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Our days are shaped by rules and regulations.   The expiry date stamped on the sandwich we picked up for lunch. The charge for the plastic bag at the checkout. The banner that asks if we consent to cookies. There's the big stuff too. The security checks before we fly, the safety marks on our new tech and the seatbelt we click into place without thinking.   But despite its ubiquity, regulation sparks mixed feelings. While some rules feel reassuring, others feel restrictive. When done right, regulation can be a catalyst for societal progress and economic growth. It can unlock markets, enforce ethical standards, and build trust. It can also bring challenges too, adding layers of frustration, cost, and complexity to new ideas and initiatives.  With governments now demanding that regulators actively support growth, there's an opportunity to reimagine regulation. Can it be designed to stimulate, rather than stifle, innovation? Is there a way to keep the societal benefits and skip the unnecessary challenges? Or do we simply need to improve our approach and understanding to regulation – and prepare for more of it in the future?  That's what we're exploring with Rob Bishton, CEO of the Civil Aviation Authority, and Sam Walsh, Partner and UK Public Sector Regulation Lead at Deloitte, as we ask: Does regulation help or hinder growth? Tune in to find out: What does successful regulation look like? Does new regulation only ever occur after a crisis? How can regulation stay ahead of new and emerging industries? What can businesses do to prepare for future regulatory changes?   Enjoyed this episode? Check our website for our recommendations to learn more about this topic: deloitte.co.uk/greenroompodcasts Find out more about Young Women's Trust here: youngwomenstrust.org Guests: Rob Bishton, CEO of the Civil Aviation Authority, and Sam Walsh, Partner and UK Public Sector Regulation Lead at Deloitte. Hosts: Stephanie Dobbs and Oliver Carpenter Original music: Ali Barrett Recording date and location: London, 04.12.25

What's the difference between an interesting experiment and a game-changing asset? It's deciding to make the leap from one to the other. It's knowing that now is the right time to go from starting out to scaling up. And that's where a lot of businesses currently find themselves with their approach to AI.  With 78% of organisations using AI in at least one area of their business, the curiosity phase is over. Businesses have trialled and reported and trialled some more, and leaders have seen how using AI isn't just about doing things quickly - it's about unlocking competitive advantages, encouraging innovation and delivering value to every layer of a business. But growing a pilot test into a project that embeds AI securely, responsibly and profitably across an entire business is no easy feat.  So, what can we learn from those who've turned successful introductions into successful integrations? How do senior leaders build the right infrastructure and culture to support widespread AI adoption? And what does it mean to truly transform a business with AI?  That's what we're exploring with Senior Leader from NVIDIA and Sam Roddick, Global Chief of Strategy for Consulting Services at Deloitte, as we ask: How do we move from trialling to transforming? Tune in to find out: The two timelines businesses need to plan for in their AI strategy How some of the world's most influential organisations are merging human and digital workforces The significant changes AI will make to traditional business models What businesses of any size can do to move out of 'pilot purgatory' Enjoyed this episode? Check our website for our recommendations to learn more about this topic: deloitte.co.uk/greenroompodcasts Find out more about Deloitte's Festive Gift Guide here: https://deloi.tt/4pliJpq Guests: Sanjeev Arya, Head of EMEA for AI Consulting and GSI Partners at NVIDIA, and Sam Roddick, Global Chief of Strategy for Consulting Services at Deloitte Hosts: Lizzie Elston and Oliver Carpenter Original music: Ali Barrett Recording date and location: London, 26.11.2025

