The So What from BCG
Business
Technology
Business
Management

The So What from BCG

作者: Boston Consulting Group BCG
最近更新: 1天前
This podcast from Boston Consulting Group looks around the corner of today’s big business and social...

Recent Episodes

How BCG Is Rewriting Its Talent Playbook in the Age of AI

How BCG Is Rewriting Its Talent Playbook in the Age of AI

What happens when AI meets your most human processes like hiring, feedback, and development? Alicia Pittman, BCG’s global people chair, shares how the firm uses AI to amplify human strengths, not replace them. From building trust to rethinking management roles, she offers a roadmap for leaders navigating AI-powered change.  Learn More: Alicia Pittman: https://on.bcg.com/4pcZ2Qs BCG’s Latest Thinking on People Strategy: https://on.bcg.com/43X5rGT A Promise That Brings AI to Life Responsibly: https://on.bcg.com/4anxsLC Chapters: 00:00-00:56 Introduction/Alicia’s ‘So What’ 00:57-02:18 Lessons from BCG’s AI journey 02:19-05:24 Where is AI being used at BCG in people management? 05:25-07:08 What challenges has BCG faced? 07:09-08:04 What didn’t work at first? 08:05-09:43 How do you measure success with AI? 09:44-13:10 What are the biggest concerns for leaders at other companies? 13:11-14:56 What has to stay human? 14:57-15:40 What does a human in the loop look like for BCG? 15:41-18:50 Should you act now or wait and see how AI plays out? 18:51-21:38 How is AI reshaping how we learn? 21:39-21:59 Advice for leaders 22:00-22:50 Alicia’s ‘Now What’  22:51-23:06 Outro This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

2周前
23:06
What Sweatpants Can Teach Us about Generational Differences and Segmentation

What Sweatpants Can Teach Us about Generational Differences and Segmentation

Consumer companies are facing a new reality: demand is maturing, competition is intensifying, and generational preferences are diverging. Justin Vincent, part of BCG’s leadership team for consumer and fashion, explains how businesses can avoid fading into the background by choosing a durable purpose, serving real consumer needs, and mastering digital discovery. Learn More: BCG’s Latest Thinking on Consumer Products: https://on.bcg.com/4oLtmBB BCG on the Fashion Industry: https://on.bcg.com/4oJzSZh How Gen Z and Gen Alpha Are Rewiring the Fashion Industry: https://on.bcg.com/47LxcEH More on Fashion's Next Gen: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/christine-barton-486ab_retailleadership-genz-ai-activity-7395127354852839424-UpRu?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAACCYnPQBE42Xbwt6tSxmjChbfZwsa6uBvxcChapters: 00:00-01:19 Introduction/Justin’s ‘So What’ 01:20-02:32 The evolution of athleisure 02:33-03:46 Why has growth slowed? 03:47-04:56 Who is winning and will they continue to? 04:57-06:06 What is a ‘for purpose’ mindset? 06:07-08:38 How are different generations served? 08:39-10:29 How do brands decide what markets to serve? 10:30-12:32 How can you make your brand stand out? 12:33-16:03 How should companies decide where to focus? 16:04-17:39 How do brands decide where to localize and where to stay consistent? 17:40-18:52 What can consumer companies learn from sportswear brands? 18:53-19:55 What are the biggest challenges the industry is facing? 19:56-21:24 Justin’s ‘Now What’ 21:25-21:38 Outro This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

4周前
21:38
What’s Next in Medtech Matters to Us All

What’s Next in Medtech Matters to Us All

Medtech is a $900 billion industry transforming how we treat, diagnose, and prevent disease—but its innovation engine is slowing. Vikram Aggarwal, global leader of BCG’s medical technology work, explains what’s behind the slowdown and how leaders can rethink regulation, software, and talent to re-accelerate breakthroughs.  Learn More: Vikram Aggarwal: https://on.bcg.com/4osjpc6 BCG on Medtech: https://on.bcg.com/3LlJ6MC How Medtech Leaders Are Revving Up Their Innovation Engines: https://on.bcg.com/4op2Rl8 Chapters 00:00-01:25 Introduction/Vikram’s ‘So What’ 01:26-02:10 What is medtech? 02:11-03:46 Where are some of the most exciting innovations happening in medtech? 03:47-05:36 What areas get the most attention? 05:37-07:33 What are the barriers to innovation? 07:34-08:36 How do software and hardware innovation compare? 08:37-09:58 Software in a medical device vs software as a medical device 09:59-11:40 Is there a lag between innovation in software vs hardware? 11:41-13:41 What is the ideal innovation environment for medtech? 13:42-15:13 How do we fix the STEM skills shortage? 15:14-17:46 What will bring the most value over the next decade? 17:47-19:04 What is happening at startups vs established companies? 19:05 – 20:01 Vikram’s ‘Now What’ 20:02-20:15 Outro This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

