Future in Focus by LRQA

Hosted by LRQA

Business

Website RSS feed

Episodes

Latest episode

May 2026

Language

EN-GB

About the show

Welcome to Future in Focus podcast from LRQA . Risk doesn’t sleep – and neither do we. In each episode, we explore how organisations can turn business risk into opportunity, using connected risk management solutions to gain a competitive edge. From certification and cyber to sustainability and supply chains, we connect the dots across today’s complex and evolving landscape. With data-driven insight, sector expertise and a partnership approach, we help you navigate risk with clarity, stay one step ahead, and shape a stronger, more secure future for your business. Where others see risk, we see what’s possible.

Listen to episodes

55 recent

May 6, 202622 min

The energy transition: fast, clean… and cyber secure?

In this episode, we are joined by Howard Hughes (Managing Director, Cybersecurity, LRQA) and Fotis Kampouris (EVP Asia Pacific, LRQA) to ask whether the energy transition can really be delivered fast, clean and cyber secure - or whether speed and security are competing priorities. Together, they explore why energy infrastructure has become a high-priority cyber target, how recent geopolitical instability has shifted the conversation from decarbonisation to energy security, and what it takes to build resilience into assets that need to operate for thirty, forty, even fifty years.The conversation focuses on the leadership decisions behind getting cyber right: where it gets missed in major programmes, how fragmented ownership and locked-in supplier decisions create blind spots, and what good board-level oversight actually looks like. we also cover why compliance frameworks are a starting point rather than protection in themselves, why the industry has to move from point-in-time penetration testing to continuous monitoring and an "assume breach" mindset, and the cultural and regulatory shifts they believe are needed to protect critical energy infrastructure over its full multi-decade lifecycle.

March 30, 202632 min

Introducing AI Powered Penetration Testing: What it is, how it works and where it fits

In this episode, we are joined by Chris Oakley (SVP Assurance Services, Americas, LRQA), Dave Parsons (Managing Principal Security Consultant, LRQA) and David Greene (Strategic Partnerships, Simbian) to introduce AI Powered Penetration Testing, a new capability from LRQA developed with Simbian. Together, they explore what AIPT is, how it works in practice, and where it fits alongside consultant-led penetration testing.The conversation covers why security testing programmes are under pressure to move faster, how AI can support more frequent and repeatable testing, and why credibility, governance and expert oversight still matter. It also addresses practical concerns around trust, data handling, sovereignty, retention and safe operation.

November 10, 202536 min

The quality mindset: Connecting risk, culture and performance to create opportunity

In this episode, host Xavier Francis is joined by Bill Barnes, Auditor Manager at LRQA, and Dariusz Antonczyk, Training and Improvement Services Manager at LRQA, to explore how quality thinking has evolved from a management system into a powerful organisational mindset.Together, they trace the journey of quality from the origins of ISO 9001 to today’s connected approach to risk management, resilience, and leadership. Through practical examples and personal insights, they discuss how the principles of consistency, culture and continuous improvement underpin modern business performance.Looking ahead, the conversation highlights how a quality mindset is driving the next generation of assurance professionals: those able to connect quality, cyber security, sustainability and safety as part of one unified vision for organisational excellence.

August 4, 202551 min

Transition talks: What’s changing in ISO standards and why it matters

Welcome to Transition Talks, a new podcast series from LRQA designed to guide organisations through the upcoming changes to ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001.In this first episode, Stuart Kelly, Chief Commercial Officer at LRQA, and Kevin Franklin, LRQA's Chief Product Officer, unpack what’s driving the updates to these cornerstone management system standards, why it matters now and what businesses can expect as the transition period begins. From climate considerations and stakeholder expectations to governance and resilience, we explore the evolving risk landscape and the practical implications for quality, environmental and occupational health and safety management systems.Brought to you by LRQA’s technical and sector specialists, Transition Talks will run throughout the ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001 transition period, giving you the insight, clarity and guidance needed to stay informed and prepared. Follow LRQA’s Future in Focus series on your preferred podcast platform to stay up to date.

June 25, 202523 min

The European Central Bank’s Omnibus opinion: Why high-quality sustainability information matters for corporate and financial system stability

In this timely episode of Future in Focus (released 25 June), we sit down with the European Central Bank to discuss its official Omnibus opinion and why robust, high-quality sustainability data is critical, not only for corporate reporting and due diligence but also for the long-term stability of the EU’s financial system. LRQA’s Theresa Gigov speaks with Katharina Klausch, Senior Legal Counsel at the ECB, on the future of sustainability regulation, including the role of Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence (HREDD) in financial decision-making. As EU negotiations intensify, this conversation offers key insights for corporates and financial institutions navigating fast-moving changes.

June 4, 202534 min

Responsible AI, real advantage: Why ISO 42001 matters now

In this episode of Future in Focus, Xavier Francis is joined by Kevin Franklin, Chief Product Officer at LRQA, to explore the pivotal role of AI governance in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape. Together, they discuss how ISO 42001 offers a timely and practical framework for managing AI-related risks, building trust and staying ahead of global regulation. With insights drawn from Kevin’s extensive background in systems and standards, the conversation highlights why responsible AI deployment is essential for organisations of every size and why ISO 42001 is set to become a foundational tool in doing it right.

March 25, 202521 min

Cutting through the noise: Best practice essentials for navigating the EU omnibus proposal

This podcast episode features a discussion on the EU omnibus proposal, a significant regulatory topic in sustainability and its potential implications for businesses. Experts Tara Norton and JP Stevenson provide insights on navigating the complexities of sustainability reporting and the importance of due diligence in supply chains, no matter the shifts in regulatory requirements.

December 18, 202427 min

The era of Assurance 4.0: Sourcing responsibly

As supply chain legislation evolves, businesses face increasing expectations to uphold transparency and accountability on ESG issues, including mitigating human rights violations and reducing carbon emissions. In this fourth episode of our Assurance 4.0 mini-series, LRQA’s Chief Commercial Officer, Stuart Kelly, discusses how data-driven insights and proactive strategies can help organisations address these challenges. Stuart highlights the importance of going beyond compliance to build robust responsible sourcing programmes that maintain ethical integrity, minimise negative impacts on people and the environment and foster long-term resilience in global value chains. Tune in to discover how businesses can strengthen consumer trust and deliver meaningful change through their supply chains.

November 22, 202425 min

The era of Assurance 4.0: Navigating the energy transition and achieving net zero

Global businesses are under pressure to meet net zero targets while also navigating the energy transition. This shift impacts everyone from the energy industry to consumer brands across every sector, and is happening alongside increased scrutiny from stakeholders. It’s one of the key challenges within the era of Assurance 4.0 - the new era of risk management.In this third episode of our Assurance 4.0 mini-series, LRQA’s Chief Commercial Officer, Stuart Kelly, focuses on what it takes to successfully navigate this challenge. Against the backdrop of COP29, we’ll explore how businesses can respond to changing regulations, leverage data, and work across supply chains to achieve a ‘just transition’ for workers, communities and the environment.

September 26, 202425 min

Climate Week NYC: Deploying leading climate strategies amongst regulatory, investor and consumer pressures

Senior Director for Sustainability at LRQA, Tara Norton, shares her expertise on leading climate strategies. As we mark Climate Week NYC, Tara discusses the growing regulatory pressures, the need for businesses to adapt and the importance of integrating climate risk into broader ESG strategies.We dive into practical tips for balancing financial goals with climate commitments, the role of investors and consumers in driving sustainability, and the crucial role of data in building resilient supply chains. Whether you're looking to enhance transparency or meet global climate regulations, this episode offers actionable insights for businesses to thrive in a changing world.