Leaders with Francine Lacqua

In next week's episode, host Francine Lacqua speaks with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva. Here's a preview of that conversation where Georgieva reflects on the difficult balance between economic reform and public trust, why protecting the most vulnerable is essential during crises, and how leaders can build a shared sense of sacrifice and responsibility in turbulent times. Be sure to subscribe to catch the full episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 1 June 2026

Rolls-Royce’s turnaround made Tufan Erginbilgiç one of the most closely watched CEOs in Europe. In this episode of Leaders, he tells Francine Lacqua how he used data, discipline and direct communication to change the trajectory of the company — and what other leaders can learn about strategy, culture and long-term growth. Watch the interview: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLe4PRejZgr0PAxeoWOBGj6M7GXhXQmdn6 Check out more Leaders interviews:  http://bloomberg.com/leaderswithlacqua Read more on management and work: https://www.bloomberg.com/management-work See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 25 May 2026

In next week's episode, host Francine Lacqua speaks with Rolls-Royce CEO Tufan Erginbilgiç. Here's a preview of that conversation, in which he reflects on the responsibility of restoring one of Britain’s most important industrial brands, arguing that Rolls-Royce’s turnaround shows other UK companies the importance of fixing broken business models, rejecting mediocrity and empowering employees with a clear sense of purpose.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 18 May 2026

What does it take to lead through a near-disaster and turn it into a $14 billion win? In this episode, Blackstone President and Chief Operating Officer Jon Gray shares lessons from the financial crisis, revealing why staying calm, backing the right businesses and building trust can make or break a leader. He also opens up about shaping culture, retaining top talent and leading with humanity—offering a rare inside look at how one of the world’s biggest investment firms navigates uncertainty. Watch the interview:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLe4PRejZgr0PAxeoWOBGj6M7GXhXQmdn6 Read more on management and work: https://www.bloomberg.com/management-workSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 11 May 2026

In next week's episode, host Francine Lacqua speaks with Jon Gray, president and chief operating officer of Blackstone Group. Here's a preview of that conversation, in which he talks about leading Blackstone's leveraged buyout of Hilton Hotels, which after a difficult road became the most profitable private equity real estate deal ever.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 4 May 2026

Francine Lacqua sits down with Emma Grede—the power behind Good American and a founding partner of Skims—to unpack what it really takes to build a billion-dollar brand. Grede goes beyond the headlines, revealing the chaos behind her $1 million launch day and the mindset that helped her push through challenges. From "radical honesty" in leadership to bold views on work, ambition and success, she reveals the principles that have shaped her rise—and why she’s now stepping into the spotlight to help others do the same. Check out more interviews: http://bloomberg.com/leaderswithlacqua Read more on management and work: https://www.bloomberg.com/management-workSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 27 April 2026

In next week's episode, host Francine Lacqua speaks with Emma Grede, chief executive and co-founder of Good American and founding partner of loungewear and shapewear brand Skims. Here's a preview of that conversation where she shares the realities behind early success, why hiring adaptable, flexible thinkers matters more than rigid experience, and how the people you need evolve as a company grows.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 20 April 2026

Shell Chief Executive Officer Wael Sawan joins Francine Lacqua to discuss the oil major's controversial strategy around the energy transition, and fostering a culture that shifts from “all-knowing” to “all-learning.” He reflects on navigating volatility in the global energy system, emphasizing disciplined decision-making and focusing on what leaders can influence going forward. This interview was recorded on Dec. 11, 2025See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 13 April 2026

In next week's episode, host Francine Lacqua speaks with Wael Sawan, chief executive of oil giant Shell. Here's a preview of that conversation where he shares his outlook for global energy demand.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 6 April 2026

HSBC CEO Georges Elhedery joins Francine Lacqua to explain why he is “ruthless about killing complexity” as he pushes through an AI-fuelled overhaul of one of the world’s biggest banks. He reflects on leadership, integrity and cultural fluency, and shares how HSBC is adapting to geopolitical tensions, shifting trade routes and the rapid rise of generative AI.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 30 March 2026

In next week's episode, host Francine Lacqua speaks with Georges Elhedery, chief executive of banking giant HSBC. Here's a preview of that conversation where he talks about why the use of artificial intelligence at the bank is not optional.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 23 March 2026

