Best Jo Lepore Podcasts (2025)

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You shouldn't use old playbooks to place new bets - venture capitalist Roger Spitz 45:04

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11d ago45:04

45:04

Today we are joined once again by good friend of the podcast, Roger Spitz. While Roger is known well as a futurist and change agent today, his career started in investment banking and M&A. On this episode we explore the cross-roads of the investment world with emerging future innovation, and how this impacts business strategy. Roger argues the play…

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Would you confide in an AI replica of you? - tech entrepreneur Robert LoCascio 44:50

1M ago44:50

44:50

When we talk about “human in the loop” of AI, what we mean is human intervention. But what if the AI was human? Or more accurately, a replica not of a generic repeatable, predictable human-sounding response, but built like you. Tech entrepreneur Robert LoCascio joins us today to explore this future, where humans aren’t just kept in the loop but are…

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Big companies optimize for profit, not the consumer - strategy advisor Peter McDonald 53:20

2M ago53:20

53:20

If strategic planning in the consumer goods sector feels different right now, you’re not imagining it. For the past 15 years, leaders in CPG categories have struggled to build plans that deliver the kinds of predictable, reliable profit of days past. Former General Mills Chief Strategy Officer, and a leading independent voice in long range strategi…

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There's no way to fix fast fashion - French designer Justine Leconte 51:27

2M ago51:27

51:27

Fashion is a massive $1.8 Trillion industry. Within that two tales unfold: one of quality, timelessness and individualized expression, and another of wastefulness, shame and pride. On this episode of Looking Outside, we explore how fast fashion competes with slow fashion; where craftsmanship, carefulness and scarcity supersede fleeting trends. For …

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Media we create and consume is becoming synthetic. Who is this for? - Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies 1:00:44

3M ago1:00:44

1:00:44

This podcast was not read by synthetic AI generated replicas … although it could be. Live from the Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies in Denmark, together with three trained communications professionals, we discuss the future of their field. If there even is one. FARSIGHT podcast host and Head of Publications at the CIFS Casper Skovgaard Pete…

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Economics is a social science that doesn't reflect our current society - economist Hans Stegeman 46:12

3M ago46:12

46:12

Financial stability and economic growth has been a staple of national prosperity and business success. In this search for predictable prosperity, fueled by individual ownership and material attainment, we forget that economic models were built as a fix to a problem within the specific context of a social need. Today, economic models have become the…

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The crisis of disbelief is paralyzing decision making - intelligence strategist Jake Sotiriadis 44:00

4M ago44:00

44:00

Your business could benefit from a chief geopolitical officer. Not just because of the large shift in operational complexity accelerated by geopolitical conflicts, but because not looking at these topics in a considered way, through a lens of expertise, could lead to poor decisions, lost opportunities, or worse, paralysis. But, says our Looking Out…

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Change is incredibly slow and exponentially fast - venture capitalist Roger Spitz 23:54

5M ago23:54

23:54

You can’t talk about the future without talking about change. But change can trick you, as guest Roger Spitz says on this latest episode, filmed live at the Rulebreaker Future Congress in Germany. Roger is the founding Chair of the Disruptive Futures Institute and, there, instructs global leaders in operating with agility in uncertain environments.…

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Stop romanticizing analog experiences - tech entrepreneur Lyron Bentovim 20:02

5M ago20:02

20:02

We’ve been living digitally for decades. While many of us think romantically about an analog and physical existence, the future is not taking us back there, but deeper into a digital immersion. So says our guest today, Lyron Bentovim, CEO and President of The Glimpse Group, a company advancing augmented and virtual reality innovation. In this episo…

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From the lab to the market: challenges in cellular technology - biotech scholar Dr Hamid Noori 20:17

5M ago20:17

20:17

Bioengineering is a complex field. In some industries it’s well established, in others still nascent. But one thing is true regardless of where it’s applied – it poses interesting problems. Dr Hamid Noori is one scientist motivated by solving these kinds of big, difficult and (he would say) fun problems. As CEO of bioengineering company, The Cultiv…

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It’s not science fiction: how we’re preserving human life - future scientist Sven Gabor Janszky 33:25

