As sustainability regulation accelerates across global markets, the real challenge for business leaders is no longer just about ticking boxes but about strategy, transparency, and long-term value creation.  Professor Marcel Olbert, Assistant Professor of Accounting, and Katharina Neureiter, Co-Head of Global Sustainability at The Carlyle Group, join host Sergei Guriev, Dean of London Business School, to explore how new rules – from ESG disclosures to tax incentives – are reshaping corporate behaviour and investor expectations.  This episode takes a closer look at the rise of sustainability reporting as both a regulatory requirement and a strategic tool. We examine how disclosure is evolving – from high-level programme reviews to granular, data-driven tracking – and what this means for private equity, portfolio resilience, and operational performance.  The conversation also explores the tension between transparency and competitive advantage, the role of fiscal stimulus in shaping corporate responses, and the broader implications of global regulatory divergence. Rather than viewing ESG reporting as a compliance burden, could it be a lever for innovation, accountability, and investor trust?  In an era of geopolitical flux and shifting market expectations, take a forward-looking perspective on how businesses can lead with clarity, adapt with agility, and create value that lasts.  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 political backlash against the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) framework intensifies, the real questions facing corporate leaders are no longer about terminology or disclosure but about strategy, legitimacy, and resilience. Ioannis Ioannou, Associate Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship and Anna Lungley, Head of Sustainability Consulting at Fujitsu, join host Sergei Guriev, Professor of Economics and Dean of London Business School, to explore what the backlash reveals about deeper market failures and the evolving role of business in society. We examine how capital markets remain structurally misaligned with ecological and social realities, why many corporate commitments have proven fragile under pressure, and how sustainability has become a proxy for deeper power struggles within firms. With global standards in flux and investor expectations shifting, the conversation turns to what it means to lead through uncertainty and why silence, hesitation, or superficial rebranding may no longer be viable options. Rather than treating ESG as a compliance issue or communications challenge, this episode explores it as a systemic and strategic fault line – one that tests corporate purpose, governance, and the capacity to act with foresight in an era of disruption. 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 London Business School marks its 60th anniversary, the season finale of Think Ahead  steps back to reflect on the defining conversations that shaped this year’s series. Host Sergei Guriev, Professor of Economics and Dean of London Business School, revisits pivotal moments with faculty, alumni, and global leaders who explored the forces reshaping business – from ethical leadership and employee engagement to polarisation, AI disruption, and the future of corporate responsibility.  We hear how ethical leadership means challenging the status quo, why real engagement goes beyond pay, and how polarisation can both energise and alienate. In the age of AI, guests urge leaders to look past the hype and focus on long-term vision, data integrity and human-centred design. Rather than offering easy answers, this episode distils a year of insights into one powerful message: to lead in an era of disruption is to think ahead – with clarity, courage, and purpose. As we look to the next 60 years, the challenge is not just to adapt to change, but to shape it.  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 AI continues to reshape the global business landscape, regulation is emerging not merely as a compliance issue, but as a strategic concern. From data governance and energy demands to talent mobility and market access, the evolving policy environment around AI is influencing where and how organisations can innovate, invest, and compete.  In this episode, Michael Jacobides, Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship, is joined by Nnenna Ilomechina, currently CEO at Crownpeak, with over 25 years advising businesses through transformation with firms like AlixPartners and Accenture, for a conversation hosted by Professor of Economics and Dean of London Business School, Sergei Guriev. Together, they explore how geopolitical competition and fragmented regulatory regimes are redefining the role of business and business leaders in the age of AI. Drawing on cutting-edge research and real-world leadership experience, they discuss the strategic decisions organisations must make to navigate this complexity, build trust, and unlock long-term value. As the conversation turns to thinking ahead, they challenge leaders to move beyond the hype and focus on putting AI to work—ethically, transparently, and effectively.  To read Professor Michael G Jacobides’ white paper on AI regulation, visit https://www.evolutionltd.net/post/the-political-economy-and-geopolitics-of-ai-regulation. 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 

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