WEF Unplugged: Geopolitics, sustainability, and a look behind the scenes
Live from Davos: IMD’s Julia Binder and David Bach cut through the headlines on geopolitics, AI, energy – and competing visions for the international order....
I by IMD Podcasts
Decarbonization
Holcim’s Ram Muthu: Can circular construction scale?
January 27, 2026 • by Julia Binder, Knut Haanaes in I by IMD Podcasts • 
Podcast available
Holcim’s Ram Muthu on circularity, EU regulation, and what it really takes to decarbonize cement at industrial scale....
Apple SpotifyConstruction is one of the biggest carbon emitters – and cement sits at the center of it. In this episode of Inside the Transition, IMD’s Julia Binder and Knut Haanaes speak with Holcim’s Head of Operational Excellence Ram Muthu about what decarbonization looks like when you’re responsible for heavy equipment, waste streams, and execution across real plants.
Muthu doesn’t romanticize the challenge. He argues the sector can move fast – but only if policy and infrastructure keep up, and if leaders stop treating transformation like a checklist. As he puts it: “Cement and building materials are probably one of the hardest to abate sectors,” “our industry still depends a lot on carbon capture and storage,” and “focus on execution is critical.”
Inside the Transition delivers practical, executive-grade conversations on the energy transition.
Expert
Authors
Listen to our new series
Why we should cherish women over 50
Multigenerational teams bring competitive advantages. It’s vital to tap into the wisdom and experience of older workers, urges Shelley Zalis....
Audio available
Inside the transition, with Pictet’s Marie-Laure Schaufelberger
IMD’s Inside the Transition hosts Pictet CSO Marie-Laure Schaufelberger to explore how finance drives the energy transition and ESG strategies....
Hapag Lloyd CEO: What does resilience look like when trade routes break?
In this episode of Leaders Unplugged, IMD President David Bach speaks with Rolf Habben Jansen, CEO of Hapag-Lloyd, about leading a global shipping giant through geopolitical tension, climate pressure, and permanent uncertainty,...
Learn Brain Circuits
Join us for daily exercises focusing on issues from team building to developing an actionable sustainability plan to personal development. Go on - they only take five minutes.
Explore Leadership
What makes a great leader? Do you need charisma? How do you inspire your team? Our experts offer actionable insights through first-person narratives, behind-the-scenes interviews and The Help Desk.
Join Membership
Log in here to join in the conversation with the I by IMD community. Your subscription grants you access to the quarterly magazine plus daily articles, videos, podcasts and learning exercises.