Best IIF Podcasts (2026)

1
Learning to Love Decision-Making — with Heidelberg Materials CEO Dominik von Achten 27:20

Play Pause

3d ago27:20

27:20

In this episode of Executive Decisions, Steve Sedgwick sits down with Dominik von Achten, CEO of Heidelberg Materials. One of Dominik’s earliest decisions was to leave the “dry” world of legal practice for the fast-paced environment of Boston Consulting Group. Today, he steers one of the world’s largest building materials companies through a bold s…

1
The Courage to Transform and the Wisdom to Leave — with Syensqo CEO Ilham Kadri 44:38

10d ago44:38

44:38

In this episode of Executive Decisions, Steve Sedgwick sits down with Ilham Kadri, CEO of Syensqo. Raised in a humble home in Casablanca without running water or electricity, Ilham shares how her grandmother’s belief in education as a “third exit” out of poverty shaped her life. From public schools in Morocco to earning a Ph.D. in macromolecular ph…

1
Why Authenticity Wins: Leading Without Pretending — with Phoenix Group CEO Andy Briggs 32:05

17d ago32:05

32:05

In this episode of Executive Decisions, Steve Sedgwick sits down with Andy Briggs, CEO of Phoenix Group, for a candid conversation about leadership and purpose. Andy reflects on a career spanning nearly four decades in financial services, shaped by the values of hard work and authenticity instilled by his family. He shares how early decisions — fro…

1
The Leadership Mindset Behind the London Marathon — with Events CEO Hugh Brasher 39:29

24d ago39:29

39:29

In this episode of Executive Decisions, Steve Sedgwick sits down with Hugh Brasher, CEO of London Marathon Events, for a compelling conversation about the life and leadership lessons sport can teach us. Raised by elite athlete parents, Hugh’s career journey has been deeply rooted in sport. From transforming his family’s specialist sport shop into a…

1
A Solutions-Driven Approach to Leadership — with Veolia CEO Estelle Brachlianoff 37:15

1M ago37:15

37:15

In this episode of Executive Decisions, Steve Sedgwick sits down with Estelle Brachlianoff, CEO of Veolia, for an inspiring conversation about leadership, innovation and sustainability. Estelle shares her remarkable career journey, shaped by the influence of her trailblazing mother and grandmother. Originally drawn to astrophysics, she ultimately c…

1
Bringing an Entrepreneurial Mindset to Big Business — with M&G CEO Andrea Rossi 43:17

1M ago43:17

43:17

In this episode of Executive Decisions, Steve Sedgwick sits down with Andrea Rossi, CEO of global investment manager M&G. Andrea shares how his multicultural upbringing—growing up in France with a Swedish mother and Italian father—shaped his adaptability and resilience as a leader. He reflects on his academic journey from France to Rome and INSEAD,…

1
The Power of Unconventional Career Moves — with IIF CEO Tim Adams 36:51

1M ago36:51

36:51

In this episode of Executive Decisions, Steve Sedgwick speaks with Tim Adams, President and CEO of the Institute of International Finance and one of the most influential voices warning about the global debt crisis. Adams shares his remarkable journey from a small Kentucky town to the forefront of international finance. A childhood spent in the loca…

1
How to Lead a Company Through Its Toughest Moments — with Siemens Energy CEO Christian Bruch 42:20

2M ago42:20

42:20

In this episode of Executive Decisions, Steve Sedgwick speaks with Christian Bruch, CEO of Siemens Energy, about the pivotal moments that shaped his leadership. From an early love of languages and math to a formative stint in a psychiatric hospital during Germany’s public service program, Christian shares how empathy and curiosity became cornerston…

1
The Surprising Impact of Authentic Leadership — with London Stock Exchange CEO Julia Hoggett 36:31

2M ago36:31

36:31

In this episode of Executive Decisions, Steve Sedgwick speaks with Julia Hoggett, CEO of the London Stock Exchange and a trailblazer in British finance. Raised in a family of pioneering lawyers and judges—including her mother, Baroness Hale—Julia chose a different path, studying sociology at Cambridge and launching a career in the City. She shares …

1
Turning Life's Challenges into Opportunities — with Ms. Jo Malone CBE 47:51

2M ago47:51

47:51

In the debut episode of Executive Decisions, CNBC's Steve Sedgwick sits down with Ms. Jo Malone CBE, the visionary perfumer behind one of Britain’s most beloved lifestyle brands. Jo shares the pivotal decisions that shaped her life—from a challenging childhood on a London council estate, where she helped raise her sister and managed the family’s fi…

1
Executive Decisions with Steve Sedgwick: Tease 0:45

2M ago0:45

0:45

‘Executive Decisions’ is a CNBC original podcast offering a rare window into the minds of top decision-makers. Hosted by Steve Sedgwick, each episode explores the pivotal choices that shape the careers and legacies of business leaders and policymakers. Watch the promo previewing the first season above, featuring guests like entrepreneur Ms. Jo Malo…

1
Jigra 1:01:50

1y ago1:01:50

1:01:50

Film critics Rahul Desai, Uday Bhatia and Ishita Sengupta discuss the new Alia Bhatt starrer, JIGRA.

