Cold Call

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.

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.