Think Ahead

In a world defined by uncertainty, the leaders who thrive are those who understand how influence, trust and human psychology shape decision-making and team performance.  In this episode of Think Ahead, Sergei Guriev, Professor of Economics and Dean at London Business School, sits down with Niro Sivanathan, Professor of Organisational Behaviour at London Business School, and Diana Torres, Senior Managing Director at Teneo, to explore how leadership is evolving in complex, high-pressure environments.  Together, they examine why people seek strong direction during turbulent times, how leaders can set a compelling vision without closing off crucial feedback, and the powerful role of transparency in building trust. From managing hybrid teams to navigating crisis-driven expectations, this episode unpacks what truly drives influence in modern organisations.  Tune in to learn:  How uncertainty impacts the psychology of leadership and why clarity becomes essential  The difference between providing direction and limiting innovation  Why trust, accountability and communication now determine long-term performance  Practical insights on empowering teams, shaping culture and leading through complexity  Whether you are guiding an organisation through transformation or building your own leadership approach, this episode offers research-backed insights and real-world experience from two perspectives: behavioural science and frontline corporate leadership.  For more thought leadership and business insights from London Business School faculty and alumni, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.london.edu/think⁠⁠⁠⁠.   Sign up to receive a curated selection of articles, podcasts and films direct to your inbox twice a month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.london.edu/think?entry=true#subscribeScreen⁠⁠⁠⁠.   Follow us on social media: ⁠⁠⁠  ⁠X.com/LBS⁠⁠⁠ ⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/school/london-business-school⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠  ⁠facebook.com/LondonBusinessSchool⁠⁠⁠

How do you thrive in a world where living to 100 could become the norm? In this episode of Think Ahead, host Sergei Guriev is joined by two leading voices shaping the future of work and retirement: - Lynda Gratton, Professor of Management Practice in Organisational Behaviour at London Business School - Andy Briggs, Group CEO of Phoenix Group, the UK’s largest long-term savings and retirement business. Together, they explore the profound impact of rising life expectancy and longer careers on individuals, organisations and society. From multi-stage lives and careers and lifelong learning to financial security, age diversity, and the urgent reality that only 1 in 7 people are saving enough for retirement, this conversation is a wake-up call for leaders everywhere. What are the opportunities and challenges posed by a multi-stage life? What strategies can we implement across all ages? Dive into this episode to learn: - Why the traditional three-stage life (education, work, retirement) no longer works - How to design a career that sustains energy, purpose and adaptability over decades - Practical strategies for renewal, resilience and flexible working - The role of business and government in tackling the longevity challenge - Why age diversity and reskilling are critical for organisational success - How technology and AI can support longer working lives Packed with actionable insights, real-world examples and global perspectives, this episode is essential listening. Whether you’re planning your own future or shaping the future of work, tune in to discover how to lead – and live – for the long haul. Lynda Gratton is Professor of Management Practice in Organisational Behaviour at London Business School. She has authored 'The 100-Year Life' with Andrew J. Scott. Her upcoming book, ‘Living the 100-Year Life’, releases in September 2026. Discover more about Lynda and her research: https://www.london.edu/faculty-and-research/faculty-profiles/g/gratton-lc. For more thought leadership and business insights from London Business School faculty and alumni, visit https://www.london.edu/think. Sign up to receive a curated selection of articles, podcasts and films direct to your inbox twice a month: https://www.london.edu/think?entry=true#subscribeScreen. Follow us on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X.com/LBS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/school/london-business-school⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/LondonBusinessSchool⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

