Cambridge Executive Business Insights

In this episode, Jaideep Prabhu speaks with Dr. Daniel Hulme, CEO of Satalia and Chief AI Officer at WPP, about the future of artificial intelligence, from real-world business applications to the possibility of machine consciousness. They explore how AI is transforming industries like marketing, why constraints can drive innovation, and what leaders need to do to stay ahead, while also tackling bigger questions around ethics, superintelligence, and what an AI-driven future means for humanity.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Jaideep Prabhu speaks with Nick Ford Young, co-CEO of Boldspace, about how AI is transforming marketing and communications. They explore “agentic” workflows, the balance between automation and human creativity, and why judgment remains essential in an AI-powered world. Nick shares how Boldstream integrates data, strategy and real-time insights to reshape decision-making and learning. The conversation also tackles risks, such as bias and over-reliance, and what the future holds for agencies, brands and talent. A thoughtful look at how AI can augment, not replace, human ingenuity in modern business.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This episode features Anusha Dandapani, Chief of Data and AI at the UNICC AI Hub (United Nations International Computing Centre), exploring how the UN is building scalable, responsible AI across its global system. She shares insights on creating shared AI infrastructure, overcoming fragmented systems, and shifting from experimentation to institutional adoption. The conversation highlights “frugal AI” - focusing on social impact over cost alone - and reveals surprising cost drivers like governance, data preparation, and workforce upskilling. Anusha also discusses balancing innovation with trust, embedding responsible AI practices, and preparing organisations for emerging agentic systems, offering practical lessons for leaders aiming to build purposeful, efficient AI. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Jaideep Prabhu speaks with Firas Ben Hassan, Head of Agentic AI Solutions Hub at Allianz Technology. Firas shares his journey from fraud detection data scientist to leading Allianz’s agentic AI initiatives, including AllianzGPT. He explains the concept of frugal AI - using simpler, more efficient, and more explainable models instead of defaulting to the largest systems. The conversation explores responsible, human-centred AI in financial services, regulatory guardrails, levels of AI autonomy, and how organisations can balance innovation, efficiency, and trust in an era of rapidly advancing AI. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Jaideep Prabhu speaks with Neil Milliken, former Global Head of Accessibility and Digital Inclusion at Atos, about the powerful intersection of AI and accessibility. Drawing on 25 years in assistive technology, Neil explains how today’s generative AI builds on foundations laid by early speech recognition systems and how AI can make work inherently assistive—from automated note-taking to large-scale compliance analysis. The conversation explores how inclusive design can drive mainstream innovation, the risks of bias in AI-powered recruitment and decision systems, and why accessibility should be embedded at the design stage, not treated as an afterthought. This is a thoughtful discussion on building AI that is inclusive, responsible, and impactful at scale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the first episode or series 2, Jaideep Prabhu speaks with Serish Gandikota, Elizabeth Osta, and Arjuna Sathiaseelan about ‘frugal AI’ - a smarter, leaner approach to building and deploying artificial intelligence. As AI development becomes increasingly resource-intensive, reliant on vast compute power and energy the Frugal AI Hub at Cambridge Judge Business School is challenging the ‘bigger is better’ mindset. The conversation explores why many GenAI pilots are failing in enterprises, the importance of measuring real value and impact, and how AI can be made more accessible, especially in regions with limited infrastructure and among communities underserved by today’s dominant language models. From corporate boardrooms to the Global South, this episode outlines a practical vision for AI that is sustainable, inclusive, and designed to thrive under real-world constraints. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this best of episode, Chris Marquis shares some of his favourite moments from Journey To Regeneration. During the series we explored how technology and impact investing are reshaping the business landscape, from disruptive innovations to sustainable models. Visionaries like Ronnie Cohen highlighted the power of tech to drive massive change, while leaders like Heidi Renata, Lisa Ferguson, and Ana Costa stressed the importance of patience, collaboration, and integrating environmental and social values. We heard actionable insights from Juliet Scott Croxford on individual wellness, and from John Elkington on the mainstream rise of sustainability. The message is clear: start with small steps, champion positive change, and make your business—and your life—a force for good. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Professor Chris Marquis shares some of his favourite moments from the first series of Cambridge Executive Business Insights, Journey To Regeneration. Chris features thought leaders passionate about sustainability, regeneration, and business’s role in shaping a better world. You’ll hear practical advice from Vincent Stanley of Patagonia on connecting with and defending the places we love, and strategies from Lindsay Hopper for leveraging coalitions and trade bodies to drive meaningful change. Andrew Winston challenges us all to ask whether we and our organizations are truly making the world better, while Elizabeth Whitlow invites listeners to reconnect with food—and the soil it grows in. You'll discover actionable steps for everyday impact, from what we wear, as shared by Lindsay Hooper, to the transformative power of regenerative agriculture, explored by Andrea Ili. Kate Williams shares the philosophy behind 1% for the Planet, emphasizing progress over perfection, and Nigel Topping urges businesses to track exponential changes within their industries for resilience and innovation. These highlights offer a rich blend of thought-provoking perspectives and practical wisdom, setting the stage for Series 2’s focus toward frugal AI. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, host Christopher Marquis is joined by Douglas Lamont, CEO of Tony’s Chocolonely, the Dutch chocolate company born when journalists exposed widespread child labour in West Africa’s cocoa fields and set out to prove a fairer model was possible. Douglas breaks down how Tony’s rebuilt its supply chain around five core sourcing principles—paying a living-income price, long-term contracts, full traceability, strong farmer cooperatives, and improved farming practices—and how these have dramatically reduced child-labour risks, lifted farmers out of poverty, and cut incentives for deforestation. The episode also dives into Tony’s Open Chain Initiative, which invites other brands to adopt the same ethical sourcing model in pursuit of a 5% market share tipping point for industry-wide change. Douglas discusses Tony’s mission-lock structure, the UK’s Better Business Act, and how stronger company law and bold leadership can shift businesses from extractive to regenerative models. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this week’s episode, host Christopher Marquis is joined by Chris Turner, Executive Director of B Lab UK, to discuss the evolution of the B Corp movement and what it reveals about the changing expectations of business in the 21st century.  They explore the rise of B Corps in the UK, now numbering around 2,700 companies employing more than 200,000 people, and consider insights from B Lab UK’s Take 10 report, which brings together evidence on how certified companies are approaching environmental and social performance.  Chris outlines the aim of the Better Business Act, an initiative to amend the UK Companies Act so that every company has a legal duty to align shareholder interests with those of workers, communities, and the environment. He also reflects on the updated global B Corp standards and what raising the bar for responsible business may mean worldwide. In this episode, we cover: How B Lab UK has grown and how the B Corp community has evolved Key findings from the Take 10 report  The goals of the Better Business Act and why governance reform matters How updated B Corp standards and assurance processes aim to strengthen accountability Why conversation, expectation-setting, and community play a central role in driving change Together, the discussion offers a thoughtful look at how governance, standards, and collective action might help embed environmental and social purpose more deeply into the DNA of business. Take 10: Celebrating 10 Years of the UK B Corp movement: https://bcorporation.uk/act-and-learn/campaigns/10-years-of-b-lab-uk/ Introducing B Impact: A better way to measure and manage impact: https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/programs-and-tools/b-impact/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this week’s episode, host Christopher Marquis is joined by Ellen Jackowski, Chief Sustainability Officer at Mastercard, to explore how the company is experimenting with ways to support more sustainable consumer choices. Positioned within a payments network that reaches 150 million merchants and billions of cardholders, Mastercard has a vantage point on everyday spending that can help inform how incentives and information are designed. They discuss a recent pilot at University College London, created with Rewild, that linked item-level purchases to emissions data and offered rewards for lower-carbon food options. Early findings suggest that such incentives can influence purchasing decisions, offering useful insights into consumer behaviour. Ellen also highlights practical trials, from reusable cup systems in European cities to tap-and-go transit technologies, that aim to lower friction for more sustainable actions. A key theme throughout is Mastercard’s inspire, inform, enable framework, including tools like the Carbon Calculator and campaigns with public figures such as Gareth Bale, which seek to address the “say–do gap” by matching clearer information with convenience and rewards. Together, these examples demonstrate how practical tools can facilitate a transition from sustainable intentions to more sustainable everyday choices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We hope you've been enjoying Journey To Regeneration from Cambridge Judge Business School. For more episodes of Journey To Regeneration with Professor Chris Marquis, follow the new feed here - https://podfollow.com/journey-to-regeneration Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, host Christopher Marquis is joined by John Elkington, author, advisor, and originator of the “triple bottom line.” John revisits how that idea took off in the 1990s, and why he later issued a “product recall” to refocus leaders on truly integrating people, planet, and profit. The episode explores his concept of “Green Swans” - system-positive shifts that outpace incremental change. From renewables and EVs to greener cities, John shows where technology, policy, and strategy are already bending the curve toward regeneration. He also reflects on the B Corp movement and how sustainability is spreading across the C-suite, uniting impact, risk, and return under one agenda. John leaves us with practical advice: get out into the world - visit farms, factories, and front-line communities where the future is being built. By seeing what’s possible, leaders can move from theory to transformation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Chris Marquis explores regenerative business practices with Juliet Scott-Croxford, President for the Americas at Brompton Bicycle. Discover how the iconic folding bike company transforms urban mobility through their mission of "urban freedom for happier lives," connecting environmental sustainability with mental health and community design. Juliet reveals Brompton's rejection of throwaway culture through product longevity, repairability, and their innovative Brompton Renewed program—refurbishing second-hand bikes with seven-year guarantees. They discuss how Brompton views bicycles as systems interventions that create ripple effects across city infrastructure, public policy, and transportation narratives. As a newly certified B Corp, the company embeds ESG metrics into leadership accountability, demonstrating how purpose-driven governance drives innovation. This conversation illustrates that regeneration extends beyond environmental concerns - it's about creating systems that support dignity, mobility, and joy in urban life. A compelling example of how businesses can actively restore and enhance the natural and social systems they depend on for long-term success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Chris Marquis welcomes Ana Costa, Vice President for Sustainability and Corporate Affairs at Natura &Co, a pioneering beauty company rooted in Amazon conservation. They explore how Natura's Amazon origins have shaped their belief that regeneration is essential, not optional. Ana reveals how the company embeds regenerative practices across their entire value chain—supporting over 10,000 small-scale Amazonian producers, restoring biodiversity, and integrating social impact into core business operations. They discuss how Natura's unique approach to connecting local and global impact: investing in traditional knowledge systems and forest economies while influencing international standards through UN partnerships, B Corp networks, and climate coalitions. The company demonstrates how profitability and collective wellbeing can align through net-positive growth models and ecosystem restoration investments. Ana shares Natura's evolution from sustainability to full-spectrum regeneration, including groundbreaking governance innovations like their Integrated Profit and Loss Statement and stakeholder governance commitment. This conversation provides a practical blueprint for companies seeking to align purpose with power, showing how traditional businesses can adopt regenerative practices that restore natural and social systems while driving long-term success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, host Chris Marquis explores regenerative business practices with two inspiring leaders - Heidi Renata, co-founder of Innovate HQ and Māori entrepreneur, and Lisa Ferguson from The Nature Conservancy. Both guests emphasise that regenerative practices aren't new concepts—they're ancient wisdom being reapplied to modern challenges. Key themes include the importance of building trust, moving at the "speed of trust" rather than quarterly timelines, and recognising that true leadership means bringing others with you rather than controlling from above. te ao - Māori world/worldview curious wahine-preneur - this is more of a playful made up word versus a real one, which simply means, woman entrepreneur Ōtepoti – Dunedin, NZ marae – (verb) to be generous, hospitable, (noun) courtyard - the open area in front of the wharenui, where formal greetings and discussions take place. Often also used to include the complex of buildings around the marae. whānau – (verb) to be born, give birth, (noun) extended family, family group, a familiar term to address a number of people – the primary economic unit of traditional Māori society Manaakitanga – hospitality, kindness, generosity, support – the process of showing respect, generosity and care for others. Kotahitanga – unity, togetherness and solidarity, collective action Whanaungatanga - relationship, kinship, sense of family connection - a relationship through shared experiences and working together which provides people with a sense of belonging. It develops as a result of kinship rights and obligations, which also serve to strengthen each member of the kin group. It also extends to others to whom one develops a close familial, friendship or reciprocal relationship. Tikanga – customs, practices and procedures i.e. the right way of doing things according to Maori values and traditions Mātauranga – knowledge, understanding and wisdom whakapha ngaungatanga - building authentic relationships rooted in genealogy and lineage