Cold Call

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.

Yavor Bozhanov and Edward McFowland III, both Harvard Business School professors, delve into Pernod Ricard's digital transformation journey. They discuss how the company embraces AI to enhance data-driven decisions while overcoming internal resistance. The need for a strong data culture is emphasized, along with leadership's role in integrating AI. Additionally, they highlight the challenges of maintaining data integrity across global operations and the vital importance of a collaborative environment to successfully implement these technological advancements.

Rick Ruback, a Harvard Business School professor specializing in corporate finance, and Joe Higgins, an executive fellow and former president of Visual Comfort & Company, explore the powerful impact of Lucky Ones Coffee in Park City, Utah. They discuss how this coffee shop uniquely employs individuals with disabilities, emphasizing the for-profit model's effectiveness in addressing unemployment. The duo highlights the community's role in supporting inclusivity, innovative hiring strategies, and the transformative benefits of meaningful employment on both employees and workplace culture.

Jo Tango, a Senior lecturer at Harvard Business School with a rich background in venture capital, and Christina Wallace, an author and expert on tech ventures, dive into the evolution of Sequoia Capital. They discuss the balance of nurturing unicorns while navigating recent shifts in leadership and investment strategies. The conversation covers the impact of COVID on industry dynamics and the importance of sustainable growth strategies amidst a changing economic landscape, highlighting lessons for future leaders.

Brooke Boyarsky Pratt, the founder and CEO of KnownWell, and Jon Jachimowicz, an assistant professor at Harvard Business School, engage in a heartfelt discussion about addressing obesity care. They explore Brooke’s personal battle with weight stigma and her mission to create an inclusive healthcare option. The duo weighs the challenges of scaling her venture against personal passion and the intricacies of navigating career transitions. They also touch on the stigma surrounding obesity in healthcare and the emotional toll of starting a new chapter in one's career.

Fawn Weaver, an entrepreneur and founder of Uncle Nearest, shares her inspiring journey in the spirits industry, facing hurdles as a Black woman in a male-dominated market. She discusses innovative strategies and the power of storytelling in building her award-winning whiskey brand. With plans to expand into the cognac sector, she reveals her vision for disrupting a traditional industry. Throughout the conversation, leadership, community ties, and the importance of human connection are emphasized as keys to her entrepreneurial success.