All episodes

CES 2026 may have dazzled less on the show floor, but behind the scenes, it delivered something far more important: clarity. In this episode, Roland Berger’s Stephan Keese and Philipp Leutiger unpack the real story of this year’s CES — a dramatic shift from flashy, futuristic prototypes to grounded conversations on AI, robotics, autonomous systems, and the volatile global business landscape. They reveal why transformation now depends on smaller, self‑funded innovation cycles, how executives are using AI to build flexibility and transparency, and what companies must do to turn global uncertainty into competitive advantage. If you want to understand where...

How can companies turn supply chain uncertainty into a competitive advantage? In this episode, Shantanu Verma helps explore the intersection of sustainability, procurement, and technology with insights on AI-driven solutions, financial discipline, and strategies for resilience. From unlocking millions in lost savings to designing products for supply stability, discover how organizations are adapting to geopolitical shifts, tariff challenges, and evolving consumer expectations. If you’re curious about what’s next for procurement and sustainability, this conversation is packed with actionable ideas and forward-looking trends.

The global automotive industry is entering one of its most complex eras. In this episode of Sustainability as Strategy, Brandon Boyle, Senior Partner and North American Automotive Practice Lead at Roland Berger, unpacks the forces reshaping the sector. From the rise of three distinct ecosystems—China, Europe, and the U.S.—to the breakdown of traditional economies of scale, Brandon explains why OEMs and suppliers must rethink their strategies.
We explore critical topics such as supply chain transparency, reshoring trends, and the role of AI and automation in mitigating labor challenges. Plus, hear Brandon’s candid advice for navigating the next 12–18 months in...

In this episode of Sustainability as Strategy, Jan Schulte, Managing Director at Polarix of Roland Berger, explores how companies can strengthen their supply chains amid growing geopolitical uncertainty and rising sustainability expectations. From reshoring challenges and automation trends to the trade-offs of using sustainable materials, Jan shares insights on how businesses can future-proof their operations by developing flexible strategies, optimizing product costs, and embedding sustainability as a key driver of long-term competitiveness.

Electricity demand in the U.S. is shifting from decades of stagnation to unprecedented growth, driven by data centers, electrification, and re-industrialization. Senior Partner Pedro Caruso discusses how utilities and policymakers can balance capacity, infrastructure, and supply chain challenges in this rapidly evolving market.
Don’t miss this conversation. Listen now and discover what’s powering the future.

Can sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) really take flight as the key to decarbonizing the skies? Roland Berger experts Diego Ibarra and Thor Kristjansson dig into the opportunities and challenges shaping this fast-evolving market, from soaring costs and fragmented global policies to game-changing long-term contracts and first-mover advantages. They also share how airlines and investors can turn SAF into not just a climate solution, but a commercial and financial win.
Ready to explore aviation’s green runway? Listen now

As AI data centers surge across the U.S., the pressure on the power grid is reaching a breaking point. In this episode of Sustainability as Strategy, Partner Ben Lowe talks about the supply chain disruptions, turbine shortages, interconnection delays, and shifting policies reshaping how and where we generate power. Whether you're a utility exec, manufacturer, or data center developer, this conversation offers timely insights on how to navigate a rapidly evolving energy landscape.

In this episode, Roland Berger Senior Partner Chris Millican unpacks the seismic shifts reshaping the utilities sector—from the newly passed OBBVA bill to AI-driven energy demand and the mounting pressure of supply chain and affordability constraints. Chris dives deep into what these changes mean for renewables, storage, and nuclear—and why integrated resource plans (IRPs) across the country are due for a serious reckoning. He also explores how utilities are balancing sustainability goals with real-world infrastructure challenges, and where innovative partnerships, customer engagement, and smarter transmission planning are making an impact. If you're curious how utilities can keep the lights on...

This episode, we dive into the complexities of U.S. energy policy, particularly around the impact of tariffs and the challenges of reshoring manufacturing. Zach Kaplan, Partner in the Energy practice, explores the long-term economic effects of these tariffs, questioning whether the U.S. has the workforce, infrastructure, and capital to meet the ambitious goals set by policymakers. This conversation also touches on the shifting global landscape, as countries begin to prioritize regional energy transition plans, reducing dependency on the U.S. and rethinking multilateral commitments. Zach highlights the need for pragmatic solutions to address both short-term policy volatility and long-term industrial reorientation....