Business & Society with Senthil Nathan

In this episode, Senthil speaks with Professor Cordelia Fine about women in the workplace and the ideas behind her new book Patriarchy, Inc. They explore how gender norms, power, and status shape modern work, why the “business case” for gender equality can fall short, and what real workplace reform could look like.

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This episode of Business and Society unpacks “dark patterns” – deceptive design features in apps and websites that push people into actions they never intended, such as unwanted subscriptions, extra fees, oversharing data, or staying online longer than planned. Guest Marie Potel, founder of Fair Patterns, explains that these patterns are fundamentally different from normal marketing because they exploit cognitive biases and obscure critical information, undermining user autonomy, distorting competition, and even posing risks to democracy when people are trained to click “I agree” without thinking.​

Marie and Senthil discuss concrete cases like fake urgency in travel and hotel bookin...

In this episode of the Business and Society podcast, host Senthil speaks with Dr Ivanka Visnjic, Professor of Innovation at ESADE Business School, about how companies can unlock opportunities at the intersection of sustainability and innovation. Drawing from her research and fieldwork across global industries, Ivanka explains why sustainability should be treated as a transformation challenge, not a compliance exercise—one that requires the same capabilities that fuel innovation: long-term vision, experimentation, and ecosystem collaboration.

Through examples from Enel, Holcim, Suzano, Gore-Tex, and others, she illustrates how pioneering firms are turning sustainability goals into new business models, serv...

In this episode, Senthil speaks with Dario Soto-Abril, Executive Director of the Trafigura Foundation, about how corporate philanthropy is shifting toward catalytic, risk-tolerant funding that supports climate adaptation and community resilience. Drawing on his global career, Dario explains what sets corporate philanthropy apart—its ability to leverage business resources for public good while prioritizing innovation, additionality, and strong community partnerships. He also highlights why adaptation remains severely underfunded and shares examples of how technology, including predictive tools and AI, is helping organizations act earlier and more effectively in vulnerable regions.

Dario addresses critiques surrounding the tension between a...

This episode of the Business and Society podcast features a conversation with Etelle Higonnet, founder of Coffee Watch, Yale alumna, and renowned environmental activist. The discussion centers on the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and its profound implications for smallholder coffee farmers worldwide.

Main Topics Covered
EUDR Impact: The episode explains the intent and scope of EUDR, emphasizing how the regulation aims to halt deforestation linked to key commodities—especially coffee—and the challenges faced by smallholder farmers in meeting new compliance demands.

Coffee Supply Chain Realities: Listeners gain insight into poverty, labor exploi...

In this episode, Senthil sits with Professor Nick Bloom of Stanford University to discuss the evolution, research, and future of remote, hybrid, and in-person work. Drawing from global data and his landmark Trip.com study, Nick explains why hybrid models now dominate professional work, how work-from-home trends differ across countries and industries, and their impacts on productivity, innovation, and employee wellbeing. The conversation highlights the importance of coordinated hybrid schedules and the shifting nature of workplace equity, while offering a data-driven perspective for business leaders and policymakers navigating the changing world of work.

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In this episode of the Business and Society podcast, Senthil delves into the complexities of the Indian consumer market with renowned market expert and author Rama Bijapurkar. Drawing from four decades of research, Rama outlines the transformational journey of India's consumer economy—from pre-liberalization austerity to the explosion of choices and rising competition after 1991. The discussion highlights the unique nature of the Indian market, the enduring relevance of kirana (mom-and-pop) stores despite predictions of modern retail dominance, and the myth of the middle class. Rama explains why Western business models often fail in India, the nuanced urban-rural divide, women's ev...

Senthil sits with renowned MIT Sloan professor Zeynep Ton, author of The Good Jobs Strategy and The Case for Good Jobs, for a conversation to reveal how investing in frontline employees with fair pay, stable schedules, and meaningful career paths is not just ethical—but a true competitive advantage.

Hear compelling stories, research insights, and real-world examples from leading companies like Costco, Sam’s Club, and Mercadona that show how systemic change, not piecemeal fixes, creates better jobs and stronger businesses. Zeynep dives into the essential elements of a good job system and demystifies why more businesses have...

In this episode, Senthil sits with Patrick McGee, author of Apple in China and reporter at the Financial Times, delve into the intricate world of Apple's global supply chain, exploring the company's relationship with China, the role of Foxconn, and the impact of COVID-19 on labor conditions. They discuss how Apple's manufacturing processes have shaped the smartphone market and the ethical dilemmas the company faces in balancing profit with human rights. The conversation highlights the symbiotic relationship between Apple and China, emphasizing the complexities of modern capitalism and the lessons that can be drawn for other companies and consumers.<...

