The Geopolitics of Business

The Budget, The Bank and the AI Boom: Sir Charlie Bean Hosted by Sam Gyimah Sir Charlie Bean is one of Britain's most influential macroeconomists and central bankers, a former Chief Economist and Deputy Governor of the Bank of England he’s now emeritus professor of economics at the London School of Economics. In this episode Sir Charlie sets out the state of the UK economy ahead of Chancellor Healey's first Budget and asks how a country with sluggish growth can pay for rising demands on the state. Drawing on experience at the Bank of England, the Office for Budget Responsibility and the LSE, Sir Charlie argues that geopolitics should be built into fiscal planning via greater resilience and fiscal space for shocks and outlines the inflation risks tied to energy prices and events in the Gulf. The conversation also explores the future direction of interest rates, the credibility of central banks in an age of populism and the potential of AI for the UK economy. Host: Sam Gyimah, Founder, The Geopolitics of…

AI, advertising and global CEOs: Sir Martin Sorrell Hosted by Sam Gyimah Sir Martin Sorrell built WPP into one of the world's largest advertising conglomerates before stepping down to found S4 Capital. His model was digital-first and data-driven from day one, and eight years on the company generates roughly $1 billion in revenue. In this conversation he brings that vantage point to bear on the most pressing question facing every global business today: how do you navigate a world shaped by AI, geopolitical fragmentation, and the slow death of the business models that defined the last 40 years? Drawing on decades of operating at the intersection of commerce and politics, Sir Martin explains why AI adoption inside companies is far slower than the technology itself warrants – and why the pressure to change will intensify sharply. He argues that the traditional advertising agency model, is already obsolete: becuase AI collapses the cost and time of production, forcing a shift to output-based pricing that the…

Conflict, capital and the new rules of economic warfare: Edward Fishman Hosted by Sam Gyimah Edward Fishman is the New York Times bestselling author of Choke Points and one of the world's foremost experts on economic warfare. He served in the US State Department under President Obama, designing the landmark sanctions imposed on Russia and Iran, and has spent the last decade mapping how choke points — both geographic and economic — have become the primary instrument of power in the global order. Sam Gyimah speaks with him about what this means for businesses, investors and governments navigating a world in which the rules of economic engagement have been fundamentally rewritten. Drawing on his experience at the State Department and in subsequent research, Fishman explains why economic warfare has undergone a revolution: where imposing hard economic pain once required a naval blockade, today a single presidential signature can impose crippling pressure on any country in the world. He argues that three…

Nick Leung is the former Chairman of McKinsey's Greater China operation and Director of the McKinsey Global Institute in Hong Kong. With dual Swiss-Chinese heritage and three decades advising Chinese and multinational companies, he brings a rare inside-out perspective on the world's second-largest economy. His new book, co-authored with Joe Ngai, is The Next China is Still China — and in this conversation, he explains exactly why the title is not simply a slogan. Drawing on his experience at the centre of China's extraordinary economic transformation, Leung argues that the search for the "next China" fundamentally misunderstands the nature of China's role in the global system. Nine out of ten things made in China stay in China: the country is not simply an export platform but the world's most dynamic consumer market, and its combination of scale, supply-chain depth and brutal domestic competition has forged genuinely world-class industries in electric vehicles, pharmaceuticals and robotics. He argues that…

In this episode Mikael Björknert, CEO of PrivatBank, joins Sam to discuss what it means to run Ukraine’s largest bank during a full-scale war. As head of the country’s largest state-owned bank, Mikael offers a rare front-line perspective on how financial infrastructure, operational resilience and national security have become inseparable in wartime Ukraine. The conversation covers how wartime conditions have forced a level of speed and adaptability on the bank that outpaces many Western organisations and also examines Ukraine’s wider economic trajectory, from the rise of the drone economy and the role of international investors to PrivatBank’s eventual privatisation as part of the country’s EU accession path. Mikael reflects on the resilience of Ukrainian entrepreneurs, the bank’s work supporting veterans and why investors waiting for complete stability may find that the real opportunity has already passed. Host: Sam Gyimah, Founder and CEO of SG& Capital Partners Producers: Clare Williamson and Duncan…

