Think Ahead

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

In an era defined by digital transformation, data abundance and consumer fragmentation, organisations face a new imperative: to thrive in complexity.

In this episode, host Sergei Guriev is joined by Professor of Marketing, Anja Lambrecht and Chief Economist of Zalando, Greg Crawford to explore how firms can build agility, resilience and strategic foresight by leveraging data, economics and AI.

From decoding consumer preferences to navigating real-time decision-making, the conversation unpacks the tools and organisational capabilities needed to turn complexity into competitive advantage.

Drawing on academic research and industry practice, the episode offers a roadmap for leaders seeking to reorient their firms for innovation, adaptability and long-term success.

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