1591194141
The So What from BCG

Advertise on podcast: The So What from BCG

Rating
★★★★★
4.8
from
219 reviews
This podcast has
122 episodes
Language
English
Explicit
No
Date created
2021/10/20
Latest episode
2026/01/28
Average duration
21 min.
Release period
12 days

Description

This podcast from Boston Consulting Group looks around the corner of today’s big business and social issues. The goal–the so what–is to make sense of today and prepare busy leaders and executives for the day after tomorrow. Award-winning British journalist Georgie Frost interviews the leading thinkers and doers at BCG on the trends, developments, and ideas that will shape and disrupt the future. This is not your typical business strategy podcast. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

Unlock The So What from BCG podcast Email contact info,
Listeners & Audience details

Email contact information

Direct podcast contact details

Listeners

Audience numbers & engagement insights

Audience details

Podcast Insights

Podcast episodes

Check latest episodes from The So What from BCG podcast


Special Episode: Davos Wrap-up
2026/01/28
Join several BCG senior partners as they share their insights from their time on the ground at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos. BCG invites you to an exclusive look at the forces shaping the CEO agenda in 2026. BCG’s Judith Wallenstein, Aparna Bharadwaj, and Vlad Lukic discuss what they learned from their personal conversations with CEOs and global leaders at Davos. They share practical guidance for organizations preparing for the year ahead in AI, geopolitics, and other areas. Chapters Learn more: BCG at Davos, https://www.bcg.com/about/partner-ecosystem/world-economic-forum/davos BCG’s CEO Agenda, https://www.bcg.com/executives/ceo-agenda Judith Wallenstein, Global Leader, CEO Advisory https://www.bcg.com/about/people/experts/judith-wallenstein Aparna Bharadwaj, Global Leader, Global Advantage Practice https://www.bcg.com/about/people/experts/aparna-bharadwaj Vlad Lukic, Global Leader, Tech and Digital Advantage https://www.bcg.com/about/people/experts/vladimir-lukic This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
Successful CEOs Know That Growth Isn’t Magic. It’s Management.
2026/01/14
CEOs must pursue growth transformation with the same rigor that they bring when they tackle costs. Tuukka Seppä, BCG’s global chair of transformation, explains why CEOs need bold targets, smart incentives, and relentless follow-through to scale effectively. He unpacks the common misconceptions that hold companies back, the impact of a chief transformation officer, and why this is the moment to shift from reacting to rebuilding. Listen on podcast platforms: https://lnk.to/so-what-general-show12 Learn More: Tuukka Seppa: https://www.bcg.com/about/people/experts/tuukka-seppa BCG’s Latest Thinking on Business Transformation: https://www.bcg.com/capabilities/business-transformation/insights CEO’s Guide to Growth in 2026 article: https://www.bcg.com/publications/2026/the-ceos-guide-to-growth-seizing-opportunity BCG at Davos 2026: https://www.bcg.com/about/partner-ecosystem/world-economic-forum/davos Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 00:28–00:55 What’s Your “So What” on Growth? 00:55–01:50 If Growth Is a Strategic Choice, What Does It Take to Succeed? 01:50–03:16 Why Do Some Companies Grow During Extreme Volatility? 03:16–04:13 What Does Structured Growth Leadership Look Like in Practice? 04:13–05:12 Can Too Much Discipline Limit Growth in a Volatile World? 05:12–06:03 How Do You Build Flexibility and Adaptability into Growth? 06:03–07:36 Is It Obvious Where Growth Should Come From? How Do Leaders Decide What Good Growth Is? 07:36–10:20 Why Do Two-Thirds of Companies Miss Growth Targets? 10:20–11:05 What Does “Growing from a Strong Base” Mean? 11:05–12:35 How Do You Measure Growth Without Killing It Too Early? 12:35–13:55 How Important Is a Chief Transformation Officer? 13:55–14:37 What Buffers Matter for Growth — and Why Now? 14:37–16:06 What’s the Typical Timeline for a Growth Transformation? 16:06–17:54 What Unlocks the Shift from Efficiency to Growth? 17:54–19:48 What Role Can AI Play in Accelerating Growth? 19:48–20:41 When Is the Right Time to Start a Growth Program? 20:41–21:33 The ‘Now What’ 21:21–21:33 Outro This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
From the Archive: Winning the Rest of the 20s
2025/12/31
Rich Lesser, BCG’s global chair, and Martin Reeves, chairman of the BCG Henderson Institute, reflect on the shocks and surprises that shaped the first half of the decade and what they reveal about the future. They explore the traits leaders need today: building trust, staying geopolitically aware, and adopting AI in a people-centered way. Learn More: Rich Lesser: https://on.bcg.com/4lZrWla Martin Reeves: https://on.bcg.com/4lXaAVX Winning in the 20s: https://on.bcg.com/4lpe1oo Winning the ’20s: A Leadership Agenda for the Next Decade: https://on.bcg.com/40iscDs This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
The Untapped Market Opportunity Hiding in Plain Sight
2025/12/17
