If/Then

Szu-chi Huang, an associate professor of marketing at Stanford, sheds light on sustaining motivation across various contexts. She dives into the different phases of motivation and shares practical strategies to maintain focus during the challenging middle stages of goal pursuit. Huang also discusses the impact of social dynamics, such as peer support, on motivation. Additionally, she touches on how AI could potentially enhance motivation, balancing technology with the essential human element of empathy in our journeys.

Rob Siegel, a venture investor and Stanford Graduate School of Business instructor, discusses navigating leadership amid chaos. He emphasizes that leadership thrives on embracing ambiguity rather than avoiding it. Siegel shares strategies for communicating effectively during uncertainty, such as preparation for spontaneous moments and fostering trust through candid dialogue. He highlights the dualities leaders face, balancing immediate needs with long-term goals, and underscores the importance of empathy and authentic communication in inspiring teams.

Michele Gelfand, a Stanford Professor of Organizational Behavior and author of "Rule Makers, Rule Breakers," explores the influence of cultural norms on our lives. She discusses the crucial balance between 'tight' and 'loose' cultures, arguing that effective strategies must consider these ingrained norms. Gelfand shares insights on how culture shapes everything from politics to parenting and emphasizes the need for cultural intelligence in teams. She also touches on the surprising stress that can come from enjoying life's simple pleasures.

Mohsen Bayati, the Carl and Marilynn Thoma Professor of Operations, Information & Technology at Stanford Graduate School of Business, dives into the transformative potential of AI in healthcare. He discusses the critical challenges of trust, privacy, and data quality that must be addressed for effective integration. Bayati emphasizes the necessity of human oversight and safety measures to mitigate risks, while also urging patience in adopting these innovative technologies. He provides a thought-provoking look at the future of AI in medicine.

Amir Goldberg, a Stanford professor specializing in organizational behavior, dives into the future of AI in business. He emphasizes understanding AI's capabilities rather than just its implementation. Goldberg discusses the necessity of fostering innovation by overcoming cultural barriers and adapting to a data-driven environment. He warns that while many organizations are riding the AI wave, some are heading for disaster. Listeners gain insights on harnessing AI effectively to remain competitive in the evolving landscape.

Neil Malhotra, the Edith M. Cornell professor of political economy at Stanford Graduate School of Business, aims to identify the nature of our tumultuous political moment in his work. In this episode, Malhotra explores rising distrust, shifting political identities, and what these changes mean for individuals — and businesses. Plus, the billion-dollar question: “Is Trump creating a movement that is separate from himself or is it identified with himself?” Malhotra asks. “It remains to be seen.”Is there a political question you’d like us to explore? Email us at ifthenpod@stanford.edu.This episode was recorded on December 18, 2024.Related Content:Neil Malhotra faculty profile: https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/faculty-research/faculty/neil-malhotraA Surprising Discovery About Facebook’s Role in Driving PolarizationPulling Back From Polarization: How Business Leaders Can Step Up10 Tips for Tackling Political Polarization in the Workplace and BeyondHow the Supreme Court’s Abortion Ruling Played in the Court of Public OpinionIf/Then is a podcast from Stanford Graduate School of Business that examines research findings that can help us navigate the complex issues we face in business, leadership, and society. Each episode features an interview with a Stanford GSB faculty member.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 LaterIf/Then is a podcast from Stanford Graduate School of Business that examines research findings that can help us navigate the complex issues we face in business, leadership, and society. Each episode features an interview with a Stanford GSB faculty member.See 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!