The Green Room: Questions That Matter Most In Business

Disruption isn't new. But right now, it feels different. Technology, economic pressures, geopolitical shifts, changing workforce expectations – they're all colliding at speed. And at the centre of it all is AI. The challenge isn't just how to respond - and in real time - but to rethink how businesses work. AI is central to this shift. It's already changing how work gets done, how decisions are made, and how value is created. So, the question is no longer "how do we use AI?" but "are organisations designed to fully realise its potential?" Because many aren't. But reinvention isn't easy. It requires leaders to challenge long-held assumptions, rethink how value is created, and close the gap between technology investment and workforce readiness. Because as access to AI becomes more widespread, it won't be the technology that sets organisations apart – it will be how it's used. So, how is AI reshaping work – and the way it gets done? What does good human and AI collaboration look like day to day? And if everyone has access to AI, what will truly differentiate businesses? That's what we're exploring in this episode of The Green Room with Bruce Daisley, best-selling author and future of work expert and Kate Sweeney, Human Capital Consulting Leader at Deloitte UK, as we ask: Are we planning enough for AI? Tune in to find out: Why we need to avoid worrying what others are doing The importance of experimentation in AI implementation How thinking differently and reinvention is vital for success Why 'agency' at work isn't just for AI agents This episode is part of The Green Room's series exploring the AI future for the UK. Listen to the full series now, starting with our 100th episode: What will be the last job on earth? Visit our website to learn more about this topic and find suggestions for other episodes: deloitte.co.uk/greenroompodcasts Find out more about The Yard Scotland: theyardscotland.org.uk Guests: Bruce Daisley, future of work expert, Sunday Times bestselling author and former YouTube and Twitter exec. Kate Sweeney, Deloitte UK's Human Capital Consulting lead. Hosts: Oli Carpenter and Hannah Gowen Original music: Ali Barrett Recording date and location: London, 04.06.26

The AI race is on. But what does it take to not just keep up, but to win? Even though we're using AI at work, at home and on-the-go, are we really ready to use it at scale as a country? Last year, the UK joined a growing list of countries setting out an ambitious vision for how AI could provide a better future. For those who succeed, the prize is significant. A future powered by AI could bring economic growth and increased productivity, improved public services, and new opportunities across society. But ambition alone isn't enough. To reap the rewards, we need the right foundations in place. Delivering digital skills and education to an entire nation. Redefining regulation and securing sufficient and sustained financial investment. Rebuilding our national infrastructure and providing access to cheap energy that can power dramatically increased AI usage. So, how do we turn an appealing vision of the future into reality? And what will it really take from individuals, businesses, governments and the public sector to bring a national AI strategy to life? That's what we're exploring with Sharon Hague, CEO of Pearson UK, and Oliver Seal, Partner and leader of the firm's Education Practice at Deloitte UK, as we ask: How do we turn AI ambition into a national advantage. Tune in to find out Why now is a critical juncture in the UK's AI journey The foundations we need to ensure the UK is ready for an AI-driven future How we make sure everyone has the access and skills they need to benefit from AI The role business can play in bringing a national AI strategy to life This episode is part of The Green Room's series exploring the AI future for the UK. Listen to the full series now, starting with our 100th episode: What will be the last job on earth? Visit our website to learn more about this topic and find suggestions for other episodes: deloitte.co.uk/greenroompodcasts Find out more about Scope, one of Deloitte's national charity partners: scope.org.uk Guests: Sharon Hague, CEO of Pearson UK Oliver Seal, Partner at Deloitte UK Hosts: Stephanie Dobbs Oli Carpenter Original music: Ali Barrett Recording date and location: London, 30.04.26

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: deloitte.co.uk/greenroompodcasts You can also watch our episodes on Youtube: youtube.com/@DeloitteUK Find out more about Scope here: scope.org.uk 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