Many companies have a blind spot when it comes to serving women. In fields from health care to financial services, they often treat women just like men—even though their needs are very different. BCG’s Alex Friedman and Trish Stroman share tangible steps leaders can take today to better serve women—who are responsible for up to 80% of spending. Organizations that are best positioned won't guess what women want—they’ll co-create with them and design for real needs.    Learn More:  Alex Friedman: https://on.bcg.com/3XW4lry  Trish Stroman: https://on.bcg.com/3KSkJWU  Closing the Menopause Care Gap: The Next Frontier in Women’s Health https://on.bcg.com/4oWSkNo  BCG’s Latest Thinking on the Healthcare Industry: https://on.bcg.com/3KXXCdH  BCG’s Innovate Her: https://on.bcg.com/3KSqiVs  Chapters:  00:00-00:57 Introduction  00:58-02:26 Why don't businesses successfully target and serve women?  02:27-03:30 Why is women's health still underinvested in?  03:31-05:04 Why has momentum shifted?  05:05-06:06 How big of an economic opportunity is this?  06:07-07:06 Where are the most immediate areas businesses can create value?  07:07-08:30 How can you scan your business for opportunities?  08:31-09:21 What do leaders say are the biggest opportunities and stumbling blocks?  09:22-11:50 Upcoming innovations that could solve problems for female consumers  11:51-12:58 What sectors have the most to gain from targeting female consuemrs?  12:59-14:13 What businesses are excelling?  14:14-16:03 Is there enough investment in this space?  16:04-17:52 What's the productivity and talent cost when women aren’t supported?  17:53-19:38 How to persuade a board that this is worth investing resources in  19:39-21:04 The ‘Now What’  21:05-21:15 Outro  This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
Special Announcement: Georgie Frost Wins Lovie Award
2025/12/10
Help us celebrate our very own Georgie Frost, who earned the Bronze Lovie Award for Best Podcast Host thanks to her outstanding work on The So What from BCG! Georgie was also a finalist for the People’s Lovie Award for Best Podcast Host. The Lovie Awards are the European cousin of the Webby Awards, celebrating the best of the best across the continent. If you’d like to send a warm note, a congratulatory message, or simply an email full of emoji confetti, please send an email to [email protected]. Congratulations to Georgie and thank you all for making the podcast a success! This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
How BCG Is Rewriting Its Talent Playbook in the Age of AI
2025/12/03
What happens when AI meets your most human processes like hiring, feedback, and development? Alicia Pittman, BCG’s global people chair, shares how the firm uses AI to amplify human strengths, not replace them. From building trust to rethinking management roles, she offers a roadmap for leaders navigating AI-powered change.    Learn More:  Alicia Pittman: https://on.bcg.com/4pcZ2Qs  BCG’s Latest Thinking on People Strategy: https://on.bcg.com/43X5rGT  A Promise That Brings AI to Life Responsibly: https://on.bcg.com/4anxsLC  Chapters:  00:00-00:56 Introduction/Alicia’s ‘So What’  00:57-02:18 Lessons from BCG’s AI journey  02:19-05:24 Where is AI being used at BCG in people management?  05:25-07:08 What challenges has BCG faced?  07:09-08:04 What didn’t work at first?  08:05-09:43 How do you measure success with AI?  09:44-13:10 What are the biggest concerns for leaders at other companies?  13:11-14:56 What has to stay human?  14:57-15:40 What does a human in the loop look like for BCG?  15:41-18:50 Should you act now or wait and see how AI plays out?  18:51-21:38 How is AI reshaping how we learn?  21:39-21:59 Advice for leaders  22:00-22:50 Alicia’s ‘Now What’   22:51-23:06 Outro  This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
What Sweatpants Can Teach Us about Generational Differences and Segmentation
2025/11/19
Consumer companies are facing a new reality: demand is maturing, competition is intensifying, and generational preferences are diverging. Justin Vincent, part of BCG’s leadership team for consumer and fashion, explains how businesses can avoid fading into the background by choosing a durable purpose, serving real consumer needs, and mastering digital discovery.  Learn More:  BCG’s Latest Thinking on Consumer Products: https://on.bcg.com/4oLtmBB BCG on the Fashion Industry: https://on.bcg.com/4oJzSZh How Gen Z and Gen Alpha Are Rewiring the Fashion Industry: https://on.bcg.com/47LxcEH More on Fashion's Next Gen: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/christine-barton-486ab_retailleadership-genz-ai-activity-7395127354852839424-UpRu?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAACCYnPQBE42Xbwt6tSxmjChbfZwsa6uBvxc Chapters:  00:00-01:19 Introduction/Justin’s ‘So What’  01:20-02:32 The evolution of athleisure  02:33-03:46 Why has growth slowed?  03:47-04:56 Who is winning and will they continue to?  04:57-06:06 What is a ‘for purpose’ mindset?  06:07-08:38 How are different generations served?  08:39-10:29 How do brands decide what markets to serve?  10:30-12:32 How can you make your brand stand out?  12:33-16:03 How should companies decide where to focus?  16:04-17:39 How do brands decide where to localize and where to stay consistent?  17:40-18:52 What can consumer companies learn from sportswear brands?  18:53-19:55 What are the biggest challenges the industry is facing?  19:56-21:24 Justin’s ‘Now What’  21:25-21:38 Outro  This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
