In a world defined by uncertainty, the leaders who thrive are those who understand how influence, trust and human psychology shape decision-making and team performance. 

In this episode of Think Ahead, Sergei Guriev, Professor of Economics and Dean at London Business School, sits down with Niro Sivanathan, Professor of Organisational Behaviour at London Business School, and Diana Torres, Senior Managing Director at Teneo, to explore how leadership is evolving in complex, high-pressure environments. 

Together, they examine why people seek strong direction during turbulent times, how leaders can set a compelling vision without closing off crucial feedback, and the powerful role of transparency in building trust. From managing hybrid teams to navigating crisis-driven expectations, this episode unpacks what truly drives influence in modern organisations. 

Tune in to learn: 

How uncertainty impacts the psychology of leadership and why clarity becomes essential 

The difference between providing direction and limiting innovation 

Why trust, accountability and communication now determine long-term performance 

Practical insights on empowering teams, shaping culture and leading through complexity 

Whether you are guiding an organisation through transformation or building your own leadership approach, this episode offers research-backed insights and real-world experience from two perspectives: behavioural science and frontline corporate leadership. 

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How do you thrive in a world where living to 100 could become the norm? In this episode of Think Ahead, host Sergei Guriev is joined by two leading voices shaping the future of work and retirement:

As global monetary dynamics shift, the challenge for business leaders is no longer just about managing exchange rates but about strategy, resilience, and long-term competitiveness. 

Hélène Rey, Lord Bagri Professor of Economics at London Business School, joins Sergei Guriev, Professor of Economics and Dean of London Business School, to explore how the erosion of the US dollar’s dominance, the Euro’s potential rise, and the rapid evolution of digital finance are reshaping international markets. 

This episode takes a closer look at why the dollar’s ‘exorbitant privilege’ is fading, what a Kindleberger-style gap could mean for global stability, and how technologies such as stablecoins and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) might redefine monetary leadership. 

Could fragmentation become the defining trend of the next decade? And what does that mean for policy, investment, and growth? Tune in and dive into: 

In an era of geopolitical tension, energy market shifts, and technological disruption, take a forward-looking perspective on how organisations can adapt with agility, hedge effectively, and build resilience. 

Hélène Rey is the Lord Bagri Professor of Economics at London Business School. Discover more about Hélène and her research: https://www.london.edu/faculty-and-research/faculty-profiles/r/rey-h

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In an era defined by digital transformation, data abundance and consumer fragmentation, organisations face a new imperative: to thrive in complexity.

In this episode, host Sergei Guriev is joined by Professor of Marketing, Anja Lambrecht and Chief Economist of Zalando, Greg Crawford to explore how firms can build agility, resilience and strategic foresight by leveraging data, economics and AI.

From decoding consumer preferences to navigating real-time decision-making, the conversation unpacks the tools and organisational capabilities needed to turn complexity into competitive advantage.

Drawing on academic research and industry practice, the episode offers a roadmap for leaders seeking to reorient their firms for innovation, adaptability and long-term success.

For more thought leadership and business insights from London Business School faculty and alumni, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠london.edu/think⁠⁠⁠⁠. 

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As sustainability regulation accelerates across global markets, the real challenge for business leaders is no longer just about ticking boxes but about strategy, transparency, and long-term value creation. 

Professor Marcel Olbert, Assistant Professor of Accounting, and Katharina Neureiter, Co-Head of Global Sustainability at The Carlyle Group, join host Sergei Guriev, Dean of London Business School, to explore how new rules – from ESG disclosures to tax incentives – are reshaping corporate behaviour and investor expectations. 

This episode takes a closer look at the rise of sustainability reporting as both a regulatory requirement and a strategic tool. We examine how disclosure is evolving – from high-level programme reviews to granular, data-driven tracking – and what this means for private equity, portfolio resilience, and operational performance. 

The conversation also explores the tension between transparency and competitive advantage, the role of fiscal stimulus in shaping corporate responses, and the broader implications of global regulatory divergence. Rather than viewing ESG reporting as a compliance burden, could it be a lever for innovation, accountability, and investor trust? 

In an era of geopolitical flux and shifting market expectations, take a forward-looking perspective on how businesses can lead with clarity, adapt with agility, and create value that lasts. 

For more thought leadership and business insights from London Business School faculty and alumni, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠london.edu/think⁠⁠⁠⁠. 

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As political backlash against the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) framework intensifies, the real questions facing corporate leaders are no longer about terminology or disclosure but about strategy, legitimacy, and resilience. Ioannis Ioannou, Associate Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship and Anna Lungley, Head of Sustainability Consulting at Fujitsu, join host Sergei Guriev, Professor of Economics and Dean of London Business School, to explore what the backlash reveals about deeper market failures and the evolving role of business in society.

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. 

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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. 

For more thought leadership and business insights from London Business School faculty and alumni, visit ⁠⁠london.edu/think⁠⁠. 

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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?

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. 

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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?

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.

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