Having navigated some of life’s most defining transitions, Melinda French Gates reflects on the choices that set her path—from Microsoft executive to philanthropist and now founder of Pivotal. She shares how values-based leadership, resilience and the courage to embrace “the next day” have guided her through change, power and public scrutiny. Watch this interview:  http://bloomberg.com/leaderswithlacqua Read more from Bloomberg on management and work:  https://www.bloomberg.com/management-workSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 16 March 2026

What makes a leader successful? Francine Lacqua interviews top CEOs and global industry leaders for candid lessons on leadership, management, and the future of work.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 13 March 2026

Francine Lacqua meets Ray Dalio on OceanX in the port of Nice for the UN Ocean Conference. They speak about radical transparency, building and leaving one of the largest hedge funds and what’s next. Check out the Originals show: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2025-10-10/ray-dalio-on-markets-debt-and-the-next-global-crisis-videoSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 24 October 2025

Make sense of the world with one essential conversation, every week. Mishal Husain, one of Britain's best interviewers, brings her signature blend of curiosity and tenacity to weekly conversations with world leaders, business titans, and cultural icons, revealing who they really are and how they see the world changing around them. Follow the podcast wherever you listen, so you don't miss an episode. https://link.podtrac.com/iu94w2n4See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 19 October 2025

This week, we bring you an extended version of the premiere episode of a new Bloomberg Originals series, Leaders with Francine Lacqua.  Francine visits Finland, where the threat from neighboring Russia looms large. She speaks to President Alexander Stubb about resilience and how his country is preparing for an uncertain future.  Watch the Originals program here: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2025-09-12/finnish-president-stubb-on-resilience-in-russia-s-shadow-video Subscribe to the Management and Work newsletter here: https://www.bloomberg.com/account/newsletters/management-and-workSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 15 September 2025

On this week’s In the City, hosts Allegra Stratton and Francine Lacqua are joined by James Kanagasooriam, chief research officer at Focaldata, to unpack how AI is reshaping employment. The conversation explores how AI’s ripple effects are hitting the white-collar sector in the UK, from shrinking graduate job pipelines to the potential collapse of middle-class tax bases.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 24 July 2025

Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered the annual Mansion House speech to the key players in London’s financial sector this week. Bloomberg’s City Editor Katherine Griffiths joins host Francine Lacqua to discuss how the City reacted to the Chancellor's announcements, particularly reforms to ring-fencing rules.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 16 July 2025

Earlier this year, the UK government directed its antitrust watchdog, the Competition and Markets Authority, to be "less risk averse" and to align more closely with its pro-growth agenda. We invited the CMA's interim chair Doug Gurr to update us on that mission and to explain what the group is doing to support the government's pledge to make it easier for businesses and the economy to grow. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 10 July 2025

Just a few months ago, the UK housing market seemed to be finding its footing. That hope has since faded. In June, house prices fell to their lowest rate in over two years, according to new figures from Nationwide Building Society. This surprised economists who had been expecting a small uptick. The decline follows the government’s April decision to raise transaction taxes—a move that’s added to the burden for buyers already grappling with high borrowing costs. On this week’s In the City, host Allegra Stratton is joined by Bloomberg Opinion columnist Marcus Ashworth and European real estate reporter Damian Shepherd to examine the UK housing market’s slowdown—and what might come next.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 3 July 2025

According to new polling, the party led by Nigel Farage now stands at 34% support, nine points ahead of Labour and well ahead of the Conservatives. Hosts Francine Lacqua and David Merritt sit down with Zia Yusuf, head of Reform UK’s own “Department for Government Efficiency,” to explore the party’s rapid ascent and the political undercurrents driving it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 26 June 2025

It’s no secret the Labour government’s policy to tax the UK’s wealthiest as part of its effort to fix a budget crisis left by the Conservatives has caused Prime Minister Keir Starmer some headaches. The biggest exodus of wealth in the UK’s recent history appears to be underway, and the data shows the departure is likely to be a drain on the economy. But is it enough for Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves to change course? And should she? Bloomberg reporter Benjamin Stupples joins host Allegra Stratton to discuss. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 19 June 2025

