The Green Room: Questions That Matter Most In Business

Deloitte UK

The Green Room by Deloitte is an award-winning podcast exploring the topics that matter most in business. Each episode we ask one big question about the world around us that’s affecting business. From climate to technology, inclusion to the future of work and much more, we’ll call on experts and great research from our firm and beyond to find the answers that business is debating. We’ll ask questions like: Can AI help us be more human? Is technology our planet’s best hope? Are leaders born or made? And do elections change anything? No matter what level of business you’re at or industry you work in, The Green Room aims to provide a broad look at a variety of areas. Join us in The Green Room every other Tuesday for the best conversations on the topics that matter most in business. A podcast from Deloitte. read less
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Episodes

Are we asking the right questions about AI? With Sam Everington and Isabel Parker
6d ago
Are we asking the right questions about AI? With Sam Everington and Isabel Parker
Friend or threat? Help or hindrance? Possibilities or problems? The headlines about artificial intelligence often force us to fit the technology into one of two columns. It’s going to be good or bad. It’s going to be us or the robots. But as with most things in life, it’s not that simple.   Is it time to change the conversation about AI to one that’s less ‘either/or’ and more open? Open to possibilities. Open to change. Open to discussion.   It’s been suggested that AI could bring about as big a transformation as the industrial revolution. So what does this mean for us? For our families? Our work? And our future?  And more importantly, are we asking the right questions that can help us prepare for all of this change – both as businesses and individuals?  That’s what we’re exploring with Sam Everington from Engine by Starling, and Isabel Parker from Deloitte Legal in this episode of The Green Room.   Tune in to find out:  How generative AI is already featuring in our day-to-day livesWhy our attitude to AI has changed over time The factors that influence our trust, or lack of trust, in new technologyWhat we can learn from the banking sector about the successful implementation of AI 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  Check out Loaf Catering here: loafcatering.com  Guests: Sam Everington from Engine by Starling and Isabel Parker from Deloitte Legal Hosts: Lizzie Elston and Ethan Worth Original music: Ali Barrett
How do we fuel our future? With Alistair Dormer and Susan McDonald
Mar 12 2024
How do we fuel our future? With Alistair Dormer and Susan McDonald
Getting people to change how they do things can be hard, even if everyone agrees that things need to change. Take energy transition, for example. The case for switching to greener, more renewable sources of energy is well-made. And well-understood. But whether it’s in your own home or the business you work in and lead, the challenge is now how do we make that change happen? And when there’s so many solutions and little consensus on which is the right way to go, how do we not let paralysis take hold and stop us from making progress? Because we do need to make progress. By 2050, we need to have evolved the way we live and work if we’re to hit our net zero targets. The way we power our homes. The way we power our industry. The infrastructure that supports the supply of energy. It all needs to change. But what’s the solution? Is it solar? Wind? Hydrogen? And who is responsible for making it happen? For this episode, we’re joined by Executive Vice President of Energy and Mobility at Hitachi Ltd., Alistair Dormer, and Susan McDonald, Energy Transition Lead within Deloitte’s Sustainability and Climate Strategy team. Tune in to find out: What our energy systems currently look like – and how they need to changeThe countries who are leading on the energy transition and whyThe economic case for investing in renewable energyWhat the future holds and the role we can all play 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: Alistair Dormer, Executive Vice President of Energy and Mobility at Hitachi Ltd. and Susan McDonald, Energy Transition Lead within Deloitte’s Sustainability and Climate Strategy team. Hosts: Lizzie Elston and Ethan Worth Original music: Ali Barrett
Do elections change anything? With Caroline Flint and Ian Stewart
Feb 27 2024
Do elections change anything? With Caroline Flint and Ian Stewart
