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Rotman Visiting Experts

How to lead in a time of outrage

Jan 28, 2025
Karthik Ramanna, a Professor at the University of Oxford and author of "The Age of Outrage," dives deep into leading amidst societal division and anger. He discusses the unique characteristics of today's 'age of outrage,' highlighting the challenges of distrust and fear. Ramanna emphasizes the virtue of temperance in leadership, promoting dialogue and inclusivity. He shares insights from IKEA's moral struggles in Saudi Arabia, illustrating the complexities of maintaining integrity in global markets. Practical frameworks for navigating these turbulent times are also presented.
23:35

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Leaders in today's polarized world must prioritize temperance and active listening to foster trust and community-driven solutions.
  • Acknowledging their limitations, leaders should focus on manageable aspects of outrage and empower others to propose collaborative solutions.

Deep dives

Understanding the Age of Outrage

The current age is characterized by a heightened sense of outrage, influenced by three significant factors: fear of the future, low trust in institutions, and a growing sense of othering among people. Individuals are concerned about technological advancements, especially with the rise of artificial intelligence, fearing societal disruption similar to that caused by the Industrial Revolution. Furthermore, there is a pervasive distrust among the middle and working-class populations, who feel marginalized by elites, especially regarding issues like globalization and tax inequality. This combination of fear, distrust, and othering creates an environment where leadership must adapt to navigate the complexities of societal outrage effectively.

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