The Why Podcast

Assistant Professor of Organisational Behaviour Elinor Flynn sits down with Katie Pisa, Senior Editor of Think, to explore why many employees support equality yet still resist gender diversity initiatives. Dive into how the everyday explanations people use to make sense of persistent gender gaps shape whether they see organisational action as fair, necessary or effective. Drawing on new research and real‑world workplace observations, Elinor explains why people act like “naïve scientists”, forming their own theories about why women remain underrepresented at senior levels despite strong educational attainment and decades of organisational effort. These explanations can either strengthen or undermine support for the very initiatives designed to close the gap. Three key themes emerge from the conversation: - People rely on three stories to explain gender gaps – organisational barriers, traits and choices – with each shaping how fair or necessary gender initiatives feel. - “Choice” narratives make inequality seem voluntary, increasing the sense that women are responsible and reducing support for organisational action. - Everyday workplace conversations can reinforce these narratives, so leaders must rethink how they frame careers, culture and expectations to build genuine support. What can leaders can do differently? Elinor delves into whether they should be using more precise language when discussing career paths, challenging assumptions about why women leave organisations, or should they be rethinking work design to provide greater predictability rather than flexibility. Dr Elinor Flynn is Assistant Professor of Organisational Behaviour. Discover more about Elinor and her research: https://www.london.edu/faculty-and-research/faculty-profiles/e/elinor-flynn. 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 ⁠⁠⁠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

Why are so many companies still struggling to achieve meaningful workforce diversity, and what does newly released data reveal about the barriers hidden inside organisations? In this episode of The Why Podcast, Rachel Flam uncovers what firm‑level evidence shows about representation, transparency and the forces shaping workplace equity today. The conversation highlights why disclosure matters and what happens when companies choose to remain silent. Three key themes emerge from the discussion: Newly available workforce data exposes the stark drop off in representation for racial minorities at first and middle management levels. Organisations with lower managerial diversity are less likely to disclose their EEO 1 reports, indicating that non disclosure can be strategic rather than procedural. Transparency plays a critical role in creating accountability, helping stakeholders see where gaps persist and encouraging firms to address barriers. The episode also explores how firm‑level culture, internal processes and leadership practices can drive much of the variation in diversity across companies – far more than industry or geography alone can explain. As disclosure trends shift and public expectations rise, the conversation addresses why honest reporting is essential for building equitable workplaces. Assistant Professor of Accounting at London Business School, Dr Rachel Flam is co‑author of ‘Behind the Curtain of Workforce Diversity’, a landmark study using newly released EEO‑1 data to examine firm‑level diversity patterns. Discover more about Rachel and her research: ⁠https://www.london.edu/faculty-and-research/faculty-profiles/r/rachel-flam 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

Professor Isabel Fernandez-Mateo examines how generative AI is reshaping the hiring process and why organisations need to approach these changes thoughtfully. With automation increasing the number of applications employers receive, rejection rates are higher and influencing who continues to participate in the talent pipeline.  Three key themes emerge from the conversation:  Technology is reshaping hiring from the ground up, altering how roles are defined, who sees them and who chooses to apply. These shifts raise pressing questions about fairness, transparency and hidden bias across each stage of recruitment.  Automation promises efficiency but can also reinforce old assumptions, making applications appear increasingly similar and potentially limiting opportunities if organisations do not actively monitor how AI is used.  Human insight remains essential, helping hiring managers understand context, recognise potential and ensure that recruitment decisions support diversity, organisational culture and long-term talent needs.  Bias can be unintentionally perpetuated when AI draws on historic hiring data, such as how homogenised applications make true differentiation harder and why increased rejection rates may undermine diversity over time.   In times of uncertainty, Isabel outlines the areas where hiring managers must stay cautious: maintaining transparency, questioning automated outputs and ensuring technology enhances – rather than restricts – who enters and progresses through the hiring funnel.   Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship, Dr Isabel Fernandez-Mateo holds the Adecco Chair at London Business School. Discover more about Isabel and her research: https://www.london.edu/faculty-and-research/faculty-profiles/f/fernandezmateo-i  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

