Should industry be a societal force?

Is ESG losing its relevance, or are we asking the wrong questions about its future?In this thought-provoking debate, Professor Gorgi Krlev, Associate Dean of Sustainability & Impact at ESCP, and Professor André Spicer, Executive Dean of Bayes Business School, imagine two radically different futures for ESG in 2036.One envisions a world where sustainability, innovation and social responsibility have reshaped capitalism. The other paints a darker picture of geopolitical fragmentation, economic insecurity and shifting priorities, where ESG comes to stand for "Energy, Security and God."Moderated by Christina Bartholomew, Head of the Green and Impact Office at ESCP's London Campus, the discussion moves beyond the familiar question of whether ESG is dead to explore the deeper challenges facing business and society.Can responsible business really deliver financial returns? Has ESG become a victim of its own ambition? Who bears the costs of the sustainability transition? And how should business schools prepare the next generation of leaders to navigate competing priorities and systemic change?From the role of incentives and innovation to the importance of honest trade-offs, the debate challenges conventional thinking about sustainability and asks what it will take to turn ambitious ideals into meaningful impact.Listen to this compelling conversation about the future of ESG.

On Wednesday, 2 September, ESCP Business School’s Berlin Campus hosted its quarterly talk series, Entrepreneur Conversations: Innovation & Beyond, featuring Marc Schurr, CEO of Ovesco.During the event, Marc Schurr shared valuable insights into innovation, leadership, and navigating the rapidly evolving medical industry, while engaging the audience in an inspiring discussion.

On Wednesday, 15 June 2026, ESCP Business School’s Berlin campus hosted the next episode of its quarterly talk series, Entrepreneur Conversations: Innovation & Beyond, featuring Heike Panella, CEO of Clarins Deutschland. The series brings together visionary founders and corporate leaders to discuss the challenges, breakthroughs, and personal journeys that shape entrepreneurial success.During the event, Heike Panella shared her insights on innovation, leadership, and navigating a rapidly evolving business landscape, engaging in an inspiring conversation with the audience.Entrepreneur Conversations: Innovation & Beyond will return on Wednesday, 2 September, featuring  Marc Schurr, CEO of Ovesco Endoscopy AG.

On Wednesday, 15 April, ESCP Business School’s Berlin campus hosted the launch of its new quarterly talk series, Entrepreneur Conversations: Innovation & Beyond, featuring Stefanie Neumann, CEO of Lufthansa Systems. The series brings together visionary founders and corporate leaders to explore the challenges, breakthroughs, and personal stories behind entrepreneurial success. In conversation with the audience, Stefanie shared her perspectives on innovation and leadership in a rapidly evolving business landscape.Entrepreneur Conversations will return on Monday, 15 June, with Heike Panella, CEO of Clarins Deutschland.

On Tuesday, 2 September, ESCP Business School's Berlin Campus hosted the second edition of the quarterly talk series, Entrepreneur Conversations: Innovation & Beyond, featuring Stephan Kemen, CEO of Mäurer & Wirtz House of Perfumes since 2020. This series brings together visionary founders and corporate leaders to explore the challenges, breakthroughs, and personal stories behind entrepreneurial success.In conversation with the audience, Stephan Kemen discussed brand building, consumer trends, and leadership in the cosmetics industry, sharing insights from his role as CEO of Mäurer & Wirtz.Entrepreneur Conversations will return on 15 April, 2026.

On Wednesday, 25 June, ESCP Business School Berlin Campus hosted the first edition of the new quarterly talk series, Entrepreneur Conversations: Innovation & Beyond, featuring Werner M. Bahlsen, long-standing Chairman of Bahlsen GmbH & Co. KG. This new series brings together visionary founders and corporate leaders to explore the challenges, breakthroughs, and personal stories behind entrepreneurial success.In conversation with the audience, Bahlsen reflected on innovation, tradition, and leadership in family businesses, offering insights from his extensive experience leading one of Germany’s most recognised food brands.Entrepreneur Conversations will return on Monday, 2 September, with Stephan Kemen, CEO of Mäurer & Wirtz.Watch the video recording of the conversation here.

On Thursday, October 17th, ESCP Business School London Campus hosted the second edition of the C-suite talks series, "The European Way," featuring Andreas Utermann, Chairman of Vontobel and Former CEO of Allianz Global Investors.  Hosted by Prof. Kamran Razmdoost, Dean of ESCP London Campus, this series explores leadership through a mindset-focused lens, inviting industry leaders to share how European values and collaborative management styles can drive effective leadership. In his reflections, Utermann revisited his career journey over the past 40 years, sharing insights drawn from both his professional experiences and the personal values he developed along the way.

On 9th April 2024, ESCP London Campus launched its first event in the C-Suite Talk Series: 'The European Way', featuring Eurostar CEO Gwendoline Cazenave.  Hosted by ESCP London Campus Dean, Prof. Kamran Razmdoost, this event marked the beginning of a crucial dialogue on adopting European values and shaping the future of management and leadership. The series promises this through the exploration of inspiring stories, insight into overcoming challenges, and exploring future visions. Inspired by mobility, both transportation and that of ideas, innovation and knowledge, the first discussion followed the story of Gwendoline Cazenave, shedding light on her journey, personal values, and vision for leading Eurostar into the future of mobility and sustainable transportation.

In today's episode, we’re talking to Emmanuel Delcourt an engineer with a focus on transforming agriculture and the food industry who also teaches at ESCP. Emmanuel shares insights from his extensive experience in transforming organizations, highlighting the critical factors that often hinder successful industrial evolution. Join us as we uncover the secrets of industrial success and explore how to navigate the complex landscape of transformation.

Robin Lenormand observes how industry has gradually scaled back in Europe over the past 30 years. He looks into the societal impact and offers a perspective on how industry can help overcome some of today’s societal challenges.