What next? Leadership conversations for a better future
University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership
11 episodes
3 weeks ago
How do we rebuild confidence in the future - and in our collective ability to shape it? How do we reconnect economic growth with social progress, fairness, and stability? And how do we harness innovation without widening inequality or navigate political tensions without retreating from cooperation?
Responses to these questions demands new thinking - ideas that challenge assumptions, acknowledge what isn’t working and offer credible paths forward for business, finance and government.
That’s the focus of our new podcast series, hosted by CISL CEO Lindsay Hooper, and Investec Chief Strategy & Sustainability Officer Marc Kahn.
You’ll hear from leaders, innovators and critical thinkers who are grappling with the toughest challenges of our time - and bringing forward important new thinking and practical action. From industrial transformation and AI to philanthropy’s catalytic role, the voices of the next generation and the shifting geopolitics of power, we ask how today’s leaders can bridge divides, unlock innovation and steer economies toward long-term stability and opportunity.
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How do we rebuild confidence in the future - and in our collective ability to shape it? How do we reconnect economic growth with social progress, fairness, and stability? And how do we harness innovation without widening inequality or navigate political tensions without retreating from cooperation?
Responses to these questions demands new thinking - ideas that challenge assumptions, acknowledge what isn’t working and offer credible paths forward for business, finance and government.
That’s the focus of our new podcast series, hosted by CISL CEO Lindsay Hooper, and Investec Chief Strategy & Sustainability Officer Marc Kahn.
You’ll hear from leaders, innovators and critical thinkers who are grappling with the toughest challenges of our time - and bringing forward important new thinking and practical action. From industrial transformation and AI to philanthropy’s catalytic role, the voices of the next generation and the shifting geopolitics of power, we ask how today’s leaders can bridge divides, unlock innovation and steer economies toward long-term stability and opportunity.
The Value of Values with Alison Taylor and Karen Wood
What next? Leadership conversations for a better future
48 minutes 36 seconds
1 month ago
The Value of Values with Alison Taylor and Karen Wood
In an era of market pressure, political backlash, and accusations of “purpose-washing”, do corporate values still matter? Why isn’t making money legally enough? And in markets that reward short-term performance above all else, what does it take to uphold principles, integrity and trust?
This episode explores how values are a strategic imperative - not a “nice to have” - in shaping decisions, culture and legitimacy. The discussion cuts through slogans and corporate virtue signalling, asking what real values look like in practice and how leaders navigate tension between principle, and market or political pressure.
Hosts Lindsay Hooper and Marc Kahn are joined by:
• Alison Taylor — author of Higher Ground, leading thinker on business integrity and the realities of ethics in complex markets
• Karen Wood — experienced board chair and former industry leader with deep insight into the realities of governance and corporate decision-making
Together, they explore the value of values, what this demands from boards and executives, and how leaders can navigate contested social and political expectations without resorting to over-promising or retreat.
In partnership with the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) and Investec.
Key quotes:
“Purpose becomes powerful when it guides trade-offs, not when it avoids them.” – Karen Wood
“Values are now an imperative because if you don't have public trust, you will not retain your value. Without values, you do not retain your value.” – Alison Taylor
Key Takeaways
1. Values are strategic, not symbolic. In a world of scrutiny and social fragmentation, ethics and trust are essential to business resilience.
2. Purpose must be operational. It only matters when it shapes culture, strategy and trade-offs - not just communications.
3. Courage and clarity beat neutrality. Businesses can’t “stay out of politics” when their actions shape societal outcomes; alignment between policy and sustainability is vital.
4. Hope lies in honest leadership. A new generation is demanding authenticity and action - a signal that leadership grounded in purpose still resonates.
Credits
Presented by:
• Lindsay Hooper, Chief Executive, CISL
• Marc Kahn, Chief Strategy & Sustainability Officer, Investec
Produced by: Carl Homer (Cambridge TV) & Alexa Sellwood
Executive Producer: Gillian Secrett
In partnership with: Investec
Listen and Subscribe:
Available on all major podcast platforms or visit the Leadership Hub on the CISL website or Investec Focus for more episodes and insights.
Disclaimer:
The views in this podcast are those of the contributors, and don’t necessarily represent those of CISL, the University of Cambridge, or Investec, and should not be taken as advice or a recommendation.
What next? Leadership conversations for a better future
How do we rebuild confidence in the future - and in our collective ability to shape it? How do we reconnect economic growth with social progress, fairness, and stability? And how do we harness innovation without widening inequality or navigate political tensions without retreating from cooperation?
Responses to these questions demands new thinking - ideas that challenge assumptions, acknowledge what isn’t working and offer credible paths forward for business, finance and government.
That’s the focus of our new podcast series, hosted by CISL CEO Lindsay Hooper, and Investec Chief Strategy & Sustainability Officer Marc Kahn.
You’ll hear from leaders, innovators and critical thinkers who are grappling with the toughest challenges of our time - and bringing forward important new thinking and practical action. From industrial transformation and AI to philanthropy’s catalytic role, the voices of the next generation and the shifting geopolitics of power, we ask how today’s leaders can bridge divides, unlock innovation and steer economies toward long-term stability and opportunity.
