
World Economic Forum
Welcome to our podcast collection featuring expert voices and fascinating stories from around the world.
Latest episodes

Jul 18, 2024 • 38min
"The Centre Must Hold" - what role does centrist politics play in a polarised world?
As populists are on the rise in many countries, how should the moderates respond? We hear from Yair Zivan, the author of a new book called "The Centre Must Hold", who argues that centrism is more than just the mid-point between two extremes, and can be a radical force for good. Links: “The Centre Must Hold: Why Centrism is the Answer to Extremism and Polarisation,” edited by Yair Zivan: Essay by World Economic Forum President Borge Brende: The Second Coming, poem by WB Yeats: Related podcasts: Check out all our podcasts on : - - : - : - : Join the :

Jul 15, 2024 • 1h 5min
AMNC24 - Finding Growth amid Complex Risks
Amid signs of potential economic optimism, a complex array of risks threatens to derail progress. From tackling climate emergencies, to rising geopolitical tensions and the accelerating infodemic, how can global collaboration and innovation protect and propel economic growth? This is the full audio from a session at the Annual Meeting of the New Champions (AMNC24) on June 26, 2024. Watch it here: Speakers: Peng Sen, President, China Society of Economic Reform (CSER) Michael Wang, Anchor, Global Business and BizTalk, China Global Television Network (CGTN) Busi Mabuza, Chairperson, Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa Andre Hoffmann, Chairman, Massellaz Mohamad Al-Ississ, Minister of Finance, Ministry of Finance of Jordan Links: Annual Meeting of the New Champions - Next Frontiers for Growth, 25–27 June, 2024, Dalian, China: Centre for the New Economy and Society: Podcasts: Check out all our podcasts on : - - : - : - : Join the :

Jul 11, 2024 • 19min
Build your own personal board of advisors - One founder shares the traits great mentors share
Rishi Khosla, co-founder of OakNorth Bank, shares his journey as a fintech entrepreneur and the critical role of mentoring in business. He discusses the qualities that great mentors possess and how they can help aspiring leaders build their personal advisory boards. Khosla explains the importance of continuous feedback in leadership and the transformative impact of a mentorship program he developed with the London School of Economics to nurture future entrepreneurs. Discover how mentorship can navigate career challenges and foster growth.

Jul 11, 2024 • 31min
No laughing matter: Can comedy help us tackle climate change?
Climate change is an extremely serious issue, but can comedy help us cope with - and communicate about - it? We hear from the University of Colorado, Boulder where students can take a course in ‘climate comedy’ that ends in them performing on stage in a comedy club. And we unpack the power of cartoons from the World Economic Forum’s climate ‘cartoonathon’. Thumbnail image: Wade Kimbrough (with the help of A.I.) The caption reads: "Changing paths? That's not in this quarter's budget." Guests: , Professor, Director of Graduate Studies in Theatre & Performance Studies, University of Colorado, Boulder: , Professor, , University of Colorado, Boulder Gill Einhorn, Head, Innovation and Transformation, Centre for Nature and Climate, World Economic Forum John Letzing, Digital Editor, Strategic Intelligence, World Economic Forum Links: Inside the Greenhouse: 2024 Inside the Greenhouse Climate Comedy Special: Earth Decides: Cartoonathon: Podcasts: Check out all our podcasts on : - - : - : - : Join the :

Jul 4, 2024 • 22min
More than just a toothache: how to tackle the huge costs of poor oral health
What’s the health condition that affects us all, but is often seen as an add-on for healthcare - and how much is this neglect costing the economy? Oral diseases affect half the world's population and, according to a new report, have knock-on costs to the economy worth $710 billion every year. Marko Vujicic of the American Dental Association joins us to discuss 'The Economic Rationale for a Global Commitment to Invest in Oral Health'. Links: The Economic Rationale for a Global Commitment to Invest in Oral Health: Half the world is affected by oral disease – here’s how we can tackle this unmet healthcare need: Global Health Equity Network: Related podcasts: Check out all our podcasts on : - - : - : - : Join the :

Jul 3, 2024 • 18min
The key skill leaders must learn from influencers: One founder explains
Florian Hoffman is the Founder of The Do, a platform for tomorrow’s entrepreneurs that runs a special 'anti-business' business school focused on helping leaders implement real solutions. He shares why leaders need to shift how they motivate and inspire, moving from driving a 'command and control' mindset' to driving a movement that connects with hearts and minds. He explains why this approach helps leaders tackle apathy and resistance to change, and how it will be all the more important given increasingly fast cycles of innovation. To learn more: About this episode: Related podcasts:

Jun 27, 2024 • 24min
An energy company is building the world's largest airplane. Here's why
Mark Lundstrom is the CEO and founder of energy company Radia. He'll explain why he's building the world's largest plane --and how a unique approach to making offshore wind turbines onshore can speed progress on tackling emissions. He'll also share why this company is focused on using just existing technologies. He'll explain why this approach can actually lead to a host of new solutions for innovators and tackle big challenges more quickly -- and can be especially powerful as leaders consider how to efficiently tackle sustainability issues. To learn more: World Economic Forum Energy Transitions Index: Radia: Related podcasts Check out all our podcasts on : - - : - : - : Join the :

Jun 25, 2024 • 27min
Globalisation is in transition - not retreat, says this analyst of global trade
Deglobalization, reglobalization, decoupling, de-risking, reshoring friend-shoring, export bans, tariffs and sanctions - is global trade going into reverse, or simply into a new phase? As the World Economic Forum hosts the Annual Meeting of the New Champions in China, we ask an expert about the state of global trade and where it might be heading. Guest: Simon Evenett, founder of the . Links: Annual Meeting of the New Champions - Next Frontiers for Growth, 25–27 June, 2024, Dalian, China: Geopolitical Rivalry and Business: 10 Recommendations for Policy Design: Forum’s Global Future Council on the Future of Trade and Investment: Centre for Regions, Trade & Geopolitics: Related podcasts: Check out all our podcasts on : - - : - : - : Join the :

Jun 21, 2024 • 20min
This former astronaut shares what’s key to building strong, effective teams
Soichi Noguchi is a former astronaut with the Japanese space agency JAXA who has flown to space not once but 3 times. He’ll talk about the unique training these astronauts undergo - and the special lessons these trainings can teach any team about tapping each individual's expertise and what's needed to be a great leader and a great follower. He has since worked in a number of capacities, including as a professor at the University of Tokyo and an executive fellow at the Institute for International Socio-Economic Studies. He’ll share what he’s focused on now - and how space can help us better live on Earth.

Jun 20, 2024 • 32min
The long game: how to understand China and how it sees its role in the world
As the World Economic Forum convenes the 'Annual Meeting of the New Champions' in China, this expert helps us better understand how the Asian powerhouse sees its place in the world. With Markus Herrmann, the Swiss-Chinese co-founder of the consultancy. Links: Annual Meeting of the New Champions - Next Frontiers for Growth, 25–27 June 2024: Centre for Regions, Trade and Geopolitics: Related podcasts: Check out all our podcasts on : - - : - : - : Join the :