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The interview is also on Youtube: https://youtu.be/oSIFewGWnNE?si=efQOrP5YXeoWuYYAGuest Carlos Moreira Founder & CEO of SealSQ Ticker: (Nasdaq: LAES)Website: https://www.sealsq.com/BioCarlos Creus Moreira is a global technology entrepreneur and cybersecurity authority, serving as Founder, Chairman, and CEO of WISeKey (NASDAQ: WKEY) and SEALSQ (LAES). For decades, he has been a leading voice in securing the internet, developing trusted digital identity ecosystems, and advocating for the ethical use of artificial intelligence.Moreira began his career as a United Nations expert on CyberSecurity and Trust Models, working with agencies such as ILO, UNCTAD, ITC/WTO, World Bank, UNDP, and ESCAP (1983–1999). He is also the Founder of OISTE.org, a global non-profit dedicated to strengthening digital identity standards.From 1995 to 1999, he served as an Adjunct Professor and Head of the Trade Efficiency Lab at RMIT University in Australia, contributing to advances in trade facilitation and cybersecurity. His academic and professional work has consistently focused on enhancing trust in digital systems.Moreira holds influential roles in numerous international organizations. He is a Founding Member of the Geneva Government's E-Voting Steering Committee, a UN Global Compact Member, and has contributed extensively to the World Economic Forum (WEF). His WEF roles include: Founding Member of Global Growth Companies, WEF New Champion (2007–2016), Vice-Chair of the Agenda Council on Illicit Trade (2012–2015), Member of the WEF Selection Committee for Growth Companies, and contributor to the Agenda Council on the Future of IT Software & Services (2014–2016). He has been recognized as one of the WEF's Trailblazers, Shapers, and Innovators.He also serves on the Blockchain Advisory Board of the Government of Mexico, the Blockchain Research Institute, and is Founder of the Geneva Security Forum, the Blockchain Center of Excellence, and TrustValley.Moreira has received numerous honors, including:• One of Switzerland's 300 most influential people (Bilan.CH 2011, 2013)• Top 100 in the Net Economy• Most Exciting EU Company (Microsoft MERID 2005)• Man of the Year (AGEFI 2007)• One of Switzerland's 100 most important digital leaders (Bilanz 2016)• Best EU M&A Award (2017)• Blockchain Davos Award of Excellence (GBBC 2018)• CGI Award HolderHe is co-author of the global best-selling book “The TransHuman Code,” a leading work on managing technology's impact on humanity. As a multilingual keynote speaker (English, Spanish, Italian, French, Portuguese), Moreira has spoken at the UN, WEF, CGI, ITU, Bloomberg, Munich Security Conference, World Policy Conference, Zermatt Summit, Microsoft, IMD, INSEAD, MIT Sloan, HEC, UBS, and the CEO Summit.Pioneering Work During the Dawn of the World Wide Web (WWW)During the early 1990s in Geneva, at the same time Tim Berners-Lee was creating the World Wide Web at CERN, Moreira was deeply involved in advancing secure digital identity and trust models. His UN cybersecurity work positioned him as a key advocate for building security into the fabric of the emerging web. This vision led him to found WISeKey in 1999, which has become a global leader in digital identity, authentication, and securing online transactions.He later established the Geneva Security Forum and Geneva Philanthropy Forum, reinforcing Geneva's role as a center for digital trust, innovation, and global cybersecurity dialogue.Married with six children, Carlos Creus Moreira remains committed to building a secure, transparent, and human-centered digital future. More information can be found at carloscreusmoreira.com.
In this episode of the FocusCore Podcast, host David Sweet interviews Robert Heldt, Co-founder and CEO of Custom Media, a B2B marketing agency based in Tokyo. Robert shares his journey from his hospitality background to becoming a leader in digital marketing and strategic communications in Japan. He emphasizes the cultural differences in marketing between Japan and the West, particularly the importance of humility, relationship-building, and contextualized storytelling. Robert introduces the AIM framework (Adapt, Implement, Maximize) used by his agency to help global brands succeed in the Japanese market. The conversation covers the impact of AI on content creation, the importance of localization beyond translation, and the unique challenges faced by B2B brands in Japan.The 2026 FocusCore Salary Guide is here: 2026 Salary Guide In this episode you will hear:Robert's journey from a hospitality background to founding Custom Media, a leading B2B marketing agency in Tokyo.The importance of understanding cultural nuances in Japan and how marketing strategies must be adapted for local audiences.Insights into storytelling in a Japanese context and the emphasis on humility and group values over bold self-promotion.An overview of the AIM framework (Adapt, Implement, Maximize) and its application in helping global brands succeed in Japan.The role of AI in content creation, demand generation, and the evolving landscape of marketing within the B2B sector.About Robert:Robert Heldt is an accomplished entrepreneur and thought leader with over 17 years of experience in digital marketing and strategic communications. He advises global brands on market entry and expansion in Japan, driven by a passion for leveraging storytelling to achieve results in B2B PR and marketing. Robert holds an MBA from McGill and a Digital Transformation Platform Strategies qualification from MIT Sloan. He serves as the APAC President for AMIN Worldwide, a global network of independent advertising and marketing agencies, and is a Vice-Chair on both the PR & Marketing Committee of the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan and the PR Worldwide Alliance.Connect with Robert: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertheldt/ AIM B2B: https://aim-b2b.com/Custom Media: https://custom-media.com/2025 Content Marketing Report: https://aim-b2b.com/blog/longform/content-marketing-japan-2025-insights/Connect with David Sweet:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdavidsweet/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/focuscorejp Facebook: :https://www.facebook.com/focuscoreasiaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/focuscorejp/ Website: https://www.japan.focuscoregroup.com/ This podcast was proudly produced by Lisa...
In this episode of The Leadership Podcast, Niels Brabandt explores the decisive factor that determines whether hybrid work succeeds or fails: leadership quality. Drawing on new evidence from the MIT Sloan Management Review, Brabandt examines why hybrid work itself is not the real challenge — ineffective leadership is. He unpacks how executives fall into filter bubbles and echo chambers, how opinion replaces evidence in boardrooms, and why leaders who manage by presence rather than by performance undermine both trust and results. Listeners will gain practical, research-based insights on: How to design hybrid models that strengthen engagement and accountability. Why evidence-based leadership outperforms intuition and hierarchy. The role of culture, credibility, and competence in modern workplaces. How leaders can build organisations that thrive on flexibility and trust. Citing work by MIT Sloan and Professor Tsedal Neeley (Harvard Business School), Niels Brabandt connects academic research with real-world leadership practice — offering a clear roadmap for decision-makers navigating the future of work. For more on sustainable, evidence-based leadership, visit www.NB-Networks.biz and connect with Niels Brabandt on LinkedIn. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks.com Contact to Niels Brabandt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Niels Brabandt's Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/ Niels Brabandt's Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/
Nachhaltige Führung - Der Leadership Podcast mit Niels Brabandt / NB Networks
Hybride Arbeit ist kein Modebegriff, sondern die Realität moderner Organisationen. Dennoch scheitern viele Unternehmen daran, sie erfolgreich umzusetzen. Woran liegt das? Laut einer aktuellen Studie des MIT Sloan Management Review eindeutig an mangelnder Führung. In dieser Episode analysiert Niels Brabandt, Gründer und Inhaber von NB Networks, warum hybride Arbeit nur dort funktioniert, wo Führung exzellent, glaubwürdig und evidenzbasiert ist. Er zeigt auf, wie wissenschaftliche Erkenntnisse – unter anderem von MIT Sloan und Professorin Tsedal Neeley (Harvard University) – die verbreiteten Irrtümer über Remote- und Hybridarbeit widerlegen. Sie erfahren in dieser Folge: Warum hybride Arbeit nicht das Problem, sondern ein Symptom schlechter Führung ist. Wie Filterblasen und Echokammern Managemententscheidungen verzerren. Welche Kompetenzen Führungskräfte entwickeln müssen, um hybride Teams erfolgreich zu führen. Warum die Arbeitsumgebung und Unternehmenskultur entscheidend sind – nicht die Anwesenheitspflicht. Wie wissenschaftliche Evidenz und praxisorientierte Führung zusammenwirken, um nachhaltige Leistung zu ermöglichen. Brabandt argumentiert klar: Hybride Arbeit scheitert nur dort, wo Führung versagt. Wer hingegen auf Vertrauen, Ergebnisorientierung und Evidenz setzt, wird langfristig produktivere, loyalere und innovativere Teams führen. Diese Episode richtet sich an Entscheidungstragende, Führungskräfte und HR-Verantwortliche, die Leadership im 21. Jahrhundert verstehen – nicht verwalten – wollen. Weitere Informationen, Artikel, Podcast-Archive und Live-Sessions finden Sie unter
Alex Brown is a former admissions officer from the Wharton school and current Clear Admit community manager and podcaster. He also teaches digital marketing for some top business schools, including Columbia Business School and London Business School. Graham Richmond is the co-founder of Clear Admit and former admissions officer at Wharton, where he received his MBA. He leads marketing, technology, and research initiatives for Clear Admit. In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing the current state of the MBA admissions season, with interview invites continuing to roll out. This upcoming week, Duke / Fuqua is scheduled to release interview invites, and Columbia is scheduled to have released all its Round 1 interview invites. Ohio / Fisher is scheduled to release its Early Action round decisions, Michigan State / Broad is scheduled to release its Round 1 decisions and Oxford / Said is scheduled to release its Stage 2 decisions. Graham highlighted the upcoming deferred enrollment webinar, scheduled for Wednesday, and the upcoming Masters in Management (MiM) webinar series. Signups for all these events are here, https://www.clearadmit.com/events The next livestream AMA is scheduled for Tuesday, November 25; here's the link to Clear Admit's YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/cayoutubelive. Graham noted three admissions tips recently published by Clear Admit. The first focuses on the steps to take after the MBA admissions interview is completed. The next tip focuses on the importance of the business school campus environment, and the final tip addresses the role of volunteer experience in the MBA admissions process. Graham also noted a recently published article that identifies eight key benefits of earning a Masters in Management (MiM). Graham highlighted three Real Humans pieces that spotlight students from London Business School, Indiana / Kelley and CMU / Tepper. We then addressed three recently published Class of 2027 admissions profiles, from Stanford, MIT / Sloan and Chicago / Booth. For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected three ApplyWire entries: This week's first MBA admissions candidate is from Australia and is seeking a test waiver. We are encouraging them to consider taking the test, to then target the very top MBA programs. This week's second MBA applicant is from India and is targeting several top MBA programs in the U.K. They want to be in London, post MBA. They are currently retaking the GRE. This week's final MBA candidate works in Real Estate, for a family business. They have a 330 GRE. This episode was recorded in Paris, France and Cornwall, England. It was produced and engineered by the fabulous Dennis Crowley in Philadelphia, USA. Thanks to all of you who've been joining us and please remember to rate and review this show wherever you listen!
Discover why Shell, Eni, and MCJ invested in this molten borate carbon capture tech led by an MIT PhD.
The Pentagon is preparing to enforce the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) requirements for small businesses, with compliance becoming mandatory in contracts starting November 10, 2025. Nearly 500 organizations have already achieved Level 2 certification, and the Defense Department is actively surveying small businesses to assess their readiness for these new standards. This initiative is expected to extend beyond Department of Defense contractors, potentially influencing other federal agencies and international partners to adopt similar cybersecurity measures.Recent reports highlight a concerning rise in cybersecurity threats, particularly in mobile attacks and ransomware incidents. According to the Verizon 2025 Mobile Security Index, 85% of organizations have reported increased mobile attacks, with 38% identifying AI-powered ransomware as a growing concern. Despite the widespread use of generative AI tools, only 17% of organizations have implemented specific security measures to counter AI-assisted attacks. Additionally, a report from Sophos indicates that 58% of retailers impacted by ransomware opted to pay the ransom, with the median demand doubling to $2 million.The episode also discusses the withdrawal of a controversial MIT Sloan paper that claimed 80% of ransomware attacks involved artificial intelligence, following criticism from cybersecurity experts. This incident underscores the issue of "AI-washing" in the cybersecurity sector, where unverified claims are made to attract attention. MSPs are advised to scrutinize such claims and focus on proven security practices rather than hype-driven narratives.For Managed Service Providers and IT decision-makers, the key takeaway is the importance of compliance and foundational cybersecurity practices. As the CMMC requirements loom, MSPs should consider developing readiness packages and tightening documentation processes. Additionally, the ongoing rise in lawsuits related to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) highlights the need for businesses to prioritize compliance as a critical aspect of risk management, reinforcing that effective cybersecurity and legal compliance are essential for sustainable operations. Four things to know today00:00 The Cyber Threats Are Real — But It's Not AI Geniuses, It's the Same Old Tricks Getting Smarter05:05 MIT's Big AI-Ransomware Claim Falls Apart — Turns Out the Data Didn't Hold Up07:09 The Pentagon's Rolling Out CMMC — and Small Businesses Are Feeling the Pressure on All Fronts10:27 Everyone Wants to Be Your Platform — New MSP Tools from Cisco, Barracuda, and WatchGuard Show WhyThis is the Business of Tech. Supported by: https://saasalerts.com/mspradio/
Have you ever felt like you're constantly putting out fires at work instead of making progress? Kevin welcomes Don Kieffer and Nelson Repenning to discuss why so many workplace processes feel frustrating and ineffective, and what leaders can do about it. Drawing on decades of experience in operations and organizational design, Don and Nelson reveal why quick-fix workarounds backfire, how firefighting becomes the default mode of operation, and the hidden costs of constantly reacting instead of leading. They introduce the concept of dynamic work design and explain why breaking down silos isn't just nice to have, it's essential. Along the way, they share practical tools leaders can use to move from chaos to sustainable success. Listen For 00:00 Introduction and the problem with roadblocks at work 03:33 How they met and started collaborating 06:07 The Harley-Davidson connection 08:32 The big idea behind the book 09:41 Why organizations assume the world is predictable 11:03 What dynamic work design means 12:21 The hidden cost of firefighting and workarounds 13:01 The firefighting trap explained 15:33 How firefighting becomes self-reinforcing 17:36 Why the dynamic appears in every organization 19:12 Leadership behaviors that unintentionally worsen it 21:12 Moving beyond blame to system thinking 21:56 The problem with silos in organizations 23:43 How work actually flows across silos 25:12 Visualizing knowledge work to expose inefficiency 26:04 Silos and identity in organizations 27:22 Why we must focus on system productivity 28:36 The matrix problem in modern organizations 29:12 Five elements of dynamic work design 29:48 Problem formation as an underrated leadership skill 30:24 Why framing the problem matters 31:23 Using conscious thinking to solve the right problems 32:36 Asking "what problem are we trying to solve" 33:20 What leaders can learn from this habit 33:48 Don and Nelson's hobbies outside of work 34:38 What they are reading now 35:35 Where to find their book and connect 37:19 Wrap up and invitation to subscribe Their Story: Nelson P. Repenning and Donald C. Kieffer are the authors of There's Got to Be a Better Way: How to Deliver Results and Get Rid of the Stuff That Gets in the Way of Real Work. Nelson is the School of Management Distinguished Professor at the MIT Sloan School of Management. He is currently the director of MIT's Leadership Center and was recently recognized by Poets & Quants as one of the world's top executive MBA instructors. His scholarly work has appeared in Management Science, Organization Science, Administrative Science Quarterly, the Academy of Management Review, Strategic Management Journal, and Research in Organizational Behavior. Donald C. Kieffer is a Senior Lecturer in Operations Management at MIT Sloan. He is a career operations executive and co-creator of Dynamic Work Design. Kieffer started running equipment in factories at age 17. He was VP of operational excellence at Harley-Davidson, where he worked for 15 years. Since 2007, he has been advising leaders in a variety of industries around the globe. His guidance was instrumental in transforming both the production and technical development areas of the Broad Institute, a Cambridge-based genomic sequencing organization, now an industry leader. He is the founder of ShiftGear Work Design, LLC, and teaches Operations Management at AVT in Copenhagen. This Episode is brought to you by... Flexible Leadership is every leader's guide to greater success in a world of increasing complexity and chaos. Book Recommendations There's Got to Be a Better Way: How to Deliver Results and Get Rid of the Stuff That Gets in the Way of Real Work by Nelson P. Repenning and Donald C. Kieffer The Mindful Body: Thinking Our Way to Chronic Health by Ellen J. Langer Murder Mysteries by Lousie Penny Like this? Competing in the New World of Work with Keith Ferrazzi How to Achieve Breakthrough Execution and Accelerate Growth with Patrick Thean Leave a Review If you liked this conversation, we'd be thrilled if you'd let others know by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. Here's a quick guide for posting a review. Review on Apple: https://remarkablepodcast.com/itunes Join Our Community If you want to view our live podcast episodes, hear about new releases, or chat with others who enjoy this podcast join one of our communities below. Join the Facebook Group Join the LinkedIn Group Podcast Better! Sign up with Libsyn and get up to 2 months free! Use promo code: RLP
China-Linked hackers target Cisco firewalls. MIT Sloan withdraws controversial “AI-Driven Ransomware” paper. A new study questions the value of cybersecurity training. Hackers exploit OpenAI's API as a malware command channel. Apple patches over 100 Security flaws across devices. A Florida-based operator of mental health and addiction treatment centers exposes sensitive patient information. OPM plans a “mass deferment” for Cybercorps scholars affected by the government shutdown. Lawmakers urge the FTC to investigate Flock Safety's cybersecurity gaps. Cybercriminals team with organized crime for high-tech cargo thefts. Ben Yelin from University of Maryland Center for Cyber Health and Hazard Strategies discussing ICE's controversial facial scanning initiative. A priceless theft meets a worthless password. Remember to leave us a 5-star rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Miss an episode? Sign-up for our daily intelligence roundup, Daily Briefing, and you'll never miss a beat. And be sure to follow CyberWire Daily on LinkedIn. CyberWire Guest We are joined by Ben Yelin from University of Maryland Center for Cyber Health and Hazard Strategies discussing ICE's controversial facial scanning initiative. You can read more about Ben's topic from 404 Media: You Can't Refuse To Be Scanned by ICE's Facial Recognition App, DHS Document Says. Selected Reading China-Linked Hackers Target Cisco Firewalls in Global Campaign (Hackread) MIT Sloan shelves paper about AI-driven ransomware (The Register) CyberSlop — meet the new threat actor, MIT and Safe Security (DoublePulsar) Study concludes cybersecurity training doesn't work (KPBS Public Media) Microsoft: OpenAI API moonlights as malware HQ (The Register) Apple Patches 19 WebKit Vulnerabilities (SecurityWeek) Data Theft Hits Behavioral Health Network in 3 States (Bank Infosecurity) OPM plans to give CyberCorps members more time to find jobs after shutdown ends (CyberScoop) Lawmakers ask FTC to probe Flock Safety's cybersecurity practices (The Record) Cybercriminals, OCGs team up on lucrative cargo thefts (The Register) Louvre Robbery: Security Flaws: The (Obviously) Password Was "Louvre" (L'Unione Sarda) Share your feedback. What do you think about CyberWire Daily? Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts with us by completing our brief listener survey. Thank you for helping us continue to improve our show. Want to hear your company in the show? N2K CyberWire helps you reach the industry's most influential leaders and operators, while building visibility, authority, and connectivity across the cybersecurity community. Learn more at sponsor.thecyberwire.com. The CyberWire is a production of N2K Networks, your source for strategic workforce intelligence. © N2K Networks, Inc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Você já sentiu a pressão de ter que decidir quando tudo está desmoronando? Eu sim. Já vivi aquele momento pesado em que cada segundo parecia carregar o peso do mundo. Liderança sob pressão não é heroísmo; é inteligência emocional aplicada.MIT Sloan aponta: 74% dos líderes mais eficientes são aqueles que tomam decisões rápidas e firmes em crises. Harvard Business Review mostra: equipes lideradas por decisores assertivos entregam até 40% mais em situações adversas.Se a sua hesitação tem paralisado sua equipe, atenção: você está cavando o fracasso que ninguém quer assumir.
In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing the current state of the MBA admissions season, with interview invites continuing to roll out. This week, Georgetown / McDonough is scheduled to release its Early Action decisions and Cornell / Johnson is scheduled to release its Round 1 interview invites. We also anticipate that MIT / Sloan will release its Round 1 interview invites. We then had a discussion on the H1-B visa situation, concluding that US MBA graduates residing in the USA may now be at an advantage, over those who apply for the visa from their home country. This is an ongoing and impactful situation for top MBA candidates. Graham highlighted next week's events being hosted by Clear Admit, concluding a series focused on MBA programs in different regions of the United States. Signups for all these events are here, https://www.clearadmit.com/events Graham also highlighted our next livestream AMA, which is scheduled for today, Monday, October 27; here's the link to Clear Admit's YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/cayoutubelive. Graham noted two recently published admissions tips. The first focuses on Wharton's Team-Based Interview; Wharton released its interview invites for Round 1 last week. The second focuses on developing a target program list, helpful for those applying in Round 2. He also shared a peek at some comments from a first year MBA student at Duke / Fuqua, as part of our ongoing Real Humans series. We then reviewed the Berkeley / Haas Class of 2026 profile, and the NYU / Stern Class of 2026 profile. Both declared slightly smaller class sizes, and a higher proportion of international students in the class. For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected three ApplyWire entries: This week's first MBA admissions candidate applied in Round 1 to a few programs and is now considering their Round 2 strategy. They have progressed from an analyst role to a product management role. This week's second MBA applicant is an investment banking analyst in the digital infrastructure domain. They have a 320 GRE, and we really hope they retake the test. The final MBA candidate is from Mexico and has a 685 GMAT score. Their overall profile does look strong, and they want to do investment banking in the short term, post MBA. This episode was recorded in Saratoga Springs, New York and Cornwall, England. It was produced and engineered by the fabulous Dennis Crowley in Philadelphia, USA. Thanks to all of you who've been joining us and please remember to rate and review this show wherever you listen!
This week, I'm thrilled to welcome Massachusetts Fourth District Representative Jake Auchincloss to the podcast. Congressman Auchincloss is serving his third term in office and currently works on the House Committee on Energy & Commerce with a particular focus on issues including healthcare, clean energy, gun violence, and a strong middle class. From his bio:Jake was born and raised in Newton, Massachusetts, the son of a surgeon and a scientist. They showed him the value of curiosity and hard work. From the moment he could read, Jake loved American history.After graduating from Harvard College, Jake joined the Marines. He commanded infantry in Afghanistan and special operations in Panama.Upon returning home, Jake continued his service as a three-term city councilor in Newton. While working at City Hall on nights and weekends, Jake built a career in business, running product development at both a Fortune 100 insurance company and a cybersecurity startup. He has degrees in economics and finance from Harvard University and MIT Sloan.Today, Jake lives in Newton with his wife, Michelle, and their children, Teddy, Grace, and Audrey (along with their Labrador Retriever, Donut).After a decade defined by division and distrust in politics, Congressman Auchincloss believes America is ready to rebuild the country and civic life. We talk about post-Trump politics, restoring confidence in democracy, and what it takes to create a pragmatic, forward-looking center in American life.Please listen in on or watch a wonderful discussion! A transcript of this podcast is available on the post page on our website. Get full access to The Liberal Patriot at www.liberalpatriot.com/subscribe
Send us a textIn this episode, we sit down with Don Kieffer, senior lecturer at MIT Sloan School of Management and co-author of There's Gotta Be a Better Way, to talk about what actually makes companies run well. Don has spent decades helping organizations, from Harley-Davidson factory floors to biotech labs, design better systems that unlock real performance. We break down the five-principle framework he developed with his co-author, Nelson Repenning, an MIT PhD, MIT Sloan professor, and leading expert in operations and systems thinking, for building operational excellence: solving the right problem, structuring for discovery, connecting the human chain, regulating for flow, and visualizing the work.Through stories that range from front-desk hotel check-ins to a corrugated cardboard plant and even private equity fundraising pipelines, Don shows how tiny operational tweaks can deliver huge impact. We explore why firefighting cultures keep companies stuck in a “capability trap,” why automation without fixing the human system first is a mistake, and why the best private equity playbooks focus on execution, not spreadsheets. For founders, operators, and investors alike, this is a practical, no-fluff conversation about how businesses actually scale.Before diving into operations, we also touch on recent rumblings in credit markets, continuing our discussion on the failed refinancing of First Brands and the liquidation of TriColor to bank fraud write-offs and how credit default swaps can amplify market stress. It's a lively, two-part arc: first, the operational playbook; next, how top investors at Private Equity firms think about value creation inside portfolio companies.Check out the book HEREFor 20% off Deleteme, use the code TWSS or click the link HERE! Sign up for our LIVE Virtual Bootcamps! 2-Day Financial Modeling Bootcamp Master the technical Excel and accounting skills essential for investment banking, private equity, and fundamental investing. (Learn more HERE) Global Markets & Investing PlaybookA one-day crash course on the financial ecosystem, perfect for anyone seeking a big-picture understanding of how global markets and Wall Street fit together. Our content is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. (Learn more HERE)
Jak firmy mogą dziś wykorzystać potencjał sztucznej inteligencji, by lepiej rozumieć klientów, zwiększać skuteczność sprzedaży i budować trwałe zaufanie? W erze generatywnej AI rośnie rola danych i personalizacji, ale równie ważne staje się etyczne podejście do technologii oraz zachowanie ludzkiego wymiaru kontaktu. Wysłuchaj podcastu MIT Sloan Management Review Polska, w którym Magdalena Kasiewicz wyjaśnia m.in.: • Jak AI wspiera rozwój biznesu i przewagę konkurencyjną? • Dlaczego dane są kluczowym zasobem we współczesnej sprzedaży? • Jak zrównoważyć automatyzację procesów z ludzkim podejściem do klienta? • Jakie kompetencje powinni rozwijać sprzedawcy, by efektywnie pracować z AI? • Dlaczego człowiek – nie algorytm – powinien pozostać w centrum technologii? Special Guest: Magdalena Kasiewicz.
What if the secret to organizational success isn't another management fad but a return to the basics of how work actually gets done? Don Kieffer, senior lecturer at MIT Sloan and former Harley-Davidson executive, joins me on Remarkable People to unpack the five principles of Dynamic Work Design. With stories ranging from factory floors to biotech startups, Don reveals why firefighting cultures stall progress and how small, focused experiments can unleash innovation. His new book, There's Got to Be a Better Way, challenges leaders to slow down, connect the human chain, and discover practical ways to build stronger organizations.---Guy Kawasaki is on a mission to make you remarkable. His Remarkable People podcast features interviews with remarkable people such as Jane Goodall, Marc Benioff, Woz, Kristi Yamaguchi, and Bob Cialdini. Every episode will make you more remarkable.With his decades of experience in Silicon Valley as a Venture Capitalist and advisor to the top entrepreneurs in the world, Guy's questions come from a place of curiosity and passion for technology, start-ups, entrepreneurship, and marketing. If you love society and culture, documentaries, and business podcasts, take a second to follow Remarkable People.Listeners of the Remarkable People podcast will learn from some of the most successful people in the world with practical tips and inspiring stories that will help you be more remarkable.Episodes of Remarkable People organized by topic: https://bit.ly/rptopologyListen to Remarkable People here: **https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/guy-kawasakis-remarkable-people/id1483081827**Like this show? Please leave us a review -- even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally!Thank you for your support; it helps the show!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing the current state of the MBA admissions season. This week, MIT / Sloan, Duke / Fuqua, CMU / Tepper, UVA / Darden, UCLA / Anderson, Emory / Goizueta, Georgetown / McDonough, Washington / Foster, Vanderbilt / Owen, Georgia Tech / Scheller, Maryland / Smith and Minnesota / Carlson have Round 1 application deadlines. Oxford / Said has its Stage 2 application deadline. Graham highlighted several upcoming events being hosted by Clear Admit in the upcoming months, including a Real Humans series, a deferred admissions series and a series focused on MBA programs in different regions of the United States. Graham also highlighted our next livestream AMA, scheduled for Tuesday, October 28; here's the link to Clear Admit's YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/cayoutubelive. Graham noted that two new business-related academic programs were announced last week: Wharton's MS in Quantitative Finance and Georgetown's MS in Business Analytics. Graham then noted two recently published admissions tips, focused on MBA interview etiquette and the role of letters of support. Graham discussed the recently published Real Humans series focused on NYU / Stern. This led to a brief discussion on GMAT preparation. We then discussed the Class of 2027 admissions profile from Wharton, within the context of class profiles from Anderson and Johnson. For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected three ApplyWire entries. This week's first MBA admissions candidate has a strong international focus and can speak several languages. They have a super GRE score of 331. This week's second MBA candidate is a West Point graduate with a 2.76 GPA. We discussed potentials for mitigation, which might include retaking the GRE. They currently have a 321 GRE score. The final MBA candidate is from Pakistan and has a terrific GRE score of 335. They are working in energy sector consulting and looking to switch to a more health-care focused career. This episode was recorded in Paris, France and Cornwall, England. It was produced and engineered by the fabulous Dennis Crowley in Philadelphia, USA. Thanks to all of you who've been joining us and please remember to rate and review this show wherever you listen!
Modern digital supply chains are increasingly complex and vulnerable. In this episode of Security Matters, host David Puner is joined by Retsef Levi, professor of operations management at the MIT Sloan School of Management, to explore how organizations can “sense the signals” of hidden risks lurking within their software supply chains, from open source dependencies to third-party integrations and AI-driven automation.Professor Levi, a leading expert in cyber resilience and complex systems, explains why traditional prevention isn't enough and how attackers exploit unseen pathways to infiltrate even the most secure enterprises. The conversation covers the critical need for transparency, continuous monitoring, and rapid detection and recovery in an era where software is built from countless unknown components.Key topics include:How to sense early warning signs of supply chain attacksThe role of AI and automation in both risk and defenseBest practices for mapping and securing your digital ecosystemWhy resilience—not just prevention—must be at the core of your security strategyWhether you're a CISO, IT leader or security practitioner, this episode will help you rethink your approach to digital supply chain risk and prepare your organization for what's next.Subscribe to Security Matters for expert insights on identity security, cyber resilience and the evolving threat landscape.
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Have you ever considered that angel numbers, gut feelings, and “random” synchronicities weren't just coincidences… but clues? In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Tara Swart to talk about the brain science behind intuition, the senses we never talk about, and the forgotten wisdom that could reconnect you with your full potential. Dr. Tara Swart is a neuroscientist with a PhD, a former Oxford-trained medical doctor, a Senior Advisor at MIT Sloan, Chief Science Officer at Dirtea, and the best-selling author of The Source, which has been translated into 38 languages. She's advised high-level leaders across the globe, and this isn't her first time on The Goal Digger Podcast! Check out her interview from 2021 all about the neuroscience of manifestation! Whether you call it your gut, your inner knowing, or something greater, this conversation will give you a new lens on how to make decisions, overcome blocks, and open yourself to what's possible. So if you've ever wondered whether those “signs” you've been noticing are just coincidences or if they're trying to tell you something, you're in the right place! Goal Digger Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/goaldiggerpodcast/ Goal Digger Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goaldiggerpodcast/ Goal Digger Show Notes: https://jennakutcherblog.com/science-meets-spirituality-trust-your-gut Thanks to our Goal Digger Sponsors: Sign up for your $1/month Shopify trial period at http://shopify.com/goaldigger. Find a co-host today at http://airbnb.com/host. Start your risk-free Greenlight trial today at http://greenlight.com/goaldigger! Spend $250 on your first campaign on LinkedIn Ads and get a free $250 credit for the next one—no strings attached. Just go to https://www.linkedin.com/goal. Shop SKIMS Fits Everybody collection at http://skims.com/goaldigger! Ready to see what powerful banking can do for your business? Visit http://www.mercury.com/goal to apply in minutes. Mercury is a financial technology company, not an FDIC-insured bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group, Column, N.A., and Evolve Bank & Trust, Members FDIC. The IO Card is issued by Patriot Bank, Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Mastercard. Working capital loans provided by Mercury Lending, LLC NMLS ID: 2606284.
Welcome to episode #1001 of Thinking With Mitch Joel (formerly Six Pixels of Separation). Toby Stuart is a Distinguished Professor of Business Administration at the Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley, where he directs the Berkeley-Haas Entrepreneurship Program and the Institute for Business Innovation. Over his career, he has also taught at Harvard, Columbia, Chicago Booth and MIT Sloan, and he is recognized globally as one of the leading thinkers on entrepreneurship, networks and organizational strategy. Beyond academia, Toby sits on the boards of multiple technology companies, cofounded the Black Venture Institute, and serves as the founding Chairman of Workday's AI Advisory Board. His latest book, Anointed - The Extraordinary Effects Of Social Status In A Winner-Take-Most World, examines the invisible hierarchies that govern so much of human life and why small advantages so often compound into massive outcomes. From why blurbs on books sway readers, to how neighborhoods or technologies become “the next big thing,” to the inequalities embedded in who gets credit for innovation, Anointed reveals how status shapes trust, opportunity and even our sense of self (I loved this book). Toby argues that status is both necessary - helping us navigate infinite choices in the modern world - and corrosive, creating inequality that is often disconnected from true merit. In our discussion, Toby unpacks the mechanics of anointment, the ways status rubs off through association and how technology, especially AI, might both entrench and disrupt these hierarchies. The conversation explores the paradox of meritocracy, the illusions of self-anointment in today's digital culture and the future of work as AI accelerates change. If you've ever wondered why some ideas, people, or companies get chosen while others languish (or even how you go to where you are), this conversation will challenge you to see the hidden operating system behind everyday decisions. Enjoy the conversation... Running time: 55:24. Hello from beautiful Montreal. Listen and subscribe over at Apple Podcasts. Listen and subscribe over at Spotify. Please visit and leave comments on the blog - Thinking With Mitch Joel. Feel free to connect to me directly on LinkedIn. Check out ThinkersOne. Here is my conversation with Toby Stuart. Anointed - The Extraordinary Effects Of Social Status In A Winner-Take-Most World. Haas School of Business. Follow Toby on LinkedIn. Chapters: (00:00) - Introduction to Toby Stuart. (01:50) - Understanding Anointed and Social Status. (04:40) - The Necessity and Corrosiveness of Status. (08:54) - Blurbs, Status, and the Publishing Industry. (12:40) - The Role of Association in Anointment. (15:29) - Breaking into New Fields and Status Transfer. (19:44) - Meritocracy and the Role of AI. (27:12) - AI's Impact on Status and Society. (31:38) - The Impact of AI on Status and Credentials. (34:46) - Evaluating Human Contribution in the Age of AI. (39:17) - The Future of AI Regulation and Power Dynamics. (45:29) - Self-Anointed Status in a Digital World. (51:25) - Reflections on Status and Personal Growth.
In this episode of “The Business of Blueberries,” Inez Be, director of marketing at the U.S. Highbush Council (USHBC) and the North American Blueberry Council (NABC), is joined by VentureFuel Founder and CEO Fred Schonenberg. VentureFuel is an innovation advisory firm that helps major brands, such as Netflix and General Mills, unlock growth through startup collaborations. The USHBC has partnered with VentureFuel to launch the Blueberry Boost Accelerator, a first-of-its-kind program supporting emerging brands using blueberries as a prominent ingredient. Schonenberg is a frequent speaker at top industry events like SXSW and Shoptalk, and holds executive education credentials from Harvard, MIT Sloan and Columbia Business School. He shares the value and purpose of such an innovative program and the benefit it can offer blueberry stakeholders.“ Really, it's a programmatic and high-speed way to take very promising ideas and accelerate their growth to some sort of impact. And what's really cool about what we're doing in the blueberry industry is this idea that the blueberries are the heart of this, they're the platform of innovation.” – Fred Schonenberg Topics covered include: An introduction to Shonenberg and his work at VentureFuel.A description of the Blueberry Boost Accelerator and what it hopes to achieve. The impact this intensive program can have for innovative startups with a blueberry focus.Learn more about the Blueberry Boost Accelerator today and meet the finalists – and sample their products – at the upcoming Blueberry Convention! Crop ReportThe Blueberry Crop Report is an update on crop conditions and markets throughout important blueberry growing areas. Today you'll hear from Alan Schreiber in Washington, Caylan Huddleston in Oregon and Luis Vegas in Peru. This was recorded on September 4, 2025.
Firmy od lat zmagają się z problemem niedoboru danych lub ich niskiej jakości. Jednocześnie rosną wymagania dotyczące ochrony prywatności oraz konieczność testowania rzadkich, trudnych do przewidzenia zjawisk. Odpowiedzią na te wyzwania stają się dane syntetyczne – sztucznie generowane zbiory, które wiernie odzwierciedlają statystyczne zależności w danych rzeczywistych, ale nie zawierają wrażliwych rekordów. Wysłuchaj podcastu MIT Sloan Management Review Polska, w którym Artur Skalski wyjaśnia m.in.: • Dlaczego dane syntetyczne mogą być kluczowym zasobem dla firm w erze cyfrowej? • Jak wspierają ochronę prywatności i ograniczają ryzyka prawne? • W jaki sposób umożliwiają testowanie rzadkich zjawisk, takich jak fraudy? • Czym są cyfrowe bliźniaki i jak dane syntetyczne pomagają w ich tworzeniu? Special Guest: Artur Skalski.
Can You REALLY Talk to the Dead? MIT Neuroscientist Dr. Tara Swart Says Yes—And Brings the Science to Prove It What happens when one of the world's leading MIT neuroscientists, Dr. Tara Swart (Senior Lecturer at MIT Sloan and author of The Signs: The Secret Language of the Universe) loses her husband and begins receiving undeniable messages from the beyond? In this groundbreaking episode of Mayim Bialik's Breakdown, Dr. Tara Swart opens up about her journey from respected neuroscientist and leadership advisor to spiritual explorer after the sudden loss of her husband, Robin. Known globally for her work on neuroplasticity, brain science, and intuition, Dr. Swart reveals how grief led her to a profound awakening: vivid dreams, ancestral connections, angel numbers, and even a visitation she refuses to dismiss as hallucination. She blends her rigorous background in neuroscience with her lived experience, challenging us to rethink the boundaries between science and spirituality. Dr. Tara Swart breaks down: - Neuroscience of Intuition: How to train your brain to tune into instincts and signs - Near Death Experiences (NDEs) and why the brain may be filtering out reality - Grief and trauma in the body: Why talk therapy alone isn't enough - The surprising link between creativity, movement, and trauma healing - Why altered states of consciousness don't require drugs - The health benefits of ancestral healing and spiritual connection - Why beauty acts as a healing frequency for the brain - The thin line between mental illness and genius - Why she believes in angel numbers—and how they've shaped her decisions - Her most radical theory: Consciousness may not live in the brain at all This isn't just another conversation on neuroscience. Dr. Tara Swart pushes us to expand the limits of what it means to be human by merging brain science, spirituality, and the mysteries of consciousness into a powerful roadmap for life after loss, trauma, and fear. Dr. Tara Swart's latest book, THE SIGNS: The New Science of How to Trust Your Instincts: https://www.taraswart.com/the-signs/ Follow us on Substack for Exclusive Bonus Content: https://bialikbreakdown.substack.com/ BialikBreakdown.com YouTube.com/mayimbialik Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dr Tara Swart is a neuroscientist, senior lecturer at MIT Sloan, and an author. What is intuition? We've all heard the phrase “trust your gut,” but where does that feeling actually come from? Is it grounded in neuroscience or something more mysterious? And most importantly, can you rely on it, and how do you get better at listening to it? Expect to learn what it means to trust your instincts and what really mean “trust your gut” actually means and comes from, how to tell the difference between anxiety-driven thoughts and genuine intuitive insight, what role inflammation plays when it comes to brain function, why you should be focusing on the importance of connective fascia tissue, if there really is a metaphysical element to intuition and much more… Sponsors: See me on tour in America: https://chriswilliamson.live See discounts for all the products I use and recommend: https://chriswillx.com/deals Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period from Shopify at https://shopify.com/modernwisdom Get up to $50 off the RP Hypertrophy App at https://rpstrength.com/modernwisdom Get a Free Sample Pack of LMNT's most popular Flavours with your first purchase at https://drinklmnt.com/modernwisdom Timestamps: (0:00) Why Do We Ignore Our Instincts? (2:05) Choosing What Feels Right Over What is Right (6:14) Is There a Difference Between Instincts and Intuition? (8:11) What is the Serotonin Hypothesis? (11:53) How Can We Determine What Feels Right? (21:27) When Logic, Intuition and Emotion Clash (23:34) Which Archetypes Struggle with Intuition? (28:35) The Effect of Brain and Gut Health on Intuition (36:21) How Do Relationships Impact Our Intuition? (43:18) The Benefits of Gratitude Practice (51:13) How to Train Yourself to Listen to Your Intuition (59:04) How Much Does Chris Trust His Intuition? (01:01:52) What is the Difference Between Being Psychic and Trusting Your Intuition? (01:04:43) Receiving Signs from ‘Beyond' (01:13:14) Can Signs Be Explained by Psychology? (01:16:44) What Might We Discover? (01:20:43) Find Out More About Tara Extra Stuff: Get my free reading list of 100 books to read before you die: https://chriswillx.com/books Try my productivity energy drink Neutonic: https://neutonic.com/modernwisdom Episodes You Might Enjoy: #577 - David Goggins - This Is How To Master Your Life: https://tinyurl.com/43hv6y59 #712 - Dr Jordan Peterson - How To Destroy Your Negative Beliefs: https://tinyurl.com/2rtz7avf #700 - Dr Andrew Huberman - The Secret Tools To Hack Your Brain: https://tinyurl.com/3ccn5vkp - Get In Touch: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chriswillx Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/chriswillx YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/modernwisdompodcast Email: https://chriswillx.com/contact - Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nelson Repenning and Don Kieffer joined host Jamie Flinchbaugh to discuss their collaborative book "There's Got to Be a Better Way" and their approach to dynamic work design. Nelson Repenning is the School of Management Distinguished Professor at the MIT Sloan School of Management, while Don Kieffer is a senior lecturer in operations management at MIT Sloan and founder of ShiftGear Work Design. Their partnership represents a unique blend of academic rigor and practical factory floor experience spanning nearly three decades. The conversation began with personal connections, as Jamie noted his long history working with Don during transformation efforts at companies like Harley-Davidson, and his experience as one of Nelson's first students in systems dynamics at MIT. Don shared how Jamie helped translate complex manufacturing concepts into accessible language during their work at Harley-Davidson. The guests explained how their five core principles evolved through years of teaching and practical application. Nelson compared their development process to a stand-up comedian perfecting their act, starting with rough material and refining it through constant testing. The five principles they developed are: solve the right problem, structure for discovery, connect the human chain, regulate for flow, and visualize the work. When discussing the challenge of solving the right problem, Nelson referenced Daniel Kahneman's work on conscious versus automatic thinking. He explained how people often revert to automatic processing under pressure, making structured problem-solving methods essential. Don emphasized how experienced problem solvers can jump to solutions too quickly, bypassing the crucial step of properly defining the problem. The principle of structuring for discovery addresses why organizations should welcome more visible problems rather than hiding them. Don explained that problems reveal weaknesses in systems and create opportunities for innovation and stability. Nelson added that instead of helping people understand complex environments, they focus on structuring environments to be cleaner and more manageable. Regarding connecting the human chain, Nelson emphasized that humans excel at processing uncertainty and ambiguity, particularly in face-to-face communication. He criticized how many organizations use long PowerPoint meetings for information sharing while handling uncertainty through digital messages. Don illustrated this with the frustration of call center scripts that cannot handle unique problems, explaining their concept of "huddles" versus "handoffs" in work design. The discussion of visualizing work highlighted the particular challenges of knowledge work. Don explained that unlike manufacturing, where broken equipment is obvious, knowledge work problems remain hidden. People can be continuously interrupted and overloaded without visible signs. Nelson shared a striking example from Harley-Davidson where the average time to solve problems equaled the months remaining until product launch, regardless of when problems were discovered. Don noted that while executives can easily draw organizational charts, they struggle to map how work actually flows through their organizations. The guests emphasized that simple visualization techniques can yield enormous gains in knowledge work because the dysfunction costs are typically hidden and accepted as normal. Throughout the conversation, both guests stressed the importance of leaders staying connected to actual work rather than remaining distant from operational realities. They advocate for methods that make work visible and create structures that support both stability and continuous innovation. For more information about Nelson Repenning and Don Kieffer's work, visit ShiftGear.com Find their book "There's Got to Be a Better Way" Nelson can be found on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/nelson-repenning/
Tara Swart is a neuroscientist, a former psychiatrist, and senior lecturer at MIT Sloan. She is also a leadership advisor and works with leaders all over the world to help them achieve mental resilience and peak brain performance while also helping them improve their ability to manage stress, regulate emotions and retain information. Tara has become wildly popular for her work in bridging the gap between science and spirituality and teaching others how to use science based tools to leverage the law of attraction and utilize the power of manifestation. Today on the show we discuss: Tara's personal story of communicating after death, how to rewire your brain to heal from trauma and overcome adversity, how to manifest your dreams after experiencing hardship, why we have more than five senses and how to trust your intuition, how to use gratitude and nature to improve your mental health, and how to turn your most painful struggles into resilience and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
You're busy. Your team is busy. Everyone's working hard. But for all that effort, does it ever feel like not much actually gets done? According to today's guests, the culprit usually isn't laziness — it's lousy workflow design. Emails that should've been meetings, meetings that should've been emails, and half-finished projects clogging the system. In their new book, There's Got to Be a Better Way: How to Deliver Results and Get Rid of the Stuff That Gets in the Way of Real Work, MIT Sloan professors Nelson Repenning and Donald Kieffer show how smarter work design can cut through the clutter.
In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing the upcoming new MBA admissions season. Cambridge / Judge leads the way with its first-round deadline next week! Graham and Alex plan to host monthly AMA-style webinars, as this new admissions season gets underway. The first is scheduled for this Tuesday, on YouTube; here's the link to Clear Admit's YouTube channel so you can subscribe and not miss any of the streaming: https://bit.ly/cayoutubelive. Graham also highlighted the upcoming September series of admissions events, where Clear Admit will host the majority of the top MBA programs to discuss Round 2 application strategy. Signups for this series are here: https://bit.ly/cainsidemba Graham then noted four admissions tips, which focus on areas of key importance for those targeting the first rounds. These include how to engage with representatives of the top MBA programs, the students, alumni and faculty, and how to show that you have done the research for each of your target programs. We also cover the differences in applying in Round 1 and 2, as well as the importance of understanding who reads your business school applications. We also covered a common myth - the higher the rank of the program, the better the fit for all candidates. Graham also highlighted the new series that Clear Admit is publishing this season, which focuses on profiling some of the leading MBA faculty at the top MBA programs. For this week, we have profiles on two faculty from Harvard Business School and from MIT / Sloan. We continue our series of Adcom Q&As; this week we hear from Dartmouth / Tuck, Cornell / Johnson and Northwestern / Kellogg. For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected three ApplyWire entries: This week's first MBA admissions candidate is from India and has a modest undergraduate GPA, with a positive trend. They have not yet taken the GMAT. This week's second MBA candidate has a 740 GMAT, and is from rural India. Scholarships are a key concern from them. The final MBA candidate is from Nigeria and has a GRE score of 332. They have some NGO experience and now work as a chartered accountant. They are targeting a nice spread of MBA programs. This episode was recorded in Anse Saint-Jean, Quebec and Cornwall, England. It was produced and engineered by the fabulous Dennis Crowley in Philadelphia, USA. Thanks to all of you who've been joining us and please remember to rate and review this show wherever you listen!
Summary Have you ever wrapped up your workday thinking, “I've been busy all day, but I'm not sure I actually made anything better”? If so, you're not alone, and today's guests are here to help you break that cycle. In this episode, Andy talks with Don Kieffer and Nelson Repenning, co-authors of the new book There's Got to Be a Better Way. Don is a former Harley-Davidson executive who led during some of the company's most challenging years. Nelson is a professor at MIT Sloan who studies why well-intended management tools often fail in practice. Together, they're helping leaders rethink how work actually gets done. In the conversation, you'll learn why so many teams get stuck in firefighting mode, and why that's often not a people issue but a systems issue. You'll hear how to spot the “firefighter-arsonist” pattern, why problem-solving starts with problem-finding, and what it means to “design for discovery.” We also talk about Agile, Lean, invisible handoffs, and even how these ideas apply to family life. If you're looking for insights on how to make your team's work more effective, sustainable, and human-centered, this episode is for you! Sound Bites “Most performance problems are not people problems. They're design problems.” “You get what you design for. And most work isn't designed at all. It just kind of happens.” “Firefighting is not a character flaw. It's a predictable output of a broken system.” “If you don't make the work visible, you can't improve it.” “When no one owns the handoff, it's not really a handoff. It's a drop.” “Success should be easy. That doesn't mean the work isn't hard, but the path to doing it well should be clear.” “Discovery isn't luck. It's a design choice.” Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:49 Start of Interview 01:59 The Origin Story: How Don and Nelson Collaborated 07:36 Challenges in Implementing Business Tools 13:19 Dynamic Work Design vs. Traditional Methods 25:16 A Lesson from the Factory Floor 26:53 Identifying and Solving Problems in Teams 31:23 The Importance of Connecting the Human Chain 35:46 Making Work Visible: Strategies and Tools 40:34 Applying Work Strategies at Home 42:46 End of Interview 43:12 Andy Comments After the Interview 47:35 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more about the book and their work at shiftgear.work/theres-got-to-be-a-better-way-book. For more learning on this topic, check out: Episode 249 with Aaron Dignan about Brave New Work Episode 252 with Marcus Buckingham about Nine Lies About Work Episode 162 with Jonathan Raymond on culture and leadership mindset Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Business Acumen Topics: Leadership, Project Management, System Design, Agile, Lean, Problem Solving, Collaboration, Organizational Effectiveness, Continuous Improvement, Work Design, Team Performance The following music was used for this episode: Music: Quantum Sparks Full Version by MusicLFiles License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Synthiemania by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Socrates Rosenfeld is the CEO and Co-Founder of Jane Technologies, a leading technology company for the cannabis industry. A visionary entrepreneur, combat veteran, and MIT graduate, Soc and his team have revolutionized cannabis commerce by creating a trusted platform that serves thousands of dispensaries and brands across 39 U.S. states. Jane powers the majority of all legal cannabis transactions in the U.S.After leaving active duty in 2011 as a U.S. Army veteran and Apache helicopter commander, Soc turned to cannabis to help him re-acclimate to civilian life. Living in Massachusetts, where cannabis was illegal at the time, he faced challenges navigating the black market. Frustrated and motivated to improve access for veterans, Soc co-founded Jane with his brother Abraham to create a transparent platform for cannabis consumers. Prior to launching Jane, Soc earned an MBA from MIT Sloan and worked at McKinsey & Company, gaining strategic business expertise.Since launching in 2017, Jane has become the cannabis industry's leading digital provider, offering solutions like ecommerce, AI, market analytics, payments, advertising, POS, and a consumer-facing app. Its Universal Product Catalog ensures consistent inventory across thousands of retailers, while the AI-powered MyHigh engine personalizes the shopping experience. Jane Gold, a brand-sponsored rewards program, deepens consumer engagement and highlights personalized product recommendations. With 13 software patents, Jane continues to set the standard for innovation in cannabis retail.Soc and his team at Jane have been recognized with multiple distinctions including Forbes' America's Best Startup Employers (2022, 2023, 2024 & 2025), Forbes' The Cannabis 42.0 (2024), Inc. 5000's Fastest-Growing Companies (2023), Inc. Power Player (2023), Inc.'s Best Workplaces (2023), and Deloitte's Technology Fast 500 (2022), in addition to participating on panels at SXSW and MJBizCon. To View This Episode- https://youtu.be/q73Owow14f8#whoknewinthemoment #podcast #philfriedrich #Janetechnologies
Welcome to episode #995 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast. Nelson Repenning has built his career at MIT Sloan and Shift Gear by asking a simple but haunting question: why do so many smart, capable organizations fail to get the right work done? In his new book, There's Got to Be a Better Way, Nelson (along with his co-author, Don Kieffer) introduces dynamic work design: a practical framework that helps leaders move beyond broken systems and toward better execution. In this conversation, we explore the five principles behind this approach: solving the right problem, structuring for discovery, connecting the human chain, regulating for flow and visualizing the work. We talk about how businesses become addicted to heroics and strategic ambiguity, and how this culture often traps people in cycles of fire-fighting and busywork that look productive but deliver little. Nelson shares stories from his experience applying these principles in casinos, hospitals, biotech labs, and even homeless shelters (environments where urgency is real, resources are stretched and clarity can make or break outcomes). We also discuss how leadership often overcomplicates productivity with reorgs and top-down mandates, instead of fixing the structural design flaws that block meaningful progress. Nelson is quick to point out that the work isn't just about doing more: it's about doing it better… and that better means aligning actual workflow with the outcomes organizations care about. He reflects on his early days as a student at MIT and why dynamic work design is less a management fad and more a necessary shift in how modern teams operate. If you're tired of watching your best people get burned out chasing KPIs while nothing fundamental improves, this episode offers a clearer path. We also get into the tension between change management and change design, and why the latter matters more in a world flooded with noise, complexity and well-intentioned but ineffective solutions. This is a sharp and focused take on work culture from someone who's spent a lifetime challenging the systems beneath it. Enjoy the conversation… Running time: 1:00:22. Hello from beautiful Montreal. Listen and subscribe over at Apple Podcasts. Listen and subscribe over at Spotify. Please visit and leave comments on the blog - Six Pixels of Separation. Feel free to connect to me directly on Facebook here: Mitch Joel on Facebook. Check out ThinkersOne. or you can connect on LinkedIn. ...or on X. Here is my conversation with Nelson Repenning. There's Got to Be a Better Way. Shift Gear. MIT Sloan. Follow Nelson on LinkedIn. Chapters: (00:00) - Introduction to Nelson Repenning. (02:55) - The Journey to System Dynamics. (05:55) - Bridging Theory and Practice in Organizations. (09:14) - The Challenge of Success and Anomalies. (11:54) - Dynamic Work Design: From Manufacturing to Knowledge Work. (15:06) - The Role of AI in Knowledge Work. (18:12) - Manufacturing's Future and National Security. (20:58) - The Integration of Design and Manufacturing. (32:01) - The Complexity of Manufacturing and Supply Chains. (33:14) - Dynamic Work Design: A New Approach. (35:34) - Identifying and Solving the Right Problems. (39:28) - The Disconnect Between Management and Ground Realities. (42:14) - Adapting Management Practices for Hybrid Work. (45:33) - Visual Management in Knowledge Work. (52:44) - Regulating Flow to Prevent Overload. (58:41) - The Psychological Hurdles of Change.
