Alternatively Speaking — the new podcast from Grant Thornton that dives into the healthy tensions redefining modern business.
Each month, we unpack the real trade-offs leaders grapple with: strategy vs. risk, purpose vs. performance, ambition vs. sustainability. Through candid conversations and practical insight from industry experts, we help listeners cut through the complexity, challenge assumptions, and discover smarter, more alternative ways to lead.
If you’re ready for deeper thinking, sharper decisions, and perspectives that push the conversation forward, this is the podcast for you.
Alternatively, Grant Thornton.
The experience economy: priced in or priced out? │ Alternatively Speaking #8
This is Alternatively Speaking, where Grant Thornton gets under the skin of the tensions shaping modern leadership.
In this episode, Samantha Simmonds is joined by Kate Hardcastle MBE, global consumer engagement expert and broadcaster known as 'The Customer Whisperer'; Richard Lim, CEO of Retail Economics; and Phillip Woolley, Partner and Head of Public Sector Consulting at Grant Thornton UK.
Together, they ask: as the cost of days out, tickets, and experiences keeps climbing, are priceless moments becoming increasingly unaffordable?
They explore why people are prioritising experiences over material goods, what it takes to turn a major attraction into a lasting success rather than a costly write-off, and where the line sits between smart commercial pricing and losing the goodwill that keeps people coming back.
28 Jul 2026
The experience economy: how much is a moment worth? | Alternatively Speaking #7
Immersive experiences are now a "golden thread" running through all consumer spend. In this episode of Alternatively Speaking, broadcaster Samantha Simmonds is joined by Simon Presswell and Grant Thornton Tax Partner Yvonne Chappell to unpack what it takes to succeed in the sector.
They cover:
Why nearly half of 18-34s are cutting other spending to prioritise experiences
What Universal's multi-billion-pound Bedfordshire theme park tells us about planning demand before you build
How AI and digital engagement can enhance, not replace, the human connection that drives repeat visits
The capital allowances and R&D tax reliefs that experience-led and hospitality businesses might be leaving on the table
Listen to more episodes: Alternatively Speaking podcast | Grant Thornton
4 Jun 2026
Bored of the board? | Alternatively Speaking #6
In this episode, host and broadcast journalist Samantha Simmonds is joined by Jodi Balfe, Principal at Cinven, and Barry Gamble, experienced Chair and Non-Executive Director, to ask: are boards really fit for today’s pace of change?
They explore the tension between process and impact, why a culture of openness and genuine debate is critical to better decision-making, and how diversity of thought can help boards avoid groupthink, and why agility, transparency and sharper focus could define the boards that truly drive value.
7 May 2026
Four generations, one workplace. Clash or catalyst? | Alternatively Speaking #5
This is Alternatively Speaking, the Grant Thornton podcast where we explore the healthy tensions that shape modern business.
In this episode, host and broadcast journalist Samantha Simmonds brings together three people with different career experiences – Gen Z Co-founder Ben Jeffries, millennial audit partner Ant Thomas, and Gen Z audit associate Kirsty Miller – to ask: is friction between generations slowing organisations down, or pushing them forward?
They explore the clash between expectations of hybrid working, where communication styles can spark conflict, how AI is reshaping capability and confidence, and what leaders can do to keep teams aligned when four generations are working to four different definitions of “productive”.
1 Apr 2026
AI strategy: does scrappy speed beat corporate caution? │ Alternatively Speaking #4
This is Alternatively Speaking, the Grant Thornton podcast where we explore the healthy tensions that shape modern business.
In this episode, host and broadcast journalist Samantha Simmonds is joined by two leaders with deep expertise in AI, technology, and digital transformation. Together, they explore one of the most pressing dilemmas for every organisation today: should you move fast and invest in AI now, or wait and risk being left behind?
26 Feb 2026
Is a crisis mindset holding businesses back? | Alternatively Speaking #3
This is Alternatively Speaking. The Grant Thornton podcast where we explore the healthy tensions that shape modern business.
In this episode, host and broadcast journalist Samantha Simmonds is joined by Business Psychologist Dr Susan Kahn and Head of Financial Services to unpack how business leaders can navigate crisis mindsets, build a culture of sensible risk-taking, and shift from fear to growth.
Our guests for this episode are:
Dr Susan Kahn, Business Psychologist
Alex Ellerton, Head of Financial Services, Grant Thornton UK
Enjoyed the episode? Visit our website to listen to future episodes of Alternatively Speaking:
https://www.grantthornton.co.uk/
21 Jan 2026
Piers Linney and Carolyn Hicks talk purpose, profit and leadership | Alternatively Speaking #2
This is Alternatively Speaking. The Grant Thornton podcast where we explore the healthy tensions that shape modern business.
In this episode, host and broadcast journalist Samantha Simmonds is joined by entrepreneur and investor Piers Linney and transformation leader Carolyn Hicks to ask: can purpose truly drive profit, or does one come at the expense of the other?
They discuss the clash between short-term financial pressures and long-term values, why embedding purpose into strategy - not bolting it on - could be the difference between thriving and falling behind, and how shifting consumer expectations and talent priorities are forcing businesses to rethink what success really looks like.
Our guests for this episode are:
Piers Linney, Entrepreneur and former Dragon's Den Investor
Carolyn Hicks, Head of Business Transformation and People Advisory
Enjoyed the episode? Visit our website to listen to future episodes of Alternatively Speaking:
https://www.grantthornton.co.uk/
2 Dec 2025
Political Promises v Business Reality | Alternatively Speaking #1
This is Alternatively Speaking. The monthly Grant Thornton podcast where we explore the healthy tensions that shape modern business.
In this episode, host and broadcast journalist Samantha Simmonds is joined by experts in areas of policy, business, and entrepreneurship to explore whether the government can truly deliver for business without compromising its broader responsibilities.
Guests for this episode include:
Helene Reardon-Bond CBE, former Deputy Chief of Staff to Sir Keir Starmer
Jo Fairley, co-founder of Green & Black's
Kevin Coates, Partner at Grant Thornton UK
Enjoyed the episode? Visit our website to listen to future episodes of Alternatively Speaking:
https://www.grantthornton.co.uk/
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Contact Alternatively Speaking
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Alternatively Speaking?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
