I by IMD

Poul Weihrauch, CEO of Mars, Inc., leads the 114-year-old family-owned company towards purpose-driven growth and sustainability. He discusses how family ownership allows him to prioritize long-term goals over short-term profits. Weihrauch outlines Mars’ innovative ‘Compass’ metrics for success, integrating financial performance with societal impact. He shares insights on substantial sustainability investments and the unique strategy behind their approach to acquisitions. Emphasizing people development, he highlights how Mars embeds core principles into its culture, while balancing the pressures of performance and purpose.

AI is a double-edged sword for the environment. Its growth requires masses of energy, water, and rare earth metals. The LLMs of tomorrow may even require the world to bring old power plants, powered by fossil fuels, back online. On the other hand, AI has the potential to accelerate sustainable transformation by providing innovative approaches to energy production and consumption. So, is AI a groundbreaking innovation or an environmental burden? Might it one day save our planet? Today on the IMD podcast network, we're bringing you an episode of Mike and Amit Talk Tech, in which our hosts discuss AI and sustainability with Julia Binder, Professor of Sustainable Innovation and Business Transformation at IMD. To find out more about Mike Wade & Amit Joshi's latest book, "Gain: Demystifying Gen AI for Office and Home", visit the IMD website here or buy it directly from Amazon. 

What got you here won’t get you there. But that’s not all, says Kevin O’Brien, CEO of Gammon Construction in conversation with Professor Ric Roi. You’re also going to need to really unpack the detail of your new brief, marshal the data to spot the opportunities, figure out how to unlock future potential, and bring everyone with you on the journey. 

Richard Baldwin delves into the Trump administration, and what to glean from months of economic madness. Looking ahead, Richard discussed how trade and tariffs will directly impact businesses, from small enterprises to large corporations, and what business leaders can do to mitigate risk potential regional variations and sector-specific impacts. 

Historian-turned-business-professor Martin Gutmann talks to IMD’s Howard Yu about busting the “hero” myth, how Churchill really won WWII, and the silent strategist who conquered both poles while the flashy explorers froze. Along the way he reveals humility as the ultimate power-skill and hands leaders a playbook for quietly, predictably winning. 

Richard Edelman, CEO of the communications firm Edelman, explores in a conversation with Cynthia Hansen, Managing Director of Adecco Group’s Innovation Foundation, why so many people are dissatisfied with authority and institutions.

This interview with Ruchita Sinha, partner at AV8 Ventures, explores her journey from science to venture capital and her approach to early-stage investing. She discusses AV8’s focus on AI-driven innovation in healthcare, enterprise tech, and financial services, and shares insights on evaluating founders, what distinguishes a good company builder, navigating tough situations, and making impactful investment decisions beyond just picking winners.

Leaders are under pressure to project certainty and to know all the answers. In this interview podcast, Julie Linn Teigland, a Managing Partner at EY, tells IMD’s Howard Yu why it’s better to admit you’re unsure and collaborate to find a solution.*****Read our magazine, I by IMD, here: https://www.imd.org/ibyimd/Discover IMD's leadership programmes here: https://www.imd.org/leadership-programs

Didier Cossin, Chaired Professor of Governance and Finance and founder of the IMD Global Board Center, shares insights from his new book, "High Performance Boards." He discusses the critical role of governance in decision-making. Cossin details the four pillars of governance—people, information, structures, and culture—and how they intertwine. He identifies key areas of board failure and the psychological dynamics that make change difficult. Lastly, he emphasizes the need for boards to adapt to geopolitical challenges and offers practical risk management strategies.

Michael Watkins, Professor of Leadership and Organizational Change and author of the international bestseller The First 90 Days, speaks to IMD President David Bach about how he has found the transition to his new role.Also available as a video on imd.org here****David Bach began his term as IMD President in September 2024,  and is focused on making IMD the world’s most impactful business school. Together with his leadership team and the entire IMD community, he is working to broaden and deepen IMD’s global impact through learning innovation, excellence in degree- and executive programs, and applied thought leadership.