The Green Room: Questions That Matter Most In Business

We’ve all got a lot savvier about sustainability in recent years. We know the size of the climate challenge facing the planet. And we know that the planet needs more than statements, green logos and commitments to use the printer less to tackle it. As we all make more sustainable choices and changes in our personal lives, we look to the businesses we buy from and work for to do the same. Our expectations are higher than ever before, but are some businesses better placed to meet them than others? That’s what we’re exploring with Rory MacFadyen, co-founder of Reflo, and David Rakowski, Global Circular Economy Lead at Deloitte, in this episode of The Green Room, as we ask: Is it easier to start a sustainable business or to become one? Tune in to find out: Why “sustainable business” is more than a marketing line What businesses are doing to link transparency and consumer trust How Reflo are challenging the idea of sustainable supply chains The shifts and trends shaping business sustainability efforts Enjoyed this episode? Check our website for our recommendations to learn more about this topic: deloitte.co.uk/greenroompodcasts You can also watch our episodes over on YouTube: youtube.com/@DeloitteUK  Find out more about Change Please Find out more about Reflo Guests: Rory MacFadyen, co-founder of Reflo, and David Rakowski, Global Circular Economy Lead at Deloitte. Hosts: Stephanie Dobbs and Oli Carpenter Original music: Ali Barrett  

In a data-driven world, it’s easy to get lost in a maze of metrics. We start by looking for helpful measurements that will allow us to track our progress, set goals and make more informed decisions.   But we can quickly lose sight of what we’re tracking and why we’re tracking it. Because it’s easy to collect data – the challenge is knowing how best to use it.  So, what needs to happen to ensure metrics aren’t just numbers on a page, but drivers of real change? And how do we use them to give what we say – and do – more meaning and direction? That’s what we’re exploring with David Kennedy, CEO of Science Based Targets Initiative and Veronica Poole, Vice Chair at Deloitte UK, in this episode of The Green Room as we ask: How can we put more meaning into our metrics? Tune in to find out: Why businesses measure in the first place The benefits of science-based targets  The difference between vanity metrics and meaningful metrics How we can use data to improve and learn Enjoyed this episode? Check our website for our recommendations to learn more about this topic: deloitte.co.uk/greenroompodcasts You can also watch our episodes over on YouTube: youtube.com/@DeloitteUK  Find out more about Scope here: scope.org.uk Find out more about Science Based Targets Initiative here: sciencebasedtargets.org Guests: David Kennedy, CEO of Science Based Targets Initiative and Veronica Poole, Vice Chair at Deloitte UK Hosts: Annie Wong and Stephanie Dobbs Original music: Ali Barrett  

What you know matters, but who you know matters more.  That’s not quite how the original saying goes, but perhaps it’s time for an update. Whereas once ‘It’s not what you know, it’s who you know’ might have been whispered and accompanied by a raised eyebrow, things have shifted.  A strong network doesn’t, or shouldn’t, act as a substitute for our skills. But it can provide us with more opportunities to demonstrate them. According to LinkedIn, 70% of jobs aren’t even advertised on job websites, with 85% of all jobs filled through networking.  So, your network, and your ability to network, really matter. But despite its undoubted importance, why does it often feel awkward for so many of us?   The mere thought of circulating a room chatting to strangers or more senior colleagues, can feel daunting and uncomfortable in equal measures. So much so that one in four of us don’t network at all. So, how do we overcome the discomfort and find a way to make networking work for us? And build mutually beneficial networks that will help get us to where we want to be? That’s what we’re exploring with leading FT journalist and author of The Future-Proof Career, Isabel Berwick and Kirsty Newman, Market Chair at Deloitte UK, in this episode of The Green Room, as we ask: What’s the best way to build a network?   Tune in to find out:  Why some of us find networking easier than others The difference between being strategic and being inauthentic when networking How businesses can facilitate networking – for their people and their clients Conversation starters to use the next time you network Enjoyed this episode? Check our website for our recommendations to learn more about this topic: deloitte.co.uk/greenroompodcasts You can also watch our episodes on Youtube: youtube.com/@DeloitteUK  Scope here:  scope.org.uk Guests: Isabel Berwick, leading journalist and author of The Future-Proof Career, and Kirsty Newman, Market Chair at Deloitte UK Hosts: Lizzie Elston and Ollie Carpenter Original music: Ali Barrett

You learn something new every day. At least, that’s how the saying goes. But it’s not always how the reality goes – particularly when it comes to our work.   Even though 84% of us feel like learning adds more purpose to our work, demanding deadlines and overflowing inboxes often stop us from finding time to focus on our own development. But being given the time and space to learn new things can lead to some seriously good things, like new opportunities, career growth and improved mental wellbeing. And what’s good for us, is good for business too. In fact, research shows that organisations who invest in learning and development are 59% more likely to experience growth. Which could be why workplace learning is back on the agenda. Once associated with bad coffee and badly lit conference rooms, it’s now benefiting from better technology and better understanding of the different ways in which we learn.   So, what needs to happen to ensure that learning doesn’t keep getting moved to the bottom of our to-do list? And instead, it becomes a continuous process that’s rewarding for both individuals and the businesses they work for? That’s what we’re exploring with guests Professor Nick van Dam, Chief of the IE University Center for Corporate Learning Innovation, and Heike Dekker-Schäch, Dean at Deloitte University, in this episode of The Green Room, as we ask: How can learning be part of our everyday work? Tune in to find out:  Whether ‘on the job’ really is the best way to learn What a ‘learning climate’ is and how businesses can influence it Why we all need to consider the next chapter of our careers – regardless of our age How workplace learning is linked to business success Enjoyed this episode? Check our website for our recommendations to learn more about this topic: www.deloitte.co.uk/greenroompodcasts You can also watch our episodes on Youtube: youtube.com/@DeloitteUK  Scope here:  scope.org.uk Guests: Professor Nick van Dam, Chief of the IE University Center for Corporate Learning Innovation, and Heike Dekker-Schäch, Dean at Deloitte University Hosts: Annie Wong and Stephanie Dobbs Original music: Ali Barrett  

“Well done is better than well said.”     You might have heard that famous saying from Benjamin Franklin. And it’s one that reminds us of the importance of action over words. But what does it take exactly?    When it comes to solving some of the world’s biggest problems or doing business in a more sustainable and responsible way, there’s no shortage of people talking and theorising.    And that’s a good thing. Hearing and learning from others is important. But right now, the world needs more people driving impact as opposed to simply just talking about it. So, how do we encourage businesses and leaders to take that next step?     That’s what we’re exploring with Paul Van Zyl, Co-founder and CEO of The Conduit, and Piumi Mitchell, Head of Social Impact Partnerships at Deloitte UK, as we ask: How do we turn words into action? Tune in to find out: Why right now is the best time in history to be fighting the big issues How Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu shaped Paul's thoughts on collaboration Why asking, "So what?" is so important  Why collaboration and purpose is more important than power Enjoyed this episode? Check our website for our recommendations to learn more about this topic: deloitte.co.uk/greenroompodcasts You can also watch our episodes over on YouTube: youtube.com/@DeloitteUK  Find out more about The Conduit here: www.theconduit.com  Guests: Paul Van Zyl, Co-founder and CEO of The Conduit, and Piumi Mitchell, Head of Social Impact Partnerships at Deloitte UK Hosts: Annie Wong and Lizzie Elston Original music: Ali Barrett  

Sailing a ship is effortless when seas are calm and the wind is blowing in the right direction. And in business, it’s easier to feel confident and in control when conditions are idyllic, profits are high and growth is steady.   But what do you do when a storm hits? How do you turn things around and not only weather the storm, but emerge stronger? Turnarounds are challenging - in fact, within business, 70% of them fail. And the weight of expectation can test even the most experienced leaders and teams. So, what can we learn about the mechanics of managing a successful turnaround from the people who’ve done it? That’s what we’re exploring with Zak Brown, CEO at McLaren Racing, and Pauline Biddle, partner in M&A at Deloitte UK, in this episode of The Green Room as we ask: What does it take to turn things around? Tune in to find out: The essential first step all leaders must take when beginning a turnaround. How cultural change affects commercial success – and vice versa. Zak’s advice to leaders who find themselves under pressure. What kind of mistakes are important to make while turning a business around. Enjoyed this episode? Check our website for our recommendations to learn more about this topic: deloitte.co.uk/greenroompodcasts You can also watch our episodes on Youtube: youtube.com/@DeloitteUK  Scope here:  scope.org.uk   Guests: Zak Brown, CEO at McLaren Racing, and Pauline Biddle, partner at Deloitte Hosts: Lizzie Elston and Annie Wong Original music: Ali Barrett

Better healthcare and schools. More jobs. A growing economy. Improved infrastructure. Planet-saving solutions and disruptive technology. Anything else? As the list for what would improve our lives gets longer, our demand on governments around the world gets greater. In fact, research shows our expectations are at an all-time high.   But can all the things that the world needs really be delivered by new policies, new budgets and new leaders alone? Or is it our expectations that need to change? The world has changed, but the ways in which the state tries to change the world have largely stayed the same. A combination of taxation, spend and policy are traditionally used to improve things, but is it time to try something new? And if demand continues to increase and challenges continue to grow, then what will future governments look like?   In this episode of The Green Room we talk to Sir John Manzoni, former Permanent Secretary for the Cabinet Office and Chief Executive of the UK Civil Service and Deloitte partner Libby Mason, as we ask; Can governments do everything? Tune in to find out:  Why our expectations of the state have changed The opportunities for greater collaboration between the public and private sectors How traditional systems can be adapted to meet new expectations The role technology can play in helping governments deliver improved service Enjoyed this episode? Check our website for our recommendations to learn more about this topic: deloitte.co.uk/greenroompodcasts You can also watch our episodes on Youtube: youtube.com/@DeloitteUK  Cook For Good here: cookforgood.uk Guests: Sir John Manzoni, former Permanent Secretary for the Cabinet Office and Chief Executive of the UK Civil Service, and Libby Mason, partner at Deloitte Hosts: Stephanie Dobbs and Oli Carpenter Original music: Ali Barrett

Setting timers. Downloading apps. Standing desks. Getting up at 5am. A new week, a new productivity ‘hack’. But is chasing productivity actually helping us to get more done? Or simply giving us more to do? Feeling productive can mean different things on different days. Sometimes it’s flying through our to-do list. Sometimes it’s spending hours thinking of an idea that will go on to change everything. But do we value one type of productivity more than the other? And could doing so be holding us back? Solving the productivity puzzle seems like it could benefit everyone, so how do we do it? Does getting more done really come down to where and when we work? What role can AI and technology play in boosting productivity? How does company culture affect our output? And where can businesses and leaders invest their resources to help improve productivity in a way that works for all of us? That’s what we’re exploring with guests Professor Michael Clinton, Professor of Work Psychology at King’s College London and Deloitte partner, Shivani Maitra, in this episode of The Green Room, as we ask: What’s the secret to doing our best work?   Tune in to find out: What we need to understand about ourselves to be more productive  The difference between performance and productivity  How we can ‘craft’ our roles – while doing them  What leaders can do to help their teams get more done   Enjoyed this episode? Check our website for our recommendations to learn more about this topic: deloitte.co.uk/greenroompodcasts You can also watch our episodes over on YouTube: youtube.com/@DeloitteUK  Guests: Michael Clinton, Professor of Work Psychology at King’s College London and Deloitte partner Shivani Maitra Hosts: Steph Dobbs and Oli Carpenter Original music: Ali Barrett

We’re all familiar with change. Our schedules change. Projects change. The world changes. It’s the only constant, as they say. And so, we learn how to adapt to new landscapes, adjusting our plans and executing accordingly. But transforming something and making real progress – that’s another beast altogether. It’s about moving from who you are to who you want to be. About reinventing a business for the future. Or shaping a project that will impact lives for years to come. Making progress involves risk. Trying new things. Stepping outside of your comfort zone. All while making sure it’s ultimately helping society and business move forward. It starts from a vision, but the road to get there is often winding and unexpected. So, what can we learn from those who’ve been there and done it? We’re joined in this episode by Mark Wild, CEO of HS2, and Lorraine Mackin, UK Lead Partner for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Government, to ask: What's the difference between change and transformation? Tune in to find out: Why Mark doesn’t like “the T word”   The biggest transformation project facing the world    The vision behind some of society’s biggest transformations What Mark’s learnt from managing high-profile and large-scale transformation projects    Enjoyed this episode? Check our website for our recommendations to learn more about this topic: deloitte.co.uk/greenroompodcasts You can also watch our episodes over on YouTube: youtube.com/@DeloitteUK Guests: Mark Wild, CEO of HS2 and Lorraine Mackin, UK Lead Partner for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Government Hosts: Annie Wong and Lizzie Elston Original music: Ali Barrett

Rome wasn’t built in a day. The tortoise beats the hare. More haste, less speed.   We’ve heard the adages. And we know why they’re used. We know that behind every overnight success is years of hard work. But that doesn’t stop us being fascinated by them.   Whether it’s a singer, a new app, a sports team or a start-up, we can all think of sudden stratospheric rises. They’re exciting, they’re inspiring and we want to know the secrets behind them.   But once the smoke clears and the spotlight has faded, we’re left with another question - how do you make that success last? To ensure that flurries of excitement don’t turn into passing fads – and fuzzy memories. That quick wins turn into continual wins. That overnight success becomes lasting impact. In this episode of The Green Room we talk to CEO of Barclays Women’s Super League and Barclays Women’s Championship, Nikki Doucet and Deloitte partner and leader of Deloitte Ventures, Scott Campbell as we ask; How do you build long-term success? Tune in to find out:  Why failure can form the foundations for success The biggest lesson Nikki learnt from her time at Nike What a responsible business looks like in today’s market How businesses can balance short-term pressure with long-term vision Enjoyed this episode? Check our website for our recommendations to learn more about this topic: deloitte.co.uk/greenroompodcasts You can also watch our episodes on Youtube: youtube.com/@DeloitteUK  Cook For Good here: cookforgood.uk Guests: Nikki Doucet, CEO of Barclays Women’s Super League and Barclays Women’s Championship, and Scott Campbell, partner at Deloitte Hosts: Lizzie Elston and Stephanie Dobbs Original music: Ali Barrett