HBR IdeaCast

Jeffrey Rayport, a senior lecturer at Harvard Business School and co-author of a pivotal HBR article, discusses the hurdles startups face in scaling after initial success. He emphasizes the importance of adapting business models and addresses common pitfalls that lead to failure. Using case studies like Friendster and King Digital, he highlights the need for strategic planning and a strong organizational culture. Rayport also contrasts the growth paths of SoundCloud and Spotify, shedding light on the significance of effective market strategies for sustainable profitability.

Ella Washington, an organizational psychologist and professor at Georgetown University, dives into the evolving landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). She outlines the five stages of DEI maturity and emphasizes why organizations must view DEI as a long-term commitment rather than a quick fix. Washington highlights the importance of honest conversations and integration into daily practices, detailing how companies like Denny's transformed their culture and how managers play a crucial role in advancing DEI initiatives.

Jacob Harold, cofounder of Candid and former CEO of GuideStar, delves into the evolving landscape of social impact in business. He discusses the complex balance required for for-profits to incorporate social responsibility while addressing financial sustainability. Harold emphasizes the necessity of diverse toolkits and ethical frameworks for effective change. The power of storytelling in driving social narratives and enhancing collaboration among organizations is also explored, alongside the crucial need for standardizing nonprofit data for transparency.

From videos of drunk and disorderly airline passengers to stories of hospital visitors angrily refusing to wear masks, customer-facing work seems to have gotten a lot more difficult – even dangerous -- over the past few years. It's important that organizations understand the experience of frontline workers now, and help to better protect their employees, says Christine Porath, professor of management at Georgetown University. She's studied incivility for 20 years, and has spoken to workers in many industries in the last few years about what it's like working with customers today - with stress, anger, and incivility seemingly on the rise. And she has advice for managers and leaders. Porath is the author of the HBR Big Idea article "Frontline Work When Everyone Is Angry."

Herminia Ibarra, a Professor at London Business School and expert in mentorship and sponsorship, discusses the pitfalls of traditional mentorship programs. She argues that without authenticity, these initiatives often fall short. Ibarra emphasizes the vital difference between mentorship and sponsorship. Companies must prioritize public advocacy and relational authenticity to better support diverse talent. She also highlights the importance of personal chemistry in mentorship and the need for organizations to shift towards active sponsorship, ensuring inclusivity and growth.

Annie Duke, a former professional poker player and author of "Quit: The Power of Knowing When to Walk Away," challenges the glorification of grit in society. She discusses the biases that keep us stuck, like the sunk cost fallacy, and emphasizes the value of knowing when to quit. Duke offers insights into decision-making, advocating for probabilistic thinking over instinct. Additionally, she explores examples where recalibrating paths is crucial, promoting a mindset shift towards embracing new opportunities and quitting strategically.

Tina Opie, an associate professor at Babson College and co-author of "Shared Sisterhood," discusses the critical issues facing women, particularly women of color, in leadership roles. She introduces the concept of 'shared sisterhood,' emphasizing the necessity of forming authentic connections to combat systemic bias. Through personal stories, she highlights the importance of empathy, self-reflection, and collective action to create meaningful workplace relationships. Opie calls for a more inclusive approach to feminism, advocating for narratives that empower all women.

Daniel Goleman, a renowned psychologist and author, is joined by Susan David, a Harvard Medical School psychologist, and Andy Parks, a management professor. They explore the evolution of emotional intelligence from a neglected concept to a crucial leadership skill. Topics include the historical skepticism surrounding emotions in business, the contrast between EI and IQ, and the importance of emotional skills in fostering innovation. The guests advocate for integrating emotional intelligence training in workplaces for enhanced engagement and psychological safety.

Nouriel Roubini, professor emeritus at NYU’s Stern School of Business and renowned economist, shares his insights on looming global threats. He discusses interconnected mega threats like skyrocketing debt, climate change, and AI job displacement. Roubini emphasizes the urgency for leaders to navigate these challenges responsibly. He offers strategies for managing financial health during economic downturns and highlights the need for international collaboration to tackle complex crises. This engaging dialogue is packed with critical knowledge for navigating today's tumultuous economic landscape.

Lynn Paine, a Harvard Business School professor and governance expert, joins Mihir Desai, specializing in corporate finance, and Carola Frydman, a corporate historian at Kellogg, to discuss the evolution of shareholder value. They delve into its rise in the 1970s and the subsequent challenges it faced, including critiques of its impact on jobs and the environment. As stakeholder capitalism gains traction, they explore the need for companies to balance diverse interests and scrutinize the implications of integrating ESG metrics into governance.