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John Kay

British economist whose career has spanned the spheres of academia, business, and public affairs. Author of "The Corporation in the 21st Century: Why (Almost) Everything We Are Told about Business Is Wrong".

Top 5 podcasts with John Kay

Ranked by the Snipd community
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45 snips
Jan 8, 2025 • 28min

25 Years of the 21st Century: 3. The Age of Outsourcing

Join Margaret MacMillan, Emeritus Professor of International History, alongside tech guru James Williams and economist John Kay, as they dissect the profound implications of outsourcing. They explore how corporations have become hollow entities and how individuals are increasingly outsourcing their thoughts to technology. The conversation dives into the pitfalls of digital identity, the changing landscape of advertising, and the ethical challenges of automation. They also uncover the darker side of the wellness industry, urging for greater awareness in this chaotic digital age.
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33 snips
Jan 16, 2025 • 47min

Should Companies Have A Social Responsibility To Be “Great Businesses”?, with John Kay

In this discussion, John Kay, a British economist and author of "The Corporation in the 21st Century," challenges traditional views of corporations. He argues that today’s firms are more about capabilities and less about ownership of capital. Kay emphasizes a shift in understanding business success, encouraging a focus on stakeholder interests rather than just profit. He also explores how technology alters business relationships and the importance of principled practices over mechanical profit-driven approaches.
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7 snips
Jan 13, 2025 • 37min

L.A. Fires: The Cost and the Climate

John Kay, an Oxford professor, Financial Times columnist, and author known for dissecting modern business practices, dives into the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. He highlights the intertwining of climate change with rising disaster costs, claiming the damage rivals global calamities. Kay examines the pharmaceutical industry’s shift from innovation to profit, critiquing the erosion of ethical standards. Reflecting on a healthcare executive's assassination, he underscores the industry's fall from grace and poses crucial questions about corporate responsibility amid these crises.
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Apr 9, 2025 • 55min

John Kay, "The Corporation in the 21st Century: Why (Almost) Everything We Are Told about Business Is Wrong" (Yale UP, 2025)

John Kay, a distinguished British economist and author, dives into the complex realities of modern business in his latest work. He questions traditional profit-driven narratives and argues for the rising significance of human capital over mere financial assets. The discussion highlights the dramatic shift from long-standing corporate giants to the prevalence of 'hollow corporations.' Kay also addresses the evolution of business leadership, urging a fresh perspective on management and innovation in our fast-paced economy.
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Feb 10, 2025 • 46min

Episode 2233: John Kay on why (almost) everything we are told about business is wrong

John Kay, a Scottish economist and author of "The Corporation in the 21st Century," challenges the notion that big tech firms are paragons of capitalism. He argues they operate as 'capital as a service' companies with minimal physical assets. Kay shares insights on the temporary nature of corporate dominance, using historical examples like U.S. Steel. He critiques a focus on individual leadership and shareholder value, advocating for trust and collective capabilities in business. He also expresses skepticism about Trump’s tariffs and Musk's government involvement.