Business Insights

Hosted by Roland Berger

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Nov 2025

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About the show

Welcome to "Business Insights," a Roland Berger podcast. Each episode brings expert perspectives on the forces shaping industries, from sustainability and digital transformation to market dynamics and innovation. We explore the strategic decisions and real-world applications driving change. What challenges are industries facing today? How are businesses responding? And what solutions are emerging? Join us as we break down the complexities of global markets and uncover the strategies shaping the future.

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25 recent

November 18, 202533 min

Transport, Tourism & Logistics Insights: AI, simplicity and the future of passenger experience

In this episode, our partner Florian Dehne, Global Head Aviation, speaks with Martin Gauss, long-time CEO of Air Baltic and since November CEO of Gulf Air, about his fascinating journey from pilot to airline leader – and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Together, they explore how artificial intelligence, digitalization, and simplicity are reshaping the aviation industry. Martin shares insights on driving innovation through AI-based revenue management, Starlink connectivity, blockchain loyalty programs, and his belief that the passenger experience must become simpler, more seamless, and customer-centric. Discover how smaller, agile airlines can lead transformation and why AI will soon redefine how we book, fly, and experience travel. For more information visit our website rolandberger.com.

September 3, 202530 min

Transport, Tourism & Logistics Insights: Aviation decarbonization in 2025

In this episode, Atlas Air’s Richard Broekman and Katherine Preston join our expert Nikhil Sachdeva to discuss how the air cargo industry is moving forward with decarbonization, even amid geopolitical and market disruptions. The conversation covers Atlas Air’s targets, its investments in sustainable aviation fuel, fleet modernization, and operational efficiency. As the sector faces both regulatory complexity and supply chain volatility, the focus is shifting from long-term ambition to actionable progress. What role will air cargo play in enabling greener global trade? For more information, visit our website at rolandberger.com.

July 23, 202532 min

Health Insights: Network pharmacology

In this episode on the future of healthcare, our partner Thilo Kaltenbach speaks with Prof. Dr. med. Harald HHW Schmidt about the rise of network pharmacology and its potential to transform pharmaceutical research and development. The conversation explores how moving beyond organ-based definitions of disease could enable a step change in treating root causes rather than symptoms. What will this mean for pharma business models, clinical pathways, and the health systems of tomorrow? For more information, visit our website at rolandberger.com.

June 4, 202536 min

Health Insights: The AI (r)evolution in health

In this episode, our partners Thilo Kaltenbach and Karsten Neumann explore the rapidly evolving landscape of AI in healthcare. It is pretty clear that AI is transforming our lives and all industries. However, how does it play out in the highly regulated healthcare market? Is it more revolution or evolution? From early diagnosis to personalized medicine, AI-powered hospitals and workforce changes, the topic highlights the tangible impacts of AI on patients, physicians, and organizations. With executives aware of AI's potential but facing readiness gaps, key strategic moves need to be executed to stay ahead in this fast-moving field. For more information visit our website rolandberger.com

April 9, 202539 min

Health Insights: Long and healthy life

In this episode, biologist, TV anchor, and staYoung founder Nina Ruge joins our partner Thilo Kaltenbach to explore the increasing focus on life expectancy and health span. Both have risen significantly over the past century, and new medicines and nutritional supplements are now shaping the next phase of the market for healthy aging. As aging affects everyone, the longevity sector is creating new opportunities for pharma companies, healthcare providers, and investors. With the market expected to double to $60 billion by 2033, early investments in innovation could deliver strong returns. For more information, visit our website at rolandberger.com.

March 26, 202520 min

Health Insights: ESG in MedTech

In this episode, our experts Thilo Kaltenbach and Marina Gilic discuss the growing importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) in the MedTech industry. As regulations evolve and customer expectations shift, companies must meet increasing demands for sustainability, patient access, and governance compliance. Beyond meeting requirements, ESG also presents a significant business opportunity. MedTech companies that embrace ESG can strengthen their positioning as problem solvers, service leaders, and innovators in their field. How can businesses navigate these challenges and develop responsible strategies? For more information, visit our website at rolandberger.com.

March 12, 202533 min

Health Insights: Ensuring future drug availability

In the first episode of our Business Insights series on Health topics, our experts Thilo Kaltenbach and Stephan Fath explore the critical issue of drug availability and the challenges facing pharmaceutical supply chains. Rising global demand, geopolitical tensions, and evolving regulations have created significant disruptions, particularly for essential medicines. Our experts discuss how pharmaceutical companies and governments are responding to these challenges. They highlight strategies such as localizing production, improving supply chain resilience, and leveraging new technologies. What role will AI and modular manufacturing play in securing future pharmaceutical supply? And how will companies navigate the complexities of regional supply chain integration? For more information, visit our website at rolandberger.com.

January 29, 202516 min

Sustainability Insights: Driving value with sustainability

In this episode, our partners Ruirui Zong-Rühe and Beate Rosenthal explore pressing topics within sustainability, its current challenges, and the critical role of industry collaboration in driving higher value. Through examples from two sectors - FMCG (B2C) and chemicals (B2B) - they illustrate a new phase of sustainability marked by three defining factors: heightened regulation, geopolitical influences, and comprehensive business integration led by ESG-mature front runners. What lessons can be drawn from these industries, and how can businesses strategically navigate this evolving landscape? For more information, visit our website at rolandberger.com.

December 4, 202418 min

Sustainability Insights: Pricing carbon to reduce emissions

This episode delves into the urgent need for businesses to act now in the face of rising CO2 prices and stricter regulatory requirements. Understand the financial implications and how this strategy can be leveraged for competitive advantage. It also addresses the potential burden on consumers and the strategies to implement it effectively without negatively impacting them. Learn how this key tool can drive diversification, supply chain resilience, and sustainability. For more information visit our website rolandberger.com

November 27, 202440 min

Sustainability Insights: Asia’s energy transition

In this episode, our partners Denis Depoux and Dieter Billen shed light on the complexities of energy production and reduction mechanisms across Asia. While China’s planned economy may capture the most attention, it’s vital to recognize that Southeast Asian countries also host rapidly growing industries contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and aspiring to lead in decarbonization. Nations like Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia are each pursuing unique strategies to reduce their carbon footprints. But how do their approaches to fossil-based and renewable energy sources compare? And what role will nuclear power play in the region’s energy future? For more information visit our website rolandberger.com