Every five years, we put a cross on a piece of paper – and put it in a ballot box. It’s a democratic right. A civic duty. An opportunity to have a say on what matters to us in our communities. 2024 is a big year for elections. Because more of us than ever before will be going to the polls around the globe. In the US. The UK. India. Taiwan. Mexico. South Africa. And many more. And there’s a lot at stake – from the rise of the far right and soaring inflation to ongoing geopolitical conflicts and the climate emergency. But voting is one thing. Making change happen, is another altogether. For this episode, we’re joined by Rt Hon Caroline Flint, former MP and Government Minister for the Labour party, and Ian Stewart, Chief Economist at Deloitte, as we ask: Do elections change anything?  Tune in to find out:  What we can learn from past elections to make future elections countHow governments can balance short-term issues and long-term challengesWhich issues matter most to voters right nowHow elections impact business – and how businesses can be prepared   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  Check out Change Please here:  changeplease.org Guests: Rt Hon Caroline Flint, former MP for the Labour party and Advisory Board Member for think tank Reform, and Ian Stewart, Chief Economist at Deloitte Hosts: Ethan Worth and Annie Wong Original music: Ali Barrett
What are the new survival skills? With Bear Grylls and Shilpa Shah
Jan 30 2024
What are the new survival skills? With Bear Grylls and Shilpa Shah
Once we huddled around campfires, now we huddle around phone screens.   Once we hunted and gathered, now there’s an app for that.   Once we used the stars to navigate the wild, now we’re in a digital jungle.   Modern technology has managed to make our lives easier and more complicated all at the same time. And then there’s the emerging technology to keep up with too.  What skills do we need to be able to manage this constant change? How do we make sure no one gets left behind? And what about the things that can’t be taught through a screen?   For this episode, we’re joined by Bear Grylls OBE, adventurer and broadcaster, and Shilpa Shah, Digital Transformation Director at Deloitte, as we ask: What are the new survival skills?  Tune in to find out:  The technology that saved Bear while he was out in the wildernessWhy the skills that we need to survive have changed over timeWhat ‘a survivor attitude’ is and how to have oneHow we can ensure everyone has the skills to survive – and to thrive Guests: Bear Grylls OBE, adventurer and broadcaster, and Shilpa Shah, Digital Transformation Director at Deloitte 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  Check out Loaf Catering here: loafcatering.com Hosts: Lizzie Elston and Annie Wong Original music: Ali Barrett
What comes first, vision or buy-in? With Sir Clive Woodward and Jess Dooley
Nov 28 2023
What comes first, vision or buy-in? With Sir Clive Woodward and Jess Dooley
Every one of us has dreams. A desire to make a difference on the things that matter to us. A vision for change, from the project we’re working on to our local community. Without action, a vision will merely be a dream. But a vision that many people believe in? Now that can change the world – ask any great leader. So how do you get this buy-in? Should that be the first step? Or is it something that follows only once you have a vision you can share with others? That’s what we’re exploring in the latest episode of The Green Room podcast with examples from elite sport and the business world. Our guests, World Cup-winning former England rugby coach Sir Clive Woodward, and executive coach and Deloitte director Jess Dooley, know all about the role that leaders and teams play in realising a vision and what it takes to get there. We ask them, does it all start with having a clear vision? Or do you need to get buy-in first? How do you sell your plans to people around you? And do you need to adapt your style to bring different types of people with you? Do you build your ideas up from testing or sell them in first? Do people buy into a leader before they buy into a vision? What if the team don’t agree on our vision or don’t buy into our method to get there? Do you need both to succeed?  What if you have buy-in but no clear vision yet – is that an issue? And what techniques can anyone apply help make their plans a reality? For this episode of The Green Room, we ask: What comes first, vision or buy-in? Tune in to find out: How team dynamics influence (nearly) everythingHow Sir Clive sold his vision to transform England rugbyJess’ take on whether teams or leaders should lead on buy-inIf business should learn from sport or if sport can learn from business   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   Guests: Sir Clive Woodward, former England Rugby World Cup winning coach and Jess Dooley, Growth Director in Deloitte’s Sports Business Group. Hosts: Ethan Worth and Lizzie Elston Technical support: Deloitte Creative Studio Original music: Ali Barrett
How do you get to where you want to be? With Aziza Ajak and Ben Newton
Nov 14 2023
How do you get to where you want to be? With Aziza Ajak and Ben Newton
