Rain Newton-Smith on Climate, Confidence and the Collective Power of British Business

In this episode of Just Curious, Nicky and George welcome Rain Newton-Smith, CEO of the CBI, to explore some of the most pressing topics facing British business today, from climate change and AI to leadership and collective action.

Rain’s journey from economist to business advocate is fascinating. Formerly Chief Economist at the CBI and an expert on emerging markets at the Bank of England, she brings a sharp policy mind to the role along with the empathy of a working mum of four. Her leadership style? Informed, collaborative, optimistic.

A standout theme in our conversation is the storytelling challenge around Net Zero. Rain notes that terms like "climate change" and "net zero" often fail to resonate. Instead, she advocates for a more human approach talking about clean air, green jobs, and better quality of life. “It’s not just about emissions,” she says, “it’s about living longer, healthier, happier lives.”

We also dive into how the CBI acts as a collective voice for businesses, advocating to government on everything from trade policy to data flow. Rain speaks with passion about the UK’s innovation ecosystem, from quantum computing start-ups to AI’s potential in healthcare and service delivery.

As someone who returned to lead the CBI after a stint at Barclays, Rain talks candidly about her motivations. “I knew what the organisation could achieve,” she says, referencing the pivotal role it played during COVID and the UK’s net zero pledge.

Throughout the episode, Rain brings a welcome tone of optimism. She reminds us that the UK has a lot to be proud of and that collective action, clear messaging, and courageous leadership are the keys to shaping a sustainable, prosperous future.