POPULARITY
Categories
The Department of Health says it is preparing for the possible rollout of a new TB vaccine currently in advanced trials. The M72/AS01E vaccine, now in phase 3 trials across several countries including South Africa, could become the first new TB vaccine in over a century, potentially offering protection to adolescents and adults, unlike the existing BCG vaccine which is mainly given to infants. We spoke to Professor Norbet Ndjeka, Head of the National TB Programme at the National Health Department, to unpack what this could mean for the country.
Send us Fan Mail"Any other objectives?" sounds polite. But in a case interview opening, it costs you points.Namaan breaks down the 3 questions that kill candidates in the first 2 minutes of a case.The case opening is the first section that gets scored. And it's nearly identical every single time.So if there's one part of the case you can walk in ready for, it's this one. Get the opening right, and the rest of the case gets easier.Resources:If you struggle with case openings, Black Belt pairs you with an ex-MBB interviewer who'll help build the muscle rep by repNewer to cases? Case Foundations walks you through the fundamentals – freeConsulting Deadlines:McKinsey, Bain, and BCG deadlines hit August 11 – 13 (and more are coming) – get interview-ready fast with Black BeltConnect With Management ConsultedCreate a free MC account or download the MC app (Apple, Android) to start your prep todaySchedule a free 15min consultation with the MC TeamWatch the video version of the podcast on YouTubeFollow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTokJoin an upcoming live event – case interviews demos, expert panels, and more
Episode #581: Tin Tin Htar Myint, a medical epidemiologist based in France who has worked in vaccines for more than two decades, describes Myanmar's immunization collapse as a problem of governance as much as medicine. Before 2021, she argues, the national program had been expanding in concrete ways, adding vaccines that could reduce childhood pneumonia and diarrhea and protect girls from HPV. Then the coup shattered the human infrastructure that makes routine immunization possible. Health workers joined the Civil Disobedience Movement, hid, fled, or were arrested, and the country's vaccine system became a set of reported numbers that no longer match the conditions on the ground. Tin Tin points to official coverage figures that appear to rebound after 2021, but says they cannot be reconciled with the reality of airstrikes, displacement, and villages trapped behind checkpoints. In surveys she describes from Sagaing, the most isolated areas show catastrophic “zero dose” rates for children born after the coup—no BCG, no DTP, no MMR—while villages near large cities can still manage partial coverage because access exists and parents take risks to reach it. Some organize ad hoc “vaccination trips,” moving groups of children through military checkpoints to get a shot and return home. For her, the downstream damage is already visible. She describes signs of vaccine-preventable outbreaks appearing again through social media reports, and she that tuberculosis is resurging rapidly in places with limited detection and no reliable drug supply. The collapse does not stop at vaccines. Tin Tin argues that immunization normally arrives with basic care packages, health education, and family planning, and that when the program breaks, those services break too, driving rising pregnancies, miscarriages, and the reemergence of sexually transmitted infections. The most painful detail she offers is also the simplest proof of what is missing. “They still carry the vaccine booklet of their children.”
We are living through a fundamental shift in how businesses operate, compete, and create value. The Pirate Street Journal, hosted by Christopher, Eddie, and Bri, breaks down three major business stories through the category design lens, revealing a common thread that most mainstream business coverage misses entirely. That thread is AI data, and how the companies and individuals who understand it best are quietly rewriting the rules of entire industries. From energy infrastructure to ice cream shops to management consulting, the signal is clear and growing louder. This is just one of the topics that Pirates Christopher Lochhead, Eddie Yoon and Bri Clark discuss on this episode of Pirate Street Journal. Each week, the Category Pirates pick three headlines worth paying attention to and break down the category underneath. You're listening to Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different. We are the real dialogue podcast for people with a different mind. So get your mind in a different place, and hey ho, let's go. Portable Power and the AI Energy Race China now controls 90% of the world’s battery storage cells, and the top ten storage cell manufacturers on Earth are all Chinese. The easy read on this is that the centralized, top-down model has already won. But the more interesting story is happening on the other side of the equation, where pioneers are refusing to wait for governments to build grids and are instead making power portable, distributed, and locally owned. Elon Musk quietly acquired a mobile power company capable of deploying a functional power plant in 30 days and driving it wherever demand exists. Tesla is simultaneously selling Mega Packs to cities experiencing brownouts while offering Powerwalls to individual homeowners. The insight here is that AI data is driving the need for entirely new power infrastructure, and the winners will not necessarily be the nations with the biggest grids. They will be the builders who understand that decentralized, distributed power networks can outmaneuver any centralized system when speed and flexibility matter most. Eddie raises the concept of a “Mega Pod,” a combination of batteries and GPUs in a scalable unit that could allow businesses, farms, and institutions with unused land to generate power, offset costs, and participate in a distributed data center economy. This is AI data infrastructure being rebuilt from the bottom up, and the annuity potential mirrors what Alaskan citizens receive from oil revenues every year. Niche Down AI Data and the Rise of the Small Company Ben Affleck sold a stealth AI startup called Inner Positive to Netflix for $587 million. The company trained small models on individual film footage, replicating a director’s lighting style and visual language to accelerate post-production. An ice cream shop in downtown Los Angeles used prediction markets to hedge against cold weather, covering nearly half its monthly rent. A seven-person software company hit $10 million in revenue doing the work that once required 50 employees. These three stories appear unrelated on the surface, but they share a single strategic insight. Each one identified a narrow, specific type of AI data that nobody else was paying attention to and built an economic advantage around it. The Ben Affleck startup did not steal from other artists. It used a creator’s own footage as training data, producing tools that serve the creator rather than extract from them. The ice cream shop owner recognized that temperature data was weakness data for his business and converted it into a revenue stream through smart financial instruments. What AI is doing for smaller operators and independent entrepreneurs is lowering the barriers to prosecuting what Christopher Lochhead calls the magic triangle, building a legendary company, product, and category simultaneously. The surplus economics of AI are not accruing only to OpenAI, Anthropic, or the Mag Seven. They are flowing toward anyone willing to identify the weird data specific to their own situation and build something original with it. Consulting and the Death of the Billable Hour McKinsey now ties 25% of its global fees to outcomes rather than hours. Bain reports that 30% of its business is AI and tech enabled, with ambitions to reach 50%. BCG expects AI work to jump from roughly 20% of revenue to 40% within a year. These are not small firms experimenting at the margins. These are the most conservative, hour-worshipping institutions in the professional services world, and they are cracking under the pressure of a new reality driven by AI data and what it makes possible. The billable hour was always a proxy for value, not a measure of it. What consulting firms are beginning to acknowledge is that AI data and the tools built around it can compress the time required for entry-level analytical work dramatically, which means the old pricing model no longer reflects what clients are actually buying. The shift from time-based to outcome-based compensation is not unique to consulting. It is the direction that professional compensation has been moving across all sectors for decades, from hourly wages to salaries to bonuses to equity. Eddie frames this shift clearly. People who are naturally oriented toward outcomes and who understand how to use AI data to drive measurable results are going to be rewarded more generously than ever before. Those who have relied on time as their unit of exchange, without a clear connection to the value they produce, are entering genuinely uncertain territory. The consultants are the last ones you would expect to change. The fact that they already are should function as a signal flare for every professional in every industry paying attention. To hear about all the topics in this week's The Pirate Street Journal, download and listen to this episode. You can also read more Pirate Street Journal entries in the Category Pirates newsletter. We hope you enjoyed this episode of Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different™! Christopher loves hearing from his listeners. Feel free to email him, connect on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, and subscribe on Apple Podcast / Spotify!
Nick Goad, BCG's global co-leader for retail merchandising, argues that retail's biggest problem isn't a lack of data, it's the gap between data and real customer understanding. He explains how AI and large language models are finally bridging that divide, making it possible to localize assortment, sharpen pricing, and accelerate product innovation at scale. For leaders wondering where to start, he makes the case for codifying the knowledge already in merchants' heads.What You'll Learn:Retailers have more data than ever, but AI finally gives them the tools to turn it into action merchants can actually trust.The biggest near-term opportunities are in assortment localization, smarter pricing, and AI-accelerated product innovation.The new data advantage for retailers isn't raw data — it's codifying the knowledge already in their merchants' heads.Learn More:BCG's Latest Thinking on the Retail Industry: https://on.bcg.com/4bYoe8xMerch AI by BCGX: https://on.bcg.com/3RxTfJFChapters(0:00) Has Retail Lost Its Personal Touch?(1:13) Serving Customers Before the Digital Age(2:33) The Internet's Impact on Retail(3:11) Does More Data Mean Better Customer Understanding?(4:12) Why Are Retailers Drowning in Complexity?(5:32) What Can AI Do to Help Retailers?(7:02) Will AI Create a New Data Overload?(7:54) What Are Retail Leaders Hopes and Fears for AI?(9:02) Will AI Get Products to the Shelf Faster?(9:57) Will AI Influence Product Design?(10:37) Can AI Create More Personalized Loyalty Programs?(11:34) How Will AI Shape the Shopping Experience?(12:02) Is Physical Retail Here to Stay?(13:36) Will AI Make All Our Shopping Decisions for Us?(14:23) Where Can Retailers Make the Biggest Changes?(15:00) Where Should Retailers Apply AI First?(15:48) What New Data Advantage Can AI Create?Meet the Expert:Nick Goad, BCG Managing Director & Senior Partner: https://on.bcg.com/4wuIlU0Listen to Other Episodes of The So What from BCG podcastPunch Cards, Frequent Flyers, and the Future of Loyalty: https://lnk.to/so-what-BCG-Crouch-Loyalty09YouTube | https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMJgyXjV5gMI9JV-GcF_D1Y6zyf1Eab_0&si=plXqe7-YNzbG56U8Apple | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-so-what-from-bcg/id1591194141Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/2NSVR7qrAyZ4CaGsnknbBk?si=1d846c2af8784923Other platforms | https://lnk.to/so-what-general-show12Follow BCGhttps://www.bcg.com/LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/boston-consulting-groupThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