What if working less could actually mean achieving more? The four-day workweek has emerged from pandemic-era workplace experiments as perhaps the most promising innovation in how we structure our professional lives in decades. But misconceptions abound about what this shift really means and whether it's sustainable for businesses beyond a temporary feel-good measure.

Professor Juliet Schor, economist and sociologist at Boston College, joins us to share groundbreaking research from hundreds of companies that have implemented four-day workweeks without cutting pay. Her findings challenge everything we thought we knew about productivity, burnout, and work culture. Most companies aren't...

What happens when business schools continue teaching the same shareholder capitalism model that's driving our planet toward environmental collapse and social inequality? Professor Andy Hoffman, holding joint appointments at University of Michigan's Ross School of Business and School for Environment and Sustainability, takes us on a profound journey examining the broken state of business education and its potential for transformation.

Business schools were originally conceived to teach commerce leaders to serve society—similar to how we train doctors for the public good. But today's curriculum focuses narrowly on maximizing shareholder returns while merely adding elective sustainability courses th...

Hidden beneath the glossy surface of our global economy lurks a devastating reality: 40 million people trapped in modern slavery. In this eye-opening conversation, Professor Justine Nolan, Director of the Australian Human Rights Institute, reveals the complex web of exploitation that permeates supply chains across industries.

Modern slavery isn't a relic of history—it's a present-day crisis hiding in plain sight. Justine expertly unpacks how today's slavery manifests through psychological coercion, deceptive recruitment, and economic vulnerability rather than physical chains. From agricultural fields to electronics factories, she traces how workers become ensnared in systems they never chose and ca...

We're facing a crisis of overwork that's literally killing us. In this eye-opening conversation, award-winning journalist and author Brigid Schulte reveals how our toxic work culture has made overwork the norm, with devastating consequences for our health, happiness, and productivity.

Brigid traces the origins of our overwork epidemic to the 1980s when corporate priorities shifted toward shareholder value above all else. This transformation created what she calls "greedy work" - jobs that demand more and more of our time, attention, and energy. For knowledge workers, this manifests as a pressure to be constantly available and working excessive...

In a world where more women are entering the workforce than ever before, why does the gender wage gap persist so stubbornly? Our guests Naomi Cahn and June Carbone, legal scholars and co-authors of "Fair Shake: Women and the Fight to Build a Just Economy," reveal the hidden game being played in workplaces across the globe.

The conversation begins with Betty Dukes, a Walmart employee told "people like you don't become managers" - a story that eventually led to the largest class action lawsuit in U.S. history. From there, we dive into the concept of the "...

Sir John Kay delivers a masterful analysis of how corporations have evolved from their industrial origins to today's knowledge-driven enterprises, revealing profound insights about the changing nature of business success.

Drawing on his distinguished career spanning academia, business, and finance, Kay traces the corporate journey from the industrial titans of the Gilded Age through the professionally managed firms of mid-20th century America to today's "hollow corporations" like Apple. His historical perspective illuminates the critical shift that occurred when businesses abandoned their focus on building excellent, enduring companies in favor of maximizing shareholder value—a shift Kay ar...

Have you ever wondered why essential goods like baby formula, eggs, and lifesaving medications keep facing shortages? The answer lies in monopoly power—a force reshaping our world in ways both visible and hidden.

Matt Stoller, director of Research at the American Economic Liberties Project and author of "Goliath: The Hundred-Year War Between Monopoly Power and Democracy," joins us for a profound exploration of how concentrated economic power threatens not just markets but the systems that keep us alive. Drawing from his experiences working with the Financial Services Committee during the financial crisis and his popular monopoly-focused ne...

Corporate sustainability is more than just a trend—it's an essential element of modern business strategy. In this episode, we sit down with Tim Mohin, a seasoned leader in climate and sustainability, to navigate the intricate relationship between corporate responsibility and the dynamic market environment. We discuss how today’s corporate leaders must balance shareholder interests, regulatory pressures, and evolving consumer expectations. 

As Tim shares insights from his extensive experience in diverse sectors, he sheds light on the crucial role of corporate values in driving sustainability. We explore the significant challenges companies face in articulating their purpose and t...

Professor Karthik Ramanna, a prominent authority on business-government relations and sustainable capitalism, joins us to unravel the themes from his compelling book, "The Age of Outrage: How to Lead in a Polarized World." Our conversation touches on his influential role as the inaugural director of Oxford's Blavatnik School of Government's Master of Public Policy program. Discover how his course on managing organizations in polarized times served as a springboard for his book, and how engaging with global leaders informed his perspective on leadership in tumultuous times. We navigate the multifaceted challenges of leadership and the societal fissures that threaten...