Astronaut. Dancer. Footballer. Pop star. Many of us will remember our childhood ambitions. But then life happens. We get an education. We’re forced to make a choice between one route or another. Wherever we want to get to, or redirect to, it’s about knowing what we want – and feeling capable. It’s about knowing where we could be – and feeling supported. It’s about raising aspirations – and overcoming limitations. It’s about defining success – and finding happiness. Whatever those might mean to you. We’re wondering, does where you start still matter? How much do our backgrounds determine our future success? How do you discover what you want to do – and where you could go? How important is it seeing people like you succeed? And how can you pave your own way? For this episode, we’re joined by Aziza Ajak, Vice Principal of a London school and trustee for Mission 44, and Ben Newton, the first of Deloitte’s Brightstart apprentices to be promoted to partner.Tune in to find out: Why our guests believe networking should be taught at schoolThe lessons that Aziza and Ben learnt early in their career journeysWhat happens after you achieve your goals – and what happens if you don’tThe best piece of advice our guests have for our listeners   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 Check out Loaf Catering here: loafcatering.com Guests: Aziza Ajak, vice principal and Mission 44 trustee and Ben Newton, partner at Deloitte. Hosts: Ethan Worth and Annie Wong Technical support: Deloitte Creative Studio  Original music: Ali Barrett
How do you make the most of momentum? With Baroness Karren Brady and Tim Bridge
Oct 31 2023
How do you make the most of momentum? With Baroness Karren Brady and Tim Bridge
It’s hard to beat the feeling of momentum building around something you care about. That positive energy and progress towards hitting your goals and climbing to new heights is infectious. It builds confidence and motivation – leading to even more success. But momentum can be gone just as quick as it arrives. So how do you build on it when it matters most? Nowhere is momentum building faster than women’s football.    For this episode, we invited Baroness Karren Brady, Vice Chairman of West Ham United FC, and Tim Bridge, Lead Partner for the Sports Business Group at Deloitte UK into our studio at Leaders Week 2023 at Twickenham Stadium. Tune in to find out: How Baroness Brady and Tim Bridge define momentumHow to build on momentum and utilise its powerBaroness Brady’s direct experience on building momentum in women’s footballWhat businesses and future leaders can learn on turning positive energy into meaningful change and transformation   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: Baroness Karren Brady, Vice Chairman of West Ham United, a Peer in the House of Lords, recognised businesswoman and TV personality and Tim Bridge, Lead Partner for the Sports Business Group at Deloitte UK.  Hosts: George Parrett and Ethan Worth Technical support: Deloitte Creative Studio  Original music: Ali Barrett
Who's responsible for being responsible? With Mary Portas and Emily Cromwell
Oct 17 2023
Who's responsible for being responsible? With Mary Portas and Emily Cromwell
How do you make change happen? And not just any change. We’re talking about a systemic shift towards living, working and doing business more sustainably. Does it start with us? What about the companies supplying the products and services we buy? Should they change their ways in response to demand - or lead the way because it’s the right thing to do? For the planet and their business. And what about the role of governments and regulation? In this episode, we’re exploring how we got to peak consumption – and peak waste, as well as the role individuals and businesses can play in shaping a more sustainable way forward. Our guests? Retail expert, Mary Portas, and consumer leader, Emily Cromwell. Tune in to find out: Why the word ‘consumerism’ might be out of dateHow vintage clothing and upcycling are becoming mainstream How businesses are changing their models in response to the climate crisisWhat Mary describes as the ‘kindness economy’ and why it's important   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: Mary Portas, retail expert and founder of Portas Agency and Emily Cromwell, Climate Change and Sustainability Lead for the Consumer Industry at Deloitte.  Hosts: George Parrett and Lizzie Elston Technical support: Deloitte Creative Studio Original music: Ali Barrett
What makes you feel like you belong? With Justice Williams MBE and Josh Graham
Oct 3 2023
What makes you feel like you belong? With Justice Williams MBE and Josh Graham
We all want to belong. At school. In our friendship groups. Our gym class. At work. It’s what makes us human. Instead, we often settle for fitting in. We edit who we are. Shapeshift to match the world around us. Or present a version of us that might be more ‘acceptable’ to others. And if you’re black, it's likely that you’ve spent a big part of your life doing just that. In this episode, we explore what it truly means to belong, the importance of role models and what we can all do to advocate for a greater sense of belonging both in business and wider society. Tune in to find out: What it means to belong both inside and outside of workThe importance of diversity networks and role modelsThe challenges that can arise with belonging and how to overcome themJustice and Josh’s advice for people who yearn for belonging but haven’t quite found it   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: Justice Williams MBE, Co-Founder and Editor in Chief of Black Business Magazine and Josh Graham, Director in our Consulting practice, Technology Sourcing and Commercial Management Lead and Co-Founder of the Deloitte Black Network.  Hosts: Ethan Worth and Annie Wong Technical support: Deloitte Creative Studio Original music: Ali Barrett
