Francesca Gino

Professor Francesca Gino, an eminent Harvard researcher in the field of dishonesty, is accused of fraud, sparking discussions on hypocrisy and trust in scientific findings. The podcast also explores the concerning suicide rates among men aged 45-54, emphasizing the need for proactive suicide prevention efforts and safety planning. Additionally, the psychological impact of awe on well-being is discussed, highlighting how experiences of natural wonders can reduce stress and increase happiness.

Join Francesca Gino, a Harvard Business School professor and author of bestselling books, as she dives into the fascinating world of curiosity in organizations. She discusses how fostering curiosity can drive innovation and adaptability, especially during challenging times. Emphasizing curiosity as a superpower, Gino reveals its connection to 'rebel talent' and the transformative change it can inspire. Tune in to explore how questioning norms can enhance leadership and collaboration in the evolving professional landscape!

Francesca Gino, a professor at Harvard Business School, shares a compelling business case for curiosity. Her research shows allowing employees to exercise their curiosity can lead to fewer conflicts and better outcomes. However, even managers who value inquisitive thinking often discourage curiosity in the workplace because they fear it's inefficient and unproductive. Gino offers several ways that leaders can instead model, cultivate, and even recruit for curiosity. Gino is the author of the HBR article "The Business Case for Curiosity."

Julia Minson, an associate professor at the Harvard Kennedy School, and Francesca Gino, a professor at Harvard Business School, tackle the rising trend of political discussions in the workplace. They discuss how political polarization affects team dynamics and personal relationships, especially in remote settings. The duo emphasizes the need for constructive dialogue and offers strategies to handle workplace conflicts. They also highlight the dangers of groupthink in leadership roles, advocating for diverse perspectives to drive innovation and understanding.

Editor's note, December 6, 2024: Since we first published this episode with Francesca Gino in 2018, other researchers have raised concerns about the integrity of her work. In 2023, a group of scientists publicly alleged that she had fabricated data in some of her studies. You can find more information about their analysis at Data Colada.org. Gino has denied these allegations.A number of Francesca Gino’s studies have been retracted by the journals that published them, including a study about karaoke that is referenced in this episode. Francesca Gino studies rebels - people who practice "positive deviance" and achieve incredible feats of imagination. They know how and when to break rules that should be broken. So how can you activate your own inner non-conformist? This week, we ponder the traits of successful rebels as we revisit our 2018 conversation with Francesca.  If you like this show, please check out our new podcast, My Unsung Hero! And if you'd like to support our work, you can do so at support.hiddenbrain.org.