Cold Call

Mark Pearson, President and CEO of Equitable Holdings, leads a team aiming for cultural transformation in a 163-year-old firm. Joined by Das Narayandas, a Harvard Business School professor, and COO Jeff Hurd, they discuss how the 2018 IPO sparked a need for innovation and faster adaptation. They explore building organizational muscle, breaking down silos through boot camps, and the importance of internal ownership for lasting change. The conversation highlights balancing respect for history with a future-focused approach, and the ongoing evolution of their New Ways of Working initiative.

With the holiday season upon us, and thrifting a major trend, we’re sharing an episode of Harvard Business School’s Climate Rising podcast that’s focused on extending product life, reducing waste, and the growing role of resale in the circular economy. Climate Rising is all about what businesses are doing, can do, and should do to confront climate change. In this episode, “Extending Apparel Lifespan,” HBS Professor Mike Toffel talks to ThredUp CEO James Reinhart about why ThredUp chose to build a national logistics and technology platform for resale. They also talk about how the company partners with big brands to run their own resale channels and how AI and automation are reshaping the industry. It’s an insightful conversation for anyone interested in sustainability or circular business models.

Charles Wang, a Harvard Business School professor specializing in corporate governance, and L.J. Brock, Chief People Officer at Coinbase, share insights on Coinbase's transformative policies. They discuss the challenges and reactions to the company's shift towards a mission-first and remote-first culture. Brock explains how this approach helps attract aligned talent while navigating external criticism. Wang examines the trade-offs between focus and inclusion, emphasizing the long-term benefits of such bold moves in a volatile industry.

Join Jenny Wolfram, founder of BrandBastion, alongside Vesa Rikkinen and Harvard's Julian De Freitas, as they delve into managing online brand reputations. They discuss the hybrid AI-human model that balances efficiency and nuanced judgment in moderation. Topics include how to handle crises, measure trust through comment tagging, and the importance of proactive engagement over silence. The conversation highlights the future of AI in brand interaction, emphasizing ongoing R&D and the ethical implications of corporate control in community management.

George Serafeim, a Harvard Business School professor and expert on Apollo Global Management, dives into Apollo's evolution from a private equity giant to an insurance-focused powerhouse. He discusses the implications of their Athene acquisition, revealing shifts in their financial profile and governance. The conversation covers the competitive landscape between asset-heavy and asset-light firms, the transformation of their investment strategy, and the growing role of private credit. Serafeim also emphasizes the importance of risk management amid changing market dynamics.

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.