HBR IdeaCast

Darren Walker, the outgoing president of the Ford Foundation, shares insights from his rise from humble beginnings to leading a major philanthropic organization. He emphasizes the importance of empathy, authenticity, and service in leadership. Walker discusses the challenges of navigating cultural polarization and stakeholder pressures, urging leaders to embrace discomfort and commit to fairness. He also highlights the role of philanthropy in addressing inequality and the need for principled leadership in an era of transformation.

Doug McMillon, CEO of Walmart, opens up about navigating the complexities of leading the largest retailer through digital transformation and AI integration. He shares insights on how AI can reinvent e-commerce and create new jobs, emphasizing the importance of upskilling employees. McMillon reflects on Walmart’s core purpose of 'saving money, living better' and how that evolves to address community needs. He also discusses lessons from supply chain disruptions and the significance of maintaining values amid constant change.

In this thought-provoking discussion, Srividya Jandhyala, an associate professor at ESSEC Business School and author of The Great Disruption, highlights the shift in geopolitics from enabling markets to creating challenges for businesses. She explores how rising national security concerns and protectionist measures affect companies, including small businesses like shrimp farms. Jandhyala emphasizes the need for executives to adapt quickly, utilize former diplomats, and develop new risk management strategies to navigate today's complex global landscape.

Sim Tshabalala, CEO of Standard Bank and a seasoned leader in African banking, shares insights from his upbringing in Soweto that shaped his career in finance. He emphasizes the bank's commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable investments for all. The conversation highlights how digital transformation and AI enhance customer experiences while balancing technological advances with human empathy. Tshabalala addresses the importance of navigating Africa's political landscape, training employees for adaptability, and advocating for policies that support sustainable growth.

Join Brené Brown, a renowned researcher and author who specializes in vulnerability and leadership. She discusses the importance of steadfast leadership in times of uncertainty, urging leaders to 'settle the ball' and make thoughtful decisions. Brown emphasizes the value of authenticity under political pressure and introduces her concept of 'Strong Ground,' advocating for grounded values. She also shares insights on leadership skills like pocket presence, pattern recognition, and the necessity of creating time to think before acting.

Arthur C. Brooks, a Harvard professor and author of The Happiness Files, dives into the essence of happiness, especially for leaders. He suggests that happiness is a journey, not a destination, and emphasizes the impact of leadership anxiety on well-being. Brooks critiques the myth that money guarantees happiness and stresses the significance of purpose and empathy. He also shares how workplace dynamics and emotional contagion affect job satisfaction, advocating for compassion in leadership and recommending daily habits to enhance happiness.

Jimmy Wales, co-founder of Wikipedia and author of The Seven Rules of Trust, shares insights on building trust in organizations. He discusses how Wikipedia's strict sourcing rules and nonprofit model foster reliability and community loyalty. Wales highlights the importance of a clear purpose and user experience in decision-making. He emphasizes civility and transparency as key to maintaining cooperation. Finally, he contrasts Wikipedia's success with social media challenges and advocates for an optimistic view of the internet's potential.

Muriel Wilkins, an executive coach and author, shares insights on the hidden beliefs that can hinder leadership effectiveness. She identifies seven common mental blockers that limit success, such as urgency and fear of making mistakes. Through her three-step process, Wilkins emphasizes the importance of diagnosing and reframing these beliefs to foster better decision-making and team dynamics. By understanding and adjusting our beliefs, leaders can not only enhance their own growth but also positively influence their organization's culture.

Stephen Dubner, journalist and co-author of Freakonomics, delves into the book's monumental impact on economics and culture. He shares insights on how complex economic ideas reached the masses and discusses the varied reactions from the academic community. Exploring the balance between storytelling and ethics, Dubner highlights the importance of evidence-based narrative in media. He also reflects on the book's legacy, revealing inspiring listener stories and the challenges of a post-factual world, emphasizing the enduring need for fact-driven journalism.

Join Jimmy Fallon, the comedic genius behind The Tonight Show, and Bozoma Saint John, a powerhouse in marketing who've transformed brands like Apple Music and Pepsi. They dive into the art of capturing attention in a crowded market, emphasizing the need for consistent brand presence and authenticity. Learn how to blend strong opinions with team collaboration and the importance of recognizing team effort. They also discuss navigating political risks and the potential of AI in the creative landscape, all while launching their new show, On Brand.