The Why Podcast

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

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

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

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

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