Knowledge at Wharton

Campbell Harvey, a finance professor at Duke University known for his pioneering work in crypto, and Neha Narula, director of MIT Media Lab's Digital Currency Initiative with expertise in the history of money, dive into the transformative journey of cryptocurrency. They discuss its promise for financial inclusion, explore the inefficiencies in traditional banking, and highlight how trust has shaped the evolution of money. The conversation also tackles the balance between centralization and decentralization in finance, showcasing the innovative potential of digital assets.

John Zhang, a Wharton Professor of Business Economics and Public Policy, dives into the intriguing world of dynamic pricing strategies. He reveals how firms adapt their pricing amid rising tariffs and inflation, affecting consumer behavior. The discussion highlights the historical evolution of these strategies and their application across industries like airlines and hotels. Zhang also emphasizes the balance businesses must strike between profit motives and consumer perceptions, illustrating real-world examples of success and failure in dynamic pricing.

Adobe's Vice President of Marketing and Communications and Chief Communications Officer, Stacy Martinet, speaks with Barbara Kahn and Americus Reed about the company’s transformation from its PDF roots to a global leader in creativity and digital experience solutions, offering insight into Adobe’s strategic reinvention, generative AI integration, and data-driven consumer behavior research like its latest findings on Prime Day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefano Puntoni, Wharton’s marketing professor, delves into the transformative role of generative AI in the workplace. He emphasizes the need for companies to center employees in AI discussions for enhanced well-being. Puntoni highlights the psychological threats AI poses, including challenges to autonomy and job security. He advocates for a balanced integration strategy that fosters employee engagement. Ultimately, he champions the potential of AI to empower rather than alienate workers, urging organizations to focus on the positive shifts and opportunities it presents.

A highlight of Eric Bradlow, Shane Jensen, and Adi Wyner's conversation with Seth Partnow—Data Science Manager for the NBA at PENN Interactive, former Director of Basketball Research for the Milwaukee Bucks, and author of The Midrange Theory—discussing what NBA work at PENN Interactive entails, expectations for draft picks and predicting player performance, and how talent distribution across NBA teams is changing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wharton’s Barbara Kahn and Elizabeth (Zab) Johnson talk about their book, Visual Marketing: A Practical Guide to the Science of Branding and Retailing. This Ripple Effect episode is part of the “Meet the Authors” series. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Harbir Singh and Mike Useem, Wharton management professors and co-authors, dive into their book on Japan's corporate resurgence. They discuss the transformative leadership models that are reshaping Japanese companies, emphasizing innovation and adaptability. The conversation covers how the perception of failure is shifting towards a growth opportunity, and how decentralization of decision-making is fostering employee engagement. They also share insights on how these concepts can benefit leaders across various cultures, blending traditional and modern practices for success.

Rebecca (Becky) Schaumberg, a Wharton professor specializing in interpersonal communication, sheds light on the intriguing dynamics of listening and disagreement. She explains how the perception of listening often hinges on agreement rather than actual skills. Engaging research reveals that listeners who disagree may be unfairly labeled as bad listeners. This conversation dives into the importance of recognizing authentic engagement in communication, especially in leadership, challenging the misconception that agreement equates to understanding.

Listen to a special episode from Where AI Works, a new podcast hosted by Wharton faculty, sponsored by Accenture. The show dives into how artificial intelligence is transforming the way we live and work, with real-world stories and insights from leaders across industries. In this episode, host Kartik Hosanagar speaks with David Droga, founder of Droga5 and current CEO of Accenture Song, to explore how AI is transforming the worlds of marketing, advertising, and creative work. From shifting agency dynamics to the evolving role of human imagination, Droga offers an inside look at what the creative industries need to embrace — and question — as AI tools grow more powerful. Tune in to hear how one of the world’s top advertising leaders sees the future of creativity in the age of automation. Follow and listen to more of Where AI Works here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Virtual influencers are more effective when paired with a companion, which makes them seem more human and trustworthy, according to research from Wharton's Jonah Berger, USC Marshall’s Giovanni Luca Cascio Rizzo, and LUISS Guido Carli University’s Francisco Villarroel Ordenes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.