Send us Fan MailYou can nail every case you practice and still get rejected.That's because firms aren't grading you on vibes. McKinsey scores you piece by piece – opening, structure, math, brainstorming, closing. Other firms use 3 buckets instead: structure, problem solving, communication.Either way, a 4 out of 4 in math won't save a 1 out of 4 in brainstorming. Firms want you solid across the board.In this episode, Namaan breaks down exactly what's being scored – and why doing 100 more practice cases won't fix a gap you haven't identified.Resources:Whether you're prepping for McKinsey's rubric or the 3-bucket system, Black Belt closes the gaps costing you the offerNew to case prep? Case Foundations is our free crash course on the basics – the starting point before scoring even mattersConsulting Deadlines:McKinsey, Bain, and BCG deadlines hit August 11 – 13 (and more are coming) – get interview-ready fast with Black BeltConnect With Management ConsultedCreate a free MC account or download the MC app (Apple, Android) to start your prep todaySchedule a free 15min consultation with the MC TeamWatch the video version of the podcast on YouTubeFollow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTokJoin an upcoming live event – case interviews demos, expert panels, and more
Your job description was written to get you hired, not help you know if a decision is your to make.That gap between what's on paper and who actually decides is where careers go to die. Experience & Process Improvement Leader Clint Murt once again joins Product Manager Brian Orlando and Enterprise Business Agility Leader Om Patel in a debate on why job descriptions and/or job role descriptions may buy false comfort, when executive "intrusion" is actually legitimate, and the problem with decision-making that nobody owns.Listen or watch if you're interested in :• Why job descriptions go stale the day they're posted• How that "startup magic" that becomes chaos at 100 people and burns out your best talent• When that exec has the right to overrides your roadmap• Why RACIs are fiction and what to use instead• Practical fixes for decision rightsIf you are a product managers, agile coach, or tech leader tired of role confusion and turf wars, this episode is for you!#ProductManagement #DecisionRights #OrganizationalDesignFlow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, David Marquet, RACI matrix, OVIS framework (BCG), Spotify modelLINKSYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@arguingagileSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/362QvYORmtZRKAeTAE57v3Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/agile-podcast/id1568557596INTRO MUSICToronto Is My BeatBy Whitewolf (Source: https://ccmixter.org/files/whitewolf225/60181)CC BY 4.0 DEED (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.en)
Double Tap Double Tap - Ep 472 July 27, 2026 Presented by This episode of Double Tap is brought to you by: Foxtrot Mike (Code: WLSISLIFE) Gideon Optics (Code: WLSISLIFE) Flatline Fiber Co (Code: WLS15) Second Call Defense Bowers Group (Code: WLS) Giveaways!! GAW Text Dear WLS or Reviews +1 743 500 2171 Public Show Titles GOA GOALS Aug 1-2 in Iowa. https://goals.goa.org/ Dear WLS Question from Anonymous Coward from NEBRASKA Quick question. From me. With printed holsters thinking of getting one. So which model of bambu should I be looking at? Also do I need AMS? I am cheap so probably only 2 models I am seeing so comes down to do I need or want the enclosed one. Question from Alex W. from Florida Dear WLS: Hey y'all. If all of our hopes and dreams were to come true and we could get mail order machine guns to our doors, what (other than boatloads of fun) do you think the most valid use for civilian full auto is? I was thinking maybe a select fire/burst fire subgun for home defense? Belt feds on pigs? Alex W. Question from Dependable Don from New York Dear Wls Dependable Don Why don't you just invite Lenny on so the Jeremy could just point to him when he he needs the needs a n bomb dropped? Question from Rob K from Connecticut Rob K From ConnecticutDear WLS The State of Connecticut has banned Glock and Glock style pistols starting on October 1st 2026. I don't own one, but now that the state is telling me I can't buy one, I need to spite purchase. I'm interested in picking up 2 Glock models and 2 Glock style pistols. If you were only able to own 2 Glocks, what would your suggestions be for gen and model? Also, what make and model of 2 Glock style pistols. Thanks guys. #stuckbehindenemylines WINNER Question from Travis from ILLINOIS Dear WLS this is Travis from not the people's republic of Illinois. Love the show you and all the content. Shawn over the past few shows you have mentioned your Kelby rifle. What do you like and not like. Would you do anything different. I personally don't know anyone who owns one and looking to purchase one for potential PRS matches. Thanks Travis Question from Anonymous Coward from Florida Dear WLS: Hey y'all. I was thinking, with the growing apparent popularity of “pdw” setups for pistols, I was wondering why no manufacturer seems to produce a factory firearm that fits that sort of form factor (other than sig selling factory 320's already in a raider chassis). The closest things I can think of currently would be the B&T TP9 or their USW. But I'm wondering why no one else is tapping into the whole oversized 9mm pistol with a brace/stock market trend. Has the industry just not caught up or is there a reason companies are not moving in that direction? Gun Industry News Guns CMP to Sell Military Surplus M14 Rifles The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) announced it will sell a limited number of surplus U.S. military M14 rifles (7.62 NATO) produced 1959-1965 by H&R, Springfield Armory, TRW and Winchester. The rifles, from the total production run of 1.38 million, have been permanently modified to semi-automatic configuration to comply with ATF regulations and CMP enabling legislation for .30-caliber rifles. Sales are expected to use a lottery system and begin in late 2026 to early 2027. The Gist: Sales begin late 2026 to early 2027 via lottery system Bottom Line: Limited surplus M14 rifles (7.62 NATO) permanently converted to semi-auto; produced 1959-1965 with total output of 1.38 million; background includes 479,000 demilled and 321,000 provided as military aid Shootingnewsweekly Ramp Payment Processor Shows Inconsistent Policy Toward Gun Industry Payment processor Ramp denied services to Kent Cartridge Company in West Virginia, citing partner risk concerns, as highlighted in an NSSF report on industry discrimination. Simultaneously, Ramp has been actively courting Davidson's Inc. in Arizona with business development emails as recently as July 22, 2026. West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey and Attorney General JB McCuskey are investigating, noting potential violations of the state's FIND Act, a Trump executive order on fair access to banking, and OCC/FDIC rules prohibiting discrimination against lawful firearm businesses. The Gist: The Gist: Ramp denied payment processing to Kent Cartridge (WV) after NSSF discrimination report but sent ongoing outreach emails to Davidson's Inc. (AZ) as of July 22, 2026; state officials investigating for violations of WV FIND Act, Trump EO, and federal banking rules. Impact: Market Impact: Affects firearm and ammunition manufacturers and retailers seeking reliable payment processing; creates uncertainty for gun industry businesses in states with protective laws. Bottom Line: The Bottom Line: Demonstrates ongoing de-banking pressures on the firearms sector despite legal protections designed to ensure equal access to financial services for lawful industries. Breitbart Dan Wesson DWX Compact 9mm Pistol The Dan Wesson DWX Compact is a metal-framed 9mm pistol that blends design aspects of the CZ 75 and the venerable 3631. It features an aluminum frame, optics-ready slide, AmeriGlo tritium front sight with black rear, aluminum grips, accessory rail (available with or without), and ships with 10- and 15-round magazines. The article highlights its smooth action, excellent trigger, tight groups, and suitability as a real-world everyday carry self-defense pistol after testing over 1,100 rounds. Bottom Line: Key specs/features: 9mm caliber; 10- and 15-round magazines; aluminum frame providing heft; optics-ready; AmeriGlo tritium front sight, black rear sight; accessory rail (optional); aluminum grips; smooth DA/SA action with superb trigger; blends CZ 75 and 3631 characteristics for precision and durability Thefirearmblog Smith & Wesson M&P15 AXE Pistol and SBR in .300 Blackout Smith & Wesson has expanded its M&P15 line with the M&P15 AXE Pistol and corresponding SBR variant chambered in .300 Blackout. Both models feature an 8″ 5R rifled barrel with Armornite finish, GVAC direct impingement gas system optimized for suppressed shooting, 7″ Midwest Industries M-LOK handguard, enhanced BCG, Radian Raptor ambidextrous charging handle, and full ambidextrous controls. The pistol uses a Magpul BTR arm brace while the SBR includes a Magpul CTR stock and Williams folding sights. The Gist: Announced July 21, 2026; availability not explicitly stated beyond launch Bottom Line: Caliber .300 BLK, 8″ barrel (1:7.5 twist, 5/8×24 threaded), GVAC gas system, Midwest Industries 7″ M-LOK handguard, enhanced BCG, Radian Raptor CH, ambidextrous controls, M&P grip with interchangeable backstraps, Magpul BTR brace (pistol) or CTR stock (SBR) Xtechtactical XTech Tactical X-Flare Digital Mil-Spec Magwell BLK AR-15 / M4 The X-Flare Digital Mil-Spec Magwell is an injection-molded polymer flared magazine well designed to fit true mil-spec AR-15/M4 lowers without removing any parts. It creates a 1.75x larger funnel opening compared to a standard mil-spec magwell, features metal threaded sonic-welded inserts with included steel bolts, and adds only 28.5 grams of weight. Available in Black (with FDE and Grey color options), it installs in minutes and carries a lifetime warranty. The Gist: Available for immediate purchase from xtechtactical.com in single, two-pack or five-pack quantities Impact: $39.95 (single unit) Bottom Line: Injection molded glass-filled Super Tough Nylon; 1.75x larger funnel; fits all true mil-spec AR-15/M4 lowers (not billet/non-mil-spec); 6 × 4 × 1 in dimensions; 28.5 g weight; sonic-welded steel-threaded inserts Guns B&T Partners with Rare Breed for FRT-Equipped SPC9 and GHM9 B&T USA has partnered with Rare Breed Triggers to offer factory-integrated FRT-SG3 triggers in its 9mm SPC9 and GHM9 platforms. The guns are assembled and tested at B&T's facility prior to shipping as a complete, validated system. The FRT-SG3 features a three-position ambidextrous safety (safe, semi, FRT). The Gist: Factory-assembled and tested at B&T USA production facility before shipping Bottom Line: FRT-SG3 three-position ambidextrous safety (safe/semi/FRT); first factory-built FRT-equipped duty platforms from B&T Xtechtactical X Flare Digital Magwell Mil Spec Blk Ar 15 M4 Magwell https://pew.report/c/dTR56i Before we let you go – Join Gun Owners of America We'd love if you supported the show, join Agency 171 at agency171.com. Lot's of prizes, rewards and kick ass swag. No matter how tough your battle is today, we want you here fight with us tomorrow. Don't struggle in silence, you can contact the suicide prevention line by dialing 988 from your phone. Remember – Always prefer Dangerous Freedom over peaceful slavery. We'll see you next time! Nick – @busbuiltsystems | Bus Built Systems Jeremy – @ret_actual | Rivers Edge Tactical Aaron – @machinegun_moses Savage – @savage1r Shawn – @dangerousfreedomyt | @camorado.cam | Camorado
There's the flu vaccine. The covid shot. The RSV shot… What if all of these—and more—could be combined into one universal vaccine? That's what immunologist Bali Pulendran is working on in his lab. For this episode in our Tech Camp series, Regina G. Barber talks to him about how far he's gotten, how far he has to go and why our ancient immune system is the key to it all. Plus they discuss how the vaccine may not be a shot at all—but a needle-free nasal spray. Sources: Mucosal vaccination in mice provides protection from diverse respiratory threatsNon-specific effects of BCG vaccine on viral infectionsInterested in more science of the future? Email us your question at shortwave@npr.org.Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. It includes perks like bonus episodes, early access, archive access, curated playlists and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy
„Du kannst es dir schlicht nicht mehr leisten, non-technical zu sein!“ – eine Ansage, die sitzt. Und wenn sie von jemandem kommt, die wie Theresa Hauck nicht nur Strategie-Background von BCG mitbringt, sondern als Founding Partner bei campus.five und Initiatorin des „Build Your AI Agent Day“ im Feld die Ärmel hochkrempelt, sollte man ganz genau hinhören. In der neuen Folge berichtet Theresa, warum es für C-Level und Führungskräfte im Mittelstand heute eben nicht mehr reicht, nur einen Prompt in eine Chatbox zu tippen. Theresa erklärt, warum wahre KI-Transformation tief an den Unternehmensprozessen ansetzt, wieso man ein Terminal verstanden haben muss und wie man Führungskräfte an einem einzigen Sonntag dazu bringt, ihre eigenen KI-Agenten zu bauen. Im Gespräch mit Christoph teilt sie außerdem spannende Anekdoten aus Kolumbien und blickt ehrlich auf den Standort Deutschland.
