The Green Room: Questions That Matter Most In Business

The Green Room by Deloitte is an award-winning business podcast exploring the topics that matter most to leaders and professionals. Each episode tackles one big question with leading names across industry, offering strategic analysis, thought leadership and expert insights. Exploring critical areas such as digital transformation, AI and technology, leadership, the future of work, business strategy, innovation, and sustainability and climate solutions. Our expert guests and hosts will help find the answers that shape corporate strategy and economic trends. We’ll ask questions like: Can AI help us be more human? Is technology our planet’s best hope? What's the best way to build a network? Are leaders born or made? Do facts or feelings fuel our economy? And do elections change anything? Whether you're a CEO, an entrepreneur leading a startup, or taking your first step on the career ladder in a small or large business, The Green Room provides valuable business insights across all industries and roles. Join us in The Green Room every other Tuesday for engaging conversations and expert analysis on the business topics that drive change. A podcast from Deloitte.

What will it take to power our AI goals? With Carol Yan and Tom Harris 11/18/2025

What will it take to power our AI goals? With Carol Yan and Tom Harris 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: 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 /episode/index/show/greenroomuk/id/39034605

What’s the secret to better business relationships? With Dr Linda Papadopoulos and Nina Gopal 11/04/2025

What’s the secret to better business relationships? With Dr Linda Papadopoulos and Nina Gopal 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: 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 /episode/index/show/greenroomuk/id/38891495

What if our next decision makers aren't human? With Professor Richard Susskind CBE and Stacey Winters 10/21/2025

What if our next decision makers aren't human? With Professor Richard Susskind CBE and Stacey Winters 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: Find out more about Scope here: 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 /episode/index/show/greenroomuk/id/38617460

Do we need to think differently about defence? With Rachel Ellehuus and Duncan Farrow-Smith 09/30/2025

Do we need to think differently about defence? With Rachel Ellehuus and Duncan Farrow-Smith 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: You can also watch our episodes on Youtube: Find out more about Scope here: 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 /episode/index/show/greenroomuk/id/38365150

What does it take to build trust? With Ed Williams and Shauna Robinson 09/16/2025

Is it easier to start a sustainable business or to become one? With Rory MacFadyen and David Rakowski 07/15/2025

How can we put more meaning into our metrics? With David Kennedy and Veronica Poole 07/01/2025

What’s the best way to build a network? With Isabel Berwick and Kirsty Newman 06/17/2025

What’s the best way to build a network? With Isabel Berwick and Kirsty Newman What you know matters, but who you know matters more. That’s not quite how the original saying goes, but perhaps it’s time for an update. Whereas once ‘It’s not what you know, it’s who you know’ might have been whispered and accompanied by a raised eyebrow, things have shifted. A strong network doesn’t, or shouldn’t, act as a substitute for our skills. But it can provide us with more opportunities to demonstrate them. According to LinkedIn, 70% of jobs aren’t even advertised on job websites, with 85% of all jobs filled through networking. So, your network, and your ability to network, really matter. But despite its undoubted importance, why does it often feel awkward for so many of us? The mere thought of circulating a room chatting to strangers or more senior colleagues, can feel daunting and uncomfortable in equal measures. So much so that one in four of us don’t network at all. So, how do we overcome the discomfort and find a way to make networking work for us? And build mutually beneficial networks that will help get us to where we want to be? That’s what we’re exploring with leading FT journalist and author of The Future-Proof Career, Isabel Berwick and Kirsty Newman, Market Chair at Deloitte UK, in this episode of The Green Room, as we ask: What’s the best way to build a network? Tune in to find out: Why some of us find networking easier than others The difference between being strategic and being inauthentic when networking How businesses can facilitate networking – for their people and their clients Conversation starters to use the next time you network Enjoyed this episode? Check our website for our recommendations to learn more about this topic: You can also watch our episodes on Youtube: Scope here: Guests: Isabel Berwick, leading journalist and author of The Future-Proof Career, and Kirsty Newman, Market Chair at Deloitte UK Hosts: Lizzie Elston and Ollie Carpenter Original music: Ali Barrett /episode/index/show/greenroomuk/id/36996310

What do we need to learn about learning at work? With Professor Nick van Dam and Heike Dekker-Schäch 05/27/2025