5M ago33:25

33:25

For over two decades, Germany's most demanded futurist, Sven Gabor Janszky, has been gathering business leaders across Europe, exposing them to the 'rulebreaking' ideas that are changing our world. In this 24th edition of this event, Sven sits down with host (and international keynote at the congress) Jo Lepore, to discuss the science behind findin…

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Why forecasts fail in the game of predicting the future - forecaster Paul Saffo 1:20:21

5M ago1:20:21

1:20:21

Arguably, the most important thing we need to do when thinking about the future, is to hold our strong opinions weakly. In the world of business strategy, the process of mapping what may lie ahead is usually tempted by a perfected, tried-and-true, method. So what happens when the forecast is wrong? On this episode of Looking Outside we are explorin…

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Art profoundly impacts physiology, psychology and sociability - neuroarts expert Susan Magsamen 46:30

6M ago46:30

46:30

Art is nice, but it’s not just a nice-to-have. And it’s not relegated to galleries, museums and exclusive circles. Not only is art everywhere in our lives, day in and out, it has a profound impact on our physiology, psychology and our ability to better connect with other people. On this episode of Looking Outside we speak with author of ‘Your Brain…

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Planetary boundaries: what we can’t account for - climate finance leader David Carlin 52:42

6M ago52:42

52:42

After 200 years of rapid growth, we’re seeing the consequences of putting the planet to the limits of habitability. But with future endless growth goals, and finite resources it’s time we get climate action into the P&L. On this episode of Looking Outside, we’re talking about sizing the impact of climate change, with climate and sustainability lead…

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LIVE from SXSW: Spotting signals in noise 44:58

7M ago44:58

44:58

Futures Thinking: Spotting Signals in Turbulent Times In a world of constant flux and uncertainty, the ability to spot signals of change is an essential skill for navigating the future. Volatility has been escalating for over a decade, and the exponential growth of data presents both challenges and opportunities. Understanding how to contextualize …

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LIVE from SXSW: Staying human in the age of AI 53:58

7M ago53:58

53:58

Enough with the “Delving” – Staying Human in the Age of AI. Is AI making us better or worse at communicating? On one hand, platforms like ChatGPT have unlocked the ability to instantly create and customize vast reams of messaging – emails, social posts, and more. But the telltale fingerprints of AI, from overused words like “innovative” and “delve,…

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Biological limitation is our biggest strength - historian & futurist Jamie Metzl 53:51

8M ago53:51

53:51

In this episode of Looking Outside we’re going back to the past and into the future - exploring the biggest transformative breakthroughs in science and technology that have and are transforming civilizations and societal values. Historian and futurist Jamie Metzl joins us to step into the world of science innovation, and equally to take a step back…

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Flawed political ideologies are hurting and not helping us - political scientist Verlan Lewis 59:51

9M ago59:51

59:51

Today we’re going to get a little political, without the hostility. We’re exploring the bias, misrepresentation and dangers that come with ascribing to the ‘left wing’ and ‘right wing’ political spectrum. Political scientist, professor in political and constitutional studies, and co-author of ‘The Myth of Left and Right’ Verlan Lewis joins us to de…

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Serendipitous pathways to learning - professor Radhika Zaveri 28:40

9M ago28:40

28:40

Being a marketer today is challenging enough, just imagine what it’s like for the next generation of brand leaders coming in to study marketing. On this episode of Looking Outside we explore the mindset and skills that future brand leaders are considering, with Professor of Practice at SMU Cox School of Business, Radhika Zaveri. With over 20 years …

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"Doing" philosophy by going down the rabbit hole - experimental philosopher & artist Jonathon Keats 1:13:35

10M ago1:13:35

1:13:35

The very best philosophy is equal parts exhilarating and distressing. As one of the most profound pursuits towards greater understanding, through the love of wisdom, philosophy employs logic and demands critical thinking. But at worst it is left in the esoteric world of theory: disconnected from the world we live in. Out of touch. While philosophy …

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2024 Recap: highlights from 18 topics 19:36

