Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast If/Then
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| An AI@GSB Special: Demis Hassabis Thinks We’re in the ‘Foothills of the Singularity’ | 23 Sep 2026 | 00:54:49 | |
When Demis Hassabis pitched DeepMind to a few venture capitalists back in 2010, the business plan was almost comically audacious. “Step one: Solve intelligence. Step two: Use it to solve everything else,” he recalls in a conversation at Stanford Graduate School of Business with Stanford University President Jonathan Levin. “And people were quite confused. But we really meant it.” Sixteen years later, the “broad arcs” of that plan have gone “unbelievably well,” says Hassabis, a chess prodigy turned video game developer turned neuroscientist turned Nobel Prize-winning AI pioneer. Today he’s on a mission to create “the ultimate tool for science,” building on his decision to give away AlphaFold, the groundbreaking AI system that predicts the structures of proteins. The future, Hassabis says, is just around the corner: “Ten years from now, I think we’ll realize that we were standing in the foothills of the singularity now.” Chapters: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:03:31 A career built around one big question 00:06:19 Building DeepMind and pursuing AGI 00:10:09 The breakthroughs that made AI feel possible 00:14:48 From AlphaGo to scientific discovery 00:17:15 Why AlphaFold was given away for free 00:24:00 The “foothills of the singularity” 00:26:41 Public concern, disruption, & AI’s promise 00:29:59 How AI could reshape work and entrepreneurship 00:34:12 Competition, safety, & regulating frontier AI 00:41:19 Expanding AI’s benefits globally 00:45:28 Preparing society for AGI 00:48:21 What should AI leave untouched? 00:51:01 Advice for the first AI-native generation 00:54:19 Conclusion See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| Think Fast Talk Smart: "What Other People Teach You About Your Communication" | 26 Aug 2026 | 00:20:19 | |
What if purpose is what drives us to act, but meaning comes from how those actions affect other people? This week on If/Then, we’re sharing a conversation between two Stanford GSB colleagues: Think Fast, Talk Smart host Matt Abrahams and organizational behavior professor Brian Lowery. Recorded live at Stanford’s LEAD Me2We event, Matt and Brian explore the difference between purpose and meaning, why meaning is rooted in our relationships with others, and how the way we show up shapes the people around us. They also discuss sincerity, leadership, and how to give feedback that helps people feel seen rather than judged. It’s a conversation about the ripple effects of our interactions — and what they mean for how we work, lead, and connect with others. Related Content: Chapters: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:14 Meaning vs. purpose 00:02:14 How to find purpose 00:02:50 Finding meaning through service to others 00:04:49 How relationships shape identity 00:05:54 The leader’s role in shaping others 00:09:32 Self-awareness and psychological safety 00:11:10 Respecting perspectives you don’t share 00:12:23 Sincerity vs. authenticity 00:13:28 Giving feedback that people can hear 00:17:47 What it means to be a better human 00:18:57 Conclusion See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| Stanford Legal: "The Importance of Critical Thinking and Civil Discourse in Today's Polarized World" | 08 Jul 2026 | 00:32:34 | |
How do you engage effectively across deep disagreement without shutting down the conversation? This week on If/Then, we’re sharing an episode from our colleagues at Stanford Legal, the podcast from Stanford Law School that looks at the cases, questions, and conflicts shaping public life. In a world where confidence is rewarded and humility can feel like a liability, Stanford Law professor Robert MacCoun argues for something radical: fewer unwavering opinions, more critical reflection, and a better way to disagree. On Stanford Legal, MacCoun joins co-hosts Pam Karlan and Diego Zambrano for a conversation about how “habits of mind” borrowed from science can help citizens, lawyers, and policymakers think more clearly, listen more carefully, and build better public debate around difficult questions that don’t have easy answers. Trained as a social psychologist, MacCoun's work sits at the intersection of law, science, and public policy, with decades of research on decision-making, bias, and the social dynamics that shape how evidence is interpreted. In the episode, he draws on his most recent book, Third Millennium Thinking: Creating Sense in a World of Nonsense, co-authored with Nobel Prize–winning physicist Saul Perlmutter and philosopher John Campbell, to explain why probabilistic thinking, intellectual humility, and what he calls an “opinion diet” are essential tools for modern civic life. Related Content: Chapters: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:23 The course, the book, & what motivated it 00:04:06 Habits of mind for better decision-making 00:06:20 Probabilistic thinking and intellectual humility 00:09:57 An “opinion diet” 00:12:16 Reasonable doubt, community, & collective judgment 00:14:13 Scientific optimism and the problem of cynicism 00:17:31 Why trust in science has eroded 00:20:10 Law, science, & the value of procedure 00:22:50 Steel-manning the other side 00:24:58 Public policy as provisional problem-solving 00:30:07 Deliberative democracy and informed public debate 00:32:03 Conclusion See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| What AI Can’t Do — And Why | 25 Jun 2026 | 00:28:50 | |
“Humans manage to do so much with surprisingly little,” says Douglas Guilbeault, an assistant professor of organizational behavior at Stanford Graduate School of Business. “Whereas AI, by comparison, is doing relatively little, but with so much power, so much compute, so many resources, and by comparison, relatively fewer constraints.” On a bonus episode of the If/Then podcast, Guilbeault describes the implications of his recent work. Although he readily acknowledges that AI is “increasingly able to do quite a lot,” Guilbeault and his colleagues believe they have identified a key principle that distinguishes human intelligence from machine intelligence — and one which illuminates the limitations of machine thinking. Although some researchers and AI boosters believe both humans and AI learn via optimization, Guilbeault and his colleagues have shown that another process more accurately captures how people distill the seemingly infinite complexity of the world and act based on limited information. “You encounter a lot of noise, a lot of chaos, a lot of randomness,” Guilbeault says. “We somehow figure out how to make meaning and establish strong understandings from within that.” What limitations have you encountered in your work with AI? Share your story with us at ifthenpod@stanford.edu. Related Content:
Chapters: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:40 Why human learning matters for AI 00:05:03 Satisficing and the limits of optimization 00:06:41 Why LLMs learn differently from humans 00:09:58 The stakes of AI hype 00:13:11 “Humanity has had a good run” 00:15:19 Intuition, insight, & conceptual leaps 00:17:38 Beyond statistics: metaphor, vibes, & reasoning 00:19:39 A simple rule for social learning 00:21:18 Is there a ceiling for AI? 00:23:00 Randomness, disorder, & the path to insight 00:25:00 What an optimization mindset leaves out 00:27:54 Conclusion If/Then, from Stanford GSB, features conversations with faculty that explore how their research deepens our understanding of business and leadership. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| Our AI Future: From Abundance to Apocalypse | 10 Jun 2026 | 00:45:10 | |
Chad Jones, a professor of economics at Stanford Graduate School of Business, recently published a paper, “AI and Our Economic Future.” Using more than 100 years of economic data, he modelled several potential AI-infused economic futures we may experience. These include the good (abundance, we never work again), the not-so-bad (business more or less as usual), and the ugly (a superintelligence that turns on us, among other catastrophic options). Cheery stuff, Jones acknowledges, but essential to face. “I think the ability for an AI to do everything on a computer that the best software engineer can do, that seems like it’s either here now or will be here within five years easily,” Jones says. “Hacking the electric grid, hacking the financial system, these kinds of scenarios are things that we definitely have to worry about. The good news is, I think if we get through that, the ability of AI to transform the economy for good, it is really there and present. And, that would be a very great and bright future.” Related Content:
