Elephants in the Boardroom

• Signals from the Deep: Data Bunkers, UN & the Future of Shipping with guest Øistein Jensen Chief Sustainability Officer Odfjell

  Episode OverviewGraeme Codrington (Johannesburg) and Dean Van Leeuwen (South of London) explore fresh “grey elephant” signals—from subterranean data centres and living with a >2°C world, to UN reform rumblings—then sit down with Øistein Jensen, Chief Sustainability Officer at Oddfjell, to unpack how a 110-year-old global chemical shipping company is tackling decarbonisation, supply-chain due diligence, and industry-wide collaboration.Key Topics DiscussedGrey Elephants RadarConverging, high-impact forces post-COVID; a once-in-a-century transformation.Strategy lens: identify weak signals early; turn risk into opportunity.Subterranean Data CentresOld mines/bunkers reimagined as “underground data fortresses.”Strategic logic: protect critical data; manage cooling, power, and resilience.Side bet: cooling technology becomes a shovel-in-the-gold-rush play.Living with >2°CMove beyond “prevention only” to adaptation + resilience at scale.Practical mindset shift (as with COVID): learn to operate in new conditions.UN & Multipolarity Weak SignalsCalls for African representation; scrutiny of Security Council veto power.Diplomatic flashpoints as indicators of a shifting geopolitical order.Boardroom takeaway: model tariff shocks, sanctions, supply-route rewiring.BANI World & Grey ElephantsToday’s reality: Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, Incomprehensible.Build antifragile strategies before the stampede starts.The QuizFirst military “drone” use: Austrian incendiary balloons over Venice (1849).Interview — Øistein Jensen, CSO, OddfjellDecarbonisation now: efficiency first; multiple fuels/tech—no single silver bullet.Regulation & level playing field: strong IMO rules to avoid “go-bankrupt green.”Holistic value chain: avoid offloading emissions upstream; measure Scope 3.Data & transparency: rising customer expectations across the full chain.Partnerships: industry bodies, local forums on human rights, technology co-dev.Supplier due diligence: shared platforms (e.g., Achilles) cut duplication and lift standards.Embedding sustainability: company-wide incentives tied to climate trajectories.Featured GuestØistein Jensen — Chief Sustainability Officer, Oddfjell (global leader in chemical shipping). Oversees sustainability, compliance and strategic safety. Former submarine commander in the Royal Norwegian Navy; prior experience at PwC.Connect with Graeme and DeanConnect with Graeme Codrington on LinkedInEmail Dean Van Leeuwen: [email protected] the 7 Grey Elephants: www.tomorrowtodayglobal.com/greyelephantsGeneral enquiries: [email protected] in the Boardroom is powered by Achilles. Achilles helps the world’s biggest companies build ethical, sustainable, and transparent supply chains—reducing risk while unlocking opportunity.Keywordsgrey elephants, BANI, multipolarity, UN reform, underground data centres, mines to data fortresses, climate adaptation, >2°C world, shipping decarbonisation, Oddfjell, Øistein Jensen,

  --------  

  48:39

  --------

  48:39
• Multipolarity, wars and rumours of wars, and the future of supply chains.

  Graeme Codrington and Dean Van Leeuwen return with a timely and urgent discussion about the shifting balance of global power and its implications for business leaders. From startling comments about human longevity by Putin and Xi Jinping to the acceleration of a multipolar world order, the hosts unpack how these geopolitical shifts create uncertainty, and opportunity, in boardrooms everywhere.This episode also features a compelling interview with Mar Bernal Conde, Head of Sustainable Supply Chain at LightSource BP, who shares her journey from operations to sustainability leadership and explains how resilient, transparent supply chains can become a competitive advantage in turbulent times.Key Topics DiscussedImmortality & AgingPutin and Xi joke about living beyond 150.Science shows aging may one day be reversible.Multipolarity RisingNew alliances reshaping global power (Russia, China, India, BRICS+).U.S. tariffs accelerate the shift away from Western dominance.Global RisksTariffs, sanctions, and conflicts (Ukraine, Taiwan, Venezuela, Middle East).Businesses must plan for shocks and instability.Grey Elephants & BANI WorldForces of change that are ignored until too late.Today’s reality: Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, Incomprehensible.Mara Vernal-Konda InterviewFrom operations to sustainability leadership.Why transparency, trust, and ESG due diligence matter.Building resilient supply chains in uncertain times.Featured GuestMar Bernal Conde – Head of Sustainable Supply Chain at LightSource BP. With over 25 years of international experience in energy and manufacturing, Mara has led strategic transformations rooted in sustainability. She also teaches sustainability leadership at Cambridge and serves on multiple industry boards.Putin Confirms Rise Of New World Order 👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKhTbMrqUdMConnect with Graeme and DeanElephants in the Boardroom is powered by Achilles. Connect with Graeme and Dean:Connect with Graeme on LinkedIn here Email Dean at [email protected] you're interested in learning more about the 7 Grey Elephants and how they're transforming the world you can download TomorrowToday's white paper herewww.tomorrowtodayglobal.com/greyelephants TomorrowToday Consulting empowers forward-thinking organisations to not just anticipate the future, but to shape it. Staying ahead of the curve is critical, and we provide the visionary thinking and strategic execution you need to thrive.Email [email protected]

