Future in Focus by LRQA

The energy transition: fast, clean… and cyber secure?

In this episode, we are joined by Howard Hughes (Managing Director, Cybersecurity, LRQA) and Fotis Kampouris (EVP Asia Pacific, LRQA) to ask whether the energy transition can really be delivered fast, clean and cyber secure - or whether speed and security are competing priorities. Together, they explore why energy infrastructure has become a high-priority cyber target, how recent geopolitical instability has shifted the conversation from decarbonisation to energy security, and what it takes to build resilience into assets that need to operate for thirty, forty, even fifty years. The conversation focuses on the leadership decisions behind getting cyber right: where it gets missed in major programmes, how fragmented ownership and locked-in supplier decisions create blind spots, and what good board-level oversight actually looks like. we also cover why compliance frameworks are a starting point rather than protection in themselves, why the industry has to move from point-in-time penetration testing to continuous monitoring and an "assume breach" mindset, and the cultural and regulatory shifts they believe are needed to protect critical energy infrastructure over its full multi-decade lifecycle.

Introducing AI Powered Penetration Testing: What it is, how it works and where it fits

In this episode, we are joined by Chris Oakley (SVP Assurance Services, Americas, LRQA), Dave Parsons (Managing Principal Security Consultant, LRQA) and David Greene (Strategic Partnerships, Simbian) to introduce AI Powered Penetration Testing, a new capability from LRQA developed with Simbian. Together, they explore what AIPT is, how it works in practice, and where it fits alongside consultant-led penetration testing. The conversation covers why security testing programmes are under pressure to move faster, how AI can support more frequent and repeatable testing, and why credibility, governance and expert oversight still matter. It also addresses practical concerns around trust, data handling, sovereignty, retention and safe operation.

The quality mindset: Connecting risk, culture and performance to create opportunity

In this episode, host Xavier Francis is joined by Bill Barnes, Auditor Manager at LRQA, and Dariusz Antonczyk, Training and Improvement Services Manager at LRQA, to explore how quality thinking has evolved from a management system into a powerful organisational mindset. Together, they trace the journey of quality from the origins of ISO 9001 to today’s connected approach to risk management, resilience, and leadership. Through practical examples and personal insights, they discuss how the principles of consistency, culture and continuous improvement underpin modern business performance. Looking ahead, the conversation highlights how a quality mindset is driving the next generation of assurance professionals: those able to connect quality, cyber security, sustainability and safety as part of one unified vision for organisational excellence.

Transition talks: What’s changing in ISO standards and why it matters

Welcome to Transition Talks, a new podcast series from LRQA designed to guide organisations through the upcoming changes to ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001. In this first episode, Stuart Kelly, Chief Commercial Officer at LRQA, and Kevin Franklin, LRQA's Chief Product Officer, unpack what’s driving the updates to these cornerstone management system standards, why it matters now and what businesses can expect as the transition period begins. From climate considerations and stakeholder expectations to governance and resilience, we explore the evolving risk landscape and the practical implications for quality, environmental and occupational health and safety management systems. Brought to you by LRQA’s technical and sector specialists, Transition Talks will run throughout the ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001 transition period, giving you the insight, clarity and guidance needed to stay informed and prepared.  Follow LRQA’s Future in Focus series on your preferred podcast platform to stay up to date.

The European Central Bank’s Omnibus opinion: Why high-quality sustainability information matters for corporate and financial system stability

In this timely episode of Future in Focus (released 25 June), we sit down with the European Central Bank to discuss its official Omnibus opinion and why robust, high-quality sustainability data is critical, not only for corporate reporting and due diligence but also for the long-term stability of the EU’s financial system.  LRQA’s Theresa Gigov speaks with Katharina Klausch, Senior Legal Counsel at the ECB, on the future of sustainability regulation, including the role of Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence (HREDD) in financial decision-making. As EU negotiations intensify, this conversation offers key insights for corporates and financial institutions navigating fast-moving changes.