Business podcasts are thriving in 2024, with shows like ‘How I Built This’ and ‘The Diary of a CEO’ dominating the charts.
Podcasting continues to grow at an unprecedented rate, cementing its position as a multi-billion-dollar industry and one of the fastest-growing sectors in digital media.
With over 500 million podcast listeners worldwide, podcasting now reaches 23.5 per cent of all internet users. This growth reflects not only the increasing appetite for on-demand, niche content but also the effectiveness of podcasts as a medium for storytelling, education, and professional development.
Business podcasts have become a key resource for entrepreneurs, professionals, and creatives, offering listeners insights, inspiration, and actionable advice, cementing their place as highly valued resources. However, with great influence comes great responsibility — a lesson highlighted by recent events surrounding Steven Bartlett’s The Diary of a CEO podcast.
Bartlett’s show, one of the UK’s most popular, has come under attack for the sharing of misinformation (within some of its health-related episodes); a critical challenge for today’s content creators — balancing engaging content with the need for accuracy and responsible reporting.
As listeners, the takeaway is clear: while podcasts are powerful learning tools, critical thinking is crucial. Verifying the information presented and seeking diverse perspectives can help ensure decisions are based on reliable insights.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a seasoned professional, or just curious about the world of business, here are 10 podcasts that offer a wealth of insights to help you navigate 2024 and beyond.
10 inspiring business podcasts
1. How I Built This with Guy Raz
This beloved podcast dives into the stories behind some of the most iconic companies and their founders. Guy Raz’s knack for storytelling brings out the human side of entrepreneurship, making it relatable and inspiring. Memorable episodes include interviews with Sara Blakely of Spanx, Howard Schultz of Starbucks, and Airbnb’s co-founders as they recount their incredible journeys from idea to global success.
2. The Diary of a CEO
Steven Bartlett’s podcast made news this week for concerns around misinformation in its health-related episodes, however there’s no denying this podcast’s raw, unfiltered conversations with business leaders, creatives, and changemakers provides plenty of fascinating insight. From the highs of achieving greatness to the challenges of failure and self-doubt, Bartlett’s interviews are refreshingly honest.
Notable guests include bestselling author Adam Grant, Dr. Chris Van Tulleken, and leadership speaker Simon Sinek, all sharing deeply personal stories alongside actionable insights.
3. Conversations of Inspiration
4. Tim Ferriss Show
Tim Ferriss is a master of extracting the habits and routines of world-class performers. From author Malcolm Gladwell to athlete LeBron James, Ferriss dives deep into the strategies that drive excellence across diverse fields. An episode with investor Ray Dalio, where they discuss his principles for life and work, is particularly eye-opening. Ferriss’ ability to uncover actionable takeaways makes this podcast a must for anyone seeking personal or professional growth.
5. Big Careers, Small Children
This popular podcast, hosted by Verena Hefti MBE, has carved out a niche as a leading resource for working parents in the UK balancing ambitious careers with family life. With over 200 episodes to date, it has become a go-to platform for practical advice, inspiration, and honest conversations about navigating leadership roles while raising children. The podcast frequently features senior leaders, CEOs, and professionals sharing their experiences and strategies for thriving in both domains.
6. 10-Minute MBA with Scott D. Clary
Short on time but big on insights, this podcast is a great one for busy professionals. Scott D. Clary distills complex business concepts into digestible lessons in just 10 minutes. Episodes tackle topics like scaling a startup, mastering sales strategies, and navigating leadership challenges. It’s a quick, impactful listen for anyone wanting to level up their business knowledge.
7. Workin’ Hard, Hardly Working
Grace Beverley’s podcast offers a fresh take on productivity and work-life balance, blending candid conversations with actionable advice. Episodes feature guests like entrepreneur Steven Bartlett and wellness expert Rhiannon Lambert, tackling everything from burnout to building a career that aligns with your values. It’s a nuanced, thoughtful exploration of what it means to succeed in today’s fast-paced world.
8. We Study Billionaires
We Study Billionaires is a leading investing podcast hosted by Stig Brodersen, Preston Pysh, William Green, Clay Finck, and Kyle Grieve. With over 100 million downloads, it’s a hit among aspiring investors, and is dedicated to exploring the investment strategies of the world’s wealthiest individuals, such as Warren Buffett, Ray Dalio, Howard Marks.
By studying these financial icons, the hosts share valuable lessons that listeners can apply to their own investment journeys.
9. Squiggly Careers
Helen Tupper and Sarah Ellis guide listeners through the complexities of modern career paths. Episodes explore topics like networking authentically, career pivots, and building resilience. Notable guests include Dame Sharon White, Chair of John Lewis, who shares her insights on leading through change. It’s a valuable resource for navigating today’s unpredictable job market.
RELATED: What are Squiggly Careers?
10. Business Growth Secrets
Adam Stott shares insider tips for scaling businesses, drawing on his experience coaching thousands of entrepreneurs. Episodes cover everything from marketing hacks to leadership strategies, with inspiring guest appearances by successful founders who’ve turned small ideas into thriving ventures. It’s a treasure trove of actionable insights for those looking to grow their business.
ITN Business‘ Business Extra podcast
With a commitment to unpacking complex topics, Business Extra explores issues ranging from renewable energy solutions to advancements in AI and their real-world applications.
Recent ITN Business podcasts include ‘Living with Lewy’, a moving exploration of life with Lewy Body Dementia, and ‘Listen to Your Gut’, created in collaboration with Yeo Valley, which delves into the importance of gut health in overall wellbeing. A must-listen for those eager to stay informed.
You can tune in here on the ITN Business hub, or your preferred podcast app.
