World's Greatest Business Thinkers
Nick Hague interviews world-renowned business experts from a range of disciplines to discuss their favourite strategies, models, frameworks, and their latest book releases on how to achieve business success.
#56: Why Cultural Intelligence Beats Trend Spotting with Grant McCracken
Special thanks to Triangle for sponsoring this episode.
Triangle's founder, Matt, is offering a complimentary one-hour strategy session for founders seeking to grow their personal brand. I can't recommend this service enough, and get in quick as there are only three remaining slots available this month!
Get in touch at matt@mattswain.com or book directly at https://www.triangle-branding.com/book-a-call
What if the future of business isn't about spotting trends, but understanding the deep cultural currents shaping them?
In this episode of World's Greatest Business Thinkers, Nick...
#55: Leadership Starts with Respect: Kim Scott on Building Better Teams
Special thanks to Triangle for sponsoring this episode. Triangle's founder, Matt, is offering a complimentary one-hour strategy session for founders seeking to grow their personal brand. I can't recommend this service enough, and get in quick as there are only three remaining slots available this month! Get in touch at matt@mattswain.com or book directly at https://www.triangle-branding.com/book-a-call
What if the feedback culture you're desperate to build is actually being blocked by bias you don't even see?
Leadership is not a choice between empathy and accountability; it demands both. In this...
#54: Beyond Profit: Andrew Winston on Why the Best Companies Create More Value Than They Take
Special thanks to Triangle for sponsoring this episode. Triangle's founder, Matt, is offering a complimentary one-hour strategy session for founders seeking to grow their personal brand. I can't recommend this service enough, and get in quick as there are only three remaining slots available this month! Get in touch at matt@mattswain.com or book directly at https://www.triangle-branding.com/book-a-call
What if the most successful companies of the future are the ones that give back more than they take?
In this episode of World's Greatest Business Thinkers, host Nick Hague sits...
#53: The Unsexy Path to Building Wealth: Nick Huber on Why Boring Businesses Beat Tech Startups
Special thanks to Triangle for sponsoring this episode. Triangle's founder, Matt, is offering a complimentary one-hour strategy session for founders seeking to grow their personal brand. I can't recommend this service enough, and get in quick as there are only three remaining slots available this month! Get in touch at matt@mattswain.com or book directly at https://www.triangle-branding.com/book-a-call
What if the biggest opportunities for building wealth aren't found in technology or venture capital, but in the overlooked businesses around you?
In this episode of World's Greatest Business Thinkers, host...
#52: 35,000 Decisions a Day: How to Get More of Them Right with Adrienne Adhami
Special thanks to Triangle for sponsoring this episode. Triangle's founder, Matt, is offering a complimentary one-hour strategy session for founders seeking to grow their personal brand. I can't recommend this service enough, and get in quick as there are only three remaining slots available this month! Get in touch at matt@mattswain.com or book directly at https://www.triangle-branding.com/book-a-call
What if the 35,000 decisions you make daily could actually align with your deepest values and drive real success?
In this episode of World's Greatest Business Thinkers, host Nick Hague sits down...
#51: How Customer Obsession Built a Sneaker Empire with Art Juedes & Rick Gering, Co-Founders of Eastbay
Special thanks to Triangle for sponsoring this episode. Triangle's founder, Matt, is offering a complimentary one-hour strategy session for founders seeking to grow their personal brand. I can't recommend this service enough, and get in quick as there are only three remaining slots available this month! Get in touch at matt@mattswain.com or book directly at https://www.triangle-branding.com/book-a-call
What if the blueprint for building a multi-million dollar business from scratch was sitting right in front of you?
In this episode of World's Greatest Business Thinkers, host Nick Hague speaks with Art...
#50: Why Unreasonable Hospitality Is The Ultimate Competitive Advantage with Will Guidara
Special thanks to Riverside for sponsoring this episode. Try Riverside Pro free for one month by visiting creators.riverside.com/NickHague and use the code "WGBT podcast".
What if hospitality wasn't just about service, but about making people feel genuinely seen?
In this episode of World's Greatest Business Thinkers, Will Guidara joins Nick Hague to explore why hospitality is one of the most practical and profitable business strategies available. Drawing from his experience transforming Eleven Madison Park into the world's best restaurant, Guidara explains the difference between service and hospitality, why making people...
#49: Train Your Mind Like a Marine for Business Success: Insights from Simon Jeffries
Special thanks to Riverside for sponsoring this episode. Try Riverside Pro free for one month by visiting creators.riverside.com/NickHague and use the code "WGBT podcast".
What if the secret to peak performance in business wasn't about working harder, but about training your mind as Marines train for combat?
In this episode of World's Greatest Business Thinkers, Nick Hague speaks with Simon Jeffries about engineering peak performance under pressure. Drawing on elite military training, Jeffries explains why consistency, not motivation, is the real driver of success. He introduces practical frameworks like the "...
#48: Why Companies Must Perform Today While Transforming for Tomorrow: Howard Yu Explains
What if the secret to thriving in the age of AI and relentless disruption isn't perfecting what you do today, but knowing what you'll need to do tomorrow?
In this episode of World's Greatest Business Thinkers, Nick Hague speaks with Howard Yu, LEGO Professor at IMD Business School, on future readiness, corporate transformation, and business innovation. Drawing on examples from NVIDIA, Intel, Yamaha, Steinway & Sons, Novartis, Walmart, and Grab, Yu explains how adopting leap strategies and scaling new capabilities drive sustainable growth and competitive advantage.
The conversation highlights practical approaches to business innovation, organizational reinvention...
#47: Cut the Noise, Keep the Signal: Fixing Work Friction with Robert Sutton
What if the biggest drain on your team's productivity isn't lack of effort, but the friction you've built into your systems?
In this episode of World's Greatest Business Thinkers, host Nick Hague speaks with Robert Sutton, Organizational Psychologist, and Professor Emeritus at Stanford, about the hidden cost of organizational friction. Robert explains how leaders can act as "friction fixers," removing bureaucratic barriers, unnecessary meetings, and email overload while preserving productive constraints that improve decision-making.
The conversation explores practical frameworks like the "subtraction game," strategies to combat performative leadership, and the importance of treating others' time...
#46: Why Culture Beats the Best Marketing Strategy: A Deep Dive with Dr. Marcus Collins
What if culture and not demographics or marketing strategies is the ultimate driver of human behavior and business success?
In this episode of World's Greatest Business Thinkers, host Nick Hague speaks with cultural scholar, best-selling author, advertising strategist, and Professor of Marketing at Michigan University, Dr. Marcus Collins. Marcus explains why culture, not demographics or tactics, is the true driver of human behavior and business success. He explores how brands grow by aligning beliefs, behaviors, and creations with the communities they serve, rather than chasing trends or forcing top-down messaging.
The conversation highlights the importance...
#45: Breaking the Bureaucratic Machine: Reinventing Organizational Management Theory with Gary Hamel
What if the organizational structures designed to scale your business are actually holding it back?
In this episode of World's Greatest Business Thinkers, host Nick Hague speaks with renowned management theorist, Visiting Professor at London School of Business, and best-selling author, Gary Hamel, about how bureaucracy in organizations undermines innovation, engagement, and performance. Hamel argues that rigid organizational structures and excessive business hierarchy drain trillions from the global economy and prevent companies from unlocking human potential.
The conversation explores how decentralization in business, team empowerment, and bold management strategy can restore organizational agility. Drawing on...
#44: From Good to World-Class: The Power of Micro Habits with Damian Hughes
What if the secret to breakthrough performance wasn't a dramatic overhaul, but a series of small, consistently applied changes?
In this episode of World's Greatest Business Thinkers, host Nick Hague speaks with Damian Hughes, author of Micro Habits, co-host of the High Performance podcast, and England rugby coach, about the power of small, consistent actions in building extraordinary results. Drawing on insights from over 500 elite performers, from Formula 1 champion Lando Norris to Michelin-starred chef Will Guidara, Hughes explains why culture, identity, and purpose outperform dramatic reinvention. He unpacks the Job-Career-Calling framework, the "Best Friend Test," and the "...
#43: The Hidden Psychology Behind Iconic Brands, with Richard Shotton
What if the secret to building world-class brands isn't about outsmarting your customers, but understanding the hidden biases that drive their decisions?
In this episode of World's Greatest Business Thinkers, host Nick Hague is joined by behavioural scientist and author of three bestsellers, Richard Shotton, to unpack why the world's most successful brands win by working with human nature, not against it. Drawing on examples from Five Guys, Snickers, Guinness, Amazon Prime, and more, Richard explains how cognitive biases like the gold dilution effect, charm pricing, and the pratfall effect quietly shape everyday decisions. The conversation reveals...
#42: Saying Yes to Opportunity with Guy Kawasaki
What if success isn't about how you get in, but what you do once you're there? And what if saying "yes" matters more than having the perfect résumé?
In this episode of World's Greatest Business Thinkers, host Nick Hague sits down with Guy Kawasaki, Chief Evangelist at Canva and former Apple evangelist, for a masterclass in career serendipity and mission-driven leadership. Drawing on five decades in Silicon Valley, Guy explains why execution beats credentials, how authentic evangelism cuts through noise, and why he once turned down a billion-dollar CEO role. From Steve Jobs' uncompromising standards to sp...
#41: Why Planning Less Can Lead to More Fulfilment with Daniel Pink
What if the career you carefully planned at 20 looks nothing like the life you're living at 50, and yet, that's actually a good thing?
In this episode of World's Greatest Business Thinkers, host Nick Hague sits down with bestselling author Daniel Pink to unpack why curiosity beats certainty, and why rigid career plans often fail us in a fast-changing world. Pink shares how autonomy, mastery, and purpose still define meaningful work in the AI age, and why paying attention to weak signals can reveal your next opportunity before it's obvious. They also delve into an unexpected topic: how...
#40: From Awareness to Advantage: Branding Lessons from David Aaker
What if everything you thought about branding was missing the real asset underneath? What if the most powerful driver of growth in your business isn't your product, your pricing, or your marketing spend?
In this episode of World's Greatest Business Thinkers, Nick Hague speaks with David Aaker, widely regarded as the father of modern branding, to unpack why brand equity and not awareness is the real strategic asset behind sustainable growth. David explains how the Five B's framework elevates branding from a cost centre to a core business discipline, why relevance beats visibility in crowded markets, and...
#39: Why Product Obsession Beats Marketing Every Time with Will Butler-Adams
What if a billion-dollar brand could be built not through hype, but through relentless craftsmanship and purpose-driven focus?
In this episode of World's Greatest Business Thinkers, Nick Hague speaks with Will Butler-Adams, CEO of Brompton Bicycles, to unpack how a quirky folding bike became a global icon. Will reveals why engineering excellence beats marketing spend, how disciplined focus fuels sustainable growth, and why manufacturing in London is a strategic advantage, not a sentimental choice. The conversation explores balancing legacy with innovation, maintaining brand integrity under pressure, and treating profit as fuel rather than the finish line. It's...
#38: Why 75% of Marketers Are Useless - And How to Join the Elite 25% with Mark Ritson
Is modern marketing broken, and are you missing the fundamental frameworks that are relevant today?
In this episode of World's Greatest Business Thinkers, host Nick Hague welcomes back Mark Ritson, founder of the Mini MBA, to unpack why marketing has regressed despite unprecedented access to data, tools, and talent. Mark breaks down the misconceptions and differences behind "strategies with long and short impact," why the 95/5 rule should guide budget allocation, and how most CMOs are dangerously undertrained. He exposes the pitfalls of discounting, the power of friction in brand positioning, and the realities of growth that many...
#37: The Secret Power of Workplace Conflict (with Amy Gallo, Global Speaker, Author, and Contributing Editor at Harvard Business Review)
Conflict isn't the enemy; it's the path to stronger relationships.
In this episode of World's Greatest Business Thinkers, host Nick Hague sits down with Amy Gallo, Global Speaker, Author, and Contributing Editor at Harvard Business Review, to explore how to handle even the most difficult colleagues. Amy reveals the eight archetypes of toxic coworkers, why emotional regulation outperforms empathy, and how psychological safety fuels high-performing teams. Discover practical tools to navigate tension, transform workplace dynamics, and turn conflict into connection. Whether you manage teams or work within one, this conversation will reshape how you see disagreement and...
#36: Unlock Creativity and Drive Innovation (with Duncan Wardle, Former Head of Innovation at Disney)
What if innovation wasn't about having more resources, but about unleashing the creativity you already possess?
In this episode of World's Greatest Business Thinkers, host Nick Hague sits down with Duncan Wardle, former Head of Innovation and Creativity at Disney, to share actionable strategies for fostering innovation in any organization. From sending Buzz Lightyear to space to transforming slum lighting with water bottles, Duncan reveals practical tools, playful mindsets, and techniques like "Yes And" and "What If" to break conventional thinking. Leaders at any level will gain insights to unlock creativity, drive collaboration, and generate breakthrough ideas.<...
#35: How to Balance Profit and Purpose (with Douglas Lamont, CEO of Tony's Chocolonely)
Short Summary:
What if your company could change the world and deliver exceptional profits?
In this episode of World's Greatest Business Thinkers, host Nick Hague speaks with Douglas Lamont, CEO of Tony's Chocolonely, about how purpose-led leadership can drive both impact and growth. Drawing from his journey leading Innocent Drinks and now Tony's global mission to end exploitation in the chocolate industry, Douglas reveals how transparency, ethical sourcing, and long-term thinking create lasting value. Listeners will learn practical strategies for scaling a mission-driven business, building an authentic culture, and proving that doing good and doing...
#34: How to Spot Epic Disruptions (with Scott Anthony, Strategic Advisor and Business School Professor)
Today I'm joined by Scott Anthony, Senior Advisor at Innosight and Professor at The Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth, for a thought provoking discussion on how epic disruptions shape industries and societies.
#33: How to Think Differently (with Roger Martin, Strategic Advisor and Award-Winning Author)
Today I'm joined by Roger Martin, named the world's #1 management thinker by Thinkers50, for an invaluable discussion on how to achieve superior management effectiveness.
#32: How to Solve Today's Wicked Problems by the Most Influential Marketer of All Time (with Philip Kotler)
Today I'm joined by Philip Kotler, distinguished marketing author, consultant and professor, for an invaluable discussion on how to solve today's wicked problems.
#31: How to Anticipate the Future (with Vikram Mansharamani, Global Generalist)
Today I'm joined by Vikram Mansharamani, Global Generalist and Trend-Watcher, for a fascinating discussion on how to anticipate the future, manage risk, and spot opportunities.
#30: How to Use Humour as Your Business Superpower (with Tom Fishburne, Marketoonist Creator and Keynote Speaker)
Today I'm joined by Tom Fishburne, Marketoonist Creator and Keynote Speaker, for a fascinating discussion on the power of humour in business and marketing.
#29: How to Change the Business World with Cybernetics (with Dan Davies, Author and Former Economist)
Today I'm joined by Dan Davies, Author and Former Economist, for a fascinating discussion on how systems, algorithms and AI are changing the world around us.
#28: How to Develop a Blindspotting Mindset (with Kirstin Ferguson, Author and Leadership Expert)
Today I'm joined by Kirstin Ferguson, Author and Leadership Expert, for a fascinating discussion on how to see what others miss.
#27: Predicting Future Company Valuations (with Dan McCarthy, Associate Professor of Marketing at the Robert H Smith School of Business)
Today I'm joined by Dan McCarthy, Associate Professor of Marketing at the Robert H Smith School of Business, for a fascinating discussion on how customer-based corporate valuations can be used to predict the future.
#26: How to Win on Purpose & Create Loyal Customers For Life (with Fred Reichheld, Bain Fellow and NY Times Best-Selling Author)
Today I'm joined by Fred Reichheld, Bain Fellow and NY Times Best-Selling Author, for a fascinating discussion on all things loyalty and CX.
#25: How to Become an Entrepreneur (with Greg Fisher, Professor of Entrepreneurship at Kelley School of Business)
Today I'm joined by Greg Fisher, Professor of Entrepreneurship at Kelley School of Business, to discuss strategies and tips on how to become a successful entrepreneur.
#24: How Brands Grow (with Jenni Romaniuk, Research Professor at Ehrenberg-Bass Institute)
Today I'm joined by Jenni Romaniuk, Research Professor at Ehrenberg-Bass Institute, for a hugely valuable discussion around evidence-based marketing and insights.
Further links:
https://www.jenniromaniuk.com/
https://business.linkedin.com/marketing-solutions/b2b-institute/how-b2b-brands-grow
https://business.linkedin.com/content/dam/me/business/en-us/marketing-solutions/resources/pdfs/byron-sharp-v1.pdf
https://business.linkedin.com/content/dam/me/business/en-us/marketing-solutions/resources/pdfs/b2b-buying-behaviour-double-jeopardy.pdf
https://business.linkedin.com/content/dam/me/business/en-us/marketing-solutions/resources/pdfs/b2b-duplication-of-purchase.pdf
#23: How to Create Mischief in the Advertising Industry (with Greg Hahn, Co-Founder & CCO of Mischief USA)
Today I'm joined by Greg Hahn, Co-Founder & CCO of Mischief USA, for an exciting discussion on how to build a brand admired around the world and how to create award-winning adverts.
#22: Advertising and the Power of Behavioural Science (with Rory Sutherland, Vice Chairman at Ogilvy UK and TED Global Speaker)
Today I'm joined by Rory Sutherland, Vice Chairman at Ogilvy UK and TED Global Speaker, for a masterclass on all things advertising and behavioural science.
#21: How to Create the Most Effective Marketing Campaigns (with Les Binet, World-Renowned Expert in Marketing Effectiveness)
Today I'm joined by Les Binet, world-renowned expert in the field of marketing effectiveness, for a fascinating discussion on how marketing and advertising really works and how to create the most effective campaigns.
#20: How to Become More Customer-Centric (with Peter Fader, Co-Founder, Author and Keynote Speaker)
Today I'm joined by Peter Fader, author, keynote speaker, and co-founder at Theta and Encompass Labs, for a fascinating discussion on how to develop your company's customer-centricity and how to be more strategic in your conversations with your CFO.
#19: Changing the World Through Brands (with Chris Baker, Author, Founder and Keynote Speaker)
Today I'm joined by Chris Baker, author of 'Obsolete: How Change Brands are Changing the World' and Founder and CEO of Serious Tissues, for a fascinating discussion on how changing the way we spend our money has the potential to change the world.
Use the code obsolete25 on the Bloomsbury website to buy a discounted copy of the book.
#18: Innovation in Marketing (with Tom Goodwin, Business Transformation Consultant)
Today I'm joined by Tom Goodwin, business transformation consultant and highly-acclaimed author and keynote speaker, for a exciting discussion on why brands are so important in today's digital age, how AI will impact the marketing sector, and how to innovate to stay competitive in the future.
#17: The Future of B2B Marketing (with Peter Weinberg and Jon Lombardo, Co-Founders of Evidenza)
Today I'm joined by Peter Weinberg and Jon Lombardo, Co-Founders of Evidenza, for a hugely valuable discussion on the future of B2B marketing and the importance of B2B brand building.