Chapters: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:32 The difference between now & previous periods of innovation 00:02:29 Two scenarios for AI-driven growth 00:06:18 The case for business-as-usual 00:11:06 Weak links and the limits of automation 00:17:53 What the models are showing about growth 00:19:58 The economics of abundance 00:25:29 The weak-link model’s timing & possible adaptations 00:27:51 Who gains in an AI economy? 00:29:55 Catastrophic risk and the downside of acceleration 00:34:31 The downsides of the weak link model 00:36:38 Meaning, identity, and human value 00:39:55 Leisure in a post-work world 00:41:43 What the next generation may inherit 00:44:07 Conclusion If/Then, from Stanford GSB, features conversations with faculty that explore how their research deepens our understanding of business and leadership. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| The Art of Friction | 20 May 2026 | 00:23:52 | |
“Friction for us has to do with obstacles,” says Hayagreeva “Huggy” Rao, a professor of organizational behavior at Stanford Graduate School of Business. “Obstacles can disable you. Obstacles can enable you.” Rao compares friction to cholesterol: Some is good, but some is bad. “Good friction actually slows you down, gets you to pause, and most of all, gets you to reflect,” he explains. “But there’s also friction that overwhelms you, exhausts you, confuses you.” On this episode of If/Then, Rao explores how to cultivate the productive kind of friction, reduce the unhelpful kind, and manage your team’s most precious resource. “Great leaders are people who think of themselves as trustees of other people's time,” he says. Do you have any favorite examples of good or bad friction? Share one with us at ifthenpod@stanford.edu. Related Content: Chapters: 00:00:00 Airport baggage claim, waiting, & good friction 00:03:20 Introduction 00:03:48 What friction means in organizations 00:05:42 Where friction comes from 00:07:52 Scaling through smart subtraction 00:08:24 DropBox’s approach to meetings 00:10:45 The problem with meetings 00:13:53 What good friction looks like 00:16:56 Friction, trust, & institutional legitimacy 00:19:31 Why Huggy Rao started studying friction 00:22:20 Conclusion See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| Unconventional Wisdom | 06 May 2026 | 00:26:11 | |
“I don’t see things like anybody else,” says Jonathan Berk, a professor of finance at Stanford Graduate School of Business. “And so I can see things people don't see.” On this episode, Berk explores recent research that pushes against conventional wisdom, from questioning the utility of the debt-to-GDP ratio to asking whether regulation is actually in the best interests of the consumer. “If you disagree with me… You have to write down a convincing theoretical model and analyze [it].” Berk admits his unique lens doesn’t always make life easy. But on the other hand, “it confers an enormous advantage” — and he believes that organizations which are able to harness the power of unconventional thinking can gain a competitive edge. “It’s allowed me to solve problems that other people couldn't solve,” he says. Has seeing the world differently helped you resolve a conundrum? Tell us more at ifthenpod@stanford.edu. Related Content: Chapters: 00:00:00 The Fosbury Flop, innovation, & unconventional thinking 00:03:18 Introduction 00:04:24 Questioning conventional wisdom 00:04:57 Rethinking the debt-to-GDP ratio 00:08:21 A finance perspective on national debt 00:10:36 Why theory matters before alarm 00:12:38 Regulation, charlatans, & consumer interests 00:16:22 Licensing, certification, & competition 00:19:51 The cost of pushing back 00:21:16 Building organizations that welcome dissent 00:24:59 Conclusion If/Then, from Stanford GSB, features conversations with faculty that explore how their research deepens our understanding of business and leadership. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| Why Who You Are Affects How You Think | 22 Apr 2026 | 00:24:43 | |
“When people come to view attitudes and opinions towards, say, political policies or issues as relevant to their identities, they become more extreme in their attitudes,” says Christian Wheeler, the StrataCom Professor of Management and Professor of Marketing at Stanford Graduate School of Business. “I become more positive or negative towards an issue the moment it becomes relevant to who I view myself as being.” Wheeler’s research offers insight into our increasingly polarized politics. However, his work has also yielded ideas for bridging divisions — beginning with how we listen to each other and how we see the people we disagree with. The moment we see someone as an individual rather than a category, we become more likely to find common ground. “Instead of viewing you as a Democrat or a Republican, I can view you as an individual,” Wheeler recommends. “Anything that humanizes you and moves you away from this simple category will help me to view you as an individual and less as just an interchangeable member of a category.” How much do your opinions define who you are? Tell us more at ifthenpod@stanford.edu. Related Content:
Chapters: 00:00:02 Tattoos, identity, & personal evolution 00:03:26 Introduction 00:03:59 Why identity matters 00:04:56 Identity relevance & its implications 00:08:03 Why openness to the other side gets punished 00:10:57 Identities vs. opinions 00:13:53 The power of individuation 00:15:53 How to break the cycle of polarization 00:19:41 Organizational applications 00:23:26 Conclusion If/Then, from Stanford GSB, features conversations with faculty that explore how their research deepens our understanding of business and leadership. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| The Paradox of Masculinity | 08 Apr 2026 | 00:26:52 | |
“Masculinity is my new frontier,” says Ashley Martin, an associate professor of organizational behavior at Stanford Graduate School of Business. Martin, whose work examines why gender plays such a central role in how we perceive and make sense of others, has been looking at how traits associated with masculinity are simultaneously organizationally rewarded even as they’re personally harmful to men. “We spend a lot of time talking about gender inequality through the lens of women’s disadvantage,” she says. “I think that many of the problems that we’re seeing today… are actually bound up in masculinity.” What impact do you think masculinity and femininity have on our work and our world? Tell us more at ifthenpod@stanford.edu. Related Content:
Chapters: 00:00 How movies shape our ideas about masculinity 04:02 Introduction 05:15 How Ashley Martin got into studying gender 05:58 When gender is removed from hiring 07:10 The “pet rock” study 10:35 The universal use of gender 13:02 Gendering objects 15:12 How masculinity affects men 18:13 The current implications of Martin’s research 20:41 What healthier models of masculinity might look like 23:47 Ashley’s next frontier: masculinity, material culture, and social problems 25:07 Conclusion If/Then, from Stanford GSB, features conversations with faculty that explore how their research deepens our understanding of business and leadership. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| What We Actually Learn From Experience | 25 Mar 2026 | 00:25:56 | |
Steven Callander has spent years building a mathematical framework to answer the question of how people learn from experience. “Here in Silicon Valley, the expression that you learn from failure is very widespread and very intuitive. But the question is… what do you learn? How do you optimally learn from that experience?” In this episode, Callander, the Herbert Hoover Professor of Public and Private Management and Professor of Political Economy at Stanford Graduate School of Business, explains the hidden, deceptively simple logic of correlated learning — and it may change how you think about finding the right job, the right market, or the right strategy. “It fascinates me and I can't stop thinking about it,” he says. Has theory made an impact on your life? Tell us more at ifthenpod@stanford.edu. Related Content:
Chapters: 00:00 Ann Miura-Ko on learning and the search for patterns in Venture capital 02:51 Introduction 05:23 What is correlated learning? 06:40 Where does this research apply in the real world? 09:28 Brownian Motion 12:45 Steven Callander’s Framework 15:25 Examples of correlated learning when seeking expert advice 20:53 Applying correlated learning 23:57 Why correlated learning research? 24:51 Conclusion If/Then, from Stanford GSB, features conversations with faculty that explore how their research deepens our understanding of business and leadership. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| How Dating and Sports Explain the Job Market | 11 Mar 2026 | 00:25:19 | |
