unSILOed with Greg LaBlanc

Rebecca Hinds, Head of the Work AI Institute at Glean and author of Your Best Meeting Ever, explores the art of effective meetings. She delves into the two-pizza rule, emphasizing that smaller groups yield better outcomes. Rebecca exposes the dangers of meeting bloat fueled by visibility bias and offers practical solutions like calendar cleanses and zero-based meeting design. She also discusses the role of data in measuring collaboration, the essential partnership between HR and IT, and how to foster psychological safety in workspaces for meaningful decision-making.

Geoffrey A. Moore, a seasoned technology consultant and author of influential strategy books, shares his insights on navigating complex systems in business. He discusses the critical role of narrative in decision-making, particularly when data is scarce, and he argues for the inclusion of sales training in business schools. Moore also delves into his latest work, 'The Infinite Staircase,' exploring life's meaning through a framework of emergence and ethics. Additionally, he examines the evolving nature of corporate strategy amidst disruption and the importance of authentic leadership.

Witold Rybczynski, an emeritus architecture professor at the University of Pennsylvania and author of several acclaimed books, shares insights on the cultural and practical significance of architecture. He explores how architecture differs from fine arts and the lasting impact of city planning in the U.S. versus Europe. Rybczynski discusses the unique features of American cities, the role of mobility in shaping home perceptions, and the interplay of style and function in car design. He emphasizes the importance of historical context in architecture and its relevance in business.

In this discussion with Peter Dear, an emeritus professor of history at Cornell University, the complexities of scientific evolution are unveiled. Peter argues against the simplistic notion of linear progress in science, emphasizing its cultural and contingent nature. He explores the transformative impact of the Renaissance and the 19th century on modern practices. The conversation touches on the historical significance of experimentation, the interplay between natural philosophy and practical science, and how figures like Newton and Darwin shaped our understanding of science today.

Laurence D. Hurst, a Professor of evolutionary genetics at the Milner Centre for Evolution, discusses the fascinating limitations of evolutionary perfection. He reveals why humans are afflicted with genetic disorders and high mutation rates, countering the assumption that evolution leads to optimal adaptations. The conversation dives into how maternal costs and fetal-maternal conflicts impact human health, the role of gene therapy in modern medicine, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding germline editing, emphasizing the importance of embracing our inherent imperfections.

Cordelia Fine, a professor at the University of Melbourne and author of influential books on gender, delves into the complexities of gender equality in the workplace. She critiques traditional explanations for wage gaps, discussing how patriarchal structures hinder true equity. Fine argues for contextually aware DEI strategies and challenges the myths promoted by evolutionary psychology. The conversation explores how occupational segregation persists and emphasizes the need for systemic organizational changes rather than simply 'fixing' women.

George Selgin, an economist and professor emeritus, delves into the myths surrounding the New Deal and its impact on the Great Depression. He argues that many of Roosevelt's policies hindered recovery rather than facilitated it, emphasizing a lack of effective fiscal and monetary stimulus. Selgin critiques misconceptions about the New Deal's effectiveness and discusses the negative consequences of price controls and agricultural policies. He highlights how earlier monetary history reveals more about effective recovery than the New Deal itself.

Adam Benforado, a law professor and author focused on children’s rights, discusses the flaws of the U.S. legal system. He reveals how cognitive biases affect judges and the myth of objectivity in courtrooms. Benforado argues for a shift from punitive to preventive measures for youth, highlighting the damaging effects of parental incarceration. He contrasts the experiences of affluent, overparented children with those from marginalized backgrounds. Ultimately, he advocates for prioritizing children’s rights to create a more equitable future.

Scott Samuelson, a philosophy professor at Iowa State University and author, dives into the intersections of suffering and modernity. He explores how different philosophies, from Stoicism to Nietzsche, regard suffering as a pathway to growth and resilience. Their conversation also touches on parenting, the complexity of divine suffering, and how experiences in prisons can shift perspectives on freedom and pain. Ultimately, they debate whether life is about minimizing suffering or finding meaning within it.

David Cleevely, a British entrepreneur and telecoms expert, discusses the art of engineered serendipity, emphasizing how to design environments that enhance fortunate coincidences. He explores historical examples like the Lunar Society and Cambridge's innovation ecosystem to highlight the interplay of chaos and order. Cleevely argues for intentional physical designs, such as seating plans, to facilitate chance encounters. He warns that remote work may hinder these spontaneous interactions, revealing the intricate dynamics of trust, networks, and interdisciplinary collaboration.