What's the secret to better business relationships? With Dr Linda Papadopoulos and Nina Gopal

What's the secret to better business relationships? With Dr Linda Papadopoulos and Nina Gopal

Author: Deloitte UK November 4, 2025 Duration: 42:26

A lot has changed about how we work and do business. But one truth has remained the same – the importance of relationships. 

We've all felt the benefits of building good business relationships; successful projects, faster progress, confident decisions, career opportunities and meaningful support. 

We've probably all felt the effects of less-good relationships too; stilted results, miscommunication, lack of trust and a lot of frustration. 

 Whether it's the long-standing client who just introduced a new leader, the potential client who isn't really looking to buy right now, or the unlikely alliance that could change everything; behind every deal, launch, and partnership is people - and the way we relate to each other is at the heart of what really drives success. 

So, what does it take to build successful business relationships in a world of hybrid meetings, endless emails, and fast-moving change? 

That's what we're exploring with Dr Linda Papadopoulos, psychologist, academic and author, and Nina Gopal, a partner in banking and capital markets at Deloitte UK, as we ask: What's the secret to stronger business relationships? 

Tune in to find out:

  • What three traits are found in every successful relationship
  • How to transform conflict into a catalyst for better business relationships
  • Why our reliance on digital communication is preventing us from truly connecting
  • Two things we can all do tomorrow to improve our professional interactions

Enjoyed this episode? Check our website for our recommendations to learn more about this topic: Deloitte.co.uk/greenroompodcasts

Find out more about Cook For Good here: cookforgood.uk

Guests: Dr Linda Papadopoulos, psychologist, academic and author, and Nina Gopal, a partner in banking and capital markets at Deloitte UK

Hosts: Lizzie Elston and Oli Carpenter

Original music: Ali Barrett

Recording date and location: London, 03.10.25


In The Green Room: Questions That Matter Most In Business, conversations move beyond surface-level trends to examine the underlying forces reshaping the commercial landscape. Hosted by Deloitte UK, this award-winning podcast creates a space where complex, pressing questions are met with clarity and depth. Every discussion is built around a single, significant inquiry, bringing in leading voices from across various sectors to unpack it. What you'll hear is not just commentary, but substantive strategic analysis and expert insights designed for leaders and professionals who need to understand the 'why' and the 'how'. The dialogue consistently returns to critical, interconnected areas like digital transformation, the practical implications of AI and technology, evolving leadership models, and the realities of the future of work. It also delves into core business strategy, the pathways to genuine innovation, and the urgent demands of sustainability and climate action. This podcast functions as a dedicated forum for thought leadership, where each episode provides a focused lens on the topics that define success and responsibility in modern business. The aim is to equip listeners with perspectives that are both broad and deeply relevant, turning abstract concepts into actionable understanding. It’s a resource for anyone looking to engage with the substantive ideas that are currently challenging and changing organizations worldwide.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Green Room: Questions That Matter Most In Business
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