

What Next?
Publicis Groupe
"What Next?" explores the evolving landscape of business, leadership, advertising, and the future of work. Hosted by Rishad Tobaccowala, the podcast dives into how globalization, technology, and demographic shifts reshape how we create, consume, and communicate. Rishad Tobaccowala engages with CEOs, creative leaders, and visionaries to discuss innovative strategies, technology’s impact on media, and leadership challenges in the future of work. Hear unique insights from academics, futurists, and media innovators on navigating today’s business world.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 26, 2025 • 40min
Super Shifts in The Age of Intelligence
Steve Fisher, futurist and innovation leader at Revolution Factory and The Human Frontier Institute on the future of AI and human potential in the workplace. The author of The Startup Equation, host of The Think Forward Show and Off World Podcast discusses his new book, Super Shifts, which argues the importance of designing the future rather than simply reacting to it or resisting it. He says the rapid systemic changes driven by AI and other technological advancements must be seen as an opportunity to reimagine and reinvent if we are to embrace the Age of Intelligence. #Startup #AI #HumanIntelligence

Jul 19, 2025 • 1h 2min
Fireside chat: Rethinking Work
On a special crossover episode between Career Lab and What Next, Renetta McCann joins Rishad Tobaccowala to explore the monumental shifts redefining where, when, and why we work. Drawing from insights in Rishad’s new book, Re-Thinking Work, they unpack the five forces reshaping the future of employment—from generational mindset shifts and the rise of AI to the gig economy and the lasting effects of the pandemic. Together, they dive into how "unbundled and distributed work" is evolving into a competitive advantage, enabling greater flexibility and unlocking global talent in today’s ever-changing landscape.#Leadership #FutureOfWork #Business

Jul 12, 2025 • 40min
The Six Worker Archetypes
James Root, a Senior Partner at Bain & Company and author of 'The Archetype Effect', discusses the critical need to de-average talent management. He introduces six worker archetypes—Giver, Operator, Artisan, Explorer, Striver, and Pioneer—each reflecting distinct motivations. Root emphasizes that understanding these individual differences is key to enhancing productivity and engagement. He also addresses AI's impact on job dynamics and the growing quest for purpose in the workplace, particularly among Generation Z.

Jun 28, 2025 • 32min
Curation is the New Creation: Memories and Storytelling in the Digital Age
Haleh Shoa, founder of Picturli, on intentional digital preservation of memories, both for the individual but also in Business. The former advertising executive who has led global brands such as Apple, Infinity, Nissan and Ritz Carlton through the analogue to digital transition, including spearheading transformation at Ogilvy LA, argues that digital asset management can curate a corporate legacy. Blending storytelling strategy and digital hygiene, she says, can help to preserve what matters most. #Business #Photography #Content

Jun 21, 2025 • 40min
The Business of Creativity and the Expression of Self
Sir John Hegarty on the philosophical heart of creativity. The founder of Bartle Bogle Hegarty and a legend in advertising who now advises startups, argues that the expression of self is the key to creativity. In his series of courses, The Business of Creativity, he explains the need to understand the two different types of creativity: pure and applied. He urges leaders to forget the data and feed their curiosity, doing whatever it takes to make the creative self the source of innovation. As AI’s ‘remarkable’ technology democratizes opportunity, he says that leaders and young entrepreneurs must embrace it as a collaborator, but never lose sight of the superpower of the creative human.#Creativity #AI #Business #Techonology

Jun 7, 2025 • 31min
Growth and Ownership: Two Sides of the Same Coin
Mike Maynard, CEO of the Napier Group, is an expert in B2B technology PR and champions employee ownership and team development. He discusses the impact of employee ownership on company culture and productivity. Mike emphasizes the critical need for focus in competitive markets and the importance of investing in employee growth. He also highlights the challenges of measuring marketing effectiveness, urging businesses to go beyond simple metrics. The conversation is a refreshing take on blending ownership and accountability in organizational success.

4 snips
May 31, 2025 • 37min
Advertising and The Flow State
Bill Harvey, an Emmy-winning media researcher and advertising veteran, shares his insights on achieving peak performance through understanding consciousness. He discusses the three levels of consciousness, emphasizing the transformative flow state that enhances creativity and decision-making. Harvey highlights the importance of self-awareness in pursuing personal passions and overcoming societal pressures, especially post-pandemic. He also explores how psychographics have revolutionized advertising, aligning campaigns with genuine audience desires for better engagement.

May 24, 2025 • 42min
Curated Observations of the Accelerating Present
Rohit Bhargava, founder of the Non Obvious Company and IdeaPress Publishing, on augmented creativity, the human mode, and accelerated learning. Adjunct professor at Georgetown University with a background in marketing and advertising at Ogilvy and Leo Burnett, he argues the significance of live events, media literacy, and the role of the curator in the stories we tell in branding. Technology advancements and storytelling, he says are interlinked, but the future will always depend on the greatest storytellers, and in particular, those who find the non-obvious stories to tell.#Advertising #Business #Technology

May 17, 2025 • 35min
The Acceleration Imperative in The Enigma Economy
Michael Tchong, pioneer in digital marketing and consumer behaviour and Adjunct Professor of Innovation at the University of San Francisco on uber trend spotting in a world of AI driven innovation, acceleration imperative and time compression. A trusted authority on market-disrupting trends, he predicts the extinction of digital marketing with the rise of AI-powered disruptors, and the influence of the control enthusiast as consumers demand instant gratification and superior services. He says success in business will be driven by human innovation and human insight in the AI-driven economy with the rise of service marketing where consumers dictate the terms.#Business #AI #Innovation

8 snips
May 10, 2025 • 40min
The Art of Win:Win
Dr. Angela Jackson, CEO of Future Forward Strategies and author of 'Win Win Workplace,' dives into the pivotal role of employee voices in shaping successful businesses. She emphasizes that companies prioritizing employee well-being see stronger financial outcomes. Angela discusses the essential shift towards measuring retention and engagement, advocating for transparent feedback processes. The podcast also highlights how generational changes are reshaping expectations in the workplace, pushing for more flexibility and internal talent development. Her insights shed light on creating a win-win culture.