As global monetary dynamics shift, the challenge for business leaders is no longer just about managing exchange rates but about strategy, resilience, and long-term competitiveness.  Hélène Rey, Lord Bagri Professor of Economics at London Business School, joins Sergei Guriev, Professor of Economics and Dean of London Business School, to explore how the erosion of the US dollar’s dominance, the Euro’s potential rise, and the rapid evolution of digital finance are reshaping international markets.  This episode takes a closer look at why the dollar’s ‘exorbitant privilege’ is fading, what a Kindleberger-style gap could mean for global stability, and how technologies such as stablecoins and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) might redefine monetary leadership.  Could fragmentation become the defining trend of the next decade? And what does that mean for policy, investment, and growth? Tune in and dive into:  The historic role of the US Dollar and its impact on global trade and reserves  The Kindleberger gap and what a multipolar currency system means for businesses  The rise of digital finance and its implications for payment systems and liquidity  Practical strategies for managing currency risk and building resilience  In an era of geopolitical tension, energy market shifts, and technological disruption, take a forward-looking perspective on how organisations can adapt with agility, hedge effectively, and build resilience.  Hélène Rey is the Lord Bagri Professor of Economics at London Business School. Discover more about Hélène and her research: https://www.london.edu/faculty-and-research/faculty-profiles/r/rey-h 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 an era defined by digital transformation, data abundance and consumer fragmentation, organisations face a new imperative: to thrive in complexity. In this episode, host Sergei Guriev is joined by Professor of Marketing, Anja Lambrecht and Chief Economist of Zalando, Greg Crawford to explore how firms can build agility, resilience and strategic foresight by leveraging data, economics and AI. From decoding consumer preferences to navigating real-time decision-making, the conversation unpacks the tools and organisational capabilities needed to turn complexity into competitive advantage. Drawing on academic research and industry practice, the episode offers a roadmap for leaders seeking to reorient their firms for innovation, adaptability and long-term success. 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 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 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 series, Julian Birkinshaw, Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at London Business School, cuts through the hyperbole and scaremongering to explore the practical applications of Artificial Intelligence. How are companies actually using AI today? What practical problems is it solving? What are the challenges and opportunities? In this episode, Julian hosts Laetitia Cailleteau, Global Lead for Conversational AI at Accenture, and Tolga Tezcan, Professor of Management Science and Operations at London Business School, for a conversation on the customer services applications of AI and how consumers are responding to increased automation in their interactions with brands.

In this series, Julian Birkinshaw, Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at London Business School, cuts through the hyperbole and scaremongering to explore the practical applications of Artificial Intelligence. How are companies actually using AI today? What practical problems is it solving? What are the challenges and opportunities? In this episode, Julian hosts Shamus Rae, CEO at Engine B, and Farhan Lalji, a guest lecturer at London Business School and Director of Venture Partnership with the Anthemis Group, for a conversation on the impact of AI innovation on professional services firms.

In this series, Julian Birkinshaw, Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at London Business School, cuts through the hyperbole and scaremongering to explore the practical applications of Artificial Intelligence. How are companies actually using AI today? What practical problems is it solving? What are the challenges and opportunities? In this episode, Julian hosts PV Kannan, Co-Founder and CEO of San-Jose-based software firm [24]7.ai and a recognised leader in global customer services, a field in which he pioneered the use of chatbots and AI. They discuss how AI can help keep ever-more demanding customers delighted and coming back for your products.

In this series, Julian Birkinshaw, Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at London Business School, cuts through the hyperbole and scaremongering to explore the practical applications of Artificial Intelligence. How are companies actually using AI today? What practical problems is it solving? What are the challenges and opportunities? In this episode, Julian hosts Tara Reddy, Co-Founder of Love Shark, and Fiona Kilkelly, Director of Immerse UK, for a conversation on virtual and augmented reality.

In this series, Julian Birkinshaw, Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at London Business School, cuts through the hyperbole and scaremongering to explore the practical applications of Artificial Intelligence. How are companies actually using AI today? What practical problems is it solving? What are the challenges and opportunities? In this episode, Julian hosts Zoë Webster, Director of AI and Data Economy at Innovate UK, and Nicos Savva, Professor of Management Science and Operations at London Business School, for a conversation on the ethical issues arising from using AI-generated judgements in society.

In this series, Julian Birkinshaw, Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at London Business School, cuts through the hyperbole and scaremongering to explore the practical applications of Artificial Intelligence. How are companies actually using AI today? What practical problems is it solving? What are the challenges and opportunities? In this episode, Julian hosts Richard Jinks, Vice President – Commercial at Oxbotica, and Michael G Jacobides, Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at London Business School, for a conversation on autonomous vehicles and the mobility applications of AI.

In this series, Julian Birkinshaw, Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at London Business School, cuts through the hyperbole and scaremongering to explore the practical applications of Artificial Intelligence. How are companies actually using AI today? What practical problems is it solving? What are the challenges and opportunities? In this episode, Julian hosts Alex Rosen, a senior software engineer at Amazon, and Keyvan Vakili, Assistant Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at London Business School, for a conversation on speech recognition and the technology behind Amazon’s virtual assistant Alexa.