Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast think ahead

The digital marketing landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace, with AI, automation, and data-driven strategies redefining how brands connect with consumers. How can businesses adapt and stay ahead in this rapidly changing environment? Host, and Professor of Economics, Dean of London Business School, Sergei Guriev is joined by Xu Zhang, Assistant Professor of Marketing, and Alex Schultz, CMO & VP of Analytics at Meta, to explore the next evolution of digital marketing. Together, they break down the key strategies businesses need to embrace to become AI-ready, from leveraging predictive analytics to overcoming data fragmentation. In this episode, our guests share best practices, discuss the challenges of AI adoption, and highlight the ethical considerations of automation in marketing. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how AI-driven search, hyper personalisation, and advanced marketing measurement are reshaping the industry. Plus, we explore what the future holds—new skills, inclusive marketing, and the evolving role of AI in customer engagement. Whether you're a marketing leader, business strategist, or just curious about the next big shift in digital marketing, this episode offers a practical roadmap for navigating the AI revolution. For more thought leadership and business insights from London Business School faculty and alumni, visit ⁠london.edu/think⁠.  Sign up to receive a curated selection of articles, podcasts and films direct to your inbox twice a month at ⁠london.edu/think/subscribe⁠.  Follow us on social media:  ⁠X.com/LBS⁠  ⁠linkedin.com/school/london-business-school⁠  ⁠facebook.com/LondonBusinessSchool⁠ 

Societal polarisation is on the rise, with political divides, environmental concerns, generational shifts, and controversial public figures shaping today’s workplace dynamics. Issues such as climate change, corporate sustainability, and healthcare innovation are becoming increasingly contentious, adding to the challenges business leaders face. How can they foster cohesion while navigating these growing tensions? Host, and Professor of Economics, Dean of London Business School, Sergei Guriev is joined by Donal Crilly, Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship, and Lorenza Brescia, Business Leader at Fagron, to explore the complexities of leading through polarisation. Together, they examine how key issues such as climate change, DEI, and generational divides are reshaping workplace culture. They also discuss the balance between shareholder expectations and social responsibility, the influence of polarising leaders on business strategy, and how shifting healthcare and sustainability priorities impact organisational decision making. In this episode, our guests share actionable strategies for managing polarisation without alienating key stakeholders. Listeners will gain insights into fostering inclusive workplace cultures, making informed leadership decisions, and navigating the trade-offs required to maintain both cohesion and competitiveness in an increasingly divided world. For more thought leadership and business insights from London Business School faculty and alumni, visit london.edu/think.  Sign up to receive a curated selection of articles, podcasts and films direct to your inbox twice a month at london.edu/think/subscribe.  Follow us on social media:  X.com/LBS  linkedin.com/school/london-business-school  facebook.com/LondonBusinessSchool 

In this episode, Sergei Guriev, Dean of London Business School and Professor of Economics, delves into the key elements of building and leading purpose-driven teams. He is joined by Professor Randall S Peterson, Professor of Organisational Behaviour at London Business School, and Helen Beurier, Chief People Officer at Newton, a management consultancy. Our panellists discuss the three critical factors that experts believe are essential for a thriving team: motivation, relationships, and results. The episode also examines the benefits of fostering a culture of learning and development and how that can be a powerful motivator for employees. Other topics of this podcast include common leadership mistakes, the importance of team member belonging, and how to cultivate team dynamics that flourish over time. Whether you're managing a small group or leading an entire organisation, this episode provides actionable strategies to help transform your team into a powerhouse of collaboration, growth, and success. #leadership #team #workplaceculture #peoplemanagement #podcast