What’s Next in Medtech Matters to Us All
2025/11/05
Medtech is a $900 billion industry transforming how we treat, diagnose, and prevent disease—but its innovation engine is slowing. Vikram Aggarwal, global leader of BCG’s medical technology work, explains what’s behind the slowdown and how leaders can rethink regulation, software, and talent to re-accelerate breakthroughs.    Learn More:  Vikram Aggarwal: https://on.bcg.com/4osjpc6  BCG on Medtech: https://on.bcg.com/3LlJ6MC  How Medtech Leaders Are Revving Up Their Innovation Engines: https://on.bcg.com/4op2Rl8  Chapters  00:00-01:25 Introduction/Vikram’s ‘So What’  01:26-02:10 What is medtech?  02:11-03:46 Where are some of the most exciting innovations happening in medtech?  03:47-05:36 What areas get the most attention?  05:37-07:33 What are the barriers to innovation?  07:34-08:36 How do software and hardware innovation compare?  08:37-09:58 Software in a medical device vs software as a medical device  09:59-11:40 Is there a lag between innovation in software vs hardware?  11:41-13:41 What is the ideal innovation environment for medtech?  13:42-15:13 How do we fix the STEM skills shortage?  15:14-17:46 What will bring the most value over the next decade?  17:47-19:04 What is happening at startups vs established companies?  19:05 – 20:01 Vikram’s ‘Now What’  20:02-20:15 Outro  This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
BCG Presents: The CEO Radar
2025/10/29
AI is rising on the agendas of global CEOs, according to the latest edition of the CEO Radar. But a surprising number of chief executives are still struggling to embed the technology into their businesses. On this episode of the CEO Radar Podcast, Edward Adams of Bloomberg Media Studios is joined by BCG Global Chair Rich Lesser and Vlad Lukić, BCG Global Leader of Tech and Digital Advantage, to explore how CEOs can compare themselves to their peers when it comes to corporate integration of AI. Presented by BCG. Listen to The CEO Radar: https://sponsored.bloomberg.com/immersive-story/bcg/the-ceo-radar-q4-2025  This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
Your Next Business Move Should Be in Orbit
2025/10/22
Space isn’t just for rockets and research anymore. Satellite technology drives precision navigation, automation, and connectivity—quietly powering everything from farming to finance. Troy Thomas, BCG’s global lead for space business, explains why CEOs need a deliberate space strategy to stay ahead of disruption and unlock new growth.     Learn More:  Troy Thomas: https://on.bcg.com/4qhq5ea  BCG on the Space Sector: https://on.bcg.com/4hohjqS  Space Services Are the Next Frontier for Industrial Companies: https://on.bcg.com/47zs3za  GAIA: A Foundation Model for Operational Atmospheric Dynamics: https://arxiv.org/abs/2505.18179  GAIA Foundation Model is available for download: https://huggingface.co/bcg-usra-nasa-gaia  Chapters  00:00- 01:16 Introduction/Troy’s ‘So What’  01:17-01:57 What would a day look like without space?  01:58-04:02 How big is the space industry?  04:03-06:01 The three pillars of space  06:02-08:05 What pillar is the most significant for growth?  08:06-10:40 What can space tech really do for a company?  10:41-12:50 Does every company need a space strategy?  12:51-14:22 What does a good space strategy look like?  14:23-15:52 How do you manage risks?  15:53-16:55 Why would you own your own space assets?  16:56-19:13 Is there enough space in space?  19:14-20:33 BCG’s work with NASA  20:34-22:21 How will space impact the future?  22:22-23:04 Troy’s ‘Now What’  23:05-23:18 Outro  This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
The Button That Broke the Internet (and Built It Too)
2025/10/08
The like button is more than a symbol — it’s a case study in how innovation really happens. Martin Reeves, chairman of the BCG Henderson Institute and co-author of Like: The Button That Changed the World, unpacks the messy, social, and often surprising process behind major breakthroughs — and what leaders can learn from it as they navigate the AI era.  Learn More:   Martin Reeves: https://on.bcg.com/4pWlAph  Like: The Button That Changed the World: https://www.amazon.com/Like-Button-That-Changed-World/dp/B0D8XM8GZT  What the Like Button Can Teach Us About Innovation: https://on.bcg.com/48MmONK  Vote for Georgie Here: https://vote.lovieawards.com/PublicVoting#/2025/podcasts/features/best-hosts Chapters:  00:00-01:18 Introduction  01:19-02:50 The Story of ‘Like’  02:51-03:42 Was the like button an invention?  03:43-05:00 Why do we like to ‘like’?  05:01-05:31 Is online liking the same as real world liking?  05:32-06:38 What has been the economic impact?  06:39-08:01 How to get innovation right  08:02-08:28 How do you foster an innovative environment?  08:29-09:33 What role does storytelling play?  09:34-12:10 The like button and regulation   12:11-13:21 What lessons can be applied to new tech?  13:22-14:31 The structure of the book 14:32-16:44 Surprises when researching for the book  16:45-17:57 The business of thought leadership  17:58-18:46 What is the future of thought leadership?  18:47-19:34 What is next for innovation?  19:35-20:01 Outro  This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
