unSILOed with Greg LaBlanc

Darrin M. McMahon, a history professor at Dartmouth College and author of notable works on happiness, genius, and equality, dives deep into the interplay of these concepts through time. He explores whether genius and happiness are innate or cultivated, linking ancient philosophies to modern understanding. Their fascinating discussion also touches on the evolution of equality, the impact of religious traditions, and the role of historical context in contemporary thought. McMahon argues for an empathetic approach to history, emphasizing its relevance in today's social sciences.

Alexandre Lefebvre, a politics and philosophy professor at the University of Sydney and author of Liberalism as a Way of Life, challenges the notion that liberalism lacks a vision of ‘the good life.’ He argues that it's deeply woven into modern society, affecting our beliefs and institutions. The discussion includes John Rawls's philosophical insights as tools for personal development and ethical living. Lefebvre also emphasizes the importance of embodying liberal principles and addresses the evolving challenges faced by liberalism in today's diverse world.

Scott D. Anthony, a professor at the Tuck School of Business and author of Epic Disruptions, shares his insights on innovation and disruption theory. He emphasizes the need to modernize disruption models, highlighting the role of ecosystems and mental frameworks in navigating uncertainty. Scott discusses historical cases like the iPhone and Tesla, exploring how emergent strategies and organizational culture affect disruption outcomes. He underscores that innovation is 'predictably unpredictable' and advocates for educating future business leaders to adapt to these complexities.

David Zweig, a journalist and author, dives into the contentious school closure policies during the pandemic. He critiques how political pressures and media narratives skewed public health decisions, often sidelining empirical evidence. Zweig shares insights from his book, illustrating the extensive impact of these policies on children’s education and mental health. He discusses the gap between expert recommendations and actual decision-making, advocating for a reassessment of past choices to better inform future public health strategies.

Arnold Weinstein, Professor Emeritus of Comparative Literature at Brown University and author, shares his insights on how literature deepens our self-understanding and empathy. He discusses how reading engages the body and emotions in ways other art forms do not. Arnold also explores the transformative power of discomfort in literature, emphasizing its role in introspection. The conversation highlights literature's enduring relevance and its ability to reveal the complexities of human identity, challenging the undervaluation of literary studies in academic environments.

Cat Bohannon, a researcher and author, explores how the female body has been pivotal in human evolution. She dives into the unique biology of gestation, childbirth, and lactation that sets humans apart from other mammals. Their conversation unpacks the historical biases in gynecology and the significance of maternal health. Cat also discusses the transition from matriarchy to patriarchy and its lasting impacts on gender norms. With insights on how reproduction influences societal structures, this is a deep dive into women’s vital roles in shaping humanity.

Toby E. Stuart, a Professor at UC Berkeley and author of 'Anointed', dives into the dramatic influence of social status in our lives. He reveals how the Matthew Effect means that those with status gain even more, impacting everything from consumer behavior to resource allocation. The conversation touches on the paradox of status in the digital age and how it shapes perceptions in academia and the arts. Toby also discusses the implications of status inequality and how it can create barriers to meritocracy in various fields.

Charles Spinosa, a management consultant and author of 'Leadership as Masterpiece Creation,' redefines business leadership as an art form. He emphasizes how some companies achieve masterpiece status through moral and philosophical insights. The conversation touches on the distinct leadership styles of figures like Jeff Bezos and the importance of moral orders within organizations. Spinosa advocates for cultivating courage and virtue in corporate culture, drawing lessons from literature to enhance character development in the workplace.

In this engaging discussion, John Cassidy, a writer for the New Yorker and author of pivotal works on capitalism, dives into historical critiques of the economic system, examining figures from Adam Smith to Marx. He explains how economic crises have shaped both policy and theory, while highlighting lesser-known critics that have influenced thought. Topics include the impact of the Luddite movement and the often overshadowed contributions of women in economic history. Cassidy urges for a more holistic approach to economic education, blending history and theory for deeper understanding.

In a dynamic conversation, Jennifer Pahlka, a senior fellow at the Niskanen Center and founder of Code For America, shares insights on government digital transformation. She discusses the critical role of feedback loops in policy implementation to avoid perverse outcomes. The conversation highlights the challenges of outdated procurement processes and over-reliance on contractors. Pahlka emphasizes the need for genuine user research and collaboration between policymakers and public servants to create effective digital services.