Worklife with Adam Grant

Sophia Chang, the groundbreaking First Asian American woman in hip hop and manager of Wu-Tang Clan members, joins Belle Rose Reagans, an organizational psychologist specializing in mentoring. They unpack the myths surrounding mentorship and emphasize that character matters more than qualifications. The duo highlights mentorship's mutual growth dynamic, shows how vulnerability fosters deep connections, and discusses the transformative power of reverse mentoring. Their insights challenge traditional views and pave the way for more impactful mentoring relationships.

Marina Nitza, a tech entrepreneur and former CTO for the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, delves into the paradox of bureaucracy. She explains how rigid structures can stifle creativity while also providing necessary order. The conversation highlights the absurdity of unnecessary rules and advocates for subtracting inefficiencies. Nitza shares strategies for effectively navigating complex systems and emphasizes the importance of hacking bad policies to foster positive change and collaboration in organizations.

In this conversation, Shashank Nijam, the Founder and CEO of SimpliFlying, discusses his innovative approach to vacation policies aimed at enhancing employee well-being. He emphasizes the importance of mandatory vacations and guilt-free time off for personal recovery. The discussion highlights how thoughtful breaks can boost productivity and creativity, transforming workplace culture. Shashank shares insights on engaging in mastery activities during off-hours, blending relaxation with personal growth for a fulfilling work-life balance.

Steven Rogelberg, an organizational psychologist and expert on meetings, discusses how unproductive gatherings drain joy and focus. He shares clever strategies to tackle meeting overload, such as a 'Meeting Doomsday' initiative that encourages a 48-hour reflection before rescheduling. Rogelberg emphasizes the importance of reducing attendees and fostering active participation to enhance productivity. He also highlights the impact of belonging and inclusion in improving workplace culture, advocating for a shift toward valuing efficiency over mere attendance.

Nedra Glover Tawwab, a therapist and New York Times bestselling author, shares her insights on boundary-setting in personal and professional relationships. She discusses why boundaries are crucial for self-respect and how they can improve mental health. Listeners will learn about navigating fears of rejection, the emotional complexities of saying 'no,' and the importance of mindfulness in establishing healthy limits. Tawwab also provides practical strategies for communicating boundaries that can transform relationships for the better.

Sal Khan, founder and CEO of Khan Academy, revolutionizes education with innovative uses of AI. He discusses the transformative role technology plays in enhancing learning experiences, emphasizing the balance between human interaction and AI personalization. Sal also explores how generative AI can assist in writing, serving as a coaching tool rather than a means to cheat. The conversation delves into reshaping literary engagement and fostering critical thinking, advocating for a future where education inspires curiosity and collaboration.

Jim Gaffigan, a beloved stand-up comedian and Emmy winner, shares his journey from marketing to comedy, revealing how personal experiences shape his humor. He hilariously navigates parenting five children and discusses the unpredictable nature of laughter. Gaffigan reflects on the challenges of the entertainment industry and relates the mundanity of everyday life, like Hot Pockets, to comedic inspiration. He also explores the complexities of modern parenting and critiques the superficiality of social experiences among teenagers, emphasizing the lasting impact of comedy.

Chip and Joanna Gaines, the beloved duo from 'Fixer Upper,' share insights on nurturing their successful partnership despite being an introvert and an extrovert. They recount their amusing meeting at a tire shop and the journey of balancing their personalities over two decades. The couple discusses life without television, emphasizing quality time, and shares home improvement tips that reflect their unique style. Their playful banter highlights the importance of communication and understanding in both love and entrepreneurship.

Join Ed Catmull, co-founder of Pixar and Disney Animation, alongside Pete Docter, the creative genius behind iconic films, as they delve into the secrets of Pixar's success. They discuss the pivotal role of team culture in fostering creativity and collaboration. Learn about the importance of storytelling, embracing failure as a learning opportunity, and the creative processes that shaped beloved characters. Their insights on mentorship and evolving vision highlight how adaptability fuels genius in the ever-changing animation landscape.

Baratunde Thurston, an Emmy-nominated writer and comedian, shares insights into the art of storytelling and self-identity. He emphasizes vulnerability and authenticity as key components of connecting with audiences. Thurston also explores the complexities of emotional intelligence and the need for active engagement in citizenship. Additionally, he discusses the interplay between human creativity and AI, urging listeners to maintain curiosity in an evolving technological landscape.