In this episode, Sam Gyimah speaks with Anthony Scaramucci — founder of SkyBridge Capital, co-host of The Rest Is Politics: USA, and former White House Communications Director. Ahead of the SpaceX IPO, Anthony explores what the rise of the commercial space economy, the concentration of tech power, and the evolution of digital assets mean for business and investors. He reflects with Sam on the risks and rewards of investing in space, the state of US capitalism, and the strategic importance of the American public-private innovation model. The conversation also examines the K-shaped economy, the narrowing of the American Dream, and the growing influence of major technology platforms on markets and policy. Scaramucci also sets out his view on crypto and the role blockchain-based assets could play in the future of finance. Host: Sam Gyimah, Founder and CEO of SG& Capital Partners Producers: Clare Williamson and Duncan Williamson for TGOB Media Ltd in partnership with SG& Capital Partners Ltd. Music composed by:…

Hosted by Sam Gyimah In this episode of The Geopolitics of Business, Lord Sedwill — former Cabinet Secretary, National Security Adviser, and now Chair Rothschild & Co Saudi Arabia, examines how conflict in the Gulf is reshaping capital flows, supply chains, defence priorities and long-term business resilience. Drawing on experience at the highest levels of UK government and global finance, Lord Sedwill explains why geopolitics only becomes truly relevant to business when it hits geoeconomics. He argues that the current Gulf conflict is different from many previous geopolitical shocks because it directly affects confidence, trade routes, energy prices and inflation. The conversation explores why Gulf states are accelerating diversification away from oil, how sovereign wealth funds are shifting from exporters to importers of capital, and where reconstruction, AI infrastructure and defence innovation may create major investment opportunities. Lord Sedwill also sets out why boards need to move beyond abstract…

In this episode of The Geopolitics of Business, Professor Ngaire Woods — founder of the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford and board member of mining giant Rio Tinto — explores how the fracturing of the post-war rules-based order is forcing governments, institutions and businesses to rethink the foundations of global cooperation. Drawing on decades of experience advising governments and studying international institutions, Ngaire examines why the shift from multilateral governance to transactional power politics is creating dangerous instability — and what the rest of the world can do about it. She discusses the structural strain on international institutions, the limits of deal-by-deal diplomacy, and whether order is possible without American leadership. Ngaire examines the race for critical minerals, the rise of state capitalism, and what it means for companies to earn a popular licence to operate in an era of political volatility. She argues that the countries and businesses best…

In this episode of The Geopolitics of Business, Stephanie Flanders, Head of Economics and Government at Bloomberg, explores how the shift from globalisation to systemic geopolitical competition is reshaping markets, economic policy and corporate strategy. Drawing on decades of experience analysing financial crises, political shocks and global macro trends, Stephanie explains why politics has become the dominant economic risk — and why markets may be underestimating the long-term consequences of fragmentation. She discusses the breakdown of the post-war rules-based order, the transactional approach of major powers, and the strategic dilemmas facing so-called “middle powers” such as the UK. Stephanie examines the tension between resilience and efficiency, the impact of AI investment on market stability, the risks of low growth in the UK, and the rise of populism as both a political and economic force. She argues that in a world where deals are temporary and alliances fluid, leaders must prioritise strategic…

Resilience Over Efficiency. Investing in a Fragmented World: Dr Helen Belopolsky Hosted by Sam Gyimah In this episode of The Geopolitics of Business, Dr Helen Belopolsky, Head of Geopolitical Research at Deutsche Bank, explores how the collapse of the rules-based order is reshaping markets, investment strategy and corporate decision-making. Drawing on her experience across government, national security, military operations and global finance, Helen explains why geopolitics can no longer be treated as background noise, and why boards must build real strategic capability to operate in a permanently unstable world. She discusses the transition from globalisation to systemic geopolitical competition, the expansion of what she calls the “geopolitics of everything”, and why technology, data, defence, trade routes and supply chains have become core arenas of strategic rivalry. Helen also examines the risks and opportunities facing Europe, the future of AI and data sovereignty, the politicisation of critical…