1
Rebel Ridge 33:45

1+ y ago33:45

33:45

Film critics Rahul Desai and Uday Bhatia discuss the hit Netflix actioner, REBEL RIDGE.

1
Films & Writing #31: Rahul Desai and Pankaj Sachdeva 59:46

1+ y ago59:46

59:46

Film writers Rahul Desai and Pankaj Sachdeva return after a 4-month break to discuss recent Hindi cinema and the shutdown of Film Companion.

1
IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack 38:16

1+ y ago38:16

38:16

Film critics Rahul Desai and Ishita Sengupta discuss IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, the new Netflix miniseries directed by Anubhav Sinha.

1
Stree 2 54:56

1+ y ago54:56

54:56

After a long break, film critics Rahul Desai and Uday Bhatia are back to discuss Amar Kaushik's horror comedy, STREE 2.

1
Srikanth, Challengers 1:07:26

1+ y ago1:07:26

1:07:26

Film critics Rahul Desai, Uday Bhatia and Ishita Sengupta discuss the new Hindi biopic Srikanth and the film everyone is talking about: Challengers.

1
Maidaan, Amar Singh Chamkila 1:06:03

1+ y ago1:06:03

1:06:03

Film critics Rahul Desai, Uday Bhatia and Ishita Sengupta discuss two contrasting Hindi biopics: Amit Sharma's MAIDAAN and Imtiaz Ali's AMAR SINGH CHAMKILA.

1
Films & Writing #30: Rahul Desai and Pankaj Sachdeva 1:02:08

1+ y ago1:02:08

1:02:08

Writers Rahul Desai and Pankaj Sachdeva do their 30th podcast together – discussing 1990s Bollywood, including Karishma Kapoor, Govinda, Anil Kapoor and David Dhawan.

1
Crew 37:12

2y ago37:12

37:12

Film critics Rahul Desai and Ishita Sengupta discuss CREW, the heist comedy starring Kareena Kapoor Khan, Tabu and Kriti Sanon.

1
Lootere, Madgaon Express 52:28

2y ago52:28

52:28

Film critics Rahul Desai and Ishita Sengupta discuss the fascinating new action series LOOTERE, and Kunal Kemmu's hilarious buddy comedy, MADGAON EXPRESS.

1
Yodha, Murder Mubarak, Ae Watan Mere Watan 55:41

2y ago55:41

55:41

Film critics Rahul Desai and Uday Bhatia take on a Triple Threat discussion: Two Dharma productions and two Sara Ali Khan movies at once.

1
Films & Writing #29: Rahul Desai and Pankaj Sachdeva 59:34

2y ago59:34

59:34

Writers Rahul Desai and Pankaj Sachdeva discuss this year's Oscars, and the acting legacy of Aishwarya Rai.

1
Laapataa Ladies, Fairy Folk 1:08:19

2y ago1:08:19

1:08:19

Film critics Rahul Desai, Uday Bhatia and Ishita Sengupta discuss Kiran Rao's Laapataa Ladies and Karan Gour's indie, Fairy Folk.

1
All India Rank, Poacher 1:02:18

2y ago1:02:18

1:02:18

Film critics Rahul Desai and Uday Bhatia discuss Varun Grover's debut film ALL INDIA RANK and Richie Mehta's new series, POACHER.

1
The Iron Claw, The Holdovers 57:34

2y ago57:34

57:34

Film critics Rahul Desai and Uday Bhatia discuss Sean Durkin's bleak wrestling biopic The Iron Claw, and Alexander Payne's warm Christmas movie, The Holdovers.

1
Bhakshak 44:18

2y ago44:18

44:18

Film critics Rahul Desai and Ishita Sengupta discuss the interesting new Netflix drama, BHAKSHAK, starring Bhumi Pednekar.

1
Films & Writing #28: Rahul Desai and Pankaj Sachdeva 1:02:51

2y ago1:02:51

1:02:51

In the latest IIF podcast, writers Rahul Desai and Pankaj Sachdeva discuss their favourite Hindi cinema from the 2000s.

