In Good Company with Nicolai Tangen

HIGHLIGHTS: Malcolm Gladwell

Jan 24, 2025

In a compelling conversation, Malcolm Gladwell discusses the timeless nature of human challenges despite rapid technological advances. He delves into wealth psychology, revealing why the affluent often voice more complaints. Gladwell emphasizes the importance of recognizing leadership mistakes and how such admissions can foster a culture of risk-taking. He also shares insights on the value of mediocrity in sports and how diverse experiences, including travel, shape personal growth and perspectives. Don't miss his unique approach to interviewing beyond the usual high-level executives!

09:58

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Quick takeaways

Malcolm Gladwell emphasizes that the evolving landscape of higher education, marked by fewer college applications, may challenge traditional power structures.

He argues that leaders should embrace their mistakes to build trust and adaptability, transforming errors into opportunities for growth.

Deep dives

Shifting Trends in College Enrollment

The podcast highlights a significant decline in the number of college-age students applying to colleges in the United States, marking one of the most dramatic shifts in recent generations. This change is posited as potentially beneficial, as a smaller cohort might lead to the introduction of new cognitive technologies, such as artificial intelligence, due to reduced competition. The long-standing trend of increasing college-educated individuals over the past century and a half may be nearing its end, raising questions about the future landscape of higher education. The implications of this shift could dramatically alter social dynamics within industrialized societies, as fewer young people could change established power structures.

Exploring Tipping Points and Leadership Challenges

2min

Embracing Mistakes and the Value of Diverse Experiences

8min

We've curated a special 10-minute version of the podcast for those in a hurry.

Here you can listen to the full episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/malcolm-gladwell-contrarian-thinking-social-change/id1614211565?i=1000684940694&l=nb

In this episode of In Good Company, Nicolai Tangen and bestselling author Malcolm Gladwell explore why core human challenges remain unchanged despite technological advancement. Gladwell shares fascinating insights on wealth psychology and leadership, revealing why successful people can't step away from work and what makes mediocrity in sports valuable. He also takes us behind the scenes of his creative process, explaining why he prefers interviewing people "five steps down" from CEOs and how he crafts compelling narratives. Ever wonder why the wealthy tend to complain more than others? Or what makes some people naturally contrarian? Tune in to find out!

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 Teodora Cowie.