HBR On Leadership

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.

Sydney Finkelstein, a Professor of Management at Dartmouth's Tuck School, emphasizes that leaders should adopt a teaching mindset to enhance employee performance. He discusses how direct interaction, akin to classroom teaching, can foster team connections and a culture of learning. Finkelstein also shares innovative mentorship strategies, pressures of gender dynamics, and the necessity of meaningful feedback over mere praise. He advocates for clear communication, stressing that a teacher-leader approach can lead to better team dynamics and personal growth.

Amy Gallo, a workplace conflict expert and author of 'Getting Along', shares invaluable insights on handling team conflict. She dives into the types of conflicts new managers may face, emphasizing the importance of effective communication and reframing difficult conversations. Gallo discusses the delicate balance between leadership and friendship while addressing performance issues. She provides practical strategies for intervention and encourages viewing conflict as a growth opportunity instead of a threat.

Arnaud Chevallier, a strategy professor at IMD Business School and co-author of "The Art of Asking Smarter Questions," shares his insights on how leaders can enhance their questioning skills. He discusses five crucial types of questions—investigative, speculative, productive, interpretive, and subjective—that can dramatically improve decision-making. Real-life examples illustrate how the right question at the right moment can unlock value. Chevallier emphasizes the importance of active listening and emotional understanding in leadership for fostering team dynamics and strategic success.