A.M. Edition for July 24. Global markets are reckoning with the prospect of prolonged conflict in the Middle East and rising inflation as oil prices roar back – pushing up borrowing costs in the U.S. and Asia. Plus, hotel chain Melia pulls out of Cuba in a blow to the island's vital tourism sector. And WSJ defense reporter Alistair MacDonald explains how Europe is turning to homegrown defense technologies in an effort to counter U.S. dependence. Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Send us Fan MailMcKinsey is making 12% more hires this year than last. But the jobs aren't going to the same profile of candidate.Energy and utilities is projected to grow 11% in 2026 – one of the least sexy practices in consulting, and one of the hottest right now. Healthcare, private equity, and consumer/retail are all shifting too.If you're aiming at the wrong sector or the wrong skill set, you're competing for the smallest slice of the market.Namaan breaks down where the hiring is concentrated, which skills firms are paying a premium for, and why specialists are starting to out-hire generalists.Resources:If you want to know exactly which firms are hiring hardest in the sectors Namaan covers, see our 2026 sector rankings before you decideIf you are serious about breaking into consulting in 2026, Black Belt pairs you with an expert coach to guide you through recruitingConsulting Deadlines:McKinsey, Bain, and BCG deadlines hit August 11 – 13 (and more are coming) – get interview-ready fast with Black BeltConnect With Management ConsultedCreate a free MC account or download the MC app (Apple, Android) to start your prep todaySchedule a free 15min consultation with the MC TeamWatch the video version of the podcast on YouTubeFollow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTokJoin an upcoming live event – case interviews demos, expert panels, and more
SRI360 | Socially Responsible Investing, ESG, Impact Investing, Sustainable Investing
Matilda Ho was banned from the kitchen for the first 25 years of her life. Her mother's rule was simple: cooking is what you do when you fail at school. She now runs China's first food tech venture fund.I'm joined by Matilda Ho, Founder and Managing Director of Bits x Bites — a $100 million fund vintaged in October 2020, 15 companies backed, Series A and B, and a board seat as a condition of every check. Her LPs are sovereign funds from Singapore, the Middle East and China, agrifood strategics, and family offices.Her argument is that the food system cannot be fixed at the checkout. She spent five years at BCG and IDEO advising food companies, and one project — working out how likely a Chinese meat processor was to have another scandal — turned up roughly half a million food safety incidents a year. She built an online grocery to fix it one shopper at a time, then concluded that would take longer than her lifetime. The leverage was upstream.What she found upstream is a manufacturing advantage most investors outside China have not priced. Seventy percent of the world's vitamins, two-thirds of its amino acids and more than 80% of its stevia are already made there — much of it in brownfield plants with fermentation tanks sitting idle. Where European biotech founders cannot fund scale-up, she can buy it cheap.She is equally blunt about what does not work. Beyond Burger's peas travel from Canada to Suzhou to California, and the margin never survives the trip. China already has tofu — clean, plant-based and 2,000 years old. So she funds certainty over moonshots: functional ingredients, animal health, matcha. And in a market where government money is now the largest source of innovation capital, her first exit was a stake sold to a provincial government vehicle.In this episode we discuss:Why the food system cannot be fixed at the checkout, and what changes upstreamHalf a million food safety incidents a year — the consulting project that exposed themBiomanufacturing as China's unpriced edge: overcapacity, brownfield sites and idle fermentation tanksWhy alternative meat fails on unit economics in a country that already has tofuChina's “visible hand” — how government money became the largest source of innovation capitalSelling a portfolio company to a provincial government vehicle, and why DPI beats IRR in ChinaWhy she will not write a check without a board seatBacking wartime CEOs, and what a decade of bad hires taught her about founder diligenceFeatured guest:Matilda Ho, Founder and Managing Director at Bits x BitesListen Next:AgTech Profits Meet Planet: Where Climate Impact and VC Returns AlignDiscover More from SRI360°:Explore all episodes of the SRI360° PodcastSign up for the free weekly email updateKey Takeaways:Fixing food at the checkout does not scale. Matilda built an online farmers market and learned that people only change how they eat after a life event — a birth, a diagnosis. A movement, she says, but not a viable business model. The leverage sits upstream in the supply chain.The supply chain is the problem. In China a vegetable passes through roughly seven hands before it reaches a table. A third of food rots on the farm, another third in transit, and the rest is wasted in fridges and warehouses.China's arithmetic is brutal. Around 20% of the world's population and under 7% of its arable land, feeding 1.4 billion people. More than 85% of soybeans are imported, mostly to feed chickens and pigs.Biomanufacturing is China's quiet edge. Europe's biotech founders struggle to fund scale-up. China has the opposite problem — overcapacity, brownfield sites and idle fermentation tanks, plus the plant managers who know how to run them. 70% of global vitamins, two-thirds of amino acids and over 80% of stevia are already produced there.Cost is king and taste is king. Beyond Burger's peas grow in Canada, get processed in Suzhou, then travel to California for final formulation. The gross margin never works. And as she puts it, China already has tofu — clean, plant-based, cheap, and 2,000 years old.Government money is now the largest source of innovation capital in China. Local governments run fund-of-fund structures and back specialized GPs rather than investing directly. Her own first exit was selling a stake to a provincial government vehicle at Series B, in year five of the fund.In China, DPI matters more than IRR. IRR can be manipulated; cash returned to LPs cannot. Most domestic funds have only a five-year life, which forces short-term decisions. Her USD fund has ten to twelve years.Back wartime CEOs, not peacetime ones. Growing revenue tenfold when money was free is not a replicable track record. She looks for humility, grit, and founders who keep going when 99% of the signals say stop.Software alone does not work in agriculture. Farmers will not pay for something invisible. Her Beijing crop-model company had to bundle seeds and inputs with the software; two-thirds of its revenue now comes from selling the inputs.Drones changed the economics for smallholders. A tenth of the chemical input, up to half the water saved, and profits up around 30% on cash crops — plus a whole new job class of drone operators. Most growth is now outside China, in North America, Brazil and Argentina.Agrifood is under-invested. It accounts for less than 5% of total venture funding. Her ambition is that generalist fund managers eventually treat it as a sector worth a seat.Additional ResourcesMatilda Ho LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matildaho/Bits x Bites LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bits-x-bitesMatilda Ho on X: @matildajyhoBits x Bites: https://bitsxbites.com/Matilda Ho's TED profile: https://www.ted.com/speakers/matilda_hoRelated SRI360° Episodes:Beyond the 2/20 Model: Disrupting VC & 25% IRR from Climate Adaptation in Southeast Asia
From buying the casting agency that represented her as a teenage actor at age twenty to being involved in more than forty M&A transactions, Victoria Pelletier shares why joint ventures run their course, what six acquisitions in eighteen months taught her about integration, and why 70 percent of deal value comes down to people and process. Victoria is a keynote speaker, published author, board director, and transformational executive with more than twenty years of leadership experience at major companies such as IBM and American Express. Her self-described nickname is the turtle, tough on the outside, a marshmallow on the inside. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: You'll discover why joint ventures can end without anything going wrong, how patient trust-building saved a 250 million dollar client portfolio during an acquisition streak, why only 10 percent of AI value comes from the algorithms while 70 percent comes from people and process, and why no company Victoria has seen has truly moved past proof of concept to enterprise-level AI. VICTORIA'S JOURNEY: Victoria bought her first company at age twenty, paying around ten thousand dollars for the casting agency that represented her and selling it about eighteen months later. She went on to a publicly traded corporate travel company that ended a joint venture, went public, and acquired six companies in eighteen months, with Victoria involved from due diligence through integration. She has since built and sold a natural bath and body company, published four books with a fifth arriving later this year, and now focuses on speaking, AI advisory work, and executive coaching. KEY INSIGHTS: People drive most of the value in any deal. Victoria cites a BCG finding that only 10 percent of AI value comes from the algorithms, 20 percent from data and technology, and 70 percent from people and process, a ratio she sees play out in deals everywhere. During her acquisition streak, she spent almost a year winning the trust of a woman thirty years her senior who ran a 250 million dollar client portfolio rather than restructuring her out, and that woman became one of her biggest cheerleaders. Due diligence is where deals most often go wrong, a lesson Victoria learned firsthand when a seller misrepresented a business and she had to sue. And someone must own the value after closing, which is why she built a value realization office at her last company. Her philosophy through it all comes down to choice. "I do not do things personally or professionally that don't bring me joy or value." Perfect for business owners considering their first acquisition, leaders navigating post-deal integration, and anyone interested in the people side of deal-driven growth. FOR MORE ON THIS EPISODE: https://www.coreykupfer.com/blog/victoriapelletier FOR MORE ON VICTORIA PELLETIER:www.victoria-pelletier.comhttps://youtu.be/xFpknOCFMOg FOR MORE ON COREY KUPFERhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/coreykupfer/ https://www.coreykupfer.com/ Corey Kupfer is an expert strategist, negotiator, and dealmaker. He has more than 35 years of professional deal-making and negotiating experience. Corey is a successful entrepreneur, attorney, consultant, author, and professional speaker. He is deeply passionate about deal-driven growth. He is also the creator and host of the DealQuest Podcast. Get deal-ready with the DealQuest Podcast with Corey Kupfer, where like-minded entrepreneurs and business leaders converge, share insights and challenges, and success stories. Equip yourself with the tools, resources, and support necessary to navigate the complex yet rewarding world of dealmaking. Dive into the world of deal-driven growth today! Episode Highlights with Timestamps[00:00:00] - Introduction and overview [00:02:26] - Buying the casting agency that represented her at age twenty[00:12:07] - The 250 million dollar client portfolio she almost restructured[00:21:29] - The acquisition that went poorly and ended in a lawsuit [00:39:50] - Why no one is doing AI at enterprise scale yet [00:43:08] - What freedom means to Victoria Guest BioVictoria Pelletier is a keynote speaker, published author, board director, and transformational executive with more than twenty years of leadership experience, including roles at major companies such as IBM and American Express. She has been involved in more than forty M&A transactions along with joint ventures and her own acquisitions and exits. Known for her no excuses philosophy, she helps organizations and professionals develop stronger leadership skills, build personal brands, embrace diversity and inclusion, and create lasting professional success. Her fourth book came out earlier this year and her fifth arrives later this year, covering personal branding, leadership, culture, and career transitions. Related EpisodesEpisode 293 - Sunny Vanderbeck: Long horizon value creation and building businesses that deserve to last Episode 330 - Pete Mohr: Building an exit-ready business and understanding what your company is actually worth Episode 366 - Jodi Hume: Founder decision-making and the emotional journey behind major business decisions Keywords/TagsM&A integration, joint ventures, due diligence, post-merger integration, people and process, value realization office, corporate travel company acquisitions, personal branding, leadership, no excuses philosophy, women in leadership, executive coaching, AI adoption, enterprise AI, transformational executive, deal-driven growth
Most companies think they're ahead on AI. The data says otherwise. Even the most sophisticated firms are only about 5% of the way down the journey.In this episode of the [Un]Churned Podcast, Josh Schachter sits down with Matthew Kropp, Managing Director, Senior Partner, and Chief AI Officer at BCG, who's advised roughly 400 companies' boards and executive teams on AI strategy since ChatGPT launched. They unpack why most AI adoption stalls out at "1,000 chatbots and no value," the real psychological reasons people resist using these tools, and why the smartest company isn't the one winning anymore, it's the one using AI the most.Matthew also opens up about Jessica, his personal experiment building a fully AI-run company, no human employees, agents making the decisions, himself acting only as "the governor."They also dive into:- Why 80% of engineers use AI tools, but only 5% actually use them to write code- The four real reasons people don't adopt AI, and why "identity threat" is the biggest one- Why using AI more, and more productively, is becoming the new competitive edge- Why AI-native companies have a growing allergy to middle management- Whether consulting itself is under threat, and why demand for advice isn't going anywhere while the work itself changesIf you're leading AI adoption inside your company, worried about what AI means for your role, or just want a clear-eyed look at what's actually working right now, this episode is worth your full attention.Want the playbook, not just the conversation? Subscribe for deep-dive, actionable breakdowns from every episode at unchurned.substack.com.Chapters00:00 – Intro & Backstory03:33 – Biggest Shifts In How Executives Think About AI08:32 – The Four Reasons Companies Don't Adopt AI16:20 – Marketing, Sales & Insurance's AI Transformation18:59 – Token-Based Competition & "Token Maxing"23:28 – Inside BCG's 3,000-Person Engineering Org28:42 – AI Brain Fry: The Psychological Cost30:59 – What Happens To Middle Management33:17 – Is Consulting Under Threat?39:21 – Building Jessica: A Zero-Human CompanyJosh is writing a book on building customer relationships. Follow his journey and insights at www.joshschachter.comWhere to Find the Guest:Matthew's Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kropp/Where to Find the Host:Josh's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jschachter/Unchurned Substack: https://unchurned.substack.com
Why do so many organizational change efforts fall short, even when leaders know change is necessary? In this episode, Kevin talks with Kristy Ellmer about how change actually works and why successful transformation requires more than a plan, a process, or a compelling business case. Kristy explains that leaders often confuse alignment with true agreement, and that real progress begins when teams are willing to slow down, surface disagreement, and clarify how the change will happen. She also shares that involvement alone is not enough; people need agency and ownership to commit to building something new. Kevin and Kristy discuss the role of rituals, stories, and symbols in reducing cognitive load and helping people connect emotionally with the change, as well as why leaders must "earn the take-up" rather than assume people will adopt new behaviors simply because the change makes sense. About Kristy Ellmer Kristy Ellmer is the co-author of How Change Really Works: Seven Science-Based Principles for Transforming Your Organization. She is a Managing Director and Senior Partner at BCG and a former Chief Transformation Officer, with decades of experience leading multiyear transformations inside global organizations. She leads BCG's Transformation practice and co-founded BCG's Behavioral Science Lab and specializes in translating academic research on human behavior into practical change and transformation programs that deliver sustained results. She has led over 30 transformations in 27 countries in 14 sectors from mining to retail and previously was a manager at Delta Airlines during one of the most exemplary transformations in business history. Kristy's completion of the 29029 Everesting Challenge—climbing the vertical height of Mount Everest 19 times in under 36 hours after months of disciplined training—embodies the same change principles she applies professionally: sustained commitment, deliberate design, support systems, and faith in process over motivation. Her TED Talk on navigating change with confidence has been seen by over half a million people. She has an MBA from Mercer University and a B.A. from Roanoke College. She's based in Boston. Connect with Kristy Website: https://howchangereallyworks.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristy-r-ellmer-b25b7a23/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristy_ellmer/ RESOURCES MENTIONED How Change Really Works: Seven Science-Based Principles for Transforming Your Organization by Julia Dhar, Kristy Ellmer, and Philip Jameson The Meaning of Your Life: Finding Purpose in an Age of Emptiness by Arthur C. Brooks Want help developing the leaders in your organization? Reach out to explore how the Kevin Eikenberry Group can support your team. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Why Most Organizational Change Efforts Fail 02:49 Why Kristy Ellmer Wrote "How Change Really Works" 05:29 Why Organizations Aren't Getting Better at Change 06:17 Understanding "Change Distance" 07:15 The Most Common Change Leadership Mistake 08:58 Why Leaders Should Encourage Disagreement 12:28 Moving from Employee Involvement to Ownership 15:52 How Rituals Reduce Cognitive Load During Change 18:48 Using Stories and Symbols to Reinforce Change 21:47 Why Leaders Must Earn Employee Adoption 24:24 How to Stay Persistent Through Transformation 27:41 Successful Change Starts with the Leader 28:53 What Kristy Is Reading 29:16 Where to Learn More 29:48 The Most Important Question: Now What? ---
In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing the upcoming events Clear Admit is hosting. The MBA Essay Workshop series begins this week, on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and continues Tuesday and Wednesday of next week. These events will bring together an increasing number of the top MBA programs to discuss both their written essay prompts as well as their video essays. Signups for all events are here: https://www.clearadmit.com/events Graham highlighted two admissions tips, published by Clear Admit, this week. The first focuses on how to make the most of a campus visit. The second explores identifying advocates, students, alumni and faculty, that can help provide anecdotes to candidates' applications. Clear Admit continues its Adcom Q&A series. This week Graham notes Q&As from London Business School, Florida / Warrington and Toronto / Rotman. For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected three ApplyWire entries. This week's first MBA admissions candidate is from Brazil and is a sponsored candidate with plans to return to BCG. This week's second MBA applicant is from Mexico and has an EA score of 154. We encourage them to explore taking the GRE test. The final candidate this week is from India. They have an outstanding profile, but their GMAT score is 645. We are hoping they can retake the test, while still applying in Round 1. This episode was recorded in Paris, France and Cornwall, England. It was produced and engineered by the fabulous Dennis Crowley in Philadelphia, USA. Thanks to all of you who've been joining us and please remember to rate and review this show wherever you listen!
