Cambridge Executive Business Insights

Эпизоды

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  Beyond Productivity: How leaders should think about AI 16.09.2026 44мин

  In this episode, Viren Lall the Managing Director of ChangeSchool introduces a new way of thinking about AI, one that shifts the focus from technology to leadership attention. He explains why AI should be treated as an investment rather than a convenience, introducing practical frameworks including the AI Allocation Matrix, the AI Investment Loop and the concept of "skim tax", that is the hidden organisational cost of accepting AI's first plausible answer without critical thinking. Viren explores how disciplined practices such as challenging, checking and capturing AI outputs help leaders build organisational capability rather than simply generating faster work. The conversation also examines governance in the age of autonomous AI, arguing that as decisions increasingly happen at machine speed, accountability becomes a board-level responsibility. A thoughtful exploration of how leaders can use AI to strengthen, rather than replace human judgment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  From AI experiments to real business transformation 01.09.2026 56мин

  In this episode, Paul Henninger, UK Head of Technology & Data and Global AI Leader at KPMG, shares lessons from helping organisations (and KPMG itself) embed AI into everyday business operations. Paul explains why the biggest barriers to AI adoption are not technical but organisational, describing the challenges of fear, focus and friction that emerge as automation scales. He discusses why companies should tackle their biggest business problems rather than isolated AI use cases, how cross-functional teams combining engineers with domain experts accelerate progress, and why meaningful value only comes when organisations redesign entire processes rather than simply adding AI tools. Drawing parallels with previous industrial revolutions, Paul argues that AI requires leaders to rethink structures, governance and ways of working, not just technology. An insightful discussion on why successful AI adoption is ultimately about organisational redesign and human leadership.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Data, AI and Customer Trust 18.08.2026 41мин

  In this episode, Laura Joseph, Chief Customer Officer at Tesco Mobile, explains how her organisation is taking a deliberately human-centred approach to AI. Rather than pursuing technology for its own sake, Tesco Mobile starts with customer problems and uses AI only where it genuinely reduces friction, improves service and supports colleagues. Laura discusses proactive customer support, responsible personalisation, AI-assisted contact centres and the governance structures that allow experimentation while maintaining accountability. She also shares how initiatives such as an internal AI Guild and a cross-functional AI Governance Forum are helping build capability across the organisation while ensuring every AI application meets high standards for transparency, security and customer outcomes. This conversation offers a thoughtful blueprint for leaders seeking to deploy AI responsibly, showing that trust, good governance and customer value remain the foundations of successful digital transformation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  From hype to value: Making AI pay off 04.08.2026 37мин

  In this episode, BCG Managing Director and Nordic Tech & Digital Advantage leader Thomas Wenstrøm explains why only a small minority of companies are capturing significant value from AI, and what sets them apart. Drawing on his experience leading large-scale AI transformations across Europe and Asia, Thomas argues that success depends less on technology than on strategic focus, business ownership and organisational change. He explains why companies should concentrate on a handful of high-impact transformations rather than hundreds of isolated use cases, why 70% of AI success comes from people and processes rather than algorithms, and how leaders can redesign core functions to unlock both growth and productivity. A practical conversation about moving from experimentation to enterprise-wide transformation, and why AI is ultimately a leadership challenge rather than a technology project. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Operationalising AI: turning strategy into business value 21.07.2026 43мин

  In this episode, Professor Jaideep Prabhu is joined by David Fearne, Vice President of AI at NTT DATA, to explore how leaders can embed AI into the heart of business strategy. Drawing on his experience advising organisations across sectors, David explains why AI should be viewed not simply as a technology, but as an intelligent workforce capability that enables growth, curiosity and innovation. The conversation explores the challenges of moving AI from pilot projects into production, the importance of governance and trust, and why leaders should focus on information rather than data alone. David also shares his vision for a "curiosity-first" workforce, where AI removes routine work and empowers people to ask better questions, make better decisions and create greater value. This is a compelling discussion for leaders looking to build AI-enabled organisations that are resilient, responsible and ready for the future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Making AI work: How organisations turn strategy into results 07.07.2026 43мин

