The So What from BCG

In this enlightening discussion, Justin Manly, BCG’s lead on growth and innovation, shares his expertise on crafting effective growth strategies. He emphasizes the importance of understanding a company’s starting point and offers insights from two decades of data on successful business growth. The conversation touches on case studies of Fujifilm and Kodak, revealing the risks of missteps. Justin also highlights the transformative role of AI in business strategies and the need for resilience amidst market disruptions.

Financial analysts were far more prepared than most CEOs for the US tariffs announced on April 2. Analysts, who serve as a proxy for the financial markets, anticipated tariffs would soon be an enormous issue, mentioning the topic 62% more often than did CEOs during Q1 earnings calls. That’s the conclusion of the second edition of the CEO Radar—a tool to help CEOs determine which issues truly deserve their time and attention. It unpacks the leading topics discussed on almost 4,900 earnings calls worldwide in Q1 2025, enabling chief executives to compare their agendas to those of their peers, and to the market’s expectations. On this episode of the CEO Radar Podcast, Edward Adams of Bloomberg Media Studios is joined by BCG Global Chair Rich Lesser and Michael Brigl, Head of BCG’s Central European practice, to discuss how tariffs are likely to have a long-term effect on corporate operations. Listen to CEO Radar: https://sponsored.bloomberg.com/immersive-story/the-ceo-radar-q2-2025 This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

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.

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.

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

 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

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

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.

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.

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.