If/Then

Sridhar Narayanan, a professor of marketing at Stanford Graduate School of Business, studies how small businesses operate and why they’re so important, especially in the developing world. “Modernizing small businesses will have a profound impact on economies worldwide in many ways,” he says. In this episode of If/Then, Narayanan explains why so many retailers still rely on cash, how modernization can boost revenue, and what these patterns reveal about credit access, trust in institutions, and global economic development.Have you modernized a small business or did you choose to stick with what was already working? Tell us your story at ifthenpod@stanford.edu.This episode was recorded on November 5, 2024.Related Content:Sridhar Narayanan faculty profileUpgrades Can Help Mom-and-Pop Stores Compete with Big RetailFrom Instinct to Insight: Crafting an Intentional Sales StrategyWith “Retargeted” Advertising, Sooner Is Better Than LaterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Annamaria Lusardi, a finance professor and advocate for financial literacy, discusses the staggering lack of global financial knowledge, with only a third of people being financially literate. She emphasizes the importance of teaching money management from a young age, likening it to preventative care. Lusardi highlights how early education can prevent personal and economic crises, propel workplace productivity, and empower communities, especially for first-generation students. Her call to action? Integrate financial education into schools to transform lives and futures.

Susan Athey, a professor of Economics of Technology at Stanford, dives into the future of work amidst rampant technological change. She explores insights from a study on 22,000 Swedish workers, revealing who bounces back after layoffs. Athey discusses how small design tweaks can lead to significant societal shifts. The conversation also touches on AI's transformative potential in hiring and healthcare, emphasizing the importance of supportive policies to ensure technology benefits all workers and minimizes social disparities.

Brian Lowery, the Walter Kenneth Kilpatrick Professor of Organizational Behavior at Stanford, discusses the fluid nature of identity and how it's shaped by interactions with others. He argues that our self-perception evolves based on our relationships, and recognizing this can transform how we navigate challenges at home and work. Lowery emphasizes the power of collaboration and trust in leadership, and how understanding our collective identities can help bridge divides in a polarized society. Embrace the terrifying yet exciting potential of change!

In this conversation, Rebecca Lester, an associate professor of accounting at Stanford Graduate School of Business, dives into how tax incentives shape innovation and business strategy. She highlights how subtle policy changes can drive monumental decisions in R&D and investment. From clean energy advancements to the impacts of tariffs, the discussion reveals the ripple effects of tax policy on global competition and economic growth. Lester emphasizes the importance of crafting effective tax strategies that align with future innovation needs.

Matteo Maggiori, Moghadam Family Professor of Finance at Stanford, dives deep into the world of geoeconomics and financial power. He discusses how the U.S. dollar maintains its dominance, while China seeks alternatives to challenge its supremacy. Maggiori explores historical instances of economic influence driving political decisions, from the Medici's banking strategies to modern U.S.-China tensions. He highlights the complexities of global finance and the need for countries to navigate these financial networks carefully in an increasingly multipolar world.

“The ultimate price of a bad system falls on the public,” says Anat Admati, the George G.C. Parker Professor of Finance and Economics at Stanford Graduate School of Business and author of The Bankers’ New Clothes. “The Constitution did a lot to constrain the government, but the government has failed to constrain institutions in the private sector.” Simply put, Admati says the real problem isn’t just profit-hungry corporations, it’s the systems that let bad actors get away with it. From the opioid crisis and Boeing’s deadly 737 MAX disasters to the 2008 financial crash, Admati identifies how U.S. institutions failed — and shares the “incredibly sobering” realization that shattered her faith in the rules and those who make them.  This episode features Dominic Cruz and Maya Kesselman Cruz, who perform in the live circus show "Dear San Francisco” at Club Fugazi.How do you think we can restore trust in business, government, and society? Email us at ifthenpod@stanford.edu. Related LinksAnat Admati faculty profileThe Bankers’ New Clothes: What’s Wrong with Banking and What to Do about ItNo Rules, No Trust: How Accountability Shapes CommunicationAre Businesses Undermining Democracy?"Dear San Francisco" at Club FugaziThis conversation was recorded on August 20, 2024.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jeffrey Pfeffer, a prominent professor at Stanford Graduate School of Business and author of "Dying for a Paycheck," dives into the alarming connection between workplace stress and health crises. He argues that the impact of overwork mirrors the dangers of smoking, potentially leading to 120,000 deaths annually in the U.S. The conversation challenges conventional views on employee well-being, calling for a cultural shift and stronger corporate responsibility to foster healthier work environments. It’s time to rethink our work dynamics for the sake of our health!

Can the workplace truly be as dangerous as smoking? Discover how nations use financial leverage to influence global politics. Explore the challenges of rebuilding trust between governments and corporations. This thought-provoking journey delves into complex themes of business, leadership, and societal impact, offering innovative insights that prompt you to rethink your approach to decision-making.

Jensen Huang, co-founder and CEO of NVIDIA, shares insights from his journey in tech, discussing the power of first-principles thinking in leadership. He emphasizes the importance of empowering others to navigate uncertainty and foster innovation. Huang reflects on pivotal moments in NVIDIA's history, particularly his company's foresight in 3D graphics and AI. He highlights resilience during market downturns and the need for transparency in leadership. Alongside Stanford GSB student Shantam Jain, they explore the transformative potential of generative AI and its implications for organizations.