Thought Sparks

Clive Thompson's recent book "Coders" takes us into the minds and hearts of the people that are actually creating the digital world we all live in.  From the first piece of code many learned to love - "hello, world" to the sophisticated interactions behind artificial intelligence, Thompson gives us a fascinating fly on the wall perspective.  In this #FridayFiresideChat​, he explains why coders hate to be interrupted, why they sometimes don't even eat and why grappling with inhuman amounts of frustration comes with the job.  Have a listen - you'll find it really interesting.

It's pretty clear that we need a whole new playbook for strategy, and Erich Joachimsthaler has just published a thought-provoking new book on this very topic. While strategy used to be thought of as the property of a firm, the winners today are building what he calls "interaction fields" where value comes from the velocity of transactions partners can create between customers and suppliers and other value-system members. In this thought-provoking #FridayFiresideChat​, the two of us draw the contours of what an entirely new way of thinking about strategy looks like.

The podcast discusses Gisbert Rühl's digital transformation of Klöckner, including challenges faced in the steel industry and successful innovation. They talk about using Yammer for decentralized communication, implementing digital transformation within organizations, and navigating future landscapes with long-term transformation efforts. The conversation touches on reskilling employees, remote work transition, and the importance of adaptive leadership in times of technological shifts.

Jennefer Witter, public relations expert, CEO and one of the “10 most successful black CEOS and entrepreneurs” by Madame Noire Magazine enjoy a spirited conversation in this #FridayFiresideChat​.   She describes her professional journey - from a financially strapped upbringing to a scholarship at Fordham to the challenging world of public relations to creating her own company.  We talk about the importance of networking, diversifying  your portfolio, and lessons learned through the experience of setbacks.  We also cover resources for those wishing to learn more about racism and social injustice and some practical things you can do.  Have a listen!

The original Gotham Girl herself, Joanne Wilson, and I get into a great conversation!  You can listen in while we talk about her varied interests, how NYC will come back, the insanity that has been venture capital in this past decade, how women can re-imagine their careers and so much more.  One of my favorite quips she reported was to her husband, well known venture capitalist Fred Wilson, "How did you get to be Fred Wilson? I was supposed to be Fred Wilson!"

Globally recognized leadership scholar Linda Hill is the author of well regarded business books "Being the Boss" and "Collective Genius." She's been interviewing leaders about how they are navigating the COVID-19 crisis and will share her insights with us.

Even in the midst of a pandemic, we have to be thoughtful about our next career moves, what kinds of support we'll need to take our next step and what being ambitious - especially for women - really means. Join me and Shellye Archambeau, author of the forthcoming book "Unapologetically Ambitious" in what I know will be an empowering and informative conversation.

MOSTRA MENOIn this #fridayfiresidechat​ @Sally Helgesen recounts aspects of @Francis Hesselbein's leadership style.  Showing junior people how to handle a tricky call from the @NewYorkTimes, trusting associates to resolve differences on their own, avoiding becoming an #advicemonster​, all part of the #webofinclusion​ that women leaders have historically created.

Roger Martin, one of the world’s most highly acclaimed thinkers, is an unsurpassed master at navigating intellectual polarities. His new book, “When More Is Not Better” explains how our systems designed to drive economic optimization are ultimately highly dangerous – and what we should be doing instead. We’ll be talking about the book, about Roger’s approach to developing strategies (hint: don’t spend a lot of money before spending some imagination) and whatever else he’d like to discuss.

"America," said Peter Georgescu, "is the star of my life's story."  And, worried that his grandchildren may not have that America, in which "I became the best Peter Georgescu I could be," he has written a fiery manifesto in "Capitalists Arise!"  The book takes us through the painful path of inequality and warns that if we don't heal the middle class, we'll end up with blood in the streets or a society in which we'll need bulletproof cars.  In this Fireside Chat, Peter describes his journey from essentially house arrest in Romania to become the Chairman of Young and Rubican. We discuss potential remedies and how people who live in a bubble can be oblivious to what is going on right under their noses. We should all be paying attention!