When you imagine the future, is it powered by clean energy or driven by AI? As the UK works towards its net-zero goals, our energy system is being asked to do more than ever before – delivering power that's cleaner, smarter, and more reliable to support an increasingly digital and connected world The future isn't just electric – it's intelligent. Artificial intelligence is transforming the way we live and work, boosting productivity, driving economic growth, and helping to tackle some of society's biggest challenges. But AI doesn't run on ideas and data alone – it runs on energy. And as its capabilities expand, so does the demand for power to keep it running. So how do we make sure the UK's ambition to lead in AI and achieve net zero go hand in hand? Can we build an energy system of the future that powers both our digital and sustainable ambitions? What will it take to get there, and who needs to lead the charge? That's what we're exploring in this episode of The Green Room with Carol Yan, General Manager responsible for Amazon Web Services' Energy & Utilities business across the UK & Ireland, and Tom Harris, leader of Deloitte's Sustainable Business Solutions practice, as we ask: What will it take to power our AI goals? Tune in to find out: How AI and new technology is accelerating the journey towards a more sustainable future What really happens when energy giants and tech companies innovate together Why "coopetition" is key to tackling AI's environmental impact How businesses can scale AI responsibly without losing their competitive edge Enjoyed this episode? Check our website for our recommendations to learn more about this topic: Deloitte.co.uk/greenroompodcasts Find out more about The Yard here: The Yard Charity | Supporting disabled children and young people Guests: Carol Yan, General Manager responsible for Amazon Web Services' Energy & Utilities business across the UK & Ireland, and Tom Harris, leader of Deloitte's Sustainable Business Solutions practice. Hosts: Lizzie Elston and Steph Dobbs Original music: Ali Barrett Recording date and location: London, 10.11.25

A lot has changed about how we work and do business. But one truth has remained the same – the importance of relationships.  We've all felt the benefits of building good business relationships; successful projects, faster progress, confident decisions, career opportunities and meaningful support.  We've probably all felt the effects of less-good relationships too; stilted results, miscommunication, lack of trust and a lot of frustration.   Whether it's the long-standing client who just introduced a new leader, the potential client who isn't really looking to buy right now, or the unlikely alliance that could change everything; behind every deal, launch, and partnership is people - and the way we relate to each other is at the heart of what really drives success.  So, what does it take to build successful business relationships in a world of hybrid meetings, endless emails, and fast-moving change?  That's what we're exploring with Dr Linda Papadopoulos, psychologist, academic and author, and Nina Gopal, a partner in banking and capital markets at Deloitte UK, as we ask: What's the secret to stronger business relationships?  Tune in to find out: What three traits are found in every successful relationship How to transform conflict into a catalyst for better business relationships Why our reliance on digital communication is preventing us from truly connecting Two things we can all do tomorrow to improve our professional interactions Enjoyed this episode? Check our website for our recommendations to learn more about this topic: Deloitte.co.uk/greenroompodcasts Find out more about Cook For Good here: cookforgood.uk Guests: Dr Linda Papadopoulos, psychologist, academic and author, and Nina Gopal, a partner in banking and capital markets at Deloitte UK Hosts: Lizzie Elston and Oli Carpenter Original music: Ali Barrett Recording date and location: London, 03.10.25

We're used to using technology to help us make decisions. We research, we report and we act. But are we ready to let technology make those decisions by itself?  Generative AI has already changed the way we work - helping us write, code, and create in ways that once felt impossible. But now, we're moving one step further into a world where technology doesn't just suggest or report – it learns, reasons and acts.   For business leaders, the appeal with Agentic AI is clear: faster growth, higher productivity, greater efficiency. In fact, studies show that 42% have already made considerable investments in the technology and the market for Agentic AI alone is expected to grow from $7.84 billion in 2025 to over $56 billion by 2030.  The buzz is there, but so is the risk. So, how do we learn to trust decisions made by agents we can't look in the eye, can't incentivise, and may not fully understand? And how will this transform our skills, our roles and how we define leadership?  That's what we're exploring in this episode of The Green Room with Professor Richard Susskind CBE, AI expert and author, and Stacey Winters, Generative AI Market Leader and Managing Partner for Deloitte North-South Europe, as we ask: What if our next decision makers aren't human?  Tune in to find out:  How Agentic AI will transform the workplace in the years to come   Which industries are thinking differently and leading the adoption of new AI capabilities What leaderships traits will become more in-demand as AI use scales up Why trust by design in the technology and the decisions it makes is critical to success  Enjoyed this episode? Check our website for our recommendations to learn more about this topic: deloitte.co.uk/greenroompodcasts  Find out more about Scope here: scope.org.uk  Guests: Professor Richard Susskind CBE, AI expert and author, and Stacey Winters, Generative AI Market Leader and Managing Partner for Deloitte North-South Europe  Hosts: Lizzie Elston and Oli Carpenter  Original music: Ali Barrett  Recording date and location: London, 04.09.25 