Seemingly unrelated activities — like taking a soccer penalty kick or crafting an online dating profile — involve an embedded economics. “Understanding and applying economic logic can be valuable in pretty much any job or any other endeavor in your life,” says Paul Oyer, a professor of economics at Stanford Graduate School of Business. On this episode, Oyer digs into the shared economic logic of online dating and the labor market, explains why pro athletes and sports fans think like economists, and explores how AI has reduced the beneficial friction that was once a part of job searches. Got a question about the economics of dating, sports, or the job market? Ask us at ifthenpod@stanford.edu. Related Content: Chapters: 00:00 Strategic decision-making in air traffic control 03:06 Introduction 03:27 Why sports are a useful lens for understanding economics 09:53 Why economics matters far beyond money 10:54 Economics & online 14:36 Applications of game theory 16:54 How AI is reshaping hiring and the labor market 22:25 The labor market challenge economists still have not solved 24:18 Conclusion If/Then, from Stanford GSB, features conversations with faculty that explore how their research deepens our understanding of business and leadership. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| If/Then Returns: Season Three | 04 Mar 2026 | 00:01:25 | |
When should we leap instead of take the obvious next step? Why do we instinctively see gender everywhere? When do our opinions begin to feel less like ideas and more like our identity? If/Then, from Stanford Graduate School of Business, is back with a new season of sharp, surprising conversations that deepen our understanding of business and leadership. Each episode brings you into the room with a Stanford GSB faculty member as they discuss their research and how it challenges conventional wisdom, sharpens judgment, and reframes the way we approach complex decisions. Join us on Wednesdays for a new season of If/Then. What do you want to hear on If/Then? Email us at ifthenpod@stanford.edu. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| GSB at 100: "The Moment" | 22 Dec 2025 | 00:28:34 | |
This week on If/Then we’re sharing an episode of GSB at 100, a limited audio series created especially for Stanford Graduate School of Business’s Centennial. GSB at 100 presents a scrapbook of memories, ideas, and breakthroughs as Stanford GSB celebrates its first century and looks around the corner to what the next 100 years may hold.
On this episode of GSB at 100, you’ll experience Centennial Day, hear Dean Sarah A. Soule honor the past, celebrate the present, and look to what the future may hold. GSB at 100 depicts a school defined not only by its innovation and impact, but by its people: curious students, devoted faculty, and accomplished staff — a community of thinkers, dreamers, and doers. Learn more about the Stanford GSB Centennial See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| GSB at 100: "The Experience" | 26 Nov 2025 | 00:29:01 | |
This week on If/Then we’re sharing an episode of GSB at 100, a limited audio series created especially for Stanford Graduate School of Business’s Centennial. GSB at 100 presents a scrapbook of memories, ideas, and breakthroughs as Stanford GSB celebrates its first century and looks around the corner to what the next 100 years may hold. On this episode of GSB at 100, you’ll step inside the classrooms where teaching sparks transformation. Learn more about the Stanford GSB Centennial See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| GSB at 100: "The Spirit" | 12 Nov 2025 | 00:24:30 | |
This week on [If/Then or View From The Top] we’re sharing an episode of GSB at 100, a limited audio series created especially for Stanford Graduate School of Business’s Centennial. GSB at 100 presents a scrapbook of memories, ideas, and breakthroughs as Stanford GSB celebrates its first century and looks around the corner to what the next 100 years may hold. On this episode of GSB at 100, you’ll hear from the dedicated and accomplished staff members who work behind the scenes to make Stanford GSB a community unlike anywhere else in the world. Learn more about the Stanford GSB Centennial See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| What's Your Problem: "Teaching Computers to See" | 29 Oct 2025 | 00:27:03 | |
This week on If/Then, we’re sharing an episode of What’s Your Problem?, a show from Pushkin Industries where entrepreneurs, engineers, and scientists talk about the future they’re trying to build—and the problems they must solve to get there. Hosted by former Planet Money co-host Jacob Goldstein, each conversation explores the challenges and breakthroughs shaping the next wave of innovation. In this episode, Goldstein speaks with Fei-Fei Li, Stanford computer scientist, former Chief Scientist of AI and Machine Learning at Google, and one of the most influential figures in the field of computer vision. Li reflects on her pioneering work developing ImageNet, the massive dataset that helped spark the modern AI revolution, and the “north star” questions that have guided her research from neuroscience to machine learning. Together, they trace how a single insight about how humans see the world led to a paradigm shift in artificial intelligence—and how Li’s vision continues to shape the way we teach machines to see, learn, and collaborate with us. More Resources: • Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI) • ImageNet If/Then is a podcast from Stanford Graduate School of Business that examines research findings that can help us navigate the complex issues we face in business, leadership, and society. Chapters: (00:00:00) Introducing “What’s Your Problem?” Kevin Cool introduces the Pushkin Industries podcast hosted by Jacob Goldstein. 00:00:45 — What Is Computer Vision? Jacob Goldstein and Fei-Fei Li explain how machines learn to see and interpret images. 00:03:18 — Real-World Uses of AI Vision Li shares examples from healthcare, robotics, and environmental science. 00:05:06 — Discovering the Science of Seeing How human vision research inspired Li’s lifelong “north star” in AI. 00:09:56 — Creating ImageNet Li builds a massive image database that transforms computer vision research. 00:13:29 — Defining 30,000 Visual Concepts How cognitive science helped shape ImageNet’s massive scale. 00:16:41 — Building the Dataset by Hand Li's team uses global crowdsourcing to label millions of images. 00:19:38 — The 2012 Breakthrough Jeff Hinton’s neural network shatters records and sparks the deep learning era. 00:22:19 — Data Meets Hardware Li reflects on how big data and GPUs converged to power modern AI. 00:24:55 — Lightning Round with Fei-Fei Li Quick insights on resilience, mentorship, and the future of human-AI collaboration. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| GSB at 100: The Magic | 24 Sep 2025 | 00:20:44 | |
This week on If/Then, we’re sharing an episode of GSB at 100, a limited audio series created especially for Stanford Graduate School of Business’s Centennial. GSB at 100 presents a scrapbook of memories, ideas, and breakthroughs, as the GSB celebrates its first century and looks around the corner to what the next hundred years may hold. The first episode of the series begins where the GSB begins: in 1925, Herbert Hoover, a Stanford alum and future U.S. president, had an idea. “A graduate School of Business Administration is urgently needed upon the Pacific Coast,” he wrote. One hundred years later, what has Stanford Graduate School of Business accomplished, and what might its future hold? Listen in as professors reflect on founding principles, frontier technologies, and the magic that makes the GSB the place it is — and shapes what it aspires to be. If/Then is a podcast from Stanford Graduate School of Business that examines research findings that can help us navigate the complex issues we face in business, leadership, and society. Each episode features an interview with a Stanford GSB faculty member. Learn more about the Stanford GSB Centennial See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| View From The Top: “Lisa Su Is Still Curious About How Things Work” | 27 Aug 2025 | 00:56:14 | |
