The So What from BCG

Vlad Lukic, BCG’s global leader for tech and digital advantage, and Paul Goydan, global leader of BCG’s cost offer, explain why so many companies spend more on AI than they get back. What is the fix? They argue it isn’t simply cutting AI spend, but assigning clear ownership, categorizing costs correctly, and tying every dollar to a business outcome. You’ll Learn: Business owners, not IT, should be accountable for AI’s return, like any other investment. Many companies give routine tasks to their most powerful and expensive AI models, when a simpler tool could do the job. Instead of focusing on banning unauthorized AI tools, leaders should turn towards educating employees on sanctioned options. Learn More: How Leaders Build an AI-First Cost Advantage: https://on.bcg.com/4c3KrSW Why We Still Need a CIO in the AI-First Era: https://on.bcg.com/46bBbIV Chapters 0:00 AI's Bottom-Line Problem 1:01 Why Your AI Costs Don't Add Up 2:16 Can Promoting AI Use Promote Waste? 4:02 Are AI Costs an IT Problem? 4:48 How to Prioritize AI Spend 6:18 How Do CEOs Pay for AI? 7:14 How to Categorize AI Costs? 8:02 Who Owns the AI Budget? 8:30 How Leaders Know AI Is Paying Off 10:50 Strategy vs. FOMO 13:49 Turning FOMO Into Action 14:27 Winners in the AI Era 16:28 Handling Hidden AI Risk 18:05 Now What: Next Steps Listen to Other Episodes of The So What from BCG podcast YouTube | https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMJgyXjV5gMI9JV-GcF_D1Y6zyf1Eab_0&si=plXqe7-YNzbG56U8 Apple | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-so-what-from-bcg/id1591194141 Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/2NSVR7qrAyZ4CaGsnknbBk?si=1d846c2af8784923 Other platforms | https://lnk.to/so-what-general-show12 Follow BCG https://www.bcg.com/ LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/boston-consulting-group This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

Kristy Ellmer and Julia Dhar, co-authors of How Change Really Works and founders of BCG’s Behavioral Science Lab, explain why so many transformations fail and what the science says separates success from failure. They break down the “messy middle,” why people resist being changed rather than change itself, and how giving employees real agency turns resistance into momentum. What You’ll Learn: Why “false alignment” among leaders, not resistance from employees, derails most transformations before they start. Why giving employees real ownership, not just participation, turns resistance into momentum. What makes AI transformations distinct from other kinds of organizational change Learn More: Read How Change Really Works: https://on.bcg.com/3SpBPzd Your AI Change Is Actually a People Change: https://on.bcg.com/3RKUp4J The False Alignment Trap: https://on.bcg.com/45R9ULH CEOs Are Betting Big on AI Transformations. Science Is How They Win: https://on.bcg.com/4bGy1jG We Found the Real Reason 70% of Transformations Fail: https://on.bcg.com/4xqmOMq Chapters (0:00) What Is Transformation? (1:54) Why Leaders Need a New Playbook for Change (3:42) Where Do Most Transformations Fail? (5:37) What Does the “Messy Middle” Look Like? (6:28) What Makes AI Transformations Different? (9:25) Where Is the "End Point" in an AI Transformation? (11:51) Why “Just Get on the Bus” Isn’t Good Advice for AI Change (13:03) When to Walk Away from a Change Effort (15:42) What Should Leaders Do When Momentum Fades? (16:49) Why Giving Employees Ownership Matters (21:06) What Should Leaders Do in the “Messy Middle”? (22:37) How Do You Make Change Successful? Meet the Experts Kristy Ellmer: https://on.bcg.com/4xvpgBg Co-Author, How Change Really Works BCG Managing Director & Partner North American Leader, BCG’s Transform Practice Co-Founder, BCG’s Behavioral Science Lab: https://on.bcg.com/4z9WhVs Julia Dhar: https://on.bcg.com/45ec8Vj Co-Author, How Change Really Works BCG Managing Director & Partner North American Leader, People and Organization Practice Co-Founder, BCG’s Behavioral Science Lab: https://on.bcg.com/4z9WhVs Listen to Other Episodes of The So What from BCG podcast YouTube | https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMJgyXjV5gMI9JV-GcF_D1Y6zyf1Eab_0&si=plXqe7-YNzbG56U8 Apple | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-so-what-from-bcg/id1591194141 Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/2NSVR7qrAyZ4CaGsnknbBk?si=1d846c2af8784923 Other platforms | https://lnk.to/so-what-general-show12 Follow BCG https://www.bcg.com/ LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/boston-consulting-group This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

Nick Goad, BCG's global co-leader for retail merchandising, argues that retail's biggest problem isn't a lack of data, it's the gap between data and real customer understanding. He explains how AI and large language models are finally bridging that divide, making it possible to localize assortment, sharpen pricing, and accelerate product innovation at scale. For leaders wondering where to start, he makes the case for codifying the knowledge already in merchants' heads. What You’ll Learn: Retailers have more data than ever, but AI finally gives them the tools to turn it into action merchants can actually trust. The biggest near-term opportunities are in assortment localization, smarter pricing, and AI-accelerated product innovation. The new data advantage for retailers isn't raw data — it's codifying the knowledge already in their merchants' heads. Learn More: BCG’s Latest Thinking on the Retail Industry: https://on.bcg.com/4bYoe8x Merch AI by BCGX: https://on.bcg.com/3RxTfJF Chapters (0:00) Has Retail Lost Its Personal Touch? (1:13) Serving Customers Before the Digital Age (2:33) The Internet’s Impact on Retail (3:11) Does More Data Mean Better Customer Understanding? (4:12) Why Are Retailers Drowning in Complexity? (5:32) What Can AI Do to Help Retailers? (7:02) Will AI Create a New Data Overload? (7:54) What Are Retail Leaders Hopes and Fears for AI? (9:02) Will AI Get Products to the Shelf Faster? (9:57) Will AI Influence Product Design? (10:37) Can AI Create More Personalized Loyalty Programs? (11:34) How Will AI Shape the Shopping Experience? (12:02) Is Physical Retail Here to Stay? (13:36) Will AI Make All Our Shopping Decisions for Us? (14:23) Where Can Retailers Make the Biggest Changes? (15:00) Where Should Retailers Apply AI First? (15:48) What New Data Advantage Can AI Create? Meet the Expert: Nick Goad, BCG Managing Director & Senior Partner: https://on.bcg.com/4wuIlU0 Listen to Other Episodes of The So What from BCG podcast Punch Cards, Frequent Flyers, and the Future of Loyalty: https://lnk.to/so-what-BCG-Crouch-Loyalty09 YouTube | https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMJgyXjV5gMI9JV-GcF_D1Y6zyf1Eab_0&si=plXqe7-YNzbG56U8 Apple | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-so-what-from-bcg/id1591194141 Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/2NSVR7qrAyZ4CaGsnknbBk?si=1d846c2af8784923 Other platforms | https://lnk.to/so-what-general-show12 Follow BCG https://www.bcg.com/ LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/boston-consulting-group This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

