Worklife with Adam Grant

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.

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.