2050 Investors — Economic and markets megatrends, ahead of 2050’s global sustainability targets

• Ode to the European Dream: Time for a financial renaissance (ft Anne-Christine Champion)

  Europe, once the driving force of global progress, gave birth to the Industrial Revolution, Enlightenment ideals, innovative scientific discoveries, and a cultural renaissance that shaped modern civilization. However, today, amid trade wars, geopolitical crises and industrial and technological advancements, Europe finds itself at a critical crossroads. In response to these disruptions in the global order, the European Union has announced bold investment plans in infrastructure and defence spending. But could this moment also mark the beginning of a financial renaissance, or does Europe risk falling further behind in the global race ? In this episode of 2050 Investors, Kokou Agbo-Bloua, Head of Economics, Cross-Asset & Quant Research at Societe Generale, explores the history of the European Union, its economic challenges, its remarkable resilience in emerging stronger from crises. Kokou contrasts the “European Dream” with the “American Dream”, shedding light on their respective strengths and weaknesses: individualism versus community, economic growth versus sustainability, and shareholder capitalism versus stakeholder capitalism. Later in the episode, Kokou is joined by Anne-Christine Champion, Co-Head of Global Banking and Investor Solutions at Societe Generale, for an engaging discussion about the structural challenges facing Europe. Together, they analyse the strategic wake-up call issued in Draghi’s report, examining key areas such as fragmented financial markets, weak stock market culture, underutilization of €14 trillion in household savings, and regulatory complexities. Finally, they examine how solutions like advancing the Savings and Investments Union (SIU), deepening the integration of capital markets, developing securitization markets, and promoting financial education can revive the European project. This episode offers a thought-provoking examination of Europe’s potential to transform challenges into opportunities and reclaim its position as a global leader in financial markets.About this showWelcome to 2050 Investors, your monthly guide to understanding the intricate connections between finance, globalisation, and ESG.Join host Kokou Agbo-Bloua, Head of Economics, Cross-Asset & Quant Research at Societe Generale, for an exploration of the economic and market megatrends shaping the present and future, and how these trends might influence our progress to meeting 2050’s challenging global sustainability targets.In each episode, Kokou deep-dives into the events impacting the economy, financial markets, the planet, and society. Through a magical blend of personal anecdotes, in-depth research and narratives overlaid with music, sound effects, and pop culture references, there’s certainly something for everyone.If you like 2050 Investors, please leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your support will help us spread the word and reach new audiences. If you’re seeking a brief and entertaining overview of market-related topics and their business and societal implications, subscribe now to stay informed!CreditsPresenter & Writer: Kokou Agbo-Bloua. Editors: Vincent Nickelsen, Jovaney Ashman, Linda Isker & Jennifer Krumm. Production Designer: Emmanuel Minelle, Radio K7 Creative. Executive Producer : Fanny Giniès. Sound Director: Marc Valenduc. Music: Emmanuel d’Orlando. Graphic Design: Cédric Cazaly.Whilst the following podcast discusses the financial markets, it does not recommend any particular investment decision. If you are unsure of the merits of any investment decision, please seek professional advice.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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• The Geoengineering Gamble: When Sky Is No Longer the Limit (ft. Hans van der Loo, Co-founder of the Blue Cooling Initiative)

  Every so often, a bold new climate solution emerges - hailed as the answer to humanity's looming environmental crisis. From carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies to nature-based solutions, these innovations offer hope. But one of the most provocative - and polarizing - is geoengineering. Unlike traditional mitigation strategies, geoengineering doesn't aim to address the root causes of climate change. Instead, it proposes fixing the climate at a planetary scale, either by cooling the planet through the injection of particles into the stratosphere or fertilizing oceans. So what happens when humanity decides to directly hack the sky ? Is this a Faustian pact for short-term gains, with long-term climate catastrophe waiting to unfold? In this episode of 2050 Investors, host Kokou Agbo-Bloua dives deep into the world of geoengineering - what it is, what it isn't, and why it's so controversial. From ancient examples of human attempts to manipulate nature to cutting-edge techniques such as Carbon Dioxide Removal and Marine Cloud Brightening (MCB), Kokou explores the fine line between innovation and interference. He also examines the profound ethical, environmental and political questions that geoengineering raises, and whether these might encourage individuals and governments to become complacent.To help unpack these complexities, Kokou is joined by Hans van der Loo, chairman of the Institute for Integrated Economic Research and Co-founder of the Blue Cooling Initiative, which focuses on MCB. Together, they explore the future of geoengineering in an age of rapid technological advancement - where AI and data science may improve precision but can't eliminate uncertainty. Hans argues that geoengineering may be one of humanity's best remaining options to buy much-needed time - but only if it is done responsibly.About this showWelcome to 2050 Investors, your monthly guide to understanding the intricate connections between finance, globalisation, and ESG.Join host Kokou Agbo-Bloua, Head of Economics, Cross-Asset & Quant Research at Societe Generale, for an exploration of the economic and market megatrends shaping the present and future, and how these trends might influence our progress to meeting 2050’s challenging global sustainability targets.In each episode, Kokou deep-dives into the events impacting the economy, financial markets, the planet, and society. Through a magical blend of personal anecdotes, in-depth research and narratives overlaid with music, sound effects, and pop culture references, there’s certainly something for everyone.Kokou also interviews industry-leading experts, personalities, entrepreneurs and even Nobel prize winners! You will learn from the best on a wide range of subjects on current affairs, market shifts, and economic developments.If you like 2050 Investors, please leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your support will help us spread the word and reach new audiences. If you’re seeking a brief and entertaining overview of market-related topics and their business and societal implications, subscribe now to stay informed!CreditsPresenter & Writer: Kokou Agbo-Bloua. Editors: Vincent Nickelsen, Jovaney Ashman, Linda Isker & Jennifer Krumm. Production Designer: Emmanuel Minelle, Radio K7 Creative. Executive Producer : Fanny Giniès. Sound Director: Marc Valenduc. Music: Emmanuel d’Orlando. Graphic Design: Cédric Cazaly.Whilst the following podcast discusses the financial markets, it does not recommend any particular investment decision. If you are unsure of the merits of any investment decision, please seek professional advice.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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  27:21
• The Dual Power of Advertising: From Ad-diction to Good-vertising (ft. Thomas Kolster, author of Goodvertising)

  Think about the last advert you saw. Was it the first or the 100th time you saw it? Today, the average person sees around 5,000 to 10,000 ads a day - a significant jump from the 500 ads a day in the 1970s. So, with all these ads - from social media to cable TV - vying for our attention, it's time for a reckoning. In this episode of 2050 Investors, we ask: has advertising been a force for good, or has it contributed to patterns of over-consumption? Join host Kokou Agbo-Bloua on a journey through the fascinating world of advertising, exploring its evolution from ancient practices to modern strategies that shape consumer behaviour and cultural identity. Kokou also examines the rapid growth of this multi-billion-dollar industry, its future amid rapid developments in AI and, of course, the pros and cons of an industry credited with creating some of the world's most iconic slogans, jingles and moments. Later in the episode, Kokou welcomes guest Thomas Kolster, a leading marketing and sustainability expert and author of Goodvertising. Thomas shares his unique insights on how advertising can shift from a consumer-driven model to a purpose-driven one, emphasising the importance of aligning brand values with consumer ethics. He discusses the challenges brands face in distinguishing genuine efforts from greenwashing and how to authentically engage with socially conscious consumers. There's certainly something for everyone in this episode!About this showWelcome to 2050 Investors, your monthly guide to understanding the intricate connections between finance, globalisation, and ESG.Join host Kokou Agbo-Bloua, Head of Economics, Cross-Asset & Quant Research at Societe Generale, for an exploration of the economic and market megatrends shaping the present and future, and how these trends might influence our progress to meeting 2050’s challenging global sustainability targets.In each episode, Kokou deep-dives into the events impacting the economy, financial markets, the planet, and society. Through a magical blend of personal anecdotes, in-depth research and narratives overlaid with music, sound effects, and pop culture references, there’s certainly something for everyone.Kokou also interviews industry-leading experts, personalities, entrepreneurs and even Nobel prize winners! You will learn from the best on a wide range of subjects on current affairs, market shifts, and economic developments.If you like 2050 Investors, please leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your support will help us spread the word and reach new audiences. If you’re seeking a brief and entertaining overview of market-related topics and their business and societal implications, subscribe now to stay informed!Previous episodes of 2050 Investors have explored ESG, climate change, AI, greenflation, globalization, plastic pollution, food, healthcare, biodiversity and more.CreditsPresenter & Writer: Kokou Agbo-Bloua. Editors: Vincent Nickelsen, Jovaney Ashman, Linda Isker & Jennifer Krumm. Production Designer: Emmanuel Minelle, Radio K7 Creative. Executive Producer : Fanny Giniès. Sound Director: Marc Valenduc. Music: Emmanuel d’Orlando. Graphic Design: Cédric Cazaly.Whilst the following podcast discusses the financial markets, it does not recommend any particular investment decision. If you are unsure of the merits of any investment decision, please seek professional advice.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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  26:02
• The Alchemy of Sales: Earning Client Trust Across Cultures (ft. Yann Garnier, Head of Sales, Global Markets at Societe Generale)

  What qualities make the best salespeople? And what are the secrets behind their ability to sell anything — from a simple pen to a car, a house or even an option based systematic overlay on US Equities?In this episode of 2050 Investors, Kokou delves into the duality of selling as both an art and a science. Far from the realm of fantasy, salespeople bring a unique blend of creativity and expertise to the world of banking.Join us as we explore different sales techniques from AIDA to SPIN, the evolution of sales strategies over the decades, the nuanced dynamics of the salesperson's role, and the qualities that define the best in the business. We also highlight the essential steps in the sales process and the critical role of salespeople in the financial markets.Later, Kokou sits down with Yann Garnier, Head of Sales for Global Markets at Societe Generale, to gain his unique insights into the importance of understanding time - both linear and cyclical - in building authentic client relationships across cultures and geographies, the impact of artificial intelligence, and the future of the sales profession.Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the world of sales, this episode offers valuable lessons and perspectives on building lasting customer relationships that you're unlikely to find in a traditional playbook.About this showWelcome to 2050 Investors, your monthly guide to understanding the intricate connections between finance, globalisation, and ESG.Join host Kokou Agbo-Bloua, Head of Economics, Cross-Asset & Quant Research at Societe Generale, for an exploration of the economic and market megatrends shaping the present and future, and how these trends might influence our progress to meeting 2050’s challenging global sustainability targets.In each episode, Kokou deep-dives into the events impacting the economy, financial markets, the planet, and society. Through a magical blend of personal anecdotes, in-depth research and narratives overlaid with music, sound effects, and pop culture references, there’s certainly something for everyone.Kokou also interviews industry-leading experts, personalities, entrepreneurs and even Nobel prize winners! You will learn from the best on a wide range of subjects on current affairs, market shifts, and economic developments.If you like 2050 Investors, please leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your support will help us spread the word and reach new audiences. If you’re seeking a brief and entertaining overview of market-related topics and their business and societal implications, subscribe now to stay informed!Previous episodes of 2050 Investors have explored ESG, climate change, AI, greenflation, globalization, plastic pollution, food, healthcare, biodiversity and more.CreditsPresenter & Writer: Kokou Agbo-Bloua. Editors: Vincent Nickelsen, Jovaney Ashman, Linda Isker & Jennifer Krumm. Production Designer: Emmanuel Minelle, Radio K7 Creative. Executive Producer : Fanny Giniès. Sound Director: Marc Valenduc. Music: Emmanuel d’Orlando. Graphic Design: Cédric Cazaly.Whilst the following podcast discusses the financial markets, it does not recommend any particular investment decision. If you are unsure of the merits of any investment decision, please seek professional advice.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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  37:28
• Financing Tomorrow: Banking Across Generations (ft. Slawomir Krupa, CEO of Societe Generale) | History, ESG, Innovation

  How did the banking system evolve from a simple bench—the very origin of the word “bank”—into the sophisticated institutions that drive the global economy?Banks are more than just institutions. With over 4,000 years of history, they have played a pivotal role in powering industrial revolutions, transforming dreams into reality, and adapting to the evolving needs of clients across generations. From economic booms to busts, they have stood the test of time, channeling funding like the lifeblood of the economy and serving as critical cogs in the machinery of society. Banks have turned the alchemy of compound interest—Einstein’s “8th wonder of the world”—into a driving force behind economic growth.In this episode of 2050 Investors, Kokou Agbo-Bloua dives into the essential role of banks and the foundations of the global banking system. Through his analysis, he explores the power of compound interest, the history of banking and the evolution of business models and regulatory frameworks. Highlighting their role as financial intermediaries, Kokou unpacks how they contribute to societal and economic progress through fractional reserve banking.Later in the episode, Kokou interviews Slawomir Krupa, as the bank marks its 160th anniversary. Slawomir reflects on how Societe Generale has remained true to its original mission of combining innovation with strength in its business model. He discusses the bank’s focus on sustainability and responsibility, emphasizing its vital role in financing the economy, supporting transformational projects, and offering strategic advice to clients to drive these developments. He also shares insights on how climate change and AI are driving institutions to reinvent themselves.This episode is a compelling exploration of the past, present, and future of banking, offering fresh insights into how this age-old institution continues to influence our lives and economies.About this showWelcome to 2050 Investors, your monthly guide to understanding the intricate connections between finance, globalisation, and ESG. Join host Kokou Agbo-Bloua, Head of Economics, Cross-Asset & Quant Research at Societe Generale, for an exploration of the economic and market megatrends shaping the present and future, and how these trends might influence our progress to meeting 2050’s challenging global sustainability targets. If you like 2050 Investors, please leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your support will help us spread the word and reach new audiences. If you’re seeking a brief and entertaining overview of market-related topics and their business and societal implications, subscribe now to stay informed! Previous episodes of 2050 Investors have explored ESG, climate change, AI, greenflation, globalization, plastic pollution, food, healthcare, biodiversity and more. CreditsPresenter & Writer: Kokou Agbo-Bloua. Editors: Jovaney Ashman, Jennifer Krumm Linda Isker & Vincent Nickelsen. Production Designer: Emmanuel Minelle, Radio K7 Creative. Executive Producer : Fanny Giniès. Sound Director: Marc Valenduc. Music: Emmanuel d’Orlando. Graphic Design: Cédric Cazaly. Whilst the following podcast discusses the financial markets, it does not recommend any particular investment decision. If you are unsure of the merits of any investment decision, please seek professional advice.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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  51:17

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