The Green Room: Questions That Matter Most In Business

You learn something new every day. At least, that’s how the saying goes. But it’s not always how the reality goes – particularly when it comes to our work.   Even though 84% of us feel like learning adds more purpose to our work, demanding deadlines and overflowing inboxes often stop us from finding time to focus on our own development. But being given the time and space to learn new things can lead to some seriously good things, like new opportunities, career growth and improved mental wellbeing. And what’s good for us, is good for business too. In fact, research shows that organisations who invest in learning and development are 59% more likely to experience growth. Which could be why workplace learning is back on the agenda. Once associated with bad coffee and badly lit conference rooms, it’s now benefiting from better technology and better understanding of the different ways in which we learn.   So, what needs to happen to ensure that learning doesn’t keep getting moved to the bottom of our to-do list? And instead, it becomes a continuous process that’s rewarding for both individuals and the businesses they work for? That’s what we’re exploring with guests Professor Nick van Dam, Chief of the IE University Center for Corporate Learning Innovation, and Heike Dekker-Schäch, Dean at Deloitte University, in this episode of The Green Room, as we ask: How can learning be part of our everyday work? Tune in to find out:  Whether ‘on the job’ really is the best way to learn What a ‘learning climate’ is and how businesses can influence it Why we all need to consider the next chapter of our careers – regardless of our age How workplace learning is linked to business success Enjoyed this episode? Check our website for our recommendations to learn more about this topic: www.deloitte.co.uk/greenroompodcasts You can also watch our episodes on Youtube: youtube.com/@DeloitteUK  Scope here:  scope.org.uk Guests: Professor Nick van Dam, Chief of the IE University Center for Corporate Learning Innovation, and Heike Dekker-Schäch, Dean at Deloitte University Hosts: Annie Wong and Stephanie Dobbs Original music: Ali Barrett  

“Well done is better than well said.”     You might have heard that famous saying from Benjamin Franklin. And it’s one that reminds us of the importance of action over words. But what does it take exactly?    When it comes to solving some of the world’s biggest problems or doing business in a more sustainable and responsible way, there’s no shortage of people talking and theorising.    And that’s a good thing. Hearing and learning from others is important. But right now, the world needs more people driving impact as opposed to simply just talking about it. So, how do we encourage businesses and leaders to take that next step?     That’s what we’re exploring with Paul Van Zyl, Co-founder and CEO of The Conduit, and Piumi Mitchell, Head of Social Impact Partnerships at Deloitte UK, as we ask: How do we turn words into action? Tune in to find out: Why right now is the best time in history to be fighting the big issues How Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu shaped Paul's thoughts on collaboration Why asking, "So what?" is so important  Why collaboration and purpose is more important than power Enjoyed this episode? Check our website for our recommendations to learn more about this topic: deloitte.co.uk/greenroompodcasts You can also watch our episodes over on YouTube: youtube.com/@DeloitteUK  Find out more about The Conduit here: www.theconduit.com  Guests: Paul Van Zyl, Co-founder and CEO of The Conduit, and Piumi Mitchell, Head of Social Impact Partnerships at Deloitte UK Hosts: Annie Wong and Lizzie Elston Original music: Ali Barrett  

Sailing a ship is effortless when seas are calm and the wind is blowing in the right direction. And in business, it’s easier to feel confident and in control when conditions are idyllic, profits are high and growth is steady.   But what do you do when a storm hits? How do you turn things around and not only weather the storm, but emerge stronger? Turnarounds are challenging - in fact, within business, 70% of them fail. And the weight of expectation can test even the most experienced leaders and teams. So, what can we learn about the mechanics of managing a successful turnaround from the people who’ve done it? That’s what we’re exploring with Zak Brown, CEO at McLaren Racing, and Pauline Biddle, partner in M&A at Deloitte UK, in this episode of The Green Room as we ask: What does it take to turn things around? Tune in to find out: The essential first step all leaders must take when beginning a turnaround. How cultural change affects commercial success – and vice versa. Zak’s advice to leaders who find themselves under pressure. What kind of mistakes are important to make while turning a business around. Enjoyed this episode? Check our website for our recommendations to learn more about this topic: deloitte.co.uk/greenroompodcasts You can also watch our episodes on Youtube: youtube.com/@DeloitteUK  Scope here:  scope.org.uk   Guests: Zak Brown, CEO at McLaren Racing, and Pauline Biddle, partner at Deloitte Hosts: Lizzie Elston and Annie Wong Original music: Ali Barrett

Better healthcare and schools. More jobs. A growing economy. Improved infrastructure. Planet-saving solutions and disruptive technology. Anything else? As the list for what would improve our lives gets longer, our demand on governments around the world gets greater. In fact, research shows our expectations are at an all-time high.   But can all the things that the world needs really be delivered by new policies, new budgets and new leaders alone? Or is it our expectations that need to change? The world has changed, but the ways in which the state tries to change the world have largely stayed the same. A combination of taxation, spend and policy are traditionally used to improve things, but is it time to try something new? And if demand continues to increase and challenges continue to grow, then what will future governments look like?   In this episode of The Green Room we talk to Sir John Manzoni, former Permanent Secretary for the Cabinet Office and Chief Executive of the UK Civil Service and Deloitte partner Libby Mason, as we ask; Can governments do everything? Tune in to find out:  Why our expectations of the state have changed The opportunities for greater collaboration between the public and private sectors How traditional systems can be adapted to meet new expectations The role technology can play in helping governments deliver improved service Enjoyed this episode? Check our website for our recommendations to learn more about this topic: deloitte.co.uk/greenroompodcasts You can also watch our episodes on Youtube: youtube.com/@DeloitteUK  Cook For Good here: cookforgood.uk Guests: Sir John Manzoni, former Permanent Secretary for the Cabinet Office and Chief Executive of the UK Civil Service, and Libby Mason, partner at Deloitte Hosts: Stephanie Dobbs and Oli Carpenter Original music: Ali Barrett

Setting timers. Downloading apps. Standing desks. Getting up at 5am. A new week, a new productivity ‘hack’. But is chasing productivity actually helping us to get more done? Or simply giving us more to do? Feeling productive can mean different things on different days. Sometimes it’s flying through our to-do list. Sometimes it’s spending hours thinking of an idea that will go on to change everything. But do we value one type of productivity more than the other? And could doing so be holding us back? Solving the productivity puzzle seems like it could benefit everyone, so how do we do it? Does getting more done really come down to where and when we work? What role can AI and technology play in boosting productivity? How does company culture affect our output? And where can businesses and leaders invest their resources to help improve productivity in a way that works for all of us? That’s what we’re exploring with guests Professor Michael Clinton, Professor of Work Psychology at King’s College London and Deloitte partner, Shivani Maitra, in this episode of The Green Room, as we ask: What’s the secret to doing our best work?   Tune in to find out: What we need to understand about ourselves to be more productive  The difference between performance and productivity  How we can ‘craft’ our roles – while doing them  What leaders can do to help their teams get more done   Enjoyed this episode? Check our website for our recommendations to learn more about this topic: deloitte.co.uk/greenroompodcasts You can also watch our episodes over on YouTube: youtube.com/@DeloitteUK  Guests: Michael Clinton, Professor of Work Psychology at King’s College London and Deloitte partner Shivani Maitra Hosts: Steph Dobbs and Oli Carpenter Original music: Ali Barrett

We’re all familiar with change. Our schedules change. Projects change. The world changes. It’s the only constant, as they say. And so, we learn how to adapt to new landscapes, adjusting our plans and executing accordingly. But transforming something and making real progress – that’s another beast altogether. It’s about moving from who you are to who you want to be. About reinventing a business for the future. Or shaping a project that will impact lives for years to come. Making progress involves risk. Trying new things. Stepping outside of your comfort zone. All while making sure it’s ultimately helping society and business move forward. It starts from a vision, but the road to get there is often winding and unexpected. So, what can we learn from those who’ve been there and done it? We’re joined in this episode by Mark Wild, CEO of HS2, and Lorraine Mackin, UK Lead Partner for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Government, to ask: What's the difference between change and transformation? Tune in to find out: Why Mark doesn’t like “the T word”   The biggest transformation project facing the world    The vision behind some of society’s biggest transformations What Mark’s learnt from managing high-profile and large-scale transformation projects    Enjoyed this episode? Check our website for our recommendations to learn more about this topic: deloitte.co.uk/greenroompodcasts You can also watch our episodes over on YouTube: youtube.com/@DeloitteUK Guests: Mark Wild, CEO of HS2 and Lorraine Mackin, UK Lead Partner for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Government Hosts: Annie Wong and Lizzie Elston Original music: Ali Barrett

Rome wasn’t built in a day. The tortoise beats the hare. More haste, less speed.   We’ve heard the adages. And we know why they’re used. We know that behind every overnight success is years of hard work. But that doesn’t stop us being fascinated by them.   Whether it’s a singer, a new app, a sports team or a start-up, we can all think of sudden stratospheric rises. They’re exciting, they’re inspiring and we want to know the secrets behind them.   But once the smoke clears and the spotlight has faded, we’re left with another question - how do you make that success last? To ensure that flurries of excitement don’t turn into passing fads – and fuzzy memories. That quick wins turn into continual wins. That overnight success becomes lasting impact. In this episode of The Green Room we talk to CEO of Barclays Women’s Super League and Barclays Women’s Championship, Nikki Doucet and Deloitte partner and leader of Deloitte Ventures, Scott Campbell as we ask; How do you build long-term success? Tune in to find out:  Why failure can form the foundations for success The biggest lesson Nikki learnt from her time at Nike What a responsible business looks like in today’s market How businesses can balance short-term pressure with long-term vision Enjoyed this episode? Check our website for our recommendations to learn more about this topic: deloitte.co.uk/greenroompodcasts You can also watch our episodes on Youtube: youtube.com/@DeloitteUK  Cook For Good here: cookforgood.uk Guests: Nikki Doucet, CEO of Barclays Women’s Super League and Barclays Women’s Championship, and Scott Campbell, partner at Deloitte Hosts: Lizzie Elston and Stephanie Dobbs Original music: Ali Barrett

After many years of space exploration, what was once science fiction is now a reality – and a thriving industry.   The space economy is predicted to grow at twice the speed of GDP over the next 10 years. Which is great news for the people in spacesuits, the people at ground control and the entrepreneurs behind it all.   But what does it mean for the rest of us? As infinity and beyond moves closer into view, there’s a lot to be explored. And although we’re not entirely sure what’s out there, experts suspect we could find answers to some of our planet’s most pressing problems. Things like the climate emergency, energy sources, and economic and humanitarian concerns.    So, how do we ensure that we’re exploring the final frontier to its fullest and that the solutions discovered are brought back to benefit everyone? In this episode of The Green Room we ask whether we can all win from the space race with Professor Brian Cox, physicist, author and presenter and Mollie Martin, Strategy Manager in Deloitte Innovation & Ventures’ SpaceTech team. Tune in to find out:  Why we’re at a critical moment in the space race Which space-led discoveries are benefitting us today  The ideas that Brian Cox discussed with Jeff Bezos How space exploration could change how we work Enjoyed this episode? Check our website for our recommendations to learn more about this topic: deloitte.co.uk/greenroompodcasts You can also watch our episodes on Youtube: youtube.com/@DeloitteUK  Loaf Catering here: loafcatering.com Guests: Brian Cox, physicist, author and presenter, and Mollie Martin from Deloitte  Hosts: Lizzie Elston and Oliver Carpenter Original music: Ali Barrett

Have you ever heard of a ‘vibecession’? It’s when we feel like we’re in a recession, without actually being in one. When there’s a disconnect between feelings and facts. Feel familiar? Economists are telling us that things are on the up. GDP is growing. Inflation is down. And wages are up. So why does it feel like the mood of the population is heading in the opposite direction to the graphs? It could be because our day-to-day experiences don’t match up with the data. It’s expensive to fill up our car. Our weekly shop costs more. And that lived reality feels more real than stats and commentary. But should we trust the mood of the country over what the data is showing us? Do emotions speak louder than economic indicators? And is there a way to close the gap between our feelings and the facts? That’s what we’re exploring with Linda Yueh, economist and broadcaster, and Tom Simmons, Senior Economist at Deloitte UK, in this episode of The Green Room as we ask: Do facts or feelings fuel our economy? Tune in to find out:  What ‘animal spirits’ have to do with the economy Why disconnects between the data and our reality occur The alternative ways we can measure economic success How the media influences our economic perspective Enjoyed this episode? Check our website for our recommendations to learn more about this topic: deloitte.co.uk/greenroompodcasts You can also watch our episodes on Youtube: youtube.com/@DeloitteUK  Loaf Catering here: loafcatering.com Guests: Linda Yueh, economist and broadcaster, and Tom Simmons from Deloitte  Hosts: Stephanie Dobbs and Oliver Carpenter Original music: Ali Barrett

It’s estimated that 15 to 20% of the global population is neurodivergent.  1 in 5 people.  But fear of stigma prevents many from disclosing this in their workplaces.   That’s a lot of people not bringing their full selves – and skills – to work. And companies not getting the best of their brilliant talent.    For some, choosing to disclose can be empowering and spotlight their strengths. But it can also be complex to navigate. Especially when there’s stereotypes or lack of education and understanding.  So, what can companies do to become more inclusive for neurodiverse people – and make the most of their talents?     That’s what we’re exploring with Steve Hill, Chief Commercial Officer at auticon, and Matt Stallard, leader of Tech Strategy & Transformation and ServiceNow practices at Deloitte, in this episode of The Green Room as we ask: How can companies think differently about people who think differently?    What made our guests want to get involved in this space? How have they seen things change throughout their careers? And how are they building neuroinclusive workplaces now? Is there still stigma – and how can businesses best tackle this and increase understanding?  What can companies do to create inclusive workspaces that enable people with neurodivergent traits to succeed? How do we ensure line managers are equipped to support neurodivergent talent? Could it actually be a catalyst for business growth? And how can businesses ensure they get the best out of people and how they work? Tune in to find out: Why Matt became so passionate about neurodiversity  The story behind the largest majority-autistic company in the world  The small changes that make all the difference when hiring neurodivergent people   The secret to getting the best out of people and how they work Enjoyed this episode? Check our website for our recommendations to learn more about this topic: deloitte.co.uk/greenroompodcasts You can also watch our episodes over on YouTube: youtube.com/@DeloitteUK  Guests: Steve Hill, Chief Commercial Officer at auticon, and Matt Stallard, Technology Strategy and Transformation Lead partner at Deloitte Hosts: Annie Wong and Oli Carpenter Original music: Ali Barrett

Beating the odds. Getting the gold. Staying fearless. Showing strength. Never stopping.    We hear those words used about some of the world’s biggest role models. The people who, when the spotlight shines on them, seem superhuman. But what if we switched that spotlight to focus on the human too, rather than just the super?   Instead of beating the odds, our hero got beaten – but came back next time. Instead of staying fearless, they felt the fear but did it anyway. Instead of showing strength, they showed softness. Instead of never stopping, they asked to take a break.   Role models are important – particularly for women and girls. And even more so for the team of five girls from Grey Coat Hospital School who’ve worked with us on this special episode of The Green Room. Winners of a nationwide competition to host and produce The Green Room, the girls were interested in how we can find more representative role models and celebrate their stories. Joining them in the studio to explore the topic is Eilish McColgan, Team GB Olympian and long-distance runner, and Lucy Traynor, UK Purpose Lead at Deloitte.   Tune in to find out:  Why role models are so important and how they influence us The responsibility that comes with being an inspiration for others How to find authentic role models to connect with Why social media is changing how we share our stories Enjoyed this episode? Check our website for our recommendations to learn more about this topic: deloitte.co.uk/greenroompodcasts You can also watch our episodes on YouTube: youtube.com/@DeloitteUK  Find out more about Debate Mate here: debatemate.com Guests: Eilish McColgan, Team GB Olympian and long-distance runner, and Lucy Traynor, UK Purpose Lead at Deloitte Hosts: Annie Wong and Portia Gitau Original music: Ali Barrett

Ding. Breaking news. Ding. New email. Ding. Whatsapp group. Ding. New email. Ding. Whatsapp again. Ding. Another email. Ding. Ding. Ding. Studies show that we have more information in our brains than almost anyone alive hundreds of years ago processed in their lifetime. And it feels like it, doesn’t it?  So we’re receiving more information than ever before. And there are more ways than ever before to send it. But that doesn’t mean we’re any better at communicating it. That we’re understanding it. Or feeling understood.  Whether we’re home or at work, getting communication right is important. It’s the most sought-after soft skill in the job market, but for a ‘soft’ skill it can be hard to master. So, what can we learn from the world’s best communicators? And how can we apply it to our careers, our teams and our businesses? That’s what we’re exploring with Ros Atkins, BBC journalist and analysis editor, and Drew McMillan, Director of Communications and Engagement at Deloitte, in this episode of The Green Room as we ask: Can we communicate better by saying less? Tune in to find out:  What Ros learned from Obama’s former speech writer Why communicating well is more challenging than ever before A common mistake we all make when communicating at work One phrase that can make any message resonate Enjoyed this episode? Check our website for our recommendations to learn more about this topic: deloitte.co.uk/greenroompodcasts You can also watch our episodes on Youtube: youtube.com/@DeloitteUK  Loaf Catering here: loafcatering.com Guests: Ros Atkins, BBC journalist and broadcaster, and Drew McMillan from Deloitte Hosts: Stephanie Dobbs and Lizzie Elston Original music: Ali Barrett