Is AI just a tool for efficiency – or a partner in better decision-making? Sir Andrew Likierman argues it’s time for a rethink. In this sharp and timely conversation, he explains why judgement – the ability to combine knowledge, experience and human qualities – is more critical than ever in an AI-driven world.  Rather than seeing humans and machines as rivals, Likierman calls for nuance: recognising what AI does brilliantly, where it falls short, and why context, trust and empathy remain uniquely human. He explores the six elements of good judgement, the risks of over-reliance on algorithms, and how leaders can sharpen their own decision-making in uncertain times.  If you want clarity on how to thrive in the age of AI, Andrew Likierman provides insight on using technology without losing the human edge. Judgement isn’t optional – it’s essential.  Sir Andrew Likierman is Professor of Management Practice and former Dean at London Business School. Discover more about Andrew and his research: https://www.london.edu/faculty-and-research/faculty-profiles/l/likierman-a Read the article: https://www.london.edu/think/human-judgement-essential-in-ai For more thought leadership and business insights from London Business School faculty and alumni: ⁠⁠⁠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/LBS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/school/london-business-school⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/LondonBusinessSchool⁠⁠⁠

Lynda Gratton, Professor of Management Practice at London Business School, explores a seismic shift in the world of work with host Katie Pisa in this episode of The Why. Together, they discuss the rise of the freelance professional and why they might want your work but not your job. It is time to reframe the gig economy clichés. Today’s freelancers are highly skilled, deeply experienced, and choosing autonomy over the traditional nine-to-five. Gratton unpacks what this means for organisations navigating disruption, digital transformation and the demand for agility. From strategic hires to cultural belonging, she reveals why the smartest leaders are rethinking not just who they hire, but how they work. Whether you are a CEO wondering how to balance your workforce, or a professional plotting a multi-stage career, this episode offers a compelling look at the new rules of engagement in a blended working world. If you've ever asked yourself, “What does a future-ready workforce really look like?” – find out more. Harvard Business Review article: https://hbr.org/2024/05/highly-skilled-professionals-want-your-work-but-not-your-job For more thought leadership and business insights from London Business School faculty and alumni: ⁠⁠⁠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

In this episode of The Why, host Katie Pisa welcomes Bukky Akinsanmi Oyedeji, Assistant Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at London Business School, to unpack why physical work environments still hold power in a hybrid world. Drawing on her research ‘Physical Work Environments: An Integrative Review and Agenda for Future Research’, Bukky explores how office design affects not only employee health and productivity but also a firm’s ability to attract talent, retain resources, and signal legitimacy. From standing desks and soundproof booths to the open-plan layouts, this episode investigates the workplace as more than just a container for people – it is a canvas for strategy, culture, and performance. If you’ve ever wondered whether the office is still worth the rent, this one’s for you. For more thought leadership and business insights from London Business School faculty and alumni, visit Think at London Business School. Sign up to receive a curated selection of articles, podcasts and films direct to your inbox twice a month. Follow us on social media: X LinkedIn Facebook

In this special wrap-up episode of The Why Podcast, we revisit the most powerful insights from a season that explored identity, equity, power and culture through the lens of cutting-edge research. From Gillian Ku’s exploration of ‘social uncertainty’ and the courage it takes to be authentic at work, to Olenka Kacperczyk’s deep dive into the gender gap in entrepreneurship, the season revealed how invisible barriers shape real-world outcomes. Henri Servaes shared insights on how the #MeToo movement reshaped boardrooms while Randall Peterson unpacked the roots of team conflict, offering a framework for building trust and navigating tension. Their research reflected on the human stories behind the data, reminding us why it is imperative to remain curious. If you’ve ever wondered how research can illuminate the lived experience, or how we can come to better understand behaviour, leadership and change, start by asking: “Why?” For more thought leadership and business insights from London Business School faculty and alumni, visit Think at London Business School. Sign up to receive a curated selection of articles, podcasts and films direct to your inbox twice a month. Follow us on social media: X LinkedIn Facebook

In this episode of The Why Podcast, host Katie Pisa speaks with Professor Randall S Peterson, Professor of Organisational Behaviour at London Business School, about one of the most costly, time-consuming, and universal workplace issues: team conflict. Based on his research about conflict 4 Common Types of Team Conflict—and How to Resolve Them, Randall outlines a practical framework for diagnosing and managing interpersonal tensions that derail productivity and damage trust. Most of us avoid conflict, but that can be costly. Studies show managers spend 20% of their time handling tension with teams—yet few have a plan for dealing with it. Listen as Randall unpacks the four most common conflict patterns—solo dissenters, dyadic conflicts, warring factions, and all-out team meltdowns—revealing why each arises, what leaders typically get wrong, and how to tailor conflict-resolution strategies for long-term performance and psychological safety. If you’ve ever walked into a meeting and sensed an invisible storm brewing, or just want to understand more about inevitable conflict that is a part of the working world, this episode is for you. For more thought leadership and business insights from London Business School faculty and alumni, visit  ⁠⁠Think at London Business School⁠⁠  Sign up ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ to receive a curated selection of articles, podcasts and films direct to your inbox twice a month.  Follow us on social media:  ⁠⁠X⁠⁠  ⁠⁠Linkedin⁠⁠  ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠

In this episode of The Why Podcast, host Katie Pisa sits down with Henri Servaes, Professor of Finance at London Business School and Richard Brealey Professor of Corporate Governance, to explore how corporate culture—particularly around gender equality and inclusion—is reshaping investment decisions and boardroom dynamics. Drawing on his recent research, Sexism, Culture, and Firm Value: Evidence from the Harvey Weinstein Scandal and the #MeToo Movement, Henri unpacks how the #MeToo movement and the Harvey Weinstein scandal triggered revelations of toxic workplace culture that started a re-evaluation of what “good governance” really means. The conversation delves into why firms with more inclusive leadership structures saw meaningful gains in investor interest—and how sexism, far from being just a moral issue, now carries material consequences for valuation and reputation. From institutional investors shifting portfolios to companies in “boys’ club” industries scrambling to improve diversity, this episode examines the measurable market response to cultural failings—and what that means for the future of leadership, governance, and trust in capital markets. If you’ve ever wondered whether values influence valuation, this one’s for you. For more thought leadership and business insights from London Business School faculty and alumni, visit  ⁠Think at London Business School⁠  Sign up ⁠here⁠ to receive a curated selection of articles, podcasts and films direct to your inbox twice a month.  Follow us on social media:  ⁠X⁠  ⁠Linkedin⁠  ⁠Facebook⁠

In the latest episode of The Why podcast, host Katie Pisa met with Professor Olenka Kacperczyk, Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at London Business School, to discuss her research on the gender gap in entrepreneurship. The two discuss this important question: Where are all the missing female entrepreneurs? Olenka sheds light on her research findings, the reasons are behind this gap and what businesses, leaders and societies can do to help narrow the gap. While women make up half the population, among all the VC-backed ventures in her target research of the US, only 10% were founded by women. Female entrepreneurs only make up 20% of all ventures, and everything from administrative barriers and discriminatory wording in interviews for funding, holds women back. Olenka’s interest in the topic was partly based on her own family who became entrepreneurs in the post-Communist period in Poland. Watching them venture into business inspired her research and interest in the topic of inequality in entrepreneurship. Listen to this fascinating conversation to learn more about why this massive gender gap in entrepreneurship still exists. Read the full research here. For more thought leadership and business insights from London Business School faculty and alumni, visit Think at London Business School  Sign up here to receive a curated selection of articles, podcasts and films direct to your inbox twice a month.  Follow us on social media:  X  Linkedin  Facebook

In the latest episode of The Why Podcast, Katie Pisa met with Gillian Ku, Professor of Organisational Behaviour, and Chair of the Organisational Behaviour Faculty at London Business School to discuss her recently published paper on how Black employees can feel more comfortable expressing their racial identity at work and how social uncertainty is a key factor that discourages Black employees from expressing their social identity.  Gillian, along with her colleagues, have found that being able to be authentic at work can be hugely beneficial. Gillian shares her evidence-based insights of why being able to express one’s identity at work promotes healthy work relationships and improved job performance among many other benefits.   Gillian also shares the benefits of perspective-taking in the workplace, and what we can all do to develop social skills to help navigate the world and our workplaces better.  Read the full paper here: https://lbsresearch.london.edu/id/eprint/3952/ For more thought leadership and business insights from London Business School faculty and alumni, visit Think at London Business School  Sign up here to receive a curated selection of articles, podcasts and films direct to your inbox twice a month.  Follow us on social media:  X  Linkedin  Facebook

In the latest episode of The Why Podcast, Katie Pisa met with Paolo Surico, Professor of Economics at London Business School, and Joseba Martinez, Assistant Professor of Economics at London Business School to discuss their research titled “Corporate taxes, innovation and productivity”. Their findings offer valuable insights into how tax policies can be leveraged to promote innovation and drive economic growth. The two spent two and a half years working on this research after evidence showed them the remarkable impact that government corporate tax cuts (even temporary) can have on productivity. The overall message of their research is that governments need to better design the corporate tax system such that the corporations that pay the most tax are the least innovative. Some key takeaways from this chat include: Tax is necessary but how it can be tweaked to encourage innovators How R&D reduces tax and the impact it has on productivity How governments need to consider which companies should receive tax cuts Key historical moments when innovation was boosted How the UK, where the new government says it aims to foster growth, might fare if they consider such corporate tax cuts What a second Trump presidency looks in regards to taxes The impact of personal tax cuts doesn’t always have the same impact as corporate tax cuts You can read their full paper here: https://www.corptaxinnovation.pdf For more thought leadership and business insights from London Business School faculty and alumni, visit Think at London Business School Sign up here to receive a curated selection of articles, podcasts and films direct to your inbox twice a month. Follow us on social media: X Linkedin Facebook

Have you heard of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch? It’s one of five giant gyres in our oceans, where massive circular currents trap floating plastic. It’s three times the size of France, two times the size of Texas and it contains roughly 80,000 tonnes of waste that is polluting our oceans. The oldest bits in this gyre date back to the 1960s.  In the latest episode of The Why Podcast, London Business School Senior Editor Katie Pisa met with Jean Pauphilet, Assistant Professor of Management Science and Operations at London Business School, to talk about his research findings on ocean plastic pollution and the work he’s doing with the Dutch NGO The Ocean Cleanup.  The Ocean Cleanup’s goal is to clean up 90% of floating ocean plastic by 2040. Their technology resembles a giant fishing net, a long floating barrier towed by two vessels. Jean and his team have designed a dynamic algorithm to help figure out the best routes for boats to take when collection plastic.  “It’s a bit like playing Pac-Man,” explains Jean. “You need to route the system to catch as many items as possible.” In this helpful conversation, Jean discusses the interception of plastic at rivers and oceans, what is being done to increase awareness of tackling the problem and incentives to encourage society and companies to take action.  For more thought leadership and business insights from London Business School faculty and alumni, visit Think at London Business School Sign up here to receive a curated selection of articles, podcasts and films direct to your inbox twice a month.  Follow us on social media: X Linkedin Facebook

The saying “nice guys finish last” is not always true, according to research. In the latest episode of The Why Podcast, Katie Pisa met with Jonathan Berman, Associate Professor of Marketing at London Business School, to talk about his research findings on prosocial behaviour and when doing good leads to looking good.  “When do you hear about good deeds from someone and think better of them, and when do you think it’s not genuine?” asks Jonathan. There isn’t always a direct connection between doing good deeds and being seen as an exemplary person. In fact, some do-gooders are even seen as braggarts, virtue-signalers and hypocrites. We discuss this fascinating research on how people evaluate those engaging in prosocial acts, and how it’s all linked to sustainability and ethical consumerism.  Jonathan also shares tips for companies on how corporations can live up to being viewed in a positive way when trying to be more sustainable. “If the sincerity is there, it will pay off,” he says.  For more thought leadership and business insights from London Business School faculty and alumni, visit Think at London Business School Sign up here to receive a curated selection of articles, podcasts and films direct to your inbox twice a month.  Follow us on social media: X Linkedin Facebook

How does buying luxury items make you feel? Do you love them or do they hang in your wardrobe for that special occasion, collecting dust? In the latest episode of The Why Podcast, Katie Pisa met with Dafna Goor, Assistant Professor of Marketing at London Business School, to talk about her research findings on imposter syndrome from luxury consumption. Buying luxury items can be a double-edged sword whereby it might yield status benefits for the consumer, but it can also make them feel inauthentic. Dafna talks about this and the reasoning behind why some feel undue privilege of consuming and using luxury items, while others have higher levels of entitlement and feel they deserve luxury items. Society tells us to “dream big” but also to “keep it real” and stay true to who you are, explains Dafna.  For more thought leadership and business insights from London Business School faculty and alumni, visit Think at London Business School Sign up here to receive a curated selection of articles, podcasts and films direct to your inbox twice a month.  Follow us on social media: X Linkedin Facebook

How do you manage tension at work and better manage your time? In the latest episode of The Why Podcast, Katie Pisa met with Dan Cable, Professor of Organisational Behaviour at London Business School, to talk about his research findings on this.  How do you not get caught up in the urgent daily tasks and lose sight of the big picture? Dan shares tips and findings from his research on how to help restore the balance, sanity and productivity at work. Dan also discusses the benefits of giving employees space to do “deep work”, how to make the most of work time, and how to avoid burnout and boost well-being at work. Listen to his research-led findings for advice on how to make work rewarding for both leaders and employees.  For more thought leadership and business insights from London Business School faculty and alumni, visit Think at London Business School Sign up here to receive a curated selection of articles, podcasts and films direct to your inbox twice a month.  Follow us on social media: Twitter Linkedin Facebook

How do you think of your future financial self? In the latest episode of The Why Podcast, Katie Pisa met with Simona Botti, Professor of Marketing, and David Faro, Associate Professor of Marketing at London Business School, to discuss what makes someone decide how they spend money now based on a future income. Some people borrow money from their richer future selves in order to live a more comfortable life. Others aren’t as likely to do this. We discuss this fascinating concept through their research on how and when we spend money. Why do some people find it easy to enjoy themselves now, while others seem more cautious based on what they perceive their future selves might be?  For more thought leadership and business insights from London Business School faculty and alumni, visit Think at London Business School Sign up here to receive a curated selection of articles, podcasts and films direct to your inbox twice a month.  Follow us on social media: Twitter Linkedin Facebook

In the latest episode of the Why podcast, Bryan Stroube discusses his findings on his latest research about how viewers evaluate films based on lead actors’ gender. His research experimented with AI-Generated movie plots and analysed nearly 400 million filmgoer ratings screened between 1992 and 2018. Bryan’s research sheds light on gender disparities -- with women only holding 28% of the leading roles -- and challenges stereotypes that still exist even years after the “Me Too” movement started.  For more thought leadership and business insights from London Business School faculty and alumni, visit Think at London Business School Sign up here to receive a curated selection of articles, podcasts and films direct to your inbox twice a month.  Follow us on social media: Twitter Linkedin Facebook

In this episode of the Why podcast, London Business School’s Marcel Olbert discusses the role of taxation in companies and governments with Alenka Turnsek of EY.  While there isn’t one global system of holding companies accountable for their sustainability efforts, there are several different country-wide efforts ongoing.  Tax incentives seem to be working, for example, in the US where the Inflation Reduction Act has come into play. In Europe, there are other measures and relief being introduced -- some of which have been around supporting green technologies for many years.  But where does that leave other countries? Particularly those who aren’t in such a privileged position to make sustainability their top priority. And what happens to those poorer countries who may take the brunt of more economically powerful countries offsetting their carbon emissions further afield? Isn’t this the equivalent of dumping one’s rubbish over the neighbour’s fence? Our experts discuss all this and more.  Regulations are also key, according to our academic research. Collaboration too, will be necessary to make further strides in making companies more sustainable.  Listen and learn more.  Marcel Olbert is Professor of Accounting at London Business School and Alenka Turnsek is a partner at EY, based in London, leading the EMEIA Tax Sustainability practice. Katie Pisa is Senior Editor of Think at London Business School. For more thought leadership and business insights from London Business School faculty and alumni, visit Think at London Business School. Sign up here to receive a curated selection of articles, podcasts and films direct to your inbox twice a month.  Follow us on social media: Twitter Linkedin Facebook

In this episode of the Why podcast, London Business School’s Anja Lambrecht and Xu Zhang discuss their recent research into how TV ads influence online sales for a major travel website, exploring how their findings challenge conventional views about their value. The research suggests that spikes in sales following an advert are not necessarily incremental sales, but instead an acceleration of sales that would have happened at a later time, an effect they term “intertemporal substitution”. They also talk about the vital role played by a field experiment in helping them arrive at their findings, and delve into why firms should undertake more of this type of experiment. Anja is Professor of Marketing at London Business School and Xu is Assistant Professor of Marketing. Zoë Stumpf is Head of Thought Leadership & Research Amplification at London Business School. Listen to more insights from LBS faculty @londonbusinessschool. Discover more of our thought leadership at www.london.edu/think. Follow LBS on Twitter: twitter.com/lbs and LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/school/london-business-school.