Cracking the Code of Customer Contradictions
2025/09/24
AI and data help tell us what people do, but not why. Lauren Taylor, global leader of BCG’s Center for Customer Insight, makes sense of the mixed signals that consumers give off. To truly understand what drives people, businesses of course value robust, real-time data. But they also must uncover the context, motivators, and human truth behind every choice.  Learn More: Lauren Taylor: https://on.bcg.com/4nfwZ1A  BCG’s Latest Thinking on Customer Insights: https://on.bcg.com/46iy6Yt  The Paradox of Pessimism: Why Gloomy Consumers Keep Spending: https://on.bcg.com/3Ir7FH2  Unpacking the $15 Trillion Opportunity in Leisure Travel: https://on.bcg.com/4gGyCTI  Mapping the Consumer Touchpoints That Influence Decisions: https://on.bcg.com/3IBLBcD  GenAI’s Role in Customer Insights: Think "And" Not "Or": https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/genais-role-customer-insights-think-ajr3c/  Chapters 00:00 Introduction/Lauren’s ‘So What’ 01:26 How can businesses cut through the contradictions and understand what customers want? 02:49 Should companies just ignore what people say? 03:19 What is consumer sentiment? 04:38 What can businesses really learn from consumers? 05:36 What factors play into the say-do gap? 06:21 How much does emotion shape what people buy? 07:46 How and why should businesses deaverage the customer? 09:09 How nuanced is motivation across different regions? 10:18 What parts of the customer journey shape what people choose? 12:11 Has AI helped us better understand customers or made things more confusing? 12:53 How can companies make sense of conflicting signals? 13:52 How is AI changing the way that we understand consumer behavior? 14:47 With data available, why is it critical for businesses to still talk to customers? 16:20 What mistakes are companies making when it comes to listening to their customers? 17:08 What should companies look for in sentiment signals? 17:33 Lauren’s ‘Now What’ 18:05 Do milestone moments matter? 18:28 Outro This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
M&A Is Heating Up. Is Your Dealmaking Still on Ice?
2025/09/10
M&A activity is waking up, but many companies are reluctant to leap into the fray. Daniel Friedman, BCG’s global leader of transactions and integrations, explains why bold moves now could pay off. Waiting may feel safe, but the cost could be forfeiting once-in-a-decade opportunities.  Learn More:  Daniel Friedman: https://on.bcg.com/4mWHyGW  Mid-2025 M&A Insights: https://on.bcg.com/3V6ENGF  BCG’s Latest Thinking on M&A: https://on.bcg.com/4ndP9QU  BCG’s M&A Sentiment Index: https://on.bcg.com/3VEdBzb  Chapters: 00:00-02:56 Intro/Daniel’s ‘So What’  02:57-04:34 What is different now vs. the beginning of the year?  04:35-06:13 How quickly will the market recover?  06:14-08:20 What regions and sectors are particularly active?  08:21-09:01What are risks that could impede recovery?  09:02-10:26 What is wrong with waiting on the sidelines?  10:27-12:00 Do downturn deals tend to deliver more value than boom time deals?  12:01-13:25 What can a company to do ensure that it finds the right deal?  13:26-17:02 How has M&A changed in a more uncertain world?  17:03-18:03 How will AI evolve?  18:04-19:45 What are the winners doing right in this new environment?  19:46-21:16 The ‘Now What’  21:17-21:33 Outro This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
Don't Be a Statistic. Make Transformation Work.
2025/08/27
Transformation isn’t a gamble—it’s science. Kristy Ellmer, a leader with BCG Transform, unpacks the research behind what really makes change work: involving employees in the journey, preparing for the “messy middle,” and building emotional and practical support into the process. Successful efforts focus equally on shifting behaviors and mindsets, not just strategy and structure.   Learn More:  Kristy Ellmer: https://www.bcg.com/about/people/experts/kristy-ellmer  Preorder Kristy's Book: https://www.amazon.com/How-Change-Really-Works-Science-Based/dp/B0FHBXYSLZ BCG’s Latest Thinking on Business Transformation: https://www.bcg.com/capabilities/business-transformation/insights  To Keep Transformations on Track, Incentives Are Crucial: https://www.bcg.com/publications/2025/incentives-are-crucial-for-transformation-success  The Transformation Paradox: How to Grow When the Growing Gets Tough: https://www.bcg.com/publications/2025/transformation-paradox-how-grow-when-growing-gets-tough  This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
Become the CEO of Your Health and Longevity
2025/08/13
What happens when people live decades longer than before—but not necessarily healthier? Iana Kouris, customer experience leader at BCG X, explores how companies can help people live longer healthier. Businesses can jumpstart the longevity economy by leveraging CX, behavioral design and change management to develop new products for prevention and customized for the growing elderly population, as well as supporting their employees on this journey.  Learn More:  Iana Kouris: https://on.bcg.com/4fvFrXv  BCGX: https://on.bcg.com/4ltCU1A  How Digital and AI Will Reshape Health Care in 2025: https://on.bcg.com/4mEGBCu  This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