Brace yourself for a paradigm shift in how we perceive pricing as we welcome Michel Scholte, co-founder of True Price and Impact Institute. Discover the groundbreaking concept of "True Price" that integrates social and environmental costs into everyday pricing, challenging current market norms. Michel shares his personal journey, deeply influenced by experiences of global poverty and inequality, and argues passionately for consumer-friendly systems that truly reflect the costs of goods and services while tackling the exploitation and environmental harm often overlooked in traditional pricing models.

Coffee lovers, take note—there's more to your cup than meets the ey...

Discover the changing landscape of global supply chains with Peter Goodman, The New York Times' global economic correspondent. He sheds light on the seismic shifts in global supply chains and the vulnerabilities laid bare by the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions. Uncover how the rise of economic nationalism and elite influence is reshaping trade and labour, turning the promise of liberalised trade on its head.

Peter's insights from his book, "How the World Ran Out of Everything: Inside the Global Supply Chain," guide us through the complex dance between globalisation, market concentration, and economic inequality. We discuss...

Can business ethics and profitability coexist in harmony? Join us for a thought-provoking conversation with Professor James O'Toole, author of 17 books and a renowned expert in business ethics and leadership, as we explore the intricate relationship between principled leadership and financial success. Drawing from his acclaimed book, "The Enlightened Capitalists," Professor O'Toole shares stories of influential leaders like Jim Burke of Johnson & Johnson and Bill Gore of Gore-Tex, who have successfully navigated the challenges of merging ethical practices with business acumen. These leaders, often viewed as mavericks, demonstrate that strong ethical principles can indeed be a foundation for enduring...

Have you ever wondered how market competition affects societies? Join us as we explore this provocative idea with Professor Allan Fels, a towering figure in the sphere of competition law and regulation in Australia. As the inaugural chair of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, Allan has spent decades challenging powerful institutions to create a fairer market landscape. Together, we unravel his motivations and the broader impacts of competition—beyond mere price reduction, touching on innovation and dismantling political concerns tied to monopolies. Allan also provides a unique perspective on government-imposed restrictions and the unforeseen consequences these can have on...

Discover the untamed expanse of our planet's high seas with Dr. Olive Heffernan, a distinguished science journalist and author, as she navigates through her latest work, "The High Seas: Ambition, Power, and Greed on the Unclaimed Ocean" Dr. Heffernan’s unique perspective, fueled by her upbringing in the coastal town of Dun Laoghaire, Ireland, and her transition from fishery scientist to authoritative voice in science journalism, promises to immerse you in the legal and ecological intricacies of these international waters. With half of the Earth's surface and a staggering 95% of its living space encompassed by the high seas, we un...

Discover why businesses are taking the lead in societal trust, with David Bersoff from the Edelman Trust Institute sharing insights from their latest Trust Barometer Report. You'll learn why companies now outscore governments, media, and NGOs in trust ratings and how they are stepping up to address global challenges where traditional institutions fall short. We tackle the complexities behind these trust metrics and explore the evolving expectations placed on businesses to champion social issues.

Join us as we dissect how the type of business and its origin influence public perception. Family-owned enterprises and small businesses tend to...

Can global brands really lead the charge against climate change, or are they just playing a part in a much bigger distraction? Join us in a thought-provoking conversation with Auden Schendler, Senior Vice President of Sustainability at Aspen Skiing Company, as he pulls back the curtain on corporate sustainability efforts. With a bold critique, Auden challenges the traditional focus on individual carbon footprints, arguing it often distracts from the systemic changes necessary to dismantle the fossil fuel economy. Through his own journey from various humble jobs to a pioneering role in sustainability, Auden shares his experience in transforming a...

Unlock the secrets of ESG and sustainability investing with Professor Todd Cort from the Yale School of Management. Explore the nuanced differences between ESG investing, impact investing, and corporate sustainability efforts, and understand how they cater to various stakeholder concerns and investor motivations. This episode promises to clarify how corporate sustainability impacts stakeholders like customers and employees, while ESG investing focuses on the financial materiality of environmental, social, and governance factors for investors.

This episode breaks down the empirical evidence linking ESG performance to financial success, referencing comprehensive meta-analytic studies. We explore the world of ESG ratings...

Unlock the secrets of sustainable development through the lens of behavioural science with our special guest, Liam Smith, Director of BehaviourWorks Australia. Discover how understanding human behaviour can accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the role of incentives in driving change. From the highs and lows of solar panel adoption to the balance between financial motivations and intrinsic environmental values, this episode offers compelling insights into how behavioural science intersects with policy and private sector initiatives.

