Worklife with Adam Grant

David Dunning, a renowned psychologist and the co-author of the Dunning-Kruger effect, dives into the intricacies of overconfidence and self-awareness. He discusses how people often overestimate their skills while overlooking their limitations. Dunning shares practical strategies to combat overconfidence, including the value of second opinions and the importance of collaborative feedback. He also examines the risks tied to uninformed decision-making and the challenges of truly understanding our expertise in an age of misinformation.

Mellody Hobson, President and co-CEO of Ariel Investments, shares her expertise on navigating tough feedback and its role in personal and professional growth. She emphasizes the importance of finding value in criticism, encouraging listeners to view it as a gift. The conversation also touches on resilience, transformative leadership, and the challenges she faced growing up. Additionally, she discusses fostering anti-racist workplaces and the significance of open dialogue to create lasting change in corporate culture.

Anne Curzan, a linguist and English professor at the University of Michigan, shares her love for language in a lively discussion. She tackles grammar rules and whether they truly make sense in today’s world. Curzan and her host delve into the playful world of Gen-Z slang and the fascinating evolution of language. They explore the peculiarities of English pronunciation, such as the word 'colonel,' and the shift in attitudes towards language usage, promoting curiosity over rigid grammar rules.

Gabrielle Zevin, an acclaimed novelist known for her bestseller Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, dives into the lessons learned from failure. She candidly shares how setbacks fuel creativity and the importance of embracing new beginnings with each book. The conversation touches on the psychological effects of high expectations, the intricate dance between personal relationships and creative expression, and the vital role of character development in storytelling. Zevin's insights redefine success beyond societal pressures, showcasing the true nature of artistic ambition.

Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group and a champion of human rights and sustainability, shares his adventurous spirit and lessons from decades of entrepreneurship. He emphasizes the importance of saying yes to opportunities and embracing risks. Branson discusses what makes great leaders, highlighting the value of active listening and authenticity. He also reflects on personal transformation through space travel and advocates for a fresh perspective on social issues. Humor and adventure are central themes as he encourages stepping out of comfort zones.

Justin Trudeau, Canada's Prime Minister since 2015, reveals his personal battles with impostor syndrome and the emotional toll of leadership. He discusses the importance of authenticity and how he fosters open dialogue within his team. Trudeau also shares his experiences with criticism and the motivations that keep him going. Additionally, he highlights the need for leaders to encourage truth-telling from their teams while navigating the complexities of national identity and compromise in governance.

In this engaging discussion, Rebecca Solnit, a renowned writer and activist known for her insightful essays on power and feminism, explores the drawbacks of social media on public discourse. She critiques the superficial opinions that dominate online conversations and emphasizes the importance of meaningful dialogue. Adam and Rebecca advocate for recalibrating our views in a fast-paced digital world, while also sharing humorous anecdotes about the worst advice they've received. Together, they inspire hope and resilience amidst societal challenges.

John Green, bestselling author known for novels like "The Fault in Our Stars," discusses the power of paying attention to our attention. He shares his amusing and insightful ratings of various life experiences, revealing lessons from Mario Kart and the essence of mindfulness. The conversation dives into the complexities of personal narratives in storytelling, the joys of solitude, and how hybrid work dynamics affect creativity. Green reflects on the role of community in his writing journey and the emotional weight of young adult literature.

In this engaging conversation, Brian Chesky, CEO and co-founder of Airbnb, shares insights on nurturing trust within teams. He emphasizes that while a company isn't a family, strong connections can thrive in a community-focused environment. Chesky discusses the importance of transparent communication, especially during crises, and the evolving nature of work post-pandemic. He advocates for flexible schedules and innovative practices that prioritize personal relationships, showcasing how to lead with care and adapt to the future of work.

Aza Raskin, co-founder of the Center for Humane Technology and the Earth Species Project, reflects on his creation of the infinite scroll feature and its regrettable societal impact. He discusses the need for ethical technology that fosters well-being and brings attention to decoding whale communication to learn from other species. Aza explores how improving our interaction with technology could reshape democracy and enhance animal communication, advocating for a world where human and non-human voices are understood.