For many of us, defence is invisible. As we go about our everyday lives, we rarely have cause to think about it. And that's a good thing. It means that the defence sector is doing its job well and preventing threats from becoming incidents that make headlines or change lives. But what that job entails, how it's best done and the tools that are used to do it is changing.  As geopolitical tension and new technology transform the nature of the threats, and how we fight them, defence is becoming more important and more visible for all of us.  Defence spending has increased globally each year for the last decade. Within the UK the defence sector has been identified as key area for growth, with plans suggesting that it could boost the economy by providing more jobs, more innovation and more resilience - as well as increasing the need for greater collaboration between government, institution and industry too. So as private sector looks to play a greater role in the evolution of defence – what could that role actually look like? What does it mean for businesses and the people who work in them? How will it affect defence operations and the society they protect? And what do we all need to understand about defence today to prepare for the future? That's what we're exploring with Rachel Ellehuus, CEO of the Royal United Services Institute, and Duncan Farrow-Smith, Chief Strategy Officer and leader of the defence practice at Deloitte UK, as we ask: Do we need to think differently about defence? Tune in to find out: The economic and strategic opportunities that come with a growing defence sector How different stages of technology and innovation are reshaping the future of defence The ways that public and private sector collaboration can deliver national impact Why zig-zag careers and talent attraction are pivotal for success  Enjoyed this episode? Check our website for our recommendations to learn more about this topic: deloitte.co.uk/greenroompodcasts You can also watch our episodes on Youtube: youtube.com/@DeloitteUK  Find out more about Scope here: scope.org.uk Guests: Rachel Ellehuus, Director-General of the Royal United Services Institute, and Duncan Farrow-Smith, Chief Strategy Officer and leader of the defence practice at Deloitte UK Hosts: Annie Wong and Lizzie Elston Original music: Ali Barrett  

Trust influences everything. It helps shape decisions, drives loyalty, and defines reputation. It's the foundation of strong leadership, lasting relationships, and long-term success, across all areas of society. But in today's world, trust is harder to earn – and easier to lose. And at times, it can feel like a balancing act due to shifting values and high expectations. 71% of people say they're more likely to buy from a brand they trust – and 78% will recommend one. Trust shapes the businesses we choose to work with, buy from and believe in. And with many organisations learning to navigate the 'trust crisis', being seen as trusted has never been so important for businesses and leaders alike. So what does it really take to build trust? How do leaders do it best – and what breaks it down? And when trust is damaged, can it ever be rebuilt? That's what we're exploring in this episode of The Green Room with Ed Williams, President, International at Edelman, and Shauna Robinson, Lead Partner for Public Policy at Deloitte UK, as we ask: What does it take to build trust?  Tune in to find out: How trust is measured and the key elements that build it What businesses should focus on to build trust with diverse audiences How we're all impacted by the trust crisis and how to navigate it Why leaders need to be human in a technologically driven world   Enjoyed this episode? Check our website for our recommendations to learn more about this topic: deloitte.co.uk/greenroompodcasts  You can also watch our episodes over on YouTube: youtube.com/@DeloitteUK Find out more about Scope here: Disability charity Scope UK Read Edelman's 2025 Barometer Report here: 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer   Guests: Ed Williams, President, International at Edelman, and Shauna Robinson, Partner for Public Policy and Risk at Deloitte UK Hosts: Stephanie Dobbs and Annie Wong Original music: Ali Barrett