This week on If/Then, we’re sharing an episode of View From The Top: The Podcast, an audio series featuring leaders from around the world in conversation with MBA students. Recorded live at the CEMEX Auditorium at Stanford Graduate School of Business, episodes feature insights on effective leadership, the values that guide it, and lessons learned along the way. Lisa Su, the chair and CEO of Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), leads one of the world’s most influential technology companies, a pioneer in high-performance computing and designer of chips that power everything from cellphones to supercomputers. Su joins Michael Liu, MBA ’25, to talk about what it takes to stay on the cutting edge of technology, the tremendous potential of artificial intelligence, and why her superpower may be her commitment to learning. “Careers are very much by chance,” Su says. “The nice thing about my early career is I was lucky enough to have bosses who asked me all the time, ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ And I was like, ‘I don't know. Let me think about [it]...what I like to believe is the ability to learn at each step was what really helped me in my career.” This conversation was recorded on February 24, 2025. More Resources: • Lisa Su If/Then is a podcast from Stanford Graduate School of Business that examines research findings that can help us navigate the complex issues we face in business, leadership, and society. Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Kevin Cool introduces a summer spotlight on other podcasts, featuring View from the Top. (00:00:59) Meet Lisa Su Michael Liu introduces Lisa Su, AMD CEO, and highlights her career transformation. (00:04:13) Growing Up & MIT Years Lisa reflects on her immigrant upbringing and her journey through three degrees at MIT. (00:05:43) Discovering Semiconductors A part-time lab job at MIT ignites Lisa’s passion for chip technology. (00:07:21) From Engineer to Leader Lisa describes her transition from technical work to managing people and projects. (00:11:19) Tackling Hard Problems How curiosity and teamwork help Lisa embrace high-stakes technical challenges. (00:13:40) Betting on Talent Lisa recounts moments when she was given a chance—and how she now pays that forward. (00:17:03) Becoming CEO at AMD What brought Lisa to AMD and the unexpected call to lead the company. (00:21:51) Strategy in a Turnaround How AMD focused on high-performance computing and long-term bets. (00:25:41) Cultural Shift at AMD Lisa outlines how AMD’s culture became collaborative, ambitious, and learning-driven. (00:27:19) AI & Global Tech Politics The complex intersection of AI innovation and geopolitical regulation. (00:32:37) Open vs. Closed AI Platforms AMD’s open-source AI approach with NVIDIA’s more vertical model. (00:38:54) Future Vision & Final Reflections Lisa offers advice to MBAs and shares what she wants her legacy at AMD to be.
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| The Joy of Discovery and Why Research Matters | 13 Aug 2025 | 00:16:25 | |
As we celebrate the conclusion of the second season of the If/Then podcast, we present a bonus episode featuring Deborah H. Gruenfeld, the Joseph McDonald Professor and Professor of Organizational Behavior and a Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at Stanford Graduate School of Business. Gruenfeld, who appeared on the first season of If/Then in an award-winning episode about hierarchies and the nature of power, returned to the studio to share her thoughts on the value of academic research and its impact on individuals and organizations. “The nice thing about research is that it provides tools and methods and an approach to learn about what’s true in the world, taking into account that what we learn from firsthand experience is not reliable,” she says. “Research helps us build a body of knowledge about what's actually true that we can trust.” This episode was recorded on July 16, 2025. Related Content:
If/Then is a podcast from Stanford Graduate School of Business that examines research findings that can help us navigate the complex issues we face in business, leadership, and society. Each episode features an interview with a Stanford GSB faculty member. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| The Future of Everything: "The Future of Motivation" | 30 Jul 2025 | 00:34:02 | |
This week on If/Then, we’re sharing an episode of The Future of Everything, a podcast hosted by Stanford School of Engineering professor and friend of the show Russ Altman. Everyone has goals — some are monumental, others modest — but every goal matters. Szu-chi Huang, an associate professor of marketing at Stanford Graduate School of Business, is an expert on sustaining enthusiasm for individuals, customers, and employees across global corporations and organizations. On this episode, Huang shares what it takes to stay motivated over time — not just at the beginning of a goal, when energy runs high, or at the end, when the finish line is in sight, but through the toughest part: the middle. She explains why motivation is a dynamic process that requires different tools at different stages, and offers practical advice drawn from her research on everything from retirement savings and loyalty programs to children’s health and social apps. Along the way, she and Altman explore how purpose, progress, and even a little social pressure can help us keep going — and how AI might someday coach us through. More Resources:
If/Then is a podcast from Stanford Graduate School of Business that examines research findings that can help us navigate the complex issues we face in business, leadership, and society. Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Russ Altman introduces Szu-Chi Huang, professor of marketing at Stanford GSB. (00:03:31) Studying Motivation Szu-chi shares what led her to study motivational science (00:04:03) Defining Motivation Motivation as the drive to close the gap between current and ideal self. (00:04:57) The Science of Motivation Studying motivation through behavioral and neurological data. (00:05:48) Why It Matters in Business How motivation science applies to leaders, teams, and customers. (00:06:39) Motivation Framework The strategies needed in order to stay motivated over time. (00:07:42) The Mindset of Motivation The different mindsets needed throughout the stages of motivation. (00:09:21) Motivating Kids to Choose Healthy A Collaboration with UNICEF to study what motivates children. (00:10:55) Gamified Coupons in Panama A study using gamified coupons to influence children's food choices. (00:14:26) Loyalty Programs as Motivation How customer reward programs act as structured goal journeys. (00:16:47) Progress Versus Purpose The different incentives needed in each stage of loyalty programs. (00:18:29) Retirement Saving Lessons How financial institutions apply motivational science to long-term goals. (00:21:12) Motivation in Social Context The role of social connections in goal pursuit and sustaining motivation. (00:26:10) Designing Apps for Motivation How redesigning user interfaces can help users stay motivated. (00:27:20) AI as a Motivation Coach Using AI to personalize feedback across all stages of goal pursuit. (00:30:09) Starting and Sustaining a Goal Practical strategies for launching and sustaining a goal. (00:31:57) Conclusion See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| Think Fast, Talk Smart: "Tensions and Trade-Offs of Leadership and Communication" | 09 Jul 2025 | 00:23:45 | |
This week on If/Then, we’re sharing an episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, a podcast hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Business lecturer and friend of the show, Matt Abrahams. How do you communicate with others when you’re confused yourself? For fellow GSB lecturer Rob Siegel, leadership isn’t about avoiding uncertainty: it’s about embracing the clarity that ambiguity can bring. In his latest book, “The Systems Leader: Mastering the Cross Pressures That Make or Break Today's Companies,” Siegel explores how leaders today are “living in dualities,” caught between managing existing processes and adapting to emerging disruptions. “The sooner we get comfortable with [change] in the sense of ‘I don't have to like it, but I can deal with it,’ then [we can] lead our teams and give them the calm to know they can get through this.” On this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Siegel and Abrahams explore how to communicate effectively amid constant change. From preparation strategies for spontaneous speaking to building trust through candid conversations, you'll hear practical tips for communicating with clarity when nothing is certain but change. More Resources:
