Worklife with Adam Grant

Merve Emre, an Associate Professor at Oxford and a cultural critic for The New Yorker, challenges the traditional views of emotional intelligence. She argues that it can be weaponized for corporate control rather than genuine growth. The conversation explores its roots in emotions, how it intersects with social class, and its impact on workplace culture. Emre calls for reevaluation of psychological strategies in organizations, advocating for sustainable employee support over superficial fixes, while revealing the complexities of emotional labor in professional settings.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus, award-winning actress known for her iconic roles in Seinfeld and Veep, delves into the complexities of grief and comedy. She shares insights from her podcast, Wiser Than Me, emphasizing the transformative power of deep conversations with older women. Julia discusses her latest film, Tuesday, which creatively explores themes of existentialism and parent-child relationships. She also addresses the evolving landscape of comedy, reflecting on artistic risks and the necessary balance between humor and weighty topics like death.

Halla Tómasdóttir, President of Iceland, previously co-founded Reykjavik University and led an investment firm during the financial crisis. She shares her journey from self-doubt to winning the presidency, emphasizing the importance of embracing impostor syndrome. Halla discusses her 'scarf revolution,' a unique political engagement movement, and highlights how listening fosters trust and collaboration in leadership. She also explores the need for inclusive masculinity and the transformative power of understanding diverse perspectives to enhance societal well-being.

Mark Rober, a former NASA engineer and the most followed science YouTuber, shares his journey of captivating young minds with engineering feats. He reveals his secrets to engaging storytelling and the art of blending fun with science in viral videos. They dive into the importance of inspiring future generations through space exploration and touch on innovative parenting strategies, especially when supporting children on the autism spectrum. Rober's passion for the scientific method shines through as he discusses creativity, ownership, and critical thinking in both work and life.

Jane Goodall, a legendary ethologist renowned for her pioneering research on chimpanzee behavior, provides fascinating insights into leadership drawn from her decades of observation. She discusses the difference between genuine leaders and mere bosses, emphasizing the importance of empathy and communication. Goodall also highlights the necessity of balancing masculine and feminine qualities in leadership. With reflections on patience in both science and motherhood, she bridges the gap between primate behavior and human dynamics, inspiring a new generation of activists.

Nathan Myhrvold, a modern-day Renaissance man and co-founder of Intellectual Ventures, shares insights into creativity and innovation. He discusses the creative processes that spark imagination and combat groupthink. Nathan reflects on his collaboration with Stephen Hawking and emphasizes that an idea's worth lies in its execution. He also tackles the disparity between the abundance of ideas and the scarcity of effective execution. Plus, he shares thrilling predictions about extraterrestrial intelligence and the future of human longevity.

Nick Cowen, a criminologist from the University of Lincoln, dives into the fascinating interplay between crime prevention and social norms. He reveals how cultural shifts have dramatically reduced drunk driving incidents in the UK. The conversation explores the psychological factors that contribute to criminal behavior and the importance of community perceptions in shaping societal change. With engaging personal anecdotes, Cowen illustrates the complexities of human choices and the significance of trust in cultivating safer societies.

Malcolm Gladwell, renowned author of "The Tipping Point" and "Outliers," engages in a thought-provoking dialogue about the significance of self-correction and the evolution of personal perspectives. He explores strategies for coping with failure and emphasizes the need for honest feedback, using cooking as a metaphor for growth. The conversation also touches on the challenges of college admissions reform, the psychology behind self-expression, and the interplay between privilege and societal complaints. A lively mix of anecdotes and insights makes for an entertaining discussion!

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.