
The So What from BCG
This podcast from Boston Consulting Group looks around the corner of today’s big business and social issues. The goal–the so what–is to make sense of today and prepare busy leaders and executives for the day after tomorrow.
Award-winning British journalist Georgie Frost interviews the leading thinkers and doers at BCG on the trends, developments, and ideas that will shape and disrupt the future. This is not your typical business strategy podcast.
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
Latest episodes

17 snips
May 7, 2025 • 22min
Navigating the New World of Tariffs and Trade
Marc Gilbert, the global lead of BCG's Centre for Geopolitics, and Michael McAdoo, BHI Fellow and founding member of BCG’s Geopolitics and Trade Practice, dive into the unpredictable world of tariffs and trade. They discuss how companies can enhance supply chain flexibility and embrace scenario planning in the face of shifting geopolitical landscapes. The conversation highlights the importance of supplier diversity and strategic agility to navigate current trade dynamics, particularly in the context of U.S.-China relations.

Apr 23, 2025 • 23min
Rethinking Global Trade from the South Up
Aparna Bharadwaj, leader of BCG’s Global Advantage practice, shares insights on the dynamic role of the Global South in reshaping global trade. She discusses how these nations are pivoting from low-cost production to innovation-driven growth. Key topics include the influence of China in the region, the pragmatic economic strategies of countries like Laos and India, and the importance of sustainable practices. Aparna emphasizes the potential for medium-sized economies to redefine trade partnerships and encourages leaders to embrace collaborative approaches for inclusive growth.

Apr 16, 2025 • 19min
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 They can transform how work gets done if companies stop chasing shortcuts, rethink outdated processes, and prepare for the costs and complexity that come with real change.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

Apr 9, 2025 • 33min
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

Mar 26, 2025 • 22min
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

7 snips
Mar 12, 2025 • 20min
Sci-Fi on the Factory Floor
Tibor Mérey, BCG’s global business leader in frontier tech, dives into the transformative power of extended reality (XR) for frontline workers. He highlights how AI-enabled headsets can enhance productivity and tackle labor shortages. The discussion features real-world examples, like Swiss railway workers using mixed reality for efficient repairs. Tibor addresses the importance of shifting mindsets in business leaders and emphasizes that embracing technology requires understanding worker perspectives for successful implementation.

Feb 26, 2025 • 18min
Re-Recruiting and Other New HR Strategies You Can’t Ignore
Jens Baier, BCG’s HR transformation expert, shares insights on the evolving HR landscape. He highlights how AI is reshaping every phase of the employee life cycle, pushing HR into a more strategic role. The discussion dives into the increasing focus on job security among younger workers, who prioritize upskilling amidst rapid technological change. Jens emphasizes the need for companies to adopt innovative retention strategies that align with shifting employee expectations in a post-pandemic world.

25 snips
Feb 12, 2025 • 21min
AI Can Build Your Next Business—If You Think Bigger
Beth Viner, a leader in corporate venturing at BCGX and an expert in AI, discusses the untapped potential of AI to not just streamline operations, but to spark entirely new business ventures. She emphasizes the importance of innovation over mere risk mitigation, especially in sectors like drug discovery and the creative industries. Viner also highlights the need for organizations to adopt responsible AI practices while navigating market changes, urging businesses to integrate technology effectively to unlock their full potential.

Jan 29, 2025 • 18min
Rain or Shine, Deliver Every Time
In this discussion, Camille Egloff, an expert in supply chain resilience and digital technologies, delves into the current challenges reshaping global supply chains. She highlights the impact of COVID-19 and geopolitical tensions, advocating for proactive nearshoring and transparency. Egloff emphasizes the shift towards customer-centric logistics, leveraging partnerships, and tailoring to unique needs. She also showcases how digital innovations are transforming passenger experiences, helping airlines manage disruptions efficiently while pushing for greener, flexible transport solutions.

Jan 15, 2025 • 18min
Does Climate Finance Stand a Chance?
Vinay Shandal, BCG’s sustainable investing leader, dives into the complexities of climate finance and the $150 trillion needed for energy transition. He highlights how global competition can drive clean energy innovations while also creating challenges. Shandal emphasizes the crucial role of governments in removing barriers and financing sustainable initiatives. Additionally, he explains why private companies are ahead in net-zero commitments compared to public entities, and discusses the transformative potential of AI in enhancing efficiency and lowering emissions.
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