mokopuna's mokopuna - our children and our grandchildren's experiences Mātauranga Māori – a Māori practice, much like a living operating system, which is holistic, adaptive, and respects relationships. Maori knowledge and ways of knowing Tauiwi - non-Maori entities whenua – primarily means land or earth i.e. the land that sustains life. wairau – spirit, soul or essence of a person or thing Te Tiriti – the Treaty”, specifically Te Tiriti o Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi). Te Tiriti - New Zealand’s founding document, was meant to be a partnership between Māori and the British Crown. Although it was intended to create unity, different understandings of the treaty, and breaches of it, have caused conflict. From the 1970s the general public gradually came to know more about the treaty, and efforts to honour the treaty and its principles expanded. te reo Māori - Māori language Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Chris Marquis and Sir Ronald Cohen, pioneering venture capitalist and co-founder of the Global Steering Group for Impact Investment, as they explore the transformation of capitalism itself in this latest episode. They explore how we're entering the era of impact capitalism—where companies are valued not just by financial returns, but by their ability to create social and environmental good. Sir Ronald outlines his vision for rebalanced capitalism, introducing impact as the crucial third dimension alongside traditional risk and return metrics. They also discuss  the revolutionary potential of impact-weighted accounts, transparency measures, and standardised impact measurement in holding companies accountable. Sir Ronald Cohen explains how advancing impact metrics can fundamentally shift markets, steering capital away from harm toward regeneration and restoration. Drawing from his pioneering work with social impact bonds and early impact investing, he demonstrates how these innovations are now influencing mainstream finance. He argues that the next generation of leaders must operate fluently in this tri-dimensional economy focused on impact, risk, and return. This episode provides both an intellectual framework and practical roadmap for redesigning financial markets around justice, restoration, and dignity—showing how the transition to regenerative capitalism is not only possible, but already underway. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Christopher is joined by Nigel Topping, former UN Climate Champion for COP26 and one of the UK’s leading climate advocates. Drawing on his experience leading global coalitions like We Mean Business, Nigel shares how radical collaboration and systems leadership can accelerate the pace of change. From aligning business and policy to create positive “ambition loops,” to holding firms accountable for science-based targets and Scope 3 emissions, he makes a compelling case for urgent, coordinated action. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Journey to Regeneration, host Chris Marquis speaks with Kate Williams, CEO of 1% for the Planet, a global network that channels at least 1% of annual sales from member businesses and individuals to high-impact environmental nonprofits. Together, they explore how a simple commitment has grown into a worldwide movement, mobilising over $800 million in support of the planet. Kate explains how 1% for the Planet ensures credibility by rigorously vetting nonprofit partners and guiding members toward meaningful, impactful giving. More than philanthropy, she frames this model as a catalyst for deeper cultural and strategic shifts—helping businesses embed environmental responsibility into their operations. The conversation also highlights how generosity can spark broader systems change, as members move from giving to transforming supply chains, engaging employees, and advocating for policy. Kate offers an inspiring message: in the face of climate challenges, no action is too small to drive regeneration. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Host Christopher Marquis speaks with Andrea Illy, Chairman of illycaffè and founder of the Regenerative Society Foundation, in this latest episode. As a third-generation leader of the iconic Italian coffee brand, Andrea shares how illycaffè is evolving from sustainability toward regeneration—embedding principles of beauty, quality, and shared value into its business model. With coffee as the starting point, Andrea explains how the company invests in soil health, farmer livelihoods, scientific research, and education across the global South. He highlights illycaffè’s long-term commitment to biodiversity, carbon neutrality, and smallholder resilience, showing how regeneration can be both an ecological and economic imperative. Andrea also tells the story of illycaffè’s work in Brazil, where regenerative practices like agroforestry and reduced agrochemicals have restored ecosystems while elevating coffee quality—producing award-winning beans that prove environmental renewal and excellence can go hand in hand. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this latest episode, Professor Chris Marquis is joined by Elizabeth Whitlow, founding Executive Director of the Regenerative Organic Alliance—the force behind the pioneering Regenerative Organic Certification (ROC). Elizabeth shares her inspiring journey from sustainability advocate to global leader in regenerative agriculture, offering a heartfelt and strategic take on what it truly means to heal land, empower farmers, and reshape food systems. She explains how ROC goes beyond traditional organic standards to integrate soil health, animal welfare, and social fairness into a holistic framework. The conversation explores the challenges of maintaining integrity in a commercial landscape, resisting greenwashing, and balancing scale with authenticity. Elizabeth also emphasizes the power of storytelling and deep relationships in shifting consumer understanding. Her message is clear: regeneration isn’t a label—it’s a movement rooted in partnership, tradition, and purpose. This episode is essential for anyone interested in agriculture, certification, and systems-level change. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Journey to Regeneration, host Professor Chris Marquis speaks with Dr. Bernice Pan, founder of British fashion brand DEPLOY, about transforming fashion through systems thinking and intentional design. Drawing on her academic background in architecture and fashion systems, Bernice shares how she reimagined every aspect of the clothing lifecycle—from fabric sourcing and modular design to ethical production and customer engagement. DEPLOY challenges the waste and inequality embedded in mainstream fashion by embedding regeneration into the very structure of its business. The result is a timeless, adaptable collection built on circular principles and long-term relationships. Bernice’s unique approach—what she calls “design thinking for systems change”—offers powerful lessons for any industry. Through her lens, sustainability becomes not just about better materials but about reengineering the whole system for lasting impact. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in systems-level change, fashion, regeneration, and purposeful innovation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Journey to Regeneration, host Chris Marquis speaks with Andrew Winston, renowned sustainability strategist and co-author of Net Positive: How Courageous Companies Thrive by Giving More Than They Take. Together, they explore how businesses can move beyond incremental improvements to embrace a bold, regenerative approach—one that restores natural and social systems while driving long-term success. Andrew challenges leaders to ask a pivotal question: Is the world better off because your business exists? Far from being a lofty ideal, he explains why adopting a net positive mindset is both ethically urgent and strategically smart in an era defined by climate disruption, social unrest, and declining trust in institutions. The conversation highlights how courageous leadership, systemic thinking, and coalition-building can help executives overcome resistance, align with investor expectations, and reimagine the very role of business in creating a thriving future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, host Professor Chris Marquis speaks with Lindsay Hooper, CEO of the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL), about how businesses can move beyond traditional sustainability toward true regeneration. Lindsay shares CISL’s systems-level perspective on transforming markets to serve people, nature, and climate. She critiques current ESG efforts as insufficient and introduces the concept of competitive sustainability—a new framing that urges companies to adapt to systemic risks reshaping the business landscape. Together, they explore the need for bold innovation, policy engagement, and cross-sector collaboration, while examining the political and economic headwinds facing sustainable transformation. Lindsay offers candid insights and practical steps for business leaders ready to help redesign the systems they operate in. This episode is essential listening for anyone looking to make their organisation resilient, relevant, and regenerative in the face of climate disruption, resource constraints, and growing societal expectations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, host Christopher Marquis speaks with Vincent Stanley, a long-time leader at Patagonia and co-author of The Future of the Responsible Company. Vincent offers a candid perspective on what it means for a business to act responsibly in an extractive global economy. He explains why Patagonia is cautious with terms like “regeneration,” applying it meaningfully in its food division but preferring “responsibility” in apparel—measuring impact product by product and working to shift supply chains away from fossil fuels. Vincent discusses Patagonia’s efforts to change consumer behavior through bold moves like the “Don’t Buy This Jacket” campaign, resale programmes, and mending initiatives. Collaboration is central to Patagonia’s ethos, as seen in its role co-founding the Regenerative Organic Certification. Reflecting on the future, Vincent emphasises localism, authenticity, and staying rooted in purpose—urging businesses to act with humility and protect what truly matters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What if business didn't just sustain, but actually restored and renewed the world around us? Join Christopher Marquis from Cambridge Judge Business School for a new podcast exploring how business can be a force for positive systemic change socially, environmentally, and economically. Over the coming weeks, tune in to Cambridge Executive Business Insights - Journey to Regeneration to hear from pioneers at Patagonia, Natura, The Nature Conservancy, and more. Subscribe now and join us as we explore what it really means to lead regeneratively. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices