Rich Lesser

Rich Lesser, BCG Global Chair, shares insights based on conversations with CEOs about the significant disparities in tariff discussions between financial analysts and CEOs. He highlights how tariffs impact corporate strategies, particularly in the automotive sector. The dialogue also addresses regional differences in tech and climate discussions, with European leaders focusing more on AI. Lesser emphasizes the importance of adapting to economic uncertainties and the challenges of mergers amid evolving market conditions.

Rich Lesser, BCG Global Chair, shares insights on how CEOs can navigate economic uncertainty and tariff issues. He discusses the increasing worries among CEOs shown in 4,500 earnings calls, urging adaptation through innovation and AI. Lesser delves into the complexities of today’s corporate landscape, emphasizing the need for resilience amidst geopolitical challenges. He suggests establishing tariff command centers and leveraging AI for pricing strategies to stay competitive, highlighting lessons from past business cycles to inspire strategic moves today.

Rich Lesser, Global Chair of BCG, shares insights on how CEOs are grappling with AI integration and tariff shifts. He highlights a bell curve of AI adoption among CEOs: with a mere 5% leading, while 60% are still struggling. Vlad Lukić, BCG Global Leader for Tech, discusses the complexities of embedding AI in businesses and the need for clear communication to attract talent. Both emphasize the importance of focusing on measurable ROI and selecting impactful AI initiatives to drive competitive advantage.

Rich Lesser, BCG Global Chair, shares his expertise on navigating economic uncertainty as CEOs face rising tariffs and a potential downturn. He discusses the historical increase in CEO concerns about market stability and the evolving role of leadership in today’s complex environment. Lesser emphasizes the importance of supply chain resilience and the use of AI as a strategic advantage. The conversation also highlights how personalization can be a key differentiator in building stronger customer relationships during turbulent times.

Rich Lesser, Global Chair of BCG, and Vlad Lukić, BCG Global Leader for Tech and Digital Advantage, dive into the rising role of AI on CEO agendas. They discuss the varied progress among CEOs in adopting AI, emphasizing operational challenges and the need for reskilling. With insights into measuring AI success through ROI and the importance of clear communication, they debate the balance of job creation versus displacement. Lastly, they stress the significance of creating distinctive business value rather than just keeping up with competitors.

Rich Lesser, BCG's Global Chair, shares profound insights from the 2025 World Economic Forum in Davos. He discusses the pivotal role of AI in business, emphasizing starting with manageable projects for success. The conversation delves into Europe's energy transition amid geopolitical tensions, underscoring the importance of actionable solutions. Lesser also highlights the need for standards in AI governance to prevent misuse, while reflecting on how leaders are navigating complex challenges and fostering optimism for future innovations.

Rich Lesser, the BCG Global Chair, and Vlad Lukić, BCG's Global Leader of Tech and Digital Advantage, dive into the rising importance of AI for CEOs. They discuss the challenges executives face in scaling AI beyond pilot projects and the operational changes necessary for effective integration. The conversation highlights how AI adoption can drive growth, emphasizing the need for CEOs to communicate successes to attract talent. They also explore the balance between labor impacts and capital investment, urging leaders to focus on distinctive advantages in their AI strategies.

Rich Lesser, Global Chair of Boston Consulting Group, discusses the urgent need for CEOs to embrace AI amidst ongoing challenges in its implementation. Vlad Lukić, BCG's Tech and Digital Advantage leader, highlights the disparity between CEO intentions and ground-level execution, advising firms to focus on ROI and strategic pilots. They delve into essential CEO traits like resilience and adaptability, the implications of tariffs, and the emerging role of agentic AI—all while emphasizing the importance of transparent communication about AI initiatives to gain competitive advantage.

Rich Lesser, BCG Global Chair, joins to explore the shifting landscape CEOs face amidst economic uncertainty and tariff pressures. They discuss insights from over 4,500 earnings calls, revealing concerns over downturns and consumer behavior shifts. Strategies for resilience emerge, focusing on AI integration and supply chain optimization. Lesser emphasizes the need for balanced business approaches that prioritize risk mitigation while navigating rapid technological changes in a competitive global market.

Rich Lesser, BCG Global Chair, shares his insights on how CEOs can thrive amid economic turbulence. He discusses the pressing issues highlighted in over 4,500 earnings calls, focusing on the need for CEOs to build resilience. Effective strategies include establishing a 'tariff command center' and leveraging AI for customer relations. Lesser emphasizes the importance of adapting supply chains and pricing strategies in response to trade tariffs, consumer behavior shifts, and the ongoing impacts of inflation and the pandemic.