What if we all live to 100? With Professor Tim Spector OBE and Sara Siegel
Sep 19 2023
What if we all live to 100? With Professor Tim Spector OBE and Sara Siegel
Global life expectancy has risen by over 50% since 1950. And one in three children born in 2016 will live to 100. But what will more of us living for longer actually look like? It could look amazing. More time to achieve everything we want to achieve. See everything we want to see. Spend time with our loved ones. But there’s lots to consider if we’re going to live for a long (and happy) time. How do we look after ourselves? Who looks after us – and who pays the price? For this episode, we’re joined by Professor Tim Spector OBE, an award-winning scientist and author, and Sara Siegel, Global Healthcare Sector Leader at Deloitte. Tune in to find out: Which new technology is already helping to improve our healthcare systemsWhat are the biggest factors that influence our health as we ageHow businesses could improve quality of life for an aging workforceThe healthy habit that both of our guests did before arriving to our studio Professor Tim Spector is one of Britain’s leading nutrition experts, but each individual’s dietary needs and restrictions are unique. Our aim with The Green Room is to provide a different perspective and help you think differently, but as with anything we discuss in our episodes, we encourage you to do your own research or consult a qualified health professional before starting a new diet or health programme.   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 Check out Luminary Bakery here: luminarybakery.com   Guests: Professor Tim Spector OBE, Co-Founder of ZOE and leading epidemiologist and Sara Siegel, Global Healthcare Sector Leader at Deloitte Hosts: George Parrett and Annie Wong Technical support: Deloitte Creative Studio Original music: Ali Barrett
Should leaders think more like activists? With Jon Miller and Laura Grootenboer
Sep 7 2023
Should leaders think more like activists? With Jon Miller and Laura Grootenboer
Protests. Megaphones. Cardboard messages. Boardrooms. When we think of activism, we imagine protestors on the streets – not C-suite executives.   But is that right? From climate change to inequality, today’s challenges have become critical – and so has the role of organisations in them.   In this episode, we explore a new kind of leadership by talking to two people on both sides of the fence on what it truly means to be an activist, inside and outside of business, and how anyone can incite positive change through their ideas and influence. Tune in to find out: Jon’s take on the different kinds of activist leaders in the worldWhy more of us might be activists than we thoughtLaura’s tips on how to navigate a business and get stuff doneWhat leaders of the future will look like and how we can all play our part 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: Laura Grootenboer, Head of Sustainability Engagement for North and South Europe as part of Deloitte’s Internal Sustainability Transformation and Co-Lead of the LGBTQ+ employee-resource group for Deloitte Netherlands and Jon Miller, Partner at Brunswick Group and the Founder of Open for Business.   Hosts: George Parrett and Lizzie Elston   Technical support: Deloitte Creative Studio   Original music: Ali Barrett
What's to come in season 7?
Sep 5 2023
What's to come in season 7?
Summer has seen too much rain and too little of The Green Room... we can’t do anything about the weather but at least the podcast is back! After a short break, we’re back with an incredible season of content lined up as we continue  to explore the topics that matter most in business. In this special launch episode of The Green Room, we’ve got the band back together with all our hosts in the studio to look ahead at what’s to come... and we’ve even got a new face joining us. Tune in as we introduce our brand new host, Annie Wong, and get to know her a little bit better ahead of her debut episode in a few weeks' time. We also look ahead at what’s coming up between now and the end of the year in The Green Room where we’ll be exploring topics around healthcare, sustainable consumerism, belonging and much more. And we want to put you, our wonderful listeners, at the heart of The Green Room this year too. Not only will we be popping up at various events, but we’ll also be finding new ways to get you involved.   Tune in to find out: More about Annie and what we have lined up for her as our new hostHow our hosts have relaxed during their well-deserved breakWhat we have coming up on the new season of The Green RoomHow you can get more involved this year   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  Hosts: George Parrett, Lizzie Elston, Ethan Worth and Annie Wong. Technical support: Deloitte Creative Studio  Original music: Ali Barrett
Does being you get easier with age? With James Barr and Mags Scott
Jul 4 2023
Does being you get easier with age? With James Barr and Mags Scott
