Cold Call

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.

Mike Toffel, an HBS Professor focusing on climate change, joins Duncan van Bergen, Co-founder of Calyx Global, to delve into the challenging landscape of carbon credits. They explore how organizations navigate ethical dilemmas while striving for credibility in the voluntary carbon market. The duo discusses the criteria for high-quality carbon credits, the importance of maintaining integrity, and how emerging technologies like AI and blockchain are transforming evaluation processes. Tune in for insights on balancing business growth with sustainability!

In a lively discussion, HBS Professor Susanna Gallani shares insights on how Lanco Medical Group, a rapidly growing pharmaceutical distributor, is redefining workforce happiness. She reveals the significant gaps in employee motivation perceptions between leadership and staff. With ambitious expansion goals, Lanco creates tailored incentives based on demographic data, recognizing that a one-size-fits-all approach won't cut it. The conversation also emphasizes the crucial link between employee satisfaction and productivity, driving home the importance of a positive organizational culture.

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.