Imagine This...

What becomes possible when your AI-enabled headset is as light and comfortable as an ordinary pair of glasses? BCG’s Kristi Woolsey imagines a world with an AI third eye, where your glasses can instantly provide information, warnings or advice. This new generation of smart glasses could also help you learn new skills, whether cooking at home or mastering technical aspects of your job. But Woolsey also warns that we’ll need to put limits on the technology– these new glasses might also be able to reveal things about other people that are better left private.  Learn More: Kristi Woolsey: https://on.bcg.com/4cWZxXK BCG on Augmented and Virtual Reality: https://on.bcg.com/4d3LFva GenAI on GenAI: https://link.chtbl.com/bcg-genai-on-genai?sid=IT CEO Digest: https://link.chtbl.com/ceo-digest-bcg-show?sid=IT 

BCG’s Mary Martin imagines a future where restaurants will harness advances in artificial intelligence, data management, and robotics to create a better experience for both customers and staff. This could involve using AI to personalize dining or deploying robots in the kitchen to help the chef with certain repetitive tasks. While these advances will usher in a unique customer experience, restaurants will still need a human touch.   Learn More: Mary Martin: https://on.bcg.com/3Bo1mjM Menu for One: GenAI Lets Restaurants Get Personal: https://on.bcg.com/3BbO3mH Where’s the Value in AI?: https://on.bcg.com/3OV7lzD CEO Moments of Truth: https://on.bcg.com/ITMoT GenAI on GenAI: https://link.chtbl.com/bcg-genai-on-genai?sid=IT CEO Digest: https://link.chtbl.com/ceo-digest-bcg-show?sid=IT 

By the year 2035, we will likely be able to utilize AI to crunch complex data sets and produce far more accurate predictions of the future, for everything from stock market fluctuations to consumer trends. Already, meteorologists are using AI to improve weather forecasting—for instance, by more accurately predicting when a hurricane will make landfall. But BCG’s Alan Iny says this does not mean that business leaders will be able to dispense with planning for multiple scenarios. Predictions will never be perfect—and everyone will have access to the same tools—so strategic planning will remain critical even as it evolves in new ways.  Learn More: Alan Iny: https://on.bcg.com/4fCNDo5 Are Leaders as Prepared for Strategic Risks as They Think They Are?: https://on.bcg.com/3AXqw8J BCG on Corporate Finance and Strategy: https://on.bcg.com/496c3Ek CEO Moments of Truth: https://on.bcg.com/ITMoT GenAI on GenAI: https://lnk.to/bcg-genai-on-genai-series-link04CEO Digest: https://lnk.to/ceo-digest-general-series-link04

Quantum computers harness the almost mystical properties of subatomic particles to solve problems that are beyond even the most powerful “classical” computers available today. Will these computers usher in a new generation of custom pharmaceuticals and sustainable materials—or will they be used to crack every password and create global chaos? BCG’s Antoine Gourévitch imagines the coming age of quantum computers and dives deep into ways they could supercharge the discovery of new materials. But the quantum age comes with huge risks as well; governments around the world are already racing to develop quantum-safe passwords that will keep our data secure.  Learn More: Antoine Gourévitch: https://on.bcg.com/4hMrXaQBCG on Quantum Computing: https://on.bcg.com/3AGK415GenAI on GenAI: https://lnk.to/bcg-genai-on-genai-series-link04CEO Digest: https://lnk.to/ceo-digest-general-series-link04CEO Moments of Truth: https://on.bcg.com/ITMoT 

How will advances in sustainable materials and modular construction change how homes are designed and built? And how will these innovations address the urgent need for affordable housing? BCG’s Matthias Tauber suggests ways to solve the housing crisis through changes in design, manufacturing, materials, permitting, and financing. Homes of the future will provide more alternatives, often by reimagining shared spaces and resources in flexible ways that allow for custom designs. The one no-regret move? Tauber says: invest in technology.  Learn More: Matthias Tauber: https://on.bcg.com/4fh2mo2 Building Materials Industry: https://on.bcg.com/3Ultz19 GenAI on GenAI: https://lnk.to/bcg-genai-on-genai-series-link04CEO Digest: https://lnk.to/ceo-digest-general-series-link04CEO Moments of Truth: https://on.bcg.com/ITMoT 

Imagine walking into an AI-enabled grocery store that knows what you eat, how fit you are, and other personal health data, and can steer you towards healthier choices - and give you discounts on them. BCG’s John Paschkewitz explores a world where governments, insurance companies, and grocery and pharmacy chains join forces to individualize and subsidize products that are better for your health.  We could lead healthier lives, save money, and make environmentally sustainable choices. But we would all need to get comfortable sharing a lot more information about ourselves. Learn More: John Paschkewitz: https://on.bcg.com/3BDpjDs Can Deep Tech Innovation Generate Green Products?: https://on.bcg.com/4dIpDOS BCG on Deep Tech: https://on.bcg.com/4eYpHee CEO Moments of Truth: https://on.bcg.com/ITMoT GenAI on GenAI: https://lnk.to/bcg-genai-on-genai-series-link04CEO Digest: https://lnk.to/ceo-digest-general-series-link04

