The Next Five
Business & Finance
About
The Next Five is the FT’s partner-supported podcast, exploring the future of industries through expert insights and thought-provoking discussions with host Tom Parker. Each episode brings together leading voices to analyse the trends, innovations, challenges and opportunities shaping the next five years in business, technology, health and lifestyleThis content is paid for by advertisers and is produced in partnership with the Financial Times’ Commercial Department Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
- The Trust Gap: Fraud vs Reality in the Age of AI
Tom Parker discusses the rise of cyber-enabled fraud and the impact of AI-driven identity mimicry on digital trust with experts from Veriff, Monzo, and CIFAS. The episode explores the challenges posed by these threats and the emerging tech…
- Leading The Energy Transition: Where Are We Now?
This episode of The Next Five discusses the global energy transition, noting that renewables and nuclear reached 40% of global electricity generation in 2024. It examines the challenges, technologies, and policies involved, featuring guest…
- The Human Factor in Tech
Experts Natalie Douglas, Professor Ashley Braganza, and Kevin Frechette join host Tom to discuss the human factor in the fourth industrial revolution. They explore how humans are adapting to work with technologies like AI and how organizat…
- The Next Generation of European Tech Funding: Scale-Ups
Experts discuss the critical role of late-stage financing for European tech scale-ups, noting a funding gap compared to the US despite tripled capital since 2015. They explore available funding, challenges, and strategies for creating more…
- Sustainable Skies: The Future of Private Aviation
This episode of The Next Five examines the future of private aviation, discussing growth trends, sustainability issues, and future technologies. Guests include Adel Mardini, CEO of Jetex, and JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby Aviation.
- Leading through M&A
Brian Salsberg and Massimo Battaini discuss the M&A market's slow start in 2025 due to economic uncertainty and explore strategies for successful M&A in current and future conditions. The episode considers the impact of US trade policy and…
- The Energy Transition: Where’s the Money?
Capital flows in the energy sector are projected to reach $3.3tn in 2025, with $2.2tn allocated to renewables and clean energy. Experts discuss the impact of geopolitical and economic factors on future investments and value creation in the…
- The Treasurers' Toolbox: How CFOs Are Preparing For The Future
This episode features Kwee Juan Han, Marie Myers, and Andre Khor discussing how modern finance leaders are navigating economic, technological, and workforce changes while preparing for the future.
- The Next Generation of European Tech Funding: Start Ups
While Europe generates more high-tech startups than the US, US deal value significantly exceeds Europe's. Experts discuss rebalancing venture funding, Europe's tech strengths, and startup insights from Germany.
- Risk in the Boardroom
This episode of The Next Five features experts Sean McGovern, Pam Joshi, and Sarah Isted discussing the concept of polycrisis and its implications for boardrooms. They explore how businesses can navigate increasing global risks through agi…
- Cyber risk and security in an AI world: what’s in store?
This episode discusses the critical role of data storage and cybersecurity in the age of AI, featuring insights from Charlie Giancarlo (Pure Storage), Nicole Carignan (Darktrace), and Anthony Ferrante (FTI Consulting). They emphasize secur…
- Human Health: Society and the Future of Biotech
This episode of The Next Five features discussions on biotechnology's role in improving human health and society. Experts cover solutions for frontotemporal dementia and sarcopenia, the shift towards a longevity society, and challenges in…
- Money Movers: Solving The Cross-Border Payment Problem
This episode of The Next Five discusses the persistent challenges in cross-border payments despite global digitalization. Experts from Mastercard, Citi, and MoneyGram share insights on how scale, collaboration, and digital assets can impro…
- Mastering Change: The Future Looking CFO
This episode of The Next Five features insights from CFOs Anna Manz (Nestlé) and Chris Thorn (Suez), alongside CPTO Salvatore Lombardo (Coupa), discussing how CFOs must adapt to challenges like digital change and regulation using technolog…
- Our Energy Future: Balancing climate goals with reliable supply
This episode of The Next Five discusses the global challenge of reaching Net Zero by 2050 while maintaining energy security and affordability. Experts debate the balance between renewable energy transition and reliable sources like natural…
- Navigating Risk: Insuring a sustainable future in a fragmented world
This episode discusses navigating an uncertain world by adapting to evolving risks, including economic instability, geopolitical tensions, and cyber threats. Leaders from AXIS, Marsh McLennan, and BlackRock highlight the insurance industry…
- Understanding the World: The Power of Data
Data generation is rapidly increasing, with 90% created in the last two years and the volume doubling every two years. This episode discusses the importance of understanding data in the digital age, with guests from Adverity, Nestlé, and t…
- Cheers, Fears and Rare Years: The Future of Luxury Spirits
This episode of The Next Five discusses the expanding luxury spirits market, driven by consumer interest, celebrity culture, and investment potential. Experts share insights on market dynamics, brand collaborations, and the investment land…
- The Future of AI and Creativity
This episode of The Next Five features Doug Eck, Dani Verdari, and Neil Maiden discussing AI's role in creativity. They explore how AI amplifies human ideas, the potential for new art forms, AI's use in content creation, copyright concerns…
- The Future of Preventative Healthcare
This episode of The Next Five discusses the future of preventative healthcare, focusing on vaccine uptake in aging societies. Guests include Kate Hashey (GSK), Murray Aitken (IQVIA Institute), and David Sinclair (International Longevity Ce…
- Navigating the Future of Business Travel
This episode of The Next Five discusses the resurgence and transformation of business travel, highlighting the impact of rising costs, sustainability concerns, and the growing influence of AI. Guests explore how AI can streamline travel pr…
- The Future of AI in Cybersecurity
This episode of The Next Five examines the role of AI in cybersecurity, exploring how advancements can enhance protections for organizations while also considering the risks associated with data processing. The discussion features insights…
- The Future of AI and Productivity
This episode of The Next Five discusses the EU's need to prioritize digital skills and AI adoption to maintain global leadership. Experts Andrea Renda, Anna Anderson, and Inger Paus examine AI's role in workplace productivity and the econo…
- The Future of AI in Sustainability
This episode examines the critical role AI can play in addressing the current extinction crisis and promoting sustainability. Experts discuss how AI can help understand and transform agriculture, monitor insect populations like bees, and m…
- The Future of AI in Healthcare
This episode of The Next Five discusses the significant role of AI in healthcare, highlighting its potential benefits in research and clinical applications, alongside concerns about accuracy, health inequalities, and the need for regulatio…
- Oceans: Preserving and Powering our Blue Economy
This episode discusses the critical importance of oceans as Earth's life support system, a 'blue economy,' and a regulator of climate. It covers the threats posed by climate change and mismanagement, the potential of oceans for renewable e…
- It’s About Time: The Future of Watches
This episode discusses the historical fascination with timepieces, the evolution of watches from status symbols to functional devices, and their future role in a digitally dominated world. Experts from luxury watchmaking and wearable tech…
- Electric Future: The Road To EV Supremacy
This episode of The Next Five discusses the current state and future of electric vehicles (EVs), highlighting their role in reducing oil consumption and global emissions. Industry experts from DBS Bank, Toyota, and Polestar share insights…
- Paying the way: the future of payments in a digital world
This episode of The Next Five discusses the evolving payments industry, driven by digital growth, e-commerce, and government support. Experts from Barclaycard Payments, eBay, and EY share insights on combating fraud, seamless payment pract…
- Financing the transition to Net Zero
This episode of The Next Five discusses the financial system's role in transitioning to a net zero economy. Experts Eirik Waerness and Nick Stansbury highlight the need for collaboration and effective carbon pricing, while Tim Gould provid…
- How Automation and AI will change humanity
This episode of The Next Five discusses how automation and AI advancements are outpacing human evolution. It features insights from Steve Wood, Nathalie Nahai, and Gerd Leonhard on empowering people with technology, fostering human connect…
- How Tokenisation And Digital Currencies Are Changing The Future of Trade
This episode of The Next Five discusses the impact of tokenisation and digital currencies on global trade and trade finance. Guests Karin Flinspach, Tim Davis, and Jason Thompson share insights on the evolving digital trade landscape and t…
- The Digital Office
This episode of The Next Five discusses the shift to flexible work post-pandemic, exploring technology's role in the digital office, employee productivity, and wellbeing. Guests from Slack, the American Psychological Association, and Bosto…
- Shaping Sustainable Supply Chains
This episode of The Next Five discusses the fragility of global supply chains, highlighting how the pandemic and geopolitical issues have exposed their weaknesses. Experts explore how collaboration, technology, AI, and sustainable packagin…
- How Innovation Is Shaping Sustainable Sportswear
This episode of The Next Five discusses the growing sportswear market's environmental impact. It highlights innovations like CO2-based shoes from ON and discusses transitioning to a circular economy with Jules Lennon from the Ellen MacArth…
- Securing Our Cyber Future
The Next Five episode "Securing Our Cyber Future" examines the growing threat of cybercrime to businesses, exploring vulnerabilities, defenses, and future trends. Guests Mitch Scherr, Brian Holliday, and Stephen Phipson share expert perspe…
- The Future of Energy
Experts discuss the future of energy, focusing on fusion and hydrogen technologies as key to reaching net zero. They cover the potential of these game-changing solutions and the global collaboration needed for commercial scale-up.
- How The Actions Of Washington And Beijing Will Affect Us All
This episode examines the evolving US-China relationship, from Nixon's 1972 visit to the dynamics between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump, and discusses the global impact of their economic rivalry over the next five years. Expert Andy Rothman,…
- The ESG Race
ESG has become a daily boardroom topic, crucial for securing finance since the Paris Agreement. Despite progress, the sector faces challenges with new regulations, but getting it right offers a bright future. Amanda Young discusses the sub…
- AI: The Future Is Now
Artificial Intelligence, once science fiction, is now integral to all industries. Harish Sundaresh discusses AI's adoption in the finance sector, comparing it with healthcare and transport, while highlighting its potential benefits and ris…
- Trailer: Welcome to The Next Five
This podcast trailer introduces "The Next Five," a series hosted by Tom Parker. It will feature industry experts discussing expected changes in their fields over the next five years and the potential impact on daily life, referencing signi…