Worklife with Adam Grant

Yo-Yo Ma, a world-renowned cellist and humanitarian, shares his journey from a child prodigy to a celebrated artist, reflecting on the pressures of early success. He dives into the themes of burnout, the importance of managing creative energy, and how music fosters profound human connections. Yo-Yo emphasizes the emotional impact of music during tough times, like the pandemic, and discusses the balance between talent and energy, advocating for supportive environments that nurture future generations of artists.

Jody Avirgan, host of the Good Sport podcast and former ESPN producer, shares his insights from the world of sports and storytelling. He discusses how sports cultivate leadership and community talent, revealing why smaller towns often excel in developing athletes. Jody emphasizes the importance of trust and authenticity within teams, connecting these dynamics to both sports and workplace relations. He also highlights adaptability and teamwork as vital lessons learned in athletics, showcasing their relevance beyond the field.

Becky Kennedy, known as Dr. Becky, is a clinical psychologist and founder of Good Inside, revolutionizing millennial parenting. She shares insights on moving away from making kids happy and instead fostering resilience and empathy. The conversation explores the importance of humility in parenting, engaging children in family decisions, and understanding misbehavior as a signal for emotional needs. Techniques like the 'fill-up game' help parents connect better, while the parallels between parenting and coaching emphasize the need for appropriate boundaries.

Abby Wambach, one of soccer's legends, discusses her journey from an illustrious sports career to navigating life beyond athletics. She shares insights on maintaining motivation and the emotional challenges athletes face after retirement. Abby emphasizes the importance of learning from losses and the need for empathy in team dynamics. She also explores personal definitions of 'enough' and encourages a reassessment of success in a society driven by comparison. Join her for a candid conversation on resilience, identity, and personal growth.

Kaja Kallas, the first female Prime Minister of Estonia, shares insights on leadership shaped by her experience in a nation facing external threats. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity and the dangers of inauthenticity in political discourse. Kallas discusses the necessity of accountability in global politics, advocating for effective communication and collaboration. She also reflects on the unique challenges women face in leadership, promoting inclusive practices. Her perspectives on navigating crises and cultural dynamics are both enlightening and inspiring.

Claude Steele, a pioneering social psychologist and emeritus professor at Stanford, delves into the impact of stereotype threat on performance. He explains how mere awareness of stereotypes can lead to anxiety and cognitive interference, particularly among marginalized groups. The conversation shifts to self-affirmation as a powerful tool to combat these effects, fostering resilience and growth. They discuss the flaws of high-stakes testing and suggest low-stakes alternatives. Claude emphasizes the importance of acceptance and belonging in mitigating stereotype threats, especially for professional women.

Ash Brandin, a middle school teacher and educational innovator, shares her insights on making learning as engaging as video games. She discusses how video games can enhance educational experiences, debunking myths about violence and exploring their emotional benefits. Ash highlights games for adults that break traditional norms and speaks about the importance of intrinsic motivation. Their conversation emphasizes the need to balance screen time while recognizing the cognitive skills and family dynamics that gaming can nurture.

In this enlightening discussion, Carla Harris, a renowned Wall Street veteran and former chair of the National Women's Business Council, shares her wisdom on mentorship and sponsorship. She emphasizes the necessity of building strong relationships and effectively advocating for oneself in the workplace. Carla explores the distinctions between mentorship and sponsorship and the vital role authenticity plays in leadership. With insights on confronting workplace bias and fostering inclusivity, she provides practical strategies for navigating professional challenges and empowering teams.

Annie Duke, a world poker champion and decision-making expert, shares her journey from dropping out of a PhD to winning the World Series of Poker. She discusses the art of quitting, emphasizing the need to balance perseverance with new opportunities. Listeners learn about poker strategies, the impact of gender bias, and the moral complexities of quitting. Duke also offers insights on evaluating priorities and personal values, helping people navigate tough decisions in both games and life.

Malcolm Gladwell, a renowned writer and journalist, joins the conversation for an engaging debate with Adam Grant. They dive into the complexities of intelligence, questioning if it's oversold or undersold in today’s world. The duo tackles racism, emphasizing the need for institutional accountability over individual blame. They discuss the ethics of sports performance, the role of trust in consumer relationships, and the importance of mindset in personal growth. Throughout, they challenge conventional thoughts, reminding us that we shouldn’t believe everything we think.