Sayash Kapoor, co-author of 'AI Snake Oil' and researcher at Princeton University, shares crucial insights on the realities of AI. He discusses the hype surrounding AI, highlighting the difference between predictive and generative AI. Kapoor explains how inflated expectations can lead to misconceptions, especially in healthcare applications. He emphasizes the need for regulatory measures to balance innovation with safety and urges managers to cultivate a healthy skepticism while embracing new technologies. Dive into his eye-opening exploration of AI's true capabilities.

In The Age of Outrage: How to Lead in a Polarized World, Karthik Ramanna provides a framework for leaders to navigate outrage—the intense, polarized reactions to perceived social injustices, political stances, and misaligned corporate actions—by addressing root causes, engaging stakeholders, and building resilience.Ramanna, a professor of Business and Public Policy at the University of Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government, specializes in business-government relations and corporate accountability.In conversation with Martin Reeves, chairman of the BCG Henderson Institute, Ramanna discusses the three causes of outrage (fear of the future, past injustices, and ideologies of othering), common instincts that mislead leaders, and his five-step framework for navigating the age of outrage.Key topics discussed: 01:08 | Managing in the age of outrage4:21 | Three causes of outrage: fear of the future, past injustices, and ideologies of othering5:48 | The five-step framework for navigating the age of outrage19:04 | Instincts which mislead companies into taking the wrong stance or making the wrong analysis20:45 | The impact of “temperate leadership” and leadership attributes25:22 | Key factors impacting the age of outrageAdditional inspirations from Karthik Ramanna:Political Standards: Corporate Interest, Ideology, and Leadership in the Shaping of Accounting Rules for the Market Economy (The University of Chicago Press, 2015)

Aswath Damodaran, a renowned Professor of Finance at NYU and author of 'The Corporate Life Cycle,' shares his insights on how corporations age like living beings. He discusses the six stages of the corporate life cycle and the importance of recognizing a company's true age for effective management. Damodaran emphasizes how leadership skills must adapt to each stage, the art of communicating complex ideas simply, and the evolving nature of corporate governance. Tune in for a deep dive into maximizing value through all life cycle phases!

John Rossman, a former Amazon executive and author of best-sellers like 'The Amazon Way,' shares insights on leading successful transformations in a hyper-digital age. He emphasizes the importance of making 'big bets' while adopting a mindset geared towards outcomes. Rossman advocates for structured memos over PowerPoint for clearer communication and decision-making. He also discusses key strategies for navigating organizational change, emphasizing the need to understand customer pain points and maintain a balance between risk and opportunity.

Michael C. Jackson, a professor of management systems and former dean at Hull University Business School, discusses Critical Systems Thinking. He introduces the EPIC process, a practical framework for leaders to navigate complexity. The conversation critiques traditional MBA tools, highlighting the need for a holistic approach in modern business. Jackson also explores five unique perspectives on systems thinking, stressing the importance of diverse insights in problem-solving. The talk reveals how organizations can better embrace systems methodologies amidst contemporary challenges.

In a thought-provoking discussion, Nick Bostrom, a renowned philosopher and author focused on artificial intelligence, dives into concepts from his new book Deep Utopia. He envisions a future where AI could double the economy every few months and space colonization becomes feasible. Bostrom debates the realities of technological unemployment with skeptic Philipp Carlsson-Szlezak, exploring utopian ideals, including a taxonomy of utopias and the implications of universal basic income. With humor and insight, they tackle the philosophical and practical challenges posed by rapid AI advancements.

In The Great Disconnect: Hopes and Fears After the Excess of Globalization, Marco Magnani explores the factors that are driving the crisis of globalization we are currently experiencing.Magnani teaches international economics at LUISS University in Rome and Università Cattolica in Milan. Previously, he was a senior research fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and worked in investment banking for two decades. In his new book, he discusses the history of internationalization and the benefits that modern globalization has brought—as well as the drawbacks that have become increasingly apparent.Together with Martin Reeves, Chairman of the BCG Henderson Institute, Magnani discusses the causes of the increasing global disconnect—beyond U.S.-China tensions. He also lays out four scenarios for how globalization may play out, as well as practical tips for how executives can prepare for these different futures in a time of deep uncertainty.Key topics discussed: 01:19 | The great disconnect04:13 | The benefits and downsides of modern globalization07:21 | Future scenarios for globalization13:28 | What the history of internationalization reveals about where we are heading15:25 | Implications of AI for globalization16:33 | How globalization or de-globalization might play out in practice21:10 | Implications for businessesAdditional inspirations from Marco Magnani:Making the Global Economy Work for Everyone: Lessons of Sustainability from the Tech Revolution and the Pandemic (Palgrave Macmillan, 2022)Creating Economic Growth: Lessons for Europe (Palgrave Macmillan, 2014)

In this conversation, Carissa Carter, Director of Teaching and Learning at Stanford's d.school, and Scott Doorley, Creative Director at the same institution, dive into the unpredictable impacts of technology. They explore the emotional aspects of design, emphasizing how feelings can shape technology usage. The duo highlights the challenges posed by interconnected systems and advocates for a more holistic, human-centric design approach. They also discuss innovative solutions to anticipate design problems and the importance of embracing uncertainty in technology development.

Renowned behavioral economist Cass Sunstein discusses fame, skill vs. luck, Bach vs. Taylor Swift as the greatest composer, social influences on fame, business implications, and the art of manipulating information and reputation cascades.

Michael Norton, a Harvard Business School professor and expert in behavioral economics, delves into the fascinating world of rituals versus habits. He discusses how small rituals can bring purpose and pleasure to life, especially in the wake of COVID's disruption. Norton emphasizes the emotional significance of rituals for bonding and coping, and he shares innovative practices that have emerged during remote interactions. He also explores how rituals can enhance teamwork and even play a role in corporate mergers, redefining connections through shared actions.