Welcome to "Regional Insights," a Roland Berger podcast. In this series we explore perspectives on key business trends, challenges, and opportunities from regions around the world. Our local market specialists provide in-depth analysis, exploring how global developments play out at a regional level and what that means for businesses operating there.
What are the economic and regulatory shifts shaping different markets? How do industries adapt to local dynamics? And where are the biggest opportunities for growth? Join us as we break down the latest insights and strategic implications from across the globe.
Transformation as Strategy: Brazil Vision 2050: The Road to Becoming the World’s Fifth-Largest Economy
What would it take for Pedro Guimaraes' vision of Brazil becoming the world’s fifth-largest economy by 2050 to become reality? In this episode, we explore the reforms, investments, and long-term thinking needed to unlock Brazil’s full potential. From attracting capital and boosting productivity to strengthening education and leveraging opportunities in agriculture, biofuels, critical minerals, and consumer markets, the conversation highlights why Brazil could be uniquely positioned to benefit from some of the world’s biggest economic trends. It is an optimistic look at the challenges ahead and the opportunities that could shape Brazil’s next chapter of growth.
Listen to the episode to learn more and explore the full Brazil Vision 2050 – becoming the world's fifth-largest economy by 2050 report for a deeper look at the opportunities, challenges, and roadmap behind Brazil’s economic transformation.
16 Jul 2026
Transformation as Strategy: The Data Center Race: Can Nuclear Meet America's Energy Demand?
The rapid growth of AI and data centers is reshaping America's energy landscape—and creating unprecedented demand for reliable power. In this episode, Mike Granowski, Partner and Head of Energy & Utilities in North America at Roland Berger, explores why nuclear energy has re-emerged as a leading solution to support the next wave of digital infrastructure.
Mike breaks down how hyperscalers and data center operators are securing power today, why major technology companies are investing in nuclear partnerships, and what makes small modular reactors (SMRs) and next-generation nuclear technologies different from the reactors of the past. He also discusses the key challenges facing nuclear deployment—from fuel supply and workforce shortages to regulation and financing and shares his perspective on what the U.S. energy mix could look like by 2050.
Whether you're tracking AI growth, energy markets, infrastructure investment, or the future of clean power, this conversation offers a timely look at one of the most important trends shaping the economy.
Listen now to learn why the future of AI may depend on the future of nuclear energy, and what leaders should be watching next.
22 Jun 2026
Transformation as Strategy: From Data to Dollars: Unlocking AI’s True Value in Procurement
AI is rapidly transforming procurement—but most organizations are still just scratching the surface. In this episode, Max Gustafson shares a practical, insider’s perspective on where AI is delivering real value today, from spend analytics to automation, and where the biggest opportunities lie next, including agentic solutions and autonomous decision-making. He also breaks down the common pitfalls that hold companies back, like poor data readiness and over-reliance on quick wins, and outlines a clear, step-by-step roadmap for moving beyond pilots to scalable impact. Whether you’re just starting your AI journey or looking to accelerate it, this conversation offers actionable insights to help you turn AI from a buzzword into a true competitive advantage.
28 May 2026
Transformation as Strategy: Smoothing the Surge: Powering the Next Generation of AI Data Centers
AI data centers are redefining the limits of energy demand—and exposing new vulnerabilities in how power is generated, managed, and stabilized. As AI training workloads create highly variable, high-intensity power profiles, traditional infrastructure is struggling to keep pace.
In this episode, Spencer Gore explores why these “AI factories” behave fundamentally differently from conventional data centers, how their unique load patterns create challenges for utilities and on-site generation alike, and why energy storage is emerging as a critical enabler of growth. From rapid power ramping and checkpoint-driven fluctuations to evolving grid requirements and the rise of battery solutions, the conversation unpacks both the risks and the massive opportunities ahead.
For energy providers, battery innovators, and data center operators, the message is clear: solving power variability is no longer optional—it’s the key to unlocking scalable AI infrastructure.
23 Mar 2026
Transformation as Strategy: Inside the Shift: How New Mobility Is Rewriting the Aftermarket
In this episode of Transformation is Strategy, Neury Freitas, Head of the Aftermarket practice in North America, breaks down the dramatic forces reshaping the automotive aftermarket, from autonomous mobility to the mixed reality of EV adoption in 2026. He explains why CES surprised the industry this year, how large autonomous fleets like Waymo are fundamentally shifting aftermarket power dynamics, and why servicing models will look more like commercial fleet operations than neighborhood garages. Neury also dives into findings from the Aftermarket Pulse 2025 study, revealing how consumer behavior, rising costs, and the shift toward convenience are rapidly changing both the B2B and B2C sides of the market. Whether you’re an OEM, supplier, shop owner, or strategist, this episode uncovers the realities, misconceptions, and opportunities defining the aftermarket’s future.
