Sports fandom is evolving -- and fast. Jeff Koloski, LEK partner in media and entertainment practice, talks with Alex Evans. a partner with LEK Consulting, and Jeff McQueen, also a partner (together, they lead LEK's sports and live entertainment practice, working with leaders across the sports industry, from leagues to teams to investors to service providers). They break down exclusive insights from L.E.K. Consulting’s in-depth sports survey to reveal how changing fan behaviors, shifting demogra...
Jul 02, 2025•34 min•Ep. 55
In this episode, we explore the evolving landscape of B2B digital commerce, focusing on its critical role in contemporary business strategies. Host Gavin McGrath is joined by Corey Highfield from L.E.K. Consulting and Jared Abelson from Simpson Strong-Tie to discuss the importance of digital strategies, the common barriers to adoption, and the steps for successful implementation. Our speakers also explore the nuances of maintaining brand integrity, the significance of data management, and the es...
Feb 10, 2025•28 min•Ep. 54
Today we look at how advanced therapeutic modalities (ATMs) are revolutionizing drug discovery, development and manufacturing, presenting both unparalleled opportunities and new challenges for businesses. Drawing from their knowledge, our experts Alex Vadas, Adam Siebert and Jeff Holder unpack how new drug therapies such as engineered cell therapies, gene therapies and nucleic acid therapies are revolutionizing patient care and treatment options. They highlight the need for innovative business s...
Jul 10, 2024•29 min•Ep. 53
In today’s episode, we will focus on the influential trends and investment priorities shaping the specialty chemicals industry. Our subject matter experts will discuss the surge in innovation, digital transformation, and sustainability in the chemicals sector and highlight the strategic responses to recent industry challenges. Key points/topics covered: Current investment trends and strategic priorities, such as innovation in alternative feedstocks and diversification in the specialty chemicals ...
May 22, 2024•11 min•Ep. 52
In this episode of “Insight Exchange,” we explore the crucial role of Scope 3 emissions reduction in the pharmaceutical industry. Listen to L.E.K. Consulting experts Verena Ahnert and Max Cambras, who share their insights on the significance of Scope 3 emissions, the current state of commitments in pharma and how emissions reduction is both a strategic consideration and mutually beneficial to both pharma and the environment. Key points/topics covered: Explanation of Scope 3 emissions and their i...
May 08, 2024•19 min•Ep. 51
In this discussion, we dive into the world of brand packaging, examining the responses from a thorough survey amongst over 400 brand managers. The episode is led by the expertise of L.E.K. Consulting managing directors Thilo Henkes, Jon Moss and Jeff Cloetingh, as well as Roger Zellner, who analyze the balancing act between innovative packaging solutions and the unfolding pressures of inflation. The conversation explores the far-reaching implications of protective packaging innovation, the pivot...
Apr 24, 2024•37 min•Ep. 50
Throughout this episode, our experts will discuss the intricacies of merging and acquiring businesses and the importance of the Integration Triangle, a framework we have developed to ensure successful outcomes. Host Cristina Barquero is joined by Phil Roux, a partner with 20 years of experience in M&A, and Tom Marshall, a principal in L.E.K. Consulting’s Organization and Performance practice, who share their expertise in creating sustainable value for clients and driving synergy value realiz...
Apr 10, 2024•22 min•Ep. 49
In this episode, L.E.K. Consulting’s health and wellness experts discuss their survey of 1,800 consumers, which they conducted to understand evolving trends in health and wellness, and the seven distinct consumer archetypes they identified. From the traditionalist to the trendspotter, these archetypes each have a different attitude, preference and spending pattern in health and wellness. Discover how consumers are incorporating digital solutions into their wellness routines and how brands and re...
Mar 27, 2024•21 min•Ep. 48
In this episode, our hosts Kevin Grabenstatter, Frazer Dorey, Rozy Vig and Vance Moore discuss how the healthcare landscape is evolving, with a focus on the blurring lines between payers and providers, the entry of big box retailers and tech giants into care delivery, the growing role of private equity, and the trend of regional health system mergers. They explore the opportunities and challenges that these changes present for traditional provider organizations. This episode delves into the land...
Mar 13, 2024•21 min•Ep. 47
This episode delves into the complexities of transitioning to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and the associated costs. It addresses the potential 18% increase in airline ticket prices by 2050 and the need for market participants to efficiently access the willingness to pay for SAF. The episode also emphasises the necessity of regulatory instruments to create a level competitive playing field and the challenge of establishing consistent standards in the international aviation industry. Key point...
