Europe is at a tipping point after years of slow growth. Sylvain Duranton, BCG X’s global leader, explains how countries and companies can work together to simplify regulation, scale innovation, and build a truly unified, competitive Europe. Learn More: Sylvain Duranton: https://on.bcg.com/3T9QN9b Europe’s Business Leaders Are Ready for Action: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/global-trade-disruption-wake-up-call-europe-boston-consulting-group-lbnhe/ BCG’s Center for Geopolitics: https://on.bcg.co...
Jul 02, 2025•20 min•Season 1Ep. 95
The role of the CEO is both powerful and punishing. Christine Barton, BCG’s CEO Advisory lead in North America, explores how to make the job more fulfilling. It starts with clarity of purpose, building the right leadership team, and minimizing activities that are time and energy sinkholes. Learn More: Christine Barton: https://on.bcg.com/4n4CyAk BCG’s Insights for CEOs: https://on.bcg.com/4l6jujg Moves Only a CEO Can Make: https://on.bcg.com/4kUtpJ2 Balancing a Dynamic Career and a Rewarding Per...
Jun 18, 2025•25 min•Season 1Ep. 94
Justin Manly, BCG’s lead on growth and innovation, explains how businesses can choose the right growth strategy given their aspirations and position in the market. Whether a company is gaining or losing share, in a booming or sluggish industry, profitable growth depends on knowing your starting point. Learn More: Justin Manly: https://on.bcg.com/4kGYyPH BCG’s Latest Thinking on Growth and Innovation Analytics: https://on.bcg.com/4kjTEIB BCG’s Latest Thinking on Corporate Finance and Strategy: ht...
Jun 04, 2025•20 min•Season 1Ep. 93
Financial analysts were far more prepared than most CEOs for the US tariffs announced on April 2. Analysts, who serve as a proxy for the financial markets, anticipated tariffs would soon be an enormous issue, mentioning the topic 62% more often than did CEOs during Q1 earnings calls. That’s the conclusion of the second edition of the CEO Radar—a tool to help CEOs determine which issues truly deserve their time and attention. It unpacks the leading topics discussed on almost 4,900 earnings calls ...
May 21, 2025•22 min
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/44RLO4...
May 07, 2025•22 min•Season 1Ep. 92
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 ...
Apr 23, 2025•23 min•Season 1Ep. 91
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: Clo...
Apr 16, 2025•19 min•Season 1Ep. 90
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 ...
Apr 09, 2025•33 min
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:...
Mar 26, 2025•22 min•Season 1Ep. 89
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....
Mar 12, 2025•20 min•Season 1Ep. 88
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 This podcast uses the foll...
Feb 26, 2025•18 min•Season 1Ep. 87
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 T...
Feb 12, 2025•21 min•Season 1Ep. 86
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 ...
Jan 29, 2025•18 min•Season 1Ep. 85
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: ht...
Jan 15, 2025•18 min•Season 1Ep. 84
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 Revi...
Jan 01, 2025•20 min•Season 1Ep. 83
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 This podcast uses the fol...
Dec 18, 2024•20 min•Season 1Ep. 82
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 Momen...
Dec 04, 2024•23 min•Season 1Ep. 81
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....
Nov 20, 2024•21 min•Season 1Ep. 80
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: ...
Nov 06, 2024•21 min•Season 1Ep. 79
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 ...
Oct 23, 2024•20 min•Season 1Ep. 78
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 Personalized: Customer Strategy in the Age of AI , 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.co...
Oct 09, 2024•21 min•Season 1Ep. 77
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...
Sep 25, 2024•20 min•Season 1Ep. 76
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 CEO Moments of Truth: https://on.bcg.com/TSWMoT This podcast uses the following third-party services for anal...
Sep 11, 2024•21 min•Season 1Ep. 75
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/publicat...
Aug 28, 2024•11 min
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...
Aug 14, 2024•20 min•Season 1Ep. 74
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 followi...
Jul 31, 2024•21 min•Season 1Ep. 73
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: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtr...
Jul 17, 2024•21 min•Season 1Ep. 72
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...
Jul 03, 2024•20 min•Season 1Ep. 71
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 Autom...
Jun 19, 2024•20 min•Season 1Ep. 70
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, B...
Jun 05, 2024•20 min•Season 1Ep. 69