London has long prided itself on being a global tech hub, promoting the image of a thriving and ambitious capital for innovation. But that reputation is beginning to slip. Major UK fintech firms like Revolut and Wise are shifting their focus—and listings—to the US, drawn by stronger valuations, deeper market liquidity and better access to compute infrastructure. As more companies look across the Atlantic, can London live up to the tech center image it projects? In this week’s episode of In the City, host Francine Lacqua speaks with Bloomberg editor Amy Thomson to explore whether London is keeping pace or simply masking its decline. Read more:  https://www.bloomberg.com/features/2025-european-startups-to-watch/ https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-06-10/europe-s-ipo-drought-has-stock-exchanges-battling-for-listingsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 12 June 2025

With the UK government’s spending review fast approaching, all eyes are on Westminster. In a matter of days, the public will gain a clearer sense of how funding is set to be allocated across departments over the next three years. There’s growing speculation that Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves will make a significant push on infrastructure—a signal, perhaps, of shifting priorities. In this week’s episode of In the City, hosts Allegra Stratton and Francine Lacqua sit down with Sam Richards, chief executive of the think tank Britain Remade to unpack the upcoming review and step back to look at the bigger picture: Could this mark a real turning point? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 5 June 2025

Today's show features a special episode from Bloomberg's Merryn Talks Your Money mini-series on how to navigate the UK housing market. Professor Yolande Barnes at University College London joins host Merryn Somerset Webb to discuss the market as a whole: what’s the outlook for home prices, what’s the best strategy when purchasing your first property and why the UK is at risk of an oversupply in houses. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 29 May 2025

Francine Lacqua hosts this week's episode from the Qatar Economic Forum in Doha, where she and guests Matthew Martin, a Bloomberg senior reporter covering sovereign wealth funds, and Bloomberg deals reporter Dinesh Nair, discuss the wave of dealmaking emerging from the Middle East. Following US President Donald Trump’s recent visit to the region, the White House announced that Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have made over $1 trillion in new economic commitments to the US, albeit with few details. These proposed deals are to span a range of key sectors, from defense and aviation to artificial intelligence. If completed, they would signal a major push toward strategic partnerships and long-term diversification. In this episode, we explore how business leaders are interpreting Trump's trip and what the region's evolving relationship with the US means to the investment landscape going forward. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 22 May 2025

The UK government’s plan to scrap the “non-dom” tax status—a policy that allowed wealthy foreign residents to avoid taxes on overseas income—was designed to close a loophole and raise billions of pounds in tax revenue. However, according to a new study from the Centre for Economics and Business Research, it might end up costing the economy more than it brings in if just one in four of the 74,000 people affected chooses to leave the country. In this week’s episode of In the City, hosts Allegra Stratton and Francine Lacqua sit down with Nimesh Shah, chief executive of Blick Rothenberg, to unpack what’s at stake. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 15 May 2025

It's been a whirlwind week for UK trade — first a deal with India, and now, a surprise announcement: a US-UK trade agreement. With aims to reduce trade barriers and increase market access for American imports and industrial exports, this latest deal sets the stage for closer economic ties between the two countries. Hosts David Merritt and Francine Lacqua speak with Dan Hanson from Bloomberg Economics to unpack the US-UK trade deal and what it could mean for the UK's broader economic outlook.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 8 May 2025

London is closing the gap with New York for the title of world’s top financial center, according to the latest Global Financial Centres Index. Is it a signal that the the UK’s efforts to rejuvenate its banking and investment sectors post-Brexit are starting to pay off? On this week’s In The City, host David Merritt sits down with Chris Hayward, Policy Chairman of the City of London Corp., who makes the argument it is.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 2 May 2025

On Tuesday, Megan Greene, one of the Bank of England’s most hawkish policymakers, said that while President Donald Trump’s wave of global tariffs is likely to raise prices in the US, the effect in the UK could be the opposite. “I think that the tariffs actually represent more of a disinflationary risk than an inflationary risk,” she says. On this week’s In The City, host Francine Lacqua sits down with Bloomberg UK economy reporter Tom Rees to break down Greene’s comments. They explore how US tariffs could create disinflationary pressure in the UK through trade diversion, and what that means for the BOE's outlook—including the likelihood of aggressive rate cuts and the use of quantitative easing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 24 April 2025