Feb 28, 2024•33 min•Ep. 46
In this episode, we explore the next wave of consolidation in commercial insurance broking and the dynamics driving this global trend. Our host, L.E.K. Consulting Manager Marcela Santacoloma, is joined by L.E.K. experts who offer valuable insights into the international consolidation thesis and its significance. L.E.K. Partner Sam Halliday and Managing Director Gigi Wong shed light on the drivers behind the consolidation of insurance brokers in domestic markets and the shift towards internationa...
Feb 07, 2024•12 min•Ep. 45
Today we venture into the crucial landscape of biopharma, anticipating the trends and challenges that will shape the industry in 2024. This episode aims to provide insights into the potential changes and advancements in the biopharmaceutical industry. It delves into various topics, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in drug discovery and different functional areas alongside challenges and strategies for enhancing commercial models with digital technologies. It also covers the impa...
Jan 24, 2024•33 min•Ep. 44
This episode explores the challenges and opportunities of the coming year, focusing on macroeconomic headwinds, digital transformation, sustainability and generative AI. Partner and European region head Ben Faircloth and Chief Commercial Officer in Europe David Titus express optimism amid geopolitical complexities and market dynamics. The episode underscores L.E.K. Consulting’s deep sector capability and digital expertise, highlighting the need for agility and connectivity to provide clients wit...
Jan 18, 2024•35 min•Ep. 43
The episode delves into the challenges faced by corporates in competitive acquisition processes and discusses strategies for corporate success in M&A. The main themes include the decline in success rates of corporates compared to financial investors, understanding the reasons behind this trend, and highlighting areas where corporates can adapt their approach to enhance their acquisition strategies. Key points/topics covered: Volatility in M&A markets Challenges faced by corporates in com...
Jan 10, 2024•25 min•Ep. 42
This episode explores the importance of digital capabilities and innovation culture in businesses. Darren Perry, Chuck Reynolds and Andy Main discuss how digital enables business model innovation, cross-functional collaboration, better customer service and differentiation from competitors. They emphasize the significance of trust, data-driven decision-making and the role of digital in improving the customer and employee experience. The episode also highlights the key factors that enable companie...
Nov 29, 2023•32 min•Ep. 41
On today’s episode, we are turning our attention to the complex and often misunderstood industry of restoration and remediation. Joining our host Gavin McGrath is Jonathan Ward, Operating Partner of Kohlberg, and Paul Bromfield, Partner at L.E.K. Consulting and expert in building and site services. Together, they will explore the inner workings of this multibillion-dollar industry, debunking misconceptions and shedding light on the true essence of restoration and remediation. From recurring even...
Nov 15, 2023•22 min•Ep. 40
Digital health has become one of those terms that mean everything and nothing at the same time. However, while opinions are varied on the exact impact and role digital health solutions will have on the healthcare ecosystem going forward, there is solid agreement that we all need to embrace digital in both clinical and nonclinical settings. How to do this, however, and which companies will be able to do so successfully, still remains to be seen. L.E.K. Managing Director Sheila Shah and L.E.K. Man...
Oct 25, 2023•28 min•Ep. 39
Welcome to another episode of the L.E.K. Insight Exchange podcast, where we discuss the latest insights and ideas that are shaping the business landscape. In today's episode, our experts dive deep into the evolving U.S. healthcare delivery system and explore the potential changes that lie ahead. Today's host, L.E.K. Managing Director Frazer Dorey, is joined by three industry experts: Dr. Stephen Mansfield and L.E.K. Managing Directors Rozy Vig and Kevin Grabenstatter. Together, they share their ...
Oct 11, 2023•24 min•Ep. 38
This episode explores Gen Z shopping behavior and the key insights that brands and retailers should be aware of. Gen Z is constantly shopping and browsing online because their devices are always close at hand, yet they still value in-store experiences. They prioritize being informed and making every purchase count, often conducting extensive research before buying. Retailers that prioritize authenticity and provide a seamless online and offline experience are winning with Gen Z. L.E.K. Consultin...
Sep 27, 2023•16 min•Ep. 37
In today's episode, we dive deep into the world of gene therapies. Our host, Matt Mancuso, Managing Director and Partner at L.E.K. Consulting's Boston office, is joined by a panel of experts including Ellen Licking, Vice President of Consulting Services and Communications at Real Endpoints; Alex Guth, Managing Director at L.E.K.'s Boston office; and Roger Longman, Chairman of Real Endpoints. Together, they explore the challenges and opportunities surrounding the commercialization of and the acce...