10M ago19:36

19:36

After 18 topics explored in 2024, it's time to reflect back on the themes covered, the insight gained and the ideas sparked from this year's podcast. ---------- More: Looking Outside podcast www.looking-outside.com Connect with host, Jo Lepore Watch this episode on YouTube ---------- ⭐ Follow, like and rate the show - it makes a difference! -------…

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Sustainable Business LIVE from Dubai: Marc Buckley, Dina Baenninger, Ben McCabe (Cross-over episode) 49:10

11M ago49:10

49:10

This is a cross-over podcast episode between Looking Outside and Ree-thinking Sustainability, co-hosted by Ben McCabe and Jo Lepore. This episode was filmed LIVE at the 2024 Dubai Future Forum, the largest gathering of futurists from around the world, which features some of the most prominent activists and climate innovators pushing for environment…

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Future Risks: Dasha Krivonos, Futurist & CEO of Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies 42:09

11M ago42:09

42:09

On this episode of Looking Outside, we explore emerging risk - those issues seemingly in the further out future that we chose not to prioritize, act on, or perhaps even take seriously. Joining us is trained economist turned futurist, and CEO of futures think thank and advisory, the Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies, Daria (Dasha) Krivonos. H…

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Humor: Tom Fishburne, Marketoonist 41:03

12M ago41:03

41:03

On this episode of Looking Outside, we’re exploring the role of humor in business. Whether it’s silly doodles, clever cartoons, or gentle jokes, giving and having the permission to laugh at ourselves, at our industry, and at our field of expertise can elevate corporate culture. Sharing how he does this every day, with over 200 corporate clients, is…

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Food Culture: Jing Gao, Founder & CEO, Fly by Jing 32:15

1y ago32:15

32:15

In this episode of Looking Outside, we're exploring the influence and influencers of Food Culture, and the sociological, traditional and modern values that are redefining how we innovative in food. We're joined for this conversation by Jing Gao, Founder & CEO of modern Chinese food brand Fly by Jing. Armed with a desire to help people discover new …

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Climate Activism: Dana R. Fisher, Sociologist, Professor, Author 43:15

1y ago43:15

43:15

We’ve covered climate change and environmental causes on Looking Outside, focused on the innovation that’s helping to create new solves for existing problems. On this episode, we’re exploring the topic of environmental action from a human perspective, looking at what sociology and the study of historical patterns of collective human behavior can te…

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Investigations & Interrogations: Greg Kading, Retired LAPD Detective 36:39

1y ago36:39

36:39

Investigating for the hidden truth, putting the puzzle pieces together, building a strong case, leading with objectivity … you might be thinking of the responsibility of business leaders. But today, we’re exploring these same familiar elements from the perspective of a field where this holds greater weight. We’re speaking about investigations & int…

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Looking Outside Brand Building: Oana Leonte, Founder unmtchd.brands 36:22

1y ago36:22

36:22

Today we’re looking outside a very familiar topic, exploring brand building that strengthens a brand’s equity today and sets it up for the future. We’re joined for this all-marketing chat with marketing rockstar, fellow podcaster, Founder of unmtchd.brands and former Puma exec, Oana Leonte. Oana recently pivoted from a marketing career working to b…

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Looking Outside Insights BS: Ryan Barry, President Zappi 37:35

1y ago37:35

37:35

Today we’re taking a no BS look at the world of customer insights, leadership and business visioning with the President of software company Zappi, the ever-passionate and transparent leader, Ryan Barry. Having led Zappi for over four years, Ryan shares his no holds barred take on company leadership and people leadership, and it’s all anchored on au…

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Looking Outside Plant-Based Food: Marc Coloma, CEO Heura & Food Activist 44:03

1+ y ago44:03

44:03

In this episode, we’re taking a look outside the very familiar food industry and a closer look at the emerging sector of plant-based food, with food activist, entrepreneur, and CEO and Co-Founder of Heura, Marc Coloma. Marc’s mission to transform the food industry starts with his own company, which acts as a symbol for what is possible; investing i…

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Looking Outside Imperfect Stories: Marco Andre, Head of Marketing & Gen AI, Novartis 40:22