Novartis CMO Gail Horwood joins Janet Balis, Managing Director & Senior Partner at BCG, to explore how one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies is redefining healthcare marketing.Fresh from winning two Cannes Lions, Gail shares how Novartis is proving that creativity can thrive even in one of the most heavily regulated industries. From partnering with the NFL for a Super Bowl campaign to convincing stakeholders to embrace bolder ideas, we discuss what it takes to create work that stands out while navigating complex regulations.The conversation also explores how AI is reshaping both creativity and business transformation, where marketers should focus their efforts, and why the biggest opportunity for AI isn't just efficiency, but unlocking growth.This episode has been produced in partnership with BCG. Browse their CMO Report here:https://www.bcg.com/publications/2026/making-the-agentic-marketing-transformation-a-realityTimestamps00:00 - Start00:49 - Jon's full circle moment with Norvatis01:39 - Novartis' journey to two Cannes Lions02:54 - Why more people need to walk the work04:05 - Creating surprising advertising in a heavily regulated category09:03 - Partnering with the NFL for a Super Bowl campaign10:24 - How to get your company to embrace risky work16:01 - How to get stakeholders outside of marketing onboard19:35 - The reaction to the ads after Super Bowl21:56 - How AI is being used in the service of creativity27:04 - How Novartis are using AI for creativity30:27 - How Novartis are rethinking their marketing with AI32:46 - Where AI is going to be used outside of marketing35:03 - AI for efficiency vs growth37:16 - How to deliver leadership change in the age of AI40:22 - The boring things AI will solve42:53 - What makes Gail such a good CMO44:25 - The worst way to evaluate your career success45:57 - The best advice Gail has ever received
In dieser Episode hören wir Prof. Dr. Renate Osterchrist von der Hochschule München. Sie bringt Ergebnisse aus 119 wissenschaftlichen Studien zur Wirksamkeit von Change-Interventionen mit und verglich sie mit der Practitioner-Sicht von PROSCI, McKinsey, BCG und anderen Beratungshäusern. Wir diskutieren, wie empirisch haltbar Ansätze sind wie „Sense of Urgency“ oder „70% aller Change-Projekte scheitern“. Was Kommunikation wirklich wirksam macht und wie Dialog, Framing, Zwang und klare Rollen zusammenspielen. Außerdem hören wir sechs Wirkfaktoren und welche Unterstützung Organisationen konkret brauchen, warum Co-Creation mehr ist als ein Buzzword und wie Ziele, Sponsorship und soziale Dynamiken Transformationen tragen. Renate hatte hierzu auf dem SAP Learning & Adoption Forum einen kurzen Impuls gegeben. Aufgrund des sehr guten Feedbacks freuen wir uns, nun das Thema etwas länger im Podcast beleuchten zu können. Im Blog Link unten findet ihr auch weitere Folien.LinksProf. Dr. Renate Osterchrist auf LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prof-dr-renate-osterchrist-b62a0a91/Prof Osterchrist an der HS München: https://wi.hm.edu/kontakte_de/phonebook_detailseite_6977.de.htmlArtikel mit 119 wissenschaftlichen Studien Change-management-interventions-Taking-stock-and-moving-forward.pdf: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Rouven-Kanitz-2/publication/375585860_Change_management_interventions_Taking_stock_and_moving_forward/links/65d4713083fbd35a9804d835/Change-management-interventions-Taking-stock-and-moving-forward.pdfBuch: Osterchrist, R., Clasvogt, C., Hueter, M. (2019). Wirksame Change Impulse. Stuttgart. Schaeffer-Poeschel Verlag: https://shop.schaeffer-poeschel.de/prod/wirksame-change-impulseChangeWorkout Community: https://www.changeworkout.rocks/community/AI First Podcast: https://ai-first.ai/podcastTech & Tales Podcast: https://www.talespod.com/Blog zum SAP Learning & Adoption Forum: https://community.sap.com/t5/sap-learning-adoption-business-transfomation-blog/sap-learning-and-adoption-forum-2026-zusammenfassung/ba-p/14423248
The break comes to an end (of it ever happened): ranking roster changes, free agents stocks, previewing the second season, and more in this episode of Confirmed!➡️ Follow us for updates: https://twitter.com/HLTVconfirmed
Open source AI models just hit 41% of Hugging Face downloads — and the real cost gap is 90% or more. Here's what that means for your business.The numbers moved fast this week. Chinese open-weight models now dominate downloads, the quality gap versus closed models has shrunk to 3.3%, and a new repo opens on Hugging Face every seven seconds. Half of the Fortune 500 is already running open source models in production.Isar walks through the new frontier open models Kimi K3 and DeepSeek V4, Thinking Machines Lab's first release, Satya Nadella's Token Capital essay, the new state-level AI laws in New York and Illinois, BCG's AI at Work report, and the Apple lawsuit hanging over OpenAI's hardware plans.In this session, you'll discover:Why Chinese open-weight models now account for 41% of Hugging Face downloadsHow Kimi K3 and DeepSeek V4 price against top US closed models ($15 vs $50 per million output tokens, down to 87 cents)What Satya Nadella's "Token Capital" and reverse information paradox mean for your company's dataWhat New York's data center moratorium and Illinois Senate Bill 315 change for AI companiesWhy BCG found that AI strategy beats tool access — and 72% of CEOs now own the AI decisionBCG "AI at Work: Strategy Matters More Than Tools" — the 12,000-person study covered in this episode — https://www.bcg.com/publications/2026/ai-at-work-why-strategy-matters-more-than-toolsAI 2040 "Plan A" paper — the 90-page proposal to delay superintelligence until 2040 discussed in the rapid fire — https://ai-2040.com/About Leveraging AIThe Ultimate AI Course for Business People: https://multiplai.ai/ai-course/YouTube Full Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@Multiplai_AI/Connect with Isar Meitis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isarmeitis/ Join our Live Sessions, AI Hangouts and newsletter: https://services.multiplai.ai/eventsIf you've enjoyed or benefited from some of the insights of this episode, leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform, and let us know what you learned, found helpful, or liked most about this show!
Send us Fan MailBuilding business judgment is learnable – most candidates just go about it the wrong way.Tauseef Charanya spent 10 years at BCG, conducted over 300 case interviews, and coached hundreds of candidates through the process. In this episode, he explains what business acumen actually looks like in a case interview, why work experience alone doesn't build it, and the 4 layers you need to hit to get an offer.Resources:If you're ready to work on your business acumen with an MBB coach, Black Belt is the program built to get you thereNot sure where you stand? Book a free 15-minute call with Katie and she'll help you figure out the right next stepIf you're earlier in your prep, Case Foundations is a free starting point for case prepConnect With Management ConsultedCreate a free MC account or download the MC app (Apple, Android) to start your prep todaySchedule a free 15min consultation with the MC TeamWatch the video version of the podcast on YouTubeFollow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTokJoin an upcoming live event – case interviews demos, expert panels, and more
Payments don't fail as an abstract metric. They fail for a freelancer waiting to get paid, a small business trying to accept the locally normal method, or a customer who gets told “we don't support how you pay.” That's why our conversation with Clarice Lehman, Alternative Payments Operations Lead at DLocal, keeps landing on one theme: the future of payments has to stay human, even as the industry gets more automated, embedded, and AI-driven. We start with Clarice's journey from Uruguay to fintech, including a pivotal dinner-party moment that redirected her MBA path to MIT, followed by consulting at BCG, and a return to DLocal to lead strategy and operations across alternative payment methods. We unpack what “APMs” really include (instant payments, wallets, cash-based options, BNPL operations, card-present initiatives, and crypto operations) and why delivering a consistent cross-border payments experience is hard when every market's infrastructure looks different underneath. Then we get practical about leadership and trust: why smarter systems can't mean more exclusion, what transparency should look like when AI makes decisions, and why reliability and accountability are non-negotiable when downtime or a wrong decline hits. Clarice also shares the trend she's most excited about: AI-driven credit and underwriting using alternative data, and how that can expand access to capital for consumers and SMBs that traditional credit bureaus overlook. If you care about emerging markets, payments strategy, fintech leadership, and building products that actually include people, this one is for you.