On this week's In the City, hosts Allegra Stratton and David Merritt delve into the likely nationalization of British Steel and how the crisis at the Chinese-owned company is forcing the Labour government to rethink its relationship with Beijing. Featuring Bloomberg Opinion columnist Matthew Brooker and senior economics reporter Philip Aldrick, the discussion probes conflicting views on China's role as a UK trade partner, and the broader economic implications amid current UK-US trade talks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 17 April 2025

Host Francine Lacqua, sits down with founder of Bridgewater Associates, Ray Dalio.  They discuss a turbulent week in markets and identify driving forces, which shape economies and fuel the rise and fall of nations. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 10 April 2025

On this week’s In the City, host Francine Lacqua discusses the rise of private credit amid economic uncertainty driven in large part by US President Donald Trump and his global trade war.  Joined by Bloomberg senior reporter Silas Brown, Lacqua looks at how key figures like Blackrock Chief Executive Officer Larry Fink have emphasized a shift towards private markets, and the importance of non-publicly traded opportunities as a way for average Americans to build wealth. The discussion also includes the challenges of high interest rates on valuations, and the evolving regulatory landscape required to protect retail investors as they gain access to private investments.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 3 April 2025

UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves has delivered her Spring Statement, and Bloomberg Chief UK Economist Dan Hanson and senior reporter Phil Aldrick join host Allegra Stratton to share their assessment. Aldrick posits that it wasn't "quite the horror show that some people were fearing" because restoring Britain's fiscal headroom didn't require severe public service and welfare cuts. But Hanson notes that even so, she's left herself little room to manoeuvre for the unexpected.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 26 March 2025

Eight months after Labour’s landslide victory, Bloomberg examines if the UK government is on track to meet key election pledges. Senior reporter Phil Aldrick and Bloomberg Economics chief UK economist Dan Hanson join hosts Francine Lacqua and Allegra Stratton. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 20 March 2025

In this week’s episode of In the City, we explore whether more European businesses will decouple from American companies and Wall Street. Bloomberg deals correspondent Dinesh Nair describes the Trump-induced separation as yet another “unprecedented” rupture initiated by the Republican president. But it could be good news for Europe in the long run, being the spark needed the unify and galvanize European leaders into securing their own defense industries and economies. “I’m not sure if he’s making America great again,” Nair says of Trump. “But he’s definitely trying to make Europe great again.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 13 March 2025

Leaders across European capitals are scrambling to work out what the withdrawal of US military aid means for Ukraine and Europe’s security as a whole. Led by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, a “coalition of the willing” has been formed to support Ukraine both financially and militarily. But will it be enough? To help us answer that question, host Allegra Stratton is joined by Tom Tugendhat, a Conservative member of Parliament who previously served as security minister. He says the return of Donald Trump to the White House and his actions to distance America from Ukraine and Europe is a “9-11 moment—one of those moments where you have to rethink the fundamentals.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 6 March 2025

Hosts Francine Lacqua and Allegra Stratton speak with Damian Shepherd, the reporter looking into allegations of misconduct at London real estate agency, Foxtons. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 26 February 2025

Skipton Group CEO Stuart Haire joins host Dave Merritt to explain where British homebuyers can get the most for their money and to discuss the latest data from Skipton’s Home Affordability Index. They also discuss the UK’s wider affordability problem for first-time buyers.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 20 February 2025

Last weekend, Bloomberg revealed that activist investor Elliott Investment Management had built a large stake in BP Plc. BP shares climbed as the news broke, perhaps attributable to the fact that Elliott has a track record of driving significant change within companies. Investors may also see this as a timely intervention, given BP’s performance has slumped over the past few years, relative to its competitors.  On this week’s In The City, hosts Francine Lacqua and Allegra Stratton sit down with Bloomberg’s Aaron Kirchfeld to discuss the potential geopolitical ramifications of Elliott’s move, why BP’s poor performance over the last few years made a takeover more likely and how the shift away from net-zero, despite the accelerating climate crisis, has facilitated such a move. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 13 February 2025