  In this episode, Professor Jaideep Prabhu speaks with Mark Bloomfield, founder of Turbulence and AI adviser to global organisations, about how leaders can adopt AI with purpose. They explore why the greatest opportunity lies not simply in improving efficiency, but in reimagining how organisations innovate, solve problems and build competitive advantage. Drawing on examples from businesses around the world, Mark explains why successful AI adoption starts with identifying organisational "friction points", creating space for experimentation, and empowering people, rather than replacing them. The conversation also examines responsible AI, organisational change, simulation, trust and the principles of frugal AI: achieving more with less through thoughtful, human-centred innovation. A practical and thought-provoking discussion for leaders seeking to harness AI strategically. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  AI in sustainability 23.06.2026 40мин

  In this episode, Jaideep Prabhu speaks with Munish Datta, Director of Sustainability at Specsavers, about how AI is transforming the way organisations measure emissions, manage supply chains, and build resilience to climate risks. Drawing on real-world examples from Specsavers and beyond, Munish explores how AI can improve carbon accounting, enhance supply chain traceability, support climate adaptation, and accelerate progress towards a more circular and regenerative economy. He also discusses the importance of human oversight, ethical governance, and developing the skills needed to use AI responsibly. From sustainability reporting and supply chain transparency to the future of regenerative business, this conversation offers valuable insights for leaders seeking to harness AI to create environmental, social, and business value. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Frugal AI in the energy sphere 09.06.2026 35мин

  In this episode, Jaideep Prabhu speaks with Philippe Rambach, Chief AI Officer at Schneider Electric, about the role of AI in creating a more sustainable and energy-efficient future. Drawing on Schneider Electric's experience deploying AI at scale, Philippe explains the concept of "frugal AI", using the simplest, most efficient technology to solve real-world problems. Together, they explore how AI can optimise energy demand, support smarter buildings and grids, reduce carbon emissions, and help organisations balance innovation with sustainability. From AI-powered energy management to the future of electrification, this conversation offers valuable insights for business leaders, policymakers, and anyone interested in the intersection of AI, energy and climate action. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Rethinking banking with AI: building an AI fluent culture 26.05.2026 34мин

  In this episode, Jaideep Prabhu speaks with Oscar Barlow, Head of AI Advocacy at Starling Bank, about how one of the UK’s leading digital banks is embedding AI across its organisation and customer experience. Oscar shares how Starling’s agile, technology-first culture has enabled rapid AI adoption, from AI champions and internal enablement programmes to customer-facing tools like spending intelligence and AI-powered scam detection. The conversation explores regulation, trust, AI fluency, agentic AI, and what the future of banking could look like as humans and AI increasingly work side by side. A fascinating discussion on innovation, culture, and the next era of financial services. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  From Frugal Innovation to Machine Consciousness 12.05.2026 42мин

  In this episode, Jaideep Prabhu speaks with Dr. Daniel Hulme, CEO of Satalia and Chief AI Officer at WPP, about the future of artificial intelligence, from real-world business applications to the possibility of machine consciousness. They explore how AI is transforming industries like marketing, why constraints can drive innovation, and what leaders need to do to stay ahead, while also tackling bigger questions around ethics, superintelligence, and what an AI-driven future means for humanity.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  How AI is Reshaping Influence, Stakeholder Engagement and Strategic Decision-Making at Board Level 28.04.2026 40мин

  In this episode, Jaideep Prabhu speaks with Nick Ford Young, co-CEO of Boldspace, about how AI is transforming marketing and communications. They explore “agentic” workflows, the balance between automation and human creativity, and why judgment remains essential in an AI-powered world. Nick shares how Boldstream integrates data, strategy and real-time insights to reshape decision-making and learning. The conversation also tackles risks, such as bias and over-reliance, and what the future holds for agencies, brands and talent. A thoughtful look at how AI can augment, not replace, human ingenuity in modern business.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Technology, Impact, and Global Equity 14.04.2026 33мин

