In 2021, Donna Lee and Duncan van Bergen founded Calyx Global, a carbon credit rating company. The startup worked to improve the quality of carbon credits sold in the voluntary carbon market. Organizations buy those credits to use in their decarbonization efforts to meet net-zero commitments. The firm had carefully avoided perceptions of conflicts of interest. But Lee and van Bergen faced a series of dilemmas. It was a challenging time for the industry. They had to decide whether changing the business model to tap new revenue streams would jeopardize their trustworthy reputation. In this episode, HBS Professor Mike Toffel and Duncan van Bergen join host Brian Kenny to discuss the company’s business model, its approach to ratings, and the emerging competitive landscape in the case, “Calyx Global: Rating Carbon Credits.”

How important is it to maintain a happy workforce? With this question in mind, Lanco Medical Group, a small but fast-growing pharmaceutical distributor serving Latin America, approached the design of their employee benefits and incentives program. But there were gaps between what leadership believed motivated employees and what employees truly valued. With ambitions for regional and market expansion in the next few years, motivating and retaining employees was a top priority for the leadership team. So, the organization systematized the collection of data about drivers of employee motivation. Priorities varied by age group, organizational role, and geographic locations. A one-size-fits all solution was unlikely to succeed. In this episode, HBS Professor Susanna Gallani discusses the case “Lanco Medical Group: Fostering Happiness for Growth” with host Brian Kenny. They highlight the tensions between accommodating employees’ preferences, maintaining fairness, and operating a manageable incentive program amid the pursuit of aggressive international growth targets.

Porsche has reigned as one of the world’s leading sports and luxury car companies for nearly 80 years. Central to the German automaker’s growth strategy is creating stellar customer experiences and great products, such as the legendary 911 Carrera sports car. But the automotive industry is undergoing disruptive changes and bringing new competitive challenges from around the world. Company leadership is adapting Porsche’s product portfolio, recently adding the electric model Taycan. They’re also innovating new customer experiences like the “Track Your Dream” program. In this episode, Harvard Business School Professor Stefan Thomke explores how the storied company will continue to change in a bid to stay relevant—yet also remain true to its legacy—in the case “Porsche.”

In this discussion, Derek van Bever, a Senior lecturer at Harvard Business School, and Akshat Agrawal, a recent graduate and co-author of the Google Stadia case study, tackle the challenges Google faced in the cloud gaming market. They explore Stadia’s strategic choices, from casual gamers to potential missteps against competitors like Microsoft and Sony. The duo emphasizes the need for strong market strategies and insights gained from Stadia's rise and fall, ultimately questioning the future of cloud gaming for tech giants.

Celebrate a decade of insightful storytelling! Discover how one leader turned career-ending adversity into triumph. Explore the innovative funding models of women’s sports, with the remarkable success of Angel City Football Club. Hear personal accounts of resilience, including a harrowing military training experience that changed everything for one narrator. Plus, reflect on the evolution of good ideas and the delicate balance between speed and execution in business.

Jared Spataro, Corporate Vice President of Modern Work at Microsoft, shares his insights on the AI revolution reshaping workplaces. He discusses how Microsoft is seamlessly integrating AI tools like Copilot to enhance productivity and communication. The conversation emphasizes the need for responsible AI deployment and collaboration with labor organizations to develop skills initiatives. Spataro also highlights the importance of adapting education through micro-credentials, showcasing how innovation can redefine the workforce for the future.

Hise Gibson, a Harvard Business School Senior Lecturer, unpacks Deion Sanders' unique leadership style that blends traditional discipline with modern challenges in college football. They discuss Sanders' transition from an athlete to a transformative coach at the University of Colorado, tackling doubts about his experience. Key topics include the impact of his coaching philosophy on player development, the power of accountability, and his innovative use of branding and social media. Gibson emphasizes how Sanders not only aims for athletic success but also prepares athletes for life beyond sports.

Henry McGee, a Harvard Business School Senior Lecturer and former CEO of HBO Home Entertainment, joins Jessica Johnson-Cope, the dynamic President and CEO of Johnson Security Bureau—a historic family-owned security firm. They delve into the delicate balance of scaling a minority-owned business while preserving essential founding values. Topics include navigating leadership transitions, the shift towards cybersecurity, and the importance of community involvement. Their discussion highlights strategies for resilience and growth amid challenges, including the pandemic's impact.

Duke Rohlen, Founder and CEO of Ajax Health, and Regina Herzlinger, a Harvard Business School professor, dive into healthcare innovation. They discuss Rohlen's 'Chassis and Growth Drivers' model designed to align incentives for innovation and financial success. The duo debates the $1 billion bid for Cordis and its potential impact. They explore the high stakes of funding models, the challenges of adapting technology, and the critical role of leadership in overcoming hurdles within the medical tech industry.

James K. Sebenius, a Harvard Business School professor and founder of the school's negotiations unit, dives into the fascinating world of high-stakes deals. He discusses John Branca's strategic negotiation for the Beatles' Northern Songs catalog, emphasizing the blend of cooperation and tough bargaining. Sebenius highlights ethical dilemmas and the emotional components at play, revealing how these dynamics influence outcomes. The conversation also touches on unexpected moments, like an intriguing call from Richard Branson, that shape negotiations in the music industry.