“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.  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?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.

Christian Wheeler, a marketing professor at Stanford GSB, dives into the power of failure as a growth catalyst. He emphasizes the importance of embracing discomfort to unlock potential. Michele Gelfand, an organizational behavior expert, discusses cultural intelligence and the need for curiosity in negotiation to foster breakthroughs. Jesper Sørensen redefines leadership strategy as a dynamic, living process that requires effective communication of purpose. Together, they explore how human connection can transform challenges into opportunities.

As leaders rise and hierarchies shift, Stanford GSB organizational behavior professor Deborah Gruenfeld, guest in season one of If/Then, reminds us that power is not just about authority—it’s about presence. In this special feed drop from Pfeffer on Power, Gruenfeld, author of Acting With Power, revisits topics featured in her If/Then episode, exploring how body language and mindset can shape perceptions of influence. “We’re all playing roles,” she explains, whether as CEOs, professors, or professionals navigating high-stakes environments. The key, she says, lies in mastering both "inside-out" techniques—such as reframing internal narratives—and "outside-in" strategies, like commanding physical space to exude confidence.Host Jeffrey Pfeffer, professor of organizational behavior at the GSB, and Gruenfeld discuss how power dynamics transcend culture and context, offering universal lessons for anyone looking to lead with impact. “Don’t leave power to the bad guys,” Gruenfeld advises, urging listeners to embrace their own potential for influence. This episode provides actionable insights to help you show up powerfully in any room, especially when the stakes are high. As the conversation unfolds, Pfeffer and Gruenfeld challenge us to think differently about power—not as a privilege, but as a responsibility to shape better outcomes for ourselves and others.Jeffrey Pfeffer will be a guest on the second season of If/Then. Pfeffer on Power is Produced by University FM. For a full transcript of this episode, visit the Pfeffer on Power’s website.More Resources:Deborah Gruenfeld, faculty profileDeborah’s Book: Acting with Power Pfeffer on Power Chapters: (00:00:00) IntroductionHost Jeffrey Pfeffer introduces guest Professor Deborah Gruenfeld from Stanford GSB.(00:01:45) First Impressions and Body LanguageHow people make snap judgments based on appearance and nonverbal cues.(00:03:25) Change How You Show UpThe possibility of reframing behavior to project more confidence and authority.(00:06:33) Showing Up with PowerTwo approaches for appearing more authoritative and powerful.(00:08:53) Inside-Out PowerReframing internal narratives to project power, even in moments of insecurity.(00:11:32) Outside-In PowerTechniques for using body language to command authority.(00:14:00) Physical and Social DynamicsHow occupying space communicates dominance and influence.(00:17:06) Unconscious Reactions to Power Whether power dynamics are consistent across cultures and time.(00:20:32) Ambivalence Toward PowerWhy some individuals are reluctant to embrace power.(00:24:47) Ethical Leaders in PowerThe importance of ethical individuals embracing power to prevent its misuse by others.(00:28:14) ConclusionSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Michele Gelfand, a Stanford GSB professor specializing in cultural dynamics, discusses her framework on "tight" and "loose" cultures and their societal impacts. Jonathan Levav, a marketing expert, sheds light on decision fatigue, emphasizing how mental energy affects choices in judicial contexts. Szu-chi Huang explores the intersection of motivation and emotion in decision-making, illustrating its significance in effective communication and marketing strategies. Together, they unveil the intricate factors that shape our everyday decisions.

Artificial intelligence could fundamentally transform democracy for better or worse. In this bonus episode of If/Then: Business, Leadership, Society, Professor Andrew B. Hall of Stanford Graduate School of Business explores AI's potential to disrupt our electoral system. With the 2024 presidential election approaching, Hall warns that AI-generated misinformation could sway voters and erode trust in democratic processes. Yet he also sees AI's potential to solve political challenges. If we want to maintain a healthy democracy, then it’s crucial to understand AI's impact on our political landscape in the upcoming election and beyond.Key Takeaways:AI's potential for misinformation: Professor Hall warns that AI-generated content misinform voters, potentially influencing election outcomes.Threat to democratic integrity: The possibility of AI-driven misinformation could erode trust in the fairness and integrity of democratic processes, leading to decreased acceptance of election outcomes.AI's dual nature in politics: While AI poses significant risks, Hall also thinks it could provide solutions to existing political problems, suggesting it will have a complex, double-edged impact on democracy.More Resources:Andrew Hall, faculty profileWhite Paper: Preparing for Generative AI in the 2024 Election: Recommendations and Best Practices Based on Academic Research, By Ethan Bueno de Mesquita, Brandice Canes-Wrone, Andrew B. Hall, Kristian Lum, Gregory J. Martin, Yamil Ricardo Velez, Stanford Graduate School of Business and the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy, November 2023If/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. For a full transcript of this episode, visit our podcast’s website.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kuang Xu, a Professor at Stanford specializing in genetic information, delves into the complex interplay of genetic data and privacy. He discusses the privacy risks tied to genetic databases, particularly how they can reveal identities and familial connections. Xu highlights innovative methods for safeguarding genetic information during forensic investigations and the importance of informed consent. The conversation also touches on managing genetic data privacy in healthcare to optimize patient care without compromising personal security.

Baba Shiv, a marketing professor, dives into the interplay of reason and emotion in decision-making, revealing his own 'irrational' journey in understanding choices. Meanwhile, Mohammad Akbarpour, an economics professor, shares his transition from engineering to exploring market design, motivated by a blend of mathematics and human behavior. Both guests challenge traditional assumptions in their fields, highlighting how personal experiences fuel their research and insights into complex issues like authority and economic disparity.