We've all got a lot savvier about sustainability in recent years. We know the size of the climate challenge facing the planet. And we know that the planet needs more than statements, green logos and commitments to use the printer less to tackle it. As we all make more sustainable choices and changes in our personal lives, we look to the businesses we buy from and work for to do the same. Our expectations are higher than ever before, but are some businesses better placed to meet them than others? That's what we're exploring with Rory MacFadyen, co-founder of Reflo, and David Rakowski, Global Circular Economy Lead at Deloitte, in this episode of The Green Room, as we ask: Is it easier to start a sustainable business or to become one? Tune in to find out: Why "sustainable business" is more than a marketing line What businesses are doing to link transparency and consumer trust How Reflo are challenging the idea of sustainable supply chains The shifts and trends shaping business sustainability efforts Enjoyed this episode? Check our website for our recommendations to learn more about this topic: deloitte.co.uk/greenroompodcasts You can also watch our episodes over on YouTube: youtube.com/@DeloitteUK  Find out more about Change Please Find out more about Reflo Guests: Rory MacFadyen, co-founder of Reflo, and David Rakowski, Global Circular Economy Lead at Deloitte. Hosts: Stephanie Dobbs and Oli Carpenter Original music: Ali Barrett  

In a data-driven world, it's easy to get lost in a maze of metrics. We start by looking for helpful measurements that will allow us to track our progress, set goals and make more informed decisions.   But we can quickly lose sight of what we're tracking and why we're tracking it. Because it's easy to collect data – the challenge is knowing how best to use it.  So, what needs to happen to ensure metrics aren't just numbers on a page, but drivers of real change? And how do we use them to give what we say – and do – more meaning and direction? That's what we're exploring with David Kennedy, CEO of Science Based Targets Initiative and Veronica Poole, Vice Chair at Deloitte UK, in this episode of The Green Room as we ask: How can we put more meaning into our metrics? Tune in to find out: Why businesses measure in the first place The benefits of science-based targets  The difference between vanity metrics and meaningful metrics How we can use data to improve and learn Enjoyed this episode? Check our website for our recommendations to learn more about this topic: deloitte.co.uk/greenroompodcasts You can also watch our episodes over on YouTube: youtube.com/@DeloitteUK  Find out more about Scope here: scope.org.uk Find out more about Science Based Targets Initiative here: sciencebasedtargets.org Guests: David Kennedy, CEO of Science Based Targets Initiative and Veronica Poole, Vice Chair at Deloitte UK Hosts: Annie Wong and Stephanie Dobbs Original music: Ali Barrett  

What you know matters, but who you know matters more.  That's not quite how the original saying goes, but perhaps it's time for an update. Whereas once 'It's not what you know, it's who you know' might have been whispered and accompanied by a raised eyebrow, things have shifted.  A strong network doesn't, or shouldn't, act as a substitute for our skills. But it can provide us with more opportunities to demonstrate them. According to LinkedIn, 70% of jobs aren't even advertised on job websites, with 85% of all jobs filled through networking.  So, your network, and your ability to network, really matter. But despite its undoubted importance, why does it often feel awkward for so many of us?   The mere thought of circulating a room chatting to strangers or more senior colleagues, can feel daunting and uncomfortable in equal measures. So much so that one in four of us don't network at all. So, how do we overcome the discomfort and find a way to make networking work for us? And build mutually beneficial networks that will help get us to where we want to be? That's what we're exploring with leading FT journalist and author of The Future-Proof Career, Isabel Berwick and Kirsty Newman, Market Chair at Deloitte UK, in this episode of The Green Room, as we ask: What's the best way to build a network?   Tune in to find out:  Why some of us find networking easier than others The difference between being strategic and being inauthentic when networking How businesses can facilitate networking – for their people and their clients Conversation starters to use the next time you network Enjoyed this episode? Check our website for our recommendations to learn more about this topic: deloitte.co.uk/greenroompodcasts You can also watch our episodes on Youtube: youtube.com/@DeloitteUK  Scope here:  scope.org.uk Guests: Isabel Berwick, leading journalist and author of The Future-Proof Career, and Kirsty Newman, Market Chair at Deloitte UK Hosts: Lizzie Elston and Ollie Carpenter Original music: Ali Barrett

