A new podcast promises to rethink the way business leaders talk about power, ethics, and uncertainty.
Leading Professionals, hosted by Professor Laura Empson, takes on questions that go deeper than the usual “rise and grind” narrative.
The series opens with Google’s Chief Economist Dr Fabien Curto Millet, who discusses leading in times of crisis, responding to geopolitical shifts, and handling the disruptions caused by artificial intelligence.
Professor Empson has been researching leadership and professional service firms for more than 30 years, advising some of the world’s most successful organisations. Her podcast will use those insights, alongside conversations with senior leaders, to provide professionals with practical and thought-provoking perspectives on leadership.
Each episode features leaders sharing how they make ethically complex decisions, manage pressure, and navigate change in professional environments.
Dr Curto Millet explains his idea of “horseback Economics” as a way of adapting to fast-moving data and reflects on the challenge of moving from technical expertise into management. He also highlights the importance of “psychological safety” within teams and the role of Applied Buddhism in managing stress.
Future guests include Dame Emily Lawson, who led the UK’s vaccine rollout, talking about resilience and crisis leadership; Paul Lewis, Firmwide Managing Partner at Linklaters, reflecting on professionalism and social mobility; and Georgia Dawson, Senior Partner of Freshfields, on the realities of professional ethics.
Other episodes feature Michael Ensser, Chair of Egon Zehnder, on leadership elections; and Michael Izza CBE, former CEO of ICAEW, on how AI and private equity are transforming professional work.
Challenging assumptions about what it means to be a professional, the series looks at how senior leaders balance business strategy with their own personal emotions and reflections.
Leading Professionals will release new episodes bi-weekly on Mondays, starting today, 22 September on all major podcast platforms.
