Tomoko Yokoi is a researcher focused on emerging technologies at IMD Business School, while Amy Bonsall, a former executive at IDEO and Old Navy, now acts as a fractional chief product officer. They dive into the rise of fractional leadership, discussing its benefits for flexibility and collaboration in organizations. Listeners learn how the pandemic has accelerated this trend and the critical mindset shifts needed to embrace part-time executives effectively. The conversation also touches on adapting HR strategies to accommodate an aging workforce.

Toni Townes-Whitley, CEO of SAIC, shares her extensive experience leading a major engineering and tech firm. She discusses her strategic transformation approach with an emphasis on upskilling employees rather than drastic changes. The conversation delves into the ethical integration of generative AI in government operations, addressing AI bias. Toni also highlights the complexities of navigating political volatility and the importance of diversity in AI oversight, all while sharing her journey as a Black female leader advocating for inclusivity.

Karthik Ramanna, a professor at the University of Oxford's Blavatnik School of Government and author of "The Age of Outrage," discusses the pressing issues of political polarization and its impact on business. He explores the roots of societal outrage, highlighting fears surrounding technology and economic disparities. Ramanna provides leaders with strategies to navigate crises, manage stakeholder expectations, and foster collaboration. He emphasizes the importance of effective communication and decentralized decision-making in restoring trust during turbulent times.

In this discussion with Adi Ignatius, Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn and AI innovator, delves into the future of artificial intelligence. He argues that generative AI won't eliminate jobs but will reshape industries, emphasizing the need for effective change management. Hoffman explores the evolution of human-machine interaction, envisioning intuitive communication. He also highlights AI's potential in enhancing creativity within businesses while addressing inherent biases, advocating for a responsible approach to integrating technology and human virtues.

Ethan Burris, a management professor at the University of Texas at Austin, highlights the gap between collecting employee feedback and implementing real change. He discusses the challenges leaders face in fostering open communication and acting on insights. The conversation touches on navigating complex feedback situations, especially after the pandemic, and the need for organizations to maintain clarity with their policies. Burris emphasizes that listening to employees is crucial for enhancing satisfaction and achieving alignment in any organization.

Ethan Bernstein, an Associate Professor at Harvard Business School, and Michael Horn, Co-founder of the Clayton Christensen Institute, delve into why employees quit and how to retain them. They discuss the complex motivations behind turnover, challenging common misconceptions. The duo emphasizes the importance of proactive management and ongoing career conversations. Their insights include innovative job descriptions and a collaborative toolkit to bridge the HR-manager gap in retention strategies, leading to more engaged employees.

Daisy Auger-Domínguez, a workplace strategist and author, shares valuable insights on rekindling joy for managers feeling overwhelmed. She emphasizes the importance of connecting with one's sense of purpose and adopting a beginner's mindset. Auger-Domínguez discusses practical techniques like maintaining a folder of positive feedback and celebrating team contributions. The conversation highlights how empathetic leadership can significantly enhance employee morale, fostering a supportive work environment filled with gratitude and positivity.

Malcolm Gladwell, renowned author of best-sellers like The Tipping Point, delves into the darker side of tipping points and their escalating effects. He critiques the ethical implications of social contagion, especially in the context of technology and the opioid crisis. Gladwell also reflects on shifting perspectives in policing strategies and emphasizes the importance of embracing changes in scientific understanding. He highlights how minority representation fosters meaningful change and discusses the challenges of navigating weak signals in our data-saturated world.

Jay Barney, a professor at the University of Utah's Eccles School of Business and co-author of "AI Won't Give You a New Sustainable Advantage," discusses the limitations of AI in creating lasting competitive edges. He emphasizes that merely adopting AI isn't enough; businesses must integrate it with their unique strengths. The conversation highlights how generative AI can enhance efficiency, especially for smaller firms, while stressing the need for a culture of innovation and adaptability to sustain advantages in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Michael Morris, a professor at Columbia Business School, sheds light on the often misunderstood concept of tribalism. He discusses how tribal instincts can actually enhance workplace culture by fostering trust and connections. Morris delves into three key instincts—peer, hero, and ancestor—and their influence on leadership and social structures. He also offers strategies for managers to cultivate a collaborative environment and navigate the complexities of changing organizational culture, emphasizing the power of cultural heroes in shaping dynamics.