Demystifying Organizations

Ian Bremmer, the president of Eurasia Group, and Jeff Schatten discuss globalization, artificial intelligence, the relationship between employment and well-being, and the future of work.  Bremmer has authored several books, including the national bestsellers, Every Nation for Itself and The End of the Free Market. Bremmer has a PhD in political science from Stanford University and was the youngest-ever national fellow at the Hoover Institution. He presently teaches at Columbia University.  

Susan Cain and Jeff Schatten discuss the introversion and the ways in which workplaces can better reflect and respect the dynamic range of personalities that makeup the population. Susan Cain is the author of the bestseller Quiet: The Power of Introverts in A World That Can’t Stop Talking, which was named the #1 best book of the year by Fast Company magazine. Cain was named one of the world’s top 50 Leadership and Management Experts by Inc. Magazine.

Henry Mintzberg, one of the world’s most influential thinkers in management, and Jeff Schatten discuss a wide range of issues that include the problem of relying on data, and how to stop short-term thinking. Henry Mintzberg is currently a professor at McGill University in Montreal.  Mintzberg earned his PhD in management from MIT in 1968. His new book is “Bedtime Stories for Managers.” 

Ritz-Carlton co-founder Horst Schulze and Jeff Schatten discuss the founding and growth of the Ritz-Carlton.  The conversation covers Horst’s creation of a people-centered corporate culture based on integrity and trust that he applied to employees and customers. During his tenure at The Ritz Carlton, Mr. Schulze served as President and COO responsible for $2 billion in annual operations worldwide. He recently published a new book “Excellence Wins.” 

UCLA law professor and National Book Award finalist Adam Winkler and Jeff Schatten discuss the way in which corporate power has changed via rulings by The Supreme Court. They delve into the role of corporations in the founding of The United States and how corporations have increased their influence, which culminated in The Citizens United ruling. They discuss his new book "We the Corporations: How American Businesses Won Their Civil Rights."

Deloitte’s Michael Raynor and Jeff Schatten discuss what separates top performing companies from those that are middle of the pack.  They also address the ways in which companies can leverage new big data methods to address goal-setting challenges.  Michael Raynor is a managing director at Deloitte. His research and client work is focused on strategy and innovation in a wide variety of industries.

Harvard's Gary Pisano and Jeff Schatten discuss innovation in the corporate space.  They explore the ways in which corporations sit at the forefront of innovation. Gary Pisano is a Professor of Business Administration and Senior Associate Dean of Faculty Development at the Harvard Business School.  Pisano is the author of over 90 articles and case studies and is an author of six books including his latest book Creative Construction: The DNA of Sustained Innovation.

Douglas Rushkoff and Jeff Schatten discuss the complex relationship between modern organizations and technology and the challenges that ubiquitous computing poses for individuals, business and democracy. Douglas Rushkoff was named one of the “world’s ten most influential intellectuals” by MIT.

Francesca Gino and Jeff Schatten explore rule breaking, rebels with and without a cause, why traditions should be challenged, the role of curiosity, and the (many) benefits of failure.  Francesca Gino is a full professor at the Harvard business school.  She was chosen by Poets & Quants to be among their "40 under 40", a listing of the world's best business school professors under the age of 40.

Vinay Shandal and Jeff Schatten discuss the opportunities and challenges of shareholder activism.  They explore the role of that businesses and corporations have in social causes (environment, 2nd amendment rights, etc.) and how shareholders impact these issues.  Further, they discuss how institutional investors influence corporate policies in areas that relate to environmental, social and corporate governance.    Vinay Shandal is a partner and managing Director at The Boston Consulting Group. 

Daniel Pink and Jeff Schatten explore a wide range of topics on the cutting edge of social science that argues that timing is everything.  The conversation covers well-being, management, childhood education, employee performance, and why it’s not so bad to be a night owl.