The Why Podcast

London Business School

Every piece of academic research starts with a question to answer or puzzle to solve. Listen in as London Business School faculty describe how they set about making new discoveries on a subject they’re curious about, what their findings suggest, and discuss the current and potential future impact of their research for you and your business. A Think at London Business School podcast.

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    The Why Podcast: Why do people resist gender gap initiatives?

    Assistant Professor of Organisational Behaviour Elinor Flynn sits down with Katie Pisa, Senior Editor of Think, to explore why many employees support equality yet still resist gender diversity initiatives. Dive into how the everyday explanations people use to make sense of persistent gender gaps shape whether they see organisational action as fair, necessary or effective. Drawing on new research and real‑world workplace observations, Elinor explains why people act like “naïve scientists”, forming their own theories about why women remain underrepresented at senior levels despite strong educational attainment and decades of organisational effort. These explanations can either strengthen or undermine support for the very initiatives designed to close the gap. Three key themes emerge from the conversation: - People rely on three stories to explain gender gaps – organisational barriers, traits and choices – with each shaping how fair or necessary gender initiatives feel. - “Choice” narratives make inequality seem voluntary, increasing the sense that women are responsible and reducing support for organisational action. - Everyday workplace conversations can reinforce these narratives, so leaders must rethink how they frame careers, culture and expectations to build genuine support. What can leaders can do differently? Elinor delves into whether they should be using more precise language when discussing career paths, challenging assumptions about why women leave organisations, or should they be rethinking work design to provide greater predictability rather than flexibility. Dr Elinor Flynn is Assistant Professor of Organisational Behaviour. Discover more about Elinor and her research: https://www.london.edu/faculty-and-research/faculty-profiles/e/elinor-flynn. For more thought leadership and business insights from London Business School faculty and alumni, visit ⁠⁠⁠https://www.london.edu/think. Sign up to receive a curated selection of articles, podcasts and films direct to your inbox twice a month at ⁠⁠⁠https://www.london.edu/think?entry=true#subscribeScreen. Follow us on social media: ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠X.com/LBS⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/school/london-business-school⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠facebook.com/LondonBusinessSchool⁠⁠⁠

    35 min

  2. 26 JAN

    The Why Podcast: Why companies don't always reveal employee data

    Why are so many companies still struggling to achieve meaningful workforce diversity, and what does newly released data reveal about the barriers hidden inside organisations? In this episode of The Why Podcast, Rachel Flam uncovers what firm‑level evidence shows about representation, transparency and the forces shaping workplace equity today. The conversation highlights why disclosure matters and what happens when companies choose to remain silent. Three key themes emerge from the discussion: Newly available workforce data exposes the stark drop off in representation for racial minorities at first and middle management levels. Organisations with lower managerial diversity are less likely to disclose their EEO 1 reports, indicating that non disclosure can be strategic rather than procedural. Transparency plays a critical role in creating accountability, helping stakeholders see where gaps persist and encouraging firms to address barriers. The episode also explores how firm‑level culture, internal processes and leadership practices can drive much of the variation in diversity across companies – far more than industry or geography alone can explain. As disclosure trends shift and public expectations rise, the conversation addresses why honest reporting is essential for building equitable workplaces. Assistant Professor of Accounting at London Business School, Dr Rachel Flam is co‑author of ‘Behind the Curtain of Workforce Diversity’, a landmark study using newly released EEO‑1 data to examine firm‑level diversity patterns. Discover more about Rachel and her research: ⁠https://www.london.edu/faculty-and-research/faculty-profiles/r/rachel-flam For more thought leadership and business insights from London Business School faculty and alumni, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.london.edu/think⁠⁠⁠⁠.   Sign up to receive a curated selection of articles, podcasts and films direct to your inbox twice a month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.london.edu/think?entry=true#subscribeScreen⁠⁠⁠⁠.   Follow us on social media: ⁠⁠⁠  ⁠X.com/LBS⁠⁠⁠ ⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/school/london-business-school⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠  ⁠facebook.com/LondonBusinessSchool⁠⁠⁠

