The Bottom Line
BBC Radio 4
The definitive business podcast from the BBC. Each week, the BBC's Evan Davis is joined by bosses, entrepreneurs and industry experts, to lift the lid on how their businesses work, and what it’s like to be in charge. They discuss a big issue, a big challenge, or a big question facing their industry. From managing AI to managing millennials, from supermarkets to supercharging a new product.And our guests will share their stories of success and failure along the way. Podcasts are published every Thursday. And as well as being a podcast, we are also available every Thursday afternoon and Tuesday evening on BBC Radio 4. You can now also listen to The Bottom Line on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play The Bottom Line”. It works on most smart speakers.The Bottom Line has published a spin off series - Decisions That Made Me - where Evan asks entrepreneurs and business leaders about the most crucial moments in their lives and careers. You can watch these episodes here: https://t.ly/oJ8lW. Got a question or a comment? Get in touch with Evan and the team on email at bottomline@bbc.co.uk.The Bottom Line is produced in partnership with The Open University and is an EcoAudio certified production.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 15, 2026 • 36min
Is AI the New Dotcom Bubble?
In a captivating discussion, Ernst Malmsten, co-founder of boo.com, shares insights from the dot-com era, revealing the highs and lows of launching a leading online fashion retailer. Gretchen Morgenson, an esteemed financial journalist, highlights the rampant euphoria and valuation hazards of the time. David Pringle offers a comparative look at the US and European tech landscapes. Together, they explore whether today's AI enthusiasm mirrors that explosive bubble, emphasizing crucial lessons on timing, investment strategies, and the inevitability of market corrections.
9 snips
Jan 8, 2026 • 32min
What Is the UK Good At?
Ric Lewis, a property investment guru, Kate Bingham, a biotech venture specialist and former vaccine task force head, and Shona McCarthy, an arts leader with deep festival roots, dive into Britain's strengths. They discuss the UK’s creative industries, highlighting the economic impact of the Edinburgh Fringe and the Premier League as cultural exports. Bingham sheds light on the life sciences sector's success, driven by education and AI innovation. The guests call for a national focus on true centres of excellence to build on these strengths.
7 snips
Jan 1, 2026 • 14min
The Decisions That Made Me: Ben Branson (Seedlip)
Ben Branson, the visionary founder of Seedlip, shares his journey from kitchen experiments with herbs to creating a global non-alcoholic spirits brand. He reveals how a childhood on a farm fueled his passion for produce and led to an unexpected career in distillation. Branson candidly discusses leaving a stable job, investing his life savings into Seedlip, and the adrenaline rush of launching in Selfridges. He also introduces his latest project, Silver, an innovative aged non-alcoholic spirit poised to make waves.
Dec 25, 2025 • 16min
The Decisions That Made Me: Margaret Heffernan
Margaret Heffernan didn’t start out in business. Until her mid-30s, she was enjoying a successful career at the BBC, producing and directing TV dramas and documentaries. But she was always curious about a career in the corporate world. She decided to take the plunge and took on roles in the US. It was as CEO of a tech firm when Margaret discovered she was being paid 50% less than her male counterparts that she faced one of her biggest decisions. As she explains to Evan Davis, should she speak out and risk the consequences or put up and shut up?(Image: Margaret Heffernan. Credit: mheffernan.com)
Dec 18, 2025 • 22min
The Decisions That Made Me – Joey Gonzalez (Barry’s)
When Joey Gonzalez took his first class at Barry’s, West Hollywood, he says “it was love at first sweat”. The music, night-club vibe and high-intensity workout was life-changing. Joey was convinced he could expand the fitness brand beyond Los Angeles. So, he worked his way up through the company, starting as an instructor and becoming CEO in 2015 - creating Barry’s studios across the US and around the world. And even now, as Executive Chairman, Joey still leads a workout. He tells Evan Davis why his background in musical theatre and performing arts is ideal for being a Barry’s “entertrainer”.(Image: Joey Gonzalez. Credit: Barry's)
Dec 11, 2025 • 14min
The Decisions That Made Me: Sameer Vuyyuru
Sameer Vuyyuru has spent his career at the cutting edge of technology. From building semiconductors at Texas Instruments to launching an AI-startup in Shanghai, he’s now chief artificial intelligence and product officer at Capita, the outsourcing giant. An opportunity, he says, to introduce disruptive technology inside an established company. The intrapreneur talks to Evan Davis about the power of AI and the influence his grandfather has had on his life.(Image: Sameer Veruyyu Credit: Capita)
9 snips
Dec 4, 2025 • 14min
The Decisions That Made Me: Harry Destecroix (Ziylo, Science Creates, SCVC)
Harry Destecroix, an entrepreneur and scientist, co-founded Ziylo while pursuing his PhD, creating technology to revolutionize diabetes treatment. He discusses his challenging journey, including funding struggles and pivotal decisions that led to Ziylo's acquisition by Novo Nordisk for a whopping 600 million pounds. Harry also founded Science Creates, an incubator supporting deep-tech startups, and a VC fund to foster university research. His passion for STEM outreach is evident as he shares plans to engage thousands of children in entrepreneurship.
Nov 27, 2025 • 14min
The Decisions That Made Me: Sophie Mirman
Sophie Mirman, the entrepreneurial force behind Sock Shop and Trotters, shares her remarkable journey from a traumatic childhood experience to business success. She reflects on her early days at Marks & Spencer and how that shaped her drive. Sophie recounts the thrill and chaos of taking Sock Shop public, navigating the pressure for rapid growth. She candidly discusses the pitfalls of U.S. expansion and the lessons learned, leading her to create Trotters, a brand focused on a measured, enjoyable retail experience.
Nov 20, 2025 • 14min
The Decisions That Made Me: Jesper Brodin (IKEA)
Jesper Brodin, CEO of Ingka Group and a 30-year IKEA veteran, shares his journey from a young purchase manager in Pakistan to leading transformative changes in sustainability and digital expansion. He reflects on invaluable lessons learned from IKEA's founder, Ingvar Kamprad, and the significance of adapting to customer needs. Jesper also discusses his plans after stepping down, including a unique tradition of buying a new guitar to mark life transitions. His insights blend business strategy with personal growth, making for an inspiring conversation.
5 snips
Nov 13, 2025 • 15min
The Decisions That Made Me: Heather Vernon (Woburn Partners)
Heather Vernon, co-founder of Woburn Partners and former Teach First educator, shares her unexpected journey from teaching to politics and entrepreneurship. She reveals the challenges of working in Westminster and how her experiences shaped her resilience. Heather discusses the moment she decided to start a PR firm with James Robinson, emphasizing the importance of having a co-founder. She also reflects on the impact of COVID-19 on her business and the strategic decisions needed for growth, highlighting her commitment to reputation and crisis management.
