Hubert Joly on the Heart of Business (Podcast)

This book by Marshall Goldsmith focuses on helping successful individuals recognize and change the behavioral habits that are holding them back from achieving even greater success. Goldsmith identifies 20 common bad habits, such as speaking when angry or adding too much value, and provides a systematic approach to changing these behaviors. He emphasizes that it is not technical skills but behavioral changes that separate the great from the rest. The book offers practical advice on how to eliminate these dysfunctions and improve interpersonal relationships, which is crucial for advancing in one's career and personal life.

In this book, Isabel Wilkerson argues that racism in the United States is part of a broader caste system—a society-wide system of social stratification characterized by hierarchy, inclusion, and exclusion. She defines eight pillars that underlie caste systems across civilizations, including divine will, heredity, and dehumanization. Wilkerson uses historical documentation, insightful analogies, and powerful anecdotes to illustrate how this caste system permeates American society, affecting people's lives and behavior. The book also explores the consequences of caste and the possibility of a world without it, emphasizing the need for collective effort to dismantle such systems.

The book is divided into two parts. The first part recounts Frankl's harrowing experiences as a prisoner in Nazi concentration camps, including Auschwitz, between 1942 and 1945. He describes the inhumane conditions and the psychological and emotional struggles of the prisoners. The second part introduces Frankl's theory of logotherapy, which posits that the primary human drive is the search for meaning, rather than pleasure. Frankl argues that meaning can be found through three main avenues: work (doing something significant), love (caring for another), and suffering (finding meaning in one's own suffering). The book emphasizes the importance of finding purpose and meaning in life, even in the most adverse conditions, as a key factor in survival and personal growth.

This graphic adaptation of Marcel Proust's 'In Search of Lost Time' presents the first volume, 'Swann's Way', in a compressed and visually engaging format. The adaptation, likened to a 'piano reduction of an orchestral score', retains the fundamental architecture and themes of Proust’s work, including time, art, and the elusiveness of memory. Stéphane Heuet's detailed illustrations bring to life the narrator Marcel's childhood memories in Combray, capturing the humor, wit, and memorable characters of Proust's original text. This adaptation is designed to make Proust's work more accessible while maintaining its essence and beauty.

Hubert Joly's "The Heart of Business" offers a compelling narrative of his leadership journey at Best Buy. The book details his transformation of the company from near bankruptcy to renewed success. Joly emphasizes the importance of human connection and employee engagement in driving business results. He shares practical strategies for building a strong organizational culture and fostering a sense of purpose among employees. The book serves as a valuable resource for leaders seeking to create a more human-centered approach to business.

Remote Work Revolution provides evidence-based strategies for managers and employees to thrive in a remote work environment. It addresses key challenges such as building trust, maintaining connections, and achieving a work-life balance. The book offers practical advice on leadership, team engagement, and digital tools necessary for success in virtual workplaces.

In *From Higher Aims to Hired Hands*, Rakesh Khurana explores the historical development of American business schools, tracing their shift from training a professional class of managers to focusing primarily on profit maximization. The book argues that this transformation has led to a decline in moral and intellectual standards within business education, contributing to corporate malfeasance. Khurana calls for reform to rejuvenate the intellectual and moral foundations of business leadership.