You learn something new every day. At least, that's how the saying goes. But it's not always how the reality goes – particularly when it comes to our work.   Even though 84% of us feel like learning adds more purpose to our work, demanding deadlines and overflowing inboxes often stop us from finding time to focus on our own development. But being given the time and space to learn new things can lead to some seriously good things, like new opportunities, career growth and improved mental wellbeing. And what's good for us, is good for business too. In fact, research shows that organisations who invest in learning and development are 59% more likely to experience growth. Which could be why workplace learning is back on the agenda. Once associated with bad coffee and badly lit conference rooms, it's now benefiting from better technology and better understanding of the different ways in which we learn.   So, what needs to happen to ensure that learning doesn't keep getting moved to the bottom of our to-do list? And instead, it becomes a continuous process that's rewarding for both individuals and the businesses they work for? That's what we're exploring with guests Professor Nick van Dam, Chief of the IE University Center for Corporate Learning Innovation, and Heike Dekker-Schäch, Dean at Deloitte University, in this episode of The Green Room, as we ask: How can learning be part of our everyday work? Tune in to find out:  Whether 'on the job' really is the best way to learn What a 'learning climate' is and how businesses can influence it Why we all need to consider the next chapter of our careers – regardless of our age How workplace learning is linked to business success Enjoyed this episode? Check our website for our recommendations to learn more about this topic: www.deloitte.co.uk/greenroompodcasts You can also watch our episodes on Youtube: youtube.com/@DeloitteUK  Scope here:  scope.org.uk Guests: Professor Nick van Dam, Chief of the IE University Center for Corporate Learning Innovation, and Heike Dekker-Schäch, Dean at Deloitte University Hosts: Annie Wong and Stephanie Dobbs Original music: Ali Barrett  

"Well done is better than well said."     You might have heard that famous saying from Benjamin Franklin. And it's one that reminds us of the importance of action over words. But what does it take exactly?    When it comes to solving some of the world's biggest problems or doing business in a more sustainable and responsible way, there's no shortage of people talking and theorising.    And that's a good thing. Hearing and learning from others is important. But right now, the world needs more people driving impact as opposed to simply just talking about it. So, how do we encourage businesses and leaders to take that next step?     That's what we're exploring with Paul Van Zyl, Co-founder and CEO of The Conduit, and Piumi Mitchell, Head of Social Impact Partnerships at Deloitte UK, as we ask: How do we turn words into action? Tune in to find out: Why right now is the best time in history to be fighting the big issues How Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu shaped Paul's thoughts on collaboration Why asking, "So what?" is so important  Why collaboration and purpose is more important than power Enjoyed this episode? Check our website for our recommendations to learn more about this topic: deloitte.co.uk/greenroompodcasts You can also watch our episodes over on YouTube: youtube.com/@DeloitteUK  Find out more about The Conduit here: www.theconduit.com  Guests: Paul Van Zyl, Co-founder and CEO of The Conduit, and Piumi Mitchell, Head of Social Impact Partnerships at Deloitte UK Hosts: Annie Wong and Lizzie Elston Original music: Ali Barrett  

