

Skydeck
Harvard Business School
The Harvard Business School alumni podcast
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 18, 2025 • 14min
Best of 2025
Explore captivating media recommendations from HBS alumni and students! Discover Teresa Amabile's love for the deep sci-fi narrative of Project Hail Mary. Dive into Jake Goodman's fresh take on teenage boxers in Headshot. Maria Curry highlights the inventive horror of Sinners, while Josh Nelson shares quick insights from Precursor Ventures. Pat Dooling dives into personal growth with the Rich Roll Podcast, and Ty Kim recommends action-packed films like Sisu. Plus, uncover the emotional depth of Julia Hsu's film Rosemead and the rich storytelling of Northwoods.

Dec 2, 2025 • 15min
Can Tech Solve Health Care’s Workforce Crisis?
Ascend Learning CEO Lissy Hu (MD/MBA 2014) on how AI can help address a generational challenge

Nov 11, 2025 • 17min
Leadership Lessons from the “Lone Survivor” Mission
Former Army helicopter pilot Matthew Brady (MBA 2016) discusses his battlefield experience—and how it shaped his approach to business

Oct 28, 2025 • 18min
Taylor Swift, CEO
Sinead O'Sullivan, an author and former NASA engineer, delves into the billion-dollar business strategy of pop icon Taylor Swift. She explains how Taylor's 'drip' release strategy maintains fan engagement and contrasts it with 'drop' methods used by industry giants. Sinead highlights Taylor's ability to create compelling narratives and compares her long-term strategy to Warren Buffett's investment philosophy. She also discusses Taylor's ownership of her production and fan relationships, showcasing her as a multi-talented leader in the entertainment industry.

Oct 7, 2025 • 19min
My First Job
Listen to alumni share their fascinating first-job experiences. From making perfect copies at PwC to working on a family cattle farm, each story is unique. A startup employee emphasizes the importance of building internal relationships, while a McDonald's worker highlights teamwork and playful competition. Learn strategies for prioritizing tasks and the thrill of earning trust on an assembly line. Each tale reveals valuable lessons on leadership, customer service, and personal growth.

Sep 18, 2025 • 18min
Strength in Suffering
In this engaging discussion, John Travers, an author and physician who traded a business career for medicine, shares his inspiring journey. He reflects on his early volunteer work in Kolkata and Ghana, which fueled his passion for helping the vulnerable. Travers delves into his research on frailty and its surprising links to psychological resilience. He emphasizes the power of storytelling and active listening in patient care, revealing how these elements can transform diagnosis and foster a deeper understanding of resilience.

Aug 26, 2025 • 13min
Crafting Your Life
Leslie Perlow, a Professor focused on intentional living, shares her insights on crafting a more joyful life. She discusses her Life Matrix tool, which helps assess personal values linked to joy and achievement. The conversation highlights the impact of small, actionable changes over vague goals and examines how social media affects happiness. Additionally, she emphasizes communal support and group accountability as catalysts for sustainable personal growth. Leslie’s transformative approach invites listeners to reflect for a more meaningful existence.

Aug 5, 2025 • 14min
Back to the Future
Scott Anthony dives into the intriguing world of disruptive innovation, linking historical events to today’s tech landscape. He highlights the importance of collaboration in navigating the unpredictable nature of innovation, especially with AI on the rise. The discussion sheds light on the dual impact of innovation, using the 1920s automobile as an example of both progress and unforeseen challenges. Ethical responsibilities of businesses in this space are explored, advocating for proactive measures and thoughtful regulation. Lastly, connections between iconic brands reveal the power of historical context in shaping modern innovation.

Jul 17, 2025 • 20min
Play with Purpose
Join Josh Harris, owner of the Washington Commanders and founder of 26North, as he shares his journey from childhood NFL experiences to becoming a sports franchise leader. He discusses the significance of community connection in team management and the vital role of effective leadership in sports culture. Harrison also explores the skyrocketing valuations of franchises, influenced by media trends and fan engagement. Lastly, he reflects on balancing a busy career with family, emphasizing the importance of health and relationships.

Jun 24, 2025 • 16min
The Vinyl Revival
Caren Kelleher (MBA 2010) on why records are reclaiming their
place in a world of streaming


