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

Rome wasn’t built in a day. The tortoise beats the hare. More haste, less speed.  

We’ve heard the adages. And we know why they’re used. We know that behind every overnight success is years of hard work. But that doesn’t stop us being fascinated by them.  

Whether it’s a singer, a new app, a sports team or a start-up, we can all think of sudden stratospheric rises. They’re exciting, they’re inspiring and we want to know the secrets behind them.  

But once the smoke clears and the spotlight has faded, we’re left with another question - how do you make that success last? To ensure that flurries of excitement don’t turn into passing fads – and fuzzy memories. That quick wins turn into continual wins. That overnight success becomes lasting impact.

In this episode of The Green Room we talk to CEO of Barclays Women’s Super League and Barclays Women’s Championship, Nikki Doucet and Deloitte partner and leader of Deloitte Ventures, Scott Campbell as we ask; How do you build long-term success?

Tune in to find out: 

• Why failure can form the foundations for success
• The biggest lesson Nikki learnt from her time at Nike
• What a responsible business looks like in today’s market
• How businesses can balance short-term pressure with long-term vision

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: Nikki Doucet, CEO of Barclays Women’s Super League and Barclays Women’s Championship, and Scott Campbell, partner at Deloitte

Hosts: Lizzie Elston and Stephanie Dobbs

Original music: Ali Barrett

After many years of space exploration, what was once science fiction is now a reality – and a thriving industry.  

The space economy is predicted to grow at twice the speed of GDP over the next 10 years. Which is great news for the people in spacesuits, the people at ground control and the entrepreneurs behind it all.  

But what does it mean for the rest of us?

As infinity and beyond moves closer into view, there’s a lot to be explored. And although we’re not entirely sure what’s out there, experts suspect we could find answers to some of our planet’s most pressing problems. Things like the climate emergency, energy sources, and economic and humanitarian concerns.   

So, how do we ensure that we’re exploring the final frontier to its fullest and that the solutions discovered are brought back to benefit everyone?

In this episode of The Green Room we ask whether we can all win from the space race with Professor Brian Cox, physicist, author and presenter and Mollie Martin, Strategy Manager in Deloitte Innovation & Ventures’ SpaceTech team.

Tune in to find out: 

• Why we’re at a critical moment in the space race
• Which space-led discoveries are benefitting us today 
• The ideas that Brian Cox discussed with Jeff Bezos
• How space exploration could change how we work

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 

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Guests: Brian Cox, physicist, author and presenter, and Mollie Martin from Deloitte 

Hosts: Lizzie Elston and Oliver Carpenter

Original music: Ali Barrett

Have you ever heard of a ‘vibecession’?

It’s when we feel like we’re in a recession, without actually being in one. When there’s a disconnect between feelings and facts.

Feel familiar?

Economists are telling us that things are on the up. GDP is growing. Inflation is down. And wages are up.

So why does it feel like the mood of the population is heading in the opposite direction to the graphs?

It could be because our day-to-day experiences don’t match up with the data. It’s expensive to fill up our car. Our weekly shop costs more. And that lived reality feels more real than stats and commentary.

But should we trust the mood of the country over what the data is showing us? Do emotions speak louder than economic indicators? And is there a way to close the gap between our feelings and the facts?

That’s what we’re exploring with Linda Yueh, economist and broadcaster, and Tom Simmons, Senior Economist at Deloitte UK, in this episode of The Green Room as we ask: Do facts or feelings fuel our economy?

Tune in to find out: 

• What ‘animal spirits’ have to do with the economy
• Why disconnects between the data and our reality occur
• The alternative ways we can measure economic success
• How the media influences our economic perspective

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 

Loaf Catering here: loafcatering.com

Guests: Linda Yueh, economist and broadcaster, and Tom Simmons from Deloitte 

Hosts: Stephanie Dobbs and Oliver Carpenter

Original music: Ali Barrett

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: deloitte.co.uk/greenroompodcasts

You can also watch our episodes over on YouTube: youtube.com/@DeloitteUK 

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

Beating the odds. Getting the gold. Staying fearless. Showing strength. Never stopping.    We hear those words used about some of the world’s biggest role models. The people who, when the spotlight shines on them, seem superhuman. But what if we switched that spotlight to focus on the human too, rather than just the super?  

Instead of beating the odds, our hero got beaten – but came back next time. Instead of staying fearless, they felt the fear but did it anyway. Instead of showing strength, they showed softness. Instead of never stopping, they asked to take a break.  

Role models are important – particularly for women and girls. And even more so for the team of five girls from Grey Coat Hospital School who’ve worked with us on this special episode of The Green Room.

