The Green Room: Questions That Matter Most In Business

Beating the odds. Getting the gold. Staying fearless. Showing strength. Never stopping.    We hear those words used about some of the world’s biggest role models. The people who, when the spotlight shines on them, seem superhuman. But what if we switched that spotlight to focus on the human too, rather than just the super?  

Instead of beating the odds, our hero got beaten – but came back next time. Instead of staying fearless, they felt the fear but did it anyway. Instead of showing strength, they showed softness. Instead of never stopping, they asked to take a break.  

Role models are important – particularly for women and girls. And even more so for the team of five girls from Grey Coat Hospital School who’ve worked with us on this special episode of The Green Room.

Winners of a nationwide competition to host and produce The Green Room, the girls were interested in how we can find more representative role models and celebrate their stories. Joining them in the studio to explore the topic is Eilish McColgan, Team GB Olympian and long-distance runner, and Lucy Traynor, UK Purpose Lead at Deloitte.  

Tune in to find out: 

• Why role models are so important and how they influence us
• The responsibility that comes with being an inspiration for others
• How to find authentic role models to connect with
• Why social media is changing how we share our stories

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 Debate Mate here: debatemate.com

Guests: Eilish McColgan, Team GB Olympian and long-distance runner, and Lucy Traynor, UK Purpose Lead at Deloitte

Hosts: Annie Wong and Portia Gitau

Original music: Ali Barrett

Ding. Breaking news. Ding. New email. Ding. Whatsapp group. Ding. New email. Ding. Whatsapp again. Ding. Another email. Ding. Ding. Ding.

Studies show that we have more information in our brains than almost anyone alive hundreds of years ago processed in their lifetime. And it feels like it, doesn’t it? 

So we’re receiving more information than ever before. And there are more ways than ever before to send it. But that doesn’t mean we’re any better at communicating it. That we’re understanding it. Or feeling understood. 

Whether we’re home or at work, getting communication right is important. It’s the most sought-after soft skill in the job market, but for a ‘soft’ skill it can be hard to master. So, what can we learn from the world’s best communicators? And how can we apply it to our careers, our teams and our businesses?

That’s what we’re exploring with Ros Atkins, BBC journalist and analysis editor, and Drew McMillan, Director of Communications and Engagement at Deloitte, in this episode of The Green Room as we ask: Can we communicate better by saying less?

Tune in to find out: 

• What Ros learned from Obama’s former speech writer
• Why communicating well is more challenging than ever before
• A common mistake we all make when communicating at work
• One phrase that can make any message resonate

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 

Loaf Catering here: loafcatering.com

Guests: Ros Atkins, BBC journalist and broadcaster, and Drew McMillan from Deloitte Hosts: Stephanie Dobbs and Lizzie Elston Original music: Ali Barrett

Chief Happiness Officer. Head of Wellbeing. Chief Sustainability Officer. Diversity and inclusion leader.

A scroll on LinkedIn will point to many of these kinds of roles that exist within companies these days. But should they?

Being an inclusive business. Making sure operations are sustainable. And people are happy. 

These things have always been important in business. And our understanding of matters like diversity and sustainability has never been better. So, why is it still hard to see positive change in these areas?

Is it only by having dedicated roles that we can make progress happen? Does professionalising these areas unlock better investment rather than it being a side of desk project? And why is it then that we’re still a long way from where we need to be?

In this episode, we’re joined by Naomi Sesay, Head of Creative Equity at Channel 4, and Smruti Naik-Jones, Chief Sustainability Officer for Deloitte UK and North South Europe, as we ask: Are the most important jobs those that shouldn’t exist?

How important are these roles in business and do they always have the desired effect? What would the world of work look like without them? How do these roles help us attract top talent and retain our people? And do they really help drive better business performance? 

What about their impact in helping us identify future policies? Do these roles encourage us to think and act differently when there’s a strong leader paving the way? How do we make sure it’s everyone’s job vs working in silos? And will we ever get to a place where we don’t need these roles?

Tune in to find out:

• The reason your LinkedIn feed is full of creative job titles
• The unexpected roles that are key to business performance 
• Whether sustainability and diversity roles will ever stop existing 
• How anyone can be part of driving meaningful change in their company

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: Naomi Sesay, Head of Creative Equity at Channel 4, and Smruti Naik-Jones, Chief Sustainability Officer for Deloitte UK and North South Europe Hosts: Annie Wong and Stephanie Dobbs

Original music: Ali Barrett

All day, every day, we can access masses of information at the touch of a button. Or the sound of a voice command.  

However, we can access a lot of misinformation too.  

We’ve all seen examples of deepfakes, online scams and misinformation shape the headlines – and then become the headlines. The most common conclusion? It’s AI’s fault.  

Would it surprise you that 70% of us are concerned about the use of deepfakes, data privacy issues, security risks and the spread of misinformation? And although the cause of these issues is multi-faceted, there’s no doubt that their association with AI is impacting our opinion of the technology.

So, is the rise in online misinformation a sign that our trust in the new technology is misplaced? Or could AI be the cure for misinformation, rather than the cause?

That’s what we’re exploring with Georgie Barrat, tech journalist and broadcaster, and Paul Lee, Global Head of Research at Deloitte in this episode of The Green Room.

Tune in to find out: 

• How a rise in the use of AI has led to a rise in misinformation
• The existing technology that could be used to stop deep fakes
• The role businesses can play in helping build trust in AI
• One thing we can all do to help limit the spread of misinformation

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 Cook For Good here: cookforgood.uk

Guests: Georgie Barrat, journalist and broadcaster, and Paul Lee from Deloitte Hosts: Annie Wong and Lizzie Elston Original music: Ali Barrett

“In a world where you can be anything, be kind.”    It’s a famous saying. And it sounds simple enough. But is it? And is there room for it at work if we want to achieve our career goals?

Being kind to others may come easy, but what about being kind towards ourselves while chasing our dreams? 

But this isn’t just a nice to have. In the UK alone, mental health problems cost employers £51 billion per year.

So how can we get better at looking after ourselves? And what roles do leaders play in cultivating healthy environments and where people can thrive and reach their potential?

And how can we prioritise our mental wellbeing at work and create an environment where we all bring our best – with brilliant results? 

In this episode, we’re joined by David Beeney, Founder of Breaking the Silence and mental health consultant, and Elizabeth Hampson, a Life Sciences and Health partner at Deloitte and leader of Deloitte Health Equity Institute Europe as we ask: Can you be kind and high-performing?

As individuals, how can we best manage stress at work? How can we best support ourselves and our colleagues? What’s the key to strengthening our resilience and adopting a positive mindset? And is the key to being able to look after others to look after ourselves first?

How can businesses foster better working environments while still encouraging people to perform at their best? What role do line managers and those above play? And is modern-day technology helping or hindering? What’s the cost benefit of investing in mental health? And are businesses promoting mental wellbeing as well as they could?

Tune in to find out:

• How to look after yourself and others at work
• How businesses and leaders can help cultivate healthy working environments
• The role technology plays in our mental wellbeing
• How to unlock your potential and adopt a positive mindset

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: David Beeney, Founder of Breaking the Silence and mental health consultant, and Elizabeth Hampson, a Life Sciences and Health partner at Deloitte and leader of Deloitte Health Equity Institute Europe Hosts: Annie Wong and Lizzie Elston

Original music: Ali Barrett

Success and glory.

Blood. Sweat. And tears.

A legacy left behind.

It’s built on the truth that winning is a win for one. But the reality is that firsts are a win for everyone.

Our athletes have each left their own legacy, but what is the true power of doing something of such magnitude for the first time?

In the final episode of the series, we reflect on what life is like after “the first”. What does it mean for the world and what legacy does it leave behind? What’s the inspiration for others who follow in their footsteps? How do we ensure that what we leave behind is better than how we found it?  In this series, we explore the story of four incredible Olympians and Paralympians – Nicola Adams, Sarah Attar, Natalie Du Toit and Rose Lokonyen as we explore - what’s the power of being first?

---  Enjoyed this episode? This is episode five in a five-part series. Hear the rest of Bigger Questions wherever you found this podcast.

Bigger Questions is a spin-off series from our award-winning podcast The Green Room – check out full episodes now or check out our website: deloitte.co.uk/greenroompodcasts

You can also watch our episodes over on YouTube: youtube.com/@DeloitteUK 

Any reference in this podcast to any current or former athlete is for informational and/or discussion purposes only and does not represent an express or implied sponsorship relationship between the Deloitte organisation and such athlete.

Deloitte, Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Management Consulting Partner.

They’ve done it. They’ve become the first.

Now what?

Sometimes you have to take a step back to see the impact that you’ve made.

But what is it really like being at the centre of it all? What emotions do you go through and when are you finally able to realise the importance of what’s just happened?

Episode four looks at the immediate aftermath of their first. What do they remember from that moment? Was it all about the singular event or did they see the wider impact it would have?

Does it leave a sense of fulfilment or is there a hole where the aim and ambition once was? What did they feel in the days after the event? What is it like knowing that everything you’d worked for had finally been accomplished?

In this five-part series, we explore the story of four incredible Olympians and Paralympians – Nicola Adams, Sarah Attar, Natalie Du Toit and Rose Lokonyen as we explore - what’s the power of being first?

---  Enjoyed this episode? This is episode four in a five-part series. Hear the rest of Bigger Questions wherever you found this podcast.

Bigger Questions is a spin-off series from our award-winning podcast The Green Room – check out full episodes now or check out our website: deloitte.co.uk/greenroompodcasts

You can also watch our episodes over on YouTube: youtube.com/@DeloitteUK 

Any reference in this podcast to any current or former athlete is for informational and/or discussion purposes only and does not represent an express or implied sponsorship relationship between the Deloitte organisation and such athlete.

Deloitte, Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Management Consulting Partner.

It’s what they’ve worked towards.

But it’s more than that. It’s a moment not just for them, but for everyone.

That moment of realisation. The dream achieved. A generation inspired. A moment that will go down in history, not just for the result but for what it means.

Episode three, in our five-part series, takes our athletes back to the moment where they became “the first” and asks them to talk us through that moment – their feelings, their memories, the barriers they overcame. Did they realise at the time how big that moment was? We recount the nerves, pride, and excitement that set the scene for their big moment.

In this series, we explore the story of four incredible Olympians and Paralympians – Nicola Adams, Sarah Attar, Natalie Du Toit and Rose Lokonyen as we explore - what’s the power of being first?

---  Enjoyed this episode? This is episode three in a five-part series. Hear the rest of Bigger Questions wherever you found this podcast.

Bigger Questions is a spin-off series from our award-winning podcast The Green Room – check out full episodes now or check out our website: deloitte.co.uk/greenroompodcasts

You can also watch our episodes over on YouTube: youtube.com/@DeloitteUK 

Any reference in this podcast to any current or former athlete is for informational and/or discussion purposes only and does not represent an express or implied sponsorship relationship between the Deloitte organisation and such athlete.Deloitte, Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Management Consulting Partner.

When does a dream become a realistic goal?

And once it becomes a goal, how hard is the work to get there?

Episode two, in our five-part series, explores when our athletes first realised their dreams could become a reality and the path they took to shape their careers.  

How did they come to that decision and what did their friends and family think? How did they decide to make the jump into the unknown and follow their heart? Did they have to overcome thoughts of doubt and what did they tell themselves at the time?

In this series, we explore the story of four incredible Olympians and Paralympians – Nicola Adams, Sarah Attar, Natalie Du Toit and Rose Lokonyen as we explore - what’s the power of being first?

---  Enjoyed this episode? This is episode two in a five-part series. Hear the rest of Bigger Questions wherever you found this podcast. Bigger Questions is a spin-off series from our award-winning podcast, The Green Room – check out full episodes now or check out our website: deloitte.co.uk/greenroompodcasts

You can also watch our episodes over on YouTube: youtube.com/@DeloitteUK 

Any reference in this podcast to any current or former athlete is for informational and/or discussion purposes only and does not represent an express or implied sponsorship relationship between the Deloitte organisation and such athlete.

Deloitte, Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Management Consulting Partner.

Nicola Adams, Natalie du Toit, Sarah Attar and Rose Lokonyen were all first - they share their story in this powerful and emotional documentary.

But what does being first actually mean?

Winning is a win for one. But firsts are a win for everyone.

They unlock something in humanity and move the world forward.

Breaking through. Breaking the cycle. Breaking the glass ceiling. Speaking about the power of firsts can change the world.

In this series, we explore the story of four incredible Olympians and Paralympians – Nicola Adams, Sarah Attar, Natalie Du Toit and Rose Lokonyen as we explore - what’s the power of being first?

Episode one explores the dreams they had as children and starts to peek at their journeys. Is there something that links these athletes together to help them achieve their firsts? How did their childhoods set them up for success and what were the early signs and memories for those around them?

---  Enjoyed this episode? This is episode one in a five-part series. Hear the rest of Bigger Questions wherever you found this podcast.

Bigger Questions is a spin-off series from our award-winning podcast, The Green Room – check out full episodes now or check out our website: deloitte.co.uk/greenroompodcasts

You can also watch our episodes over on YouTube: youtube.com/@DeloitteUK 

Any reference in this podcast to any current or former athlete is for informational and/or discussion purposes only and does not represent an express or implied sponsorship relationship between the Deloitte organisation and such athlete.

Deloitte, Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Management Consulting Partner.