If/Then is a podcast from Stanford Graduate School of Business that examines research findings that can help us navigate the complex issues we face in business, leadership, and society. For a full transcript of this episode, visit our podcast’s website. Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Kevin Cool previews season three and introduces a featured episode from Think Fast Talk Smart. (00:00:40) Introduction to Rob Siegel Matt Abrahams welcomes Rob Siegel and introduces his new book The Systems Leader. (00:01:34) Teaching in a Time of Chaos Rob explains how his course on systems leadership evolved amid global uncertainty and AI disruption. (00:02:39) Frameworks for Modern Leadership Rob outlines key leadership frameworks, including five cross pressures from his book. (00:04:01) Communication’s Role in Leadership They discuss how facts, context, and communication help leaders navigate uncertainty. (00:06:18) Balancing Innovation and Execution The conversation turns to managing the tension between creative innovation and operational goals. (00:08:00) Leading Through Ambiguity They explore how leaders can embrace ambiguity as a normal, strategic part of leadership. (00:09:41) Navigating Short- vs Long-Term Thinking Rob breaks down how leaders balance quarterly goals with long-term planning and vision. (00:12:32) Strength and Empathy in Leadership Matt and Rob examine how leaders can balance warmth and strength in team relationships. (00:16:03) How to Keep Students Engaged Rob shares his best practices for engaging students through preparation, spontaneity, and challenge. (00:18:55) Building Trust Through Genuine Care They reflect on the role of genuine interest in others as a foundation for trust and communication. (00:21:35) Communication Role Models and Recipes Rob names Irv Beck as a communicator he admires and shares his top three ingredients for great communication. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| Culture Still Eats Strategy For Breakfast | 25 Jun 2025 | 00:29:54 | |
Do you stick to the rules or do you roll through stop signs? Whether you’re “tight” or “loose” — how closely you adhere to social norms — has major implications for your life at home and at work. “To be effective, we want to be ambidextrous,” says Michele Gelfand, the John H. Scully Professor in Cross-Cultural Management and Professor of Organizational Behavior at Stanford Graduate School of Business. “Even if we might lean tight or loose, we want to be able to create a context where we can have both tight and loose elements.” Sophisticated strategies will fail if they don’t account for deeply embedded norms, and Gelfand breaks down why the adage that “culture eats strategy for breakfast” is more than just a management cliché. “From the moment we wake up to the moment we go to sleep, [culture is] affecting everything from our politics to our parenting,” Gelfand says. “But we take it for granted — we don’t even think about it. So it’s kind of invisible. And that’s a pretty profound puzzle.” What’s the biggest cultural adjustment you’ve made? Share your story at ifthenpod@stanford.edu. This episode was recorded on January 28, 2025. Related Content:
If/Then is a podcast from Stanford Graduate School of Business that examines research findings that can help us navigate the complex issues we face in business, leadership, and society. Each episode features an interview with a Stanford GSB faculty member. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| The AI Prescription for Healthcare | 11 Jun 2025 | 00:27:40 | |
AI has the potential to reshape medicine. But translating its promise into solutions for providers and patients is a high-stakes challenge. “There’s a lot more problems than solutions available,” says Mohsen Bayati, the Carl and Marilynn Thoma Professor of Operations, Information & Technology at Stanford Graduate School of Business. “So it’s ripe for innovation.” From trust and privacy to hallucination and data quality, the complications are significant. Bayati says that safely and effectively integrating AI into an enormous industry that treats people in their most vulnerable moments requires safety guardrails, human oversight, and maybe even a leap of faith. “[We] need to have patience with the benefits of these systems,” he says. Are you ready to interact with artificial intelligence at the doctor’s office? Sound off at ifthenpod@stanford.edu. This episode was recorded on March 4, 2025. Related Content:
If/Then is a podcast from Stanford Graduate School of Business that examines research findings that can help us navigate the complex issues we face in business, leadership, and society. Each episode features an interview with a Stanford GSB faculty member. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| Designing the AI Organization | 28 May 2025 | 00:26:35 | |
“The way I think about trying to anticipate and shape the AI future requires us to take a step back and ask ourselves first, ‘What does this technology do? What does it enable?’” reflects Amir Goldberg, a professor of organizational behavior at Stanford Graduate School of Business. “That’s very different from asking ourselves, ‘How is the technology implemented?’” From locating the origins of innovation to identifying hidden barriers blocking new ideas, Goldberg presents a framework for harnessing novel technological capabilities like AI — capabilities that are essential for staying ahead of the competition. “The data/AI train is leaving the station,” he says. “The problem is, there are many trains — and some are going off a cliff.” Is your organization exploring how to transform its experience into data? Tell us your story at ifthenpod@stanford.edu. This episode was recorded on February 5, 2025. Related Content:
If/Then is a podcast from Stanford Graduate School of Business that examines research findings that can help us navigate the complex issues we face in business, leadership, and society. Each episode features an interview with a Stanford GSB faculty member. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| What Happened to the Middle? | 14 May 2025 | 00:30:07 | |
Neil Malhotra, the Edith M. Cornell professor of political economy at Stanford Graduate School of Business, aims to identify the nature of our tumultuous political moment in his work. In this episode, Malhotra explores rising distrust, shifting political identities, and what these changes mean for individuals — and businesses. Plus, the billion-dollar question: “Is Trump creating a movement that is separate from himself or is it identified with himself?” Malhotra asks. “It remains to be seen.” Is there a political question you’d like us to explore? Email us at ifthenpod@stanford.edu. This episode was recorded on December 18, 2024. Related Content:
If/Then is a podcast from Stanford Graduate School of Business that examines research findings that can help us navigate the complex issues we face in business, leadership, and society. Each episode features an interview with a Stanford GSB faculty member. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| Small Business, Big Impact | 30 Apr 2025 | 00:25:36 | |
Sridhar Narayanan, a professor of marketing at Stanford Graduate School of Business, studies how small businesses operate and why they’re so important, especially in the developing world. “Modernizing small businesses will have a profound impact on economies worldwide in many ways,” he says. In this episode of If/Then, Narayanan explains why so many retailers still rely on cash, how modernization can boost revenue, and what these patterns reveal about credit access, trust in institutions, and global economic development. Have you modernized a small business or did you choose to stick with what was already working? Tell us your story at ifthenpod@stanford.edu. This episode was recorded on November 5, 2024. Related Content:
If/Then is a podcast from Stanford Graduate School of Business that examines research findings that can help us navigate the complex issues we face in business, leadership, and society. Each episode features an interview with a Stanford GSB faculty member. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| Could Financial Literacy Change the World? | 16 Apr 2025 | 00:27:40 | |
Only a third of the global population is financially literate. Why? Because most of us don’t learn the basics of personal finance in school — or elsewhere. Treating financial literacy as an afterthought can have serious consequences, from personal calamities to economic crises, according to Annamaria Lusardi, a professor of finance and the director of the Initiative for Financial Decision-Making at Stanford Graduate School of Business. On this episode of If/Then, Lusardi makes the case for treating financial education like preventative care: essential, cost-effective, and an enormous opportunity to improve people’s lives, boost workplace performance, and strengthen economic resilience. “We should learn about money as soon as possible,” Lusardi says. “As soon as the tooth fairy comes.” Where do you go for financial advice? Tell us more at ifthenpod@stanford.edu. This episode was recorded on November 5, 2024. Related Content: If/Then is a podcast from Stanford Graduate School of Business that examines research findings that can help us navigate the complex issues we face in business, leadership, and society. Each episode features an interview with a Stanford GSB faculty member. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| Adapting To Massive Technological Change | 02 Apr 2025 | 00:25:15 | |