  This episode features Anusha Dandapani, Chief of Data and AI at the UNICC AI Hub (United Nations International Computing Centre), exploring how the UN is building scalable, responsible AI across its global system. She shares insights on creating shared AI infrastructure, overcoming fragmented systems, and shifting from experimentation to institutional adoption. The conversation highlights “frugal AI” - focusing on social impact over cost alone - and reveals surprising cost drivers like governance, data preparation, and workforce upskilling. Anusha also discusses balancing innovation with trust, embedding responsible AI practices, and preparing organisations for emerging agentic systems, offering practical lessons for leaders aiming to build purposeful, efficient AI. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  The Case For Frugal AI in a World of Giant Models 31.03.2026 39мин

  In this episode, Jaideep Prabhu speaks with Firas Ben Hassan, Head of Agentic AI Solutions Hub at Allianz Technology. Firas shares his journey from fraud detection data scientist to leading Allianz’s agentic AI initiatives, including AllianzGPT. He explains the concept of frugal AI - using simpler, more efficient, and more explainable models instead of defaulting to the largest systems. The conversation explores responsible, human-centred AI in financial services, regulatory guardrails, levels of AI autonomy, and how organisations can balance innovation, efficiency, and trust in an era of rapidly advancing AI. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  The future is assistive: frugal AI, accessibility, and inclusive innovation 17.03.2026 49мин

  In this episode, Jaideep Prabhu speaks with Neil Milliken, former Global Head of Accessibility and Digital Inclusion at Atos, about the powerful intersection of AI and accessibility. Drawing on 25 years in assistive technology, Neil explains how today’s generative AI builds on foundations laid by early speech recognition systems and how AI can make work inherently assistive—from automated note-taking to large-scale compliance analysis. The conversation explores how inclusive design can drive mainstream innovation, the risks of bias in AI-powered recruitment and decision systems, and why accessibility should be embedded at the design stage, not treated as an afterthought. This is a thoughtful discussion on building AI that is inclusive, responsible, and impactful at scale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Frugal AI in practice: smarter, leaner and more responsible intelligence 03.03.2026 49мин

  In the first episode or series 2, Jaideep Prabhu speaks with Serish Gandikota, Elizabeth Osta, and Arjuna Sathiaseelan about ‘frugal AI’ - a smarter, leaner approach to building and deploying artificial intelligence. As AI development becomes increasingly resource-intensive, reliant on vast compute power and energy the Frugal AI Hub at Cambridge Judge Business School is challenging the ‘bigger is better’ mindset. The conversation explores why many GenAI pilots are failing in enterprises, the importance of measuring real value and impact, and how AI can be made more accessible, especially in regions with limited infrastructure and among communities underserved by today’s dominant language models. From corporate boardrooms to the Global South, this episode outlines a practical vision for AI that is sustainable, inclusive, and designed to thrive under real-world constraints. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Journey To Regeneration: Best Bits 27.02.2026 20мин

  In this best of episode, Chris Marquis shares some of his favourite moments from Journey To Regeneration. During the series we explored how technology and impact investing are reshaping the business landscape, from disruptive innovations to sustainable models. Visionaries like Ronnie Cohen highlighted the power of tech to drive massive change, while leaders like Heidi Renata, Lisa Ferguson, and Ana Costa stressed the importance of patience, collaboration, and integrating environmental and social values. We heard actionable insights from Juliet Scott Croxford on individual wellness, and from John Elkington on the mainstream rise of sustainability. The message is clear: start with small steps, champion positive change, and make your business—and your life—a force for good. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Journey To Regeneration: Best Bits 25.02.2026 16мин