Accounts payable has produced multiple billion-dollar companies, yet its mirror image, accounts receivable, remains almost entirely manual at most enterprises despite decades of software spend. In this episode, Caitlin Leksana, co-founder and CEO of Fazeshift, explains why AR has remained unsolved and how her company's AI agents are changing that. A mechanical engineer turned BCG consultant turned founder, Caitlin came to the problem the hard way, doing her own AR by hand at a previous startup, and her outsider's view of a stubborn back-office chore is exactly what makes the conversation worth your time.What We CoveredA million AR analysts doing manual work in the USWhy accounts payable got solved and AR did notThe leverage imbalance between AP and AR departmentsThe swivel chair problem and fragmented data$200 million in unapplied cash on one balance sheetFazeshift as a context layer, not a rip-and-replaceWhy traditional SaaS and if-then logic could never scale ARThe collections, cash application, and AR inbox modulesHuman in the loop and building trust when AI touches moneyTraining agents on historical data and tribal knowledgeFrom Y Combinator to a Series A led by F-PrimeThe vision for the context layer and autonomous financeKey TakeawaysAR is the inverse of AP, and every bill is someone else's invoice, so the market is at least as large and mostly uncaptured.The real unlock is not the AI model but unifying fragmented data across the ERP, bank, CRM, and inbox into a single context layer.Human in the loop with full auditability is what earns risk-averse finance teams' trust, and it is how agents move toward full automation over time.Some of the best unsolved startup problems are the ones furthest removed from an engineer, because no one with the tools to fix them ever felt the pain.About Caitlin LeksanaCaitlin Leksana is the co-founder and CEO of Fazeshift, a San Francisco startup building AI agents for accounts receivable. She earned bachelor's and master's degrees in mechanical engineering from Georgia Tech, advised Fortune 500 companies at BCG, and earned her MBA at Harvard Business School before founding a crypto marketing startup and then Fazeshift. The company went through Y Combinator's Summer 2024 batch, raised a $4M seed led by Gradient Ventures, and announced a Series A led by F-Prime in 2026.Connect with Fintech One-on-One:Tweet me @PeterRentonConnect with me on LinkedInFind previous Fintech One-on-One episodes
Ben Keneally, BCG's Asia Pacific health care services leader, explains why AI is now many patients' first stop — often before they see a doctor. He argues that pairing AI with personal health records improves outcomes and equity, and that health leaders, not LLMs, must shape how this shift unfolds.You'll Learn:Why AI is becoming the default first step in care, especially in markets with limited access to cliniciansHow pairing AI with personal health records improves treatment compliance and catches errors earlierWhy driving AI into end-to-end care pathways takes leadership, not just frontline experimentationLearn More:BCG's Latest Thinking on the Health Care Industry: https://on.bcg.com/4w2MmPtConsumers Are Ready for AI-Enabled Health Care. Health Systems Need to Be, Too.: https://on.bcg.com/4vo2ZDXChapters (0:00) The Biggest Health Care Shift in Centuries(1:47) How Is AI Being Used in Health Care Today?(2:23) Where Is AI Adoption Highest, and What Does That Tell Us?(3:29) Does AI Create a Two-Tier Health System?(4:55) What's Next for AI Agents?(6:51) Where Are the Biggest Opportunities: Diagnosis, Navigation, or Appointments?(8:13) The Health Care System AI Could Build(9:56) Does Your Health System Need Its Own AI?(11:36) The Danger of Inaccurate Health Advice(12:53) What Role Does Trust Play?(13:52) How Are Health Care Organizations Shaping This Shift Today?(14:47) AI Alone Won't Transform Health Care(15:49) Who Is Responsible When AI Gets Health Care Wrong?(17:22) Who Owns the Patient Relationship?(18:29) Is the Shift to AI in Health Care Inevitable?(19:49) Is It AI Plus Clinicians or AI Replacing Clinicians?Meet the ExpertBen Keneally, BCG Managing Director & Partner: https://on.bcg.com/4woTTbcListen to Other Episodes of The So What from BCG podcastYouTube | https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMJgyXjV5gMI9JV-GcF_D1Y6zyf1Eab_0&si=plXqe7-YNzbG56U8Apple | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-so-what-from-bcg/id1591194141Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/2NSVR7qrAyZ4CaGsnknbBk?si=1d846c2af8784923Other platforms | https://lnk.to/so-what-general-show12Follow BCGhttps://www.bcg.com/LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/boston-consulting-groupThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
Nicole Shiman is Managing Director and Regional Head of EDENS Florida, where she oversees one of the most important open-air retail portfolios in the state and leads all new acquisition and development activity, from Fifth & Alton on South Beach to Downtown Palm Beach Gardens.She joined us over a Maestro Dobel 50 Cristalino Paloma, and the conversation went down just as smooth. We trace her path from growing up in Toronto to the Richard Ivey School of Business, consulting at BCG in Toronto, New York, and Miami, an MBA at Harvard, and deal-making at 13th Floor Investments before EDENS tapped her in 2016 to run Florida. Along the way we get into why everyone who wrote retail's obituary was wrong, how she picks the restaurants and brands she bets on, and what "enriching community through human engagement" actually means when you're underwriting a shopping center.And because nobody runs a statewide portfolio alone, we close on the person behind the deals: a proud Canadian, a mom of three, and someone who still believes a great shopping center should feel like the center of a neighborhood.Pour yourself a Paloma and settle in. This one's a fun one.Connect with usWant to dive deeper into Miami's commercial real estate scene?
Executive coach Pooja Venkatraman (Harvard College, Harvard MBA, ex-BCG, ex-Capital One) explains why burnout has almost nothing to do with how many hours you work, and everything to do with the mental soundtrack running while you work. She breaks down the two flavors of burnout high achievers miss, why "just quit" is bad advice, and the framework she uses to help Ivy League grads and operators get unstuck. For founders, VCs, and operators across Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, and Malaysia, this is a candid look at building a career that feels as good on the inside as it looks on the outside: navigating career pivots, imposter syndrome, and high-pressure decisions without burning out. Pooja also shares her non-linear path from aspiring screenwriter to coach, and why every move was a hypothesis worth testing. Learn more about Pooja: https://poojavcoaching.com/ Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/pooja-venkatraman-burnout-fear-flow BRAVE is Southeast Asia's leading tech podcast, hosted by Jeremy Au. Honest conversations with the region's top founders, investors, and operators on building startups in Southeast Asia. New episodes every week. Subscribe so you never miss one. Listen & Subscribe YouTube (English), YouTube (Bahasa Indonesia), Spotify (English), Spotify (Bahasa Indonesia), Spotify (Chinese), Spotify (Vietnamese), Apple Podcasts Follow BRAVE LinkedIn, X (Twitter), Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp Follow Jeremy Au LinkedIn, X / Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Threads, Twitch Resources Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com #Burnout #CareerCoaching #ExecutiveCoaching #SoutheastAsia #Podcast #TechCareers #Leadership #Founders #HighAchievers #CareerChange #MentalHealth 00:00 The biggest misconception about burnout 00:39 Intro: from HBS classmates to executive coach 03:35 The writer years: Harry Potter to Harvardwood 08:22 Pivot to business: Capital One and the secret writing job 10:28 HBS, BCG, and the hypothesis that broke 13:12 The Clay Christensen fellowship and the shelved book 17:44 Back to Capital One: "You're not being brave" 23:44 The circular career and the wrapping paper trap 28:56 Hiring a coach, then becoming one 35:17 Burnout is not about the hours 38:44 Why not just quit? The internal tug of war 42:05 Being brave, advice to her younger self, and takeaways
開會時大家頻頻點頭、高喊同意,讓人以為共識一致,準備大刀闊斧帶領公司轉型變革? 國際權威顧問公司 BCG 研究指出:全球高達 7 成的企業變革最終都以失敗收場! 30 年來失敗率居高不下,核心致命傷就在於「假共識(False Alignment)」。
In this episode, Mark Abraham, Managing Director and Senior Partner at BCG, joins Elke Karskens, Head of International Marketing at OpenAI to explore how AI is already transforming marketing and what's coming next. We discuss OpenAI's remarkable growth, the launch of its first advertising campaign, and how marketers can prepare for a future where AI is embedded across every function.The conversation covers how brands can increase their visibility in ChatGPT, the opportunities created by tools like Codex, the skills tomorrow's CMOs will need, and why the real value of AI isn't just efficiency, it's effectiveness.This episode has been produced in partnership with BCG. Browse their CMO Report here:https://www.bcg.com/publications/2026/making-the-agentic-marketing-transformation-a-realityTimestamps00:00 - Start01:16 - Open AI's meteoric rise02:07 - Breakthrough moments for OpenAI03:04 - How have Open AI scaled so quickly04:49 - What will be led by humans and what will be led by AI in 5 years06:09 - Open AI's impressive first ad campaign08:32 - Launch of the Open AI advertising platform13:01 - How brands can rank in ChatGPT14:44 - How brands can use Codex17:44 - How do CMOs feel about AI19:34 - How do you deliver transformation with AI20:55 - What skillsets are going to be in demand for the future CMO23:29 - Which brands are using AI well today24:52 - What can we do with AI in a year from now we can't do today?29:45 - Why BCG and Open AI work together30:53 - What don't people understand about AI?35:11 - Efficiency and cost savings vs effectiveness in AI38:15 - Best advice you've ever been given
Send us Fan MailThis episode is presented by Bates White, one of the world's top economic consulting firms. If you're an undergraduate rising junior (Class of 2028), Bates White internship applications open in August. Learn more.Consulting firms are moving towards non-traditional cases. They want to see if you can think, not just if you've memorized a framework. This one is a BCG-style case built around two universities launching a joint degree from zero. Ex-BCG coach Yusuf Shaikh runs candidate Wasif through it live – the structure, the math behind a 240-student enrollment target, and the real-time correction when the numbers had no framework behind them.Wasif had the right answer and still lost the case on structure. Yusuf explains why – and what to do differently.Coaching:Black Belt is how you get a dedicated coach, a personalized prep plan, and coaching from experts like Yusuf who know what MBB is looking forBook a free 15-minute call with Katie to discuss your optionsResources:Create a free account and get access to our Case Foundations course, market research, and job board – no credit card requiredConnect With Management ConsultedCreate a free MC account or download the MC app (Apple, Android) to start your prep todaySchedule a free 15min consultation with the MC TeamWatch the video version of the podcast on YouTubeFollow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTokJoin an upcoming live event – case interviews demos, expert panels, and more
Qahir Dhanani is a Managing Director and Partner at Boston Consulting Group, where he leads engagements with multilateral and international financial institutions, as well as with donor and philanthropic agencies. Prior to joining BCG, Qahir held senior positions at the World Bank, including Advisor to the CEO, and began his career at the Aga Khan Development Network. Born in Kenya and raised in Canada, Qahir brings a deeply international perspective to his work on development finance, institutional reform, and global governance. He joined us for this conversation in a personal capacity. We open by exploring Qahir's personal journey into the world of multilateralism, shaped by his family's move from Kenya to Canada at the dawn of the first Gulf War. From there, we ask Qahir to define multilateralism beyond the summits and headlines, and he makes the case that international cooperation quietly underpins the mundane parts of everyday life - from telecommunications to air travel. We trace the evolution of multilateral institutions across decades of geopolitical change & discuss why today's talk of institutional gridlock echoes tensions the system has weathered before, from the Cold War to the end of globalization's heyday.The conversation turns to the concept of "variable geometry" and the growing role of coalitions of small & middle powers in tackling shared challenges, from digital governance to AI regulation. We explore Qahir's co-authored article in Devex on the priorities facing the incoming UN Secretary-General, discussing the difference between acting as a custodian versus an architect of the institution, and what it will take to rebuild trust with citizens, politicians, and UN staff alike. Qahir also shares a memorable analogy about institutional "salamander rules" to explain how bureaucratic processes calcify over time and how AI could help institutions become faster & leaner without abandoning the safeguards that matter. We close by discussing how the private sector's relationship with multilateral institutions is shifting from transactional to collaborative, and why the next wave of innovation and investment opportunity lies in Africa.*****Qahir DhananiBCG: https://www.bcg.com/about/people/experts/qahir-dhanani LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/qahir *****Mihaela Carstei, Paul M. Bisca, & Johan Bjurman Bergman co-host F-World: The Fragility Podcast. X: https://x.com/fworldpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fworldpodcast/Website: https://f-world.orgMusic:"Tornado" by Wintergatan. This track can be downloaded for free at www.wintergatan.net. Video editing by: Alex Mitran - Facebook (facebook.com/alexmmitran), X (x.com/alexmmitran),or LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/alexmmitran)EPISODE RESOURCES:Qahir Dhanani, Jim Larson, “Thenext UN chief must architect a new era of multilateralism,” DEVEX, March 11, 2026https://www.devex.com/news/the-next-un-chief-must-architect-a-new-era-of-multilateralism-112027TIMESTAMPS:00:00:00 Intro00:01:20 Qahir's background00:03:45 What is multilateralism & what has it brought us?00:08:07 Responding to the critique that multilateral institutions are stuck in the past00:12:42 Is globalization the driving force of multilateralism: Variable geometry and coalitions00:14:54 The cost of systemic fragmentation00:17:45 Sovereignty vs. shared benefit – the case for mini-lateral cooperation00:21:09 Digital sovereignty & the case for global AI governance00:25:22 Custodian vs. architect: what the next UN Secretary General must be00:29:30 Reform, modernization, & representation – the challenges ahead00:34:58 Rebuilding trust & cutting through institutional bureaucracy00:40:21 Using AI to streamline institutions without cutting corners00:43:07 What does the private sector want from multilateral reform?00:48:14 Public-private partnership in practice00:51:01 Innovation & investment opportunities beyond Europe and the US00:55:05 Advice for the next UN Secretary-General
