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

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 00:00-01:25 Introduction/Lauren’s ‘So What’ 01:26-02:39 How can businesses cut through the contradictions and truly understand what customers want? 02:49-03:18 Should we just ignore what people say? 03:19-04:37 What is consumer sentiment? 04:38-05:35 What can businesses really learn from consumers? 05:36-06:20 What factors play into the say-do gap? 06:21-07:45 How much does emotion shape what people buy? 07:46-09:08 How and why should businesses deaverage the customer? 09:09-10:17: How nuanced is motivation across different regions? 10:18-12:10 What parts of the customer journey actually shape what people choose? 12:11-12:52 Has AI helped us better understand customers or made things more confusing? 12:53-13:51 How can companies make sense of conflicting signals? 13:52-14:46 How is AI changing the way that we understand consumer behavior? 14:47-16:19 With data available, why is it critical for businesses to still talk to customers? 16:20-17:07 What mistakes are companies making when it comes to listening to their customers? 17:08-17:32 What should companies look for in sentiment signals? 17:33-18:04 Lauren’s ‘Now What’ 18:05-18:27 Do milestone moments matter? 18:28-18:42 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 OutroThis 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/B0FHBXYSLZBCG’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_0This 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

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/42UhQLnBCG on Emerging Markets: https://on.bcg.com/4cMJ9e4BCG'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

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