4 Feb 2026
Transformation as Strategy: CES 2026: Beyond the Show Floor — What Executives Are Really Talking About
CES 2026 may have dazzled less on the show floor, but behind the scenes, it delivered something far more important: clarity. In this episode, Roland Berger’s Stephan Keese and Philipp Leutiger unpack the real story of this year’s CES — a dramatic shift from flashy, futuristic prototypes to grounded conversations on AI, robotics, autonomous systems, and the volatile global business landscape. They reveal why transformation now depends on smaller, self‑funded innovation cycles, how executives are using AI to build flexibility and transparency, and what companies must do to turn global uncertainty into competitive advantage. If you want to understand where technology and strategy are truly heading in 2026, this conversation is essential listening.
12 Jan 2026
Sustainability as Strategy: AI, Risk, and Resilience: The Future of Sustainable Procurement
Shantanu Verma explores the convergence of sustainability, procurement, and technology, highlighting AI-driven solutions and resilience strategies for competitive advantage in an interview.
19 Dec 2025
Sustainability as Strategy: Navigating Automotive’s Fractured Future: Regional Strategies, Supply Chain Shifts, and the
Brandon Boyle, Senior Partner at Roland Berger, analyzes the evolving global automotive industry, highlighting regional ecosystems and strategic adaptations needed for resilience and profitability in an uncertain market; this is an interview.
3 Nov 2025
Sustainability as Strategy: Future-Proofing Supply Chains: Balancing Cost, Sustainability, and Global Strategy
Jan Schulte, Managing Director at Polarix of Roland Berger, examines how companies fortify supply chains by balancing costs, sustainability, and global strategy amid geopolitical uncertainty, offering insights for future-proofing operations in this interview.
26 Sept 2025
Sustainability as Strategy: The New Era of U.S. Electricity Markets
Senior Partner Pedro Caruso analyzes the shifting electricity demand in the U.S. driven by data centers and electrification, highlighting challenges for utilities and policymakers in balancing capacity and infrastructure; this is an interview.
25 Aug 2025
Sustainability as Strategy: Fueling the Future – How SAF is Transforming Aviation
Roland Berger experts Diego Ibarra and Thor Kristjansson discuss how sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) offers a strategic pathway for decarbonizing aviation and achieving commercial success.
30 Jul 2025
Sustainability as Strategy: Power Generation and The Grid
Ben Lowe discusses the escalating pressure on the power grid due to AI data centers, exploring supply chain disruptions and policy shifts impacting power generation.
17 Jul 2025
Episode 5: Sustainability in Utilities and Energy Transformation
Roland Berger Senior Partner Chris Millican examines the significant transformations occurring in the utilities sector, including the impact of new legislation and the integration of AI, in this interview episode.
20 May 2025
Episode 4: Sustainability in the Supply Chain with Raj Kumar
24 Apr 2025
Sustainability as strategy: Trump 2.0, tariffs and the global energy transition
This episode, we dive into the complexities of U.S. energy policy, particularly around the impact of tariffs and the challenges of reshoring manufacturing. Zach Kaplan, Partner in the Energy practice, explores the long-term economic effects of these tariffs, questioning whether the U.S. has the workforce, infrastructure, and capital to meet the ambitious goals set by policymakers. This conversation also touches on the shifting global landscape, as countries begin to prioritize regional energy transition plans, reducing dependency on the U.S. and rethinking multilateral commitments. Zach highlights the need for pragmatic solutions to address both short-term policy volatility and long-term industrial reorientation. Don’t miss out on this exciting episode—listen now!
24 Mar 2025
Sustainability as strategy: Sustainability in Digital
As businesses navigate the evolving landscape of sustainability, digital tools are proving to be a game-changer. Philipp Leutiger, Head Partner of the Roland Berger Digital practice in the Americas, explores how companies can align financial and sustainability goals, leverage AI to reduce waste, and break down operational silos to drive efficiency. From addressing supply chain inefficiencies to rethinking the role of green premiums, this episode offers practical insights into making sustainability a value generator—not just a cost. Listen now!
11 Feb 2025
Sustainability as strategy: Sustainability at CES and the future of the hydrogen economy
With many executives keen to learn more about how leveraging a 'green premium' can help shape strategy and drive overall performance, increased attention is being paid to how organizations power their operations. Dr. Diego Ibarra from Roland Berger Americas takes a close look at the hydrogen economy and outlines how evolving market conditions and policy initiatives are having an impact on this promising sector of the energy industry. Listen now!
Who has been a guest on Regional Insights
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Brandon Boyle
Jan Schulte
Pedro Caruso
Ben Lowe
Chris Millican
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