NATO, Private Capital & Innovation: Professor Dame Fiona Murray Hosted by Sam Gyimah In this episode of the Geopolitics of Business, Professor Dame Fiona Murray, discusses how technology and innovation can drive economic and defence strategies. As the chair of the NATO Innovation Fund, she emphasises building strong innovation ecosystems among NATO allies to maintain competitiveness. Fiona also reflects on her academic journey from Oxford University to her current roles as Associate Dean of Innovation and the William Porter Professor of Entrepreneurship at the MIT. She highlights the importance of universities in powering economies and solving real-world problems. She also discusses with Sam the role of venture capital in defence, the importance of sovereignty in supply chains, and the evolving skills that future entrepreneurs will need to navigate geopolitical complexities. Host: Sam Gyimah, Founder and CEO of SG& Capital Partners Producers: Clare Williamson and Duncan Williamson for TGOB Media Ltd in…

In this episode of the Geopolitics of Business, Sam sits down with Dr Adam S. Posen, President of the Peterson Institute for International Economics and one of the world’s leading macroeconomists, for a sweeping conversation about the shifting global economic order and what it means for businesses, governments and investors. Adam shares his views about the real-world consequences of Donald Trump’s tariff shock, why US inflation and interest rates are likely to remain structurally higher, and how a politicised Federal Reserve threatens financial stability. He also unpacks the decentring of the US dollar, the future of AI investment, and what slowing Chinese growth really means for the global economy. Adam offers candid, direct advice for CEOs navigating a more volatile, politicised, and fragmented economic landscape. Host: Sam Gyimah, Founder and CEO of SG& Capital Partners Producers: Clare Williamson and Duncan Williamson for TGOB Media Ltd in partnership with SG& Capital Partners Ltd. Music composed by…

In this episode of the Geopolitics of Business, Sam sits down with Sir Anthony Seldon, one of the UK’s pre-eminent historians and political biographers to talk about power and leadership and what history can tell us about the future for the current Labour administration. Sam and Sir Anthony discuss the historical and current challenges facing the UK, the rise of populism and the potential impact of Nigel Farage and Reform. He emphasises the importance of a clear vision, competence, and ethical core in the leadership, touching on Brexit, the future of UK's relationship with the EU, and the shifting dynamics in political and business environments. And as a former head and Founding Director of Wellington College Education, Sam also hears Sir Anthony’s views on our schools, universities and the impact of AI on teaching young people. Host: Sam Gyimah, Founder and CEO of SG& Capital Partners Producers: Clare Williamson and Duncan Williamson for TGOB Media Ltd in partnership with SG& Capital Partners Ltd. Music…

In this episode of The Geopolitics of Business, Sam Gyimah sits down with Lord Darroch, former UK Ambassador to Washington and former National Security Adviser, for an unflinching conversation on diplomacy, power and Britain’s place in a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape. They discuss the unprecedented speed and unpredictability of Trump 2.0, how influence really works inside today’s Washington, and what the UK must do to protect its strategic and economic interests in a world defined by tariff wars, fragmentation and volatile alliances. As Lord Darroch reflects on more than forty years at the sharp end of global decision-making, he shares candid insights into how governments, businesses and leaders can navigate the turbulence ahead — from Ukraine, Russia and China to shifting US alliances and the risks reshaping global markets. Host: Sam Gyimah, Founder and CEO of SG& Capital Partners Producers: Clare Williamson and Duncan Williamson for TGOB Media Ltd in partnership with SG& Capital Partners Ltd.…

From Downing Street to Silicon Valley: Nick Clegg on Politics, Tech, and the Digital Future. In this special episode of The Geopolitics of Business, Sam Gyimah sits down with Nick Clegg, former UK Deputy Prime Minister and Meta’s former President of Global Affairs, for a wide-ranging conversation on the intersection of politics, technology, and power. They discuss the surprising stability of the UK coalition government, the challenges of decision-making in both politics and tech, and the geopolitical consequences of AI and a fragmenting internet. As he launches his new book How to Save the Internet, Nick shares timely insights on how platforms and governments can respond to today’s escalating tech conflicts and political divides. Host: Sam Gyimah, Founder and CEO of SG& Capital Partners Producers: Clare Williamson and Duncan Williamson for SG& Capital Partners with SG& Co-producer Nicky Black Music composed by Sophie Sirota For listener questions or business inquiries please email…

This week, Sam unpacks the key themes of Season 2 with Gideon Rachman, Chief Foreign Affairs Commentator at the Financial Times. From the unpredictability of Trump-era policies to the evolving dynamics within Europe and China’s strategic economic manoeuvres, Gideon offers a sharp, nuanced analysis of today’s geopolitical landscape. The conversation delves into the challenges for centrists in an era marked by inequality, deglobalisation, and militarisation—highlighting what these trends mean for leaders, investors, and citizens alike and also covers China's economic strategy and the heightened geopolitical tensions leading to increased militarisation around the world. Host: Sam Gyimah, Founder and CEO of SG& Capital Partners Producers: Clare Williamson and Duncan Williamson for SG& Capital Partners with SG& co-producer: Nicky Black Music composed by: Sophie Sirota For listener questions or business inquiries please email info@thegeopoliticsofbusiness.com, and to contact SG& Capital Partners please email…

In this week’s episode, Sam Gyimah sits down with billionaire entrepreneur Manfredi Lefebvre D’Ovidio—a seasoned leader who has reshaped the cruise and luxury travel industries over five decades. From his early days learning the ropes alongside his influential father, to his bold, industry-redefining moves in acquiring cruise lines and expanding into diverse investments, Manfredi shares his first‐hand insights on overcoming geopolitical turbulence, embracing change, and seizing opportunities with speed and skill. The conversation spans the challenges posed by wars, pandemics, and shifting global trends, along with his thoughts on the future of business innovation and competitiveness. Host: Sam Gyimah, Founder and CEO of SG& Capital Partners Producers: Clare Williamson and Duncan Williamson for SG& Capital Partners with SG& Co-producer: Nicky Black Music composed by: Sophie Sirota For listener questions or business inquiries please email info@thegeopoliticsofbusiness.com, and to contact SG& Capital Partners…

In this week’s episode, Sam joins Lord Chris Patten at his London home for a discussion about the state of global democracy. Known as one of the big beasts of British politics, Chris has held senior roles in the cabinet, the EU and most notably, as the last governor of Hong Kong. He’s also been chancellor of Oxford University. The conversation focuses on the challenges of sustaining democracy, the rise of populism, the importance of truth, free speech and checks and balances. Chris reflects on his personal experiences in negotiations with China, Russia, Iran and the EU. Host: Sam Gyimah, Founder and CEO of SG& Capital Partners Producers: Clare Williamson and Duncan Williamson for SG& Capital Partners with SG& Co-producer Nicky Black Music composed by Sophie Sirota For listener questions or business inquiries please email info@thegeopoliticsofbusiness.com, and to contact SG& Capital Partners please email info@sgand.com. You can find a summary of the key points in this episode in The Geopolitics of Business…

This week, Sam is taking a deep dive into global economics with Baroness Dambisa Moyo. From the importance of economic growth and the structural issues affecting it, to deglobalisation, populism and technology, the esteemed economist and author gives her appraisal of what is happening around the world and what comes next. Baroness Moyo and Sam also discuss how governments and businesses need to adapt to the shifting geopolitical landscape, what the opportunities are for investors and what the cuts to aid budgets could mean for Africa. Host: Sam Gyimah, Founder and CEO of SG& Capital Partners Producers: Clare Williamson and Duncan Williamson for SG& Capital Partners with SG& Co-producer Nicky Black Music composed by Sophie Sirota For listener questions or business inquiries please email info@thegeopoliticsofbusiness.com, and to contact SG& Capital Partners please email info@sgand.com. You can find a summary of the key points in this episode in The Geopolitics of Business Newsletter. Disclaimer: The content of…

In this episode of 'Geopolitics of Business,' host Sam Gyimah talks with Ida Tin, the entrepreneur who coined the term FemTech and developed the period-tracking app Clue, and Dan Vahdat, CEO of Huma, a remote healthcare platform that leverages AI. Ida discusses FemTech's impact on women's health and its struggle for recognition and funding, while Dan explores the transformative potential of AI in healthcare. Both guests share their insights on building successful tech companies in Europe, navigating venture capital challenges, and envisioning a future where technology creates healthier societies. These recordings were made in collaboration with our partners at FII Priority Europe. Host: Sam Gyimah, Founder and CEO of SG& Capital Partners Producers: Clare Williamson and Duncan Williamson for SG& Capital Partners with SG& Co-producer Nicky Black Music composed by Sophie Sirota For listener questions or business inquiries please email info@thegeopoliticsofbusiness.com, and to contact SG& Capital Partners please…

This week, Sam Gyimah is joined by Lord Gerry Grimstone — former UK Investment Minister and a key figure behind the 1980s privatisations that reshaped the British economy. From transforming state assets under Thatcher to chairing Barclays and Standard Life, Grimstone shares insider lessons on reform, regulation, and the realities of attracting investment. They explore what it will take to fix UK plc, unlock growth, and navigate an increasingly uncertain global economic landscape. Host: Sam Gyimah, Founder and CEO of SG& Capital Partners Producers: Clare Williamson and Duncan Williamson for SG& Capital Partners with SG& Co-producer Nicky Black Music composed by Sophie Sirota For listener questions or business inquiries please email info@thegeopoliticsofbusiness.com, and to contact SG& Capital Partners please email info@sgand.com. You can find a summary of the key points in this episode in The Geopolitics of Business Newsletter. Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and…

This week, host Sam Gyimah sits down with Stefano Pontecorvo, President of Italian defence and aerospace giant Leonardo and former ambassador to NATO. They explore the shifting landscape of global defence investment, why Europe must catch up with U.S. spending, and the end of the post-Cold War peace dividend. Plus: investment opportunities, rising “neo primes” or challenger defence companies, and how the private and public sector can work together. Recorded in collaboration with FII at FII Priority Europe 2025. Host: Sam Gyimah, Founder and CEO of SG& Capital Partners Producers: Clare Williamson and Duncan Williamson for SG& Capital Partners with SG& Co-producer Nicky Black Music composed by Sophie Sirota For listener questions or business inquiries please email info@thegeopoliticsofbusiness.com, and to contact SG& Capital Partners please email info@sgand.com. You can find a summary of the key points in this episode in The Geopolitics of Business Newsletter. Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for…

For this first episode of our new series, host Sam Gyimah is in conversation with Richard Attias, Chair of the Future Investment Initiative (FII) – a nonprofit foundation with an investment arm, backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia. Richard has the ear of world leaders, has built FII into the world’s leading investment forum and has strong opinions on the global economy. He talks to Sam about the power of conversation and inclusivity to solve the world’s problems and shares his thoughts on where the smart money is being invested. Host: Sam Gyimah, Founder and CEO of SG& Capital Partners Producers: Clare Williamson and Duncan Williamson for SG& Capital Partners with SG& Co-producer Nicky Black Music composed by Sophie Sirota For listener questions or business inquiries please email info@thegeopoliticsofbusiness.com, and to contact SG& Capital Partners please email info@sgand.com. You can find a summary of the key points in this episode in The Geopolitics of Business Newsletter.…

This week on the show we explore moonshots and artificial intelligence with Astro Teller, the co-founder of and CEO of X, Alphabet's moonshot factory, which is responsible for inventing and launching breakthrough technologies. Teller is a believer in rethinking how companies innovate and solve what seem like unsolvable problems. He and host Sam Gyimah have a wide ranging conversation on big tech, AI, regulation, and big ideas in business. The Geopolitics of Business is a show by Sam Gyimah, produced by FP Studios. Views and opinions expressed on the podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Foreign Policy, its affiliates, or any institution Sam Gyimah is associated with. Investment carries risk. We recommend individual investors consult with an independent financial advisor before making any investment. For listener questions or business inquiries please email info@thegeopoliticsofbusiness.com. You can find a summary of the key points in this episode in The Geopolitics of Business Newsletter. Hosted…

This week on the show host Sam Gyimah explores Britain’s economy and place in the world post-Brexit with two "big beasts" of British politics of economics. First Sam speaks with Lord Michael Heseltine, former Deputy Prime Minister of Great Britain - a titan of British Politics for over half a century - and one of the few Conservative voices who spoke out against Brexit. Then Sam gets additional insights from Lord Jim O’Neil, an Independent Member of the House of Lords, former UK Treasury Minister, and former Chairman of Goldman Sachs Asset Management. The Geopolitics of Business is a show by Sam Gyimah, produced by FP Studios. Views and opinions expressed on the podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Foreign Policy, its affiliates, or any institution Sam Gyimah is associated with. Investment carries risk. We recommend individual investors consult with an independent financial advisor before making any investment. For listener questions or business inquiries please email…

In this episode, we dive into U.S. politics with Paul Ryan, the former speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. In a wide-ranging interview with host Sam Gyimah, the two discuss the current state of American democracy and its impact on the world, various business scenarios related to the outcome of the 2024 U.S. elections, and why in today’s complex world, multinational CEOs need to think like politicians and be up to speed on issues such as trade, immigration, and the so-called culture wars. The Geopolitics of Business is a show by Sam Gyimah, produced by FP Studios. Views and opinions expressed on the podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Foreign Policy, its affiliates, or any institution Sam Gyimah is associated with. Investment carries risk. We recommend individual investors consult with an independent financial advisor before making any investment. For listener questions or business inquiries please email info@thegeopoliticsofbusiness.com. You can find a summary of the key points in…

Writer and investor Ruchir Sharma speaks with host Sam Gymiah about his decades of experiences assessing emerging markets and shares tips on how to best understand when a developing country may be ripe for investment. The two also discuss the new risks involved in emerging markets as a result of the US/China strategic rivalry. Sharma is the head of Rockefeller Capital Management's international business, a columnist for the Financial Times, and author of numerous books including, "Breakout Nations: In Pursuit of the Next Economic Miracles." **** The Geopolitics of Business is a show by Sam Gyimah, produced by FP Studios. Views and opinions expressed on the podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Foreign Policy, its affiliates, or any institution Sam Gyimah is associated with. Investment carries risk. We recommend individual investors consult with an independent financial advisor before making any investment. For listener questions or business inquiries please email…

In the run up to COP28, host Sam Gyimah speaks with Lord John Browne, the current Chairman of BeyondNetZero and former CEO of energy giant BP. The two discuss the broader forces that shape the world's energy market, touch on his personal journey from oil man to net zero champion, and strategize on what it will take to transition the global economy in order to address the climate crisis. The Geopolitics of Business is a show by Sam Gyimah, produced by FP Studios. Views and opinions expressed on the podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Foreign Policy, its affiliates, or any institution Sam Gyimah is associated with. Investment carries risk. We recommend individual investors consult with an independent financial advisor before making any investment. For listener questions or business inquiries please email info@thegeopoliticsofbusiness.com. You can find a summary of the key points in this episode in The Geopolitics of Business Newsletter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In our premiere episode, host Sam Gyimah speaks with José Manuel Barroso, chair of GAVI, the Global Vaccine Alliance. Barroso has also served as Prime Minister of Portugal, President of the European Commission and Chairman of Goldman Sachs International. The two have a wide ranging conversation on shifting power blocs covering topics such as US-China relations, Russia and Ukraine, fragmentation of the global order, and vaccine nationalism. Barroso shares personal stories of his years in politics and business and what it was like being in the room negotiating with world leaders including George W. Bush, Xi Jinping, and Vladimir Putin. The Geopolitics of Business is a show by Sam Gyimah, produced by FP Studios. Views and opinions expressed on the podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Foreign Policy, its affiliates, or any institution Sam Gyimah is associated with. Investment carries risk. We recommend individual investors consult with an independent financial advisor before making any investment.…

"The Geopolitics of Business" is the podcast where the boardroom meets the stateroom. On each episode, host Sam Gyimah, a former Wall Street bank financier, entrepreneur, and British Government Minister, has frank discussions on the impacts on business of big political decisions with the world’s leading investors, CEOs and politicians who have made the big calls at the toughest moments. Featured guests include former EU Commissioner President Jose Manuel Barroso, businessman and former British Deputy Prime Minister Lord Michael Heseltine, and former BP Chairman John Brown. With themes ranging from shifting power blocs, rapidly advancing technology, de-globalization, end of free money, populism and polarization and climate action, these conversations are meant to engage, illuminate and provide insights for leaders seeking greater understanding of the high stakes interplay between global business and geopolitics, and where we’re heading. To get in touch with The Geopolitics of Business, please contact…