Lessons for leaders in today's increasingly polarised world
Listen in to learn what business leaders can do to help their teams navigate a complex landscape which has reshaped workplace culture

Societal polarisation is on the rise, with political divides, environmental concerns, generational shifts, and controversial public figures shaping today’s workplace dynamics. Issues such as climate change, corporate sustainability, and healthcare innovation are becoming increasingly contentious, adding to the challenges business leaders face. How can they foster cohesion while navigating these growing tensions?
Host Dean Sergei Guriev is joined by Donal Crilly, Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at London Business School, and Lorenza Brescia, Business Leader at Fagron, to explore the complexities of leading through polarisation.
Together, they examine how key issues such as climate change, DEI, and generational divides are reshaping workplace culture. They also discuss the balance between shareholder expectations and social responsibility, the influence of polarising leaders on business strategy, and how shifting healthcare and sustainability priorities impact organisational decision making.
In this episode, our guests share actionable strategies for managing polarisation without alienating key stakeholders.
Listen to gain insights into the following:
- Fostering inclusive workplace cultures
- Making informed leadership decisions
- Navigating the trade-offs required to maintain both cohesion and competitiveness in an increasingly divided world
Listen to the full podcast on Spotify:
Listen to the full podcast on Apple Podcasts:
Watch the podcast on YouTube:
Discover fresh perspectives and research insights from LBS