Nancy Koehn, a Harvard Business School professor and historian, delves into the leadership of Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War. She highlights Lincoln's legendary emotional discipline, illustrated by his decision to write but never send a scathing letter to a general. Koehn discusses Lincoln’s storytelling abilities, his nuanced stance on slavery, and how personal struggles shaped his leadership. The conversation reveals vital lessons on emotional control and thoughtful decision-making during crises, emphasizing the legacy of Lincoln’s impactful leadership.

Maggie Lena Walker, a pioneering entrepreneur and community leader, transformed local enterprises in post-Civil War Richmond and became the first female bank president in America. She discusses her journey from a laundress to a leader of the Independent Order of St. Luke, emphasizing her innovative strategies that revitalized membership and created economic opportunities. Walker also shares insights on overcoming systemic racism, the vital role of education in her success, and her commitment to empowering the Black community through entrepreneurship.

Chris Paul, an NBA star celebrated for his mentorship and leadership, shares invaluable insights from his career. He reflects on the crucial role of communication in high-pressure situations and the importance of listening as a leader. Paul discusses the influence of mentors and resilience in overcoming challenges, along with how NBA players can advocate for social justice. He also highlights the significance of community involvement through youth basketball programs and the lessons of hard work and passion that shape young talent.

Experienced coach Melvin Smith discusses coaching difficult employees, offering advice on handling slacking off, adjusting to company culture, and managing conflicts. Key topics include leadership, career coaching, and organizational culture. Learn effective strategies for coaching problem employees from the expert.

Learn how to embrace ambiguity and paradox in decision-making with experts Wendy Smith and Marianne Lewis. They discuss the benefits of reframing questions, focusing on interdependencies, and promoting both-and thinking. Explore the importance of embracing diverse perspectives in organizations and personal relationships, navigating tensions in leadership, and challenging misconceptions about both-hand thinking. Dive into decision-making insights and embracing ambiguity for better problem-solving.

Amy Gallo, workplace conflict expert, discusses psychological safety with HBR. Learn how to define and assess psychological safety in teams. Explore strategies for promoting open communication, resolving conflicts, and cultivating a culture of growth.

Former clinical social worker turned project manager discusses challenges in project management such as uncertainty and interpersonal conflict. Tips shared on motivating teams, effective communication, and using project management tools. Key topics include leadership, agile, and collaboration.

Outdoor adventurer and former VP of Patagonia, Rick Ridgeway, shares insights on leadership, sustainability, and risk management. He discusses the importance of communication, goal setting, and teamwork in both mountaineering and business. Ridgeway emphasizes the need for strong teams in tackling challenges and achieving ambitious goals for environmental sustainability.

Harvard Business School professor Frances Frei discusses the importance of moving fast and fixing things, not just breaking them. She outlines a five-step plan to solve company problems, focusing on trust, communication, inclusivity, root cause analysis, and ruthless prioritization.

Sid Sijbrandij, CEO of GitLab, discusses managing a fully remote workforce. Topics include recruiting talent for remote work, onboarding strategies, building company culture, and creating virtual spaces for relationship building. The podcast explores remote work challenges, effective onboarding, technology in remote work, and the benefits of remote work for individuals and work culture.