Ben Keneally, BCG’s Asia Pacific health care services leader, explains why AI is now many patients’ first stop — often before they see a doctor. He argues that pairing AI with personal health records improves outcomes and equity, and that health leaders, not LLMs, must shape how this shift unfolds. You’ll Learn: Why AI is becoming the default first step in care, especially in markets with limited access to clinicians How pairing AI with personal health records improves treatment compliance and catches errors earlier Why driving AI into end-to-end care pathways takes leadership, not just frontline experimentation Learn More: BCG’s Latest Thinking on the Health Care Industry: https://on.bcg.com/4w2MmPt Consumers Are Ready for AI-Enabled Health Care. Health Systems Need to Be, Too.: https://on.bcg.com/4vo2ZDX Chapters (0:00) The Biggest Health Care Shift in Centuries (1:47) How Is AI Being Used in Health Care Today? (2:23) Where Is AI Adoption Highest, and What Does That Tell Us? (3:29) Does AI Create a Two-Tier Health System? (4:55) What's Next for AI Agents? (6:51) Where Are the Biggest Opportunities: Diagnosis, Navigation, or Appointments? (8:13) The Health Care System AI Could Build (9:56) Does Your Health System Need Its Own AI? (11:36) The Danger of Inaccurate Health Advice (12:53) What Role Does Trust Play? (13:52) How Are Health Care Organizations Shaping This Shift Today? (14:47) AI Alone Won't Transform Health Care (15:49) Who Is Responsible When AI Gets Health Care Wrong? (17:22) Who Owns the Patient Relationship? (18:29) Is the Shift to AI in Health Care Inevitable? (19:49) Is It AI Plus Clinicians or AI Replacing Clinicians? Meet the Expert Ben Keneally, BCG Managing Director & Partner: https://on.bcg.com/4woTTbc Listen to Other Episodes of The So What from BCG podcast YouTube | https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMJgyXjV5gMI9JV-GcF_D1Y6zyf1Eab_0&si=plXqe7-YNzbG56U8 Apple | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-so-what-from-bcg/id1591194141 Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/2NSVR7qrAyZ4CaGsnknbBk?si=1d846c2af8784923 Other platforms | https://lnk.to/so-what-general-show12 Follow BCG https://www.bcg.com/ LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/boston-consulting-group This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

Governments are racing to deploy AI. Most have the foundations, but struggle to translate them into faster, smarter execution without losing public trust. BCG's Miguel Carrasco and Daniel Selikowitz break down what separates the countries getting this right from those still stuck — and what every leader can take from their example. You’ll Learn: Why AI governance frameworks are quietly becoming the biggest barrier to AI deployment How to tell the difference between necessary caution and unnecessary bureaucracy How and why some countries are already getting AI governance right Learn More: Trust Imperative 5.0: https://on.bcg.com/3QO3fOm BCG’s Latest Thinking in Public Sector: https://on.bcg.com/4f69kis Meet the Experts Miguel Carrasco, BCG Managing Director & Senior Partner: https://on.bcg.com/4gGH8Uz Daniel Selikowitz, Managing Director & Partner: https://on.bcg.com/4oMRKTY Watch The So What from BCG on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMJgyXjV5gMI9JV-GcF_D1Y6zyf1Eab_0 Chapters (0:00) AI Is Already in Government. Here's Where You'll Find It. (3:12) Public vs. Private: Why the Stakes Are Different (4:40) What Leaders Are Saying Across Industries (6:15) What Role Does Fear Play in AI Adoption? (8:14) Inside Governments Deploying AI (9:55) How Are Governments Governing AI? (11:56) How Do Countries Compare on AI Adoption? (13:37) Useful Caution Vs. Unnecessary Bureaucracy in AI Implementation (15:42) Who Is Keeping Pace with AI Innovation? (16:46) What Private Sector Leaders Can Learn from Governments (19:34) What Should Leaders Do Now? This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

Industry 4.0 is moving beyond factory walls and into farms, forests, and fields. David Potere, a senior tech leader in BCG’s Industrial Goods and Climate Change and Sustainability practices, explores AI’s move into the outdoor world. Robotics and connected systems are changing how farming and other outdoor activities get done. You’ll Learn: Outdoor automation requires AI systems that can operate with constant uncertainty. Leaders should rethink long-held operating models as AI and robotics reshape how physical work gets done. The most valuable AI systems may be the ones that simplify complexity rather than add more dashboards. Learn More: David Potere: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidpotere/ What 1,000 Farmers Told Us About Tech Adoption: https://on.bcg.com/4euA76V Climate-Smart Agriculture Needs a Better Yardstick: https://on.bcg.com/4ejIfH6 David on the Climate Rising Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/david-potere-at-bcg-x-using-ai-satellites-in-climate/id1482781075?i=1000767537614 AI Foundation Model for Extreme Weather: https://on.bcg.com/4vKiwyz Chapters 00:00 – How Will AI Impact Outdoor Industries? 04:26 –The Challenges of Taking Tech Outside 06:11– What Would a Farm That Thinks for Itself Look Like? 08:27 – Is AI Rescuing Agriculture? 10:55– Will AI Only Help Big Farms? 14:39 – Who Owns the Data? 16:16 – What Can Leaders Learn from the AI Outdoors? 18:51 – Next Steps to Truly Benefit from AI This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

