In this episode of Just Curious…, Nicky Regazzoni and George Blizzard talk to Rain Newton-Smith, Chief Executive of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). Rain shares her remarkable journey from economist to one of the UK’s most influential business leaders, and reflects on the CBI’s role in supporting British business through the pandemic, driving the net zero agenda, and shaping the UK’s economic future.

The show explores the power of collective action, the importance of international trade, and the vital role of the UK’s universities and innovation ecosystem. Rain offers an optimistic yet realistic take on sustainability, discussing how to balance growth with environmental responsibility and why better storytelling around climate and net zero is urgently needed. She also highlights the promise and complexity of AI, from revolutionising diagnostics in healthcare to transforming citizen access to services.

As a mother of four, Rain speaks candidly about the challenges of balancing leadership with family life and the importance of visible role models in reshaping perceptions of working women. The conversation spans everything from critical minerals and car clubs to age verification tech and the future of work. With warmth, insight and a clear-eyed view of both policy and people, Rain demonstrates why she is such a powerful advocate for business in the UK.

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