What do we need to learn about learning at work? With Professor Nick van Dam and Heike Dekker-Schäch You learn something new every day. At least, that’s how the saying goes. But it’s not always how the reality goes – particularly when it comes to our work. Even though 84% of us feel like learning adds more purpose to our work, demanding deadlines and overflowing inboxes often stop us from finding time to focus on our own development. But being given the time and space to learn new things can lead to some seriously good things, like new opportunities, career growth and improved mental wellbeing. And what’s good for us, is good for business too. In fact, research shows that organisations who invest in learning and development are 59% more likely to experience growth. Which could be why workplace learning is back on the agenda. Once associated with bad coffee and badly lit conference rooms, it’s now benefiting from better technology and better understanding of the different ways in which we learn. So, what needs to happen to ensure that learning doesn’t keep getting moved to the bottom of our to-do list? And instead, it becomes a continuous process that’s rewarding for both individuals and the businesses they work for? That’s what we’re exploring with guests Professor Nick van Dam, Chief of the IE University Center for Corporate Learning Innovation, and Heike Dekker-Schäch, Dean at Deloitte University, in this episode of The Green Room, as we ask: How can learning be part of our everyday work? Tune in to find out: Whether ‘on the job’ really is the best way to learn What a ‘learning climate’ is and how businesses can influence it Why we all need to consider the next chapter of our careers – regardless of our age How workplace learning is linked to business success Enjoyed this episode? Check our website for our recommendations to learn more about this topic: You can also watch our episodes on Youtube: Scope here: Guests: Professor Nick van Dam, Chief of the IE University Center for Corporate Learning Innovation, and Heike Dekker-Schäch, Dean at Deloitte University Hosts: Annie Wong and Stephanie Dobbs Original music: Ali Barrett /episode/index/show/greenroomuk/id/36638105

How do we turn words into action? With Paul Van Zyl and Piumi Mitchell 05/13/2025

What does it take to turn things around? With Zak Brown and Pauline Biddle 03/25/2025

Can governments do everything? With Sir John Manzoni and Libby Mason 03/11/2025

What’s the secret to doing our best work? With Professor Michael Clinton and Shivani Maitra 02/25/2025

What’s the difference between change and transformation? With Mark Wild and Lorraine Mackin 02/11/2025

How do you build long term success? With Nikki Doucet and Scott Campbell 01/27/2025

Can we all win in the space race? With Brian Cox and Mollie Martin 01/14/2025

Do facts or feelings fuel our economy? With Linda Yueh and Tom Simmons 12/10/2024

How can companies think differently about people who think differently? With Steve Hill and Matt Stallard 11/26/2024

How can companies think differently about people who think differently? With Steve Hill and Matt Stallard It’s estimated that 15 to 20% of the global population is neurodivergent. 1 in 5 people. But fear of stigma prevents many from disclosing this in their workplaces. That’s a lot of people not bringing their full selves – and skills – to work. And companies not getting the best of their brilliant talent. For some, choosing to disclose can be empowering and spotlight their strengths. But it can also be complex to navigate. Especially when there’s stereotypes or lack of education and understanding. So, what can companies do to become more inclusive for neurodiverse people – and make the most of their talents? That’s what we’re exploring with Steve Hill, Chief Commercial Officer at auticon, and Matt Stallard, leader of Tech Strategy & Transformation and ServiceNow practices at Deloitte, in this episode of The Green Room as we ask: How can companies think differently about people who think differently? What made our guests want to get involved in this space? How have they seen things change throughout their careers? And how are they building neuroinclusive workplaces now? Is there still stigma – and how can businesses best tackle this and increase understanding? What can companies do to create inclusive workspaces that enable people with neurodivergent traits to succeed? How do we ensure line managers are equipped to support neurodivergent talent? Could it actually be a catalyst for business growth? And how can businesses ensure they get the best out of people and how they work? Tune in to find out: Why Matt became so passionate about neurodiversity The story behind the largest majority-autistic company in the world The small changes that make all the difference when hiring neurodivergent people The secret to getting the best out of people and how they work Enjoyed this episode? Check our website for our recommendations to learn more about this topic: You can also watch our episodes over on YouTube: Guests: Steve Hill, Chief Commercial Officer at auticon, and Matt Stallard, Technology Strategy and Transformation Lead partner at Deloitte Hosts: Annie Wong and Oli Carpenter Original music: Ali Barrett /episode/index/show/greenroomuk/id/34034406

How can we remodel role models? With Eilish McColgan and Lucy Traynor 11/05/2024

Can we communicate better by saying less? With Ros Atkins and Drew McMillan 10/22/2024

Are the most important jobs those that shouldn’t exist? With Naomi Sesay and Smruti Naik-Jones 10/01/2024

Are the most important jobs those that shouldn’t exist? With Naomi Sesay and Smruti Naik-Jones 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: You can also watch our episodes over on YouTube: 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 /episode/index/show/greenroomuk/id/33218027

Will AI stop misinformation? With Georgie Barrat and Paul Lee 09/17/2024

Can you be kind and high-performing? With David Beeney and Elizabeth Hampson 09/03/2024

Can you be kind and high-performing? With David Beeney and Elizabeth Hampson “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: You can also watch our episodes over on YouTube: 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 /episode/index/show/greenroomuk/id/32794312

Bigger Questions: Episode 5 – The Legacy - What’s The Power of Being First? 07/16/2024

Bigger Questions: Episode 4 – The Immediate Aftermath - What’s The Power of Being First? 07/16/2024

Bigger Questions: Episode 3 – That Special Moment - What’s The Power of Being First? 07/16/2024

Bigger Questions: Episode 2 – Doing The Hard Yards - What’s The Power of Being First? 07/16/2024

Bigger Questions: Episode 1 – The Journey Begins - What’s The Power of Being First? 07/16/2024

Bigger Questions: What’s The Power of Being First? 07/10/2024

Does how we play as children affect our career? With Christian Pau and Emma Franklin 06/25/2024

The Green Room: Questions That Matter Most In Business

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