2个月前
20:16
Your Next Business Move Should Be in Orbit

Your Next Business Move Should Be in Orbit

Space isn’t just for rockets and research anymore. Satellite technology drives precision navigation, automation, and connectivity—quietly powering everything from farming to finance. Troy Thomas, BCG’s global lead for space business, explains why CEOs need a deliberate space strategy to stay ahead of disruption and unlock new growth.   Learn More: Troy Thomas: https://on.bcg.com/4qhq5ea BCG on the Space Sector: https://on.bcg.com/4hohjqS Space Services Are the Next Frontier for Industrial Companies: https://on.bcg.com/47zs3za GAIA: A Foundation Model for Operational Atmospheric Dynamics: https://arxiv.org/abs/2505.18179 GAIA Foundation Model is available for download: https://huggingface.co/bcg-usra-nasa-gaia Chapters 00:00- 01:16 Introduction/Troy’s ‘So What’ 01:17-01:57 What would a day look like without space? 01:58-04:02 How big is the space industry? 04:03-06:01 The three pillars of space 06:02-08:05 What pillar is the most significant for growth? 08:06-10:40 What can space tech really do for a company? 10:41-12:50 Does every company need a space strategy? 12:51-14:22 What does a good space strategy look like? 14:23-15:52 How do you manage risks? 15:53-16:55 Why would you own your own space assets? 16:56-19:13 Is there enough space in space? 19:14-20:33 BCG’s work with NASA 20:34-22:21 How will space impact the future? 22:22-23:04 Troy’s ‘Now What’ 23:05-23:18 Outro This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

2个月前
23:18
The Button That Broke the Internet (and Built It Too)

The Button That Broke the Internet (and Built It Too)

The like button is more than a symbol — it’s a case study in how innovation really happens. Martin Reeves, chairman of the BCG Henderson Institute and co-author of Like: The Button That Changed the World, unpacks the messy, social, and often surprising process behind major breakthroughs — and what leaders can learn from it as they navigate the AI era. Learn More:  Martin Reeves: https://on.bcg.com/4pWlAph Like: The Button That Changed the World: https://www.amazon.com/Like-Button-That-Changed-World/dp/B0D8XM8GZT What the Like Button Can Teach Us About Innovation: https://on.bcg.com/48MmONK Vote for Georgie Here: https://vote.lovieawards.com/PublicVoting#/2025/podcasts/features/best-hostsChapters: 00:00-01:18 Introduction 01:19-02:50 The Story of ‘Like’ 02:51-03:42 Was the like button an invention? 03:43-05:00 Why do we like to ‘like’? 05:01-05:31 Is online liking the same as real world liking? 05:32-06:38 What has been the economic impact? 06:39-08:01 How to get innovation right 08:02-08:28 How do you foster an innovative environment? 08:29-09:33 What role does storytelling play? 09:34-12:10 The like button and regulation  12:11-13:21 What lessons can be applied to new tech? 13:22-14:31 The structure of the book14:32-16:44 Surprises when researching for the book 16:45-17:57 The business of thought leadership 17:58-18:46 What is the future of thought leadership? 18:47-19:34 What is next for innovation? 19:35-20:01 Outro This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

3个月前
20:02
Cracking the Code of Customer Contradictions

Cracking the Code of Customer Contradictions

AI and data help tell us what people do, but not why. Lauren Taylor, global leader of BCG’s Center for Customer Insight, makes sense of the mixed signals that consumers give off. To truly understand what drives people, businesses of course value robust, real-time data. But they also must uncover the context, motivators, and human truth behind every choice. Learn More:Lauren Taylor: https://on.bcg.com/4nfwZ1A BCG’s Latest Thinking on Customer Insights: https://on.bcg.com/46iy6Yt The Paradox of Pessimism: Why Gloomy Consumers Keep Spending: https://on.bcg.com/3Ir7FH2 Unpacking the $15 Trillion Opportunity in Leisure Travel: https://on.bcg.com/4gGyCTI Mapping the Consumer Touchpoints That Influence Decisions: https://on.bcg.com/3IBLBcD GenAI’s Role in Customer Insights: Think "And" Not "Or": https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/genais-role-customer-insights-think-ajr3c/ Chapters 00:00-01:25 Introduction/Lauren’s ‘So What’ 01:26-02:39 How can businesses cut through the contradictions and truly understand what customers want? 02:49-03:18 Should we just ignore what people say? 03:19-04:37 What is consumer sentiment? 04:38-05:35 What can businesses really learn from consumers? 05:36-06:20 What factors play into the say-do gap? 06:21-07:45 How much does emotion shape what people buy? 07:46-09:08 How and why should businesses deaverage the customer? 09:09-10:17: How nuanced is motivation across different regions? 10:18-12:10 What parts of the customer journey actually shape what people choose? 12:11-12:52 Has AI helped us better understand customers or made things more confusing? 12:53-13:51 How can companies make sense of conflicting signals? 13:52-14:46 How is AI changing the way that we understand consumer behavior? 14:47-16:19 With data available, why is it critical for businesses to still talk to customers? 16:20-17:07 What mistakes are companies making when it comes to listening to their customers? 17:08-17:32 What should companies look for in sentiment signals? 17:33-18:04 Lauren’s ‘Now What’ 18:05-18:27 Do milestone moments matter? 18:28-18:42 Outro This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

3个月前
18:42
M&A Is Heating Up. Is Your Dealmaking Still on Ice?

M&A Is Heating Up. Is Your Dealmaking Still on Ice?

M&A activity is waking up, but many companies are reluctant to leap into the fray. Daniel Friedman, BCG’s global leader of transactions and integrations, explains why bold moves now could pay off. Waiting may feel safe, but the cost could be forfeiting once-in-a-decade opportunities. Learn More: Daniel Friedman: https://on.bcg.com/4mWHyGW Mid-2025 M&A Insights: https://on.bcg.com/3V6ENGF BCG’s Latest Thinking on M&A: https://on.bcg.com/4ndP9QU BCG’s M&A Sentiment Index: https://on.bcg.com/3VEdBzb Chapters: 00:00-02:56 Intro/Daniel’s ‘So What’ 02:57-04:34 What is different now vs. the beginning of the year? 04:35-06:13 How quickly will the market recover? 06:14-08:20 What regions and sectors are particularly active? 08:21-09:01What are risks that could impede recovery? 09:02-10:26 What is wrong with waiting on the sidelines? 10:27-12:00 Do downturn deals tend to deliver more value than boom time deals? 12:01-13:25 What can a company to do ensure that it finds the right deal? 13:26-17:02 How has M&A changed in a more uncertain world? 17:03-18:03 How will AI evolve? 18:04-19:45 What are the winners doing right in this new environment? 19:46-21:16 The ‘Now What’ 21:17-21:33 OutroThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

4个月前
21:33
Don't Be a Statistic. Make Transformation Work.

Don't Be a Statistic. Make Transformation Work.

Transformation isn’t a gamble—it’s science. Kristy Ellmer, a leader with BCG Transform, unpacks the research behind what really makes change work: involving employees in the journey, preparing for the “messy middle,” and building emotional and practical support into the process. Successful efforts focus equally on shifting behaviors and mindsets, not just strategy and structure.  Learn More: Kristy Ellmer: https://www.bcg.com/about/people/experts/kristy-ellmer Preorder Kristy's Book: https://www.amazon.com/How-Change-Really-Works-Science-Based/dp/B0FHBXYSLZBCG’s Latest Thinking on Business Transformation: https://www.bcg.com/capabilities/business-transformation/insights To Keep Transformations on Track, Incentives Are Crucial: https://www.bcg.com/publications/2025/incentives-are-crucial-for-transformation-success The Transformation Paradox: How to Grow When the Growing Gets Tough: https://www.bcg.com/publications/2025/transformation-paradox-how-grow-when-growing-gets-tough This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

4个月前
22:04
Become the CEO of Your Health and Longevity

Become the CEO of Your Health and Longevity

What happens when people live decades longer than before—but not necessarily healthier? Iana Kouris, customer experience leader at BCG X, explores how companies can help people live longer healthier. Businesses can jumpstart the longevity economy by leveraging CX, behavioral design and change management to develop new products for prevention and customized for the growing elderly population, as well as supporting their employees on this journey. Learn More: Iana Kouris: https://on.bcg.com/4fvFrXv BCGX: https://on.bcg.com/4ltCU1A How Digital and AI Will Reshape Health Care in 2025: https://on.bcg.com/4mEGBCu This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

4个月前
20:51
The Real ROI of AI in Private Equity

The Real ROI of AI in Private Equity

Private equity is under pressure to deliver returns in a tougher environment. Clark O’Niell, BCG’s global lead for AI infrastructure and cyber in the private investors & private equity practice, shares how the smartest investors are using AI to move beyond hype, drive impact at scale, and future-proof their portfolios. It’s about focus over fragmentation—and combining judgment with new tools.  Learn More: Clark O’Niell: https://on.bcg.com/46tTmep BCG’s Latest Thinking on Private Equity: https://on.bcg.com/4598Fa5 IT Spending Pulse: AI Agents and GenAI Reshape Priorities: https://on.bcg.com/4mmjVXG The So What from BCG on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMJgyXjV5gMI9JV-GcF_D1Y6zyf1Eab_0This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

5个月前
17:54
Not All Growth Is Good—Here's How to Get It Right

Not All Growth Is Good—Here's How to Get It Right

Justin Manly, BCG’s lead on growth and innovation, explains how businesses can choose the right growth strategy given their aspirations and position in the market. Whether a company is gaining or losing share, in a booming or sluggish industry, profitable growth depends on knowing your starting point. Learn More: Justin Manly: https://on.bcg.com/4kGYyPH BCG’s Latest Thinking on Growth and Innovation Analytics: https://on.bcg.com/4kjTEIB BCG’s Latest Thinking on Corporate Finance and Strategy: https://on.bcg.com/3ZeAMlX Your Growth Strategy Depends on Your Starting Point: https://on.bcg.com/43YpzZm The Vitality Code: How Growth Leaders Master Strategy, Technology, People, and Culture: https://on.bcg.com/4dMKjH1 This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

7个月前
20:09
BCG Presents: The CEO Radar

BCG Presents: The CEO Radar

Financial analysts were far more prepared than most CEOs for the US tariffs announced on April 2. Analysts, who serve as a proxy for the financial markets, anticipated tariffs would soon be an enormous issue, mentioning the topic 62% more often than did CEOs during Q1 earnings calls. That’s the conclusion of the second edition of the CEO Radar—a tool to help CEOs determine which issues truly deserve their time and attention. It unpacks the leading topics discussed on almost 4,900 earnings calls worldwide in Q1 2025, enabling chief executives to compare their agendas to those of their peers, and to the market’s expectations. On this episode of the CEO Radar Podcast, Edward Adams of Bloomberg Media Studios is joined by BCG Global Chair Rich Lesser and Michael Brigl, Head of BCG’s Central European practice, to discuss how tariffs are likely to have a long-term effect on corporate operations. Listen to CEO Radar: https://sponsored.bloomberg.com/immersive-story/the-ceo-radar-q2-2025 This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

7个月前
21:40
Rethinking Global Trade from the South Up

Rethinking Global Trade from the South Up

The Global South isn’t standing still as tariffs and uncertainty roil financial markets and business plans. Aparna Bharadwaj, leader of BCG’s Global Advantage practice, explains how these nations are forming smart partnerships and moving from low-cost production to innovation-powered impact. Learn More: Aparna Bharadwaj: https://on.bcg.com/4cIKW3V In a Multipolar World, the Global South Finds Its Moment: https://on.bcg.com/42UhQLnBCG on Emerging Markets: https://on.bcg.com/4cMJ9e4BCG's Center for Geopolitics: https://on.bcg.com/3EA5A9A[00:00] Aparna's 'So What'[02:18] The Global South From Its Own Perspective[04:12] Common Themes In The Global South[07:43] Climate And Sustainability[08:47] How Countries Are Navigating Their Own Paths[11:08] China's Role In The Global South[13:28] How Leaders In The Global North Can Flip The Narrative[14:53] Emerging Industries In The Global South[17:15] The Global South Is A Positive Story[18:31] The Future Of Global Commerce[20:21] Advice To Leaders In The Global South[21:26] The 'Now What'This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