AI isn’t replacing jobs the way headlines suggest, but it is changing who keeps them. Greg Emerson, BCG’s global leader of technology and AI investing, explains why AI will reshape three to four times more jobs than it replaces. He argues that fears of mass unemployment are overblown and the real challenge for leaders is redesigning roles, workflows, and mindsets. You’ll Learn: The real risk: workers who don’t adopt AI will be replaced by those who do. How top performers will get more work, not less. Why leaders must move beyond tool adoption and fully reshape how work gets done. Learn More: Greg Emerson: https://on.bcg.com/43yhARM AI Will Reshape More Jobs Than It Replaces: https://on.bcg.com/4uxhTs5 BCG’s Latest Thinking on AI: https://on.bcg.com/4wWwHC9 Latest Thinking from the BCG Institute: https://on.bcg.com/4fdjG0I Watch The So What on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMJgyXjV5gMI9JV-GcF_D1Y6zyf1Eab_0 Chapters (0:00) AI Panic vs Reality (1:01) Is AI Replacement Imminent? (2:14) Where Are the Mass Unemployment Headlines Coming From? (4:28) Are AI Layoffs Really About AI? (7:51) AI Will Reshape More Jobs Than It Replaces (10:00) AI Is Creating More Work, Not Less (12:57) The Difference Between Replacing Jobs & Replacing People (14:47) The “Soft Resistance” Problem Inside Companies (16:00) The Biggest Career Risk Right Now (17:08) Why Businesses Struggle to Deliver AI ROI (19:05) The AI Adoption Trap (20:58) The AI Mindset Every Leader Needs This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

Navigating uncertainty means one thing: flexibility beats prediction. Nikolaus Lang, global leader of the BCG Henderson Institute, looks 25 years into the future, breaking down what four plausible scenarios mean for GDP growth, work hours, and defense spending. He explains what CEOs can do today to prepare for the faraway future. You’ll Learn: How scenarios connect uncertainty to revenue, risk, and strategy How to stress-test your strategy with data-driven foresight What separates resilient companies from fragile ones How to identify no-regret moves — from supply chain resilience to AI readiness to talent transformation Learn More: Nikolaus Lang: https://on.bcg.com/43abruY Beyond Tomorrow: Four Scenarios for the World of 2050: https://on.bcg.com/49RMhVF Latest Thinking From the BCG Henderson Institute: https://on.bcg.com/4uHtDbc Chapters: (00:00) Why Planning for One Future Won’t Work (01:04) The Benefit of Planning for Plausible Futures (03:19) Should You Ignore Extreme Scenarios? (04:41) Future #1: AI Abundance (05:34) Future #2: Battling Blocs (06:09) Future #3: Climate Coalition (06:45) Future #4: Digital Darwinism (07:30) What KPIs Help Predict the Future? (09:09) What Scenario Is the Most Surprising? (13:50) Is 2050 Too Far to Plan for CEOs? (15:03) The “No-Regret Moves” That Matter for Leaders This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

Sales teams are no longer defined by a few superstar performers. Japjit Ghai, who leads BCG’s AI efforts for sales globally, explains how AI is reshaping the entire sales workflow—from lead prioritization to real-time coaching and closing the deal. Winners won’t bolt on tools. They’ll integrate AI and agents from end to end. Learn More: Japjit Ghai: https://on.bcg.com/48IzJiV How AI Agents Will Transform B2B Sales: https://on.bcg.com/4dnWPOr How AI Can Reshape Distributed Sales Channels in Emerging Markets: https://on.bcg.com/4tSL0pu BCG’s Latest Thinking on Marketing and Sales: https://on.bcg.com/4utKWMJ Imagine This... on the future of sales: https://lnk.to/imagine-this-Andersen-sales09 Chapters (0:00) The End of Superstar Salespeople? (1:26) Is AI Moving Into the Sales Frontline? (1:57) Is This Shift Across the Board? (3:01) What Happens to Top Sales Performers? (4:08) Where AI Still Falls Short in Sales (4:47) Why Talent Is Choosing AI-First Companies (5:06) What Augmented Selling Looks Like (6:07) Real-Time AI Sales Assistant Demo (10:13) The ROI of AI in Sales (11:00) What Sellers Gain (and Fear Losing) (11:40) How Performance Is Measured (12:26) Misconceptions Leaders Have About Using AI In Sales (13:14) Will Customer Relationships Suffer? (14:59) When You Should NOT Use AI (16:22) What Great AI Sales Looks Like (17:18) Is There an AI Blueprint to Follow for Sales? (17:58) What Will the Future Look Like in AI Sales? (18:39) Next Steps for Leaders This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

BCG CEO Insomnia Index–Understanding CEO Pressure: More than 70% of CEOs are under chronic stress—but the real sources might surprise you. Drawing on BCG’s CEO Insomnia Index, Judith Wallenstein and Christine Barton unpack what’s driving the pressure, why it’s coming from closer than expected, and how it’s starting to impact decision-making at the top. While performance, growth, and cost pressures remain constant, the real weight is coming from much closer to home: boards, leadership teams, and employees. You’ll learn: The surprising stakeholders creating the most pressure How stress narrows creativity, judgment, and strategic thinking Why the CEO role is becoming more isolating What leaders can do to manage energy, time, and expectations more effectively Learn More: Christine Barton: https://on.bcg.com/4twIHs8 Judith Wallenstein: https://on.bcg.com/4vCcMrr The BCG CEO Insomnia Index: https://on.bcg.com/492jygq What Boards Expect of CEO Candidates: https://on.bcg.com/48hfzwd The CEO’s Guide to Bolder Bets and Fewer Regrets: https://youtu.be/bbhZl3WRYdo?si=OQ1g_pgHtNXpPUUk BCG’s Latest Insights for CEOs: https://on.bcg.com/3QQrlaS Who Wants to Be a CEO: https://lnk.to/so-what-Barton-CEOs09 Chapters (0:00) Why CEO Stress Is Spiking (0:56) What Stress Does to Performance (1:41) What Factors Are Driving Stress (4:05) Why Companies Are Impacted Differently (4:44) Develop Your C-Suite for Higher Performance (5:49) Why Being CEO Feels Lonely (9:31) The Problem with Feedback at the Top (12:22) Rising Expectations from Employees (14:27) The CFO Dynamic Explained (17:37) How CEOs Navigate the Board (18:47) How Should CEOs Spend Their Time This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

CEO lessons for navigating constant change: When resources are tight and uncertainty is high, what keeps organizations moving forward? New Jersey Performing Art Center CEO John Schreiber and BCG’s Rishi Varma share how purpose-led strategy, prioritization, and the right partnerships drive growth. Clear, actionable plans grounded in mission give leaders a north star, helping them stay focused and make hard calls with confidence. Learn More John Schreiber, President and CEO, New Jersey Performing Arts Center https://www.njpac.org/about/our-people/ Rishi Varma, Managing Director & Senior Partner, BCG https://www.bcg.com/about/people/experts/rishi-varma When Strategy Follows Purpose: The Art of Revival, https://www.bcg.com/publications/2025/when-strategy-follows-purpose-art-of-revival BCG's CEO Agenda, https://www.bcg.com/executives/ceo-agenda/insights Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:57 The role of NJPAC 02:33 Why did the organization need to reshape? 05:47 How BCG partnered with NJPAC 07:52 Leading change in a legacy organization 11:16 CEO lessons for navigating constant change 13:28 Building resilience without abundant resources 14:25 How do leaders lead with less? 15:42 When does expanding mission become overreach? 17:36 What should leaders consider before expanding beyond the core? 18:44 How do you build coalitions that unlock real value? 19:54 What impact are you most proud of beyond Newark? 21:23 How do you think about legacy and long-term impact? 23:06 What stands out from disruption and change? 24:45 Outro Subscribe to BCG’s YouTube channel: https://goo.gl/hsFsVT Visit us at https://www.bcg.com This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

AI innovation no longer flows in one direction. Jeff Walters, who leads the AI topic in Asia Pacific, explains why companies across China, India, and Southeast Asia are moving at speed—and in some cases pulling ahead. For CEOs, the real differentiator isn’t geography. It’s leadership ambition, organizational change, and the willingness to rethink knowledge work from the ground up. Learn more: Jeff Walters, Managing Director & Senior Partner, https://www.bcg.com/about/people/experts/jeff-walters AI at Work: Is Asia Pacific Leading the Way? https://www.bcg.com/publications/2025/ai-at-work-is-asia-pacific-leading-the-way The Widening AI Value Gap, https://www.bcg.com/publications/2025/are-you-generating-value-from-ai-the-widening-gap Latest Thinking on AI, https://www.bcg.com/capabilities/artificial-intelligence/insights Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 00:59 AI Evolution Across Asia 03:15 Factors Driving AI Adoption in Asia 04:20 How Do AI Attitudes Differ Globally? 06:00 CEOs’ Priorities to Unlock Value from AI 08:45 Asia’s AI Role vs. Silicon Valley 10:03 Information Asymmetry in AI: East vs. West 10:58 What to Learn from Asia’s AI Ecosystems 11:49 Which Asian Sectors Are Deploying AI Fastest? 13:36 What Are Dark Factories–and Why Do They Matter? 14:04 Who Will Lead AI Transformation over the Next Decade? 15:35 Why Is AI Adoption Slower in Some Asia Pacific Markets? 16:26 Asia Pacific Innovation by Region 17:30 Which Sectors Lead AI Transformation? 19:52 What Steps Should Leaders Take to Accelerate AI Impact? 21:47 The "Now What" 22:35 Outro (edited) Subscribe to BCG’s YouTube channel: https://goo.gl/hsFsVT Visit us at https://www.bcg.com This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

AI is no longer a technology experiment—it’s a business imperative. Val Elbert, a member of BCG’s Technology, Media & Telecommunications practice, explains why CEOs must shift from AI pilots to profit, demand quarterly results from all AI initiatives, and lead cross-functional AI transformations that deliver real bottom-line impact. The winners will scale fast. The rest will be left explaining themselves to investors. Learn More Val Elbert, BCG Managing Director and Senior Partner, https://www.bcg.com/about/people/experts/val-elbert As AI Investments Surge, CEOs Take the Lead, https://www.bcg.com/publications/2026/as-ai-investments-surge-ceos-take-the-lead Turning AI Disruption into a Telco's Growth Engine, https://www.bcg.com/publications/2026/turning-ai-disruption-into-telcos-growth-engine Driving Growth and Innovation at Verizon Consumer Group, https://www.bcg.com/publications/2025/driving-growth-innovation-leading-telco Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:44 Where TMT companies stand on AI adoption 02:32 The boardroom shift from AI pilots to scale 03:11 Building AI into business agendas 03:49 AI adoption patterns across industries 0 4:37 Leaders need to see quarterly results 05:22 Why AI can't run as a three-year program 05:59 What separates AI winners 07:22 Why structure needs to change 07:52 Where friction blocks AI value creation 09:19 How to focus amid technology noise 10:00 The mindset shift to move from AI pilots to P&L 10:30 What scaling AI in telecom looks like 12:08 The role of humans in an AI-driven operating model 13:28 What the next 18 months will look like 13:55 Will AI drive mergers? 15:10 Is It harder for legacy companies to compete in AI? 15:36 How AI-driven change will impact consumers 16:44 If you're stuck in the pilot phase 17:45 Physical AI at MWC Barcelona 18:11 Outro Subscribe to BCG’s YouTube channel: https://goo.gl/hsFsVT Visit us at https://www.bcg.com This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

What makes a leadership team truly high performing, and why does it matter for the entire organization? Judith Wallenstein, CEO Advisory Global Lead of BCG, and Khadija Ben Hammada, Chief People Officer of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, explore this topic and more. They share how CEOs can build executive teams grounded in trust, purpose, and psychological safety. When the top team clicks, the whole company moves faster and with more clarity. Learn more: https://lnk.to/so-what-general-show32 Learn More: Judith Wallenstein, Managing Director & Senior Partner, Global Lead, CEO Advisory https://www.bcg.com/about/people/experts/judith-wallenstein Khadija Ben Hammada, Member of the Executive Board and Chief People Officer for Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany https://www.emdgroup.com/en/company/management/executive-board/khadija-ben-hammada.html Subscribe to BCG’s YouTube channel: https://goo.gl/hsFsVT Visit us at https://www.bcg.com Chapters (00:00) Intro (00:17) How do you build a high-performing leadership team? (01:36) What makes a team work? (02:12) What does a high-performing team feel like? (03:45) How much of team success depends on the CEO’s behavior and decisions? (05:55) When hiring, what are you looking for — what’s the secret sauce? (08:47) What should the CEO–Chief People Officer relationship look like? (09:50) What did you learn as chief of staff that you apply on an executive team? (11:42) How do team members to elevate collective performance? (13:01) How should leadership adapt in an era of uncertainty? (16:35) How do you keep a team successful when key people move on? (19:27) What's steps should leaders take now to create a top-performing team? (21:03) Outro This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

The global energy transition is growing in complexity with shifting economics, soaring electricity demand, and competing national priorities. Maurice Berns and Asheesh Sastry from BCG’s Center for Energy Impact lay out how leaders can keep up by focusing on the economics, creating strategies for individual markets, and staying ahead of policy shifts. Learn More: Maurice Berns, Chair, BCG Center for Energy Impact https://www.bcg.com/about/people/experts/maurice-berns Asheesh Sastry, Managing Director & Senior Partner https://www.bcg.com/about/people/experts/asheesh-sastry The Energy Transition’s Next Chapter https://www.bcg.com/publications/2025/global-energy-landscape-next-chapter BCG Center for Energy Impact https://www.bcg.com/industries/energy/center-for-energy-impact/default About the Energy Transition https://www.bcg.com/industries/energy/energy-transition This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

Join several BCG senior partners as they share their insights from their time on the ground at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos. BCG invites you to an exclusive look at the forces shaping the CEO agenda in 2026. BCG’s Judith Wallenstein, Aparna Bharadwaj, and Vlad Lukic discuss what they learned from their personal conversations with CEOs and global leaders at Davos. They share practical guidance for organizations preparing for the year ahead in AI, geopolitics, and other areas. Chapters Learn more: BCG at Davos, https://www.bcg.com/about/partner-ecosystem/world-economic-forum/davos BCG’s CEO Agenda, https://www.bcg.com/executives/ceo-agenda Judith Wallenstein, Global Leader, CEO Advisory https://www.bcg.com/about/people/experts/judith-wallenstein Aparna Bharadwaj, Global Leader, Global Advantage Practice https://www.bcg.com/about/people/experts/aparna-bharadwaj Vlad Lukic, Global Leader, Tech and Digital Advantage https://www.bcg.com/about/people/experts/vladimir-lukic This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

CEOs must pursue growth transformation with the same rigor that they bring when they tackle costs. Tuukka Seppä, BCG’s global chair of transformation, explains why CEOs need bold targets, smart incentives, and relentless follow-through to scale effectively. He unpacks the common misconceptions that hold companies back, the impact of a chief transformation officer, and why this is the moment to shift from reacting to rebuilding. Listen on podcast platforms: https://lnk.to/so-what-general-show12 Learn More: Tuukka Seppa: https://www.bcg.com/about/people/experts/tuukka-seppa BCG’s Latest Thinking on Business Transformation: https://www.bcg.com/capabilities/business-transformation/insights CEO’s Guide to Growth in 2026 article: https://www.bcg.com/publications/2026/the-ceos-guide-to-growth-seizing-opportunity BCG at Davos 2026: https://www.bcg.com/about/partner-ecosystem/world-economic-forum/davos Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 00:28–00:55 What’s Your “So What” on Growth? 00:55–01:50 If Growth Is a Strategic Choice, What Does It Take to Succeed? 01:50–03:16 Why Do Some Companies Grow During Extreme Volatility? 03:16–04:13 What Does Structured Growth Leadership Look Like in Practice? 04:13–05:12 Can Too Much Discipline Limit Growth in a Volatile World? 05:12–06:03 How Do You Build Flexibility and Adaptability into Growth? 06:03–07:36 Is It Obvious Where Growth Should Come From? How Do Leaders Decide What Good Growth Is? 07:36–10:20 Why Do Two-Thirds of Companies Miss Growth Targets? 10:20–11:05 What Does “Growing from a Strong Base” Mean? 11:05–12:35 How Do You Measure Growth Without Killing It Too Early? 12:35–13:55 How Important Is a Chief Transformation Officer? 13:55–14:37 What Buffers Matter for Growth — and Why Now? 14:37–16:06 What’s the Typical Timeline for a Growth Transformation? 16:06–17:54 What Unlocks the Shift from Efficiency to Growth? 17:54–19:48 What Role Can AI Play in Accelerating Growth? 19:48–20:41 When Is the Right Time to Start a Growth Program? 20:41–21:33 The ‘Now What’ 21:21–21:33 Outro This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