Chief Happiness Officer. Head of Wellbeing. Chief Sustainability Officer. Diversity and inclusion leader. A scroll on LinkedIn will point to many of these kinds of roles that exist within companies these days. But should they? Being an inclusive business. Making sure operations are sustainable. And people are happy.  These things have always been important in business. And our understanding of matters like diversity and sustainability has never been better. So, why is it still hard to see positive change in these areas? Is it only by having dedicated roles that we can make progress happen? Does professionalising these areas unlock better investment rather than it being a side of desk project? And why is it then that we’re still a long way from where we need to be? In this episode, we’re joined by Naomi Sesay, Head of Creative Equity at Channel 4, and Smruti Naik-Jones, Chief Sustainability Officer for Deloitte UK and North South Europe, as we ask: Are the most important jobs those that shouldn’t exist? How important are these roles in business and do they always have the desired effect? What would the world of work look like without them? How do these roles help us attract top talent and retain our people? And do they really help drive better business performance?  What about their impact in helping us identify future policies? Do these roles encourage us to think and act differently when there’s a strong leader paving the way? How do we make sure it’s everyone’s job vs working in silos? And will we ever get to a place where we don’t need these roles? Tune in to find out: The reason your LinkedIn feed is full of creative job titles The unexpected roles that are key to business performance  Whether sustainability and diversity roles will ever stop existing  How anyone can be part of driving meaningful change in their company Enjoyed this episode? Check our website for our recommendations to learn more about this topic: deloitte.co.uk/greenroompodcasts You can also watch our episodes over on YouTube: youtube.com/@DeloitteUK Guests: Naomi Sesay, Head of Creative Equity at Channel 4, and Smruti Naik-Jones, Chief Sustainability Officer for Deloitte UK and North South Europe Hosts: Annie Wong and Stephanie Dobbs Original music: Ali Barrett

All day, every day, we can access masses of information at the touch of a button. Or the sound of a voice command.   However, we can access a lot of misinformation too.   We’ve all seen examples of deepfakes, online scams and misinformation shape the headlines – and then become the headlines. The most common conclusion? It’s AI’s fault.   Would it surprise you that 70% of us are concerned about the use of deepfakes, data privacy issues, security risks and the spread of misinformation? And although the cause of these issues is multi-faceted, there’s no doubt that their association with AI is impacting our opinion of the technology. So, is the rise in online misinformation a sign that our trust in the new technology is misplaced? Or could AI be the cure for misinformation, rather than the cause? That’s what we’re exploring with Georgie Barrat, tech journalist and broadcaster, and Paul Lee, Global Head of Research at Deloitte in this episode of The Green Room. Tune in to find out:  How a rise in the use of AI has led to a rise in misinformation The existing technology that could be used to stop deep fakes The role businesses can play in helping build trust in AI One thing we can all do to help limit the spread of misinformation Enjoyed this episode? Check our website for our recommendations to learn more about this topic: deloitte.co.uk/greenroompodcasts You can also watch our episodes on Youtube: youtube.com/@DeloitteUK  Check out Cook For Good here: cookforgood.uk Guests: Georgie Barrat, journalist and broadcaster, and Paul Lee from Deloitte Hosts: Annie Wong and Lizzie Elston Original music: Ali Barrett  

“In a world where you can be anything, be kind.”    It’s a famous saying. And it sounds simple enough. But is it? And is there room for it at work if we want to achieve our career goals? Being kind to others may come easy, but what about being kind towards ourselves while chasing our dreams?  But this isn’t just a nice to have. In the UK alone, mental health problems cost employers £51 billion per year. So how can we get better at looking after ourselves? And what roles do leaders play in cultivating healthy environments and where people can thrive and reach their potential? And how can we prioritise our mental wellbeing at work and create an environment where we all bring our best – with brilliant results?  In this episode, we’re joined by David Beeney, Founder of Breaking the Silence and mental health consultant, and Elizabeth Hampson, a Life Sciences and Health partner at Deloitte and leader of Deloitte Health Equity Institute Europe as we ask: Can you be kind and high-performing? As individuals, how can we best manage stress at work? How can we best support ourselves and our colleagues? What’s the key to strengthening our resilience and adopting a positive mindset? And is the key to being able to look after others to look after ourselves first? How can businesses foster better working environments while still encouraging people to perform at their best? What role do line managers and those above play? And is modern-day technology helping or hindering? What’s the cost benefit of investing in mental health? And are businesses promoting mental wellbeing as well as they could? Tune in to find out: How to look after yourself and others at work How businesses and leaders can help cultivate healthy working environments The role technology plays in our mental wellbeing How to unlock your potential and adopt a positive mindset Enjoyed this episode? Check our website for our recommendations to learn more about this topic: deloitte.co.uk/greenroompodcasts You can also watch our episodes over on YouTube: youtube.com/@DeloitteUK  Guests: David Beeney, Founder of Breaking the Silence and mental health consultant, and Elizabeth Hampson, a Life Sciences and Health partner at Deloitte and leader of Deloitte Health Equity Institute Europe Hosts: Annie Wong and Lizzie Elston Original music: Ali Barrett