We also tackle some hard-hitting ethical questions that sustainability leaders face, such as the legitimacy of influencing others...

Discover how deeply entrenched beliefs in the free market's supremacy have shaped our society, often to our detriment. Today, we sit down with Professor Naomi Oreskes to discuss her latest book, "The Big Myth: How American Business Taught Us to Loathe Government and Love the Free Market," where she unravels the historical and contemporary implications of this ideology. From climate change to the opioid crisis, Naomi explains why understanding the balance between market strengths and the necessity of effective governance is crucial for future business leaders.

We journey back to the economic debates of the 1930s and 40...

In this episode, Nick Romeo, a journalist and an author, discusses some of the ideas from his recent book, The Alternative: How to Build a Just Economy. He discusses widening wealth inequality and the climate crisis and argues that these are urgent challenges with existing global solutions. He emphasizes that policy choices, not natural laws, shape economic systems and critiques business models relying on underpaid workers, advocating for fair wages and worker well-being as measures of success.

Nick highlights the importance of aligning economic systems with societal values, noting that many progressive policies have broad support. He...

Can embedding sustainability into your business strategy really boost your bottom line? Join us as Tensie Whelan, an expert in sustainable business practices, reveals how the Return on Sustainability Investment (ROSI) framework can drive financial performance through operational efficiency, innovation, and risk mitigation. She shares compelling examples from the apparel and automotive sectors, demonstrating that genuine commitment to environmental and social issues isn't just good for the planet—it's good for business. This episode delves into whether we've reached peak ESG and why material issues remain critical for long-term competitive advantage.

Why aren't businesses measuring the impact of...

In Warming Up: How Businesses Should Respond to Climate Change, Professor Jonatan Pinkse discusses the challenges in green transition and the culture war at our doorstep. 

Why are some businesses reluctant to come aboard the green transition? Why is ESG facing pushback? How is the push for green transition helping the rise of the political right? 

Pinkse, professor of sustainable business at King's Business School (London), presents the business case for sustainability and explains why it is weaker now and why businesses are tip-toeing on sustainability today despite ESG becoming mainstream.

System transformation ca...

Get ready to challenge your preconceptions about business and sustainability with our latest episode featuring Matt Morrison, co-founder of All Good Bananas and Karma Drinks. Learn how Matt and his team turned the hyper-competitive industries of bananas and soft drinks into platforms for good, emphasizing ethical practices and sustainable supply chains. Discover how their mission to be beneficial for both growers and the land has attracted a dedicated consumer base, proving that purpose-driven businesses can thrive even against industry giants.

Listen as we uncover the intricate balance between profit and purpose, navigating through the unprecedented challenges of...

Sustainability in the coffee industry is more complicated than it seems. Join us as we uncover coffee supply chains with Carl Cervone, a leading authority on coffee sustainability. From the unique perishability of freshly harvested beans to the long-lasting nature of processed green coffee, Carl takes us through the journey of coffee from farm to cup. Learn about the significant impact of smallholder farmers and understand the economic landscape they navigate.

We touch on the key sustainability risks in coffee supply chains, the progress, and stringent European regulations such as EUDR and CSDDD, which, while aiming to...

Ever wonder how corporate sustainability has evolved from a fringe concept to a core business strategy? Join me as I engage in a compelling conversation with Chris Coulter, Chief Executive of GlobeScan. Chris takes us through the transformative journey from the foundational 1987 Brundtland Report to groundbreaking initiatives like Marks and Spencer's Plan A and Unilever's Sustainable Living Plan. Chris provides an insider's perspective on how companies have transitioned from merely minimising harm to actively creating value, aligning with environmental and social values in today’s purpose-driven business era.

In this episode, we delve into the complex dynamics of...

Embark on a journey of discovery with Professor Jeffrey Sachs, a luminary in the realm of sustainable development, as we discuss the transformative role businesses must adopt in our rapidly changing world. This podcast delves into the necessity for companies to transcend their traditional profit-centric paradigms and wholeheartedly embrace social equity, environmental preservation, and global collaboration. Sachs eloquently challenges the dated Milton Friedman doctrine, advocating for a corporate accountability that extends well beyond the bottom line and into the heart of societal welfare and planetary health.

As we traverse the nuanced landscape of the Sustainable Development Goals...

Welcome to the Business and Society Podcast, where we discuss the role of business in society with influential thinkers. 

We are a monthly podcast, launching our inaugural episode on the 14th of May, 2024.  Please don’t forget to subscribe to the show on Spotify and Apple. See you soon!

Please visit our website, www.businessandsociety.net, for more inspiration.