Sep 13, 2023•41 min•Ep. 36
As any subscription-based business knows, customer churn can be a major brake on growth. Not only can replacing customers be expensive and challenging — a common rule of thumb is that acquiring a new customer costs five times as much as keeping an existing one — but it can be even harder to cross-sell/upsell new customers. That’s why growth-minded businesses place extra emphasis on customer retention and existing account monetization. While many organizations have a good grasp on how they perfor...
Aug 30, 2023•29 min•Ep. 35
In today's episode, we dive into the world of organization and performance. We'll explore the crucial role of governance, the importance of collaboration with subject matter experts and lower-level employees, and the significance of clearly-defined roles and responsibilities. We start by examining governance and how it goes beyond simply determining who should be in charge. Our experts emphasize the need for leaders to take accountability and actively participate in the work. We also explore the...
Aug 16, 2023•16 min•Ep. 34
In this episode, we’ll explore the categories of solutions in the data and analytics (D&A) value chain and the crucial role of cloud data storage in modern D&A ecosystems. We’ll examine the different tools and processes involved in each category of the D&A value chain, from data integration and processing to analytics and visualization. Additionally, we’ll uncover the differences between legacy and modern D&A infrastructure solutions, highlighting the advantages of modern solutio...
Jul 31, 2023•37 min•Ep. 33
The connected home ecosystem comprises an estimated 1.8 billion smart devices, and that number is climbing. In this episode, we’ll explore ‘The Connected Home: Can Your Company Plug Into Opportunity?’ In L.E.K. Consulting’s recent survey, 89% of current connected-product owners had considered purchasing a connected device within the past year. Moreover, 60% of current connected-product nonowners also had considered purchasing a connected device. Depending on the product, search volume for key co...
Jul 20, 2023•31 min•Ep. 32
Consumer businesses have faced dramatic increases in input costs over the past 24 months, primarily due to the lingering impact of COVID-19. To avoid profit erosion, most businesses responded by passing cost increases on to consumers in the form of higher prices. But consumers, concerned with a potential recession, are adjusting their spending habits. With the worst of inflation hopefully behind us, now is the perfect time for business leaders to reflect on their 2022 pricing actions and conside...
Jun 22, 2023•20 min•Ep. 31
Chronic workforce shortages are leaving healthcare providers facing unprecedented challenges. Operating models are being undermined, as is the ability to create value or deliver growth and profits. Historically, providers were often able to rely on recruiting their way out of such problems. However, the structural and global nature of current workforce shortages means this is no longer an option for most operators. Tackling the workforce shortage is now therefore a major strategic issue and shou...
Jun 06, 2023•10 min•Ep. 30
Medtech companies are under significant pressure from several macroeconomic factors, including inflation and supply chain disruption. Shortages of components, such as semiconductors, are constraining production volumes and further driving up medtech cost structures. At the same time, rapid and dramatic foreign exchange rate fluctuations have also contributed to significant swings in pricing for both materials and finished products in select key global markets. In this episode, we’ll discuss the ...
May 17, 2023•16 min•Ep. 29
We are facing an array of health crises, ranging from a high prevalence of chronic disease to worsening mental health. Stress levels are rising, driven by a range of factors including the pandemic, geopolitical instability, economic uncertainty, climate change and broader cultural shifts. These challenges create a huge economic burden on the global economy, with rippling societal ramifications necessitating a change in how we manage health and well-being. A key remedy will be personalized well-b...
May 05, 2023•20 min•Ep. 28
L.E.K. Consulting conducted the annual European Brand Owner Packaging Survey with over 600 participants across the food, beverage, beauty and personal care, health and wellness, household, pet, and consumer electronics sectors. Participants spanned Germany, the U.K., France, Italy, Spain and Poland. Sampling was conducted in November and December of 2022, with final results delivered in January 2023. In this episode, we will discuss: The key takeaways from this survey The impact on sustainabilit...
Apr 18, 2023•34 min•Ep. 27
As a leading global strategy consulting firm, L.E.K. Consulting has helped its clients deliver value-creating growth by addressing key strategic and operational issues. L.E.K. has worked with fitness clients across many strategic issues, including: Developing a post-COVID-19 growth strategy for a leading fitness certification provider Supporting the sales process for a leading connected fitness company Developing a launch strategy for a digital fitness marketplace Quantifying the unit whitespace...
Apr 06, 2023•28 min•Ep. 26
