HBR IdeaCast

Dan Heath, a senior fellow at Duke University's Fuqua School of Business and author of "Reset: How to Change What’s Not Working," dives into the complexities of transforming dysfunctional work systems. He discusses the challenges teams face when initiating change and shares strategies for overcoming resistance. Heath emphasizes the importance of making problems visible and taking small steps toward progress. With real-life examples, he illustrates how leaders can reallocate resources effectively and improve customer relationships while fostering organizational growth.

In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Sunita Sah, a Cornell professor and author of "Defy: The Power of No in a World That Demands Yes," explores the often-overlooked power of saying no. She emphasizes how societal pressures can stifle individual voices in the workplace. Dr. Sah introduces a framework for evaluating compliance versus defiance, offering strategies to assert personal values effectively. Listeners learn the importance of timing and emotional complexity when saying no, ultimately encouraging a culture of open communication and respect.

Ellen Hendriksen, a clinical psychologist at Boston University's Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders and author of 'How to Be Enough,' dives into the complexities of perfectionism. She discusses its dual nature—how it fuels success yet can lead to dissatisfaction and strained relationships. Hendriksen shares insights on balancing high standards with self-care, the risk of growth stifled by fear, and the impact of perfectionism on collaboration in the workplace. Her practical advice encourages self-compassion and flexibility, promoting healthier professional dynamics.

Chris Lipp, a professor at Tulane University’s Freeman School of Business and executive coach, shares his insights on harnessing 'personal power' in leadership. He distinguishes it from traditional authority, emphasizing control, agency, and action. Lipp discusses how openness and curiosity can empower individuals, especially from marginalized backgrounds, to reclaim their influence. He introduces the 'spotlight principle' to foster accountability and support within teams, showing how responsibility and effective communication enhance leadership presence.

Leslie K. John and Alison Wood Brooks, both professors at Harvard Business School and co-authors of "The Surprising Power of Questions," explore how effective questioning can transform workplace communication. They discuss techniques for asking better questions to strengthen trust and collaboration within teams. Listeners will learn about the impact of open-ended versus closed questions, the art of navigating mixed goals in conversations, and the role of active listening in fostering deeper connections. It's a masterclass on leveraging questions for success!

Vijay Govindarajan, a professor at Dartmouth's Tuck School of Business and co-author of a key article on adaptive product design, discusses the shift from planned obsolescence to creating products that grow with consumers. He highlights the importance of innovation, using examples like expandable shoes and convertible bikes. The conversation touches on how businesses can benefit from sustainability and continuous customer feedback, delivering long-term value for both consumers and companies while fostering loyalty.

Larry Kasanoff, a maverick movie producer known for hits like Platoon and Dirty Dancing, shares his bold approach to risk-taking in Hollywood. He critiques the industry's current trend of playing it safe and outlines his three-part framework for innovation: Create, Ask, and Play. Kasanoff recounts how passionate pursuits lead to iconic successes and emphasizes the importance of balancing instinct with audience expectations. Through anecdotes from Mortal Kombat and creative collaborations, he illustrates how humor and playfulness can unlock greater creativity.

Kathryn Jacob and Sue Unerman, marketing executives and co-authors of 'A Year of Creativity,' share insights on integrating creativity into daily work. They emphasize that innovation isn’t just for specific roles or brainstorming sessions but should be a regular practice. The duo discusses how to cultivate a culture of creativity, encouraging teams to challenge norms. They highlight innovative marketing strategies, including the bold Barbie campaign, and stress the significance of diverse perspectives and digital transformation for driving success in today's fast-paced environment.

Heidi Roizen, a partner at Threshold Ventures and a lecturer at Stanford, shares insights from her decades of networking prowess showcased in a Harvard case study. She discusses the timeless strategies for building authentic relationships, emphasizing that networking should not be transactional. Roizen also addresses the dual role of social media and AI in communication, advising on balancing technology with genuine interactions. Additionally, she offers strategies for navigating networking in the remote work landscape, focusing on the importance of meaningful connections.

Nikesh Arora, CEO of Palo Alto Networks and a leader in global cybersecurity, shares insights on navigating risk in the AI era. He discusses the integration of generative AI into cybersecurity products and highlights the single risk that keeps him awake at night. Arora emphasizes the importance of innovation and effective defensive strategies as technologies evolve rapidly. Additionally, he addresses the ethical challenges posed by AI and the need for robust regulations to protect critical processes.