HBR IdeaCast

Celebrate a major milestone with insights from top thinkers in business and leadership. Explore the vital role of purpose in organizations and the strategies for effective communication during tough times. Discover how to lead authentically without oversharing and learn decision-making tactics under pressure from a fighter pilot. Uncover the realities of burnout and strategies employers can adopt to combat it. Gain perspective from the entertainment industry on collaborative leadership and career longevity, all designed to enhance your professional journey.

Robin Li, co-founder and CEO of Baidu, unveils the transformative journey of Baidu from a search engine to an AI powerhouse. He discusses the evolution of the ERNIE Bot as a competitor to ChatGPT, emphasizing advancements in AI response and accuracy. Li dives into the impact of robo-taxis and automation, comparing it to the industrial revolution. He also addresses the environmental implications of AI and predicts a technological shift that could democratize programming and boost productivity in the future.

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.