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A podcast about the powerful forces transforming our world. These Grey Elephants are the big challenges we hope will go away, but can't afford to ignore. Elephants in the Boardroom offers a mega-trend radar for leaders who want to identify tomorrow's most important opportunities, seize advantage, and shape a better future. Join us for unflinching discussions, incisive insights, and actionable strategies to stay ahead in a rapidly changing world. Powered by Achilles.
Agentic AI and the Future of Industry Innovation
with Dean van Leeuwen & Graeme Codrington
Imagine AI that doesn't just follow orders but autonomously improves customer experiences and tackles major challenges. Discover the phenomenon of agentic AI - an autonomous force poised to redefine business operations, yet shrouded in both promise and skepticism.
A shift from task-based automation to mission-driven autonomy, by leveraging agentic AI, companies can not only boost efficiency but also reimagine their strategies, breaking free from conventional constraints. Do you think businesses should stay neutral in the face of global changes? Using frameworks like BANI, we highlight the necessity for enterprises to anticipate and capitalise on disruptions. In a world where 70% of the population lives under right-leaning governments, global businesses are navigating a complex political landscape where neutrality may no longer be an option. Elephants in the Boardroom is powered by Achilles.
The Urgency of Sustainability
with Pia Heidenmark Cook
Senior ESG and sustainability leader
This month, we are joined by Pia Heidenmark Cook, one of the most prominent leaders in corporate sustainability, to discuss the urgent actions businesses must take to address climate change and integrate sustainability into their core strategies.
A Senior Advisor to Teneo, Achilles, Eurazeo and Non Executive Director at organisations including Bupa, Pia advises how to develop and operationalise sustainability strategies and the implications for reputation strategies. As former Chief Sustainability Officer for IKEA, she led the development and implementation of the IKEA People and Planet Positive strategy. In this episode, Pia explains the importance of recognising shifts in consumer behaviour, the challenges of navigating a warming world, and the role of social media in fostering collaboration. Pia also emphasises the need for organisations to embed sustainability into their culture and inspire the next generation of leaders to act boldly for a sustainable future. As ever, hosts Graeme Codrington and Dean Van Leeuwen from TomorrowToday Consulting bring analysis of grey elephant activity they have seen over the past month. In this episode, the focus is on immigration. Hear about the demographic shifts driving immigration, the political implications, and the potential for businesses to view immigration as a strategic opportunity. With Graeme and Dean highlighting the need for a mindset shift to recognise the value of diversity and the importance of proactive immigration policies in addressing workforce shortages and economic challenges. Elephants in the Boardroom is powered by Achilles. If you're interested in learning more about the 7 Grey Elephants and how they're transforming the world you can download TomorrowToday's white paper at www.tomorrowtodayglobal.com/greyelephants TomorrowToday Consulting empowers forward-thinking organisations to not just anticipate the future, but to shape it. Staying ahead of the curve is critical, and we provide the visionary thinking and strategic execution you need to thrive. Email: hello@tomorrowtoday.consulting
Enhancing Sustainability Through Green Mining
with Neal Froneman
CEO of Sibanye Stillwater
In this episode, hosts Graeme Codrington and Dean Van Leeuwen from TomorrowToday Consulting, are joined by Neal Froneman, CEO of Sibanye Stillwater to discuss the future of green mining and the transformation the industry is undergoing in its drive for environmental responsibility.
Neal shares insights into the technologies and processes Sibanye Stillwater is investing in to minimise its environmental impact, and the role they are playing in developing clean air initiatives and production of green metals, essential for a sustainable future. Neal highlights the challenges and opportunities faced by the mining industry, and shares the strategies Sibanye Stillwater has adopted to enhance resilience and competitiveness in the face of shifting global trends. Neal is retiring in September 2025 after a career spanning nearly 40 years. His legacy of driving strategic change and fostering a culture of innovation and sustainability within the mining industry will live on. As usual, we open the episode by unpacking stories from around the globe which are impacting the 7 Grey Elephants with the question - can crises actually serve as catalysts for opportunity? Hear how businesses and young adults are navigating the shifting landscape as economic pressures reshape societal norms. We explore the growing trend of young adults living at home longer, driven by cultural influences and the rising cost of housing, and how these changes are intricately tied to broader issues like an aging population and inequality. This phenomenon affects over half of 18 to 28 year olds globally, and it's reshaping how businesses approach the workforce and consumer bases. We also highlight how regulatory and political factors impact housing availability and the evolving societal perceptions of life stages. As tensions rise, we draw parallels between modern climate activism challenges and historical movements, highlighting the necessity for significant shifts in climate policies and the treatment of immigrants and refugees. Elephants in the Boardroom is powered by Achilles
If you're interested in learning more about the 7 Grey Elephants and how they're transforming the world you can download TomorrowToday's white paper here.
The Future of Supply Change Resilience
with Paul Stanley
CEO of Achilles
In this episode, hosts Graeme Codrington and Dean Van Leeuwen from TomorrowToday Consulting, are joined by CEO of Achilles, Paul Stanley for a discussion on the intricate world of global supply chains, examining both the challenges and opportunities they present.
From ethical considerations like modern slavery to the necessity of building resilient and sustainable supply chains, we hear how companies can leverage data and technology to address these issues. The discussion also touches on the importance of embedding ESG principles into core business strategies and how businesses can strategically manage these complex challenges. We open the episode by unpacking stories from around the globe which are impacting the 7 Grey Elephants. This month we explore the subject of genetic data privacy, amid news of the recent bankruptcy of 23andMe. We reflect on the impact such data can have on personal health decisions and the foresight needed to protect this sensitive information from future risks. Highlighting the importance of pseudonyms in genetic testing to safeguard against potential misuse by government and insurance entities. Next, we spotlight the global water scarcity crisis, particularly the vital role of Himalayan glaciers in sustaining 40% of the world's population. We explore the alarming consequences of climate change on these glaciers, which could lead to devastating floods, landslides, and reduced river flows. The looming threat of "day zero" serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for solutions to enhance water security, with the far-reaching impacts of water shortages on agriculture, manufacturing, and political stability, demanding immediate attention and action from global leaders.
If you're interested in learning more about the 7 Grey Elephants and how they're transforming the world you can download TomorrowToday's white paper here.
Navigating an Aging Population: Challenges and Opportunities
with Graeme Codrington & Dean van Leeuwen
TomorrowToday Consulting
In this episode we explore the implications of an aging population on society, the economy, and our personal lives. Graeme and Dean discuss demographic shifts, the need for migration to support economic growth, and the necessity to reinvent retirement.
2025 is already seeing the geopolitical landscape undertake a seismic shift, with transformative events reshaping global dynamics. As Ukraine seeks pivotal mineral exchanges to secure U.S. support, Trump's non-committal stance underscores the unpredictable nature of international relations. This episode unpacks the strategic complexities of Trump's interactions with Russia and China, pondering their implications for Europe and the global political arena. We also explore the Primakov Doctrine and its potential to upend U.S.-Russia relations, urging business leaders to prepare for these changes using the Grey Elephant Model to build resilience and adaptability. With Quantum computing poised to revolutionise industries, much like the historic leap from horses to automobiles, we explore the potential breakthroughs on the horizon, alongside recent geopolitical tensions ignited by JD Vance's controversial speech at the Munich Security Conference. Multipolarity and societal divisions are becoming increasingly pronounced, with figures like Trump and Musk at the forefront of the conversation. Introducing Project 2025, hear how this initiative might shape future policies and global dynamics, amid shifting societal values and international relations. Demographic trends are changing the global landscape as we experience an unprecedented aging population. With more individuals over 65 than children under five, the implications for retirement, family dynamics, and economic growth are profound. Immigration emerges as a potential solution to workforce challenges, particularly in Europe and China, but raises questions about labour market impacts. We conclude by highlighting the opportunities an aging workforce presents, advocating for flexible work environments that unite the desires of different generations and create shared value for businesses and society.
If you're interested in learning more about the 7 Grey Elephants and how they're transforming the world you can download TomorrowToday's white paper here.
Introducing the 7 Grey Elephants - Reshaping a Multipolar World
with Dean van Leeuwen & Graeme Codrington
TomorrowToday Consulting
In the first episode of this new podcast by TomorrowToday Consulting we introduce the concept of 'grey elephants' - highly probable, high-impact forces, consisting of angry people, aging populations, an angry planet, big
squeezes, inequality, intelligent advances, and multipolarity, each presenting both challenges and opportunities for leaders across the globe. Dean and Graeme explore the geopolitical landscape shaped by Russia’s strategies and the rise of BRICS nations. They discuss the implications of a multipolar world, the impact of misinformation, and the ‘Kairos moment’ - the critical window of opportunity where leaders must act decisively. Rather than reacting too late, those who recognise these shifts early can turn uncertainty into competitive advantage.
If you're interested in learning more about the 7 Grey Elephants and how they're transforming the world you can download TomorrowToday's white paper here.