Winners of a nationwide competition to host and produce The Green Room, the girls were interested in how we can find more representative role models and celebrate their stories. Joining them in the studio to explore the topic is Eilish McColgan, Team GB Olympian and long-distance runner, and Lucy Traynor, UK Purpose Lead at Deloitte.  

Tune in to find out: 

• Why role models are so important and how they influence us
• The responsibility that comes with being an inspiration for others
• How to find authentic role models to connect with
• Why social media is changing how we share our stories

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 Debate Mate here: debatemate.com

Guests: Eilish McColgan, Team GB Olympian and long-distance runner, and Lucy Traynor, UK Purpose Lead at Deloitte

Hosts: Annie Wong and Portia Gitau

Original music: Ali Barrett

Ding. Breaking news. Ding. New email. Ding. Whatsapp group. Ding. New email. Ding. Whatsapp again. Ding. Another email. Ding. Ding. Ding.

Studies show that we have more information in our brains than almost anyone alive hundreds of years ago processed in their lifetime. And it feels like it, doesn’t it? 

So we’re receiving more information than ever before. And there are more ways than ever before to send it. But that doesn’t mean we’re any better at communicating it. That we’re understanding it. Or feeling understood. 

Whether we’re home or at work, getting communication right is important. It’s the most sought-after soft skill in the job market, but for a ‘soft’ skill it can be hard to master. So, what can we learn from the world’s best communicators? And how can we apply it to our careers, our teams and our businesses?

That’s what we’re exploring with Ros Atkins, BBC journalist and analysis editor, and Drew McMillan, Director of Communications and Engagement at Deloitte, in this episode of The Green Room as we ask: Can we communicate better by saying less?

Tune in to find out: 

• What Ros learned from Obama’s former speech writer
• Why communicating well is more challenging than ever before
• A common mistake we all make when communicating at work
• One phrase that can make any message resonate

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 

Loaf Catering here: loafcatering.com

Guests: Ros Atkins, BBC journalist and broadcaster, and Drew McMillan from Deloitte Hosts: Stephanie Dobbs and Lizzie Elston Original music: Ali Barrett

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: deloitte.co.uk/greenroompodcasts

You can also watch our episodes over on YouTube: youtube.com/@DeloitteUK

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

All day, every day, we can access masses of information at the touch of a button. Or the sound of a voice command.  

However, we can access a lot of misinformation too.  

We’ve all seen examples of deepfakes, online scams and misinformation shape the headlines – and then become the headlines. The most common conclusion? It’s AI’s fault.  

Would it surprise you that 70% of us are concerned about the use of deepfakes, data privacy issues, security risks and the spread of misinformation? And although the cause of these issues is multi-faceted, there’s no doubt that their association with AI is impacting our opinion of the technology.

So, is the rise in online misinformation a sign that our trust in the new technology is misplaced? Or could AI be the cure for misinformation, rather than the cause?

That’s what we’re exploring with Georgie Barrat, tech journalist and broadcaster, and Paul Lee, Global Head of Research at Deloitte in this episode of The Green Room.

Tune in to find out: 

• How a rise in the use of AI has led to a rise in misinformation
• The existing technology that could be used to stop deep fakes
• The role businesses can play in helping build trust in AI
• One thing we can all do to help limit the spread of misinformation

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 

Check out Cook For Good here: cookforgood.uk

Guests: Georgie Barrat, journalist and broadcaster, and Paul Lee from Deloitte Hosts: Annie Wong and Lizzie Elston Original music: Ali Barrett

“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: deloitte.co.uk/greenroompodcasts

You can also watch our episodes over on YouTube: youtube.com/@DeloitteUK 

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

Success and glory.

Blood. Sweat. And tears.

A legacy left behind.

It’s built on the truth that winning is a win for one. But the reality is that firsts are a win for everyone.

Our athletes have each left their own legacy, but what is the true power of doing something of such magnitude for the first time?

In the final episode of the series, we reflect on what life is like after “the first”. What does it mean for the world and what legacy does it leave behind? What’s the inspiration for others who follow in their footsteps? How do we ensure that what we leave behind is better than how we found it?  In this series, we explore the story of four incredible Olympians and Paralympians – Nicola Adams, Sarah Attar, Natalie Du Toit and Rose Lokonyen as we explore - what’s the power of being first?

---  Enjoyed this episode? This is episode five in a five-part series. Hear the rest of Bigger Questions wherever you found this podcast.

Bigger Questions is a spin-off series from our award-winning podcast The Green Room – check out full episodes now or check out our website: deloitte.co.uk/greenroompodcasts

You can also watch our episodes over on YouTube: youtube.com/@DeloitteUK 

Any reference in this podcast to any current or former athlete is for informational and/or discussion purposes only and does not represent an express or implied sponsorship relationship between the Deloitte organisation and such athlete.

Deloitte, Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Management Consulting Partner.