  Professor Chris Marquis shares some of his favourite moments from the first series of Cambridge Executive Business Insights, Journey To Regeneration. Chris features thought leaders passionate about sustainability, regeneration, and business’s role in shaping a better world. You’ll hear practical advice from Vincent Stanley of Patagonia on connecting with and defending the places we love, and strategies from Lindsay Hopper for leveraging coalitions and trade bodies to drive meaningful change. Andrew Winston challenges us all to ask whether we and our organizations are truly making the world better, while Elizabeth Whitlow invites listeners to reconnect with food—and the soil it grows in. You'll discover actionable steps for everyday impact, from what we wear, as shared by Lindsay Hooper, to the transformative power of regenerative agriculture, explored by Andrea Ili. Kate Williams shares the philosophy behind 1% for the Planet, emphasizing progress over perfection, and Nigel Topping urges businesses to track exponential changes within their industries for resilience and innovation. These highlights offer a rich blend of thought-provoking perspectives and practical wisdom, setting the stage for Series 2’s focus toward frugal AI. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Shifting Cocoa Farming From Exploitation to Regeneration 09.12.2025 39мин

  In this episode, host Christopher Marquis is joined by Douglas Lamont, CEO of Tony’s Chocolonely, the Dutch chocolate company born when journalists exposed widespread child labour in West Africa’s cocoa fields and set out to prove a fairer model was possible. Douglas breaks down how Tony’s rebuilt its supply chain around five core sourcing principles—paying a living-income price, long-term contracts, full traceability, strong farmer cooperatives, and improved farming practices—and how these have dramatically reduced child-labour risks, lifted farmers out of poverty, and cut incentives for deforestation. The episode also dives into Tony’s Open Chain Initiative, which invites other brands to adopt the same ethical sourcing model in pursuit of a 5% market share tipping point for industry-wide change. Douglas discusses Tony’s mission-lock structure, the UK’s Better Business Act, and how stronger company law and bold leadership can shift businesses from extractive to regenerative models. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Reimagining Accountability: The Future of the B Corp Movement 02.12.2025 44мин

  In this week’s episode, host Christopher Marquis is joined by Chris Turner, Executive Director of B Lab UK, to discuss the evolution of the B Corp movement and what it reveals about the changing expectations of business in the 21st century.  They explore the rise of B Corps in the UK, now numbering around 2,700 companies employing more than 200,000 people, and consider insights from B Lab UK’s Take 10 report, which brings together evidence on how certified companies are approaching environmental and social performance.  Chris outlines the aim of the Better Business Act, an initiative to amend the UK Companies Act so that every company has a legal duty to align shareholder interests with those of workers, communities, and the environment. He also reflects on the updated global B Corp standards and what raising the bar for responsible business may mean worldwide. In this episode, we cover: How B Lab UK has grown and how the B Corp community has evolved Key findings from the Take 10 report  The goals of the Better Business Act and why governance reform matters How updated B Corp standards and assurance processes aim to strengthen accountability Why conversation, expectation-setting, and community play a central role in driving change Together, the discussion offers a thoughtful look at how governance, standards, and collective action might help embed environmental and social purpose more deeply into the DNA of business. Take 10: Celebrating 10 Years of the UK B Corp movement: https://bcorporation.uk/act-and-learn/campaigns/10-years-of-b-lab-uk/ Introducing B Impact: A better way to measure and manage impact: https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/programs-and-tools/b-impact/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Shaping Sustainable Choices 25.11.2025 40мин

  In this week’s episode, host Christopher Marquis is joined by Ellen Jackowski, Chief Sustainability Officer at Mastercard, to explore how the company is experimenting with ways to support more sustainable consumer choices. Positioned within a payments network that reaches 150 million merchants and billions of cardholders, Mastercard has a vantage point on everyday spending that can help inform how incentives and information are designed. They discuss a recent pilot at University College London, created with Rewild, that linked item-level purchases to emissions data and offered rewards for lower-carbon food options. Early findings suggest that such incentives can influence purchasing decisions, offering useful insights into consumer behaviour. Ellen also highlights practical trials, from reusable cup systems in European cities to tap-and-go transit technologies, that aim to lower friction for more sustainable actions. A key theme throughout is Mastercard’s inspire, inform, enable framework, including tools like the Carbon Calculator and campaigns with public figures such as Gareth Bale, which seek to address the “say–do gap” by matching clearer information with convenience and rewards. Together, these examples demonstrate how practical tools can facilitate a transition from sustainable intentions to more sustainable everyday choices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices