Minds Worth Meeting

Successfully leading a business in the AI-heavy digital age requires a new mindset. In this episode of Minds Worth Meeting, Justin Louis sits down with University of California Santa Barbara professor and Technology Management department chair, Paul Leonardi. We talk about how to cultivate a digital mindset and why it’s so important to do so, he shares strategies for helping employees succeed with generative AI and tells us how to keep digital exhaustion at bay.In this episode:Paul explains how digital technologies like artificial intelligence, especially generative AI, are changing work roles, and what those new roles look like.He reassures us that we don’t need to become experts overnight to be digitally literate and explains “the 30% rule.”On a topic that many of us feel in our professional and personal lives alike, Paul discusses digital exhaustion and how to avoid it with practical tips that anyone can implement immediately. Where to find Paul Leonardi:Paul’s websitePaul Leonardi at the University of California Santa BarbaraPaul’s book, “The Digital Mindset: What It Really Takes to Thrive in the Age of Data, Algorithms, and AI“Click or tap here to learn more about how Paul Leonardi provides leaders with practical, accessible frameworks for ensuring successful AI implementation while creating a healthy culture around digital technology use.Text us and let us know your thoughts on this episode!Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

9/4/24 • 35:52

The conventional wisdom in business is that friction is a bad thing that must be removed for processes to move forward smoothly. In this episode of Minds Worth Meeting, Whitney Jennings has a fascinating conversation with MIT researcher and head of the Human-First AI group at the school's Initiative on the Digital Economy, Renée Richardson Gosline. We discuss the benefits of the right kind of friction, particularly when creating with AI, leading with trust when building AI-enhanced customer experiences and more.In this episode:Renée shares the results of a recent study investigating how friction can be applied in the human/AI content creation paradigm and what the most productive level is. She outlines how AI tools can have a powerful role in enhancing customer experiences, but they must be built on a foundation of trust.Renée describes some of the vital do's and don'ts when implementing AI in an organization, both internally and externally.Where to find Renée Richardson GoslineRenée's websiteRenée at the MIT Initiative on the Digital EconomyRenée's MIT Sloan School of Management faculty pageClick or tap here to learn more about how Renée Richardson Gosline gives leaders a better understanding of how customer experience can catalyze a company’s AI-enhanced digital transformation and create collaborative dynamics with customers.Let us know your thoughts on this episode!Like what you hear? Subscribe, rate and share Minds Worth Meeting wherever you get your favorite podcasts!Text us and let us know your thoughts on this episode!Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

8/21/24 • 39:41

How can leaders engage people both rationally and emotionally? In this episode of Minds Worth Meeting, Whitney Jennings and Justin Louis sit down with Harvard Business School professor Ranjay Gulati. We talk about corporate purpose, artificial intelligence leadership and Ranjay shares the inspiring story of how his mother’s passion became a global success story.In this episode:Ranjay, author of “Deep Purpose,” explains how to bring purpose beyond just a statement on a company’s website to truly transform organizations.We talk about AI and why it’s vital for leaders to do something and learn rather than doing nothing and falling behind the competition.Ranjay tells us about what he’s learned from talking with some of the sports world’s most iconic coaches and how they motivate their teams to perform to the highest standards.Where to find Ranjay Gulati:Ranjay Gulati’s websiteRanjay’s book, “Deep Purpose: The Heart and Soul of High-Performance Companies”Ranjay’s “Deep Purpose” podcastRanjay’s Harvard Business School faculty pageClick or tap here to learn more about Ranjay Gulati and how he equips companies with strategies to forge a path of resilience, purpose and strong leadership that empowers organizations – and the people within – to live up to their fullest potential.Like what you hear? Subscribe, rate and share Minds Worth Meeting wherever you get your favorite podcasts! Text us and let us know your thoughts on this episode!Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

8/7/24 • 36:05

What do the geek takeover, rethinking economies, unparalleled resilience, appreciating nostalgia while understanding our past and ensuring recognition and dignity for all have in common? They’re just a few of the memorable lessons we learned this past season on Minds Worth Meeting. Join us as our hosts Whitney Jennings and Justin Louis take a look back at our favorite moments of Season 3. In this episode:Renowned MIT researcher Andrew McAfee tells us about his new book, “The Geek Way” and why he’s an optimist about the technology of tomorrow.Acclaimed New Yorker writer and lecturer at the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism, Nick Romeo discusses his latest book, “The Alternative”.Holocaust survivor and author Tova Friedman shares her lessons on how we can choose peace over hate and the message she gave to world leaders at the United Nations.NYU professor, social psychologist and author of “A More Just Future,” Dolly Chugh tells us what it means to be a “good-ish” person and why it’s important to appreciate the positives while acknowledging the negatives of our past.Harvard professor, sociologist and author of “Seeing Others,” Michèle Lamont tells us how taking the time to see others and give recognition and dignity to all can redefine the workplace.Want to learn more about our guests? Click on a name below for their latest work and information on how your organization can work with them:Andrew McAfeeNick RomeoTova FriedmanDolly Chugh Michèle LamontLike what you hear? Subscribe, rate and share Minds Worth Meeting wherever you get your favorite podcasts!Text us and let us know your thoughts on this episode!Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

3/6/24 • 18:04

How can something seemingly as simple as recognition help to heal society's deep divides? In this episode of Minds Worth Meeting, Whitney Jennings has a conversation with sociologist and Harvard University professor Michèle Lamont. She tells us how taking the time to see others and give recognition and dignity to all can redefine the workplace, and even society, to be a more sustainable environment in which people can be their authentic selves and thrive.  In this episode: Michèle explains the long-term importance of recognition in the workplace as an aspect of good leadership.We discuss how it's the responsibility of all managers to create a workplace that acknowledges the dignity of all workers.Michèle tells us that stigmatization often begins with moral blaming, but narrative change can help us understand the differences between groups, a process that organizations play a central role in. Where to find Michèle Lamont: Michèle Lamont's WebsiteMichèle's book, "Seeing Others: How Recognition Works―and How It Can Heal a Divided World"Michèle Lamont on X (Twitter)Michèle's Harvard University Faculty ProfileClick or tap here to learn more about Michèle Lamont and how she equips companies with a unique, non-partisan perspective on how to create conditions where recognition, dignity, equality, respect, inclusion and destigmatization are actively promoted in empowering workplace environments. Like what you hear? Subscribe, rate and share Minds Worth Meeting wherever you get your favorite podcasts!Text us and let us know your thoughts on this episode!Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

2/21/24 • 34:36

How can we become ‘good-ish’ people? For that matter, what is a ‘good-ish’ person? In this episode of Minds Worth Meeting, Whitney Jennings and Justin Louis speak with NYU Stern School of Business professor and social psychologist Dolly Chugh. She explains how being a ‘good-ish’ person allow us to better relate to others, become great leaders and understand a  past that hasn't always been one of beauty and honor. In this episode:Dolly explains what a ‘good-ish’ person is and how to become one.We talk about how to be a great boss by becoming more self-aware of how the way we show up to work impacts others.We reminisce about View-Master and Pillow Pets and discuss the connections we create by invoking nostalgia.Dolly then tells us that it is possible to appreciate nostalgia while taking important lessons from a complicated past.Where to find Dolly ChughDolly Chugh’s “Dear Good People” newsletterDolly’s book, “A More Just Future: Psychological Tools for Reckoning with Our Past and Driving Social Change“Dolly’s book, “The Person You Mean to Be: How Good People Fight Bias“Click or tap here to learn more about Dolly Chugh and how she equips companies with strategies and techniques to become truly inclusive, effective leaders in their industry.Text us and let us know your thoughts on this episode!Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

2/7/24 • 40:14

It is possible to spread a message of hope from the greatest adversity possible. In this inspirational episode of Minds Worth Meeting, Justin Louis and guest host Meg Virag speak with Holocaust survivor Tova Friedman about how to find hope in times of darkness.In this episode:Tova tells us about the emotional process of writing her memoir, “The Daughter of Auschwitz“We talk about how her story became a sensation thanks to TikTok.We discuss the roots of hatred and how unchecked movements can lead to genocide.Tova shares the simple but powerful message she gave to world leaders at the United Nations.Where to find Tova Friedman:Tova Friedman on TikTokThe Daughter of Auschwitz: My Story of Resilience, Survival and HopeClick or tap here to learn more about Tova Friedman and how her incredible story of survival inspires audiences around the world to recognize that natural resilience and the ability to overcome is within every one of us.Subscribe to Minds Worth Meeting wherever you get your favorite podcasts to be the first to know when new episodes come out!Text us and let us know your thoughts on this episode!Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

1/24/24 • 27:34

Economics is inseparable from politics and philosophy, but we don’t have to be prisoners to what are assumed to be inevitable economic laws. As we kick off our third season of Minds Worth Meeting, Justin Louis speaks with journalist and UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism lecturer Nick Romeo about his new book, "The Alternative: How to Build a Just Economy." In this episode: Nick discusses how his background in ancient philosophy led him to become an investigative economic journalist.We talk about an Austrian village that is successfully experimenting with a jobs guarantee.We touch on a growing trend in business: perpetual purpose trusts - what they mean and how they can benefit employees. Nick explains how the multi-billion dollar Mondragon Corporation has become one of the most successful worker cooperatives in the world. Where to find Nick Romeo:Nick Romeo's Personal WebsiteNick Romeo at the UC Berkeley Graduate School of JournalismThe Alternative: How to Build a Just EconomyClick or tap here to learn more about Nick Romeo and how his deft command of international policy and economics makes him a sought-after expert on some of the most impactful issues of the day. Subscribe to Minds Worth Meeting wherever you get your favorite podcasts to be the first to know when new episodes come out! Text us and let us know your thoughts on this episode!Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

1/10/24 • 30:48

Companies that are run by geeks are some of the most innovative, agile and scalable organizations today. In this episode of Minds Worth Meeting, Justin Louis speaks with renowned MIT researcher Andrew McAfee, author of “The Geek Way: The Radical Mindset that Drives Extraordinary Results.”In this episode:Andy explains what “geeky leadership” is and how geeks have become the most consequential leaders in modern business.We talk about generative AI, how organizations can capitalize on it, and what leaders must understand first.We touch on the future of work and what people, currently employed or not, need to know to succeed in the workplaces of tomorrow. We dip our toes into the future of tech and the potentially paradigm shifting systems that could come next.Where to find Andrew McAfee:Andy’s personal websiteAndrew McAfee at MITAndrew McAfee at the MIT Initiative on the Digital EconomyClick or tap here to learn more about Andy McAfee and how his keynotes, workshops and advisory sessions can help your organization weave emerging technologies like generative AI into your strategic vision, anchored by the transformative power of "geeky leadership."Additional music for this episodeHigher and Higher by Alex-Productions | https://onsound.eu/Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_USText us and let us know your thoughts on this episode!Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

11/1/23 • 25:42

Exponential technology, modern communication and failing well – those were the themes we touched on in the second season of Minds Worth Meeting. Today, we’re taking a look back at the fascinating conversations we had with our expert guests to bring you the best of the season. In this episode:We revisit our conversation with technology analyst, investor and author of “The Exponential Age”, Azeem Azhar. We chatted about the exponential speed of technology advancement, how to use generative AI like ChatGPT to maximize efficiency at work and the future of energy prosperity.We listen back to the best bits of our talk with public relations expert and Rutgers University professor, Mark Beal, an authority on Gen-Z, and the modern methods of multi-channel communication.We share the best clips from our chat with Columbia University Creative Machines Lab Director, Hod Lipson, in which we touched on the (near) future of driverless cars, how AI can manipulate with love and if AI self-awareness is in the cards. When Dean of the Ohio State University’s College of Engineering, Ayanna Howard, joined us she explained how AI has been around for a long time and touches just about everything, but regulation and unbiased development is of the utmost importance.The AI conversation this season turned to ethics when we welcomed AI ethicist and author of “Ethical Machines” Reid Blackman. He pointed out the difference between bad actors and accidental actors and emphasized the importance of organizations defining their worst-case scenarios when it comes to AI ethics. We wrapped the season up with iconic Harvard Business School professor and author of the upcoming book, “Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing Well,” Amy Edmondson. She explains what failing well is and the three types of failures – two of which you want to avoid. Click or tap here for more on Minds Worth Meeting, Stern Speakers & Advisors and Stern PR & Executive Visibility. Text us and let us know your thoughts on this episode!Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

8/16/23 • 22:17

"Failure" doesn't have to be a bad word. In fact, failing well can lead to unexpected positive breakthroughs. In this episode of Minds Worth Meeting, Whitney Jennings speaks with Harvard Business School's Amy Edmondson, author of the upcoming book "Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing Well". In this episode: Amy discusses the origins of her interest in studying one of today's most important organizational teaming topics - psychological safety.We discuss what failing well means and the science behind it.Amy gives us a few examples of the different types of failure, including a pair to avoid and what an "intelligent failure" is.Amy explains why hearing "failure is not an option" from a coach, parent or boss just serves to set up negative outcomes. Where to find Amy Edmondson:Amy's personal websiteAmy at Harvard Business SchoolAmy on TwitterRight Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing WellClick or tap here to learn more about Amy Edmondson and how her keynotes, workshops and advisory sessions can help your organization build an environment of psychological safety, transparency and collaborative teaming, which ultimately leads to more effective operations, invested employees and a healthier bottom line. Text us and let us know your thoughts on this episode!Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

8/2/23 • 30:44

Artificial intelligence is spreading fast, but are ethical safeguards spreading as quickly as they should be? In this episode of Minds Worth Meeting, Justin Louis speaks with the founder and CEO of Virtue Ethics Consultancy and author of “Ethical Machines” Reid Blackman.In this episode:Reid explains why the issue of ethics in AI has become so much more urgent in the last few monthsWe discuss the differences between the impacts AI may have on society versus the impacts that business leaders should be thinking aboutReid says while the AI genie is out of the bottle and it’s too late to put it back in, it’s not too late for business leaders to familiarize themselves with AI systems before implementing themReid points out the difference between bad actors and “accidental actors”Where to find Reid Blackman:Reid’s websiteVirtue ConsultantsReid’s book “Ethical Machines: Your Concise Guide to Totally Unbiased, Transparent, and Respectful AI“Click or tap here to learn more about Reid Blackman and how his keynotes, workshops and advisory sessions can help your organization mitigate the potential ethical risks of implementing AI systems into business.Text us and let us know your thoughts on this episode!Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

7/19/23 • 28:05

Have you ever wished you could sit down and have a conversation with one of the top robotics and AI engineers in the world? In this episode of Minds Worth Meeting we do exactly that when Whitney Jennings speaks with former NASA engineer and the current Dean of The Ohio State University's College of Engineering, Dr. Ayanna Howard. In this episode:Ayanna explains that, while buzzy at the moment, artificial intelligence isn’t new. In fact, it’s just data and algorithms. In other words – the basis for all computers.She tells us what makes AI different now is that it’s seeping into areas such as healthcare, jobs and even our civil liberties like never before. “These are the things we need to be careful about,” she says.Dr. Howard delves into who should regulate AI – the industry, the government, or both?Finally, she tells our listeners the most important skill that engineers of the future should start learning today.Where to find Dr. Ayanna Howard:Ayanna Howard on TwitterAyanna Howard’s audiobook - “Sex, Race, and Robots: How to Be Human in the Age of AI”Text us and let us know your thoughts on this episode!Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

6/30/23 • 22:16

Is AI on the path to sentience? This time on Minds Worth Meeting, Justin Louis speaks with the director of Columbia University’s Creative Machines Lab, Hod Lipson.In this episode:Hod talks about the speed with which artificial intelligence is advancing right now and tells us that we shouldn’t think about AI as a “thing” but as a “journey”.Hod, who wrote the book “Driverless: Intelligent Cars and the Road Ahead,” says that it will still be some time before we see truly driverless cars on our highways – “they have to earn their place,” he says.We talk about what creativity means in the context of “creative machines” and he tells us about his autonomous robot that paints stunning works of art.Hod weighs in on one of AI’s most controversial topics – how do we know when AI has become self-aware?Click or tap here to learn more about Hod Lipson and how his keynotes, workshops and advisory sessions can help your organization leverage new technology like generative AI and make sense of the emerging technology landscape.Text us and let us know your thoughts on this episode!Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

6/20/23 • 30:06

Public relations , marketing, and Gen-Z expert Mark Beal joins Stern PR's Kenny Conrade this episode of Minds Worth Meeting. Mark, a public relations professor at Rutgers University, has published several books for and about Gen-Z, including 101 Lessons They Never Taught You In College, 101 Lessons They Never Taught You In High School About Going To College, and most recently ZEO, a book outlining the leadership profiles of Gen-Zers as they continue to climb the corporate ladder. In this episode, Mark covers his 25-year career as a public relations practitioner where he worked on major sporting events like the U.S. Open and World Series. He also delves into his journey into becoming a professor and author, as well as some of the key lessons about Gen-Z uncovered through his research and how employers can better engage this generation in the workplace. To learn more about Mark as well as his previous work as a speaker and author, please visit https://www.markbealspeaks.com/. Text us and let us know your thoughts on this episode!Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

6/5/23 • 35:20

Exponentialist Azeem Azhar, bestselling author of “The Exponential Age” and author of the Exponential View newsletter joins host Justin Louis on the first episode of season two of Minds Worth Meeting to discuss the future of technology and innovation. In this episode, Azeem discusses what the future of the world's most complex technologies like artificial intelligence may look like, how they will impact society, and how today’s exponential advancements in technology go to the core of our identity. Azeem also speaks to how he uses GPT-4 in his everyday work and reveals a generative AI “superpower.”You can learn more about Azeem's work and if he may be a fit to speak at your organization's next professional development day by visiting https://sternstrategy.com/speakers/azeem-azhar/. You can also access his Exponential Views newsletter at https://www.exponentialview.co/. Text us and let us know your thoughts on this episode!Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

5/23/23 • 26:32

In this final episode of season one, hosts Whitney Jennings, Justin Louis, and Kenny Conrade look back at some of the top contributions of guests from Minds Worth Meeting season 1 which focused on female experts and thought-leaders.  Guests featured include: Zoe Chance, expert on the power of influence and decision-making and author of Influence Is Your Superpower: The Science of Winning Hearts, Sparking Change, and Making Good Things Happen.Randi Caplan,  Farient Advisors' Leader of marketing and business development on professional services marketing. Susan Stern, founder of Stern Strategy Group on building an organization from the ground up, organizational resilience and culture.Sheena Iyengar, Columbia Business School professor and author of The Art of Choosing and Think Bigger on the importance of decision-making and choice as well as the fundamental flaws in brainstorming.Dr. Nirit Pisano, licensed clinical psychologist and Chief Psychology Officer of Cognovi Labs on the power of emotions at work and in life, the sudden rise in AI and its potential effects.Text us and let us know your thoughts on this episode!Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

5/10/23 • 18:59

Dr. Nirit Pisano, licensed clinical psychologist and the Chief Psychology Officer of Cognovi Labs, an award winning psychology-infused AI platform, joins host Kenny Conrade on Minds Worth Meeting to discuss several hot-button issues in AI, the workplace, and human emotions and psychology. In this episode, Nirit discusses the work she is doing at Cognovi and the company's social mission to increase emotional intelligence in our day-to-day interactions at work, the way goods and services are marketed, and more. She also dives into the importance of emotions in the workplace and tactics managers can use to create psychological safety at work, in addition to the impact that this focus on emotions may have on our future. You can learn more about Cognovi and Nirit's work by visiting www.cognovilabs.com. Text us and let us know your thoughts on this episode!Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

4/26/23 • 28:56

Sheena Iyengar, Columbia Business School professor and a global authority on decision-making and choice, joins host Whitney Jennings on this week's episode of Minds Worth Meeting. In this episode, Sheena discusses her best-selling book, "The Art of Choosing," as well as her new book "Think Bigger," which was recently released this year. Sheena discusses the six-step method she created for teaching people how to take advantage of lessons learned from neurological and cognitive science to put our minds to work when generating our best ideas. She also discusses the importance of prioritizing choice for businesses and when too many choices can actually become a bad thing for consumers. You can learn more about Sheena's work and if she may be a fit to speak at your organization's next professional development day by visiting https://sternstrategy.com/speakers/sheena-iyengar/. Text us and let us know your thoughts on this episode!Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

4/12/23 • 31:30

Susan Stern, founder of Stern Strategy Group, joins host Whitney Jennings on Minds Worth Meeting to discuss her experience as a female founder, important lessons learned from founding a PR agency and speakers bureau, and to give advice to the next generation of female founders. Text us and let us know your thoughts on this episode!Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

3/27/23 • 34:00

Randi Caplan, Farient Advisors' leader of marketing and business development and a long-time client of Stern PR, joins the show to discuss her role at Farient, the evolution of professional services marketing landscape over her 20 years in the field, what forging a successful partnership with a PR agency looks like, and more.  Randi has been a member of Farient's leadership team since 2010 where she works closely with Farient’s senior leadership to build visibility and attract new clients through high-touch integrated marketing programs, lead generation, and innovative research initiatives. Her background has also brought her to legacy companies, where she served in similar roles at Deloitte and Ernst & Young Consulting. Text us and let us know your thoughts on this episode!Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

3/14/23 • 33:12

In the first episode of the relaunched version of Minds Worth Meeting, Zoe Chance, author of Influence Is Your Superpower: The Science of Winning Hearts, Sparking Change, and Making Good Things Happen, sits down with host Whitney Jennings to delve deep into the the world of persuasion and influence and how to make it a part of your everyday life. In addition to her work as an author, Zoe is a professor at the Yale School of Management where she teaches a popular MBA elective called “Mastering Influence and Persuasion” which is one of the school’s most sought-after courses. Her research findings have been published in top academic journals like Proceedings of the National Academy of Science and in such influential business media as Harvard Business Review, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, The Economist and Psychology Today.You can learn more about Zoe and inquire for her speaking and advisory services by visiting www.sternstrategy.com/speakers/zoe-chance. Text us and let us know your thoughts on this episode!Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

2/28/23 • 43:40

Learn more about Minds Worth Meeting, a podcast from Stern Strategy Group! Text us and let us know your thoughts on this episode!Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

2/21/23 • 00:55