  --------  

  57:52

  --------

  57:52
• Career Reinvention and Fierce Care in Leadership

  Graeme Codrington and Dean Van Leeuwen are joined by Tony, a former professional rugby player who has successfully reinvented himself three times throughout his career. In this inspiring conversation, Tony shares his journey of transformation beyond professional sports and introduces the powerful concept of "fierce care" as a strategic imperative in business.In a world where transformation is happening at an unprecedented pace - the fastest since 100 years ago - Tony's story offers valuable insights for anyone navigating career transitions and organizational leadership. His philosophy on how treating people, suppliers, and stakeholders with genuine care becomes a competitive advantage provides actionable wisdom for today's business leaders.Key Topics DiscussedCareer Reinvention & TransformationTony's journey of reinventing himself three times beyond professional rugbyNavigating the transition from professional sports to business leadershipThe shelf life of careers and making strategic life decisionsSelf-awareness as a foundation for successful transformationFierce Care as Business StrategyThe concept of "fierce care" as a strategic imperative in businessHow genuine care for people, suppliers, and stakeholders drives performanceThe difference between exceptional and average organizational performanceMicro-behaviors that create competitive advantagesLeadership in Times of ChangeOperating in an era of enormous sharp transformationWhy everyone needs to learn how to reinvent themselvesThe importance of treating people well during periods of changeBuilding high-performing organizations through authentic leadershipFeatured GuestTony - Former professional rugby player who has successfully navigated multiple career reinventions, now focused on business leadership and the application of "fierce care" principles in organizational settings.Elephants in the Boardroom is powered by Achilles. Connect with Graeme and Dean:Connect with Graeme on LinkedIn here Email Dean at [email protected] you're interested in learning more about the 7 Grey Elephants and how they're transforming the world you can download TomorrowToday's white paper herewww.tomorrowtodayglobal.com/greyelephants TomorrowToday Consulting empowers forward-thinking organisations to not just anticipate the future, but to shape it. Staying ahead of the curve is critical, and we provide the visionary thinking and strategic execution you need to thrive.Email [email protected]

  --------  

  1:05:16

  --------

  1:05:16
• Agentic AI and the Future of Industry Innovation

  Graeme Codrington and Dean Van Leeuwen open this episode with a tribute to Paul Stanley, the former CEO of Achilles, whose legacy transformed the supply chain and ESG sectors. His dedication to transparency inspired this episode's deep dive into the fast moving world of artificial intelligence, where Ginni Rometty's foresight of AI's pervasive influence in decision-making is coming to life. Imagine AI that doesn't just follow orders but autonomously improves customer experiences and tackles major challenges. Discover the phenomenon of agentic AI - an autonomous force poised to redefine business operations, yet shrouded in both promise and skepticism. A shift from task-based automation to mission-driven autonomy, by leveraging agentic AI, companies can not only boost efficiency but also reimagine their strategies, breaking free from conventional constraints.Do you think businesses should stay neutral in the face of global changes? Using frameworks like BANI, we highlight the necessity for enterprises to anticipate and capitalise on disruptions. In a world where 70% of the population lives under right-leaning governments, global businesses are navigating a complex political landscape where neutrality may no longer be an option. Resources - https://www.businessinsider.com/ginni-rometty-on-ibm-watson-and-ai-2015-5https://resources.tomorrowtoday.consulting/collections/686bcb8dfec9dd0bd964f680?utm_source=Paperflite%20LinkElephants in the Boardroom is powered by Achilles. Connect with Graeme and Dean:Connect with Graeme on LinkedIn here Email Dean at [email protected] you're interested in learning more about the 7 Grey Elephants and how they're transforming the world you can download TomorrowToday's white paper herewww.tomorrowtodayglobal.com/greyelephants TomorrowToday Consulting empowers forward-thinking organisations to not just anticipate the future, but to shape it. Staying ahead of the curve is critical, and we provide the visionary thinking and strategic execution you need to thrive.Email [email protected]

  --------  

  52:41

  --------

  52:41
• The Urgency of Sustainability with Pia Heidenmark Cook, senior ESG and sustainability leader

  This month, we are joined by Pia Heidenmark Cook, one of the most prominent leaders in corporate sustainability, to discuss the urgent actions businesses must take to address climate change and integrate sustainability into their core strategies.A Senior Advisor to Teneo, Achilles, Eurazeo and Non Executive Director at organisations including Bupa, Pia advises how to develop and operationalise sustainability strategies and the implications for reputation strategies.As former Chief Sustainability Officer for IKEA, she led the development and implementation of the IKEA People and Planet Positive strategy. In this episode, Pia explains the importance of recognising shifts in consumer behaviour, the challenges of navigating a warming world, and the role of social media in fostering collaboration. Pia also emphasises the need for organisations to embed sustainability into their culture and inspire the next generation of leaders to act boldly for a sustainable future.As ever, hosts Graeme Codrington and Dean Van Leeuwen from TomorrowToday Consulting bring analysis of grey elephant activity they have seen over the past month. In this episode, the focus is on immigration. Hear about the demographic shifts driving immigration, the political implications, and the potential for businesses to view immigration as a strategic opportunity. With Graeme and Dean highlighting the need for a mindset shift to recognise the value of diversity and the importance of proactive immigration policies in addressing workforce shortages and economic challenges.Access further insights into how immigration is reshaping the world, receive strategic alerts about the 7 grey elephants and a host of other valuable resources by signing up here.Elephants in the Boardroom is powered by Achilles. Connect with Graeme and Dean:Connect with Graeme on LinkedIn here Email Dean at [email protected] you're interested in learning more about the 7 Grey Elephants and how they're transforming the world you can download TomorrowToday's white paper here. TomorrowToday Consulting empowers forward-thinking organisations to not just anticipate the future, but to shape it. Staying ahead of the curve is critical, and we provide the visionary thinking and strategic execution you need to thrive.Email [email protected]

  --------  

  1:06:41

  --------

  1:06:41

More Business podcasts

Trending Business podcasts

About Elephants in the Boardroom