelerator: https://on.bcg.com/4furqrQ CEO Moments of Truth https://on.bcg.com/TSWMoT This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy
Judith Wallenstein, leader of BCG’s CEO Advisory, explains how chiefs of staff help CEO’s succeed and identify the characteristics that matter most in this role. The best chiefs of staff have integrity, confidence, and a selfless commitment to their boss —becoming part of a CEO’s inner circle by staying out of the spotlight. LEARN MORE: Judith Wallenstein: https://on.bcg.com/402EekT CEO Agenda: https://on.bcg.com/400T1MM How CEOs Can Find the Right Chief of Staff: https://on.bcg.com/3NowT7K CEO Moments of Truth https://on.bcg.com/TSWMoT This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy
Mark Abraham, leader of BCG’s Marketing, Sales & Pricing practice in North America, explains how organizations can combine the physical and digital to create powerful customer experiences. As co-author of the new book , Abraham explains that few actually hit the mark—wasting resources and leaving customers disappointed. Learn More: Mark Abraham: https://on.bcg.com/3NdACFc Read Personalized: Customer Strategy in the Age of AI: https://on.bcg.com/3zVUEAN BCG on Personalization: https://on.bcg.com/4eRv1QK CEO Moments of Truth: https://on.bcg.com/TSWMoT This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy
What are today’s big business challenges and why is it a great time to be a CEO? Christoph Schweizer talks about what he has learned in his three years at the helm. Hear Christoph’s insights on how CEOs navigate difficult decisions, including his own "moment of truth" when he faced a critical challenge. LEARN MORE: Watch Christoph's one-on-one discussions with CEOs: https://on.bcg.com/TSWMoT Explore the latest for CEOs from CEOs: https://on.bcg.com/4exCwvS Christoph Schweizer: https://on.bcg.com/3MU8eaZ This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy
Can risk management evolve from a check-the-box exercise into a driver of innovation? Tad Roselund, BCG’s former chief risk officer, explains how organizations can create advantage by anticipating challenges, training employees to spot risks, and balancing prevention with recovery. Learn More: Tad Roselund: https://on.bcg.com/3WR4Ge2 BCG on Risk and Compliance: https://on.bcg.com/3Toc1RB This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy
Listen as BCG AI conversational agent GENE and editor in chief Paul Michelman highlight the opportunities and obstacles ahead for CEOs, as outlined in BCG’s most recent thought leadership. The duo share which steps to take now before an expected M&A resurgence, the lessons to be learned from fintech, and how to advance carbon dioxide reduction. LEARN MORE After you listen, dive deep into the details in these bcg.com publications: AI at Work 2024: Friend and Foe (https://www.bcg.com/publications/2024/ai-at-work-friend-foe) M&A Insights H1 2024: The Recovery Continues (https://www.bcg.com/publications/2024/m-and-a-market-insights-series-h1-2024) Prudence, Profits, and Growth (https://www.bcg.com/publications/2024/global-fintech-prudence-profits-and-growth) Boosting Demand for Carbon Dioxide Removal (https://www.bcg.com/publications/2024/boosting-demand-for-carbon-dioxide-removal) Subscribe to CEO Digest: https://link.chtbl.com/ceo-digest-bcg-show For more insight from BCG on the CEO Agenda, visit https://on.bcg.com/4cSLtiu. Hear more of GENE on Imagine This… at https://link.chtbl.com/imagine-this-show-link, BCG’s future-focused podcast series. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy
One in every three people will likely find their jobs significantly disrupted by AI in the next decade. Sagar Goel, leader of BCG’s work in digital reskilling and leadership development, talks about the role of the public and private sectors in preparing employees for this exciting, uncertain, and sometimes frightening world. Learn More: Sagar Goel: https://on.bcg.com/46D3O12 Sagar’s TED Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qC1QlUr5mCE BCG on AI: https://on.bcg.com/3SClDaT Reskilling in the Age of AI: https://hbr.org/2023/09/reskilling-in-the-age-of-ai This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy
In a world of microtargeted ads and niche audiences, sports remain one of the few remaining opportunities for brands to capture the attention of the masses. Dan Wald, global lead of BCG’s sports business, talks about how the Olympics works to stay relevant in a fragmented world. How can businesses and sports leagues incorporate this success into their current strategies? Learn More: Dan Wald: https://on.bcg.com/4dfqw1g Marketing and Sales: https://on.bcg.com/46jJ7Hx This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy
The average US consumer belongs to around 14 loyalty programs. Edward Crouch, BCG’s global leader for loyalty and membership, explains how unique experiences and personalization can convert everyday customers into loyal fans. Learn More: Edward Crouch: https://on.bcg.com/3zgpaF0 Loyalty Programs Need Next-Generation Design: https://on.bcg.com/4chjlWy Travel and Tourism: https://on.bcg.com/3KXgJ3X This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy
One in every three US adults has a criminal record that follows them like a lead weight as they look for work. Lina Bankert, managing director and partner in BCG’s Chicago office, and Kathleen St. Louis Caliento, president and CEO of Cara Collective, explain that formerly incarcerated people can be model employees. Hiring always involves risk. By partnering with government agencies and nonprofit organizations, companies can set up fair-chance hires for success in the workplace. Many of them, for example, also need help with housing and transportation that agencies can provide. Learn More: Lina Bankert: on.bcg.com/4c7gm2Q http://on.bcg.com/4c7gm2Q Kathleen St. Louis Caliento: Kathleen St. Louis Caliento - Cara Collective https://caracollective.org/team/kathleen-caliento/ Three Roads to Equitable and Inclusive Talent Development: on.bcg.com/3xifUQa http://on.bcg.com/3xifUQa Cara Collective: Home - Cara Collective https://caracollective.org/ This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy
Brian Collie, BCG’s global leader for the automotive and mobility sector, explains that price and range anxiety remain as barriers to adoption of electric vehicles. Even so, recent BCG research in the US found that nearly 40% of surveyed consumers are considering a switch to electric for their next vehicle. To tap into that demand, manufacturers need to lower their cost structure—they currently lose $6,000-$30,000 per car—and work with partners. Learn More: Brian Collie: on.bcg.com/3XnvKTX http://on.bcg.com/3XnvKTX Automotive Industry: on.bcg.com/4ejyMid http://on.bcg.com/4ejyMid Can OEMs Catch the Next Wave of EV Adopters?: on.bcg.com/3KJ9UCS http://on.bcg.com/3KJ9UCS
Banks and other financial systems are the lifeblood of the economy. But most of them trade at less than book value, constrained by regulation, the growth of private credit, and tech startups. Kilian Berz, global vice chair of BCG’s financial institutions practice, explains how traditional banks can regain their footing through leadership and transformation. Learn More: Kilian Berz:https://on.bcg.com/4bDKQcj Financial Institutions: https://on.bcg.com/3wLmFK5 To Seize a $7 Trillion Opportunity, Banks Need Bolder Strategies for Serving Customers and Society: https://on.bcg.com/4byWlSm
Current economic models are not up to the challenge of capturing the real-world complexities of climate change. But better models are on the horizon. Sophia Davies, BCG’s lead for climate tech partnerships, explains how AI can supercharge these models to predict how public policies will motivate the private sector. Early returns suggest we may be vastly underestimating the effect of policy on climate change. Learn More: Climate and Sustainability: on.bcg.com/3QOGjeX http://on.bcg.com/3QOGjeX AI: on.bcg.com/3K69aHS http://on.bcg.com/3K69aHS “Deep Design” Could Take On the World’s Big Systemic Challenges: https://on.bcg.com/3K6oFPV
If cybercrime were a country, it would be the third largest economy in the world. Paul O’Rourke, BCG’s global cybersecurity leader, explains how organizations can protect themselves and their supply chains: Start by recognizing that the elimination of all risks is impossible. Instead focus security efforts on an organization’s “crown jewels”—its most critical digital assets. Leaders don’t need to be cyber experts. But regulators may hold them responsible for some breaches, so they better understand and address the risks. Learn More: Paul O’Rourke: https://on.bcg.com/3QAoPCN Cybersecurity and Digital Risk: https://on.bcg.com/3UwRTwg Every C-Suite Member Is Now a Chief AI Officer: https://on.bcg.com/3UJ7ry9
Joe Davis, BCG’s former regional chair for North America, says you can make tough decisions without being a “tough guy.” In the executive suite, empathy and authenticity are in, according to Davis, the author of the new business book, THE GENEROUS LEADER. Even as tech skills dominate the headlines, Davis celebrates the enduring value of mastering people skills. Learn More: The Generous Leader: A Leadership Book by Joe Davis | The Generous Leader https://www.joedavis.com/ Joe Davis: https://on.bcg.com/3Q9pMlw Do Not Stop Asking Questions and Listening Carefully to the Answers: https://on.bcg.com/3Jx5LBy Turning Superheroes into a Super Leadership Team: https://on.bcg.com/4d2fnlk
Responsible investing goes back decades or even longer if pronouncements in the Old Testament and Qur’an are considered. Environment, social, and governance goals have become embedded in corporate strategy, even if the acronym ESG has become polarizing. Tim Mohin, director of climate and sustainability at BCG, discusses this evolution and what the next iteration might look like. One thing is clear: these goals aren’t going away even if companies stop talking about them. Learn More: Tim Mohin: https://on.bcg.com/3TK47kE Climate Change and Sustainability: https://on.bcg.com/3xl1QoG