Francine Lacqua sits down with Dan Hanson, chief UK economist at Bloomberg Economics, to discuss how tariffs on the EU would complicate its relationship with the UK, and how the UK is bracing for tit-for-tat tariff policies. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 6 February 2025

Bloomberg Opinion columnist Parmy Olson joins Francine Lacqua and Allegra Stratton to explain what DeepSeek’s surprise innovation means for the UK and everyone else. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 30 January 2025

On the sidelines of the conference, Dave Merritt sat down with Thierry Mallaret. Thierry is an economist who has worked as an adviser for major investment banks and governments. He also founded and headed the Global Risk Network at WEF and for a number of years in succession, he conceived and put in place the program for the annual Davos meeting.  He'a also the author of Deaths at Davos, and now Deaths at Davos 2.0, dark satires of what's really going in within the WEF. They discuss how the drama of those novels are grounded in the reality of what happens at the annual conference, and why the World Economic Forum's focus has had to change to stay relevant. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 26 January 2025

The global elite gathered in Davos this week but the conversation centered on Trump back in DC. Businessweek Editor Brad Stone joins Francine Lacqua and Dave Merritt on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum to make sense of the Stargate announcement, the Elon Musk-Sam Altman spat and when the alliance between Big Tech and Trump could sour. They also discuss pessimism about Europe and why everyone at Davos is talking about Chinese AI start-up DeepSeek.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 24 January 2025

Is modern technology ruining our children? In a live taping before an audience at Bloomberg House in Davos, Francine Lacqua sits down with author of "The Anxious Generation" and social psychologist Jonathan Haidt to tackle that question. They discuss the impact of social media on Gen Z's childhoods, and how that might shape their potential as a workforce. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 22 January 2025

Economist Jim O’Neill says that UK market moves have been exaggerated, but Labour still needs to convince investors its plans are sound. O’Neill also discusses what Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves faces going forward. If we are entering a bear market on global bonds, he says, Reeves has an issue with her fiscal framework. But it’s still not time to be an alarmist. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 16 January 2025

It’s been a rough week for UK assets. The pound fell to its lowest level in a year, gilt yields surged and investors are losing confidence in the government’s ability to control the nation’s deficit and high borrowing costs. Why are things spiraling now?  Senior reporter Phil Aldrick joins this week’s In the City to explain. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 10 January 2025

Established in 1689, Lloyd’s of London is a marketplace housing different insurers that sell policies in the UK and around the world. Lloyd’s received more than £50 billion worth of premiums in 2024 alone. All of this is overseen by Chief Executive Officer John Neal, who’s been in the insurance industry for more than four decades. In this episode of In the City, Neal sits down with hosts Francine Lacqua, David Merritt and Allegra Stratton to discuss the difficulties of using artificial intelligence in the insurance industry, how climate change is impacting premiums and the way in which governments can use insurance policies to protect their economies. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 9 January 2025

In 2023, Credit Suisse collapsed, shaking the foundations of the global banking establishment. But for onlookers who were aware of the lender’s numerous afflictions, it’s sudden demise was no surprise at all. From one perspective, the bank’s succession of scandals arguably started as early as its founding some 167 years ago.  One of those observers who saw it coming was Bloomberg editor Duncan Mavin, author of Meltdown: Greed, Scandal, and the Collapse of Credit Suisse. Mavin has covered banking malfeasance for more than a decade, which in Europe necessarily involved Credit Suisse on an almost regular basis. In this episode of In The City, Mavin sits down with hosts Francine Lacqua and David Merritt to discuss his book and some of the lesser-known crises at the Swiss bank that led to its downfall. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 2 January 2025

When UBS agreed to buy Credit Suisse in March 2023, it was a pivotal moment for European banking. The government-brokered deal was considered historic and its success was instrumental in containing a crisis that had started to spread across global financial markets. At the center of its success has been Beatriz Martin, head of non-core and legacy operations. Her role is key to this massive restructuring as she sifts through Credit Suisse’s assets and decides which ones to keep and which to wind down. On this week’s episode of In the City, Martin sits down with hosts Francine Lacqua and David Merritt to discuss the process, strategy and progress so far.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 19 December 2024