We've all got a lot savvier about sustainability in recent years. We know the size of the climate challenge facing the planet. And we know that the planet needs more than statements, green logos and commitments to use the printer less to tackle it. As we all make more sustainable choices and changes in our personal lives, we look to the businesses we buy from and work for to do the same. Our expectations are higher than ever before, but are some businesses better placed to meet them than others? That's what we're exploring with Rory MacFadyen, co-founder of Reflo, and David Rakowski, Global Circular Economy Lead at Deloitte, in this episode of The Green Room, as we ask: Is it easier to start a sustainable business or to become one? Tune in to find out: Why "sustainable business" is more than a marketing line What businesses are doing to link transparency and consumer trust How Reflo are challenging the idea of sustainable supply chains The shifts and trends shaping business sustainability efforts 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 Find out more about Change Please Find out more about Reflo Guests: Rory MacFadyen, co-founder of Reflo, and David Rakowski, Global Circular Economy Lead at Deloitte. Hosts: Stephanie Dobbs and Oli Carpenter Original music: Ali Barrett

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: deloitte.co.uk/greenroompodcasts You can also watch our episodes on Youtube: youtube.com/@DeloitteUK Scope here: scope.org.uk 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

"Well done is better than well said." You might have heard that famous saying from Benjamin Franklin. And it's one that reminds us of the importance of action over words. But what does it take exactly? When it comes to solving some of the world's biggest problems or doing business in a more sustainable and responsible way, there's no shortage of people talking and theorising. And that's a good thing. Hearing and learning from others is important. But right now, the world needs more people driving impact as opposed to simply just talking about it. So, how do we encourage businesses and leaders to take that next step? That's what we're exploring with Paul Van Zyl, Co-founder and CEO of The Conduit, and Piumi Mitchell, Head of Social Impact Partnerships at Deloitte UK, as we ask: How do we turn words into action? Tune in to find out: Why right now is the best time in history to be fighting the big issues How Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu shaped Paul's thoughts on collaboration Why asking, "So what?" is so important Why collaboration and purpose is more important than power 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 Find out more about The Conduit here: www.theconduit.com Guests: Paul Van Zyl, Co-founder and CEO of The Conduit, and Piumi Mitchell, Head of Social Impact Partnerships at Deloitte UK Hosts: Annie Wong and Lizzie Elston Original music: Ali Barrett

Better healthcare and schools. More jobs. A growing economy. Improved infrastructure. Planet-saving solutions and disruptive technology. Anything else? As the list for what would improve our lives gets longer, our demand on governments around the world gets greater. In fact, research shows our expectations are at an all-time high. But can all the things that the world needs really be delivered by new policies, new budgets and new leaders alone? Or is it our expectations that need to change? The world has changed, but the ways in which the state tries to change the world have largely stayed the same. A combination of taxation, spend and policy are traditionally used to improve things, but is it time to try something new? And if demand continues to increase and challenges continue to grow, then what will future governments look like? In this episode of The Green Room we talk to Sir John Manzoni, former Permanent Secretary for the Cabinet Office and Chief Executive of the UK Civil Service and Deloitte partner Libby Mason, as we ask; Can governments do everything? Tune in to find out: Why our expectations of the state have changed The opportunities for greater collaboration between the public and private sectors How traditional systems can be adapted to meet new expectations The role technology can play in helping governments deliver improved service 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 Cook For Good here: cookforgood.uk Guests: Sir John Manzoni, former Permanent Secretary for the Cabinet Office and Chief Executive of the UK Civil Service, and Libby Mason, partner at Deloitte Hosts: Stephanie Dobbs and Oli Carpenter Original music: Ali Barrett

We're all familiar with change. Our schedules change. Projects change. The world changes. It's the only constant, as they say. And so, we learn how to adapt to new landscapes, adjusting our plans and executing accordingly. But transforming something and making real progress – that's another beast altogether. It's about moving from who you are to who you want to be. About reinventing a business for the future. Or shaping a project that will impact lives for years to come. Making progress involves risk. Trying new things. Stepping outside of your comfort zone. All while making sure it's ultimately helping society and business move forward. It starts from a vision, but the road to get there is often winding and unexpected. So, what can we learn from those who've been there and done it? We're joined in this episode by Mark Wild, CEO of HS2, and Lorraine Mackin, UK Lead Partner for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Government, to ask: What's the difference between change and transformation? Tune in to find out: Why Mark doesn't like "the T word" The biggest transformation project facing the world The vision behind some of society's biggest transformations What Mark's learnt from managing high-profile and large-scale transformation projects 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: Mark Wild, CEO of HS2 and Lorraine Mackin, UK Lead Partner for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Government Hosts: Annie Wong and Lizzie Elston Original music: Ali Barrett