unSILOed with Greg LaBlanc

Adam Galinsky, a leadership and ethics professor at Columbia Business School, delves into the intricate dynamics of power in leadership. He discusses how power can hinder perspective taking, likening it to driving a race car without a steering wheel. Galinsky emphasizes the importance of empathy and recognition in effective leadership, especially for low-status individuals. He also highlights the need for a clear vision, discussing how principles like 'deliver happiness' can guide decision-making, ultimately illustrating the ethical complexities inherent in leadership.

Martin Gayford, an esteemed art critic and writer known for his insightful interviews with artists, delves into the timeless allure of painting. He discusses the challenges of expressing the nuances of visual art through words and the unique, physical process of creating a masterpiece. Gayford highlights the importance of experiencing art in person, contrasting it with digital reproductions. He further explores the concept of artistic completion and shares how artists navigate their creative journeys, emphasizing the transformative power of painting in enriching lives.

Kieran Setiya, a Professor of Philosophy at MIT and author, delves into the practical applications of philosophical thought in everyday life. He examines the convergence of philosophy and self-help, proposing their reintegration to tackle life's challenges. Setiya discusses midlife crises and the balance between goal-oriented activities and mindfulness. He critiques simplistic philosophies, emphasizing the importance of recognizing suffering and complexity. The conversation also touches on the philosophy of desire, choice, and the role of introspection in personal development.

John Lewis Gaddis, a renowned history professor at Yale and author of influential works on strategy, discusses the intertwining of historical consciousness with strategic thinking. He examines how presidents like Lincoln and Reagan utilized historical insights in leadership. Gaddis emphasizes the significance of common sense in strategy and critiques the contemporary reinterpretation of historical events, such as the Ukraine conflict. He also reflects on the evolving legacies of historical figures and the philosophical implications of Isaiah Berlin's ideas on governance.

In this thought-provoking discussion, Keith Payne, a psychology and neuroscience professor at UNC Chapel Hill and author of influential books on social inequality, explores the complex relationship between wealth distribution and well-being. He reveals how perceived social inequality not only affects individual happiness but also fuels political polarization. Keith highlights the role of identity in political alignment and offers strategies for healthier dialogue across divides. Empathy and understanding emerge as pivotal tools for bridging societal gaps.

Anastasia Berg, an assistant professor of philosophy at UC Irvine and co-author of 'What Are Children For?: On Ambivalence and Choice', dives into the complexities surrounding childbearing. She explores how societal anxieties and shifting priorities have transformed parenthood from a certainty into a choice. Their discussion spans the historical perspectives on motherhood, the ethical dilemmas posed by modern crises like climate change, and the evolving ideals of feminism. Berg emphasizes the need for a nuanced understanding of parenting and societal roles.

Margaret Heffernan, a Professor of Practice at the University of Bath and author of 'Embracing Uncertainty,' dives into the transformative power of accepting the unknown. She argues that fear of uncertainty can limit potential and innovation. The conversation highlights the value of dissent in fostering creativity and how rigid predictability can stifle happiness. Heffernan also stresses the need for open-mindedness in business decision-making and the importance of balancing structure with creative freedom for growth and adaptability.

David A. Mindell, a renowned MIT professor and author, delves into the pressing need for a cultural shift towards valuing industrial systems. He explores what a modern industrial enlightenment could look like and its parallels with the 18th century. Mindell discusses the evolving relationship between automation and labor, debunking myths about job replacement. He emphasizes the essential role of human factors in engineering and advocates for educational reforms that prioritize practical skills to prepare for a technologically advanced future.

Leslie Valiant, a Harvard professor known for his work on artificial intelligence and educability, dives into what it means to learn. He discusses the unique aspects of human intelligence and how our educability sets us apart from AI. Valiant challenges conventional definitions of intelligence and explores the shortcomings of traditional IQ tests. He also emphasizes the need for innovative teaching methods that focus on meaningful learning for both humans and machines, while pondering the future of human-AI collaboration.

In this engaging discussion, Randy E. Barnett, a constitutional law scholar and professor at Georgetown University, shares his fascinating journey from a prosecutor to a leader in the originalism movement. He explores landmark Supreme Court cases, including the medical marijuana challenge and the Affordable Care Act. Barnett delves into the motivations behind justices' decisions and the challenges faced within legal academia. His memoir reveals profound insights about constitutional interpretation and the ideological shifts that shape the legal landscape.