Podcast reviews

Read The So What from BCG podcast reviews


4.8 out of 5
219 reviews
★★★★★
VinVinLadyBug 2023/08/16
Good podcast
Interesting conversations from a wide range of subjects. The audio quality and editing is very good as well.
★★★★★
churchwell 2023/01/25
Great listen
Super engaging and interesting!
★☆☆☆☆
Samson38$ 2023/04/24
Obvious and political
BCG is a consulting firm that does great work, so I wanted to like this. But this is run by marketing so very little that’s not obvious and far too mu...
★★★★★
Stevie Berko 2023/01/25
Enjoyable listen
Highly relevant podcast, very unique and a lot of fun. Excited for future episodes.
★★★★★
Sms5000005 2021/12/02
Fantastic Podcast - Keep it up!
Highly relevant podcasts by intelligent, entertaining speakers. Looking forward to future episodes and highly recommend throwing this Pod a Follow!
★★★★★
Tcfish 85 CA YY 2021/11/16
Loved the convo with Miquela
The consumer behavior and perception towards luxury is evolving! Excited for what to come on the podcast series.
★☆☆☆☆
Tata Shakira 2021/11/19
Terrible podcast, more like a marketing tool
When you have a bunch of tech lagging people talk about tech best practices..don’t waste your time here
★★★★★
gswaman 2021/11/16
No nonsense bites from experts!
Love the targeted questions, and even more so, the targeted answers! No beating around the bush diplomatic stuff, straight to the point, easy to diges...
★★★★★
zgreenstein 2021/11/12
The perfect length
Super interesting topics and conversations in bite size pieces! Love this!
★★★★★
KeiN Tokyo 2021/11/11
Quick refresher on the latest business issues
It contains a good balance of recent discussions such as the potential of the metaverse and the establishment of competitive advantage by promoting ne...
check all reviews on apple podcasts

Podcast sponsorship advertising

Start advertising on The So What from BCG relevant audience podcasts


What do you want to promote?