What will it be like to apply for permits, pay taxes, and more when governments embrace artificial intelligence and everyone has a secure digital ID? BCG’s Miguel Carrasco imagines a future where the government moves beyond the traditional brick-and-mortar to bespoke digital assistants that anticipate and streamline everything you need. This could eliminate chronic complaints about government services—that they are slow and cumbersome and don’t facilitate business development. But Miguel also warns that these advantages also come with risk: governments will need to be ever more focused on cybersecurity.   Learn More: Miguel Carrasco: https://on.bcg.com/4duhPjF  Digital Government: https://on.bcg.com/3XL48XI GenAI: The Trust Multiplier for Government: https://on.bcg.com/4f37mwP GenAI on GenAI: https://lnk.to/bcg-genai-on-genai-series-link04CEO Digest: https://lnk.to/ceo-digest-general-series-link04CEO Moments of Truth: https://on.bcg.com/ITMoT  

What becomes possible when your AI-enabled headset is as light and comfortable as an ordinary pair of glasses? BCG’s Kristi Woolsey imagines a world with an AI third eye, where your glasses can instantly provide information, warnings or advice. This new generation of smart glasses could also help you learn new skills, whether cooking at home or mastering technical aspects of your job. But Woolsey also warns that we’ll need to put limits on the technology– these new glasses might also be able to reveal things about other people that are better left private. Learn More: Kristi Woolsey: https://on.bcg.com/4cWZxXK BCG on Augmented and Virtual Reality: https://on.bcg.com/4d3LFva CEO Moments of Truth: https://on.bcg.com/ITMoTGenAI on GenAI: https://lnk.to/bcg-genai-on-genai-series-link04CEO Digest: https://lnk.to/ceo-digest-general-series-link04

What would you do with access to a constellation of low-Earth orbit satellites that can provide real-time access to data and surveillance and seamless connectivity? BCG’s Troy Thomas imagines a future where businesses use satellites to guide autonomous vehicles or use satellites to research and manufacture new materials that can be formed only in zero gravity. But, Thomas says, these satellites come with risks, such as privacy and security, heightened cyber risk, the proliferation of space junk, and the possibility of a major solar storm that could disrupt service around the world. Learn More:  Troy Thomas: on.bcg.com/3xhife1 Strategies for Space Agency Success in a Commercial Era: on.bcg.com/3VmXFAP Governments Need a New Approach to SATCOM: on.bcg.com/4aY1F0F Space Sector Consulting and Strategy: on.bcg.com/3RuN5H4 

When Mario Rodriguez emigrated from Cuba to the United States at age 14 with his parents — a university professor, and a teacher turned electrical engineer — they had already instilled in him the value of education and a love of learning. That passion has guided him throughout his career — as a program manager with Microsoft; then as part of GitHub, following Microsoft’s 2018 acquisition of the developer platform; and as a cofounder of a charter school in North Carolina. Now, as senior vice president of product at GitHub, Mario oversees the team developing the GitHub Copilot AI-assisted software development tool. Mario joins this episode to share his views on product development, GitHub Copilot’s effect on productivity and job satisfaction, and a future in which more people can easily develop their own software.Guest bio: Mario Rodriguez leads the GitHub Product team as senior vice president of product. His core identity is that of a learner, and his passion is creating developer tools — so much so that he has spent the past 20 years in leadership roles across Microsoft and GitHub. His most recent work involves overseeing GitHub’s AI strategy and launching and growing the GitHub Copilot product line across thousands of organizations and millions of users. Rodriguez also cochairs a charter school that he cofounded in an effort to help progress STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) education in rural regions of the United States. Me, Myself, and AI is a collaborative podcast from MIT Sloan Management Review and Boston Consulting Group and is hosted by Sam Ransbotham and Shervin Khodabandeh. Our engineer is David Lishansky, and the coordinating producers are Allison Ryder and Andy Goffin. Stay in touch with us by joining our LinkedIn group, AI for Leaders at mitsmr.com/AIforLeaders or by following Me, Myself, and AI on LinkedIn. We encourage you to rate and review the show. Your comments may be used in Me, Myself, and AI materials. Subscribe Here: https://link.chtbl.com/pxsEZ4pf?sid=imaginethis 

By 2030, the best CIO might be a CIB: a chief intelligence bot. And the human CEO might be bolstered by a swarm of CEO bots, able to harness a vast diversity of perspectives. Can you imagine? In this episode, BCG’s Mickey McManus envisions a future where top leaders share the corner office with AI—blending the logical with human intuition. Mickey, a BCG senior advisor and a pioneer in human-centered design, considers how a company like this would function. Hint: he recommends an approach much like jazz improvisation.   Learn More You’ll find more of what BCG has to say about generative AI here:  https://on.bcg.com/3UuWtNd  Listen to more of GENE, BCG's AI bot here:GenAI on GenAI: https://lnk.to/bcg-genai-on-genai-series-link04CEO Digest: https://lnk.to/ceo-digest-general-series-link04Also, in this episode, Mickey recommends an entirely new reading list for the C-suite, including:  -Iain M. Banks’s Culture series: https://www.amazon.com/The-Culture-9-book-series/dp/B07WLZZ9WV -Joy Buolamwini’s Unmasking AI [https://www.amazon.com/Unmasking-AI-Mission-Protect-Machines/dp/0593241835] -Safiya Umoja Noble’s Algorithms of Oppression [https://www.amazon.com/Algorithms-Oppression-Search-Engines-Reinforce/dp/1479837245] 

In this special episode, we’re taking you back to Season 1 for Andrea Gallego’s conversation with Alaina Percival, co-founder and then CEO of Women Who Code—the largest and most active community for technical women worldwide. Alaina shares her career path; she’s run niche products for Puma in Germany, led developer outreach for a technical recruiting company in San Francisco, and taught herself to code.  As the CEO of Women Who Code, she works to inspire women to thrive in the tech industry.  Alaina shares how she navigates the always near and dear imposter syndrome; if you aren’t feeling it—you may have been in your role too long. There should always be 40% that you don’t know.  She also emphasizes the importance of community and support; don’t be shy to reach out and share your goals—there is a very accessible and supportive community willing to help. Visit Women Who Code to access free resources & workshops, browse job & scholarship opportunities, and engage with an amazing network of technical women across the globe. Join us every episode with hosts Suchi Srinivasan & Kamila Rakimovha from BCG to hear meaningful conversations with women in digital, technology, and business. Subscribe Here: https://lnk.to/bcg-in-her-ellement-series-link04

Some argue that self-generating software will be a revolutionary development for businesses, others contend that it may be unwieldy.  BCG’s Vladimir Lukic believes that it will be a playful thought partner for business leaders to steer and sanity-check. It will make nimble exploration and innovation possible so that every company can have the bespoke and custom programs it needs. What should leaders do until the unknown point in the future when self-writing software is a reality?     Learn More: More about what BCG has to say on GenAI: https://on.bcg.com/3P3JmyN   Turning GenAI Magic into Business Impact: https://on.bcg.com/3uYvgrB   Vlad Lukic: https://on.bcg.com/48vMXfT  GenAI on GenAI: https://lnk.to/bcg-genai-on-genai-series-link04 

What would you do with access to a constellation of low-Earth orbit satellites that can provide real-time access to data and surveillance and seamless connectivity? BCG’s Troy Thomas imagines a future where businesses use satellites to guide autonomous vehicles or use satellites to research and manufacture new materials that can be formed only in zero gravity. But, Thomas says, these satellites come with risks, such as privacy and security, heightened cyber risk, the proliferation of space junk, and the possibility of a major solar storm that could disrupt service around the world.  Learn More:  Troy Thomas: on.bcg.com/3xhife1 Strategies for Space Agency Success in a Commercial Era: on.bcg.com/3VmXFAP Governments Need a New Approach to SATCOM: on.bcg.com/4aY1F0F Space Sector Consulting and Strategy: on.bcg.com/3RuN5H4 GenAI on GenAI: https://lnk.to/bcg-genai-on-genai-series-link04CEO Digest: https://lnk.to/ceo-digest-general-series-link04

What will it be like to shop when technology has evolved to essentially eliminate the cost of home delivery? BCG’s Brad Loftus imagines a future where sensors in our homes know what needs replenishing and items are delivered from warehouses without ever being touched by human hands. These innovations will change everything about the retail experience, including the elimination, or radical redesign, of many brick-and-mortar stores. Yet, Brad contends, this future could result in a more personalized shopping experience for many products.  Learn More:  Brad Loftus: https://on.bcg.com/3xcqbx3 Retail Industry: https://on.bcg.com/3VyVuLO The Innovation Edge for Retailers: https://on.bcg.com/3xbVbxm 

Will a coming generation of AI bots be able to generate and iterate ideas as well as or better than people? Will knowledge workers be replaced by machines? BCG’s Matthew Sinclair imagines a future where technology could replace writers, software engineers, and, yes, consultants–although he’s not convinced that businesses should lose the human touch. There are inherent risks in handing over the most creative elements of your business to bots–including perpetuating what Matthew calls “the tyranny of the banal.”    Learn More:  Matthew Sinclair: https://on.bcg.com/4btUGgN AI at Scale: https://on.bcg.com/44Y6pSu Matthew Sinclair on Medium: https://matthewsinclair.medium.com/ GenAI on GenAI: https://lnk.to/bcg-genai-on-genai-series-link04CEO Digest: https://lnk.to/ceo-digest-general-series-link04

Listen to BCG's brand new podcast! Join BCG AI conversational agent GENE and editor in chief Paul Michelman as they discuss the ideas that GENE has identified as the BCG insights most relevant for CEOs this month. In May, GENE wants to make sure you are up to speed on the value of transforming before performance stalls, an unexpected opportunity to realign your organization around purpose, and the critical intersection of AI and water management—and what you can do about it.LEARN MOREAfter you listen, dive deep into the details in these bcg.com publications:Consumers Know More About AI Than Business Leaders Think (https://on.bcg.com/3WvC6QY)Five Truths (and One Lie) About Corporate Transformation (https://on.bcg.com/3JOOJPx)The Purpose-Driven Digital Transformation (https://on.bcg.com/44NwrrH)How to Manage AI’s Thirst for Water (https://on.bcg.com/4bmKmrb).Find CEO Digest here: https://lnk.to/ceo-digest-general-series-link04And you'll find even more of BCG's informative insights and experts at The So What from BCG podcast at https://lnk.to/so-what-general-show10

How should business leaders prepare to do business in a new new world order? BCG’s Nikolaus Lang prepares executives to completely rethink trade in a multipolar future, in which they must navigate different geopolitical, social, and environmental considerations. Finding the least expensive place to manufacture a product to sell to customers across the globe won’t work anymore. Instead, companies will have to operate within new trade blocs. Organization structure, supply chains, customer expectations…much will have to change. Help Us Imagine the Future--Send Us Your Ideas or Questions What major changes or disruptions do YOU see on the horizon? Please email us the future scenario you’d like us to explore. Or, send us a question you might have for GENE or about working with GENE.  Email it to: imaginethis@bcg.com. We will pick our favorites and explore them with GENE in an upcoming episode of Imagine This. Learn More:  Nikolaus Lang: on.bcg.com/3JF4CYD International Trade: https://on.bcg.com/3QnA4hS  Which Economies Benefit the Most from Free Trade Agreements?: on.bcg.com/4dfwhgn Jobs, National Security, and the Future of Trade: https://on.bcg.com/3xXY050 GenAI on GenAI: https://lnk.to/bcg-genai-on-genai-series-link04

Peering into the future, BCG’s Judith Wallenstein paints a picture of organizational leadership upended by AI, global volatility, and blurring boundaries between companies that work together. She muses that the chief executive officer role may morph into a chief ecosystem orchestrator role and demand leadership traits and backgrounds far different than we see today. How would top executives deploy influence, foster trusting relationships, and welcome and accept challenges that enhance corporate decision making?   Help Us Imagine the Future--Send Us Your Ideas or Questions What major changes or disruptions do YOU see on the horizon?Please email us the future scenario you’d like us to explore. Or, send us a question you might have for GENE or about working with GENE.  Email it to: imaginethis@bcg.com. We will pick our favorites and explore them with GENE in an upcoming episode of Imagine This. Learn More: Judith Wallenstein:on.bcg.com/3Ub1UQH For CEOs, It’s About Time: https://on.bcg.com/3xw9oVE The CEO’s Guide to the Generative AI Revolution: on.bcg.com/3QkfbEr Imagine This: on.bcg.com/3VSiDJG GenAI on GenAI: https://lnk.to/bcg-genai-on-genai-series-link04

Middle management. Senior leaders say it’s a sticking point; individual contributors say it’s not meeting needs; middle managers themselves say the role is a source of burnout. Julia Dhar, founder and leader of BCG’s Behavioral Science Lab, imagines a future in which AI takes over aspects of middle management. Among the most beneficial outcomes: companies keep their employees doing what they do best and senior leaders communicate their vision directly to the frontline. Help Us Imagine the Future--Send Us Your Ideas or QuestionsWhat major changes or disruptions do YOU see on the horizon?Please email us the future scenario you’d like us to explore. Or, send us a question you might have for GENE or about working with GENE. Email it to: imaginethis@bcg.com.We will pick our favorites and explore them with GENE in an upcoming episode of Imagine This.Learn More: Julia Dhar: https://on.bcg.com/49ifruf How to Create a Transformation that Lasts: https://on.bcg.com/3J0cbJg More on what BCG has to say about behavioral science: https://on.bcg.com/49lRpOO Julia’s TED Talk: How to disagree productively and find common ground | Julia Dhar (youtube.com) Gitte Frederiksen’s TED Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZ7ySrDVqOs&t=2s GenAI on GenAI: https://lnk.to/bcg-genai-on-genai-series-link04