Featured Episode
In this episode of The Growth Blueprint, Sara Yamase, Global Head of TMT, and Eddie Hartman, Senior Partner and Board Member, unpack how AI is moving from hype to real business value. They explore how companies can use proprietary data and intelligent product design to differentiate in an increasingly commoditized AI landscape. The conversation dives into the evolution of pricing and monetization models, from usage-based and outcome-based pricing to smarter ways of capturing value. Discover how technology leaders can balance rapid innovation with human decision-making.
Latest episodes from series 2
Balancing value and emotion: Redefining growth in consumer & retail
This episode explores how brands and retailers are navigating a rapidly evolving “K-shaped” consumer landscape – where shoppers balance affordability with aspiration. Ellen Kan, Partner in our New York office, and Tobias Maria Guenter, Head of Simon-Kucher’s Retail sector, discuss shifting behaviors, the emotional drivers behind purchases, and how redefining value beyond price can strengthen loyalty. They also highlight how combining AI-driven insights with human expertise helps brands build deeper consumer connections.
From hype to value: How AI is reshaping growth in technology and software
AI is rapidly shifting from hype to real business value, and this conversation breaks down what that means for software and tech companies in 2026 and beyond. Sara Yamase, Global Head of TMT, and Eddie Hartman, Senior Partner and Board Member, explore how proprietary data and smarter product design can drive differentiation in an increasingly commoditized AI landscape. They discuss the evolution of pricing and monetization, from usage-based to outcome-based models, and share how leaders can balance fast-moving innovation with human judgment to unlock meaningful growth.
Finding growth in a low-growth world: Resilience and reinvention in industrials
Industrial companies are redefining what growth looks like in a low-growth, volatile world, and this episode breaks down how leaders are making it happen. Adam Echter, Global Head of Industrials, joins Daniel Bornemann and Dave Clement to explore the macro trends shaping 2026. From renewed private-equity focus on operational excellence to AI-driven commercial transformation and the realities of “post-hype” sustainability. Discover how technology, shifting investment priorities, and disciplined execution are helping industrial businesses turn uncertainty into opportunity.
Smarter deposits, stronger relationships: A new approach for banking in 2026
Banks are rethinking deposit management as interest rate dynamics shift. Senior Partner, Jens Baumgarten, along with Rohan Shah and Silvio Struebi, discusses how financial institutions are moving from chasing volume to managing value. From simplifying product shelves, applying smarter pricing, and leveraging better data to understand customer behavior this episode highlights how personalization, analytics, and clearer governance can build a more resilient funding base.
MFN, EU JCA & Equitable access: How 2026 will reshape global pharma and biotech
Global pharma and biotech are entering a period of major transformation, and today’s conversation unpacks the policy and market shifts reshaping the industry in 2026. Senior Partners Christian Schuler and Robert Dumitrescu explore the impact of MFN pricing, Europe’s new Joint Clinical Assessment, and the rise of equitable access strategies in low- and middle-income countries. Discover practical steps leaders can take now to protect value while sustaining patient access.
Previous episodes
Listen to episodes from season 1 of The Growth Blueprint podcast. Throughout the series we aim to help you think more deeply about growth – how to create it, sustain it, and keep your stakeholders and consumers satisfied along the way.
In this episode, Global Co-Heads of Industrials, Grigori Bokeria and Adam Echter, explore the impact of economic volatility on demand, the importance of trust and value communication, and how dynamic pricing strategies are reshaping the industry. They also share why industrials don’t need to be at the cutting edge of innovation to thrive – adapting proven strategies can be just as effective.
How is market volatility shaping the financial landscape for 2025? What can institutions do to compete with neobanks? In this episode, host Kai Bandilla speaks with Jens Baumgarten, Senior Partner and Managing Partner of Financial Services, to tackle these pressing questions. Jens shares his perspective on the challenges financial institutions face and how they can stay ahead.
Host Kai Bandilla speaks with Martin Crépy, Senior Partner and Managing Partner of Consumer, about the rising polarization of consumer behavior and what it means for businesses. Martin explains how brands can navigate shifting consumer habits, from downtrading to premium purchases, and why understanding both consumers and shoppers is critical. Discover the importance of precise segmentation, agile pricing strategies, and the role of sustainability as a new purchasing norm.
In this episode Kai Bandilla sits down with Lisa Jäger, Partner within the TMT practice, and they discuss the evolving landscape of media and streaming services, drawing on findings from Simon-Kucher’s Global Streaming Study. They also dives into the impact of Generative AI on the TMT sector, highlighting its potential, challenges, and the importance of sustainable growth in tech businesses.
Christian Schuler, Senior Partner and Sector Head for Healthcare & Life Sciences meets with Kai Bandilla to explore the driving forces shaping the life sciences industry. From the latest advancements in AI to evolving market dynamics in the U.S., Europe, and China, this episode gives insights into the challenges and opportunities in pharma, healthcare innovations, and the regulatory landscape as we look ahead to 2025 and beyond.
Contact us
Our experts are always happy to discuss your opportunities. Reach out, and we’ll connect you with a member of our team.