Worklife with Adam Grant

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.

Danielle Allen, a Harvard professor of public policy and political philosophy, shares her insights on improving education and democracy. She tackles the current culture on college campuses and emphasizes the importance of fostering diverse perspectives for meaningful debate. Discussions include the need for moral reasoning and productive dialogue, as well as the complexities of campus protests in the digital age. Allen also advocates for reforms that improve citizen engagement and create inclusive environments that promote critical thinking.

Trevor Noah, comedian and former host of The Daily Show, discusses the significance of context in communication and relationships. He shares personal anecdotes illustrating how misunderstandings can arise from a lack of clarity, affecting everything from social media interactions to political discourse. The conversation also explores American culture, decision-making approaches, and innovative ideas for political debates. With humor and insight, Trevor connects comedy and psychology, shedding light on how humor reflects human behavior.