think ahead

• think ahead: Highlights from season two

  As London Business School marks its 60th anniversary, the season finale of Think Ahead  steps back to reflect on the defining conversations that shaped this year’s series. Host Sergei Guriev, Professor of Economics and Dean of London Business School, revisits pivotal moments with faculty, alumni, and global leaders who explored the forces reshaping business – from ethical leadership and employee engagement to polarisation, AI disruption, and the future of corporate responsibility.  We hear how ethical leadership means challenging the status quo, why real engagement goes beyond pay, and how polarisation can both energise and alienate. In the age of AI, guests urge leaders to look past the hype and focus on long-term vision, data integrity and human-centred design. Rather than offering easy answers, this episode distils a year of insights into one powerful message: to lead in an era of disruption is to think ahead – with clarity, courage, and purpose. As we look to the next 60 years, the challenge is not just to adapt to change, but to shape it.  For more thought leadership and business insights from London Business School faculty and alumni, visit ⁠⁠⁠london.edu/think⁠⁠⁠.  Sign up to receive a curated selection of articles, podcasts and films direct to your inbox twice a month at ⁠⁠⁠london.edu/think/subscribe⁠⁠⁠.  Follow us on social media:  ⁠⁠⁠X.com/LBS⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/school/london-business-school⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/LondonBusinessSchool⁠⁠⁠

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• think ahead: The future of AI: Regulation, geopolitics and business impact

  As AI continues to reshape the global business landscape, regulation is emerging not merely as a compliance issue, but as a strategic concern. From data governance and energy demands to talent mobility and market access, the evolving policy environment around AI is influencing where and how organisations can innovate, invest, and compete.  In this episode, Michael Jacobides, Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship, is joined by Nnenna Ilomechina, currently CEO at Crownpeak, with over 25 years advising businesses through transformation with firms like AlixPartners and Accenture, for a conversation hosted by Professor of Economics and Dean of London Business School, Sergei Guriev. Together, they explore how geopolitical competition and fragmented regulatory regimes are redefining the role of business and business leaders in the age of AI. Drawing on cutting-edge research and real-world leadership experience, they discuss the strategic decisions organisations must make to navigate this complexity, build trust, and unlock long-term value. As the conversation turns to thinking ahead, they challenge leaders to move beyond the hype and focus on putting AI to work—ethically, transparently, and effectively.  To read Professor Michael G Jacobides’ white paper on AI regulation, visit https://www.evolutionltd.net/post/the-political-economy-and-geopolitics-of-ai-regulation. For more thought leadership and business insights from London Business School faculty and alumni, visit ⁠⁠london.edu/think⁠⁠.  Sign up to receive a curated selection of articles, podcasts and films direct to your inbox twice a month at ⁠⁠london.edu/think/subscribe⁠⁠.  Follow us on social media:  ⁠⁠X.com/LBS⁠⁠  ⁠⁠linkedin.com/school/london-business-school⁠⁠  ⁠⁠facebook.com/LondonBusinessSchool⁠⁠

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• think ahead: AI-ready marketing: The next shift in digital marketing strategy

  The digital marketing landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace, with AI, automation, and data-driven strategies redefining how brands connect with consumers. How can businesses adapt and stay ahead in this rapidly changing environment? Host, and Professor of Economics, Dean of London Business School, Sergei Guriev is joined by Xu Zhang, Assistant Professor of Marketing, and Alex Schultz, CMO & VP of Analytics at Meta, to explore the next evolution of digital marketing. Together, they break down the key strategies businesses need to embrace to become AI-ready, from leveraging predictive analytics to overcoming data fragmentation. In this episode, our guests share best practices, discuss the challenges of AI adoption, and highlight the ethical considerations of automation in marketing. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how AI-driven search, hyper personalisation, and advanced marketing measurement are reshaping the industry. Plus, we explore what the future holds—new skills, inclusive marketing, and the evolving role of AI in customer engagement. Whether you're a marketing leader, business strategist, or just curious about the next big shift in digital marketing, this episode offers a practical roadmap for navigating the AI revolution. For more thought leadership and business insights from London Business School faculty and alumni, visit ⁠london.edu/think⁠.  Sign up to receive a curated selection of articles, podcasts and films direct to your inbox twice a month at ⁠london.edu/think/subscribe⁠.  Follow us on social media:  ⁠X.com/LBS⁠  ⁠linkedin.com/school/london-business-school⁠  ⁠facebook.com/LondonBusinessSchool⁠

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• think ahead: Leading through polarisation: Navigating divides in today's workplace

  Societal polarisation is on the rise, with political divides, environmental concerns, generational shifts, and controversial public figures shaping today’s workplace dynamics. Issues such as climate change, corporate sustainability, and healthcare innovation are becoming increasingly contentious, adding to the challenges business leaders face. How can they foster cohesion while navigating these growing tensions? Host, and Professor of Economics, Dean of London Business School, Sergei Guriev is joined by Donal Crilly, Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship, and Lorenza Brescia, Business Leader at Fagron, to explore the complexities of leading through polarisation. Together, they examine how key issues such as climate change, DEI, and generational divides are reshaping workplace culture. They also discuss the balance between shareholder expectations and social responsibility, the influence of polarising leaders on business strategy, and how shifting healthcare and sustainability priorities impact organisational decision making. In this episode, our guests share actionable strategies for managing polarisation without alienating key stakeholders. Listeners will gain insights into fostering inclusive workplace cultures, making informed leadership decisions, and navigating the trade-offs required to maintain both cohesion and competitiveness in an increasingly divided world. For more thought leadership and business insights from London Business School faculty and alumni, visit london.edu/think.  Sign up to receive a curated selection of articles, podcasts and films direct to your inbox twice a month at london.edu/think/subscribe.  Follow us on social media:  X.com/LBS  linkedin.com/school/london-business-school  facebook.com/LondonBusinessSchool

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• think ahead: Unlock the power of purposeful teams: How to motivate, strengthen relationships, and drive results

  In this episode, Sergei Guriev, Dean of London Business School and Professor of Economics, delves into the key elements of building and leading purpose-driven teams. He is joined by Professor Randall S Peterson, Professor of Organisational Behaviour at London Business School, and Helen Beurier, Chief People Officer at Newton, a management consultancy. Our panellists discuss the three critical factors that experts believe are essential for a thriving team: motivation, relationships, and results. The episode also examines the benefits of fostering a culture of learning and development and how that can be a powerful motivator for employees. Other topics of this podcast include common leadership mistakes, the importance of team member belonging, and how to cultivate team dynamics that flourish over time. Whether you're managing a small group or leading an entire organisation, this episode provides actionable strategies to help transform your team into a powerhouse of collaboration, growth, and success. #leadership #team #workplaceculture #peoplemanagement #podcast

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