HBR IdeaCast

Kim Scott, co-founder of Radical Candor and author of its namesake book, shares her insights on effective leadership. She emphasizes the importance of balancing empathy with direct challenges in feedback, warning against the pitfalls of ruinous empathy. Scott discusses how honest, timely feedback can foster growth while maintaining personal connections. She also highlights the evolving dynamics of hybrid work environments and how managers can navigate one-on-ones to enhance communication and accountability.

Laura Huang, an associate professor at Harvard Business School and author of "Edge: Turning Adversity into Advantage," explores how to overcome workplace bias. She emphasizes recognizing one's outsider status to transform adversity into opportunity. Through humorous anecdotes, Huang illustrates how misunderstandings can lead to valuable connections. She encourages listeners to embrace their unique traits and advocate for personal empowerment, while also stressing the importance of self-awareness in reshaping perceptions and defying expectations.

Stefan Thomke, a Harvard Business School professor and author of "Experimentation Works," delves into the power of business experiments. He argues that companies often rely too heavily on intuition instead of empirical data. Thomke highlights how even small firms can benefit from experimentation and shares strategies for cultivating an experimental mindset. He emphasizes the dangers of decision-making from executives without data support and discusses fostering a culture that encourages innovation through testing and learning.

Henry Chesbrough, a leading mind behind open innovation and professor at UC Berkeley, discusses the importance of sourcing ideas beyond company walls. He highlights that while Silicon Valley thrives economically, companies struggle with collaboration, leading to fewer innovative products. Chesbrough addresses the complexities of implementing open innovation and the societal divides it creates. He also critiques the role of venture capital and stresses the need for effective government support to unlock the full potential of innovation.

In a heartfelt tribute to the late Clayton Christensen, a renowned Harvard Business School professor celebrated for disruptive innovation, key insights from his work on the 'jobs to be done' framework are revisited. He discusses how analyzing customer behavior—like the unexpected popularity of milkshakes—reveals deeper needs driving purchases. The conversation also touches on the challenges companies face with commercial leases and mergers, emphasizing the importance of aligning products with customer experiences to foster innovation and sales.

Rosabeth Moss Kanter, a Harvard Business School professor and co-founder of the Advanced Leadership Initiative, argues for a new breed of business leaders who step beyond their corporate confines. She discusses how these 'advanced leaders' can drive change by addressing global issues like climate change and social inequality. With real-world examples, Kanter emphasizes the importance of community engagement and innovative thinking in fostering impactful solutions. She inspires leaders to harness their networks for societal progress.

Joan Williams, a leading professor and the founding director of the Center for WorkLife Law at UC Hastings, dives into the complexities of workplace bias. She argues that while eradicating unconscious bias organization-wide is tough, individual managers can effectively interrupt bias within their teams. Williams shares actionable strategies for improving hiring, meeting dynamics, task assignments, and performance reviews. She asserts that embracing these practices can harness the power of diversity and enhance corporate success.

Horst Schulze, co-founder of The Ritz-Carlton and CEO of Capella Hotel Group, recounts his journey from busboy to industry leader. He discusses redefining customer service to enhance employee and customer experiences. Schulze emphasizes the importance of empowering staff to solve problems while fostering loyalty through respect and dignity. He challenges the notion that excellent service is exclusive to luxury markets, advocating for a culture of service excellence applicable across all sectors. His insights aim to inspire leadership that motivates teams towards greatness.

James Clear, entrepreneur and author of 'Atomic Habits,' shares his insights on habit formation. He argues that people often chase big goals without considering the small, actionable steps necessary for success. Clear introduces the 'two minute rule' to simplify habit formation and discusses how identity plays a crucial role in transformation. By embracing small changes daily, he emphasizes the power of compound progress, comparing it to financial savings. He inspires listeners to adopt enjoyable strategies for achieving their personal and professional goals.

Nancy McKinstry, CEO of Wolters Kluwer, has driven her company’s impressive shift from a traditional publishing house to a digital powerhouse, now generating 91% of its revenue digitally. She shares the importance of patience in consumer adoption, alongside a commitment to product innovation. McKinstry discusses how diversity has fueled business growth and creativity within her organization, emphasizing its role in leadership and success. Her insights combine personal experiences and strategic vision in navigating the complexities of digital transformation.