Think Ahead

Can entrepreneurial ambition be harnessed to solve some of society's most urgent challenges? In this episode of Think Ahead, Sergei Guriev sits down with Luisa Alemany and Ella Goldner to discuss the growing role of entrepreneurs in addressing problems that range from climate change and energy security to healthcare, inequality and ageing populations. As pressure grows on governments, institutions and established businesses, entrepreneurs are increasingly stepping forward with new ideas, technologies and business models. Yet turning social purpose into commercial success remains one of the defining challenges of modern business. Drawing on their experience in venture capital, entrepreneurial finance and startup ecosystems, Luisa and Ella examine how founders identify opportunities hidden within large societal problems, why mission and growth do not have to be competing objectives, and how investors shape the trajectory of emerging businesses. Over the episode, Sergei, Luisa and Ella explore: The relationship between entrepreneurial growth and social impact How venture capital can support mission-driven innovation Why the best startups often begin with a problem rather than a technology The role of universities in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship Lessons for founders seeking alignment between purpose, capital and scale Emerging opportunities in climate resilience, health innovation and trusted information This is a conversation about the future of entrepreneurship and the people building businesses designed not only to create economic value, but to improve society along the way. Host: Sergei Guriev is Dean and Professor of Economics at London Business School. An internationally recognised economist, he is the host of London Business School's podcast, Think Ahead. The podcast brings together thought leaders and distinguished guests to explore the ideas, trends and challenges shaping the future of business and society. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergei-guriev/ Guests: Luisa Alemany is Associate Professor of Management Practice in Strategy and Entrepreneurship at London Business School and Co-Director of the Institute of Entrepreneurship and Private Capital. Her research focuses on entrepreneurial finance, venture capital, impact investing, deeptech financing and university spin-offs. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luisa-alemany-46902419b/ Ella Goldner is Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Zinc VC, a venture builder and investment fund backing mission-driven founders using science and technology to solve major societal challenges. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ella-levy-goldner/    Learn more: Luisa Alemany at London Business School | https://www.london.edu/faculty-and-research/faculty-profiles/l/luisa-alemany Institute of Entrepreneurship and Private Capital | https://www.london.edu/faculty-and-research/institute-of-entrepreneurship-and-private-capital Changemakers: Ella Goldner | https://www.london.edu/think/changemakers-ella-goldner?entry=true Zinc VC | https://www.zinc.vc London Business School Think | https://www.london.edu/think Subscribe to our channel for more conversations with world-leading academics, business leaders and policymakers exploring the forces shaping business and society. Sign up to receive a curated selection of articles, podcasts and films direct to your inbox twice a month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.london.edu/think?entry=true#subscribeScreen ⁠ Chapters: 00:00 The biggest business opportunities are hiding in plain sight 00:35 Can entrepreneurship fix society's toughest problems? 01:42 Meet the investors backing impact-driven founders 03:29 Why purpose and profit can grow together 05:39 AI's hidden energy problem 09:44 The danger of losing your mission as you scale 16:04 Thinking globally from day one 19:52 What investors really look for 25:46 The funding mistakes founders make 28:39 Building the right ecosystem around your business 32:23 Climate change, misinformation and the next wave of startups 35:57 Final takeaways Follow us on social media: ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/school/london-business-school/⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/londonbschool/