1+ y ago40:22

40:22

In this episode of Looking Outside, we explore personal and professional growth from the angle of imperfection; not having it all figured out and embracing what you don’t know as a lever for learning. Even if you work for the world’s biggest and best brands. Just like our guest has done, Marco Andre, author of Imperfect Stories and Head of Marketin…

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Looking Outside Photography & Conservation: Derek Nielsen, Nature Photographer 44:27

1+ y ago44:27

44:27

On this episode of Looking Outside we discuss the evolved art of photography and its role in capturing the state of nature and wildlife as a form of conservation, with nature photographer and conservationist, Derek Nielsen. A photographer for more than 20 years, Derek’s journey to capture images from across each continent of the world started with …

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Looking Outside Marketing Creativity: Juan Isaza, Marketing & Strategy Leader, DDB 43:45

1+ y ago43:45

43:45

On this episode of Looking Outside we explore the intersection of creativity with marketing and what it takes to take a good brand to a great brand. Joining us is marketing and strategy leader, Juan Isaza, Chief strategy officer at DDB Latina, and Head of Brand and Social Media Strategy at creative agency 14. While today Juan is an award winning st…

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Looking Outside Sweets: Arnaud Vodounou, Pastry Chef 33:31

1+ y ago33:31

33:31

Today we’re speaking of all things sweet in life, with French trained pastry chef, and Group Head Pastry Chef at Black Star Pastry, Arnaud Vodounou. Arnaud describes how his six year long training in Paris, covering all the basics of pastry making, gave him the foundation to be confident, flexible and creative in his craft today. A kind of intensiv…

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Looking Outside Data & Value: Michael Clark, Data Scholar 39:42

1+ y ago39:42

39:42

Data Scholar Michael Clark joins Looking Outside to discuss the value behind the data we collect and how the definition of data is changing. Michael is a futurist focused on data, a digital payment and open banking and Vice President of Global Digital Transformation at Mastercard. His interest in the interconnection of data to other aspects of our …

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Looking Outside Climate Tech: Elena Doms, Climate Tech leader 40:55

1+ y ago40:55

40:55

Today we welcome Elena Doms, climate tech leader and head of Earth Plus, on Looking Outside to discuss the progress and positive action taking place in the field of climate tech. Having spent 11 years at Mastercard on the corporate side, and now in the entrepreneur space in a start up, Elena brings with her a pragmatic and motivating perspective to…

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Looking Outside Culture: Dr Marcus Collins, Marketing Professor & Culture Scholar 46:03

1+ y ago46:03

46:03

In this episode of Looking Outside, we’re exploring Culture and the role of brands leveraging or influencing it, with University of Michigan marketing professor and best selling author of For the Culture, Dr Marcus Collins. Marcus has one foot in Academia and the other in marketing practice, having led strategy Wieden+Kennedy New York, which allowe…

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Looking Outside Career Change: Jason Feifer, Editor in Chief, Entrepreneur Mag 29:52

2y ago29:52

29:52

Today we’re talking about catapulting your career into unexpected places, driven by self-reflection, self-determinism, and a recognition of your own self-limitations, with change advocate, and Editor in Chief of Entrepreneur Magazine, Jason Feifer. Speaking to a range of successful entrepreneurs is a part of Jason's day job, but he's also a bit of …

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Looking Outside AI: Usama Fayyad, Data & AI expert, Institute for Experiential AI 34:52

2y ago34:52

34:52

On this episode of Looking Outside we explore the reality and risk behind the hype of AI, with Executive Director of the Institute for Experiential AI at Northeastern University, Founder of Open Insights, Data Scientist and AI expert, Usama Fayyad. Usama has been in the field of AI for three decades and has lived through three AI hype peaks followe…

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Looking Outside Disruptive Technology: Dr. Grzegorz Ombach, Airbus | LIVE from Dubai 16:58

2y ago16:58

16:58

Looking Outside comes to you LIVE from the Dubai Future Forum, the largest gathering of futurists in the world. In this conversation we talk about disruptive technology and transformative blue sky innovation with Airbus Senior Vice President and Head of Disruptive Research and Technology, Dr Grzegorz (Greg) Ombach. Greg describes the mindset shift …

