Straight Talk with Hank Paulson

Michael Nutter (former Mayor of Philadelphia and David N. Dinkins Professor, Columbia University) speaks with Hank about his improbable path to becoming mayor of Philadelphia, how mayors are uniquely qualified to lead on sustainability issues, working with mayors across the US and in China, the national conversation around racial equity and social justice, and the future of cities in a post-COVID society. Episode 31 was recorded on Friday, November 20, 2020. Michael Nutter: www.sipa.columbia.edu/faculty-research/faculty-directory/michael-nutter

Condoleezza Rice, Director of the Hoover Institution and former U.S. Secretary of State, shares insights from her remarkable career and personal journey. She discusses her upbringing in Alabama during segregation, highlighting music's role in her life. Rice addresses pressing issues like political dysfunction, the impact of socio-economic inequalities exacerbated by the pandemic, and the importance of education for social justice. She also sheds light on U.S. foreign policy challenges with China and Russia, emphasizing the need for unity and effective diplomacy.

Sherrie Rollins Westin (President, Sesame Workshop) joins Hank on the podcast to discuss the mission and ambition that drives her, the global reach and universal appeal of Sesame Street, creating the largest early-childhood intervention in the history of humanitarian response, and her quarantine hobbies. Sherrie Rollins Westin: www.sesameworkshop.org/who-we-are/our-leadership/sherrie-westin Sesame Workshop: www.sesameworkshop.org/

Ben Bernanke, a distinguished fellow at the Brookings Institution and former Chairman of the Federal Reserve, shares his invaluable insights on leading during the Great Recession and tackling the COVID economic crisis. He discusses how economic principles intriguingly apply to baseball, reflecting on his passion for sabermetrics. Bernanke also offers a deep dive into lessons learned from major economic downturns, touching on the need for urgent relief and reforms to combat inequality, while encouraging aspiring economists to explore diverse paths in the field.

Joshua Bolten (President & CEO of Business Roundtable and former White House Chief of Staff) joins Hank Paulson to discuss advice for succeeding as White House Chief of Staff, organizing President Bush's efforts to improve public health in Africa, what made Bono the most effective lobbyist he's ever seen, and the new corporate leadership paradigm. Joshua Bolten: www.businessroundtable.org/about-us/staff/joshua-bolten-president-ceo Business Roundtable: www.businessroundtable.org/

Don Garber joins Hank Paulson to discuss leaving the NFL to lead the MLS, US soccer’s standing in the world and his vision for the future, how the MLS navigated the COVID-19 pandemic, and key characteristics of great leadership. Don Garber: www.mlssoccer.com/league/executives/don-garber MLS: www.mlssoccer.com/

Tim Geithner, President of Warburg Pincus and former U.S. Treasury Secretary, shares insights from his distinguished career and pivotal moments in economic history. He discusses the importance of leadership during crises, emphasizing trust and constructive debate in building resilient teams. Geithner offers lessons from past financial crises and addresses the complexities of the global migration challenge, urging wealthier nations to take on their responsibilities. He also delves into the nuanced U.S.-China relationship, advocating for realistic and pragmatic policy approaches.

Mitch Daniels, President of Purdue University and former Governor of Indiana, speaks with Hank about leading an effective state government, how Purdue has kept tuition flat, the importance of free speech in higher education, managing a university during the pandemic, and how to best protect American intellectual property and innovation. Mitch Daniels: www.purdue.edu/president/about/biography.php

Robert Zoellick (11th President of the World Bank and Senior Counselor, Brunswick Group) shares insights on how the United States can lead on international trade, the importance of the World Bank in addressing pressing global issues such as climate change, what is needed for an effective US policy toward a rising China, and his recommendations for the incoming Treasury Secretary. Robert Zoellick: www.brunswickgroup.com/robert-zoellick-i6777/

Jen Zhu Scott (Executive Chairman of The Commons Project and Founding Principal of Radian Partners) and Paul Triolo (Geotechnology Head, Eurasia Group and Senior Advisor, MacroPolo) join Hank Paulson to discuss the state of the US-China tech competition, what it means for the future of national security, and what to expect from a Biden administration on technology policy. Jen Zhu Scott: https://www.weforum.org/people/jennifer-zhu-scott Paul Triolo: https://www.paulsoninstitute.org/staff/paul-triolo/