ESG has become one of the most polarising topics in business. Yet beneath the headlines and political debates lies a more fundamental question: how can organisations create long-term value for both shareholders and society? Host of Think Ahead, Sergei Guriev, Dean and Professor of Economics at London Business School, sits down with Alex Edmans, Professor of Finance at London Business School, to explore a more evidence-led approach to sustainability. Alex introduces the concept of rational sustainability, arguing that sustainability should be treated neither as an ideology nor as a box-ticking exercise, but as a strategic and financial discipline grounded in evidence, materiality and long-term thinking. Together, Sergei and Alex discuss why ESG has become so politically charged, the limitations of universal sustainability metrics, how leaders can navigate trade-offs, and what it takes to embed sustainability into core business decision-making. Whether you are leading a business, investing for the future or simply trying to make sense of the evolving sustainability landscape, this episode offers practical insights on how to focus on what truly creates value. Host: Sergei Guriev is Dean and Professor of Economics at London Business School. An internationally recognised economist, he is the host of London Business School’s podcast, Think Ahead. The podcast brings together thought leaders and distinguished guests to explore the ideas, trends and challenges shaping the future of business and society. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergei-guriev/ Guest: Alex Edmans is Professor of Finance at London Business School. He has authored 'Grow the Pie' (2020), 'May Contain Lies' (2024), and 'The Madness of Markets' (2026). He joins us as a leading expert on sustainable business, corporate purpose and long-term value creation. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aedmans/ Learn more: • Alex Edmans' website | https://alexedmans.com/ • Alex Edmans' latest book, 'The Madness of Markets' | https://alexedmans.com/madness/ • Why ESG needs a rethink | https://www.london.edu/think/why-esg-needs-a-rethink • Could "Rational Sustainability" replace ESG? | https://www.london.edu/think/could-rational-sustainability-replace-esg • Why we should not view ESG as something niche | https://www.london.edu/think/why-we-should-not-view-esg-as-something-niche Subscribe to our channel for more conversations with world-leading academics, business leaders and policymakers exploring the forces shaping business and society. Sign up to receive a curated selection of articles, podcasts and films direct to your inbox twice a month at ⁠⁠⁠https://www.london.edu/think?entry=true#subscribeScreen Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 01:40 Why ESG has become so polarised 05:35 Introducing rational sustainability 11:45 Materiality, trade-offs and what really matters 16:30 Integrating sustainability into business strategy 22:00 What effective sustainability leadership looks like 31:30 What comes next for sustainability Follow us on social media: ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/school/london-business-school/ https://www.instagram.com/londonbschool/

As AI transforms decision-making, ESG faces growing scrutiny, and longer lives reshape careers, business leaders must navigate a world of accelerating change and increasing uncertainty. In this special Season 3 wrap-up, Sergei Guriev, Dean and Professor of Economics at London Business School and host of Think Ahead, reflects on the biggest ideas, debates and lessons from ten conversations with leading economists, strategists, technologists and business executives. From agentic AI and leadership under uncertainty to corporate purpose, sustainability, consumer behaviour and the future of the global economy, this episode brings together the insights that matter most for leaders preparing for what comes next. A common theme emerges throughout: while technology and disruption are changing the business landscape, human judgement, strategic clarity and continuous learning remain essential. Featuring insights from London Business School faculty and industry leaders, watch the episode to understand: Why AI is a leadership challenge as much as a technology challenge How effective leaders create clarity and make difficult trade-offs in uncertain environments Why sustainability and corporate accountability remain business priorities despite the ESG backlash How longevity, lifelong learning and changing consumer expectations are reshaping work and markets What a more fragmented global economy could mean for organisations and decision-makers For more thought leadership and business insights from London Business School faculty and alumni, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.london.edu/think⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.   Sign up to receive a curated selection of articles, podcasts and films direct to your inbox twice a month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.london.edu/think?entry=true#subscribeScreen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.   Follow us on social media: ⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/school/london-business-school⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/LondonBusinessSchool⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/londonbschool⁠

