Cold Call

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.

Robert Simons, a Harvard Business School Professor and creator of the course Changing the World, dives into the remarkable journey of Bill Wilson, co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous. Simons discusses Wilson's transformative 'hot flash' moment that led him to sobriety and how he built a global movement from his struggles with alcoholism. The conversation highlights the unsung heroes behind AA, the pivotal role of peer support, and the societal shifts in understanding addiction, underscoring Wilson's lasting impact on countless lives.

David Fubini, a Senior Lecturer at Harvard Business School, and Patrick Sanguineti, a Research Associate and co-author of the Keurig case study, dive into Keurig's rocky journey from innovation to stagnation. They discuss the company's strategic missteps and the pivotal leadership changes following its acquisition by JAB Holding Company. Key topics include the introduction of the controversial Keurig 2.0, the strategic options for growth, and the challenges of merging with other brands like Dr. Pepper. Their insights on revitalizing Keurig's brand in a saturated market are particularly compelling.

Elie Ofek, a Harvard Business School Professor who specializes in R&D and marketing interactions, and Ryann Noe, a Doctoral candidate studying industry evolution, dive deep into Barbie's cultural resurgence. They discuss how Mattel navigated decades of criticism to revitalize Barbie through a successful film and a strategic playbook. Topics include the evolution of the brand, the rise of 'barbicore,' and the challenge of expanding its cultural relevance across Mattel's toy portfolio, all while addressing contemporary societal themes and appealing to diverse audiences.

Join HBS Senior Lecturer Jeffrey Rayport and Assistant Director Nicole Keller as they delve into Duolingo's bold plans to expand beyond language learning into subjects like math and music. They discuss the gamified, AI-driven strategies that have fueled Duolingo's meteoric rise, boasting 100 million monthly users. The duo explores the potential risks of diversifying while preserving brand identity and maintaining user engagement, all while considering the educational landscape's evolving dynamics. Can AI truly transform it into a super edtech app?

Ghassan Nuqul, Chairman of Fine Hygienic Holding and son of the late Elia Nuqul, dives into his family's journey from a small trading business to a major player in the Middle East. Joined by Christina Wing, a Harvard Business School Senior Lecturer, they explore the challenges of maintaining family ties and legacy in business. They discuss governance practices, the importance of a family constitution, and how community values shape business strategies. Through personal insights, they reflect on evolving traditions and the essence of resilience for future generations.