Worklife with Adam Grant

Dax Shepard, a talented actor, comedian, and the mind behind the 'Armchair Expert' podcast, shares his insights on humor and interviewing. He discusses how feedback has shaped his style, emphasizing self-deprecation as a social tool. The conversation dives into redefining masculinity and the importance of emotional honesty. Dax also reflects on loneliness and the evolving nature of personal values, including his thoughts on regret. The light-hearted banter includes amusing anecdotes and an exploration of innovative salary concepts.

Explore the concept of languishing, a feeling of emptiness that many face between burnout and depression. Discover how the pandemic has amplified these emotions and the importance of naming this experience for emotional clarity. Learn about the idea of finding flow through meaningful activities and setting boundaries to combat stagnation. Delve into modern work-life balance, focusing on tools that enhance mental well-being and foster productivity in the workplace.

Glennon Doyle, a bestselling author and activist known for her powerful book *Untamed*, joins the discussion to explore the liberation of shedding past identities. She shares her transformative journey navigating faith, addiction, and societal expectations. Glennon emphasizes embracing fluid identities as a form of empowerment, redefining anger as a pathway to understanding self-worth, and the importance of vulnerability in personal storytelling. Her insights invite listeners to rethink their own identities and challenge the norms that bind them.

John Amaechi, a bestselling author and CEO, sheds light on creating inclusive workplaces, especially in the wake of systemic biases. He discusses the importance of acknowledging privilege and the responsibility to confront biases, drawing from personal experiences. The conversation highlights the notion that workplace culture is defined by the worst behaviors tolerated. With expert insights, Amaechi advocates for collective action and leadership accountability in fostering true inclusivity, challenging listeners to reflect on their own biases and the structures in their organizations.

Conflict is unavoidable in any workplace, but it doesn't have to derail productivity. Understanding the real issues behind disagreements is key to resolving them effectively. A couple's pizza debate illustrates deeper conflicts about scarcity, while real workplace examples shed light on communication styles and status dynamics. Insights on tech's role in conflict management reveal how collaboration can flourish. Expensify's approach during politically tense times showcases structured dialogue as a path to respectful and constructive conflict resolution.

Explore the challenges of career turbulence and how individuals adapt to dramatic change. Discover innovative job-hunting strategies, the importance of side hustles, and the power of weak ties in navigating uncertainty. Hear personal stories of resilience, including a pilot's journey and New York City's street vendors supporting each other during tough times. The podcast emphasizes the role of community and mental health in the face of job losses, showcasing how tough times can foster gratitude and empathy among new graduates.

In this discussion, Barry Staw, an organizational behavior professor at UC Berkeley, and Kathy Hanoon, a former rapid evaluator at Google’s Moonshot Factory, tackle the sticky issue of bad decisions. They explore the psychological trap of escalation of commitment, revealing why we stubbornly cling to our poor choices. Staw shares insights on emotional attachments impacting decisions, while Hanoon emphasizes the need for 'kill signals' to pivot effectively in projects. Their combined expertise offers valuable strategies for recognizing when to let go and fostering accountability in decision-making.

Daniel Kahneman, a Nobel Prize winner renowned for his groundbreaking work in behavioral economics, dives into the fascinating world of human intuition. He shares insights on when to trust our gut feelings and when to question them. Kahneman discusses the joy of making mistakes as learning opportunities and critiques the relentless pursuit of happiness in psychology. He emphasizes a systematic approach to decision-making and highlights how cognitive biases influence our choices, offering a fresh perspective on navigating life's complexities.

Malcolm Gladwell, a renowned writer and journalist, joins Adam Grant for a thought-provoking conversation. They dive into the complexities of intelligence and discuss whether it's overrated compared to traits like perseverance. Their debate takes a critical turn as they address institutional racism, emphasizing the need for systemic change rather than individual blame. They also explore fresh ideas for personal growth, the evolution of emotional understanding, and the importance of humility in education and collaboration.

In this engaging discussion, Jane Goodall, a legendary ethologist and UN Messenger of Peace, shares her insights on leadership drawn from her extensive studies of chimpanzees. She explores the parallels between primate and human behavior, emphasizing how trust and respect, rather than aggression, shape effective leadership. Jane also highlights the importance of patience in both discovery and career growth, shedding light on gender roles in leadership through the lens of primate dynamics. Her wisdom provides valuable lessons for navigating today's organizational challenges.