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Looking Outside Sustainable Design: Josef Hargrave, Arup | LIVE from Dubai 18:01

2y ago18:01

18:01

Looking Outside comes to you LIVE from the Dubai Future Forum, the largest gathering of futurists in the world. In this conversation we talk about sustainable design with Arup's Director of Foresight, Josef Hargrave. Arup is focused on creating more sustainable built environments, and Josef speaks to how designing for the future needs to be anchore…

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Looking Outside Retail: Tim Nash, Retail Creative 36:59

2y ago36:59

36:59

Retail, shopping and lovers of physical activations, this one is for you. But perhaps it’s for all of us who look at bringing our brands to life in physical spaces. Today on Looking Outside we’re speaking with top voice in retail, Curator of Shop Drop Daily & Chief Thinker at iiiF, Tim Nash. Tim's passion for brands led to his career specialty in s…

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Looking Outside Sustainability: Bob Langert, Sustainability Leader 55:12

2y ago55:12

55:12

Today we’re talking about the big topic of Sustainability within big business. Former Chief Sustainability & Social Impact Officer at McDonalds, Bob Langert, joins the show and shares his three decade long journey in making environmental change happen at one of the biggest organizations in the world. An environmental activist at heart, Bob shares h…

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Looking Outside Dystopic Futures: Nik Badminton, Global Futurist 43:32

2y ago43:32

43:32

In this episode of Looking Outside we venture into dark futures with global futurist Nikolas Badminton, crossing over the line of realism into dystopia. Nikolas spent 30 years at the front line of emerging futures, aiding organizations and governments in the anticipating risks that lie ahead and shaking people out of unrealistic expectations. He sa…

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Looking Outside Food with Purpose: Moritz Everding, Social Entrepreneur 38:30

2y ago38:30

38:30

In this episode of Looking Outside, we speak with someone crazy enough to think one company can make a difference, social entrepreneur Moritz Everding. Moritz founded food start up SOCHILI to act on his vision of creating food with purpose. Combining his love of spice, his experience in business innovation and his passion for positive social change…

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Looking Outside Comedy: Monty Franklin, Stand-Up Comedian 39:31

2y ago39:31

39:31

Another Aussie joins us on Looking Outside to explore the power of laughter and positivity through comedy, with stand-up comedian, actor and TV personality, Monty Franklin. Having lived in the US and toured 42 states over the last ten years, Monty has performed to more than a million Americans, and whether it’s on stage or at the bank, he speaks to…

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Looking Outside Openness: Marcel Braun, Pharmacist & Novartis Exhibition Director 43:51

2y ago43:51

43:51

In this episode of Looking Outside we explore living your life and career curiously through an openness to learning with trained pharmacist and director of the Novartis Pavillon exhibiting the wonders of medicine, Marcel Braun. Marcel studied pharmacy but throughout his career has remained open to entering new fields and living in new places, somet…

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Looking Outside Semiotics [LIVE]: Dr Rachel Lawes, Semiotician & Social Psychologist 35:34

2+ y ago35:34

35:34

In this special LIVE episode of Looking Outside, recorded at the Insights and Innovation Exchange event in Texas, we look more closely at the symbols and signs that surround us, the study of Semiotics, with semiotician, author and marketer, Dr Rachel Lawes. Rachel blends her 20 years in Market Research and her academic training as a Social Psycholo…

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Looking Outside Flying: Ricardo Nunes, Airline Pilot 39:38

2+ y ago39:38

39:38

Are some people simply more cut out to take on big responsibilities, where lives are at stake, or is it actually just good training? In this episode of Looking Outside, we explore the mindset and skills of preparedness in Flying with commercial airline pilot, Ricardo Nunes. Being responsible for hundreds of people on the plane is not something Rica…

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Looking Outside Innovation BS: Lars Behrendt, Innovation Engineer 46:40

2+ y ago46:40

46:40

Lars Behrendt joins us for this episode of Looking Outside, discussing the bureaucracy, ego and over-perfection that gets in the way of great innovating … in other words, Innovation Bullshit. Now a voice of influence in the innovation space, particularly in his home country of Germany where he gets 10 million content views weekly, Lars shares how h…