Worklife with Adam Grant

Bo Seo, a world debate champion and author of "Good Arguments," shares his journey from avoiding disputes to mastering the art of constructive dialogue. He emphasizes the importance of effective debating skills in sharpening our thinking and enhancing listening capabilities. The discussion explores how practicing disagreement can foster better connections, especially for those who struggle with agreeableness. Seo also highlights the need for curriculum changes in education to promote argument literacy, emphasizing the value of engaging with diverse viewpoints.

Ohood Al Roumi, UAE’s Minister of State for Government Development and the Future, shares her experience in implementing a shorter work week. Jonas Prising, CEO of ManpowerGroup, discusses flexible work strategies while Hilary Cottam highlights historical shifts in work time norms. Anne-Marie Slaughter emphasizes managing by tasks rather than hours. The conversation dives into the societal benefits of a four-day work week, the need for cultural shifts, and the potential for increased productivity and well-being in post-pandemic work environments.

In this discussion, former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho shares his unconventional view on goals, claiming he's "anti-goals" despite his impressive achievements. He argues that focusing on values and personal growth can lead to greater success than traditional goal-setting. Emmanuel reflects on the lessons he's learned from sports, emphasizing the importance of significance over status. He also touches on crucial topics like equity in sports, player safety, and the need for honest conversations about well-being in competitive environments.

Filmmaker Adam McKay, known for his sharp satirical lens on society through works like *Don't Look Up* and *Succession*, delves into the psychology of human delusion and narcissism. He reflects on how improv comedy influenced his creativity and narrative style. The conversation reveals the concept of the 'delusion economy' thriving in today's media landscape, while also highlighting the crucial role of humor in activism and social commentary. Themes of moral ambiguity and personal integrity round out this insightful and entertaining discussion.

Sharon McMahon, known as "America’s Government Teacher," shares her insights as a former high school educator who fights misinformation with clear, nonpartisan facts. She and Adam delve into the need for improved qualifications in politics and examine the dark side of leadership influenced by harmful traits. The duo brainstorms wild ideas like placing teachers in Congress to enhance governance. Their discussion emphasizes critical thinking, the importance of civility in political discourse, and the necessity for campaign finance reform to empower everyday citizens.

Reese Witherspoon, an Oscar-winning actress and dynamic producer, shares her journey from self-doubt to confidence. She discusses her early struggles during rehearsals for 'Walk the Line,' where quitting seemed easier than persevering. By embracing her imperfections and creating Hello Sunshine, which puts women at the forefront, Reese redefines success. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity, curiosity, and resilience in both acting and entrepreneurship, encouraging listeners to face their fears and empower themselves.

Saul Perlmutter, a Nobel laureate in physics, shares his journey in unveiling the universe’s accelerating expansion. He discusses the emotional landscape of scientific discovery and the essential blend of humility and collective confidence needed to tackle global issues. Delving into the nature of scientific thinking, Saul highlights the significance of continuous learning and critical evaluation in science. He also addresses the pitfalls of pseudoscience and reflects on the universe's fate, emphasizing humanity's endless capacity for curiosity and understanding.

Acclaimed novelist Celeste Ng, best known for her bestsellers "Everything I Never Told You" and "Little Fires Everywhere," dives into her captivating writing process with Adam Grant, a long-time friend. They discuss how she balances narrative with language's beauty and the transformative power of writing as a tool for understanding. Celeste shares the challenges of marrying personal experiences with her storytelling, while reflecting on how her latest book tackles themes of dystopia mirroring societal issues, emphasizing hope amidst chaos.

In this insightful discussion, neuroscientist Chantel Prat, known for her work on cognitive differences and language learning, challenges the myth of being 'not wired that way.' She unpacks how left and right brain functions affect our abilities, revealing that coding may rely more on verbal skills than math. Chantel also shares fascinating insights on brain injuries' impact on personality and advocates for more inclusive education in coding, highlighting the links between language skills and coding proficiency.

A group of college seniors dives into a unique discussion about privilege during a seminar led by Malcolm Gladwell. They explore how aspects like birth month and relative age impact educational outcomes, revealing surprising advantages tied to arbitrary systems. Students reflect on their experiences in Ivy League settings, confronting the often-ignored dynamics of privilege. The conversation also considers the idea of applying maturity-based adjustments to create fairness in education, paralleling concepts used in sports.