8个月前
23:18
AI Agents: The Truth Behind the Hype

AI Agents: The Truth Behind the Hype

Nicolas de Bellefonds, BCG’s global AI leader, unpacks the myths, challenges, and real potential of AI agents. They can transform how work gets done if companies stop chasing shortcuts, rethink outdated processes, and prepare for the costs and complexity that come with real change. Learn More: Nicolas de Bellefonds: https://on.bcg.com/4lr0Dkh BCG’s Latest Thinking on AI: https://on.bcg.com/3Y1NHaq The CEO’s Workout for Peak AI Performance: https://on.bcg.com/44opFtV From Potential to Profit: Closing the AI Impact Gap: https://on.bcg.com/3XZBGSL Chapters:[0:25] Nico’s So What[1:16] What Are Agents?[3:57] What Problems Do Agents Solve?[5:56] How Do Agents Affect Processes?[7:50] What Should Leaders Focus On?[9:06] How Do You Start Improving Data and Infrastructure?[10:24] What Are the Biggest Challenges?[13:48] What Is Next?[14:49] How Close Are We to AGI?[15:43] What Are the Risks?[17:13] Now What?This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

8个月前
19:07
BCG PRESENTS: Imagine This...: Preparing for an Uncertain Future…in the Future

BCG PRESENTS: Imagine This...: Preparing for an Uncertain Future…in the Future

 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: Imagine This: https://lnk.to/imagine-this-general-show09Alan 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  This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

9个月前
33:14
Does Your Business Know Where Its Money Is Going?

Does Your Business Know Where Its Money Is Going?

Karin von Funck, BCG’s global lead for zero-based transformation, explains why great cost transformation goes beyond spreadsheets. The best companies don’t slash expenses. They have a deep understanding of what drives value, a rigorous approach to spending, and a culture that supports smart decision making. Quick cuts may deliver short-term relief but can erode long-term growth—as well as the trust of employees.  Learn More: Karin von Funck: https://on.bcg.com/4iBZXqn BCG Latest Thinking on Cost: https://on.bcg.com/4iU0RhB Cost Management Remains an Executive Priority in 2025: https://on.bcg.com/41VTsYm This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

9个月前
21:52
Rain or Shine, Deliver Every Time

Rain or Shine, Deliver Every Time

Supply chains are more important than ever. Geopolitical shifts and an ever-increasing need to reduce carbon emissions have created new challenges. Camille Egloff, head of travel, transportation, infrastructure, cities, and logistics for Europe, Middle East, South America, and Africa, explains how businesses can reduce risks and take advantage of emerging digital technologies to create lean, resilient supply chains that flex to meet demand.   Learn More: Camille Egloff: https://on.bcg.com/42s5F8V BCG on Transportation and Logistics: https://on.bcg.com/4haftJ6 The Real Cost of Decarbonizing the Shipping Industry: https://on.bcg.com/3WBjy0L This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

11个月前
18:10
Does Climate Finance Stand a Chance?

Does Climate Finance Stand a Chance?

Vinay Shandal, BCG’s sustainable investing leader, explains why global competition is both a challenge and a catalyst for clean energy. He talks about how governments can remove barriers and red tape in addition to providing financing—and why private companies are farther along than public companies in their net zero goals.  Learn More: Vinay Shandal: https://on.bcg.com/4fSXsxH How AI Can Speed Climate Action: https://on.bcg.com/3C3kYKq A Year of Sustainability Progress in the Private Markets: https://on.bcg.com/3Pxh6oi Where Are Private Equity Firms on Their Way to Net Zero?: https://on.bcg.com/3Wdmy3s BCG on Climate and Sustainability: https://on.bcg.com/40cZsuD Vinay’s TED Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Q59suYxIec This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

11个月前
18:07