unSILOed with Greg LaBlanc

Iris Bohnet, a Harvard Kennedy School professor and author, discusses essential workplace changes for equality. She argues for systemic fixes over individual fixes, emphasizing the importance of representation and fair hiring practices. The conversation highlights the dangers of biases in recruitment and promotions and advocates for structured methods to minimize these biases. Bohnet also reflects on the role of organizational culture and the need for role models, challenging traditional diversity initiatives to create an inclusive work environment.

Sandra Matz, a professor at Columbia Business School and author of "Mindmasters," explores the intersection of big data and psychology. She discusses how algorithms can predict personality better than close relationships, raising concerns about privacy. The conversation dives into the ethical implications of psychological targeting in marketing and politics, the risks of over-customization, and the need for balance between personalization and exploration. Matz also highlights the potential of data co-ops for enhancing privacy while managing user data more effectively.

In this insightful conversation, Sander van der Linden, a Cambridge University professor and author, reveals how misinformation spreads like a virus. He introduces the concept of 'pre-bunking'—exposing individuals to weakened misinformation to build immunity. Sander discusses individual susceptibility to misleading information, emphasizing the role of cognitive biases and technology. He also explores the dangerous intersection of misinformation and group identity, highlighting its potential to incite real-world violence. Ultimately, he advocates for early education as a tool for resilience against misinformation.

Agnes Callard, a philosophy professor at the University of Chicago and author of several thought-provoking books, dives into the nuances of philosophical inquiry. She discusses 'untimely questions' and the collaborative nature of philosophy, emphasizing dialogue over mere problem-solving. Callard explores how significant life changes influence our values and the ethical pitfalls in politicized philosophical discussions. Her insights highlight the necessity of self-awareness and genuine conversation in exploring life's deeper meanings.

Barry Katz, a professor emeritus of industrial design at California College of the Arts and consulting professor at Stanford, dives into the fascinating world of design thinking. He discusses how design has evolved alongside technology, emphasizing collaboration between engineers and designers since the 1980s. The conversation highlights design's crucial role in making innovations user-friendly and its impact on various industries, including healthcare. Katz also critiques how design thinking is often superficially learned and advocates for a deeper integration to enhance problem-solving.

Freek Vermeulen, a strategy and entrepreneurship professor at London Business School and author of 'Business Exposed', dives into the intricacies of organizational behavior. He explores how top-down and bottom-up approaches can coexist for effective strategy implementation and innovation. Freek highlights the pitfalls of over-relying on metrics and the need for ongoing organizational change. He also emphasizes the dangers of imitation in management, urging a reevaluation of outdated practices to better adapt to change.

Ethan Mollick, an associate professor at Wharton and author of "Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI," discusses the profound impact of AI on our professional lives. He emphasizes the importance of co-working with AI, demonstrating how access to tools like GPT-4 can significantly enhance productivity. Mollick also delves into the implications of anthropomorphizing AI and the potential risks of over-reliance, especially in critical sectors. The conversation highlights both the challenges and opportunities AI presents as we navigate our evolving relationship with technology.

Sophia Rosenfeld, a history professor at the University of Pennsylvania and author of "The Age of Choice," explores how our understanding of choice has shaped freedom. She discusses the historical role of choice in consumerism and politics, and how it initially gained a feminine reputation. The conversation delves into the paradox of choice, where having options can be both empowering and coercive, particularly in areas like sex work. Rosenfeld also critiques the moral implications of choice, urging a deeper look into whether more options genuinely lead to greater freedom.

Bill Conaty, former top HR executive at GE and co-author of The Talent Masters, shares his extensive expertise on talent development. He emphasizes the crucial role of HR in integrating with business functions and the need for organizations to actively cultivate talent. Discussing the evolution of employee engagement at GE, he critiques traditional evaluation systems like 'rank and yank,' advocating for a more supportive approach to retention. Conaty also highlights the importance of trust and tailored career paths in developing future leaders.

Hein de Haas, a sociology professor at the University of Amsterdam and author of "How Migration Really Works," dives deep into the realities of migration. He debunks myths, revealing that global migration levels are stable despite political uproar. The conversation explores how migration drives development and the economic impact of migrants. Hein clarifies the differences between human trafficking and smuggling and argues that political solutions often prioritize showmanship over addressing complex challenges in migration policies.