In this episode, Madelyn O'Farrell talks with Mike Matson, Co-Founder and CEO of Birch Geothermal, about his journey from the US Navy and academia through oil and gas, carbon capture, and consulting at BCG to founding Birch. They unpack what Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) are, why Birch is “rooted in speed,” and how geothermal can scale quickly to meet soaring power demand from data centers and AI infrastructure. Mike explains geothermal's rare bipartisan appeal, the strong market signal from Fervo's recent IPO, and how 80–90% of oil and gas subsurface skills transfer directly into geothermal. They also explore what must go right for geothermal to move from a rounding error to a meaningful share of the US power mix over the next decade, and where the biggest “picks and shovels” investment opportunities lie across drilling, subsurface design, monitoring, and modular power systems. Highlights from their conversation include: Mike's Journey from Navy Service to Academia and Teaching (0:41) Midlife Rowing Expedition and Move into Drilling Operations (2:55) Shift from Oil and Gas to Carbon Capture and Clean Energy (3:42) Joining BCG and Discovering a Thesis Around Geothermal (4:31) Why Geothermal Has Unique Bipartisan Support in Politics (6:08) Market Signal from Fervo's Landmark IPO and Debt Financing (10:36) Why the Mountain West Is Ground Zero for Early EGS Projects (13:55) How Oil and Gas Skills Transfer 80–90% into Geothermal Roles (16:27) Birch's Thesis: Scaling Geothermal without a Green Premium (19:55) AI, Data Centers, and the 10-Year Outlook for Geothermal in the US Mix (23:19) Picks and Shovels Opportunities Across Drilling, Subsurface, and ORC Systems (25:51) Final Thoughts and Takeaways (29:37) Dynamo Ventures is a venture firm backing founders upgrading the physical economy. As intelligence moves into critical infrastructure and technology collides with physics, industry is entering a new era of transformation - the industrial renaissance. Born from the dirt and grit of supply chains and shaped by operations, not spreadsheets, Dynamo focuses on the complex realities of building in the real world. We invest in companies transforming infrastructure, manufacturing, logistics, transportation, and the systems that power global commerce. Dynamo works closely with founders who combine ambition with a bias to action, bringing a builder mindset to venture capital through deep operational insight, systematic pressure-testing and hands-on partnership. Our purpose is simple: to back the relentless shaping the industrial renaissance. Learn more at www.dynamo.vc. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Rostermania or not so much? Breaking down all the biggest changes so far in Aurora, FaZe, G2, HEROIC, FUT, BCG and more!➡️ Follow us for updates: https://twitter.com/HLTVconfirmed
Send us Fan MailBCG's HireQuotient Online Assessment is the Online Case – same test, new platform.Katie – MC's Black Belt Advisor and ex-BCG – breaks down what's on it, how it's scored, and the thing that fails candidates outright.We walk through a live demo so you can see the mechanics before BCG sends you the real thing. Finish in time, prioritize fast, rule things out. And when you get to the final video rec – you get one shot. Whatever's recorded when the clock hits zero goes to BCG.Resources:If you want chatbot cases to practice before BCG sends you the real thing – plus a coach to build your full prep plan – Black Belt is for youNew to case prep? Case Foundations is free and gets you started on the right footNot sure if your BCG profile is competitive? 15 minutes with Katie will tell you exactly where you standConnect With Management ConsultedCreate a free MC account or download the MC app (Apple, Android) to start your prep todaySchedule a free 15min consultation with the MC TeamWatch the video version of the podcast on YouTubeFollow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTokJoin an upcoming live event – case interviews demos, expert panels, and more
In this episode, Josh Spanier from Google and Lauren Wiener from BCG join us to discuss how AI is transforming marketing, organisations, and the role of the CMO. From navigating the AI hype cycle to building the right culture for change, they share practical advice for leaders trying to turn AI from a buzzword into a genuine competitive advantage.We also explore the future skills marketers will need, the changing role of agencies, why marketing should lead AI transformation, and where the industry is likely to be just 12 months from now.This episode has been produced in partnership with BCG. Browse their CMO Report here:https://www.bcg.com/publications/2026/making-the-agentic-marketing-transformation-a-realityTimestamps00:00 - Start01:52 - Where are we in the AI hype cycle04:48 - How are Google seeing AI impact businesses06:50 - The difference between the CMOs who are getting it right and wrong09:05 - The future of marketing in the age of AI10:48 - The skills of the future CMO16:41 - Why marketing needs to drive the change19:18 - Positive examples of AI24:01 - How do organisations make the change27:02 - When AI campaigns don't go so well29:11 - How AI data will transform marketing30:13 - Dealing with higher expectations but less resource35:25 - The culture to enable successful AI transformation36:55 - The role of agencies in an AI world38:50 - AI predictions in 12 months40:23 - The best advice you've ever been given41:52 - Where will marketing be in 12 months
Governments are racing to deploy AI. Most have the foundations, but struggle to translate them into faster, smarter execution without losing public trust. BCG's Miguel Carrasco and Daniel Selikowitz break down what separates the countries getting this right from those still stuck — and what every leader can take from their example.You'll Learn:Why AI governance frameworks are quietly becoming the biggest barrier to AI deploymentHow to tell the difference between necessary caution and unnecessary bureaucracyHow and why some countries are already getting AI governance rightLearn More:Trust Imperative 5.0: https://on.bcg.com/3QO3fOmBCG's Latest Thinking in Public Sector: https://on.bcg.com/4f69kisMeet the ExpertsMiguel Carrasco, BCG Managing Director & Senior Partner: https://on.bcg.com/4gGH8UzDaniel Selikowitz, Managing Director & Partner: https://on.bcg.com/4oMRKTYWatch The So What from BCG on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMJgyXjV5gMI9JV-GcF_D1Y6zyf1Eab_0Chapters(0:00) AI Is Already in Government. Here's Where You'll Find It.(3:12) Public vs. Private: Why the Stakes Are Different(4:40) What Leaders Are Saying Across Industries(6:15) What Role Does Fear Play in AI Adoption?(8:14) Inside Governments Deploying AI(9:55) How Are Governments Governing AI?(11:56) How Do Countries Compare on AI Adoption?(13:37) Useful Caution Vs. Unnecessary Bureaucracy in AI Implementation(15:42) Who Is Keeping Pace with AI Innovation?(16:46) What Private Sector Leaders Can Learn from Governments(19:34) What Should Leaders Do Now?This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
Send us Fan MailBruno had every disadvantage on paper: international student, non-target school, three internships that didn't add up to one clear story.He didn't let it hold him back, landing a full-time offer at BCG.In this episode of Recruiting Reality Check, Katie – MC's Black Belt Advisor – breaks down what got Bruno there. Spoiler: it wasn't more cases. It was a plan he stuck to even when it felt too "boring" to work. Turns out, unsexy habits get results.We cover:Why stacking cases with peers doesn't fix a weak strategyHow Bruno turned a shared home country into 3 real referralsThe unsexy habit Katie tells every candidate to copyResources:If you're stacking cases and still not landing offers, Black Belt fixes the approach, not just the repsNot sure your profile is competitive for MBB? 15 minutes with Katie will tell you where you standYour free MC account unlocks Case Foundations and the same tools Bruno used to build his planConnect With Management ConsultedCreate a free MC account or download the MC app (Apple, Android) to start your prep todaySchedule a free 15min consultation with the MC TeamWatch the video version of the podcast on YouTubeFollow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTokJoin an upcoming live event – case interviews demos, expert panels, and more
With more than three decades at the forefront of cybersecurity strategy, Matthew Rosenquist has helped organizations navigate some of the most significant technological shifts of our time. As part of our ongoing Cyber Crime Series, he joins us to discuss the evolving cyber threat landscape and what compliance leaders need to be preparing for in 2026.In this episode, Matthew explains why yesterday's playbook may not be enough to tackle tomorrow's cyber risks. He shares his perspective on the trends and threats that are likely to shape the year ahead, why attackers continue to hold a structural advantage over defenders, and how the growing influence of nation-state actors is changing the nature of cyber risk.From emerging technologies to shifting threat dynamics, this conversation offers valuable insights into what organizations should be watching closely, and what compliance leaders can do now to stay ahead.About the Show:BCG on Compliance is a podcast from Boston Consulting Group that explores today's most pressing criminal trends and how compliance experts are adapting to counter those threats.As financial crimes become increasingly sophisticated, compliance can no longer be just a checkbox. It's emerged as a transformative force in every industry, reshaping practices in ethics, risk management, money laundering and cyber security.On BCG on Compliance, we dive deep into the extraordinary minds that are driving that change.Hosted by Hanjo Seibert, a leading expert in compliance, anti-financial crime and fraud, BCG on Compliance features interviews with heavy-hitters propelling compliance to the forefront of the industry. From crime prevention gurus to ethics champions, we'll ask provocative questions and bring you rich insights from the global players shaping the future of compliance, all in a dynamic and compact 20-minute episode.Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to the field, BCG on Compliance is your quick, comprehensive guide. Join us as we explore the profound ways compliance is altering industries around the globe. And connect with us at bcgoncompliance@bcg.comNew episodes are released monthly. You can also find BCG on Compliance on YouTube.Show Links:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/bcg-on-compliance/id1716794444Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4FGicZ2zYT1Q73ixPiyMnz?si=2b38cf3a1481496aAmazon: https://music.amazon.ca/podcasts/afae4e59-4f6d-49d7-b8ab-91517a8dd9d0/bcg-on-compliancePlayerFM: https://player.fm/series/series-3529285Episode Links:Hanjo Seibert LinkedInBCG websiteMatthew Rosenquist
Episode summary: In this episode of Insights Unlocked, Nathan Isaacs sits down with Robyn Bolton, founder of Mile Zero and author of Unlocking Innovation: A Leader's Guide to Turning Bold Ideas into Tangible Results, to explore why innovation fails so often inside successful companies—and what leaders can do about it. Drawing on her experience at P&G, BCG, and Innosight (Clayton Christensen's firm), Robyn shares the frameworks, mindset shifts, and leadership behaviors that separate real innovation from the illusion of it. Robyn makes the case that innovation isn't an idea problem—it's a leadership problem. She dives into how to set the right conditions before any brainstorming begins, why "innovation theater" breeds cynicism rather than creativity, and how customer insights are the most underutilized asset in most organizations. She also weighs in on AI: what separates the companies genuinely benefiting from it versus those just chasing the next shiny object. You'll learn: Why innovation is a leadership problem, not an idea problem How to define a "growth gap" before you ever go to the whiteboard What "innovation theater" looks like and why it backfires Why customer insights are everyone's job—not just the research team's How to build a culture of innovation (and why it takes years, not events) What separates companies getting real value from AI from those just experimenting A practical "George Costanza" leadership habit you can try this week Innovation starts with leadership, not ideas Robyn Bolton has spent her career helping large, successful companies do something that doesn't come naturally to them: innovate. From launching Swiffer at P&G to working with companies like Medtronic, Nike, and Sanofi, she's seen firsthand what makes innovation work—and what kills it. Her core argument is simple but counterintuitive: innovation doesn't fail because companies run out of ideas. It fails because leaders don't create the conditions for those ideas to survive. Culture, she says, is "the perception of what matters, as evidenced by the actions of executives." If you want a culture of innovation, you have to invest in it consistently for years—not just run an annual hackathon and hope for the best. Customer insights are everyone's job Few topics generate more conviction from Robyn than customer insights. She believes deeply that understanding customers—not just gathering data about them—is a responsibility that belongs to everyone in an organization, including executives. Her prescription is simple: get out of the office, be present with customers in their actual environment, and have the humility to listen rather than explain. Too many "insight sessions" turn into selling sessions, she notes. Real discovery means asking open-ended questions and resisting the urge to justify why the product works the way it does. She shared a vivid example: while working with a medical device company, she and the president of the business unit watched video footage of patients using their products. Within ten minutes, R&D team members were shouting at the screen—convinced the patients were doing it wrong. "They're not wrong," Robyn said. "They're teaching us." Resources & links Robyn's website, Mile Zero (https://www.milezero.io/) Robyn's book, Unlocking Innovation (https://www.amazon.com/Unlocking-Innovation-Leaders-Turning-Tangible/dp/1774585618) Robyn's personal website (https://robynmbolton.com/) Robyn on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynmbolton/) Nathan Isaacs on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanisaacs/) Learn more about Insights Unlocked: https://www.usertesting.com/podcast
A PE bankruptcy specialist and BCG partner walk into a bar...Just kidding, they walked into HBR... and they're trying to sell you a framework!Product Manager Brian Orlando and Enterprise Business Agility Leader Om Patel dissect the April HBR piece arguing that "consensus decision-making doesn't work in the AI era." By the end, you'll spot the sales funnel dressed as thought leadership, understand who profits from "autonomous scrum," and (hopefully) never read a management article the same way again.Listen or Watch as we discuss and debate:• Why the OVIS framework is RACI in a trench coat• How the authors' try to undermine building consensus• What "autonomous scrum" is (it's just scrum)• The fiduciary duty argument• A Peacetime/Wartime CEO concept lifted without attribution• Questions to ask whenever an HBR article recommends a specific consulting firm's methodologyHBR: Decision-Making by Consensus Doesn't Work in the AI Era (Rosenthal/Zuckerman, 2026-04-07)https://hbr.org/2026/04/decision-making-by-consensus-doesnt-work-in-the-ai-era#DecisionMaking #ManagementConsulting #CorporateGovernanceHarvard Business Review, Saybrook Capital, Boston Consulting Group, United Airlines bankruptcy 2002-2006, The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz, Working Backwards by Colin Bryar and Bill Carr, RACI matrix, Jeff Bezos, Marty CaganLINKSYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@arguingagileSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/362QvYORmtZRKAeTAE57v3Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/agile-podcast/id1568557596INTRO MUSICToronto Is My BeatBy Whitewolf (Source: https://ccmixter.org/files/whitewolf225/60181)CC BY 4.0 DEED (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.en)
For this episode, let's revisit a strategy skills classic interview with the coauthor of the book Personalized: Customer Strategy in the Age of AI, Mark Abraham. In this episode, we explore the rise of personalization through digital tools and AI, and how companies and organizations are leveraging it to build connections and engage with their customers. We discuss companies that excel in this area, such as Starbucks with its personalization engine, and Spotify with its tailored music recommendations. Personalization is not just about data; it's also about responding effectively to customer insights, enhancing customer experiences, and driving growth. Mark Abraham is a senior partner at BCG and the founder of the firm's Personalization business, which he has built into a global team of more than 1,000 agile marketers, data scientists, engineers, and martech experts. He and his team have accelerated the personalization efforts of more than a hundred iconic brands (including Starbucks, The Home Depot, and Google) and built some of BCG's largest ventures and AI platforms, including Fabriq by BCG for personalization. Currently, Mark leads BCG's North American Marketing, Sales & Pricing practice and is reenergizing the growth and development of talent in what is one of the firm's largest regional practices. Get Mark's book here: https://shorturl.at/Qj6Ys Personalized: Customer Strategy in the Age of AI Claim your free gift: Free gift #1 McKinsey & BCG winning resume www.FIRMSconsulting.com/resumePDF Free gift #2 Breakthrough Decisions Guide with 25 AI Prompts www.FIRMSconsulting.com/decisions Free gift #3 Five Reasons Why People Ignore Somebody www.FIRMSconsulting.com/owntheroom Free gift #4 Access episode 1 from Build a Consulting Firm, Level 1 www.FIRMSconsulting.com/build Free gift #5 The Overall Approach used in well-managed strategy studies www.FIRMSconsulting.com/OverallApproach Free gift #6 Get a copy of Nine Leaders in Action, a book we co-authored with some of our clients: www.FIRMSconsulting.com/gift
Welcome to this episode of Oncology Brothers, where we dived into the latest advancements in GU malignancies! We welcomed esteemed guests Dr. Brian Rini and Dr. Thomas Powles, both GU medical oncologists and co-hosts of the Uromigos podcast. In this episode, we discussed key studies presented at ASCO 2026 that are set to change clinical practice in prostate, kidney and bladder cancer, and recent FDA approvals in the GU space: PROTEUS: trial comparing ADT monotherapy to apalutamide plus ADT in high-risk localized prostate cancer. We explored its findings, implications, and the ongoing debate surrounding its control arm. TALAPRO-3 Study: impact of PARP inhibitors combined with enzalutamide in metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer with homologous recombination repair (HRR) mutations. We discussed the nuances of HRR mutations and their clinical significance. CAPITELLO-281: insights into the recent approval of this AKT inhibitor for metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer with PTEN loss, based on the CAPItello-281 study. EV-302 update: combination of EV-pembrolizumab still maintains the doubling of survival benefit with longterm follow up. POTOMAC: durvalumab + BCG induction therapy for high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) could be a choice for a selected patient population. LITESPARK-022: The new approval of belzutifan with pembrolizumab in the adjuvant setting, discussing its efficacy and the importance of patient selection. Listen us on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/31BXhY9FM4gPWG10WgE11o ' Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/oncology-brothers-practice-changing-cancer-discussions/id1653340966 Follow us on social media: X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/oncbrothers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oncbrothers Website: https://oncbrothers.com/ Throughout the episode, we emphasized the importance of balancing treatment benefits with potential adverse events, as well as the need for shared decision-making in clinical practice. #GUOncology, #ASCO2026, #ProstateCancer, #BladderCancer, #RenalCellCarcinoma, #OncologyBrothers
Enterprise XR hasn't disappeared, it has quietly moved into places where it saves time, reduces errors and changes how people work every day. On this episode of the AI XR Podcast, Charlie Fink and Rony Abovitz talk with Boston Consulting Group partner Kristi Woolsey, who leads BCG's immersive practice, about how XR plus AI is already being used for training, maintenance, onboarding, retail and architecture inside some of the world's most conservative organizations.Kristi shares a Swiss Rail project where field technicians wear lightweight AR glasses that recognize who they are and which train car they are standing in front of, pull the correct procedures from internal systems and use AI to turn thick manuals into simple task checklists.She explains how this leads to double-digit efficiency gains for both experienced and new workers, and how a small behavior design choice – automatic logging for headset users versus manual end-of-shift paperwork for everyone else – helped overcome skepticism on the front line. Drawing on her background as a physical-space architect, she also describes how VR and rapidly improving 3D tools are changing the way companies design stores, offices and buildings before anything physical is built.AI XR News you should know, Charlie and Rony cover Anthropic's massive new funding round and ethics turbulence, Chinese generative video tools like Seed Dance 2 and Kling that put TV-quality visuals in reach of “garage Spielbergs,” and Meta's reported seven million Ray-Ban and Oakley AI smart glasses sold – early signals of where wearable AI and XR are really headed.Key Moments01:03 – Anthropic's huge raise and what the ethics departure might signal05:08 – Seed Dance 2 and Kling showcase a new level of generative video08:35 – Meta's seven million smart glasses and the reality behind that number12:10 – Why wearable AI may be the real “last mile” of turning us into cyborgs15:28 – Inside the early metaverse tours Kristi and Rony built for enterprises20:27 – How BCG's VR onboarding keeps new hires engaged months before day one23:30 – Swiss Rail's AR and AI maintenance assistant and what it actually does on site27:05 – Designing XR systems that give value to both the business and frontline workers30:29 – Using VR as a lab for retail and workplace behavioral strategy33:06 – How AI-generated 3D models point toward “build every space digitally first”This episode shows how “metaverse” ideas have turned into practical tools: XR plus AI is cutting training times, improving maintenance quality and letting companies experiment with spaces before they exist. Kristi's examples make it clear that the real action is in careful workflow design, not flashy avatars.This episode is brought to you by Zappar, creators of Mattercraft, the leading visual development environment for building immersive 3D web experiences for mobile, headsets and desktop. https://mattercraft.io/Mattercraft combines the power of a game engine with the flexibility of the web and now includes an AI assistant that helps you design, code and debug in real time, right in your browser. To explore what's possible with AI-powered XR on the web, start building smarter with Mattercraft from Zappar.Listen to “Enterprise XR Meets AI: How Smart Glasses, Digital Twins and Holodecks Are Quietly Changing Work – Kristi Woolsey” on the AI XR Podcast and follow the show for new episodes every week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Lots of bite-size updates in this episode. Capitello-281: capivasertib + abiraterone (+ prednisone + ADT) Adjuvant Belzutifan + Pemroblizumab is FDA approved Durvalumab approved with BCG for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer Insightful commentary: https://doi.org/10.1200/JCO-25-02670 Talquetamab + Durvaluamb - a new safety signal? Learning Oncology Companion: https://www.kelleycpharmd.com/learning-oncology-companion-oncopharm
Why does up to 10% of bladder cancer pathology change on expert review, and what does that mean for your intermediate and high-risk patients? In this episode of BackTable, Dr. Bogdana Schmidt interviews urologists Dr. Kristen Scarpato and Dr. Sunil Patel to explore the complexities of diagnosis and risk assessment in non–muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). They discuss the real-world challenges of pathology interpretation, risk-group assignment, evolving diagnostic tools, and the impact these factors have on treatment decisions and patient outcomes. --- Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app --- This podcast is supported by an educational grant from Johnson & Johnson. --- Timestamps00:00 - Introduction01:02 - Risk Stratification07:22 - Upstaging to High Risk10:06 - Calculators and Patient Education15:22 - Specific Tests Use Cases18:50 - Conflicting Biomarker Results21:36 - Adjunct Tests and Counseling24:03 - Recurrence After Chemo Next Steps27:01 - Escalation Deescalation Balance32:48 - Future Research Priorities35:43 - Biology Based Risk Stratification38:03 - Clinical Pearls and Wrap Up --- More about this episodeThe conversation highlights the heterogeneity of intermediate-risk disease, the role and importance of expert pathology over-reads, and the need to accurately document the risk category for ongoing care. They discuss selective use of urinary and genomic assays and how these tests fit alongside cystoscopy and blue light endoscopy. Practical treatment approaches are reviewed, including when to use intravesical gemcitabine or BCG, managing care during BCG shortages, and balancing escalation versus de-escalation of therapy. Additional topics include strategies for long-term surveillance, upper tract imaging, rising rates of bladder cancer in younger patients, and why thorough TURBT and strong patient-provider communication remain central to optimal management. --- Resources The Memorial Studyhttps://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/clinical-trials/19-288 The BRIDGE Studyhttps://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1501035 --- BackTable Urology is the go-to podcast for urologists, urologic oncologists, and urogynecologists. Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty.► https://www.backtable.com/app
Industry 4.0 is moving beyond factory walls and into farms, forests, and fields.David Potere, a senior tech leader in BCG's Industrial Goods and Climate Change and Sustainability practices, explores AI's move into the outdoor world. Robotics and connected systems are changing how farming and other outdoor activities get done.You'll Learn:Outdoor automation requires AI systems that can operate with constant uncertainty.Leaders should rethink long-held operating models as AI and robotics reshape how physical work gets done.The most valuable AI systems may be the ones that simplify complexity rather than add more dashboards.Learn More:David Potere: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidpotere/What 1,000 Farmers Told Us About Tech Adoption: https://on.bcg.com/4euA76VClimate-Smart Agriculture Needs a Better Yardstick: https://on.bcg.com/4ejIfH6David on the Climate Rising Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/david-potere-at-bcg-x-using-ai-satellites-in-climate/id1482781075?i=1000767537614AI Foundation Model for Extreme Weather: https://on.bcg.com/4vKiwyzChapters00:00 – How Will AI Impact Outdoor Industries?04:26 –The Challenges of Taking Tech Outside06:11– What Would a Farm That Thinks for Itself Look Like?08:27 – Is AI Rescuing Agriculture?10:55– Will AI Only Help Big Farms?14:39 – Who Owns the Data?16:16 – What Can Leaders Learn from the AI Outdoors?18:51 – Next Steps to Truly Benefit from AIThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
Send us Fan MailIsh Mawla ran a BCG case in front of a live audience. Real candidate, real pressure.The case: a solar company in an emerging market watching its revenue fall while the broader market keeps growing. Aditya has to figure out why – and what to do about it.Then Ish breaks down the whole thing – what Aditya did well and where he left points on the table.Here's what stood out:Why your framework can work against you – and the one thing most candidates build in that they shouldn'tHow to read an exhibit under time pressure without glossing over the math that's sitting right in front of youWhat it takes to brainstorm boldly when the ask is doubling revenue, not incremental growthCoaching:Want this kind of feedback on your own cases? Start with a free 15-minute call with Katie – she'll tell you where you stand and whether Black Belt is the right fitBlack Belt is how you get a dedicated advisor, a personalized prep plan, and coaching from experts like Ish who know what MBB is looking forResources:New to MC? Create a free account and get access to our Case Foundations course, market research, and job board – no credit card required.Free Consulting Prep Just Got a Whole Lot BetterCreate a free MC account for access to step-by-step learning pathways, a brand new case prep course, and more. Download the MC app to prep anywhere.Connect With Management ConsultedCreate a free MC account or download the MC app (Apple, Android) to start your prep todaySchedule a free 15min consultation with the MC TeamWatch the video version of the podcast on YouTubeFollow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTokJoin an upcoming live event – case interviews demos, expert panels, and more
Cologne Major reached playoffs: talking through the biggest stories so far (and to come!) with Monte's coach kakafu in live-with-audience special from SK Gaming headquarters in Cologne, Germany. ➡️ Follow us for updates: https://twitter.com/HLTVconfirmed
Send us Fan Mail5 people just landed offers at McKinsey, Bain, BCG, Deloitte, and L.E.K. We got them all in one room and asked them the same question: what actually worked?The real stuff – how many cases they did, how they networked, what they wish they'd done differently, and the misconceptions that almost cost them.Aisha did 50 cases her first recruiting cycle and didn't get the offer. She did 25 the second time and got it. That contrast says more than any framework guide will.You'll learn:Why quality beats volume in case prep – and what "quality" actually looks likeHow each of these 5 built their firm lists and network from scratchThe misconception every candidate walked in with (and when they figured out it was wrong)Resources:4 of the 5 panelists worked with an MC coach – learn more about Black Belt coachingNot sure if coaching is the right fit? Book a free 15-min call with Katie – she'll tell you where you standCreate a free MC account to start building your case prep foundationFree Consulting Prep Just Got a Whole Lot BetterCreate a free MC account for access to step-by-step learning pathways, a brand new case prep course, and more. Download the MC app to prep anywhere.Connect With Management ConsultedCreate a free MC account or download the MC app (Apple, Android) to start your prep todaySchedule a free 15min consultation with the MC TeamWatch the video version of the podcast on YouTubeFollow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTokJoin an upcoming live event – case interviews demos, expert panels, and more
We Like Shooting - Ep 666 This episode of We Like Shooting is brought to you by: Foxtrot Mike (Code: WLSISLIFE) C&G Holsters (Code: WLSISLIFE) Midwest Industries (Code: WLSISLIFE) Gideon Optics (Code: WLSISLIFE) Flatline Fiber Co (Code: WLS15) Otis Technology (Code: WELIKESHOOTING15) Second Call Defense Text Dear WLS or Reviews +1 743 500 2171 Public Show Titles GOA GOALS Aug 1-2 in Iowa. https://goals.goa.org/ JUNE 20th, 2026 GunCon.net Tickets on sale now. Use code AGENCY171 GEAR CHAT Note Mike 102 – foxtrot mike products CANCONTRAST(Nick) CanContrast Suppressor Comparison Tool Choose a can CanContrast is an online database and interactive comparison tool for suppressors (“cans”). It enables users to select, compare, and contrast the physical size and weight of over 500 suppressor models from dozens of brands, with automatic adjustments for mounts. The site emphasizes data-only with no sales, featuring visual representations such as ruler overlays or weight bars. TRIGGER KICKER – HOFFMAN TACTICAL Hoffman Tactical Trigger Kicker Investigating some site issues, will restock in the morning. The Trigger Kicker is an active reset mechanism that replaces the disconnector in a standard AR-15 fire control group. It is contacted by the hammer to reset the trigger, then tucks under the standard safety selector to lock the trigger in the reset position until the bolt carrier returns to battery. Manufactured from hardened 4130 alloy steel, it is designed for AR-15 rifles with standard mil-spec bolt carriers and fire control groups. BULLET POINTS GUN FIGHTS Play the best Price Is Right-style GunBroker game on the internet. BANGRANK A live cast ranking segment for anything and everything in the gun world, powered by questionable certainty, strong opinions, and audience voting. THE AGENCY BRIEF WLS IS LIFESTYLE Masters of the Universe Masters of the Universe ODYSEE NVG Mono PVS-14 Hat Clip Adapter by stankycheeseman Lets you clip a PVS-14 or similar monocular to a hat. How neat is that?? It's going to be as sturdy as the hat you select for the job. Mount is pretty solid. Peep the readme. This is a 3D-printable CAD model (available as STEP files) for a hat clip adapter designed to mount a PVS-14 night vision monocular directly to a hat or cap. It includes components such as an IPD Knuckle and J Arm for compatibility with standard PVS-14 mounting interfaces. The design enables a lightweight, non-helmet alternative for monocular NVG use. GOING BALLISTIC PEW REPORT(Savage) Aero Precision, LLC and Ballistic Advantage, LLC Court-Appointed Receivership (Pierce County Superior Court Case No. 26-2-08316-4) Aero Precision and Ballistic Advantage Enter Court-Appointed Receivership Aero Precision and Ballistic Advantage are now under court-appointed receivership following an order entered in Pierce County Superior Court in Washington State on May 5, 2026. According to a public legal notice published in the Tacoma Daily Index, the court appointed J.S. Held LLC as receiver over […] On May 5, 2026, Pierce County Superior Court in Washington State appointed J.S. Held LLC as general receiver over the assets of Aero Precision, LLC (Lakewood, WA) and Ballistic Advantage, LLC (Ocoee, FL). Creditors must submit claims to the receiver; it is currently unclear whether assets will be available for distribution to general unsecured creditors. The public notice does not disclose the underlying causes or petitioner, and no filings indicate the companies have ceased operations. AMMOLAND SHOOTING SPORTS NEWS(Savage) Wilson v. Katz: Lynchburg Circuit Court Judge Patrick Yeatts Reaffirms Injunction Blocking Virginia HB 1525 Universal Background Checks A Lynchburg judge rejected Virginia's attempt to revive universal background checks on private firearm sales, keeping the injunction against State Police enforcement in place. On June 3, 2026, Lynchburg Circuit Court Judge Patrick Yeatts denied the Virginia State Police and Attorney General's motion to dissolve his October 2025 permanent injunction. The injunction struck down Virginia's universal background check requirement for private firearm sales (originally enacted in 2020 and codified at Va. Code § 18.2-308.2:5) after finding it unconstitutional under Article I, Section 13 of the Virginia Constitution, particularly as applied to those under 21, and non-severable. The ruling came after the legislature passed and Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed HB 1525 in April 2026 with an emergency clause directing VSP to resume checks; plaintiffs including Gun Owners of America, Virginia Citizens Defense League, and individuals filed to enforce the existing injunction. YouTube DOES RAREBREED HAVE A GOVERNMENT SANCTIONED MONOPOLY?(Savage) Rare Breed Triggers v. DOJ Settlement and ATF Director Robert Cekada Congressional Testimony on Forced Reset Triggers YouTubeVideo | Does RareBreed Have a Government Sanctioned Monopoly? Today we are going to be discussing the most recent development in the RareBreed Triggers situation. Since the settlement with the Department of Justice there have been many lawsuits filed and a major discussion about the legality of other devices that are similar to the FRT-15. Recently the new director of the ATF, Robert Cekada, testified in front of congress and had some interesting things to say about Forced Reset Triggers. ALL LINKS, Join the Email List, and get discounts from the affiliates page: https://linktr.ee/vso_gun_channel #vsogunchannel #rarebreeds #atf #gunlaw #MONOPOLY The VSO Gun Channel video in the Going Ballistic series examines the DOJ settlement with Rare Breed Triggers allowing continued FRT-15 sales contingent on patent enforcement, alongside recent congressional testimony by the new ATF director (referred to as Robert Cekada or Sacuta in sources) clarifying the settlement's narrow scope to Rare Breed's specific forced reset trigger design rather than all similar devices. The discussion covers legal distinctions between rate of fire, trigger function, drop-in auto sears, and potential implications for competing forced reset trigger products. AMMOLAND SHOOTING SPORTS NEWS(Savage) United States v. DeBorba (9th Cir. 2026): Suppressors Not Protected as 'Arms' Under Second Amendment The Ninth Circuit ruled suppressors are not Second Amendment arms in United States v. DeBorba, a bad-facts illegal alien gun case that may hurt future suppressor challenges. The Ninth Circuit affirmed João Ricardo DeBorba's convictions for unlawful possession of firearms, ammunition, and an unregistered silencer under the National Firearms Act (NFA). The court held that silencers/suppressors are optional accessories or ‘accoutrements' rather than ‘arms' covered by the plain text of the Second Amendment, citing prior precedent such as Duncan v. Bonta. It further ruled the NFA's shall-issue registration and taxation regime is constitutional as DeBorba failed to show abusive enforcement. NRA BLOWS WHISTLE ON NRA FOUNDATION, FILES LAWSUIT IN COURT(Savage) National Rifle Association of America v. NRA Foundation (1:26-cv-00015, D.D.C.) The National Rifle Association filed a lawsuit against the NRA Foundation, asserting ownership of intellectual property and alleging the foundation's leadership is operating in bad faith and withholding funds. NRA CEO Doug Hamlin stated the foundation has declined to approve 2026 grant funding, jeopardizing programs like the NRA National Firearms Museum and Eddie Eagle GunSafe program. On January 5, 2026, the National Rifle Association filed suit in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia against its affiliated charitable arm, the NRA Foundation. The complaint asserts NRA ownership of trademarks and intellectual property used by the Foundation, alleges the Foundation's leadership (described as a disgruntled faction of former NRA directors) is operating in bad faith, misleading donors, withholding or misappropriating funds intended for NRA charitable programs, and attempting to break away. The suit seeks to prevent trademark infringement, unfair competition, and separation from the NRA. REVIEWS by Listener What's frustrating you most in gun culture right now? Review: Roadrunner gunner If you haver ever heard the phrase “hes got a face for radio.” Refering to someone who is ugly. Then Savage has the charisma to stand in a field like steel fucking gong. He means well but jesus christ, im a grown man with a stutter, but everytime he reads the news, i catch myself saying “T -T- T – today jr!” I never thought id say it but i wish AAron would come back, just to read the news even he couldn'tfuck that one up. Anyways the rest of you are sufficient enough that i dont regret being in the agency/cult or whatever it is now. Thanks for tickling my ear pu$$y twice a week. Review: Kyle R. from Iowa Dear WLS,Question I'm turning into a product review because I'm glad to hear about Foxtrot Mike signing on. What is the oddest, or most expensive fix you've ever done to get a trash gun running? For yourself, friend, customer, anyone. I got a Turkish 410 AR upper to play around with. Put it on a known functioning lower with their supplied modified buffer because the proprietary BCG is slightly longer. Slam fired half a magazine. Looked it over, tried a different lower with their other buffer they supplied. Slam fired 3 rounds, had an out of battery, sheared the bolt off. Sent it back. They sent me a whole new upper right around the same time I listened to the last episode you had Foxtrot Mike on. They were talking about slam firing 9mm and buffer weights. I immediately picked up a couple recoil mitigation buffers for PCCs. When the new 410 upper showed up I weighed the supplied buffers to