HBR IdeaCast

Ranjay Gulati, a Harvard Business School professor and author of "Deep Purpose," explores the crucial balance between purpose and profit in companies. He reveals how truly purpose-driven organizations like Etsy navigate the complexity of aligning financial success with societal good. Gulati emphasizes the need for authentic purpose beyond corporate slogans and discusses the importance of compassionate communication during tough times. He also highlights how leaders must thoughtfully manage investor expectations to sustain their purpose-driven initiatives.

Jonathan Gottschall, a distinguished fellow at Washington & Jefferson College and author of "The Story Paradox," dives into the powerful world of storytelling. He highlights how narratives can inspire but also manipulate, illustrating this through examples like climate change and the Theranos scandal. Gottschall emphasizes the ethical responsibilities that come with storytelling in business, advocating for honest narratives that foster connection rather than division. His insights reveal the dual nature of storytelling as both a unifying tool and a potential catalyst for conflict.

Rasmus Hougaard, CEO of Potential Project and an expert in mindfulness meditation, dives into the transformative power of mindful practices. He guides listeners through a rejuvenating meditation session and discusses how mindfulness can enhance focus and well-being. Rasmus shares insights on the vital role of compassion in leadership and illustrates how a simple daily practice can boost mental clarity for busy executives. Skeptics will find encouragement as he showcases the profound benefits of meditation for both personal and professional growth.

In a compelling discussion, Julian Birkinshaw, a Professor at London Business School and author focused on business resilience, debunks the myth that tech start-ups are solely disrupting traditional firms. He shares insights from his research on Fortune 500 companies, revealing how many incumbents, like Disney and JP Morgan, are not just surviving but thriving through strategic adaptation. Birkinshaw emphasizes the importance of leveraging existing strengths, embracing new technologies, and navigating market changes to redefine success in a tech-driven landscape.

Join Dorothy Lund, an associate professor of law at USC, as she discusses the fallout from the Supreme Court's Citizens United decision and the surge in undisclosed corporate political spending. Lund emphasizes that this trend is detrimental not only to democracy but also to business growth, steering companies away from their core missions. The conversation highlights the increasing call for transparency in political contributions and suggests strategies for companies to refocus on innovation and align their practices with ethical standards, benefiting both their reputation and the economy.

Sarah Federman, an Assistant Professor at the University of Baltimore, dives into how companies reconcile their legacies tied to historical transgressions like slavery and the Holocaust. She highlights the moral imperative of addressing these wrongs, even without legal repercussions. Federman shares case studies of firms that have embraced transparency and apologized, illustrating the power of genuine engagement with affected communities. By confronting their pasts, companies can enhance employee morale and build stronger brand identities in today's socially conscious marketplace.

Amer Kaissi, a professor at Trinity University and author of "Humbitious," chats about the powerful blend of ambition and humility in leadership. He highlights how successful leaders balance these traits to foster team engagement and resilience. Kaissi shares fascinating insights into the leadership evolution of figures like Steve Jobs and addresses the unique challenges faced by female leaders. With heartwarming anecdotes from his childhood in Beirut, he illustrates how early compassion shapes effective leadership styles.

Stefanie Stantcheva, a Harvard economist and founder of the Social Economics Lab, dives into the complexities of measuring economic inequality and our flawed perceptions of it. She discusses how misjudging income can skew public support for policies, often influenced by political beliefs. Stantcheva reveals surprising facts about the American dream and social mobility, contrasting U.S. views with European perspectives. She also explores how racial attitudes affect support for economic interventions, emphasizing the need for awareness in addressing inequality.

Heidi Grant, a motivational psychologist and author, dives into the behaviors that set high achievers apart. She emphasizes the importance of adopting a growth mindset and setting goals over relying solely on talent. Grant discusses willpower as a skill that can be developed, offering strategies to build resilience. She warns against the pitfalls of unrealistic optimism, advocating for a realistic approach to overcoming challenges. Her insights provide actionable strategies for both personal and professional success.

Zeynep Ton, a professor at MIT Sloan and expert on good job strategies, delves into the pressing issues of the labor market. She highlights the urgent need for companies to create 'good jobs' to attract talent amidst a labor shortage. Ton argues for better pay, predictability, and flexibility, especially for essential workers facing poor conditions. She emphasizes treating labor costs as investments, using Costco as a model for success, and calls for systemic changes to enhance job quality and employee satisfaction for overall business success.