What does it mean to be an ethical leader in today’s interconnected and diverse world? This episode explores the fundamental principles of ethical leadership, highlighting how leaders can cultivate trust, accountability, and inclusivity to create resilient, thriving organisations. Hosted by Sergei Guriev, Dean of London Business School and Professor of Economics, this episode features Elinor Flynn, Assistant Professor of Organisational Behaviour, alongside Oliver Morley CBE, an alumnus and the CEO of The Money and Pensions Service. The discussion delves into the real-world challenges leaders face and offers actionable strategies for navigating ethical dilemmas with transparency and authenticity. Listeners will discover how to establish clear ethical standards, implement effective feedback mechanisms, eliminate misaligned incentives, and embed diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) into their leadership approach.  Whether your goal is to build trust, lead with integrity, or make DEI a cornerstone of your organisational culture, this episode provides a practical roadmap for mastering ethical leadership in today’s complex global landscape.

In this episode of the think ahead podcast series, Professor Costas Markides, Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship, sits down with John Fallon, former CEO of Pearson, one of the UK’s largest educational organisations, to explore how companies can navigate the challenges of digital disruption and transformation.  Together, they discuss the pivotal strategies Pearson employed to shift from traditional publishing to a digital-first education company. The conversation delves into the role of leadership in fostering resilience, the critical importance of purpose in driving organisational change, and how middle management plays a key role in translating long-term visions into actionable daily steps.  They share personal insights on endurance and leadership and provide valuable teachings on how to navigate large-scale transformation, maintain financial stability, and sustain hope and purpose in the face of uncertainty.   For more thought leadership and business insights from London Business School faculty and alumni, visit london.edu/think.  Sign up to receive a curated selection of articles, podcasts and films direct to your inbox twice a month at london.edu/think/subscribe.  Follow us on social media:  X.com/LBS  linkedin.com/school/london-business-school  facebook.com/LondonBusinessSchool 

With the continual rise of digital risks from cyberattacks to misinformation, this episode of the think ahead podcast series explores the current challenges and threats to organisations as the volume and scale of disruptions continues to rise.   Professor S. Alex Yang, Professor of Management Science and Operations at London Business School, host of the podcast, is joined by Gal Sadeh, Principal AI researcher at Silverforte, a computer and network security company. The two discuss the evolving landscape of cybersecurity.   They explore the impact of AI on cybersecurity, the role of human error in security breaches and the steps organisations can take to ensure that they are prepared and maintain digital trust for all stakeholders.  For more thought leadership and business insights from London Business School faculty and alumni, visit london.edu/think. Sign up to receive a curated selection of articles, podcasts and films direct to your inbox twice a month at london.edu/think/subscribe. Follow us on social media: twitter.com/LBS linkedin.com/school/london-business-school facebook.com/LondonBusinessSchool

Eco-innovation is reshaping industries by embedding environmental goals directly into business models that not only reduce harm but actively restore resources. This edition of the think ahead podcast series is hosted by Professor Yiannis Ioannou and explores real-world cases of eco-innovation in action. Sean Millard from The Royal Mint shares insights on transforming electronic waste into high-value metals through advanced recovery techniques, while Mark Stringer of SKOOT Eco reveals how tech-enabled carbon solutions empower individuals and companies to take climate-positive actions. Together, they consider the path from concept to scalable impact, the economics of sustainability-focused business models, and the essential role of technological innovation in making sustainability profitable. For more thought leadership and business insights from London Business School faculty and alumni, visit london.edu/think. Sign up to receive a curated selection of articles, podcasts and films direct to your inbox twice a month at london.edu/think/subscribe. Follow us on social media: twitter.com/LBS linkedin.com/school/london-business-school facebook.com/LondonBusinessSchool  

In this second episode of a two-part special edition of the think ahead podcast series focusing on sustainability, Alex Edmans, Professor of Finance at London Business School talks with Tom Gosling, Executive Fellow of Finance at London Business School about universal ownership and its role in tackling climate change. Universal ownership is the concept that institutional investors hold such large, diversified portfolios that they represent a slice of the entire market or economy making them hold a stake in global economic health. As a result, they have an interest in reducing systemic risks to the economy, including climate change. Through the lens of Tom’s expertise in responsible business, he examines the notion that universal owners can significantly impact climate change through financial self-interest. Universal owners face the daunting task of balancing environmental and social goals with their remit to maximize returns. If climate change is bad for the economy, it will be bad for the investor’s portfolio, but climate and portfolio goals will not always be aligned. Tom highlights the difficulty of universal owners imposing losses on one company to benefit others, the limited impact of investor tools like divestment and engagement as well as government policy. Listen to hear how the scales can be balanced for investment to be a force for good in tackling climate change. For more thought leadership and business insights from London Business School faculty and alumni, visit london.edu/think. Sign up to receive a curated selection of articles, podcasts and films direct to your inbox twice a month at london.edu/think/subscribe. Follow us on social media: twitter.com/LBS linkedin.com/school/london-business-school facebook.com/LondonBusinessSchool  

In this first episode of a two-part special edition of the think ahead podcast series focusing on sustainability, Tom Gosling, Executive Fellow of Finance at London Business School, talks with Alex Edmans, Professor of Finance at London Business School. They delve into a radical new perspective that explores retiring the term ESG in favour of ‘Rational Sustainability.’  Taking us through a trilogy of research papers from “The End of ESG”, “Applying Economics – Not Gut Feel – To ESG” and focusing on “Rational Sustainability,” Alex explains how rigorous academic research can impact business, creating long-term value through evidence-based, rational decision-making.  Listen now to hear how a fundamental shift in approach and thinking can benefit organisations and promote value-driven practices. For more thought leadership and business insights from London Business School faculty and alumni, visit london.edu/think.  Sign up to receive a curated selection of articles, podcasts and films direct to your inbox twice a month at london.edu/think/subscribe.   Follow us on social media:  x.com/LBS  linkedin.com/school/london-business-school  facebook.com/LondonBusinessSchool 

“When different minds connect, ideas grow into something even bigger”   Besides academic research and intergroup relations, what are the practical applications organisations can implement to drive forward belonging?  From the business case for diversity to the case for fairness, we look at the factors that leaders need to address in order to build representative teams and create a culture of belonging.   This edition of the think ahead podcast series delves into the research on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) by Aneeta Rattan, Associate Professor of Organisational Behavior, London Business School. Joining Aneeta to discuss DEI challenges in the workplace is Aaron So, Head of Group Strategy at Marks & Spencer.  Listen here for insights on how leaders and organisations can overcome bias and action positive change.  For more thought leadership and business insights from London Business School faculty and alumni, visit london.edu/think.  Sign up to receive a curated selection of articles, podcasts and films direct to your inbox twice a month at london.edu/think/subscribe.   Follow us on social media:  x.com/LBS  linkedin.com/school/london-business-school  facebook.com/LondonBusinessSchool 

As new technology continues to fuel innovation, how will this impact the rising growth of the fintech industry? In this edition of the think ahead series, Gary Dushnitsky, Associate Professor of Strategy & Entrepreneurship at London Business School and Paul Christensen, CEO & Co-founder of Previse explore advances in technology and the disruptors pushing forward the fintech sector. Listen to their conversation to learn more about the strategies that emerging start-ups use and how long-established companies maintain their place in this competitive marketplace. Learn about the crucial relationship between distribution channels and ground-breaking innovation, along with the forces of market disruption that shape the business landscape. For more thought leadership and business insights from London Business School faculty and alumni, visit london.edu/think. Sign up to receive a curated selection of articles, podcasts and films direct to your inbox twice a month at london.edu/think/subscribe. Follow us on social media: twitter.com/LBS linkedin.com/school/london-business-school facebook.com/LondonBusinessSchool