    27 min

  3. 26 JAN

    Why we still need human insight when hiring

    Professor Isabel Fernandez-Mateo examines how generative AI is reshaping the hiring process and why organisations need to approach these changes thoughtfully. With automation increasing the number of applications employers receive, rejection rates are higher and influencing who continues to participate in the talent pipeline.  Three key themes emerge from the conversation:  Technology is reshaping hiring from the ground up, altering how roles are defined, who sees them and who chooses to apply. These shifts raise pressing questions about fairness, transparency and hidden bias across each stage of recruitment.  Automation promises efficiency but can also reinforce old assumptions, making applications appear increasingly similar and potentially limiting opportunities if organisations do not actively monitor how AI is used.  Human insight remains essential, helping hiring managers understand context, recognise potential and ensure that recruitment decisions support diversity, organisational culture and long-term talent needs.  Bias can be unintentionally perpetuated when AI draws on historic hiring data, such as how homogenised applications make true differentiation harder and why increased rejection rates may undermine diversity over time.   In times of uncertainty, Isabel outlines the areas where hiring managers must stay cautious: maintaining transparency, questioning automated outputs and ensuring technology enhances – rather than restricts – who enters and progresses through the hiring funnel.   Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship, Dr Isabel Fernandez-Mateo holds the Adecco Chair at London Business School. Discover more about Isabel and her research: https://www.london.edu/faculty-and-research/faculty-profiles/f/fernandezmateo-i  For more thought leadership and business insights from London Business School faculty and alumni, visit ⁠⁠⁠https://www.london.edu/think⁠⁠⁠.   Sign up to receive a curated selection of articles, podcasts and films direct to your inbox twice a month at ⁠⁠⁠www.london.edu/think?entry=true#subscribeScreen⁠⁠⁠.   Follow us on social media: ⁠⁠⁠  X.com/LBS⁠⁠⁠   ⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/school/london-business-school⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠  facebook.com/LondonBusinessSchool⁠⁠⁠

    31 min

  4. 28/11/2025

    The Why Podcast: Andrew Likierman on why AI can’t do judgement

    Is AI just a tool for efficiency – or a partner in better decision-making? Sir Andrew Likierman argues it’s time for a rethink. In this sharp and timely conversation, he explains why judgement – the ability to combine knowledge, experience and human qualities – is more critical than ever in an AI-driven world.  Rather than seeing humans and machines as rivals, Likierman calls for nuance: recognising what AI does brilliantly, where it falls short, and why context, trust and empathy remain uniquely human. He explores the six elements of good judgement, the risks of over-reliance on algorithms, and how leaders can sharpen their own decision-making in uncertain times.  If you want clarity on how to thrive in the age of AI, Andrew Likierman provides insight on using technology without losing the human edge. Judgement isn’t optional – it’s essential.  Sir Andrew Likierman is Professor of Management Practice and former Dean at London Business School. Discover more about Andrew and his research: https://www.london.edu/faculty-and-research/faculty-profiles/l/likierman-a Read the article: https://www.london.edu/think/human-judgement-essential-in-ai For more thought leadership and business insights from London Business School faculty and alumni: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.london.edu/think⁠⁠⁠. Sign up to receive a curated selection of articles, podcasts and films direct to your inbox twice a month: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.london.edu/think?entry=true#subscribeScreen⁠⁠⁠. Follow us on social media:⁠⁠⁠X.com/LBS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/school/london-business-school⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/LondonBusinessSchool⁠⁠⁠

    29 min

  5. 27/10/2025

    The Why Podcast: Why freelancers want your work but not your job

    Lynda Gratton, Professor of Management Practice at London Business School, explores a seismic shift in the world of work with host Katie Pisa in this episode of The Why. Together, they discuss the rise of the freelance professional and why they might want your work but not your job. It is time to reframe the gig economy clichés. Today’s freelancers are highly skilled, deeply experienced, and choosing autonomy over the traditional nine-to-five. Gratton unpacks what this means for organisations navigating disruption, digital transformation and the demand for agility. From strategic hires to cultural belonging, she reveals why the smartest leaders are rethinking not just who they hire, but how they work. Whether you are a CEO wondering how to balance your workforce, or a professional plotting a multi-stage career, this episode offers a compelling look at the new rules of engagement in a blended working world. If you've ever asked yourself, “What does a future-ready workforce really look like?” – find out more. Harvard Business Review article: https://hbr.org/2024/05/highly-skilled-professionals-want-your-work-but-not-your-job For more thought leadership and business insights from London Business School faculty and alumni: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.london.edu/think⁠⁠⁠. Sign up to receive a curated selection of articles, podcasts and films direct to your inbox twice a month: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.london.edu/think?entry=true#subscribeScreen⁠⁠⁠. Follow us on social media: ⁠⁠⁠X.com/LBS⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/school/london-business-school⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/LondonBusinessSchool⁠⁠⁠

    34 min
  6. The Why Podcast: Why does the office still matter?

    30/09/2025

    The Why Podcast: Why does the office still matter?

    In this episode of The Why, host Katie Pisa welcomes Bukky Akinsanmi Oyedeji, Assistant Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at London Business School, to unpack why physical work environments still hold power in a hybrid world. Drawing on her research ‘Physical Work Environments: An Integrative Review and Agenda for Future Research’, Bukky explores how office design affects not only employee health and productivity but also a firm’s ability to attract talent, retain resources, and signal legitimacy. From standing desks and soundproof booths to the open-plan layouts, this episode investigates the workplace as more than just a container for people – it is a canvas for strategy, culture, and performance. If you’ve ever wondered whether the office is still worth the rent, this one’s for you. For more thought leadership and business insights from London Business School faculty and alumni, visit Think at London Business School. Sign up to receive a curated selection of articles, podcasts and films direct to your inbox twice a month. Follow us on social media: X LinkedIn Facebook

    33 min

  7. 15/08/2025

    The Why Podcast: Highlights from season two

    In this special wrap-up episode of The Why Podcast, we revisit the most powerful insights from a season that explored identity, equity, power and culture through the lens of cutting-edge research. From Gillian Ku’s exploration of ‘social uncertainty’ and the courage it takes to be authentic at work, to Olenka Kacperczyk’s deep dive into the gender gap in entrepreneurship, the season revealed how invisible barriers shape real-world outcomes. Henri Servaes shared insights on how the #MeToo movement reshaped boardrooms while Randall Peterson unpacked the roots of team conflict, offering a framework for building trust and navigating tension. Their research reflected on the human stories behind the data, reminding us why it is imperative to remain curious. If you’ve ever wondered how research can illuminate the lived experience, or how we can come to better understand behaviour, leadership and change, start by asking: “Why?” For more thought leadership and business insights from London Business School faculty and alumni, visit Think at London Business School. Sign up to receive a curated selection of articles, podcasts and films direct to your inbox twice a month. Follow us on social media: X LinkedIn Facebook

    14 min

  8. 27/06/2025

    The Why Podcast: Why do teams fall apart – and what can we do about it?

    In this episode of The Why Podcast, host Katie Pisa speaks with Professor Randall S Peterson, Professor of Organisational Behaviour at London Business School, about one of the most costly, time-consuming, and universal workplace issues: team conflict. Based on his research about conflict 4 Common Types of Team Conflict—and How to Resolve Them, Randall outlines a practical framework for diagnosing and managing interpersonal tensions that derail productivity and damage trust. Most of us avoid conflict, but that can be costly. Studies show managers spend 20% of their time handling tension with teams—yet few have a plan for dealing with it. Listen as Randall unpacks the four most common conflict patterns—solo dissenters, dyadic conflicts, warring factions, and all-out team meltdowns—revealing why each arises, what leaders typically get wrong, and how to tailor conflict-resolution strategies for long-term performance and psychological safety. If you’ve ever walked into a meeting and sensed an invisible storm brewing, or just want to understand more about inevitable conflict that is a part of the working world, this episode is for you. For more thought leadership and business insights from London Business School faculty and alumni, visit  ⁠⁠Think at London Business School⁠⁠  Sign up ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ to receive a curated selection of articles, podcasts and films direct to your inbox twice a month.  Follow us on social media:  ⁠⁠X⁠⁠  ⁠⁠Linkedin⁠⁠  ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠

    39 min
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About

Every piece of academic research starts with a question to answer or puzzle to solve. Listen in as London Business School faculty describe how they set about making new discoveries on a subject they’re curious about, what their findings suggest, and discuss the current and potential future impact of their research for you and your business. A Think at London Business School podcast.

Information

  • Creator
    London Business School
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    36
  • Copyright
    © f4217cc0-082a-11f1-8b9f-7d5fb9653a24
  • Show Website
    The Why Podcast