Rich Lesser, BCG’s global chair, and Martin Reeves, chairman of the BCG Henderson Institute, reflect on the shocks and surprises that shaped the first half of the decade and what they reveal about the future. They explore the traits leaders need today: building trust, staying geopolitically aware, and adopting AI in a people-centered way. Learn More: Rich Lesser: https://on.bcg.com/4lZrWla Martin Reeves: https://on.bcg.com/4lXaAVX Winning in the 20s: https://on.bcg.com/4lpe1oo Winning the ’20s: A Leadership Agenda for the Next Decade: https://on.bcg.com/40iscDs This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

Many companies have a blind spot when it comes to serving women. In fields from health care to financial services, they often treat women just like men—even though their needs are very different. BCG’s Alex Friedman and Trish Stroman share tangible steps leaders can take today to better serve women—who are responsible for up to 80% of spending. Organizations that are best positioned won't guess what women want—they’ll co-create with them and design for real needs. Learn More: Alex Friedman: https://on.bcg.com/3XW4lry Trish Stroman: https://on.bcg.com/3KSkJWU Closing the Menopause Care Gap: The Next Frontier in Women’s Health https://on.bcg.com/4oWSkNo BCG’s Latest Thinking on the Healthcare Industry: https://on.bcg.com/3KXXCdH BCG’s Innovate Her: https://on.bcg.com/3KSqiVs Chapters: 00:00-00:57 Introduction 00:58-02:26 Why don't businesses successfully target and serve women? 02:27-03:30 Why is women's health still underinvested in? 03:31-05:04 Why has momentum shifted? 05:05-06:06 How big of an economic opportunity is this? 06:07-07:06 Where are the most immediate areas businesses can create value? 07:07-08:30 How can you scan your business for opportunities? 08:31-09:21 What do leaders say are the biggest opportunities and stumbling blocks? 09:22-11:50 Upcoming innovations that could solve problems for female consumers 11:51-12:58 What sectors have the most to gain from targeting female consuemrs? 12:59-14:13 What businesses are excelling? 14:14-16:03 Is there enough investment in this space? 16:04-17:52 What's the productivity and talent cost when women aren’t supported? 17:53-19:38 How to persuade a board that this is worth investing resources in 19:39-21:04 The ‘Now What’ 21:05-21:15 Outro This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

Help us celebrate our very own Georgie Frost, who earned the Bronze Lovie Award for Best Podcast Host thanks to her outstanding work on The So What from BCG! Georgie was also a finalist for the People’s Lovie Award for Best Podcast Host. The Lovie Awards are the European cousin of the Webby Awards, celebrating the best of the best across the continent. If you’d like to send a warm note, a congratulatory message, or simply an email full of emoji confetti, please send an email to thesowhat@bcg.com. Congratulations to Georgie and thank you all for making the podcast a success! This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

What happens when AI meets your most human processes like hiring, feedback, and development? Alicia Pittman, BCG’s global people chair, shares how the firm uses AI to amplify human strengths, not replace them. From building trust to rethinking management roles, she offers a roadmap for leaders navigating AI-powered change. Learn More: Alicia Pittman: https://on.bcg.com/4pcZ2Qs BCG’s Latest Thinking on People Strategy: https://on.bcg.com/43X5rGT A Promise That Brings AI to Life Responsibly: https://on.bcg.com/4anxsLC Chapters: 00:00-00:56 Introduction/Alicia’s ‘So What’ 00:57-02:18 Lessons from BCG’s AI journey 02:19-05:24 Where is AI being used at BCG in people management? 05:25-07:08 What challenges has BCG faced? 07:09-08:04 What didn’t work at first? 08:05-09:43 How do you measure success with AI? 09:44-13:10 What are the biggest concerns for leaders at other companies? 13:11-14:56 What has to stay human? 14:57-15:40 What does a human in the loop look like for BCG? 15:41-18:50 Should you act now or wait and see how AI plays out? 18:51-21:38 How is AI reshaping how we learn? 21:39-21:59 Advice for leaders 22:00-22:50 Alicia’s ‘Now What’ 22:51-23:06 Outro This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

Consumer companies are facing a new reality: demand is maturing, competition is intensifying, and generational preferences are diverging. Justin Vincent, part of BCG’s leadership team for consumer and fashion, explains how businesses can avoid fading into the background by choosing a durable purpose, serving real consumer needs, and mastering digital discovery. Learn More: BCG’s Latest Thinking on Consumer Products: https://on.bcg.com/4oLtmBB BCG on the Fashion Industry: https://on.bcg.com/4oJzSZh How Gen Z and Gen Alpha Are Rewiring the Fashion Industry: https://on.bcg.com/47LxcEH More on Fashion's Next Gen: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/christine-barton-486ab_retailleadership-genz-ai-activity-7395127354852839424-UpRu?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAACCYnPQBE42Xbwt6tSxmjChbfZwsa6uBvxc Chapters: 00:00-01:19 Introduction/Justin’s ‘So What’ 01:20-02:32 The evolution of athleisure 02:33-03:46 Why has growth slowed? 03:47-04:56 Who is winning and will they continue to? 04:57-06:06 What is a ‘for purpose’ mindset? 06:07-08:38 How are different generations served? 08:39-10:29 How do brands decide what markets to serve? 10:30-12:32 How can you make your brand stand out? 12:33-16:03 How should companies decide where to focus? 16:04-17:39 How do brands decide where to localize and where to stay consistent? 17:40-18:52 What can consumer companies learn from sportswear brands? 18:53-19:55 What are the biggest challenges the industry is facing? 19:56-21:24 Justin’s ‘Now What’ 21:25-21:38 Outro This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

Medtech is a $900 billion industry transforming how we treat, diagnose, and prevent disease—but its innovation engine is slowing. Vikram Aggarwal, global leader of BCG’s medical technology work, explains what’s behind the slowdown and how leaders can rethink regulation, software, and talent to re-accelerate breakthroughs. Learn More: Vikram Aggarwal: https://on.bcg.com/4osjpc6 BCG on Medtech: https://on.bcg.com/3LlJ6MC How Medtech Leaders Are Revving Up Their Innovation Engines: https://on.bcg.com/4op2Rl8 Chapters 00:00-01:25 Introduction/Vikram’s ‘So What’ 01:26-02:10 What is medtech? 02:11-03:46 Where are some of the most exciting innovations happening in medtech? 03:47-05:36 What areas get the most attention? 05:37-07:33 What are the barriers to innovation? 07:34-08:36 How do software and hardware innovation compare? 08:37-09:58 Software in a medical device vs software as a medical device 09:59-11:40 Is there a lag between innovation in software vs hardware? 11:41-13:41 What is the ideal innovation environment for medtech? 13:42-15:13 How do we fix the STEM skills shortage? 15:14-17:46 What will bring the most value over the next decade? 17:47-19:04 What is happening at startups vs established companies? 19:05 – 20:01 Vikram’s ‘Now What’ 20:02-20:15 Outro This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

AI is rising on the agendas of global CEOs, according to the latest edition of the CEO Radar. But a surprising number of chief executives are still struggling to embed the technology into their businesses. On this episode of the CEO Radar Podcast, Edward Adams of Bloomberg Media Studios is joined by BCG Global Chair Rich Lesser and Vlad Lukić, BCG Global Leader of Tech and Digital Advantage, to explore how CEOs can compare themselves to their peers when it comes to corporate integration of AI. Presented by BCG. Listen to The CEO Radar: https://sponsored.bloomberg.com/immersive-story/bcg/the-ceo-radar-q4-2025 This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

Space isn’t just for rockets and research anymore. Satellite technology drives precision navigation, automation, and connectivity—quietly powering everything from farming to finance. Troy Thomas, BCG’s global lead for space business, explains why CEOs need a deliberate space strategy to stay ahead of disruption and unlock new growth. Learn More: Troy Thomas: https://on.bcg.com/4qhq5ea BCG on the Space Sector: https://on.bcg.com/4hohjqS Space Services Are the Next Frontier for Industrial Companies: https://on.bcg.com/47zs3za GAIA: A Foundation Model for Operational Atmospheric Dynamics: https://arxiv.org/abs/2505.18179 GAIA Foundation Model is available for download: https://huggingface.co/bcg-usra-nasa-gaia Chapters 00:00- 01:16 Introduction/Troy’s ‘So What’ 01:17-01:57 What would a day look like without space? 01:58-04:02 How big is the space industry? 04:03-06:01 The three pillars of space 06:02-08:05 What pillar is the most significant for growth? 08:06-10:40 What can space tech really do for a company? 10:41-12:50 Does every company need a space strategy? 12:51-14:22 What does a good space strategy look like? 14:23-15:52 How do you manage risks? 15:53-16:55 Why would you own your own space assets? 16:56-19:13 Is there enough space in space? 19:14-20:33 BCG’s work with NASA 20:34-22:21 How will space impact the future? 22:22-23:04 Troy’s ‘Now What’ 23:05-23:18 Outro This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

The like button is more than a symbol — it’s a case study in how innovation really happens. Martin Reeves, chairman of the BCG Henderson Institute and co-author of Like: The Button That Changed the World, unpacks the messy, social, and often surprising process behind major breakthroughs — and what leaders can learn from it as they navigate the AI era. Learn More: Martin Reeves: https://on.bcg.com/4pWlAph Like: The Button That Changed the World: https://www.amazon.com/Like-Button-That-Changed-World/dp/B0D8XM8GZT What the Like Button Can Teach Us About Innovation: https://on.bcg.com/48MmONK Vote for Georgie Here: https://vote.lovieawards.com/PublicVoting#/2025/podcasts/features/best-hosts Chapters: 00:00-01:18 Introduction 01:19-02:50 The Story of ‘Like’ 02:51-03:42 Was the like button an invention? 03:43-05:00 Why do we like to ‘like’? 05:01-05:31 Is online liking the same as real world liking? 05:32-06:38 What has been the economic impact? 06:39-08:01 How to get innovation right 08:02-08:28 How do you foster an innovative environment? 08:29-09:33 What role does storytelling play? 09:34-12:10 The like button and regulation 12:11-13:21 What lessons can be applied to new tech? 13:22-14:31 The structure of the book 14:32-16:44 Surprises when researching for the book 16:45-17:57 The business of thought leadership 17:58-18:46 What is the future of thought leadership? 18:47-19:34 What is next for innovation? 19:35-20:01 Outro This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

AI and data help tell us what people do, but not why. Lauren Taylor, global leader of BCG’s Center for Customer Insight, makes sense of the mixed signals that consumers give off. To truly understand what drives people, businesses of course value robust, real-time data. But they also must uncover the context, motivators, and human truth behind every choice. Learn More: Lauren Taylor: https://on.bcg.com/4nfwZ1A BCG’s Latest Thinking on Customer Insights: https://on.bcg.com/46iy6Yt The Paradox of Pessimism: Why Gloomy Consumers Keep Spending: https://on.bcg.com/3Ir7FH2 Unpacking the $15 Trillion Opportunity in Leisure Travel: https://on.bcg.com/4gGyCTI Mapping the Consumer Touchpoints That Influence Decisions: https://on.bcg.com/3IBLBcD GenAI’s Role in Customer Insights: Think "And" Not "Or": https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/genais-role-customer-insights-think-ajr3c/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction/Lauren’s ‘So What’ 01:26 How can businesses cut through the contradictions and understand what customers want? 02:49 Should companies just ignore what people say? 03:19 What is consumer sentiment? 04:38 What can businesses really learn from consumers? 05:36 What factors play into the say-do gap? 06:21 How much does emotion shape what people buy? 07:46 How and why should businesses deaverage the customer? 09:09 How nuanced is motivation across different regions? 10:18 What parts of the customer journey shape what people choose? 12:11 Has AI helped us better understand customers or made things more confusing? 12:53 How can companies make sense of conflicting signals? 13:52 How is AI changing the way that we understand consumer behavior? 14:47 With data available, why is it critical for businesses to still talk to customers? 16:20 What mistakes are companies making when it comes to listening to their customers? 17:08 What should companies look for in sentiment signals? 17:33 Lauren’s ‘Now What’ 18:05 Do milestone moments matter? 18:28 Outro This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

