The Green Room: Questions That Matter Most In Business

In The Green Room, we've always set out to answer the biggest questions that matter most in business. Now, as we approach our milestone 100th episode, we're taking a moment to look back at some of the conversations and ideas that have stayed with us – and still influence how business operates today. We've explored everything from the future of work and leadership to AI, sustainability and the changing role of business in society. Along the way, we've been joined by a remarkable range of guests, including physicist Professor Brian Cox, retail expert Mary Portas, and McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown. Plus, many more. In this special bonus episode, we revisit our standout moments – the insights that have challenged our thinking, shaped our perspectives, and helped us explore where the future of business is heading next. Featured Episodes (in order of appearance in the podcast): #79 - Can we all win in the space race? #62 - Are leaders born or made? #55 - Should leaders think more like activists? #75 - Can we communicate better by saying less? #36 - How do you start a movement? #49 - Can one person change a big business? #5 - Will I ever feel good enough for my job? #92 - What if our next decision makers aren't human? #47 - Can AI help us be more human? #95 - How do we move AI from trialling to transforming? #67 - Are we asking the right questions about AI? #89 - Is it easier to start a sustainable business or become one? #58 - Who's responsible for being responsible? #84 - What does it take to turn things around? #33 - What's the secret to performing at your best? #61 - What comes first, vision or buy-in? #68 - What makes a champion? Bigger Questions series: What's the power of being first? #76 - How can we remodel role models? --- Find more information on all our episodes here: deloitte.co.uk/greenroompodcasts Original music: Ali Barrett

Our careers don't happen in isolation. What we carry from our lives outside of work shapes how we show up inside of it. At certain points in life, work doesn't just sit alongside family and caring responsibilities – it actively coincides with them. And how organisations respond in those moments underpins the kind of workplaces they really are. As the world of work continues to evolve, businesses are being challenged to do more than offer flexibility as a perk. Today's workforce is navigating parenthood, caregiving, and complex family lives alongside their careers. And the question is firmly shifting from not just whether employees support families, but how they deliberately build systems, policies and cultures that reflect that. So, is looking after employees just a moral choice – or a strategic one? And when people feel understood and supported, do they stay longer, contribute more, and help build stronger organisations? Is what's good for families, good for business too? And when we design work in a way that allows people to sustain their careers, does this move businesses from just existing to thriving? How can creating these spaces for families and carers build stronger, more successful businesses? Can flexibility and trust translate into higher productivity and better performance, as well as improved retention and talent attraction? And what will it take to design workplaces where supporting people through real life isn't just a compromise, but an advantage for businesses as a whole? That's what we're exploring in this episode of The Green Room with Jackie Henry MBE, Managing Partner for People and Purpose at Deloitte UK, and Anna Whitehouse, journalist, author, broadcaster and founder of Mother Pukka and Flex Appeal, as we ask: How does supporting families support us all? Tune in to find out: How conversations around work and flexibility have changed The role of leadership in creating work that's good for business and families Why 'trust' is a key ingredient in making flexible working work How businesses can adapt to build workplaces of the future 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: theyardscotland.org.uk Guests: Jackie Henry MBE, Managing Partner for People and Purpose at Deloitte UK, and parenting influencer, Anna Whitehouse, also known as Mother Pukka Hosts: Annie Wong and Oliver Carpenter Original music: Ali Barrett Recording date and location: London, 19.02.26

Two years ago, in episode #64 of The Green Room, we asked the question 'How do we stay safe online?' Since then, progress has been made. Businesses, tech leaders, governments and wider society have taken the time to understand the 'how' and have moved on to the 'do'. Some countries have started taking steps to ban under-16s from all major social media platforms, while the UK has rolled our further developments in its Online Safety Act, bringing in new legislation that aims to protect both children and adults. But in digital spaces, progress rarely moves in a straight line, and it can feel like every meaningful step forward is matched with a new threat that pushes us backwards. In just two short years, the use of generative AI has become widespread. And while the technology has the potential to make us more productive and creative, it's also armed bad actors with new ways to spread misinformation, share upsetting content, and develop nefarious scams – all of which pose serious risks, not just to children and young people but to adults and businesses too. So, how far have we really come in making the internet a secure and empowering space for everyone? Are things improving? Or just changing? How do we strike the right balance between protection and privacy? And what role can businesses and individuals play in keeping up with new technology to create an internet that is safe and valuable for everyone? That's what we're exploring with Cosima Wiltshire, Director at FlippGen, and James Smith, Head of Trust & Safety at Deloitte, as we ask: Is the internet getting safer? Tune in to find out: Why has the conversation around digital safety increased? What significant developments in online protection have occurred in the last two years? How do we measure the success of digital safety initiatives? What's the role of business in creating a safer digital world for everyone? 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: theyardscotland.org.uk Guests: Cosima Wiltshire, Strategy and Partnerships Consultant at FlippGen, and James Smith, Head of Trust & Safety at Deloitte Hosts: Stephanie Dobbs and Oliver Carpenter Original music: Ali Barrett Recording date and location: London, 18.02.26

From the avocados on our toast to the niche blend of coffee that sits on the table next to them. From the medicine waiting to be collected at the pharmacy to the smartphone we used to renew the prescription. Every product we pick up and service we use is a result of a complex, global web of ships, planes, warehouses, technology and people that keep our world moving. That is until something goes wrong – and that's been happening more often in recent years. Whether it's the effects of geopolitical unrest, global trade policies, extreme weather or even cyber-attacks, supply chains that once seemed robust are now under an increasing amount of pressure. And that means businesses are too, because their challenge is no longer just to move products from A to B – it's to build a system that is lean enough to be competitive, but resilient enough to survive the next global shock. So, what does a steadfast supply chain that can withstand an unreliable world look like? Do businesses need to completely rebuild their existing supply chains? Or can they simply be renovated? Could technology like AI and blockchain help bring more stability and security to fragile systems? And where does sustainability and responsibility fit in? That's what we're exploring with Dr Alok Choudhary, Professor of Supply Chain Management and Head of the Supply Chain Research Group at the University of Warwick, and Sarah Noble, a partner in Supply Chain Transformation at Deloitte, as we ask: Is it time to reset supply chains? Tune in to find out: What are the biggest threats to supply chains today? How are global trade policies impacting supply chains? How can businesses stress-test their current supply processes? When supply chains breakdown, what's the key to a successful recovery? 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: theyardscotland.org.uk Guests: Dr Alok Choudhary, Professor of Supply Chain Management and Head of the Supply Chain Research Group at the University of Warwick, and Sarah Noble, a partner in Supply Chain Transformation at Deloitte Hosts: Stephanie Dobbs and Oliver Carpenter Original music: Ali Barrett Recording date and location: London, 15.01.26

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