The So What from BCG

In a captivating discussion, Tuukka Seppä, BCG's Global Chair of Transformation, shares insights on how CEOs can effectively manage growth. He highlights that growth is not random but a strategic choice requiring bold targets and structured leadership. Tuukka also addresses why some companies thrive during volatility, the importance of a Chief Transformation Officer, and how a mix of discipline and flexibility fosters innovation. Plus, he reveals how AI can revolutionize growth programs and the crucial steps CEOs should take to seize opportunities.

Rich Lesser, Global Chair of Boston Consulting Group, and Martin Reeves, Chair of the BCG Henderson Institute, delve into leadership traits essential for navigating the challenges of the 2020s. They discuss the importance of resilience, trust, and a people-centric approach to AI. The duo reflects on how geopolitical tensions and societal polarization impact growth and sustainability. They emphasize the need for companies to balance exploration with current performance, highlighting the role of authentic dialogue and continuous learning in successful leadership.

In this engaging conversation, Alex Friedman and Trish Stroman from Boston Consulting Group unveil the overlooked market opportunities in women's health. They discuss why businesses often neglect women's unique needs and highlight the staggering $32 trillion spending power that companies are missing out on. With practical strategies, they emphasize the importance of co-creating solutions with women to drive market growth. Innovations like AI diagnostics and integrated care models are explored as vital steps toward addressing critical gaps.

Celebrate a major milestone as Georgie Frost secures the Bronze Lovie Award for Best Podcast Host! Discover the significance of the Lovie Awards as Europe’s answer to the Webbies. Listeners are encouraged to send their warm wishes and emoji confetti to Georgie in recognition of her fantastic achievements. Join in the excitement and gratitude as the podcast community comes together to honor this remarkable recognition!

Alicia Pittman, BCG's Global People Chair and talent strategist, dives into how AI is transforming hiring, performance management, and learning. She highlights the importance of using AI to enhance human strengths while tackling challenges in ethical AI use. Alicia shares insights on maintaining human-centric roles, emphasizing creativity and collaboration over routine tasks. She also discusses the urgency for leaders to embrace AI, advocating for pilot programs and employee involvement to navigate this tech-driven landscape.

Justin Vincent, a BCG leader specializing in consumer and fashion trends, discusses the evolution of sportswear from performance to everyday comfort, accelerated by the pandemic. He highlights the slowing growth in athleisure and the importance of brands adopting a ‘for-purpose’ mindset to remain relevant. Different generations show distinct preferences, with Gen Z favoring trends while older consumers seek functionality. Digital discovery and influencer marketing are key strategies for brands aiming to thrive in this competitive landscape.

Vikram Aggarwal, a global leader in medical devices at BCG, sheds light on the $900 billion medtech industry. He discusses the slowing pace of innovation and how rethinking regulation and talent can accelerate breakthroughs. Vikram highlights AI in diagnostics and the rise of robotics as key trends. He also addresses the STEM talent shortage and emphasizes the need for collaborative partnerships to strengthen the innovation ecosystem. The conversation reveals insights on how to navigate the changing landscape of medtech and drive future advancements.

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.

Troy Thomas, BCG's global lead for space business, dives into the transformative potential of satellite technology. He emphasizes how space has become crucial for economic growth and operational efficiency across various sectors, from agriculture to finance. Troy explains that every company will eventually need a tailored space strategy to harness these advancements. He also addresses the challenges of satellite congestion and the importance of resilience in leveraging space services. Ultimately, he urges businesses to seize space opportunities as a vital part of their future.

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