Worklife with Adam Grant

Christina Tosi, the innovative chef-owner of Milk Bar and James Beard award winner, joins Will Guidara, the restaurateur who elevated Eleven Madison Park to new heights. They dive into the joy of service, sharing how it enhances customer experiences. The duo also discusses 'unreasonable hospitality' and its ability to forge deep connections. Their insights on nurturing employee experiences and the emotional ties to food reflect their philosophy: kindness and creativity can transform both personal and professional relationships.

Niall Ferguson, a renowned historian and fellow at Stanford's Hoover Institution, engages in a lively debate with Adam Grant on the dynamics of leadership. They explore whether leaders should be feared or loved, delving into historical contexts and effective strategies. The conversation touches on the impact of violence, moral dilemmas in policymaking, and counterfactual history. Humor and anecdotes about personal insights and leadership styles, including a funny tale about wine, add richness to their discussion on the future of democratic freedoms.

In this engaging chat, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, a champion for public health and author of "Together," explores the loneliness epidemic gripping society. He discusses the profound effects of loneliness on mental health and emphasizes the necessity of community bonds. Vivek shares his personal experiences and practical strategies for cultivating meaningful relationships. He further examines the nuances of connection in the digital age and advocates for protecting young people's mental well-being through social media reforms.

In this discussion, bestselling author and executive coach Liz Wiseman teams up with Hazel Jackson, CEO of Biz Group, to explore the darker side of charisma in leadership. They reveal how excess charm can lead to blind loyalty and undermine critical thinking. The pair emphasizes the importance of balancing charisma with substance to foster a healthier organizational culture. Practical strategies, like promoting team participation and strategic silence, are shared to help leaders harness charisma effectively without losing sight of their mission.

Anita Woolley, an expert on team dynamics, and Richard Hackman, Adam Grant’s mentor and a leading authority on team effectiveness, join Mike Arruzzioni, the captain of the 'Miracle on Ice' hockey team. They explore how the right team design and shared goals can drive high performance. Insights from the miraculous 1980 Olympic victory reveal that success hinges on collaboration and clear roles. The trio also emphasizes the importance of reflection and a supportive environment for fostering team cohesion and individual growth.

Diego Rodriguez, Global Managing Director at IDEO, discusses the pitfalls of hiring for culture fit and champions cultural contribution instead. He argues that emphasizing conformity can stifle innovation and overlook talented individuals. Through engaging anecdotes, Rodriguez shares how embracing diverse perspectives leads to greater creativity and better organizational outcomes. He highlights the powerful role cultural misfits play in driving innovation and the necessity of adapting hiring practices to foster an inclusive environment.

Join John Legend, a multi-talented musician and advocate, as he shares his journey from consulting to chart-topping hits. He reveals the creative process behind 'Ordinary People,' highlighting the importance of improvisation and universal themes. Hear about his family-focused album 'My Favorite Dream,' inspired by parenting moments and emotional connections. Legend discusses balancing artistry with social justice, the impact of AI in creativity, and shares insightful career advice, showcasing his passion for music and advocacy.

Diego Rodriguez, the Global Managing Director at IDEO, joins the discussion on the power of status over traditional notions of power in achieving success. They explore how embracing authenticity can enhance workplace relationships and promote individual expression. The conversation dives into the importance of diversity in fostering creativity and innovation, illustrated by stories like the design of Apple's first mouse. Listeners gain insights into building inclusive teams that value unique perspectives, ultimately leading to more impactful organizational success.

Join Sarah Silverman, the iconic comedian known for her sharp wit and fearless commentary, as she shares her journey of transforming online trolls into fans. She and Adam discuss the importance of kindness and courage when facing criticism, illustrating how humor can bridge divides. Silverman reflects on personal growth from childhood friendships and the necessity of empathy in resolving conflicts. Plus, she opens up about coping with grief through laughter, leading to her upcoming tribute tour. Expect insightful conversations peppered with humor!

Jay Van Bavel, a professor of psychology and neural science at NYU, dives into the intriguing world of online behavior. He reveals how negative news captures our attention more than positive stories, driven by our brains' negativity bias. The conversation explores the toxic impact of doom scrolling on mental health and the need for curating uplifting content instead. Jay also discusses finding common ground in divisive times and highlights insights from his book, The Power of Us, showcasing the potential for unity online.