unSILOed with Greg LaBlanc

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.

Joel J. Miller, an author and former publishing executive, explores the profound impact of books as the original 'hardware' for knowledge. He discusses how writing shifted our thinking and compares it with oral tradition. The conversation dives into the codex revolution, metadata's role in libraries, and how book culture adapts in the digital age. Miller illustrates the symbiotic relationship between books and ideas, pondering their future against the backdrop of declining reading rates. He even touches on Jefferson's influence on American thought through his library.

Paul Blustein, an accomplished author and journalist with the Center for Strategic and International Studies, delves into the fascinating world of the US dollar's dominance. He uncovers how historical agreements like Bretton Woods shaped its rise and discusses the dollar's multifaceted strengths as a store of value and medium of exchange. Blustein also explores the geopolitical nuances of U.S. sanctions, the limitations of cryptocurrencies, and how Russia and China are navigating around dollar reliance. His insights reveal the intricate interplay of finance and global power dynamics.

In this engaging discussion, Jay Barney, a strategic management professor at the University of Utah and author on culture change, delves into the relationship between business theory and practice. He highlights how theoretical concepts can be translated into actionable strategies, emphasizing the challenges of organizational culture and implementation. Jay also shares insights on entrepreneurship and the importance of socially complex resources for sustainable competitive advantage. His innovative teaching methods and real-world applications make for a thought-provoking conversation.

Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, a professor of business psychology and author, challenges the notion that authenticity is essential for success. He argues that the advice to 'just be yourself' can be misguided and that strategic impression management often leads to better outcomes. Their discussion highlights how emotional intelligence aligns with this management, the limitations of corporate culture's 'bring your whole self to work,' and the impact of AI on human potential. Chamorro-Premuzic also critiques how toxic leaders can rise within organizations and the importance of data in identifying them.

Guy Kawasaki, Chief Evangelist at Canva and former Apple evangelist, discusses the intertwining of evangelism and business. He shares insights on shifting from professional success to personal legacy, emphasizing that true sales involves genuine care for others. Guy critiques the chase for passion, suggesting a focus on interests instead. He highlights the necessity of ethics in business education and character development, and delves into the qualities of remarkable people—growth, grit, and grace—and how curiosity acts as a superpower.