As we live longer, face a myriad of new challenges, opportunities and increasingly question the role of work in our lives, there is a growing trend of revisiting the idea of a career for life. More and more of us are interested in exploring career opportunities outside the traditional box, to pursue different directions, realign our professional lives to our passions and create a work/life balance to suit our lifestyles.   This edition of the think ahead podcast series features Herminia Ibarra, Charles Handy Chair in Organisational Behaviour and Professor of Organisational Behaviour at London Business School.   Herminia is a leading thinker and advocate of mid-career change and offers practical tips and advice covering how you get from the light bulb moment about changing career through to successfully making the pivot from one career to another.  Listen now to get the information you need to take the first steps towards career reinvention.  For more thought leadership and business insights from London Business School faculty and alumni, visit london.edu/think. Sign up to receive a curated selection of articles, podcasts and films direct to your inbox twice a month at london.edu/think/subscribe. Follow us on social media: twitter.com/LBS linkedin.com/school/london-business-school facebook.com/LondonBusinessSchool  

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a humble leadership style versus a dominant style of leadership? In this edition of the think ahead podcast series, two of our leading faculty make the case for opposing leadership styles in a lively discussion and exchange of ideas. Dan Cable and Niro Sivanathan, both Professors of Organisational Behaviour at London Business School, draw on their extensive research to explore whether the two different management styles are mutually exclusive. What should leaders be aware of before adopting a particular stance? What are the radical differences in the two different management styles? Do workers prefer a decisive and dominant leader who is firmly in control or the humble leader who gives power and control back to the people who do the work and have the ideas to get things done? What role does emotion play in the success of the differing styles? Listen now to hear the insightful discussion. For more thought leadership and business insights from London Business School faculty and alumni, visit london.edu/think. Sign up to receive a curated selection of articles, podcasts and films direct to your inbox twice a month at london.edu/think/subscribe. Follow us on social media: twitter.com/LBS linkedin.com/school/london-business-school facebook.com/LondonBusinessSchool

This episode of the think ahead podcast series explores the issues that women continue to face in achieving success as entrepreneurs and looks at how these barriers can be overcome. Julian Birkinshaw, Olenka Kacperczyk and Rupal Patel discuss the obstacles facing female entrepreneurs as they strive to run successful business. How far do we have to go to achieve a fair representation of female entrepreneurs across the board? What needs to change to achieve more diversity and inclusion in the entrepreneurial ecosystem? What support is currently available? How can we leverage allies and networks to empower and enable female entrepreneurs to thrive? Julian Birkinshaw is Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship and Vice-Dean at London Business School, Olenka Kacpeczyk, Associate Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at London Business School and has done extensive research into entrepreneurs and the challenges faced by female entrepreneurs. Rupal Patel is CEO of Entreprenora and author of From CIA to CEO, described as a “one-of-a-kind tradecraft toolkit for leaders and entrepreneurs”. For more thought leadership and business insights from London Business School faculty and alumni, visit london.edu/think. Sign up to receive a curated selection of articles, podcasts and films direct to your inbox twice a month at london.edu/think/subscribe. Follow us on social media: Twitter Linkedin Facebook

In this episode of the think ahead podcast, we look at how AI can be part of the solution to the global environment crisis. Julian Birkinshaw and Jean Pauphilet discuss the ways in which AI has the potential to be a central component of the solutions to reduce our environmental footprint. The discussion explores how AI tools are being applied to cleaning up plastic from the oceans, weather forecasting, industrial processing, decreasing carbon emissions and using satellite data to find the answers and pathways to meet environmental challenges.   While AI may be a key to the solution, its large-scale adoption is not harmless to our environment and comes at a significant financial cost. What do we need to consider in using AI to find solutions to achieving environmental and sustainability goals?   Julian Birkinshaw is Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship and Vice-Dean at London Business School and Jean Pauphilet, Assistant Professor of Management Science and Operations at London Business School.  For more thought leadership and business insights from London Business School faculty and alumni, visit london.edu/think.  Sign up to receive a curated selection of articles, podcasts and films direct to your inbox twice a month at london.edu/think/subscribe.   Follow us on social media:  twitter.com/LBS  linkedin.com/school/london-business-school  facebook.com/LondonBusinessSchool 

