HBR On Leadership

Megan Bach, COO of Federato and expert in machine learning for risk assessment, along with Lauren Reyes, COO of the YMCA of Greater Boston and advocate for positive change, share their experiences of rising from middle management to senior leadership. They discuss the emotional hurdles, self-doubt, and the importance of strategic visibility. Both guests emphasize the need for proactive career mapping, building professional relationships, and recognizing one's own worth to break through the stagnation many mid-level managers face.

Thomas Keil, a management professor from the University of Zurich, and Marianna Zangrillo, a partner at The Next Advisors, share insights from their extensive research on executive teams. They reveal three dysfunctional patterns: shark tanks, petting zoos, and mediocracies. The duo discusses how these dynamics hinder performance and share strategies for improvement, such as fostering open dialogue and ensuring role clarity. Discover why teams that seem harmonious might actually be stifling innovation and the vital role of leadership in overcoming these challenges.

Peter Bregman, CEO of Bregman Partners and author of Leading with Emotional Courage, discusses the nuances of leadership with cohosts Alison Beard and Dan McGinn. He shares insights on tackling indecisiveness in leaders and emphasizes the need for clear communication to enhance decision-making. The conversation also delves into navigating workplace politics, the pitfalls of gossip, and strategies for authentic relationship-building amid office dynamics. Bregman highlights the importance of ownership in decision-making for fostering effective team environments.

Muriel Wilkins, an executive coach known for guiding leaders through career transitions, joins the conversation to delve into the C-suite ambitions of professionals like Sarah. They explore the emotional tug-of-war between career stagnation and growth, along with redefining success on personal terms. With a humorous take, Muriel highlights the need for introspection to align ambitions with genuine motivations. The balance of reactive versus proactive career management becomes a central theme, encouraging listeners to make confident, value-driven decisions.

Bonnie Hammer, the former Vice Chairman of NBCUniversal, shares her journey from production assistant to media leader. She discusses how to thrive amid constant change in the industry. Key insights include the importance of adaptability and leveraging opportunities. Bonnie emphasizes balancing instincts with analytical decision-making and the value of empathy in leadership. She also offers practical advice for young professionals, stressing hard work, positivity, and resilience as essential traits for navigating a dynamic career landscape.

Navio Kwok, a leadership advisor at Russell Reynolds Associates, and Rebecca Slan Jerusalim, their executive director, share insights on the often-overlooked dynamics of CEO transitions. They discuss how many outgoing CEOs face exclusion during the handoff, negatively impacting organizational succession. The conversation touches on the emotional challenges of leaving a leadership role, the importance of proactive succession planning, and the need for open communication with boards. They emphasize the vital role of the departing CEO in ensuring a smooth transition.

Anish Shah, CEO of Mahindra Group, shares insights on driving profit through purpose in this engaging talk. He discusses Mahindra's initiatives in education and women's empowerment, showcasing how these efforts create community impact. Shah highlights the balance between short-term profits and long-term mission and the importance of a resilient, mission-driven culture. He emphasizes collaboration between businesses and government to tackle socioeconomic inequality and environmental challenges, illustrating optimism for a sustainable future.

Janti Soeripto, CEO of Save the Children US, shares her extensive expertise in leading a global nonprofit during crises. She discusses navigating overlapping global challenges like pandemics and war while keeping a clear mission focus. The conversation emphasizes the importance of measuring impact, maintaining agility, and fostering a culture of collaboration. Soeripto highlights how optimism and data work hand-in-hand and explores strategies from the private sector that nonprofits can adopt to thrive in uncertainty.

David Risher, the dynamic CEO of Lyft who steered the company towards customer obsession in 2023, shares his insights on innovation. He emphasizes the value of listening to both passengers and drivers, showcasing how this approach drives product improvements. Risher discusses his experiences as a Lyft driver and the impact of feedback on service enhancements. He also tackles the challenges of layoffs, the introduction of inclusive features, and the future of autonomy, all while prioritizing human dignity and service quality.

Jane Sun, CEO of Trip.com Group and a pioneer in AI and gender diversity, discusses her innovative leadership strategies. She emphasizes the importance of integrity, competence, and curiosity in hiring while integrating AI to enhance customer experiences and streamline internal operations. Sun explores the challenges of hybrid work, sharing insights on how tailored environments boost productivity. Additionally, she highlights initiatives promoting gender equality in tech and discusses the evolving landscape of AI in the travel industry, aiming to redefine service quality.