M&A activity is waking up, but many companies are reluctant to leap into the fray. Daniel Friedman, BCG’s global leader of transactions and integrations, explains why bold moves now could pay off. Waiting may feel safe, but the cost could be forfeiting once-in-a-decade opportunities. Learn More: Daniel Friedman: https://on.bcg.com/4mWHyGW Mid-2025 M&A Insights: https://on.bcg.com/3V6ENGF BCG’s Latest Thinking on M&A: https://on.bcg.com/4ndP9QU BCG’s M&A Sentiment Index: https://on.bcg.com/3VEdBzb Chapters: 00:00-02:56 Intro/Daniel’s ‘So What’ 02:57-04:34 What is different now vs. the beginning of the year? 04:35-06:13 How quickly will the market recover? 06:14-08:20 What regions and sectors are particularly active? 08:21-09:01What are risks that could impede recovery? 09:02-10:26 What is wrong with waiting on the sidelines? 10:27-12:00 Do downturn deals tend to deliver more value than boom time deals? 12:01-13:25 What can a company to do ensure that it finds the right deal? 13:26-17:02 How has M&A changed in a more uncertain world? 17:03-18:03 How will AI evolve? 18:04-19:45 What are the winners doing right in this new environment? 19:46-21:16 The ‘Now What’ 21:17-21:33 Outro This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

Transformation isn’t a gamble—it’s science. Kristy Ellmer, a leader with BCG Transform, unpacks the research behind what really makes change work: involving employees in the journey, preparing for the “messy middle,” and building emotional and practical support into the process. Successful efforts focus equally on shifting behaviors and mindsets, not just strategy and structure. Learn More: Kristy Ellmer: https://www.bcg.com/about/people/experts/kristy-ellmer Preorder Kristy's Book: https://www.amazon.com/How-Change-Really-Works-Science-Based/dp/B0FHBXYSLZ BCG’s Latest Thinking on Business Transformation: https://www.bcg.com/capabilities/business-transformation/insights To Keep Transformations on Track, Incentives Are Crucial: https://www.bcg.com/publications/2025/incentives-are-crucial-for-transformation-success The Transformation Paradox: How to Grow When the Growing Gets Tough: https://www.bcg.com/publications/2025/transformation-paradox-how-grow-when-growing-gets-tough This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

What happens when people live decades longer than before—but not necessarily healthier? Iana Kouris, customer experience leader at BCG X, explores how companies can help people live longer healthier. Businesses can jumpstart the longevity economy by leveraging CX, behavioral design and change management to develop new products for prevention and customized for the growing elderly population, as well as supporting their employees on this journey. Learn More: Iana Kouris: https://on.bcg.com/4fvFrXv BCGX: https://on.bcg.com/4ltCU1A How Digital and AI Will Reshape Health Care in 2025: https://on.bcg.com/4mEGBCu This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

Private equity is under pressure to deliver returns in a tougher environment. Clark O’Niell, BCG’s global lead for AI infrastructure and cyber in the private investors & private equity practice, shares how the smartest investors are using AI to move beyond hype, drive impact at scale, and future-proof their portfolios. It’s about focus over fragmentation—and combining judgment with new tools. Learn More: Clark O’Niell: https://on.bcg.com/46tTmep BCG’s Latest Thinking on Private Equity: https://on.bcg.com/4598Fa5 IT Spending Pulse: AI Agents and GenAI Reshape Priorities: https://on.bcg.com/4mmjVXG The So What from BCG on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMJgyXjV5gMI9JV-GcF_D1Y6zyf1Eab_0 This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

Rich Lesser, BCG’s global chair, and Martin Reeves, chairman of the BCG Henderson Institute, reflect on the shocks and surprises that shaped the first half of the decade and what they reveal about the future. They explore the traits leaders need today: building trust, staying geopolitically aware, and adopting AI in a people-centered way. Learn More: Rich Lesser: https://on.bcg.com/4lZrWla Martin Reeves: https://on.bcg.com/4lXaAVX Winning in the 20s: https://on.bcg.com/4lpe1oo Winning the ’20s: A Leadership Agenda for the Next Decade: https://on.bcg.com/40iscDs This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

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.com/4kJir8K This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

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 Personal Life: https://on.bcg.com/3TfaYTz This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

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: https://on.bcg.com/3ZeAMlX Your Growth Strategy Depends on Your Starting Point: https://on.bcg.com/43YpzZm The Vitality Code: How Growth Leaders Master Strategy, Technology, People, and Culture: https://on.bcg.com/4dMKjH1 This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

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 worldwide in Q1 2025, enabling chief executives to compare their agendas to those of their peers, and to the market’s expectations. On this episode of the CEO Radar Podcast, Edward Adams of Bloomberg Media Studios is joined by BCG Global Chair Rich Lesser and Michael Brigl, Head of BCG’s Central European practice, to discuss how tariffs are likely to have a long-term effect on corporate operations. Listen to CEO Radar: https://sponsored.bloomberg.com/immersive-story/the-ceo-radar-q2-2025 This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

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 This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

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 following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

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 This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

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 This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp