Imagine This...

Join Mickey McManus, a BCG senior advisor and human-centered design pioneer, as he paints a picture of the future C-suite featuring AI executives. He discusses how humans and AI could collaborate, drawing parallels to jazz improvisation. Mickey emphasizes the need for storytelling and emotional intelligence in leadership. He also introduces a thought-provoking reading list for C-suite executives, including works by Iain M. Banks and Safiya Umoja Noble, to better navigate the AI landscape.

Alaina Percival, co-founder and former CEO of Women Who Code, shares her inspiring tech journey, from leading product initiatives for Puma in Germany to navigating developer outreach in San Francisco. She candidly discusses imposter syndrome, suggesting it reflects personal growth rather than inadequacy. Alaina highlights the critical role of community support in overcoming challenges and emphasizes that women in tech must advocate for themselves to ensure retention and career advancement. Her insights offer encouragement and practical strategies for aspiring women in technology.

Vladimir Lukic, a thought leader from BCG, advocates for the strategic use of self-generating software. He discusses how this technology could become a playful partner for business leaders, enabling custom solutions and innovative exploration. The conversation also dives into the risks of AI autonomously generating software, especially in critical sectors like finance. Lucik highlights the need for new skills and ethical considerations as organizations navigate this transformative landscape while managing the balance between AI and human creativity.

Troy Thomas, a BCG expert, dives into the exciting realm of low-Earth orbit satellites. He imagines a future where these satellites enhance industries like logistics and agriculture with real-time data. However, he cautions about risks such as privacy issues and space debris. Thomas also discusses the need for regulatory frameworks to govern remote sensing technology as we navigate this new frontier. The conversation reveals both the incredible opportunities and challenges within the emerging low-Earth orbit economy.

In this enlightening discussion, Brad Loftus, a thought leader from BCG, shares his vision for the future of home delivery and retail. He imagines a world where sensors anticipate our shopping needs, leading to fully automated deliveries. The conversation touches on the potential disappearance of traditional stores, the benefits of personalized shopping experiences, and the role of technology in enhancing customer service. Brad also explores innovations like drones and autonomous vehicles that could revolutionize logistics while balancing efficiency and quality.

BCG's expert Matthew Sinclair discusses AI potentially replacing knowledge workers like writers and consultants. He explores the ethical implications of AI in creative tasks and the need for human oversight to maintain ethical standards. The podcast delves into AI's impact on content creation and the global ethical backlash against AI advancements.

Explore the pressing role of AI in modern business strategy and its surprising impact on consumer interaction. Discover how CEOs can navigate external pressures through transparent communication and strategic stakeholder engagement. Learn about purpose-driven digital transformation, reframing technology upgrades as alignments with corporate values. Lastly, embrace the necessity of lifelong learning for leaders in a fast-changing environment, blending human insights with AI contributions for richer understanding.

Nikolaus Lang, an expert from BCG, specializes in advising executives on trade strategies amid global shifts. He discusses the impending decline of free trade as emerging trade blocs reshape the economy. Leaders must adapt to new geopolitical and resource access challenges, especially in securing materials for batteries. Lang emphasizes the importance of integrating geopolitics into corporate strategies while also addressing the need for ethical AI governance. He showcases innovative AI tools designed to aid executives in strategic decision-making during these turbulent times.

BCG's organizational leadership expert Judith Wallenstein discusses the future of CEOs, envisioning a shift to chief ecosystem orchestrators. Topics include leadership traits, global volatility, AI impacts, and the need for diverse backgrounds. The podcast explores challenges, crisis response, and the evolution of executive roles in a changing business landscape.

Middle management. Senior leaders say it’s a sticking point; individual contributors say it’s not meeting needs; middle managers themselves say the role is a source of burnout. Julia Dhar, founder and leader of BCG’s Behavioral Science Lab, imagines a future in which AI takes over aspects of middle management. Among the most beneficial outcomes: companies keep their employees doing what they do best and senior leaders communicate their vision directly to the frontline. Help Us Imagine the Future--Send Us Your Ideas or QuestionsWhat major changes or disruptions do YOU see on the horizon?Please email us the future scenario you’d like us to explore. Or, send us a question you might have for GENE or about working with GENE. Email it to: imaginethis@bcg.com.We will pick our favorites and explore them with GENE in an upcoming episode of Imagine This.Learn More: Julia Dhar: https://on.bcg.com/49ifruf How to Create a Transformation that Lasts: https://on.bcg.com/3J0cbJg More on what BCG has to say about behavioral science: https://on.bcg.com/49lRpOO Julia’s TED Talk: How to disagree productively and find common ground | Julia Dhar (youtube.com) Gitte Frederiksen’s TED Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZ7ySrDVqOs&t=2s GenAI on GenAI: https://lnk.to/bcg-genai-on-genai-series-link04This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp