Big Boss Interview

BBC News

Big Boss Interview is where the most high-profile chief executives and entrepreneurs come to give you their insights and experiences of running the world's biggest and well-known businesses. The series is presented by Sean Farrington, Felicity Hannah and Will Bain, who you'd normally hear presenting the business news on BBC Radio 4's Today programme as well as BBC 5 Live's Wake Up To Money. Each week they'll be finding out just what it takes to run a huge organisation and what the day to day challenges and opportunities are. You can get in contact with the team by emailing bigboss@bbc.co.uk

  1. #18 Lush CEO: I Enjoy Being a Woke Nerd

    2D AGO

    #18 Lush CEO: I Enjoy Being a Woke Nerd

    Mark Constantine, founder and chief executive of Lush, discusses the Christmas rush, family run businesses, being "woke" and his love of birdsong in an amazing interview for Big Boss. He offers a festive perspective on the realities of retail during the Christmas season and describes the intense preparations for the holiday rush as akin to “preparing for war,” highlighting the logistical challenges and the need for resilience as customers descend on shops in the final days before Christmas. He also discusses the importance of personal support in business, revealing that he works with a psychologist who helps him navigate the complexities of leadership and decision-making. He explains how regular sessions provide accountability and clarity, underscoring the value of ongoing self-development for business leaders. Mark founded Lush with his wife, Mo, and their children have all been involved in the company in various ways. He reflects on the significance of family businesses in the British economy, outlining the strengths and challenges of running a family enterprise and considering succession, longevity, and the unique dynamics that shape these organisations. Mark has followed in the footsteps of his business mentor and confidante Anita Roddick (Body Shop founder) and decided early on that you can run a business and be outspoken about the issues you care about. As well as shutting his shops in the UK for 24 hours to protest against the war in Gaza, Lush has also been vehemently opposed to animal testing from the outset, and even closed down its social media presence—despite costing the company £9 million annually in lost revenue. He explains the reasoning behind this move, citing concerns about the impact of social media on young people and the company’s commitment to ethical responsibility. He also reveals a deep personal interest in both poetry and birdsong, describing the former as a source of wisdom and a means of distilling complex thoughts into concise, memorable lines, noting its value for those in business. He is a self-confessed nerd who loves learning and maintains one of the world’s largest private collections of birdsong recordings

    42 min
  2. #17 CBI Chair: I'm Shocked at Government's Lack of Business Understanding

    DEC 15

    #17 CBI Chair: I'm Shocked at Government's Lack of Business Understanding

    Rupert Soames speaks to Felicity Hannah for his final interview before he stands down as Chair of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). He describes his surprise at the limited understanding many ministers and policymakers have of the realities faced by business leaders, particularly when it comes to employment, investment, and economic growth. With the Employment Rights Bills ping-ponging its way between the House of Lords and the House of Commons, Soames expresses concern over measures that have increased the cost and risk of employing people, particularly younger workers. He points to the Bill as a source of uncertainty, saying that while compromise was reached on some aspects, the overall effect may be to discourage job creation and make it harder for those with gaps in their employment history to find work, especially post-covid. Brexit and its economic consequences are explored with Soames describing the outcome as “really, really, really bad" for the UK’s economic prospects. However, he acknowledged the need to move forward and reset the UK’s relationship with the European Union, but expresses concern about the slow pace of doing so, and the persistence of unproductive patterns in UK-EU relations, calling this "Code Red". Soames does credit the Labour government with progress in areas such as global trade agreements and regulatory reform, insisting they've done better in this regard than many before, but highlights a persistent gap between rhetoric and action. The interview also covers the challenges faced by Soames when he joined the CBI in 2024, following allegations of sexual abuse that were reported April 2023 in the Guardian. He reflects on restoring the reputation of the organisation and convincing swathes of major organisation to re-join, after many quit or suspended their memberships. Presenter: Felicity Hannah Producer: Olie D'Albertanson Editor: Henry Jones 00:00 Sean Farrington and Fliss set up interview 02:40 Rupert Soames joins pod and discusses CBI scandal 13:40 Budget impact on business 20:00 Employment Rights Bill 23:55 Is government creating climate for growth? 25:00 Civil service has grown too large 27:15 Shocking how little government understands business 29:00 Government doing better than EU and US on AI adoption 30:00 Some people were seduced by then opposition govt; It was performative 32:53 Brexit has played out really, really, really badly 38:00 What is Rupert optimistic about?

    42 min
  3. #16: GSK CEO: Why We Prioritise USA Over UK

    DEC 10

    #16: GSK CEO: Why We Prioritise USA Over UK

    Dame Emma Walmsley, Chief Executive one of Britain's biggest pharmaceutical companies GSK (GlaxoSmithKline), says the company is prioritising the United States for product launches and investment, citing its scale, commercial opportunities and favourable business environment. She confirms GSK will invest four times more in the US than in the UK over the coming years, making America the company’s primary growth and innovation focus. Explaining GSK’s investment strategy, Dame Emma Walmsley points to the US market’s scale and competitiveness, boosted by recent government policy. She welcomes a new UK-US agreement removing tariffs and recognising pharmaceutical innovation, but warns of challenges for Britain’s life sciences sector. Despite the UK’s strong scientific heritage, she notes it accounts for just 2% of GSK’s sales, compared with more than half in the US. Dame Emma Walmsley stresses the UK must stay competitive to attract foreign investment, warning that other countries increasingly treat life sciences as a strategic industry. She confirms the UK will pay more for medicines under the new agreement, with NHS costs for new drugs expected to rise by 25%. While medicines make up only 9% of NHS spending—lower than in many countries—she acknowledges budget pressures and the need for careful prioritisation. Dame Emma Walmsley also reveals GSK is close to winning approval for the world’s first six-monthly asthma drug, expected to cut the most severe attacks requiring hospitalisation by more than 70%. She calls the breakthrough a major advance for patients and healthcare systems, with the potential to deliver significant cost savings and improve quality of life for millions worldwide. She also comments on the surge in obesity and weight-loss treatments, noting GSK is not a major player but admires the scientific progress. Instead, the company is focusing on high-burden diseases such as liver disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), with trials under way and hopes for further breakthroughs. Finally, Dame Emma Walmsley reflects on a turbulent period when activist investors questioned her leadership and forced her to reapply for her own job, amid concerns over GSK’s share price performance versus rivals. Presenter: Simon Jack Producer: Ollie Smith/ Olie D'Albertanson 00:00 Sean Farrington and BBC Business Editor Simon Jack intro pod 03:00 Dame Emma Walmsley joins the pod 03:53 Change agenda & US market focus and investment 07:18 New asthma drug approval on the horizon 08:19 GSK’s scale and global impact 12:03 GSK to invest four times more in the US than the UK 14:54 UK to pay more for drugs after UK-US deal 16:56 GSK new asthma drug breakthrough 19:48 GSK’s approach to obesity and weight loss drugs 28:23 Women in leadership at GSK 32:47 Shareholder revolt and leadership challenges

    36 min
  4. #14: St James's Place CEO: Budget Speculation Damaged People's Pensions

    DEC 3

    #14: St James's Place CEO: Budget Speculation Damaged People's Pensions

    Speculation surrounding the UK budget hurt the UK pension industry, that's according to Mark Fitzpatrick, Chief Executive of St. James’s Place, the UK's biggest wealth management company. He highlights how uncertainty in government policy has led to premature pension withdrawals, with many individuals acting on speculation rather than long-term strategy. Fitzpatrick also delivers a comparison between the UK and the USA investors saying there's a marked difference in cultural attitudes towards investing. He observes that Americans are more likely to discuss and celebrate investment, viewing wealth as a sign of progress and success, while in the UK, there is a greater tendency towards risk aversion and reluctance to talk about money. This cultural divide is reflected in the proportion of adults investing in stocks, with the US showing much higher participation rates. The conversation also turns to the role of technology and the potential for an artificial intelligence bubble and its impact on the investment world. He considers whether current enthusiasm for AI could lead to overvaluation and what measures they've taken to soften the impact of any AI bubble bursting. The interview explores the impact of AI on personal finance, the importance of human relationships in financial advice, and the need for balanced perspectives as technology continues to shape the future of investing and pensions. 0:00 – Fliss and Sean welcome 2:30 – Mark Fitzpatrick joins the pod & discuss UK attitudes toward investing 10:00 – Growth of female investment 14:00 – Crypto investing & generational wealth 18:00 – Budget impact on pensions 27:00 – SJP fees issue and cultural changes 36:00 – Ai bubble Presenter: Sean Farrington Producer: Olie D'Albertanson Editor: Henry Jones

    40 min
  5. #13: Vodafone CEO: International Cooperation Needed For Sea Cable Security

    NOV 24

    #13: Vodafone CEO: International Cooperation Needed For Sea Cable Security

    Vodafone’s chief executive, Margherita Della Valle, highlights the growing risks to Europe’s submarine cables, and calls for international cooperation to ensure the security and resilience of digital infrastructure. Addressing the recent threats posed by Russia, she calls for cross-border collaboration, and the implications for national and European security. Discussing the impact of the merger with Three, Della Valle examines the UK’s persistent “not spots”—areas with little or no mobile coverage—and the company’s commitment to eliminating these gaps through an £11billion pound investment. Della Valle also notes that Vodafone is set to launch a rival to Elon Musk's Starlink in 2026, providing total broadband coverage to the UK via satellite to standard mobile phones. Launching this first in the UK, she says you will even be able to get the internet at sea and in the most remote parts of the UK. The demands of artificial intelligence on telecoms infrastructure are also addressed, with Della Valle acknowledging that while progress has been made, the UK’s mobile networks are not yet fully prepared to support the scale and speed required for widespread AI adoption. The interview also addresses the reduction in the number of female chief executives in the FTSE 100, and the ongoing challenges faced by women in senior roles, with 00:00 Sean Farrington and Will Bain introduce BBI 02:04 Start of Interview with Margherita & early days at Vodafone 07:56 Impact of the UK merger with Three 09:29 Eliminating Not Spots in the UK 11:12 Satellite Technology & competition to Elon Musk's Starlink 19:00 Infrastructure for mobile use of AI is not there yet. 26 - Female FTSE CEOs 34 - the need to work closer with Europe on sea-cable/telecoms security co-operation Presenter: Will Bain Producer: Olie D'Albertanson Editor: Henry Jones

    37 min
  6. #12 Ford UK's Lisa Brankin: Pay Per Mile Tax Could Suppress EV Uptake.

    NOV 20

    #12 Ford UK's Lisa Brankin: Pay Per Mile Tax Could Suppress EV Uptake.

    The UK automotive sector is navigating a period of significant change, with government policy, economic pressures, and international competition shaping the landscape. Ford UK boss Lisa Brankin outlines the risks posed by reported government measures, including a “pay per mile” on EVs, one of the measures the Chancellor is supposedly looking to address. Brankin tells Sean Farrington that these changes could further suppress demand for electric vehicles at a time when the market is already fragile. She also draws attention to the role of employee car benefit schemes, explaining that any reduction in these incentives could have a substantial impact on the auto industry. Ambitious climate targets set by the government are juxtaposed with the realities of consumer demand, as Brankin describes a market where regulatory ambition outpaces public appetite for electric vehicles. She calls for a coordinated and consistent approach to policy, stressing that ongoing government support is essential for the industry to meet net zero objectives. The interview also addresses the effects of economic uncertainty and the increasing influence of Chinese car manufacturers, which present additional challenges for established brands like Ford. Presenter: Sean Farrington Producer: Olie D'Albertanson Editor: Henry Jones 00:00 Introduction and welcome from Fliss and Sean 02:39 Lisa Brankin joins pod discusses tough UK car industry 06:36 Electric vehicle targets and government policy impact 15:29 Chinese car manufacturers and competition 21:21 Brand loyalty and UK manufacturing footprint 26:16 Northern Ireland’s economy and opportunities

    32 min
  7. #11 Google CEO: AI Will Cause Societal Disruptions

    NOV 18

    #11 Google CEO: AI Will Cause Societal Disruptions

    Sundar Pichai, chief executive of Google and Alphabet, acknowledges that no company is immune from the risks of an AI investment bubble, including Google itself, and warns that the rapid growth of artificial intelligence will lead to significant societal disruptions. Speaking to BBC Economics Editor Faisal Islam he explains that, despite the company’s scale and diversified approach, overinvestment in artificial intelligence could still require Google to navigate challenging phases, just as any other business would. This admission comes as Google’s annual AI infrastructure spending surpasses $90 billion, reflecting the extraordinary scale and pace of global investment in the sector. The interview explores the implications of this rapid growth, with Pichai highlighting the unprecedented demand for energy and the need for new sources of power to support AI development. He outlines Google’s efforts to invest in renewables, nuclear, and geothermal energy, and describes the company’s commitment to achieving 95% carbon-free operations in the UK by 2026. Pichai notes that the speed of AI expansion is testing the limits of existing sustainability targets, but maintains that technological progress can support both economic and environmental objectives. He also addresses the evolution of copyright frameworks, and the responsibilities of technology companies. He discusses the UK’s ambition to become an AI superpower, the importance of scaling energy infrastructure, and the need for responsible development to ensure that the benefits of AI are widely shared. 00:20 Felicity and Faisal set out interview 02:00 Sundar Pichai joins the interview 03:30 Google now spending 90 billion dollars annually on AI 04:05 Is AI a Bubble? 05:51 Google’s AI strategy 07:03 The power and potential of AI agents 08:34 Automation, jobs, and societal Impact 11:07 Advice for the next generation 11:50 AI accuracy, and truth 14:22 Energy demands & climate impact 16:48 Google’s UK investments 18:25 Copyright issues 22:26 Immigration, talent, and innovation 23:12 AI as Open Source 25:31 Quantum computing & future technologies

    29 min
4.3
out of 5
47 Ratings

About

Big Boss Interview is where the most high-profile chief executives and entrepreneurs come to give you their insights and experiences of running the world's biggest and well-known businesses. The series is presented by Sean Farrington, Felicity Hannah and Will Bain, who you'd normally hear presenting the business news on BBC Radio 4's Today programme as well as BBC 5 Live's Wake Up To Money. Each week they'll be finding out just what it takes to run a huge organisation and what the day to day challenges and opportunities are. You can get in contact with the team by emailing bigboss@bbc.co.uk

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