In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began with a wonderful review of the podcast, from an industry professional! Graham highlighted Clear Admit's ongoing summer series of webinars, which focuses on top MBA programs' admissions essays, and is attended by more than 20 of the top MBA programs. The final event is on Wednesday of this week, and includes CMU / Tepper, Chicago / Booth, MIT / Sloan, Texas / McCombs and UVA / Darden. Signups are here: https://bit.ly/mbaessay0725 Graham then discussed a new webinar focused on M7 MBA admissions, scheduled for August 7 and hosted by Alex. This event will also feature admissions coaches from Leland. Graham then noted two news events from this week. INSEAD is extending their final deadline for their January intake; we assume this might be related to uncertainty for some international students who were targeting the United States. Our Fridays from the Frontlines series features a Duke / Fuqua student with an interview on quantum computing. Graham also highlighted an admissions tip, as part of our MBA Myth Busters series: Adcoms are impressed by jargon and other fancy language in essays and interviews. We continue our series of Adcom Q&As, this week we have a Q&A from Shelly Heinrich at SMU / Cox. Finally, Graham highlighted a recently published podcast that focuses on the contents of essays and interviews and candidates' goals. This is a recording from a panel discussion from our summer event in Boston, and includes representatives from Berkeley / Haas, Duke / Fuqua, Harvard Business School and Indiana / Kelley. For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected three ApplyWire entries: This week's first MBA admissions candidate has a 655 GMAT, and a 9.1 GPA (on a scale of 10). They are a Bain consultant from India. This week's second MBA candidate has a 332 GRE score and is also a consultant. They are a first-generation immigrant from South America. The final MBA candidate also has a 655 GMAT, which they are planning to retake. They are targeting Harvard, Stanford and Wharton. We think they should consider a few more top MBA programs. This episode was recorded in Paris, France and Cornwall, England. It was produced and engineered by the fabulous Dennis Crowley in Philadelphia, USA. Thanks to all of you who've been joining us and please remember to rate and review this show wherever you listen!
We previously released this episode on August 1, 2024. We're excited to revisit some key ideas before we dive into fresh, exciting topics soon. In this episode, Ethan Nash is joined by MIT Sloan's Deborah Ancona, founder of the MIT Leadership Center, author of the new book xTeams, and contributor at the Harvard Business Review. They explore the concept of “family ghosts” — a term coined to describe the way familial dynamics influence an individual's workplace behavior and leadership. Deborah also shares insights from her pioneering research on high-performing teams and innovative leadership. Resources: Family Ghosts in the Executive Suite Herminia Ibarra's idea of provisional selves Immunity to Change model Lindy Greer's Hippo Theory of Leadership Course: Unlocking Your Leadership Signature via Executive Education at MIT "Discovering and Developing" picture cards at xlead.co Text the word “LEADING” to 66866 to be added to Nash Consulting's monthly newsletter. Just practical management skills and tips. And just once a month. Pinky swear.
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a global leader in IT services, consulting, and business solutions, has collaborated with MIT Sloan Management Review (MIT SMR) to launch a new research series to explore the next phase of human and AI collaboration in large enterprises. As enterprises the world over are proactively investing in deploying AI-led solutions to transform their business operations, this multi-sectoral study deeply examines the new paradigms that will redefine the use of AI in global enterprise environments. In a series of research articles covering Manufacturing, Retail and Consumer Packaged Goods, BFSI, Life Sciences and Healthcare, Energy, Resources and Utilities, and Communications, Media and Technology sectors, the study investigates how business leaders are deploying AI augmented solutions to gain a competitive edge from better decisions. The study on the theme of Human-Centric AI spans six key sectors and finds that generative and predictive AI can initiate a transformative change that drives competitive advantage. The year-long research that was conceptualised and executed jointly by MIT SMR and TCS drew insights experts and pioneers from organisations such as Walmart, Meta, MasterCard, and Pernod Ricard. The research identifies one critical shift: AI is moving from advisor to architect. In simple terms, AI's value shifts from improving business processes to improving the quality of options to facilitate better decision-making. Companies that master this transition are pulling ahead of those still trapped in traditional decision-making frameworks. TCS' industry expertise in strategising and supporting large global organisations in their AI-led digital transformation journeys using both generative and predictive AI along with the academic rigor of MIT SMR bring forth new and fresh thinking about using AI to augment and inform Human Intelligence. The collaborative research has revealed the emergence of intelligent choice architectures (ICAs) - a new paradigm where human-centric AI systems proactively participate in structuring and shaping strategic decisions by generating novel options, predicting outcomes, and guiding choices. Michael Schrage, Research fellow at MIT Sloan's Initiative on the Digital Economy and report coauthor, said, "ICAs flip the script. They do not just learn from decisions - they learn how to improve the environment in which decisions are made. That's not analytics, that's architecture." Ashok Krish, Head, AI Practice, TCS, said, "By augmenting human judgment with machine intelligence, ICAs shift AI from task automation to building superior decision environments for complex multi-factorial situations, enabling more trackable, traceable outcomes that ensure accountability. They help align talent development strategies with organisational goals, making it easier to identify and nurture high-potential employees in the AI-era. Ultimately, ICAs foster environments where human judgement and AI work together seamlessly to create connected organisation intelligence, where smarter and more informed decisions are made." Through this new study with MIT SMR, TCS extends its long-standing commitment to understand and uncover new trends in the industry and aid partners in integrating new technologies and frameworks. Over the years, TCS has collaborated with MIT SMR on industry research about direct-to-consumer enterprises, workforce empowerment, digital inclusion, retailing, and customer experience among others. Through its partnership with MIT SMR and 50 other academic institutions, TCS curates collective intelligence that enterprises can tap into. The sector-specific study provides compelling examples of ICAs in action to optimize choices, reallocate decision rights, and boost their bottom lines. Organisations using GenAI have helped achieve higher productivity and efficiency and cut costs while unlocking newer growth opportunities. In retail, AI enables retailers to both anticipate and address ma...
Whether you're just beginning to explore the MBA path or are deep into your application journey, this panel from the 2025 Clear Admit MBA Fair is designed to break down the essentials of business school and answer the questions every prospective student has—but might be too afraid to ask. Representatives on this panel include Melissa Rapp, Associate Dean, Graduate Admissions, at Emory Goizueta; Dawna Levenson, Assistant Dean, Admissions at MIT Sloan; Alex Lawrence, Assistant Dean of MBA Admissions and Financial Aid at UCLA Anderson; and Amber Walsh, Senior Associate Director of Yale School of Management. Who actually goes to business school? Do you need a business background to be competitive? What will you study—and how will you learn it? From core curriculum and teaching methods to timing your application and choosing the right program, we'll demystify every step of the process.
Join Mike Miles and Aubrey Sambor as they discuss their experiences with public speaking at tech conferences, including the challenges and joys of presenting technical and big-picture talks. Dive into their personal summer plans, ranging from trips to Cape Cod and Asheville to beer festivals and camping adventures. The conversation also explores recent technology updates, such as Figma's site builder and Apple's new 'Liquid Glass' design, emphasizing the importance of accessibility. Tune in for a casual, insightful chat about professional growth, summer fun, and the ever-evolving tech landscape. For show notes visit: https://www.talkingDrupal.com/cafe005 Topics Michael Miles Mike is passionate about development and working with the latest open source technologies. He has been working in web engineering since 2003, utilizing a number of different technologies, languages and frameworks. He has been working with Drupal since 2008 and is a regular contributor to the community and project. From 2015 to 2024 he was the lead organizer of the Boston Drupal Meetup Group. Since 2017 has been one of the organizers of New England Drupal Camp. In his day-to-day role as Director of Web Development at MIT Sloan, Mike leads the development, maintenance and growth of the digital properties for the school, as well as, the development team that supports them. He is a public speaker and regularly presents at technical conferences around the world. Since 2013 Mike has presented dozens of talks at many different conferences/camps across the globe. Aubrey Sambor Aubrey is a lead front end developer and accessibility advocate with over 19 years of experience in software development and leadership. She specializes in writing modern CSS, semantic HTML, and performant JavaScript and brings almost two decades of experience in web development across higher education, non-profits, and public sector projects. Aubrey is an active member of the Drupal community, contributing to open source initiatives and speaking at regional and national conferences. She champions accessibility best practices and writes about front end development, music reviews, and knitting projects on her blog, aubreysambor.com. When she's not coding, Aubrey enjoys running, spinning her own yarn, fountain pens, and exploring local coffee shops and breweries. Casual Conversation and Weather Fitness Routines and Treadmills Podcast Preferences Remote Work and Buffer Time Job Search and Conference Experience Travel Stories and Conference Talks Halloween and Conference Talks Evolving as a Speaker Technical vs. Idea-Driven Talks Managing Bugs and Building Trust Balancing Multiple Talks Figma Sites and Accessibility Concerns Apple's Liquid Glass Design Nostalgia for Old Tech Summer Plans and Conferences Guests Mike Miles - mike-miles.com mikemiles86 Aubrey Sambor - aubreysambor.com starshaped
In this second part of our resiliency deep dive, Bob ‘n Joyce take a close look at MIT Sloan's latest take on what makes a culture truly resilient. Do we agree with their insights? Mostly. But spoiler alert: we still like our list better. We break down the key conditions MIT Sloan says drive resiliency and stack them up against our lived experience in the trenches of culture work. The result? A thoughtful, and at times feisty, side-by-side review. Here's a taste of what they recommend: • Flexible work schedules that actually work • Skill-based approaches to culture change (not more slogans) • Turning skeptics into champions • Learning from mistakes—really • Letting employees shape their own roles • Prioritizing honesty and psychological safety We wrap with a call to action: What's your resiliency playbook? Come on in, grab a snack, and let's keep it real.
How do you continuously reinvent L&D while working with the same stakeholders and navigating constant change? In this episode, Avinash Chadarana, Global Learning & Development Director at MCI Group, shares the realities of leading L&D over the long haul—building from scratch, overcoming challenges like budget cuts and COVID, and evolving with a geographically dispersed remote team. We dive into the biggest shifts in L&D over the past few decades, the ongoing challenge of moving stakeholders beyond just training requests, and how AI is shaping the future of workforce development. Avinash also shares his principles for staying relevant and ensuring his team does the same. Take your L&D to the next level Take advantage of thousands of hours of analysis. Hundreds of conversations with industry innovators and 25+ years of hands-on global L&D leadership. It's all distilled into one framework to help you level up L&D. Access the L&D Maturity Model here - https://360learning.com/maturity-model KEY TAKEAWAYS Develop an intrapreneurial culture to encourage employees to generate innovative ideas. Ask what we are here to achieve, not what we are here to deliver. Make sure everyone knows what success looks like. Empower performance. Leverage localised generative AI. Align learning and development initiatives directly with business outcomes. Join the dots for stakeholders so they truly understand what L&D can do for them. BEST MOMENTS “Lead by outcomes, not by hours logged.” “See what's coming up and stop being in reactive mode.” “With AI we have gone past that point of fetishization or it being novel. We're hearing actual success stories.” GUEST BIO Avinash Chandarana is a visionary global L&D leader with over 25 years of experience shaping workplace learning. As Global Learning & Development Director at MCI Group - a leading global engagement and marketing agency - he founded the MCI Institute in 2008, transforming employee development for 2,500 staff across 60 offices in 31 countries. A recognised Fellow of the Learning & Performance Institute (LPI), Avinash combines human-centred design with cutting-edge technology, including AI, to optimise learning experiences and drive business impact. A true global nomad, his career spans the U.S., Europe, and Asia, with successful projects in 33+ countries. Beyond leading L&D, he is a sought-after speaker, facilitator, and moderator, holding credentials from MIT Sloan and INSEAD in neuroscience, leadership, and management. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/avinashc VALUABLE RESOURCES The Learning And Development Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-learning-development-podcast/id1466927523 L&D Master Class Series: https://360learning.com/blog/l-and-d-masterclass-home ABOUT THE HOST David James David has been a People Development professional for more than 20 years, most notably as Director of Talent, Learning & OD for The Walt Disney Company across Europe, the Middle East & Africa. As well as being the Chief Learning Officer at 360Learning, David is a prominent writer and speaker on topics around modern and digital L&D. CONTACT METHOD https://twitter.com/davidinlearning https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjameslinkedin L&D Collective: https://360learning.com/the-l-and-d-collective https://360learning.com/blog L&D Master Class Series: https://360learning.com/blog/l-and-d-masterclass-home This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
Berkeley Haas shakes things up, MIT Sloan and Kellogg set MBA app deadlines
What You'll Learn:In this episode, hosts Shayne Daughenbaugh, Andy Olrich, and guest Steve Spear discuss the evolution of industry, emphasizing the importance of cultural shifts driven by Lean thinking. They interview Steve Spears, a senior lecturer at MIT Sloan, who highlights the role of innovation in organizational transformation.About the Guest:Steve Spear is a senior lecturer at MIT Sloan, founder of the software firm See to Solve, and author of Wiring the Winning Organization (with Gene Kim) and The High-Velocity Edge. His work, featured in Harvard Business Review, MIT Sloan Management Review, and The New York Times, focuses on solving complex organizational challenges through innovation, systems thinking, and technology.Spear's ideas have shaped product design at Pratt & Whitney, accelerated pharma development cycles, and optimized operations at firms like Intel, Alcoa, and DTE Energy. He has advised the U.S. Army's Rapid Equipping Force and the Navy's Chief of Naval Research, aiding in tech deployment and operational innovation.Links:Click Here For Steve Spear's LinkedInClick Here For "See to Solve" Website
If work is a product, and employees are customers of that product, then every company is a multi-sided business, one that must serve both consumers and workers. According to platform economist Andrei Hagiu, how companies design that experience, how they structure control, pricing, and participation, matters more than we realize. He has spent his career studying the world's most influential platforms, from Uber and Airbnb to Apple and Amazon. In this episode, Dart and Andrei explore what platform strategy can teach us about modern work design, why the “employee vs. contractor” debate is outdated, when it is efficient to give employees more control, and what “platform governance” means inside a company.Andrei Hagiu is a professor at Boston University's Questrom School of Business and a leading expert on multi-sided platforms. His research focuses on the strategic decisions that shape platform businesses, including pricing, control, and design.In this episode, Dart and Andrei discuss:- What Uber, Airbnb, and Upwork get right—and where they fail workers- The difference between a multi-sided business and a true platform- Why “employee vs. contractor” is a false dichotomy- How outdated laws are holding back the future of work- When giving workers more control is smart—and when it's not- What a Mexican cockfight reveals about platform pricing- How employers can learn from platforms to design better work- And other topics…Andrei Hagiu is a professor of Information Systems at Boston University's Questrom School of Business and one of the world's leading experts on multi-sided platforms. His research explores how platforms like Uber, Airbnb, and Apple make strategic decisions about pricing, control, and governance—and what those decisions mean for users, workers, and markets. Prior to BU, Andrei taught at MIT Sloan and Harvard Business School. He advises global companies on platform strategy and is the co-author of several foundational papers on platform economics. His work helps businesses, from tech startups to established firms, navigate the complex dynamics of serving multiple stakeholders at once.Resources Mentioned:Andrei Hagiu's website: https://andreihagiu.comConnect with Andrei:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrei-hagiu-0646751/ Work with Dart:Dart is the CEO and co-founder of the work design firm 11fold. Build work that makes employees feel alive, connected to their work, and focused on what's most important to the business. Book a call at 11fold.com.
Rep. Jake Auchincloss is serving his third term representing Massachusetts 4th Congressional District. In addition to his work on the House Committee on Energy & Commerce, his areas of focus include healthcare, clean energy, gun violence, and building a strong middle class. He's a former Marine who commanded infantry in Afghanistan and special operations in Panama. Following his military service, he continued his service as a three-term city councilor in Newton. While working at City Hall on nights and weekends, Jake built a career in business, running product development at both a Fortune 100 insurance company and a cybersecurity startup. He has degrees in Economics and Finance from Harvard University and MIT Sloan. Rep. Auchincloss has one of the strongest and most unique voices in Congress right now. Join us for this insightful discussion on Trump 2.0's blatant corruption, the budget bill, healthcare and RFK Jr., Harvard, the economy and tariffs, GOP fealty to Trump, the Democrats' challenges, SignalGate, DOJ weaponization and the attacks on democracy, and the murder of the Israeli Embassy staffers. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel
Pep loves working with amazing people, He loves solving problems, and he loves meeting new folks from everywhere in the world.Currently, he has the privilege of leading a fantastic team of engineers and business leaders. Together they are driving the future of brand-consumer relationships. They are building SaaS that helps brands uncover authentic conversations at scale and help them put the most effective marketers front and center – everyday people with 4-8x better engagement on vertical video than produced, branded content.Zelf brings together Pep's long-time passions. Originally from the Netherlands, he studied astrophysics while dipping his toes in video-making and progressive political activism. At the age of 9, he had his first entrepreneurial venture and had the fortune of living various lives since: from popcorn baker, to video editor, to sustainability activist, and eventually joining the consulting firm McKinsey & Company, before founding his first company.McKinsey allowed him to see the workings of a wide array of industries (consumer goods, e-commerce, retail, food, finance, etc.), took him all over the world and allowed him to live and work on all of the six major continents, with most notably business building adventures in Vietnam, Thailand, Sydney, Madagascar, Colombia, and the US, all with fantastic people.From there, he had the honor to pursue his MBA at MIT Sloan — where I founded Alfie one of the first movers in ISAs (Income Share Agreements) and through which he met so many of the amazing people that are now helping me build Zelf.
“ Chinese consumers today are quite different — a massive middle class of 500 million people. So big upside, but also bigger challenges.”Sarah Kochling is the Founder and Managing Principal of Shanghai Blossom Innovation, where she leads strategic growth initiatives for global brands and startups in China since 2014. With over 30 years of experience across Asia, This is a trusted advisor to Fortune 500 companies and early-stage ventures alike—guiding brand transformation, innovation strategy, and culturally attuned consumer engagement.Sarah got her start at Procter & Gamble in Hong Kong and Guangzhou in the early 1990s, where she managed brands across Greater China during a pivotal time of regional economic opening. Since then, Sarah's experience across China and Asia at J&J International, as well as leading innovation practices at agencies and advising several China startups. Fluent in Mandarin and deeply immersed in the Chinese market, Sarah brings a rare combination of strategic rigor, creative vision, and cross-cultural fluency—helping organizations navigate complexity and chart bold paths forward. Sarah attended is based in Shanghai, China. She studied Mandarin and Political Science from Wellesley College, and holds certifications in Chinese language and law from MIT Sloan. The Chinese University of Hong Kong, the Beijing Foreign Languages Normal College, and Harbin Institute of Technology. Sarah lives in Shanghai. You'll enjoy this candid conversation about a career at the intersection of culture, commerce, and innovation.This is part of our Chinese leaders series - hosted by P&G Alumni Emily Chang. Got an idea for a future “Learnings from Leaders” episode? Reach out at pgalumpod@gmail.com
In this week's MBA admissions podcast we began by discussing the Round 3 activity on LiveWire; interview invites and final decisions continue to roll out for this shortened application round; next week UPenn / Wharton, Northwestern / Kellogg, IESE, MIT / Sloan, Yale SOM, Minnesota / Carlson, Columbia, Washington / Foster, UCLA / Anderson and Washington / Olin are scheduled to release final decisions. Graham noted a new Clear Admit promotion, where for every new entry we receive on DecisionWire, that maps out a candidate's entire application journey, Clear Admit will donate $10 to the Forte Foundation. Graham then highlighted Clear Admit's MBA admissions fair in Boston, on Wednesday. This event includes panel discussions, one of which is focused on Consulting hiring and is led by Bain. Twenty-four of the top 25 U.S.-based MBA programs are planning to attend, along with London Business School. Signups for this event are here: https://bit.ly/mbafair2025 The remainder of Application Overview events series will then be hosted, virtually, on May 20 and 21. Signups for those events are here: https://bit.ly/appoverview25 Graham noted two articles recently published on Clear Admit. The first covers the broad topic regarding what you can do with an MBA, looking at post MBA careers. The second article is a deep-dive research piece that examines placement statistics of the top MBA programs, for those seeking an MBA for their entrepreneurial ambitions. It's no surprise that Harvard and Stanford top the list of programs that future entrepreneurs join. Graham highlighted three Real Humans alumni spotlights, alums from HEC / Paris who established a Search Fund, Washington / Olin working at Applied Materials, and Ohio State / Fisher working at Bank of America. Finally, Graham discussed a forthcoming podcast featuring the leader of career services at Georgetown / McDonough. For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected two ApplyWire entries and one DecisionWire entry: This week's first MBA admissions candidate is an engineer who is now working in the renewable energy space. They have a 3.57 GPA and need to retake the GRE. This week's second MBA candidate is from Canada, and is also an engineer, working in Toronto. They have nine years of experience, and a 337 GRE. The final MBA candidate is deciding between Cornell / Johnson, UVA / Darden and Michigan / Ross, and is seeking a career in investment banking. This episode was recorded in Paris, France and Cornwall, England. It was produced and engineered by the fabulous Dennis Crowley in Philadelphia, USA. Thanks to all of you who've been joining us and please remember to rate and review this show wherever you listen!
In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing the Round 2 activity on LiveWire; Stanford, UPenn / Wharton and MIT / Sloan were among the top MBA programs releasing decisions last week. For this upcoming week, Round 3 admissions deadlines are rolling on, while Oxford / Said and Ohio State / Fisher have decision deadlines. Graham noted Clear Admit's Application Overview May series of events. These online events will be hosted on May 6 and 7, and May 20 and 21. Signups are here: https://bit.ly/appoverview25 Sandwiched in the middle of these events is Clear Admit's MBA admissions fair in Boston, on May 14th. Twenty-four of the top 25 U.S.-based MBA programs are planning to attend. Signups for this event are here: https://bit.ly/mbafair2025 Graham noted a Clear Admit article from the Friday's-from-the-Frontline series from an LBS MBA student, discussing the EQUALL conference, which is focused on gender equality. Graham also noted a recently published admissions tip that focuses on how to negotiate scholarships with business schools. Graham highlighted three Real Humans alumni spotlights, alums from UPenn / Wharton working at Pfizer, Ohio State / Fisher working at Deloitte, and Chicago / Booth working at Nike. For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected one ApplyWire entry and two DecisionWire entries: This week's first MBA admissions candidate is from Brazil, and has an undergraduate degree in civil engineering, and is now working at a bank, focused on data. They have a 710 GMAT score and are targeting next season. This week's second MBA candidate is choosing between several top MBA programs, including Chicago / Booth and Northwestern / Kellogg. They want to work in consulting in Chicago, post MBA. The final MBA candidate also has several choices, but has narrowed down their decision to be between Indiana / Kelley, with a full scholarship, and Michigan / Ross. This episode was recorded in Paris, France and Cornwall, England. It was produced and engineered by the fabulous Dennis Crowley in Philadelphia, USA. Thanks to all of you who've been joining us and please remember to rate and review this show wherever you listen!
In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing the Round 2 activity on LiveWire; Harvard, Northwestern / Kellogg, Chicago / Booth, Berkeley / Haas, Washington / Foster, UCLA / Anderson, Texas / McCombs and London Business School were among the top MBA programs releasing decisions last week. For this upcoming week, Stanford, UPenn / Wharton, MIT / Sloan and Cornell / Johnson are scheduled to release their final decisions. Graham highlighted the Spring Survey that Clear Admit conducts each season. These surveys are important to understand the decisions of each applicant-cohort. Here is the link for this season's survey: https://bit.ly/casurvey25 Graham noted Clear Admit's Application Overview series of events scheduled for May. These online events will be hosted on May 6 and 7, and May 20 and 21. Signups are here: https://bit.ly/appoverview25 Sandwiched in the middle of these events is Clear Admit's MBA admissions fair in Boston, on May 14th. Twenty-four of the top 25 U.S.-based MBA programs are planning to attend. Signups for this event are here: https://bit.ly/mbafair2025 Graham noted a Clear Admit article that shines the spotlight on ESADE and their work to become carbon neutral. He then highlighted the first in a series of Clear Admit career trends articles, focused on Class of 2024 consulting placements at leading MBA programs. As we have reported over several episodes this season, consulting placements are generally down across the top MBA programs. However, consulting remains a critical industry for top MBA graduates - with most schools sending a third of their class into the domain. Graham then noted a Fridays-from-the-Frontlines feature that focuses on MBA students from London Business School who traveled to Singapore and explored sustainability efforts. Graham highlighted four Real Humans alumni spotlights, alums from Duke / Fuqua working at McKinsey, Indiana / Kelley working at Microsoft, Michigan / Ross working at JP Morgan and Columbia working at Netflix. For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected two ApplyWire entries and one DecisionWire entry: This week's first MBA admissions candidate is from the UK and now lives in the US. They have a 675 GMAT score, and a 3.1 GPA undergraduate degree, followed by a 3.8 GPA master's degree in finance. Their focus is on real estate. This week's second MBA candidate is an electrical engineer who also has a master's degree. They work in the semiconductor industry as a product manager; they also have a 675 GMAT score. The final MBA candidate is deciding between Dartmouth / Tuck, Duke / Fuqua (with a $40,000 scholarship), and Georgetown / McDonough. They are seeking a consulting career. This episode was recorded in Paris, France and Cornwall, England. It was produced and engineered by the fabulous Dennis Crowley in Philadelphia, USA. Thanks to all of you who've been joining us and please remember to rate and review this show wherever you listen!
Traditional Management Models Are Failing (And What Actually Works)What if Gen Z's approach to work isn't just different, but better? Join Kim Bohr and Dr. Meisha Rouser as they challenge "kids these days" stereotypes and explore why traditional management is failing this generation.Discover why questions about pay transparency and work-life boundaries signal evolution, not entitlement. Learn how leaders can adapt by understanding economic realities, setting clear expectations, and transforming feedback approaches.Dr. Rouser shares practical leadership strategies to create meaningful growth opportunities that retain Gen Z talent while building more adaptive, high-performing teams.Tune in every 3rd Thursday, right here on The Empathy Edge for the Courage to Advance episodes! To access the episode transcript, please search for the episode title at www.TheEmpathyEdge.comKey Takeaways:Why the "pay your dues" mentality is driving away top talentHow to transform feedback and development approaches for maximum impactThe importance of clear expectations and boundariesUnderstanding the economic realities shaping Gen Z workplace needsWhy challenging workplace norms isn't entitlement but evolution "This generation isn't just challenging workplace norms - they're showing us a better way forward. When they ask 'why do we work this way?' they're not being difficult, they're pushing us to create workplaces that actually work for everyone." – Dr. Meisha Rouser, PCCAbout Dr. Meisha Rouser, PCCMeisha is a recognized expert in organizational development, leadership, and change management with over 20 years of experience. She specializes in cultural transformation, executive coaching, and building high-performing leadership teams. As an organizational psychologist, her research on Gen Z in the workplace provides groundbreaking insights for creating productive and meaningful work environments. She skillfully navigates organizational culture to ensure lasting impact and strategic success. Meisha holds a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies from Gonzaga University, a Master's in Organizational Development, and an Executive Leadership Certificate from MIT Sloan school of business. She has worked with clients including HP, FujiFilms, Intel, Jackson Laboratories, and the U.S. Navy. About SparkEffectSparkEffect partners with organizations to unlock the full potential of their greatest asset: their people. Through their tailored assessments and expert coaching at every level, SparkEffect helps organizations manage change, sustain growth, and chart a path to a brighter future.Go to sparkeffect.com/edge now and download your complimentary Professional and Organizational Alignment Review today.Connect with Dr. Meisha Rouser: Website: https://meisharouser.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meisharouser/ Connect with Kim Bohr and SparkEffectSparkEffect: sparkeffect.comCourage to Advance recording and resources:sparkeffect.com/courage-to-advance-podcastLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/sparkeffectLinkedIn for Kim Bohr: linkedin.com/in/kimbohr Connect with Maria:Get Maria's books on empathy: Red-Slice.com/booksLearn more about Maria's work: Red-Slice.comHire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake the LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with EmpathyLinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaFacebook: Red SliceThreads: @redslicemariaWe would love to get your thoughts on the show! Please click https://bit.ly/edge-feedback to take this 5-minute survey, thanks!
In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing Round 2 activity on LiveWire; UPenn / Wharton and MIT / Sloan released their interview invites last week; Washington / Olin, Georgia Tech / Scheller, SMU / Cox and Oxford / Said are scheduled to release final decisions this upcoming week. We then discussed the “user behavior” of Ask Clear Admit, Clear Admit's new AI chatbot. The bot has received nearly 1,500 prompts since its launch. Graham then highlighted the webinar series for Master's in Management candidates; the final webinar in this series is on Wednesday, and features Chicago / Booth, Emory / Goizueta, Indiana / Kelley, Duke / Fuqua and London Business School. Signups are here: https://bit.ly/mim0225 Graham noted the continuation of Clear Admit's articles about great podcast, where we place the spotlight on podcasts from the leading MBA programs. This final spotlight features podcasts from leading business schools in Europe. We then had an animated discussion on the recently published Financial Times 2025 global MBA rankings. One key point we made is that a ranking of top MBA programs really does need to include Stanford... Graham then mentioned the publication of two admissions tips that focus background checks and applying to MBA programs as a couple, as well as two Adcom Q&As, from INSEAD and Babson / Olin. Finally, Graham highlighted a Real Numbers feature on US minority representation at top MBA programs, and a recently recorded podcast episode featuring the GM of the Philadelphia Phillies, who is doing an Executive MBA at Wharton. For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected two ApplyWire entries and one DecisionWire entry: This week's first MBA admissions candidate is planning ahead but needs to retake the GRE (score of 292) and also consider taking additional coursework to counter their 3.0 GPA. This week's second MBA candidate is also planning ahead in terms of their applications, is a first-generation college graduate, who appears to have a strong career and activities record. They will also need to perform well on the standardized test. The final MBA candidate is deciding between USC / Marshall, Texas / McCombs and Washington / Foster, with very similar scholarship offers. This episode was recorded in Paris, France and Cornwall, England. It was produced and engineered by the fabulous Dennis Crowley in Philadelphia, USA. Thanks to all of you who've been joining us and please remember to rate and review this show wherever you listen!
This episode is brought to you by Bon Charge, Momentous, and Lifeforce. Our minds are incredibly powerful, and our mindset and thoughts profoundly influence our health, manifestations, and actions. However, when faced with challenges or stuck in repetitive patterns, knowing how to break free from negative thoughts or tendencies can be difficult. Today's episode explores how to overcome past programming and rewire our brains to create the life we envision for ourselves mindfully and purposefully. Today on The Dhru Purohit Show, we bring you a special compilation episode featuring Dhru's conversations with experts on setting intentions, manifesting goals, and giving love to the aspirations in our lives. Dr. Bruce Lipton explains how our minds function like computers, with much of our programming shaped by our environment before age seven—often leading to self-sabotaging behaviors. Dr. James Doty shares insights on how we're all actively manifesting our lives and offers practical exercises to help clarify our manifestation goals. Dr. Tara Swart provides actionable tips to overcome self-doubt and build lasting confidence. If you have big dreams for 2025, this episode is for you. In this episode, Dhru and his guests dive into: Programming that's coming from within versus externally (02:34) What manifestation can do to your life (23:14) Reclaiming focus is key, and stepping away from noise (26:54) Strengthen the power of attention: what to start and what to stop (31:10) Power of subconscious mind (35:29) Addressing the voice in my head (38:28) Ghost beliefs can be helpful and serve a purpose (41:34) What evidence should I be looking for to know I am on the right path (46:00) Overcoming the fear to take action (50:34) Priming the brain to expect good rather than expecting the worst (54:31) Final thoughts (55:46) Bruce Lipton, stem cell biologist and bestselling author of The Biology of Belief, Spontaneous Evolution, and The Honeymoon Effect, challenges the idea that genes solely determine our destiny, emphasizing the role of perception and experience in health. Dr. James R. Doty, MD, is a Stanford Neurosurgery professor and founder of the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE). He is also the New York Times bestselling author of Into the Magic Shop. Dr. Tara Swart is a neuroscientist, former psychiatric doctor, and senior lecturer at MIT Sloan. Dr. Swart is passionate about teaching others how to apply lessons from cognitive science to enhance everyday lives. Also mentioned: Episode with Bruce Lipton Episode with James Doty Episode with Dr. Tara Swart This episode is brought to you by Bon Charge, Momentous, and Lifeforce. Right now, BON CHARGE is offering my community 15% off; just go to boncharge.com/DHRU and use coupon code DHRU to save 15%. Optimize your energy and mental clarity with the Momentous Three: Protein, Omega-3s, and Creatine, made by and used by the best. Go to livemomentous.com and enter promo code DHRU to get 20% off any order. Right now, you can save $250 on your first diagnostic and get personalized suggestions. Optimize your longevity and track your progress; go to mylifeforce.com/dhru! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices