The Green Room: Questions That Matter Most In Business

The Green Room by Deloitte is an award-winning podcast exploring the topics that matter most in business. Each episode we ask one big question about the world around us that’s affecting business. From climate to technology, inclusion to the future of work and much more, we’ll call on experts and great research from our firm and beyond to find the answers that business is debating. We’ll ask questions like: Can AI help us be more human? Is technology our planet’s best hope? Are leaders born or made? And do elections change anything? No matter what level of business you’re at or industry you work in, The Green Room aims to provide a broad look at a variety of areas. Join us in The Green Room every other Tuesday for the best conversations on the topics that matter most in business. A podcast from Deloitte.

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