Valuing Social Capital in the AI Era with Katrin Gülden Le Maire

In a 21st-century knowledge economy where tech valuations eclipse physical industrial giants, traditional accounting frameworks like IAS 38 are struggling to reflect what actually drives modern corporate value. In this episode of Risky Women Radio, host Kimberley Cole sits down with strategic advisor, researcher, and governance expert Katrin Gülden Le Maire. Bringing a rare interdisciplinary lens spanning finance, tech, ESG, and philosophy, Katrin unpacks why intangible assets—from human relationships and talent to organisational trust—require a radical rethink in governance. Together, they explore why relying purely on quantitative algorithms misses the mark, how AI is reshaping human connective labour, and why courageous business leaders must take charge of defining social capital before regulators do it for them.

Shownotes

02:03 – From Inner-City Outreach to Private Jets: Katrin's Multidisciplinary Journey
05:51 – Principles vs. Preferences: Turning Down Corporate Mandates for Values
11:40 – Systems Thinking: Applying Cybernetics to Interconnected Business Networks
15:47 – The Knowledge Economy & The Outdated Limits of IAS 38 Accounting
23:06 – Defining Social Capital: Balancing Economic & Sociological Perspectives
27:44 – Why Business Leaders—Not Regulators—Must Drive the Social Capital Debate
38:00 – Practical Exercise: A Two-Page Challenge for Boards and Executive Leaders