Cold Call

Vikram Gandhi, a Harvard Business School professor and sustainability expert, joins Praveer Sinha, CEO of Tata Power, to discuss India's energy transition. They delve into Tata Power's bold move to accelerate its net-zero target to 2045 and the balancing act between thermal power revenue and renewable energy investments. The duo highlights challenges like infrastructure needs and stakeholder management while leveraging AI and smart grids for efficiency. They underscore the importance of workforce reskilling and customer engagement in building a sustainable energy future.

Join bestselling author and entrepreneur Tim Ferriss as he explores his career crossroads, questioning the sustainability of his podcast amid rising competition. He shares his innovative approaches to experimentation and risk calibration, discussing how to navigate the delicate balance of brand expectations and personal exploration. Reza Satchu, a Harvard lecturer and serial entrepreneur, dives into the importance of reframing failure and making informed decisions in the evolving landscape of business, while emphasizing the value of curiosity and learning.

Jill Avery, a Harvard Business School senior lecturer and branding expert, dives into Dollar Tree's bold choice to raise prices from $1 to $1.25 after 35 years. She discusses how this strategy affects customer perceptions and the challenges of maintaining value amidst inflation. Jill breaks down Dollar Tree's sourcing methods and the integration struggles with Family Dollar. Additionally, she addresses concerns about community impact and reassures that the brand can withstand the change if it continues to deliver value. A thought-provoking look at the balance between pricing and brand integrity!

Ranjay Gulati, a Harvard Business School professor and author of 'How to Be Bold', joins to discuss how Lyft’s new CEO, David Risher, tackled declining market share and low morale. They delve into bold leadership during challenges, emphasizing innovation and customer focus as keys to reviving the company. Gulati shares strategies on fostering collective courage within teams and navigating uncertainty, showing how leaders can turn fear into a competitive advantage. This conversation is rich with insights on growth and resilience in the rideshare industry.

Duncan McIntyre, Founder and CEO of Highland Electric Fleets, is on a mission to replace diesel school buses with electric vehicles across the U.S. Joining him is Rosabeth Moss Kanter, a Harvard Business School professor and expert in leadership and innovation. Together, they dive into scaling electric transportation and the partnerships needed to succeed. They discuss the environmental benefits, technological advancements, and the excitement of kids embracing electric buses, spotlighting the clear impact of innovation and community engagement.

Ashley Whillans, an Associate Professor at Harvard Business School and author of "Time Smart," joins the discussion to unpack Atlassian's innovative approach to remote work. They explore how the company transformed its practices to foster flexibility while enhancing productivity. Key topics include the efficiency of page-led meetings, the importance of transparency in communication, and the evolving role of managers in remote settings. Whillans highlights the challenges and strategies involved in scaling effective practices while supporting client transformations.

Sam Rockwell, CEO of Happi Co., known for his collaboration with Snoop Dogg, dives into the exciting launch of Dr. Bombay Ice Cream. He reveals how inventive flavors and celebrity influence disrupted the ice cream industry, landing placements in 80% of U.S. grocery stores. Alongside Harvard professor Bill Kerr, they discuss balancing profitability with growth, the strategic importance of branding, and the dynamic role of influencer partnerships in shaping the creator economy, all while keeping the brand culturally resonant and agile.

Stephanie So, Chief Growth Officer of Shake Shack and a Harvard Business School grad, teams up with Chris Stanton, a professor studying labor markets and entrepreneurship. They dive into Shake Shack's digital transformation, discussing the tech-driven shift while preserving the brand’s hospitality ethos. The duo explores how kiosks and automation can enhance customer interactions without undermining the human touch. Key topics include balancing operational efficiency with personalization and the insightful 'second mouse strategy' for navigating tech adoption.

Join Harvard Business School Professor Stefan Thomke, an expert in managing innovation, as he discusses Booking.com's bold approach to experimentation. He explains how the company restructured their landing page despite the potential for failure, highlighting the tension between innovation and user expectations. Thomke emphasizes the importance of a culture that celebrates testing and learning, revealing how leveraging small data can lead to strategic insights. Get ready to embrace an experimental mindset and discover how agility in innovation can set companies apart in today's digital landscape.

Ming Min Hui is the Executive Director of Boston Ballet, known for her unique ascent as a young, Asian American leader with a Harvard MBA and finance background. She and Harvard Assistant Professor Edward Chang discuss the ballet's evolution amid modern challenges. Their conversation highlights the delicate balance between artistic heritage and necessary innovation, especially in promoting diversity and accessibility. Hui shares insights on navigating leadership as an underrepresented voice and how the ballet is adapting to changing audience preferences.