In a world where artificial intelligence is transforming how organisations operate, leaders face a critical challenge: how to harness AI’s speed and scale while maintaining trust, fairness and human judgement.  In this episode of Think Ahead, Sergei Guriev, Professor of Economics and Dean at London Business School, is joined by Keyvan Vakili, Associate Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship and Academic Director of the Data Science and AI Initiative, and Riham Satti, co-founder and CEO of MeVitae. Together, they explore why so many organisations are still struggling to move beyond AI pilots and proofs of concept, and what it really takes to translate experimentation into meaningful impact.  Drawing on both academic research and real-world experience, the conversation examines how AI is reshaping hiring and people decisions, the risks of bias in data-driven systems, and the importance of transparency, accountability and verifiability in building trustworthy AI. The episode also highlights a central tension: as automation accelerates, the value of distinctly human capabilities such as empathy, judgement and critical thinking only increases.  Tune in to learn:  Why organisations struggle to scale AI from pilots to adding real business value  How to build trust in AI systems, from transparency to governance and accountability  The risks of bias in hiring algorithms and how to mitigate them through better data and design  Why human judgement, context and soft skills are becoming more valuable in the age of AI  Practical guidance on whether to build AI tools in-house or partner externally  Whether you are leading AI adoption, shaping organisational strategy, or navigating the future of work, this episode offers clear, evidence-based insights into how leaders can use AI responsibly while strengthening human capability and long-term value.  For more thought leadership and business insights from London Business School faculty and alumni, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.london.edu/think⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.   Sign up to receive a curated selection of articles, podcasts and films direct to your inbox twice a month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.london.edu/think?entry=true#subscribeScreen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.   Follow us on social media: ⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/school/london-business-school⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/LondonBusinessSchool⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠instagram.com/londonbschool

Decisions about who to hire, promote and reward shape organisational performance, culture and fairness. For decades, we have heavily relied on intuition. As data and AI become more embedded in the workplace, leaders face a critical question: how should evidence and human judgement work together in people decisions?  Sergei Guriev, Professor of Economics and Dean of London Business School, is joined by Isabel Fernandez‑Mateo, Adecco Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at London Business School, and Khyati Sundaram, Founder of Applied.  Together, they explore how data, analytics and artificial intelligence are reshaping people management across the employee lifecycle. Drawing on academic research and real‑world experience, the conversation examines how AI is changing behaviour for both employers and candidates, and why leadership judgement, context and trust still matter more than ever.  Watch the episode to understand:  Why intuition‑driven people decisions often reinforce bias rather than predict performance  How AI is transforming hiring and why it is creating new challenges for employers  Where data improves fairness and outcomes, and where human judgement must still lead  What responsible, evidence‑based people management looks like in practice  For more thought leadership and business insights from London Business School faculty and alumni, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.london.edu/think⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.   Sign up to receive a curated selection of articles, podcasts and films direct to your inbox twice a month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.london.edu/think?entry=true#subscribeScreen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.   Follow us on social media: ⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/school/london-business-school⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/LondonBusinessSchool⁠⁠⁠ ⁠ ⁠instagram.com/londonbschool

As AI evolves from offering advice to taking action, organisations face a critical question: who is really in charge? To discuss, Sergei Guriev, Professor of Economics and Dean at London Business School, is joined by Dr Ekaterina Abramova, Adjunct Assistant Professor of Management Science and Operations at London Business School, and Sue Preston, Worldwide Vice President and General Manager of Advisory and Professional Services at Hewlett Packard Enterprise. Together, they explore how leaders can retain control, ensure safety and maintain trust as AI systems become more autonomous. From agentic AI and execution risk to fairness, bias and shadow AI, the conversation bridges cutting-edge academic research with real-world experience from global AI deployments. The discussion unpacks why human oversight must be meaningful, not symbolic, and how organisations can design governance, guardrails and operating models that allow AI to scale responsibly without undermining trust. Tune in to learn: · Why the shift from AI copilots to autonomous agents changes the risk profile for organisations · What meaningful human oversight really looks like when machines plan and act · How bias and fairness emerge in autonomous systems and why they must be designed for early · The organisational and cultural changes needed to deploy trustworthy AI at scale For more thought leadership and business insights from London Business School faculty and alumni, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.london.edu/think⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.   Sign up to receive a curated selection of articles, podcasts and films direct to your inbox twice a month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.london.edu/think?entry=true#subscribeScreen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.   Follow us on social media: ⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/school/london-business-school⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/LondonBusinessSchool⁠⁠⁠  instagram.com/londonbschool

How can organisations stay agile as markets shift, technologies accelerate and global pressures reshape business overnight? In this episode of Think Ahead, Sergei Guriev, Professor of Economics and Dean at London Business School, speaks with Jessica Spungin, Adjunct Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at LBS, and Suzanne Heywood, Chief Operating Officer of Exor and Executive Chair of CNH Industrial and Iveco Group. Together, they explore what strategic agility really looks like in practice. From navigating geopolitical shocks to adapting long-term plans in fast-moving environments, Jessica and Suzanne share insights from both boardrooms and classrooms on how modern organisations can respond to disruption without losing clarity or stability. Tune in to learn:  Why organisations must combine long-term strategic goals with flexible, short-term actions  How leaders can empower teams to act quickly through clear processes and decision rights  When structural redesign becomes necessary and how to execute it without creating chaos  The vital role boards play in supporting adaptability and maintaining alignment  Why people in pivotal roles matter far more than reporting lines or organisational charts  Whether you are leading a transformation, adapting your strategy or building an agile organisation fit for the future, this conversation offers practical guidance from two experts who have helped shape some of the world’s most resilient companies. For more thought leadership and business insights from London Business School faculty and alumni, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.london.edu/think⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.   Sign up to receive a curated selection of articles, podcasts and films direct to your inbox twice a month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.london.edu/think?entry=true#subscribeScreen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.   Follow us on social media: ⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠X.com/LBS⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/school/london-business-school⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠facebook.com/LondonBusinessSchool⁠⁠⁠

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.  For more thought leadership and business insights from London Business School faculty and alumni, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.london.edu/think⁠⁠⁠⁠.   Sign up to receive a curated selection of articles, podcasts and films direct to your inbox twice a month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.london.edu/think?entry=true#subscribeScreen⁠⁠⁠⁠.   Follow us on social media: ⁠⁠⁠  ⁠X.com/LBS⁠⁠⁠ ⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/school/london-business-school⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠  ⁠facebook.com/LondonBusinessSchool⁠⁠⁠

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: - Lynda Gratton, Professor of Management Practice in Organisational Behaviour at London Business School - Andy Briggs, Group CEO of Phoenix Group, the UK’s largest long-term savings and retirement business. Together, they explore the profound impact of rising life expectancy and longer careers on individuals, organisations and society. From multi-stage lives and careers and lifelong learning to financial security, age diversity, and the urgent reality that only 1 in 7 people are saving enough for retirement, this conversation is a wake-up call for leaders everywhere. What are the opportunities and challenges posed by a multi-stage life? What strategies can we implement across all ages? Dive into this episode to learn: - Why the traditional three-stage life (education, work, retirement) no longer works - How to design a career that sustains energy, purpose and adaptability over decades - Practical strategies for renewal, resilience and flexible working - The role of business and government in tackling the longevity challenge - Why age diversity and reskilling are critical for organisational success - How technology and AI can support longer working lives Packed with actionable insights, real-world examples and global perspectives, this episode is essential listening. Whether you’re planning your own future or shaping the future of work, tune in to discover how to lead – and live – for the long haul. Lynda Gratton is Professor of Management Practice in Organisational Behaviour at London Business School. She has authored 'The 100-Year Life' with Andrew J. Scott. Her upcoming book, ‘Living the 100-Year Life’, releases in September 2026. Discover more about Lynda and her research: https://www.london.edu/faculty-and-research/faculty-profiles/g/gratton-lc. For more thought leadership and business insights from London Business School faculty and alumni, visit https://www.london.edu/think. Sign up to receive a curated selection of articles, podcasts and films direct to your inbox twice a month: https://www.london.edu/think?entry=true#subscribeScreen. Follow us on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X.com/LBS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/school/london-business-school⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/LondonBusinessSchool⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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:  The historic role of the US Dollar and its impact on global trade and reserves  The Kindleberger gap and what a multipolar currency system means for businesses  The rise of digital finance and its implications for payment systems and liquidity  Practical strategies for managing currency risk and building resilience  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 For more thought leadership and business insights from London Business School faculty and alumni, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠london.edu/think⁠⁠⁠⁠.  Sign up to receive a curated selection of articles, podcasts and films direct to your inbox twice a month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠london.edu/think/subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠.  Follow us on social media:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠X.com/LBS⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/school/london-business-school⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/LondonBusinessSchool⁠⁠⁠⁠