The So What from BCG

The So What from BCG is taking a short break over the holidays - if you’re celebrating, I hope you’re having a lovely time.We’ve been hard at work arranging a host of exciting guests and topics for our upcoming episodes from the 5th of January. We’ll be talking about the beauty and power of language; wealth equity; the emotional value of work; how to protect your brain from distractions, and much much more.Happy holidays - and we’ll see you next year.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacyThis 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 They can transform how work gets done if companies stop chasing shortcuts, rethink outdated processes, and prepare for the costs and complexity that come with real change.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

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

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: https://on.bcg.com/3Pxh6oi Where Are Private Equity Firms on Their Way to Net Zero?: https://on.bcg.com/3Wdmy3s BCG on Climate and Sustainability: https://on.bcg.com/40cZsuD Vinay’s TED Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Q59suYxIec This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

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 Review Article: https://hbr.org/2023/09/reskilling-in-the-age-of-ai This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

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

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 Moments of Truth: https://on.bcg.com/TSWMoT This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

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.com/3OdAV3j BCG on M&A: https://on.bcg.com/4hYkp4y CEO Moments of Truth: https://on.bcg.com/TSWMoT This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

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: https://netzero.green/en/ Green Growth Accelerator: https://on.bcg.com/4furqrQ CEO Moments of Truth https://on.bcg.com/TSWMoT This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

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 Moments of Truth https://on.bcg.com/TSWMoT This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

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.com/3zVUEAN BCG on Personalization: https://on.bcg.com/4eRv1QK CEO Moments of Truth: https://on.bcg.com/TSWMoT This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

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/3MU8eaZ This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

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

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 of AI: https://hbr.org/2023/09/reskilling-in-the-age-of-aiThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

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

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.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp