The Green Room: Questions That Matter Most In Business

In a modern world dominated by software, has coding become the most important language of all? Or are we focusing on tech skills at the expense of all others... How do we ensure the next generation is properly equipped to enter the future workforce, and make sure they’re not left behind? This week we’re talking to experts representing both sides of the coding coin – in schools and in the workforce. Michael Kolawole, a Teach First computing ambassador and Head of Computing and Year Learning at ARK Kings Academy in Birmingham, and Sheree Atcheson, Consulting Inclusion Lead at Deloitte, will be sharing their views on how important coding really is. Tune in to find out: Whether the next generation is really ready for the future Why Michael believes computational thinking is so important What Sheree is doing to tackle the lack of diversity in STEM Why Ethan aspires to be like Hermione Granger.   Hosts: Ethan Worth and George Parrett Guests: Sheree Atcheson and Michael Kolawole Original music: Ali Barrett Technical support: Deloitte’s Creative Studio    

Over two thirds of the global population will call a city home by 2050. This growth brings with it some major challenges, and some big opportunities. From transport to housing, technology to the environment, there’s a lot to think about. So what does this mean for us? Will our cities continue to thrive? Or have we seen the end of urbanisation as we know it? This week, our hosts Ethan and Dara are joined by Simon Bedford, real estate partner, and Jasmine Whitbread, CEO of London First, for our latest big question: are our cities ready for the future? Tune in to find out: Why Jasmine thinks the key to a great city is its people Where Dara discovered an urban rainforest How Simon believes technology could transform city living Where to go to find a Director of the Past. Hosts: Ethan Worth and Dara Latinwo Guests: Jasmine Whitbread and Simon Bedford Technical support: Deloitte’s Creative Studio Original Music: Ali Barrett  

In a global world, the most successful companies need to be open to considering opportunities in other markets.  But where do they start? Are UK businesses really making the most of opportunities abroad? What’s holding us back?  This week, we’re crossing continents to talk about two very different markets - Africa and China.  Our guests will be sharing their insights to help us understand how we can make the most of international markets, and what’s stopping us from doing just that.  Listen in to find out: Why African and Chinese markets have more in common than you think Why steak and lobster are on the menu for Ryan and Angus How cultural bias can stop us from making good business decisions Where Lizzie learnt to speak Japanese   Hosts: Lizzie Elston and Ethan Worth Guests: Ryan Duffy, Africa Services Group Leader and Angus Knowles-Cutler, Vice Chair and Chinese Services Group Leader. Technical support: Deloitte’s Creative Studio Original music: Ali Barrett  

Creativity matters. Without it, we wouldn’t have science or medicine. We’d have no solutions, no innovation. Our economy needs new ideas to survive. But we don’t have enough of them. Why? What do we mean by creativity? Why do we need it? Does it really have the power to change things? And why don’t we value it more? If new ideas are so important, what’s stopping us from making the most of them? And what are the consequences if we don’t? In this episode, Ethan and Dara set out about tackling our latest big question: can creativity change the world? They’re joined by Andy Sandoz, chief creative officer at Deloitte Digital, and Debapratim De (Debo), economist.   Hosts: Ethan Worth and Dara Latinwo Guests: Andy Sandoz and Debapratim De Technical support: Deloitte’s Creative Studio Original music: Ali Barrett  

Once a bustling hub of activity, the high street as we know it is under threat. With 20% of all retail sales coming from online shopping, it seems that popping to the shops could one day become a thing of the past. But is this really the end? Or the beginning? Will technology shape our future high streets in ways we can’t imagine? What does this all mean for retailers? And what about us? Has the way we shop changed for good? This week, Lizzie and Dara are stepping into the host seats to tackle our latest big question: does the high street have a future? They’re joined by Colin Jeffrey, lead retail consulting partner, and Matt Ward, principal consultant at Market Gravity.   Hosts: Lizzie Elston and Dara Latinwo Guests: Colin Jeffrey and Matt Ward Technical support: Deloitte’s Creative Studio Original music: Ali Barrett  

Research estimates that one in four of us run at least one business on the side. And, as usual, it seems millennials are the top culprits. For those aged 25-34, over a third are pursuing side projects. So why are so many of us starting a side hustle? Does it distract from our day jobs? Or keep us motivated? Should business be putting its foot down? Or actively encouraging employees to pursue projects on the side? This week, George is joined by our brand new co-host Dara Latinwo. They’re attempting to get to the bottom of this week’s big question, with the help of two guests who know a thing or two about side hustling – Nick Philpot and Riteesh Mishra. Listen in to find out: Nick’s top tips from launching Yolk, a new coffee and breakfast spot How Riteesh balances a career with coaching one of the UK’s most successful women’s football teams What George & Dara think of their very own side hustles The first album George ever bought (it’s what he wanted, what he really really wanted). Hosts: George Parrett and Dara Latinwo Guests: Nick Philpot, founder of Yolk, and Riteesh Mishra, Talent Manager at Deloitte Technical support: Deloitte’s Creative Studio Original music: Ali Barrett  

David Sproul has been the CEO of Deloitte UK for the last eight years and was the first ever CEO of Deloitte North West Europe. It’s safe to say he knows a thing or two about what it’s like to make it to the top. He’s led our firm through eight years of consecutive growth. But he’s faced his fair share of challenges along the way. This episode brings together all three of our hosts for the very first time. George, Lizzie and Ethan leave no stone unturned. Listen in to find out: David’s guilty pleasure The one thing he’s most proud of achieving as our CEO What he thinks the future holds in store for our firm Why he just can’t get enough of the musical Hamilton.   Hosts: George Parett, Lizzie Elston and Ethan Worth Guest: David Sproul, CEO of Deloitte UK and Deloitte North West Europe Technical support: Deloitte’s Creative Studio Original music: Ali Barrett  

Have you ever questioned whether you’re good enough? Afraid people will find out you’re not capable? Felt like a fraud? You’re not alone. Imposter Syndrome affects 70% of people at some point in their lives. So what does it feel like to have Imposter Syndrome? Why is it so prevalent in a high performance culture? Who’s most likely to have imposter feelings? And most importantly - what can we do about it? In this episode, our hosts are joined by two very special guests who open up about their own experiences of Imposter Syndrome - Sharon Thorne, our incoming Global Chair, and Poppy Jaman, CEO of the City Mental Health Alliance. Headphones in to find out: What it was like for Sharon to be the first female on Deloitte’s Executive How Poppy dealt with her symptoms before her meeting at Number 10 Why even Michelle Obama has suffered from Imposter Syndrome Why, in the end, our guests (and our hosts!) are all amazing   Hosts: George Parrett and Lizzie Elston Guests: Sharon Thorne, Deloitte’s incoming Global Chair, and Poppy Jaman, CEO of the City Mental Health Alliance Technical support: Deloitte’s Creative Studio Original music: Ali Barrett  

From reusable coffee cups to metal straws, we’re all familiar with the ‘war’ against single-use plastics. Eco-friendly options have become more mainstream, but how much difference can one small change really make? What else could we as individuals be doing to reduce our waste? And what’s the role of business in all of this? George and Ethan catch up with Thomas Pell, founder of the UK’s largest zero waste supermarket, The Clean Kilo, and Nick Robinson, an environment manager at Deloitte. In this episode you’ll discover: How our hosts got on with their plastic free week challenge  How George is saving the dolphins one six pack at a time  How Thomas became scientist turned supermarket founder  Why we’re saying goodbye to single use cups at Deloitte   Hosts: George Parrett and Ethan Worth Guests: Thomas Pell, The Clean Kilo and Nick Robinson, Deloitte environment manager Technical support: Deloitte’s Creative Studio Original music: Ali Barrett  

Careers matter. Not just in terms of livelihoods, but how we define our identities.  What matters to you at work? From a good boss and great benefits, to being recognised and making an impact. This week we ask: what makes a great career?  George and Ethan are back in the host seat. They catch up with Deloitte’s Global Chairman David Cruickshank between his travels, and apprentice Lowri Jones who travelled to see us from Cardiff, for an inspirational career chat.  Headphones in to find out:   David’s favourite breakfast cereal How Lowri felt taking the leap and leaving university If millennials really are that into purpose as it seems Whether David secretly is a millennial   Hosts: George Parrett and Ethan Worth Guests: David Cruickshank, Deloitte’s Global Chairman and Lowri Jones, Analyst Technical support: Deloitte’s Creative Studio Original music: Ali Barrett