In Good Company with Nicolai Tangen

Lars Strannegård: Art in Business, Leadership, and the Skills AI Can’t Replace

Mar 5, 2025

Lars Strannegård, the President of the Stockholm School of Economics, champions the fusion of art and culture with business education. He reveals how engaging with art enhances empathy and cultivates invaluable human skills that AI can’t replicate. The discussion touches on the transformative power of storytelling, the significance of a vibrant learning environment, and the traits of effective leadership. Strannegård emphasizes that reading fiction can even boost leadership qualities, advocating for a more culturally rich curriculum in today's AI-driven landscape.

42:15

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Lars Strannegård

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Integrating arts and culture into business education fosters empathy and emotional intelligence essential for effective leadership in an AI-driven world.

Creating stimulating learning environments through art encourages innovative thinking and collaboration, enriching the educational experience for future leaders.

Deep dives

The Role of Culture in Business Education

Integrating culture into business education is essential for developing a more comprehensive worldview among students. Exposure to arts, literature, and music broadens perspectives, encouraging students to question their preconceived notions. This approach not only fosters intellectual growth but also cultivates humility by illustrating the complexities of life that extend beyond mere statistics and figures. By engaging with various cultural expressions, students enhance their emotional intelligence, enabling them to empathize with others' experiences, even if they have never lived through those circumstances themselves.

Intro

2min

The Power of Cultural Empathy

3min

Cultivating Creativity Through Environment

19min

Traits of Great Leadership

4min

The Power of Storytelling in Business and Education

6min

AI's Impact on Education and Human Skills

5min

The Transformative Power of Art and Literature

3min

In this episode of In Good Company, Nicolai Tangen welcomes Lars Strannegård, President of the Stockholm School of Economics, to explore why art and culture are essential in shaping tomorrow’s business leaders. Strannegård shares how exposing students to creative expression builds empathy, enhances learning, and strengthens uniquely human skills that AI can't replicate. Ever wondered why reading fiction makes you a better leader? Or what business schools can learn from art museums? From the role of storytelling in leadership to the future of education in an AI-driven world, this conversation challenges conventional ideas about what makes great leaders. Tune in!

In Good Company is hosted by Nicolai Tangen, CEO of Norges Bank Investment Management. New full episodes every Wednesday, and don't miss our Highlight episodes every Friday.

The production team for this episode includes Isabelle Karlsson and PLAN-B's Niklas Figenschau Johansen, Sebastian Langvik-Hansen and Pål Huuse. Background research was conducted by Sara Arnesen.