The Green Room: Questions That Matter Most In Business

Back in 2016, economists said Brexit was unlikely to happen and the media reported that Hillary Clinton was a safe bet for the US presidency. Since then, it's fair to say that world events have taken an unexpected turn. But why didn't we see it coming? Did the experts really get it wrong or are we being unfair? In an ever evolving business and economic landscape, is certainty now a thing of the past? Is there any point in making predictions at all? This week George and Lizzie are joined by leading business journalist, James Ashton, and Deloitte's chief economist, Ian Stewart, to find the answer to our latest big question: why do the experts keep getting it wrong? Tune in to find out why: Economists just want to be popular Ian thinks forecasts are an expression of hope George reads a lot of children's literature We're all swimming in a river of fake news Hosts: George Parrett and Lizzie Elston Guests: Ian Stewart and James Ashton Technical support: Deloitte's Creative Studio Original music: Ali Barrett

From smarter healthcare to remote working, there's no doubt that technology has had a positive impact on our lives. But there are downsides too. In an always-on world, how is constant connection affecting our mental and physical health? Or is it too early to tell? As our lives move online, how can we be sure that businesses are keeping our data secure? Should we completely switch off from technology, or could we not live without it? This week, we're diving into the world of technology to look at whether it's really making our lives better. Joining our hosts George and Lizzie are Paul Lee, UK partner and Head of Global Research for Technology, Media and Telecommunications (TMT) and Libby Cousins, partner at Deloitte Digital UK and marketing practice lead. Tune in to find out: What Lizzie's favourite smartphone app is and why If George's vegetable box deliveries are doing more harm than good Libby's views on how businesses can keep our data as secure as possible Why Paul thinks technology connectivity is like a game of KerPlunk Hosts: George Parrett and Lizzie Elston Guests: Paul Lee and Libby Cousins Technical support: Deloitte's Creative Studio Original music: Ali Barrett

Tax forms. Mortgages. Pensions. Most of us have to deal with them at some point in our lives, but do we really understand them? We all know we'll have to take control of our finances when we 'grow up', but we don't always know where to start. In fact, our research shows that most people in the UK do not understand their personal tax affairs, with the younger generations the most confused. So why are we leaving them to fend for themselves? Is a lack of financial understanding holding young people back? What about those of us still struggling? Will we ever get to grips with it all? Is the tax system really that complicated? Do we understand what we're paying towards? And why does it matter anyway? Hosts: George Parrett and Ethan Worth Guests: Dan Lyons and Gemma Tetlow Technical support: Deloitte's Creative Studio Original music: Ali Barrett

Today's younger generation are the most informed, educated, connected generation in human history, with a lot of ideas too. Every day, we're seeing young activists hitting the headlines in their drive make the world a better place. But are young people really more engaged, or do they just have a bigger platform? Are we listening to them in the workplace and society? And how do we balance this energy with experience and break down generational barriers? This week, we're discussing whether we're taking the voices of today's younger generation seriously enough. Our hosts George and Ethan are joined by Annie Wong, Assistant Manager in Financial Advisory and UK One Young World delegate and Kate Robertson, Co-Founder of One Young World. Tune in to find out: How social platforms are changing the way we're listening to young people How far Ethan can walk on his hands while doing a handstand How Kate believes young leaders can benefit business and society What Annie's most excited about at the One Young World summit Hosts: George Parrett and Ethan Worth Guests: Kate Robertson and Annie Wong Technical support: Deloitte's Creative Studio Original music: Ali Barrett

Comical stereotypes of dads often show fatherhood as a bit of fun. Think dad dancing, dad jokes, dad bods and daddy day care. But with more dads than ever before now actively involved in parenting, is this really the case? Are we fuelling these stereotypes by treating working parents differently? And why are people still surprised when dads do decide to take on an active parenting role? How can workplaces help today's working fathers to look after their wellbeing and get that work-family life balance? This week, we're discussing whether today's working fathers really do have it easy. Our hosts George and Lizzie, both working parents, are joined by Jim Bloomfield, director in Clients & Industries, and Han-Son Lee, founder of DaddiLife. Tune in to find out: How Jim balanced work and parenting when transitioning back into the workplace What happened when George's daughter Daisy was given 'jitter glitter' What our research with DaddiLife revealed is important to today's working dads How many miles Jim was able to run with his pram and son Seb in it Hosts: George Parrett and Lizzie Elston Guests: Jim Bloomfield and Han-Son Lee Technical support: Deloitte's Creative Studio Original music: Ali Barrett

We all have mental health, in the same way we all have physical health. So why do we only talk about it when something goes wrong? Why don't we look after our mental health until we have to? And why are we more likely to make time to go to the gym than we are to take time out for our mental wellbeing? Is it time we stopped talking about mental and physical health and just talked about 'health' instead? This week, ahead of World Mental Health Day, we're joined by Steve Larke, consulting partner and mental health ambassador, and Geoff McDonald, ex VP of Unilever and mental health campaigner. Tune in to find out: Why Geoff believes talking about mental health saved his life How Steve prioritises wellbeing at work Why Ethan would like to be Prime Minister for a day How mental and physical health are interlinked Hosts: George Parrett and Ethan Worth Guests: Steve Larke and Geoff McDonald Technical support: Deloitte's creative studio Original music: Ali Barrett

Starting a new job can be daunting, as our new CEO Richard Houston knows only too well. As he approaches his first 100 days on the job, we're talking first day nerves and how to prepare for taking the next step. This week, we'll be getting to know all about Richard and how he's settling in to his new job. What made him decide to go for it? Is it everything he expected? And how do you find time for yourself when you're going through a career transition? Tune in to find out: What Richard really wanted to be when he grew up Why Ethan never made it as a dancer Richard's one piece of career advice for new graduates Why Richard is a secret trance fan Hosts: George Parrett, Dara Latinwo and Ethan Worth Guest: Richard Houston, CEO of Deloitte UK and NSE Technical support: Deloitte's Creative Studio Original music: Ali Barrett

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