

Cold Call
HBR Presents / Brian Kenny
Cold Call distills Harvard Business School's legendary case studies into podcast form. Hosted by Brian Kenny, the podcast airs every two weeks and features Harvard Business School faculty discussing cases they've written and the lessons they impart.
Episodes
Mentioned books

4 snips
Feb 27, 2024 • 26min
How Could Harvard Decarbonize Its Supply Chain?
Harvard University aims to decarbonize its supply chain by using a low-carbon substitute for cement. The podcast discusses the challenges of measuring carbon emissions and the potential use of blockchain technology. They explore the innovative solution of using recycled glass to cut greenhouse gas emissions in the concrete industry and the importance of precise carbon accounting in reducing emissions.

Feb 13, 2024 • 28min
Apple’s Dilemma: Balancing Privacy and Safety Responsibilities
The podcast explores Apple's dilemma in balancing privacy and safety. It discusses the encryption system on the iPhone 6S, the debate over contact tracing apps during the pandemic, and the controversy surrounding Apple's delay in implementing child sexual abuse features. The podcast also examines the tension between privacy and safety, Apple's dominance in the smartphone market, and the ethical considerations of data ownership and privacy.

Jan 30, 2024 • 27min
Can Second-Generation Ethanol Production Help Decarbonize the World?
The podcast explores Raízen's strategy of bringing second-generation ethanol to the world in order to decarbonize the world. It discusses the challenges and opportunities of producing ethanol from sugar cane byproduct, the importance of buy-in from stakeholders, and ethanol's role in decarbonization. It also highlights the potential for Brazil to become a major exporter of decarbonization services and products.

Jan 16, 2024 • 29min
How SolarWinds Responded to the 2020 SUNBURST Cyberattack
SolarWinds responds to the 2020 SUNBURST cyberattack, facing complications and financial impact. The challenge of identifying affected customers and legal obligations in disclosing the breach. Insights into SolarWinds' handling and response, and the commitment of incoming CEO Ramakrishna. Prioritizing customer concerns and implementing measures for cybersecurity and incident response.

11 snips
Jan 2, 2024 • 23min
Should Businesses Take a Stand on Societal Issues?
Former Best Buy CEO, Hubert Joly, discusses the challenges and risks of businesses engaging with societal issues. He shares examples of companies taking action on racial justice and climate change. The podcast also explores the debate over business focus on social issues and provides advice for aspiring CEOs.

Dec 12, 2023 • 31min
Can Sustainability Drive Innovation at Ferrari?
Harvard Business School professor, Raffaella Sadun, and Ferrari CEO discuss Ferrari's shift to carbon neutrality, collaboration with suppliers, and how sustainability can drive innovation. The episode explores the emotional ties within the Ferrari community, balancing tradition with innovation, and the value of sustainability in inspiring industry transformation.

6 snips
Dec 5, 2023 • 19min
What Founders Get Wrong about Sales and Marketing
Sales and marketing challenges faced by early-stage founders, importance of sales beyond acquiring customers, quantifying product market fit, understanding the salesperson's perspective, disqualifying ideas and markets, AI's role in sales and marketing

Nov 28, 2023 • 19min
Tommy Hilfiger’s Adaptive Clothing Line: Making Fashion Inclusive
Elizabeth Keenan, a Harvard Business School assistant professor, discusses the opportunities and challenges of Tommy Hilfiger's adaptive clothing line for people with disabilities. The podcast explores the success and need for further development of the global expansion. It also delves into Tommy Hilfiger's background, values, and commitment to inclusivity and sustainability. The innovative adaptations in the clothing line and strategic marketing are highlighted, along with partnerships and challenges in making fashion inclusive.

Nov 21, 2023 • 29min
Building a More Equitable Culture at Delta Air Lines
In December 2020, Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian and his leadership team were reviewing the decision to join the OneTen coalition, where he and 36 other CEOs committed to recruiting, hiring, training, and advancing one million Black Americans over the next ten years into family-sustaining jobs. But, how do you ensure everyone has equal access to opportunity within an organization?
Harvard Business School professor Linda Hill discusses Delta’s decision and its progress in embedding a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion in her case, “OneTen at Delta Air Lines: Catalyzing Family-Sustaining Careers for Black Talent.”

Nov 7, 2023 • 25min
How Should Meta Be Governed for the Good of Society?
Julie Owono, executive director of Internet Sans Frontières and a member of the Oversight Board, discusses how the Board governs Meta’s social and political power, the impact of the Board as an alternative to government regulation, and the need for accountability and limits on social media platforms to prevent disruptions to peace and democratic principles in society.