Sailing a ship is effortless when seas are calm and the wind is blowing in the right direction. And in business, it's easier to feel confident and in control when conditions are idyllic, profits are high and growth is steady.   But what do you do when a storm hits? How do you turn things around and not only weather the storm, but emerge stronger? Turnarounds are challenging - in fact, within business, 70% of them fail. And the weight of expectation can test even the most experienced leaders and teams. So, what can we learn about the mechanics of managing a successful turnaround from the people who've done it? That's what we're exploring with Zak Brown, CEO at McLaren Racing, and Pauline Biddle, partner in M&A at Deloitte UK, in this episode of The Green Room as we ask: What does it take to turn things around? Tune in to find out: The essential first step all leaders must take when beginning a turnaround. How cultural change affects commercial success – and vice versa. Zak's advice to leaders who find themselves under pressure. What kind of mistakes are important to make while turning a business around. Enjoyed this episode? Check our website for our recommendations to learn more about this topic: deloitte.co.uk/greenroompodcasts You can also watch our episodes on Youtube: youtube.com/@DeloitteUK  Scope here:  scope.org.uk   Guests: Zak Brown, CEO at McLaren Racing, and Pauline Biddle, partner at Deloitte Hosts: Lizzie Elston and Annie Wong Original music: Ali Barrett

Better healthcare and schools. More jobs. A growing economy. Improved infrastructure. Planet-saving solutions and disruptive technology. Anything else? As the list for what would improve our lives gets longer, our demand on governments around the world gets greater. In fact, research shows our expectations are at an all-time high.   But can all the things that the world needs really be delivered by new policies, new budgets and new leaders alone? Or is it our expectations that need to change? The world has changed, but the ways in which the state tries to change the world have largely stayed the same. A combination of taxation, spend and policy are traditionally used to improve things, but is it time to try something new? And if demand continues to increase and challenges continue to grow, then what will future governments look like?   In this episode of The Green Room we talk to Sir John Manzoni, former Permanent Secretary for the Cabinet Office and Chief Executive of the UK Civil Service and Deloitte partner Libby Mason, as we ask; Can governments do everything? Tune in to find out:  Why our expectations of the state have changed The opportunities for greater collaboration between the public and private sectors How traditional systems can be adapted to meet new expectations The role technology can play in helping governments deliver improved service Enjoyed this episode? Check our website for our recommendations to learn more about this topic: deloitte.co.uk/greenroompodcasts You can also watch our episodes on Youtube: youtube.com/@DeloitteUK  Cook For Good here: cookforgood.uk Guests: Sir John Manzoni, former Permanent Secretary for the Cabinet Office and Chief Executive of the UK Civil Service, and Libby Mason, partner at Deloitte Hosts: Stephanie Dobbs and Oli Carpenter Original music: Ali Barrett

Setting timers. Downloading apps. Standing desks. Getting up at 5am. A new week, a new productivity 'hack'. But is chasing productivity actually helping us to get more done? Or simply giving us more to do? Feeling productive can mean different things on different days. Sometimes it's flying through our to-do list. Sometimes it's spending hours thinking of an idea that will go on to change everything. But do we value one type of productivity more than the other? And could doing so be holding us back? Solving the productivity puzzle seems like it could benefit everyone, so how do we do it? Does getting more done really come down to where and when we work? What role can AI and technology play in boosting productivity? How does company culture affect our output? And where can businesses and leaders invest their resources to help improve productivity in a way that works for all of us? That's what we're exploring with guests Professor Michael Clinton, Professor of Work Psychology at King's College London and Deloitte partner, Shivani Maitra, in this episode of The Green Room, as we ask: What's the secret to doing our best work?   Tune in to find out: What we need to understand about ourselves to be more productive  The difference between performance and productivity  How we can 'craft' our roles – while doing them  What leaders can do to help their teams get more done   Enjoyed this episode? Check our website for our recommendations to learn more about this topic: deloitte.co.uk/greenroompodcasts You can also watch our episodes over on YouTube: youtube.com/@DeloitteUK  Guests: Michael Clinton, Professor of Work Psychology at King's College London and Deloitte partner Shivani Maitra Hosts: Steph Dobbs and Oli Carpenter Original music: Ali Barrett