1
Fighter 52:58

2y ago52:58

52:58

Film critics Rahul Desai and Uday Bhatia discuss Siddharth Anand's latest actioner, FIGHTER.

1
Merry Christmas 1:09:19

2y ago1:09:19

1:09:19

Rahul Desai, Uday Bhatia and Ishita Sengupta discuss their differences about Sriram Raghavan's latest film, Merry Christmas. (No critics were harmed in the making of this podcast). This is a *spoiler-filled discussion*.

1
Films & Writing #27: Rahul Desai and Pankaj Sachdeva 1:02:16

2y ago1:02:16

1:02:16

Writers Rahul Desai and Pankaj Sachdeva do the first IIF podcast of 2024. The topics: Hindi black comedies, Bhumi Pednekar and Vikrant Massey.

1
2023 Wrap: Best of Hindi cinema 1:24:01

2y ago1:24:01

1:24:01

Film critics Rahul Desai, Uday Bhatia and Ishita Sengupta discuss their standout Hindi films of the year – along with a few of their favourite moments and performances.

1
Dunki, Priscilla 1:20:37

2y ago1:20:37

1:20:37

Film critics Rahul Desai and Uday Bhatia discuss Rajkumar Hirani's DUNKI, followed by Sofia Coppola's PRISCILLA.

1
Films & Writing #26: Rahul Desai and Pankaj Sachdeva 56:43

2y ago56:43

56:43

Writers Rahul Desai and Pankaj Sachdeva discuss the year that was.

1
The Archies, Joram 1:13:08

2y ago1:13:08

1:13:08

Film critics Rahul Desai and Uday Bhatia discuss two Hindi films: Zoya Akhtar's The Archies and Devashish Makhija's Joram.

1
Sam Bahadur, Animal 1:12:58

2y ago1:12:58

1:12:58

Film critics Rahul Desai, Ishita Sengupta and Uday Bhatia discuss the two big Bollywood releases: a dull biopic (Sam Bahadur) and an expensive Sandeep Reddy Vanga rant (Animal)

1
Films & Writing #25: Rahul Desai and Pankaj Sachdeva 1:09:04

2y ago1:09:04

1:09:04

Writers Rahul Desai and Pankaj Sachdeva return to chat about the following topics: Fantasy films, Emraan Hashmi, Juhi Chawla.

1
Apurva, The Railway Men 51:59

2y ago51:59

51:59

Film critics Rahul Desai and Ishita Sengupta discuss the survival thriller Apurva (Disney+ Hotstar) and the YRF limited series, The Railway Men (Netflix).

1
Tiger 3, The Killer 1:10:24

2y ago1:10:24

1:10:24

Film critics Rahul Desai, Uday Bhatia and Ishita Sengupta discuss the new Salman Khan starrer Tiger 3, and David Fincher's The Killer (Netflix).

1
Films & Writing #24: Rahul Desai and Pankaj Sachdeva 1:00:17

2y ago1:00:17

1:00:17

They're back! Rahul Desai and Pankaj Sachdeva discuss topics like the 2023 Mumbai Film Festival, directors Ashutosh Gowarikar, Meghna Gulzar, R. Balki, Rajkumar Santoshi and actress Sania Malhotra.

1
Wrap: The best of MAMI 2023 1:02:14

2y ago1:02:14

1:02:14

Film critics Rahul Desai and Uday Bhatia discuss their experience of the 2023 MAMI Mumbai Film Festival – their favourite films, moments, anecdotes and rants about unruly moviegoers.

1
MAMI 2023 42:39

2y ago42:39

42:39

The MAMI Mumbai Film Festival returns for a physical edition for the first time since 2019. Critics Rahul Desai and Uday Bhatia go down memory lane and discuss their favourite fest experiences over the years – and also drop a few MAMI 2023 tips and reccos.

1
Khufiya, Charlie Chopra & The Mystery Of Solang Valley 57:30

2y ago57:30

57:30

Film critics Rahul Desai and Uday Bhatia discuss Khufiya (Netflix), Vishal Bhardwaj's latest film. It starts with a brief chat about his long-form debut, Charlie Chopra & The Mystery Of Solang Valley (SonyLiv).

1
Films & Writing #23: Rahul Desai and Pankaj Sachdeva 1:06:48

2+ y ago1:06:48

1:06:48

Writers Rahul Desai and Pankaj Sachdeva continue their nostalgic 1990s Bollywood dash – featuring Sunny Deol, Karishma Kapoor, Bobby Deol, Sanjay Kapoor and more.