Growing up is a tough gig. We’re constantly learning about the world around us – and our place in it. What we like. What we don’t like. Who we are. Who we are not. But what if our differences feel too… different? What if who we are deep down isn’t the mainstream we’re seeing in society? And if you identify as LGBTQ+, we know it’s anything but easy. For Episode 52, we’re joined by two allies from the LGBTQ+ community – James Barr, host of A Gay and A NonGay, the UK’s biggest LGBTQ+ podcast and Mags Scott, CFO advisory partner and a sponsor partner for Deloitte’s LGBT+ network, Proud, as we ask: Does being you get easier with age? Tune in to find out: Why James thinks we can all be a voice for the LGBTQ+ communityThe lessons both Mags and James have learnt on their individual journeysWhat we can all do in education and the workplace to foster more inclusive environmentsThe importance of LGBTQ+ charities for young people who are still finding themselves Enjoyed this episode? Check our website for our recommendations to learn more about this topic: deloitte.co.uk/greenroompodcasts Content warning: We are aware that the topics addressed in today’s podcast may be difficult to hear about and may be upsetting.  If you were affected by anything discussed today and need independent confidential support, Deloitte employees can contact our advice line, 24/7 – search the intranet for details. If you are not a Deloitte employee then please visit the NHS website which has support information and advice for everyone. The Deloitte Global 2023 LGBT+ Inclusion @ Work Report mentioned in this episode is available to read on Deloitte’s website and is a survey of non-Deloitte employees in various sectors across 13 counties through the lens of both sexual orientation and gender identity.   You can also watch our episodes over on YouTube: youtube.com/@DeloitteUK   Guests: Mags Scott, CFO advisory partner and a sponsor partner for Deloitte’s LGBT+ network, Proud, and James Barr, host of A Gay and A NonGay, the UK’s biggest LGBTQ+ podcast.    Hosts: George Parrett and Ethan Worth  Technical support: Deloitte Creative Studio  Original music: Ali Barrett
What does it take to make an idea a success? With Rodrigo Garcia Gonzalez and Sadia Ahmed
Jun 20 2023
What does it take to make an idea a success? With Rodrigo Garcia Gonzalez and Sadia Ahmed
We all have ideas. Even when we say we don’t. They pop up in the shower, on a dog walk or just as we’re nodding off to sleep. It could be an innovation that makes serious headway in the fight against climate change. A new piece of tech that opens up a world of possibilities. Or something completely different, that could make the world better for all of us. But what takes an idea from being something that could change the world, to something that is changing the world? In Episode 51 we’re joined by Rodrigo Garcia Gonzalez, Co-Founder of NotPla and Dr Sadia Ahmed, Sustainability & Climate Lead for Deloitte Ventures to talk about their experiences of growing the seed of an idea into something special.Tune in to find out: How to spot an idea that’s got what it takes to be a successThe lessons that Rodrigo and Sadia have learnt from ideas that didn’t work outWhy thinking of the worst possible idea is sometimes the best place to startWhat big businesses and small start ups can learn from each other   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 Check out Luminary Bakery here: luminarybakery.com   Guests: Rodrigo Garcia Gonzalez, Co-Founder of NotPla and Sadia Ahmed, Sustainability & Climate Lead for Deloitte Ventures  Hosts: Ethan Worth and Tiffany De Koninck  Technical support: Deloitte Creative Studio  Original music: Ali Barrett
What’s the truth behind financial crime? With David Fein and Sir Rob Wainright
Jun 6 2023
What’s the truth behind financial crime? With David Fein and Sir Rob Wainright
We often think financial crime is victimless. Something that affects big banks. And is mainly about losing money. Or is it? What if we told you that everyday fraud adds up to something much bigger and darker? That behind every transaction, there’s a huge societal and human cost?  Financial crime is on the rise. And thanks to the internet, the scale of the problem is staggering. It will take a network to beat this network, but clearly, it’s a fight worth fighting.  Episode 50 sees us speaking to some exceptional guests in the financial sector who have fought to mitigate financial crime in business throughout their professional careers. Tune in to find out: What financial crime actually is – and what drives itReal-life cases Rob and David worked on, from drug running to human traffickingThe role technology can play in addressing the scale of the issueWhether thinking like a criminal could be part of the solution… 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   Guests: David Fein, Special Counsel in the Litigation Department at Paul Weiss, Dr. Kelly Richmond Pope, Associate Professor in the School of Accountancy and MIS at DePaul University in Chicago, and Sir Rob Wainright, senior partner at Deloitte North and South Europe.   Hosts: Ethan Worth and Tiffany De Koninck Technical support: Deloitte Creative Studio Original music: Ali Barrett