The So What from BCG

Mark Abraham, a leader at BCG's Marketing, Sales & Pricing practice and co-author of 'Personalized', dives into the critical role of personalization in customer experience. He discusses how blending digital and physical interactions can create unforgettable customer journeys, citing success stories from brands like Four Seasons and Spotify. Mark also explores how traditional industries are adopting these strategies and the transformative power of AI in crafting personalized approaches. He emphasizes the importance of responsible AI use and actionable strategies for businesses embarking on their personalization journey.

Christoph Schweizer, CEO of BCG, shares his expertise gained over three years at the helm. He discusses the pressing challenges CEOs face today and why it’s a pivotal time for leadership. Discover how generative AI is transforming businesses and the importance of a new operational vision. Christoph dives into managing the cultural shift of AI and the need for empathy in leadership. He reflects on his own critical decision-making moments, emphasizing collaboration and trust as keys to navigating crises.

Tad Roselund, former chief risk officer at BCG and a renowned expert in risk management, dives into transforming risk management from a mere compliance task into a powerhouse of innovation. He discusses how businesses can anticipate challenges and elevate employee training to proactively spot risks. The conversation also highlights the importance of recovery and resilience, particularly in cybersecurity, and the potential of AI in streamlining risk management while fostering innovation. It's a fresh perspective on making risk management a strategic advantage.

Listen as BCG AI conversational agent GENE and editor in chief Paul Michelman highlight the opportunities and obstacles ahead for CEOs, as outlined in BCG’s most recent thought leadership. The duo share which steps to take now before an expected M&A resurgence, the lessons to be learned from fintech, and how to advance carbon dioxide reduction. LEARN MORE After you listen, dive deep into the details in these bcg.com publications: AI at Work 2024: Friend and Foe (https://www.bcg.com/publications/2024/ai-at-work-friend-foe) M&A Insights H1 2024: The Recovery Continues (https://www.bcg.com/publications/2024/m-and-a-market-insights-series-h1-2024) Prudence, Profits, and Growth (https://www.bcg.com/publications/2024/global-fintech-prudence-profits-and-growth) Boosting Demand for Carbon Dioxide Removal (https://www.bcg.com/publications/2024/boosting-demand-for-carbon-dioxide-removal) Subscribe to CEO Digest: https://lnk.to/ceo-digest-general-series-link05For more insight from BCG on the CEO Agenda, visit https://on.bcg.com/4cSLtiu. Hear more of GENE on Imagine This… at https://lnk.to/imagine-this-general-show09, BCG’s future-focused podcast series. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

Sagar Goel, a leader in digital reskilling and leadership development at BCG, discusses the imminent changes AI will bring to the workforce. He emphasizes the urgent need for collaboration between governments, corporations, and individuals to prepare employees for a transformed job landscape. Sagar highlights innovative examples like IKEA's approach to employee reskilling. He also advocates for dynamic learning strategies and continuous personal development, urging leaders to prioritize upskilling in a rapidly evolving digital age.

Dan Wald, the global lead of BCG’s sports business, dives into the unique marketing landscape of the Olympics. He explores how the Games can effectively capture mass attention in a fragmented world. Wald discusses the emotional connections brands can forge with audiences through compelling storytelling. He also examines the financial dynamics, such as media rights and sponsorships, that align brands with the Olympic identity. The future of sports business is also highlighted, focusing on emerging markets like India and China.

Edward Crouch discusses the future of loyalty programs, emphasizing unique experiences and personalization to create loyal fans. Topics include the impact of loyalty programs on industries, evolution towards personalized interactions, Gen AI's influence on loyalty programs, and reevaluating strategies for future success.

Lina Bankert and Kathleen St. Louis Caliento discuss fair-chance hiring for justice-impacted individuals, highlighting the benefits for individuals and employers. They emphasize the importance of partnerships with government agencies and nonprofits to provide support beyond just job opportunities, such as housing and transportation assistance. The podcast explores the challenges faced by individuals with criminal records in securing employment, dispelling myths and advocating for inclusive practices. Successful examples of fair-chance hiring and strategies for companies to promote equitable hiring practices are also discussed.

Brian Collie, BCG’s global leader for automotive and mobility, discusses EV adoption barriers and opportunities. Manufacturers need to lower costs and partner up to meet demand. Topics include price, range anxiety, and strategies for a successful transition to EVs.

Kilian Berz, global vice chair of BCG’s financial institutions practice, discusses how traditional banks can overcome challenges by embracing leadership and transformation. They delve into topics such as the impact of big tech companies, regulatory challenges, and the future of innovation in the banking sector.