In this episode of the think ahead podcast, Julian Birkinshaw and Ioannis Ioannu address key questions around ESG and sustainability. They discuss investing in ESG funds and the potential benefits and downfalls this entails as well as shareholder activism, investor motivation and how asset managers can impact change.  They also discuss business accountability through the lens of people, planet and profit, navigating the tradeoffs by “doing the right thing” - including the role of business schools in driving change. Looking ahead to COP28 the conversation analyses the “implementation COP” and the global stock take. How far have we come? What can business do to support solutions? What is our generational legacy?   Julian Birkinshaw is Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship, and Vice-Dean at London Business School and Ioannis Ioannou is Associate Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at London Business School and a leading expert in sustainability leadership and corporate responsibility  For more thought leadership and business insights from London Business School faculty and alumni, visit london.edu/think.  Sign up to receive a curated selection of articles, podcasts and films direct to your inbox twice a month at london.edu/think/subscribe.   Follow us on social media:  twitter.com/LBS  linkedin.com/school/london-business-school  facebook.com/LondonBusinessSchool 

In this episode of the think ahead podcast, Julian Birkinshaw and Michael Jacobides discuss some of the many questions that were raised by our audience at our recent think ahead event on The Business Implications of AI. They answer questions about generative AI and the phenomenon that is ChatGPT, looking at how this is driving efficiencies for both individuals and businesses. They also explore the need for regulation to help keep AI to the guardrails, together with the importance of skills augmentation to avoid the threat of substitution.                                                             Julian Birkinshaw is Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship and Vice-Dean at London Business School and Professor Michael G Jacobides, Professor of Sir Donald Gordon Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation and a member of the WEF’s AI Alliance.  For more thought leadership and business insights from London Business School faculty and alumni, visit london.edu/think.  Sign up to receive a curated selection of articles, podcasts and films direct to your inbox twice a month at london.edu/think/subscribe.   Follow us on social media:  twitter.com/LBS  linkedin.com/school/london-business-school  facebook.com/LondonBusinessSchool 

How can businesses deal with the challenges and opportunities facing them from global economic pressures and uncertainties? This was one of the questions discussed at a recent LBS event by a panel of LBS faculty that included Professor Richard Portes, Professor Lucrezia Reichlin, Professor Jérémie Gallien, and Professor Nicos Savva. The panel explored the multiple inter-connected pressures on the global economy - from war and climate change to inflation and supply chain disruption, looking at how these issues could impact the outlook for business. The discussion was moderated by Eshe Nelson, Business and Economics Reporter at The New York Times. The podcast is introduced by Julian Birkinshaw, Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship and Vice-Dean at London Business School. For more thought leadership and business insights from London Business School faculty and alumni, visit london.edu/think.  Sign up to receive a curated selection of articles, podcasts and films direct to your inbox twice a month at london.edu/think/subscribe.  Follow us on social media:  twitter.com/LBS  linkedin.com/school/london-business-school  facebook.com/LondonBusinessSchool 

What is breakthrough growth and what are the secrets to achieving it? Julian Birkinshaw, Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship and Vice Dean at London Business School and Helen Edwards, Adjunct Associate Professor of Marketing, discuss what it means, how to achieve it and the pitfalls to avoid.   Julian and Helen introduce a detailed discussion on the topic, which was recently held at LBS, in which they were joined by Linda Yueh, Adjunct Professor of Economics, Chris McCarthy of Johnson & Johnson Medtech EMEA and moderated by James Hurley, Assistant Business Editor of The Times.   For more thought leadership and business insights from London Business School faculty and alumni, visit london.edu/think. Sign up to receive a curated selection of articles, podcasts and films direct to your inbox twice a month at london.edu/think/subscribe. Follow us on social media: twitter.com/LBS linkedin.com/school/london-business-school facebook/LondonBusinessSchool