Cold Call

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.

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.