Susan Athey, the Economics of Technology Professor at Stanford Graduate School of Business and founding director of the Golub Capital Social Impact Lab, studies the impact of technological innovations on workers, businesses, and society. Will the world’s economies successfully adapt to a future defined by artificial intelligence? On this episode, Athey shares what the stories of 22,000 laid-off workers in Sweden can tell us about who recovers from economic turmoil, how small design changes and product features can have outsize societal impact, and how AI could transform the way we work, from hiring to healthcare. What’s the best way to build a future that effectively integrates AI and supports workers? Tell us more at ifthenpod@stanford.edu. This episode was recorded on December 16, 2024. Related Content:
Chapters
If/Then is a podcast from Stanford Graduate School of Business that examines research findings that can help us navigate the complex issues we face in business, leadership, and society. Each episode features an interview with a Stanford GSB faculty member. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| Think You Know Yourself? Think Again. | 19 Mar 2025 | 00:26:09 | |
Brian Lowery, the Walter Kenneth Kilpatrick Professor of Organizational Behavior at Stanford Graduate School of Business and the author of Selfless: The Social Creation of You, argues that identity is about much more than external characteristics, family history, or the collection of experiences that compose the chronology of our lives. In fact, Lowery argues, our identities are constantly being formed, shifted, and even co-created — by the people around us. In this episode, Lowery breaks down how leaders, colleagues, and even casual acquaintances influence the people we are continually becoming — and why recognizing this can change our lives and how we experience the people we know. Understanding this social conception of the self helps us effectively navigate challenges at home and in the workplace, strengthen key relationships, and even bridge political divides. “All these constraints that you feel, maybe those are imaginary,” Lowery says. “The world opens to you, I think, if you believe this, but that is also what's terrifying about it. What's exciting is what's terrifying.” Has someone in your life changed how you see yourself? Tell us more at ifthenpod@stanford.edu. This conversation was recorded on November 13, 2024. Related Content:
Chapters:
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| How Taxes Influence Innovation | 05 Mar 2025 | 00:25:06 | |
What’s one of the most powerful forces behind technological breakthroughs, business strategy, and job creation? The tax code. Rebecca Lester, an associate professor of accounting and one of three inaugural Botha-Chan Faculty Scholars at Stanford Graduate School of Business, studies how subtle tax incentives can trigger monumental business decisions, determining how companies invest, grow, and innovate. These incentives don’t just shape corporate strategy — they ripple across industries, economies, and markets. From advancing clean energy to catalyzing global competition, you might think of tax policy as a blueprint for the future. The big question: how to do it right. Have tax incentives led you to make a personal or professional decision? Tell us more at ifthenpod@stanford.edu. This conversation was recorded on November 5, 2024. Related Content:
If/Then is a podcast from Stanford Graduate School of Business that examines research findings that can help us navigate the complex issues we face in business, leadership, and society. Each episode features an interview with a Stanford GSB faculty member. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| The Hidden Power of Geoeconomics | 19 Feb 2025 | 00:26:17 | |
The pen may be mightier than the sword — but the dollar beats them both. Economic leverage has long shaped the world order, and today global powers use financial networks, trade policies, and sanctions as tools of persuasion — or coercion. In this episode, Matteo Maggiori, the Moghadam Family Professor of Finance at Stanford Graduate School of Business, outlines why he believes the U.S. dollar remains the world’s financial backbone, why China wants to create an alternative, and how global financial networks serve as both tools of economic statecraft and sources of financial instability in an increasingly multipolar world. This episode features Paula Findlen, the Ubaldo Pierotti Professor of History at Stanford University. How do you feel about a future where the buck no longer stops with the U.S.?? Email us at ifthenpod@stanford.edu. This conversation was recorded on September 5, 2024. Related Content:
If/Then is a podcast from Stanford Graduate School of Business that examines research findings that can help us navigate the complex issues we face in business, leadership, and society. Each episode features an interview with a Stanford GSB faculty member. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| Broken Systems, Broken Trust | 12 Feb 2025 | 00:25:10 | |
“The ultimate price of a bad system falls on the public,” says Anat Admati, the George G.C. Parker Professor of Finance and Economics at Stanford Graduate School of Business and author of The Bankers’ New Clothes. “The Constitution did a lot to constrain the government, but the government has failed to constrain institutions in the private sector.” Simply put, Admati says the real problem isn’t just profit-hungry corporations, it’s the systems that let bad actors get away with it. From the opioid crisis and Boeing’s deadly 737 MAX disasters to the 2008 financial crash, Admati identifies how U.S. institutions failed — and shares the “incredibly sobering” realization that shattered her faith in the rules and those who make them. This episode features Dominic Cruz and Maya Kesselman Cruz, who perform in the live circus show "Dear San Francisco” at Club Fugazi. How do you think we can restore trust in business, government, and society? Email us at ifthenpod@stanford.edu. This conversation was recorded on August 20, 2024. Related Links
If/Then is a podcast from Stanford Graduate School of Business that examines research findings that can help us navigate the complex issues we face in business, leadership, and society. Each episode features an interview with a Stanford GSB faculty member. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| Is Work Killing Us? | 05 Feb 2025 | 00:27:25 | |
Is burnout simply the cost of doing business? What responsibility do employers have for the health and well-being of their workers? Jeffrey Pfeffer, the Thomas D. Dee II Professor of Organizational Behavior at Stanford Graduate School of Business and author of Dying for a Paycheck and 7 Rules of Power, says that the connection between workplace stress and negative health outcomes is as strong as the link between smoking and cancer — and may contribute to as many as 120,000 deaths annually in the U.S. alone. So what do we do about it? Pfeffer’s answer isn’t just surprising — it’s a radical critique of the way we work today. This episode features Sundance Scardino, a retired para-rescue specialist, firefighter, and paramedic. Is it time to rethink the way we work? Email us at ifthenpod@stanford.edu. This conversation was recorded on September 10, 2024. Related Links:
If/Then is a podcast from Stanford Graduate School of Business that examines research findings that can help us navigate the complex issues we face in business, leadership, and society. Each episode features an interview with a Stanford GSB faculty member. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| Introducing If/Then: Season Two | 15 Jan 2025 | 00:01:52 | |
Can the workplace be as harmful as smoking? Is it possible for governments and corporations to rebuild trust once they’ve lost it? How are nations wielding financial power to shape global politics? On Season Two of If/Then, Stanford Graduate School of Business faculty tackle big questions about business, leadership, and society, providing innovative, research-based insights to help you navigate rapidly changing times. Join your host, senior editor Kevin Cool, for conversations that will challenge the way you lead, think, and act. New episodes on Wednesdays, starting February 5th. Thoughts? Email us at ifthenpod@stanford.edu. More information is available on our website. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| View From The Top: “Jensen Huang on How to Use First-Principles Thinking to Drive Decisions” | 27 Dec 2024 | 00:57:44 | |
Jensen Huang, co-founder and CEO of NVIDIA, believes leadership is about more than making decisions—it’s about empowering others to reason through ambiguity and drive transformative change. In this bonus episode of If/Then, Huang sits down with Stanford GSB student Shantam Jain, MBA ’24, on Stanford GSB’s View From The Top podcast, to discuss his journey from an ambitious engineer to the leader of one of the most innovative companies in the world. Huang reflects on the lessons learned during pivotal moments in NVIDIA’s history, from betting on 3D graphics before the market existed to embracing the potential of AI and accelerated computing. “You can’t create change by doing what everyone else is doing,” Huang explains. “You have to go back to first principles and ask: how would you build this today?” Despite navigating industry disruptions and financial crises, Huang remains focused on the future. He shares how NVIDIA has consistently stayed ahead by building technology that not only solves today’s problems but anticipates the needs of tomorrow. As this episode reveals, it’s not just about technological breakthroughs—it’s about cultivating a culture of resilience and purpose to redefine the future. For a full transcript of this episode, visit our podcast’s website. More Resources:
Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Kevin Cool introduces a bonus episode from the View From The Top podcast featuring CEO and founder of NVIDIA, Jensen Huang. (00:01:39) Early Career and Founding NVIDIA Huang reflects on his journey from LSI Logic to co-founding NVIDIA. (00:04:56) Securing Early Investments Convincing Silicon Valley investors to back NVIDIA in a non-existent market. (00:08:31) Pivoting in the Face of Failure The critical decisions and resets that saved NVIDIA during challenges. (00:16:24) Call That Changed Everything The pivotal phone call that led to a shift in NVIDIA's innovation focus. (00:19:21) Finding Conviction The balance of core beliefs and early indicators of future success. (00:26:45) Weathering Market Downturns Staying focused on unchanging principles to weather external challenges. (00:31:36) Creating a Flat Organization Empowering employees by sharing context and reasoning transparently. (00:38:13) The Future of Generative AI Generative AI’s potential to redefine computing and communication (00:45:38) Building Organizations for Tomorrow Designing adaptable, future-focused organizations from first principles. (00:48:22) Challenges and Opportunities Ahead Challenges NVIDIA faces, and the innovations Huang is most excited about. (00:51:33) Pace and Regulation of AI Development The need for regulatory measures alongside rapid technological advancements. (00:55:35) Rapid-Fire Insights and Final Advice Personal reflections, leadership advice, and hopes for NVIDIA’s legacy. (00:57:21) Conclusion See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| From the Classroom: Lessons in Failure, Strategy and the Power of Connection | 11 Dec 2024 | 00:13:01 | |
Behind every lesson lies a journey of discovery. In this special episode of If/Then, we step into the classrooms of Stanford Graduate School of Business to uncover the human stories driving extraordinary insights. Christian Wheeler, professor of marketing at Stanford GSB, challenges our fear of failure, reframing it as the sharp edge where growth truly happens. “Be comfortable being uncomfortable,” he says, urging leaders to embrace the anxiety of pushing limits to unlock their peak potential. Michele Gelfand, a professor of organizational behavior, takes us into the intricate world of cultural intelligence. “Negotiating across cultures isn’t just about competence—it’s about curiosity,” she explains, showing how understanding diverse perspectives can transform deadlock into breakthrough. And Jesper Sørensen, professor of organizational behavior, redefines what it means to lead. “Strategy isn’t a blueprint; it’s a living process,” he reflects, advocating for leaders to connect the dots, not just assign tasks, and to see uncertainty as a gateway to discovery. These faculty members remind us that leadership is as much about understanding ourselves as it is about guiding others. Whether it's failure, negotiation, or strategy, this episode showcases how curiosity and humanity are integral to leadership. Key Takeaways:
More Resources:
This episode of If/Then uses previously recorded audio and is repackaged in a new way. It features faculty talking about their research and the goal is to share more about faculty, while also keeping the If/Then podcast feed producing thought-provoking, research-backed content for our audiences. Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Kevin Cool introduces the episode featuring clips from the Class Takeaways series. (00:00:55) Embracing Failure Professor Christian Wheeler discusses how embracing failure can lead to growth. (00:03:55) Strategy as a Dynamic Process Professor Jesper Sørensen redefines strategy as an evolving course of action, not a static plan. (00:08:00) Cultural Intelligence in Negotiation Professor Michele Gelfand explains how cultural intelligence is key to negotiation. (00:12:31) Conclusion See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| Pfeffer on Power: “Acting With Power and Using Your Influence with Deborah Gruenfeld” | 20 Nov 2024 | 00:30:04 | |
As leaders rise and hierarchies shift, Stanford GSB organizational behavior professor Deborah Gruenfeld, guest in season one of If/Then, reminds us that power is not just about authority—it’s about presence. In this special feed drop from Pfeffer on Power, Gruenfeld, author of Acting With Power, revisits topics featured in her If/Then episode, exploring how body language and mindset can shape perceptions of influence. “We’re all playing roles,” she explains, whether as CEOs, professors, or professionals navigating high-stakes environments. The key, she says, lies in mastering both "inside-out" techniques—such as reframing internal narratives—and "outside-in" strategies, like commanding physical space to exude confidence. Host Jeffrey Pfeffer, professor of organizational behavior at the GSB, and Gruenfeld discuss how power dynamics transcend culture and context, offering universal lessons for anyone looking to lead with impact. “Don’t leave power to the bad guys,” Gruenfeld advises, urging listeners to embrace their own potential for influence. This episode provides actionable insights to help you show up powerfully in any room, especially when the stakes are high. As the conversation unfolds, Pfeffer and Gruenfeld challenge us to think differently about power—not as a privilege, but as a responsibility to shape better outcomes for ourselves and others. Jeffrey Pfeffer will be a guest on the second season of If/Then. Pfeffer on Power is Produced by University FM. For a full transcript of this episode, visit the Pfeffer on Power’s website. More Resources:
Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Host Jeffrey Pfeffer introduces guest Professor Deborah Gruenfeld from Stanford GSB. (00:01:45) First Impressions and Body Language How people make snap judgments based on appearance and nonverbal cues. (00:03:25) Change How You Show Up The possibility of reframing behavior to project more confidence and authority. (00:06:33) Showing Up with Power Two approaches for appearing more authoritative and powerful. (00:08:53) Inside-Out Power Reframing internal narratives to project power, even in moments of insecurity. (00:11:32) Outside-In Power Techniques for using body language to command authority. (00:14:00) Physical and Social Dynamics How occupying space communicates dominance and influence. (00:17:06) Unconscious Reactions to Power Whether power dynamics are consistent across cultures and time. (00:20:32) Ambivalence Toward Power Why some individuals are reluctant to embrace power. (00:24:47) Ethical Leaders in Power The importance of ethical individuals embracing power to prevent its misuse by others. (00:28:14) Conclusion See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| The Science Behind Our Everyday Decisions with Think Fast, Talk Smart | 06 Nov 2024 | 00:13:51 | |
In this episode of If/Then, we're diving into insights from three GSB experts featured on Think Fast, Talk Smart. Join us as professor of organizational behavior Michele Gelfand explains her "tight and loose" cultural framework, revealing how societal structures impact everything from crime rates to creativity. We also hear from marketing professor Jonathan Levav, who explores decision fatigue in judicial settings, shedding light on how mental depletion influences choices. Finally, marketing professor Szu-chi Huang discusses the role of motivation and emotionality in decision-making, drawing from her experiences in advertising and academia. Together, these discussions provide a multifaceted view of the elements influencing our choices and interactions. Key Takeaways:
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If/Then is a podcast from Stanford Graduate School of Business that examines research findings that can help us navigate the complex issues we face in business, leadership, and society. For a full transcript of this episode, visit our podcast’s website. Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Kevin Cool introduces the episode featuring GSB faculty discussing their research on the Think Fast, Talk Smart podcast. (00:00:35) Cultural Tightness vs. Looseness The benefits of "tight" versus "loose" culture. (00:03:47) Adjusting to Different Cultural Norms Whether individuals can adapt to cultural tightness or looseness. (00:05:24) Decision Fatigue in Court Settings A study on how decision fatigue affects parole rulings over time. (00:07:29) Communication to Combat Decision Fatigue Insights into overcoming decision fatigue and enhancing communication. (00:09:48) The Roots of Motivation The transition from advertising to studying motivation in academia. (00:11:13) Needs and Emotions in Decision-Making The influence of needs and emotions in effective decision-making. (00:13:43) Conclusion See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| How AI-Driven Misinformation Could Undermine Democracy | 16 Oct 2024 | 00:16:25 | |
Artificial intelligence could fundamentally transform democracy for better or worse. In this bonus episode of If/Then: Business, Leadership, Society, Professor Andrew B. Hall of Stanford Graduate School of Business explores AI's potential to disrupt our electoral system. With the 2024 presidential election approaching, Hall warns that AI-generated misinformation could sway voters and erode trust in democratic processes. Yet he also sees AI's potential to solve political challenges. If we want to maintain a healthy democracy, then it’s crucial to understand AI's impact on our political landscape in the upcoming election and beyond. Key Takeaways:
More Resources:
If/Then is a podcast from Stanford Graduate School of Business that examines research findings that can help us navigate the complex issues we face in business, leadership, and society. For a full transcript of this episode, visit our podcast’s website. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| The Future of Everything: “Kuang Xu: How to Make (and Keep) Genetic Data Private” | 09 Oct 2024 | 00:28:21 | |
One underappreciated fact about the explosion in genetic databases, like consumer sites that provide information about ancestry and health, is that they unlock valuable insights not only into an individual’s past and future, but also for that individual’s entire family. This raises serious concerns about privacy for people who have never submitted their genetic information for analysis, yet share much the same code as one who did. This week on If/Then, we’re sharing an interview from The Future of Everything with Stanford GSB Professor Kuang Xu. Xu is an expert in how genetic information can and should be used. He says that the DNA problem weighs heavily on privacy experts in fields ranging from law and engineering to public health and criminal justice. The fundamental question is: Can we create methods for accessing genetic data while maximizing the privacy of all involved? The Future of Everything is Produced by Stanford Engineering. For a full transcript of this episode, visit The Future of Everything’s website. Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Host Kevin Cool introduces an episode featuring The Future of Everything podcast with host Russ Altman and guest Kuang Xu, a professor at the GSB. (00:03:24) Genetic Technology and Privacy Risks The key ideas and methodology behind making genetic searches more private. (00:06:23) Social Network and Genealogy in Genetic Searches How a genealogy network functions as a social network in genetic searches. (00:09:23) Technical Aspects of Securing Genetic Data The difference between sequential and static methods for genetic searches. (00:11:19) Practical Application of Sequential Methods Ways the sequential search method could be applied without compromising privacy. (00:12:43) First Steps in Sequential Search What the first steps would look like when using the sequential search method. (00:14:41) Balancing Accuracy and Privacy Whether the new privacy methods compromise accuracy in identifying individuals. (00:15:22) Applications in Genetic Research How privacy methods can apply to genetic research for disease prediction and beyond. (00:18:22) Insights During Research Surprise findings from Kuang’s research on genetic privacy. (00:21:28) Privacy Beyond Genetics The possibility of applying these privacy techniques to other sensitive datasets. (00:22:58) Commercial Interest in Privacy Solutions The interest from companies in adopting these privacy innovations. (00:24:09) Genetics and Business School Connection Kuang’s work at Stanford’s School of Business and how it connects to genetics and privacy. (00:25:30) Emergency Room Waiting Times Research related to reducing waiting times in emergency rooms. (00:26:57) In-Person Voting and COVID-19 Spread Overview of data collected during in-person voting during COVID-19. (00:27:54) Conclusion See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| Why I Research: Findings Fueled by the Head and the Heart | 25 Sep 2024 | 00:09:22 | |
This special episode of If/Then: Business, Leadership, Society explores the personal stories behind Stanford GSB faculty's groundbreaking research. Discover how individual experiences shape scholarly inquiry.
These faculty remind us that behind every groundbreaking theory are real people driven by curiosity to make sense of the world around them. Join us to hear how personal journeys fuel impactful business research. Key Takeaways:
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If/Then is a podcast from Stanford Graduate School of Business that examines research findings that can help us navigate the complex issues we face in business, leadership, and society. For a full transcript of this episode, visit our podcast’s website: https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/insights/why-i-research-findings-fueled-head-heart See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| Leading in Turbulent Times: How to Develop a Risk-Tolerant Mindset | 30 Aug 2024 | 00:30:30 | |
Behavioral economist and Professor of Marketing Baba Shiv works with entrepreneurs on how to build a risk-tolerant mindset. A mindset, Shiv believes, that is crucial in times of crisis. While we take a break and prepare for season two of If/Then, we're sharing an episode of Grit & Growth, a podcast from our partners at Stanford Seed. Here, Baba explains two types of mindsets: a fear of failure or a risk-averse mindset (type one) and a fear of missing out on opportunities mindset (type two). “What the rational brain is good at is simply being rational ... it lists what the emotional brain has already decided to do. If you’re stuck in a risk-averse mindset, the rational brain will come in and say, 'These are the reasons why you should not innovate’ Whereas if you’re in a type two mindset, the rational brain will come in and say, 'Here are the reasons why you should take some chances.'” And Shiv believes that taking chances, especially when your competitors are being more timid, is how leaders and companies can succeed. Shiv has seen firsthand that entrepreneurs from emerging economies are particularly innovative: “They’re facing constraints all the time and as a result are more resourceful, not in spite of their situations, but because of them.” Shiv is the Sanwa Bank, Limited, Professor of Marketing at Stanford Graduate School of Business Top Takeaways
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| All Else Equal: “Disentangling Causation and Correlation” with Guido Imbens | 07 Aug 2024 | 00:29:02 | |
It can be tempting to think one thing causes another because they happen in succession, but there’s a lot to unwrap in the idea of causality. This week, If/Then is featuring an episode from the podcast All Else Equal: Making Better Decisions. Listen as hosts and finance professors Jonathan Berk and Jules van Binsbergen explain the difference between correlation and causality, and examine cases where it is tempting to assume one thing caused another. Their guest for this episode, Guido Imbens, is a professor of Economics at Stanford Graduate School of Business, and was awarded the Nobel Prize in 2021. All Else Equal: Making Better Decisions Podcast is a production of Stanford GSB and is produced by University FM. It is hosted by Jonathan Berk, The A.P. Giannini Professor of Finance at Stanford GSB, and Jules van Binsbergen, The Nippon Life Professor in Finance, Professor of Finance, at The Wharton School. Each episode provides insight into how to make better decisions. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| If/Then: Why Research Matters | 25 Jul 2024 | 00:16:51 | |
To wrap up the first season of If/Then: Business, Leadership, Society, we invited Senior Associate Dean Jesper B. Sørensen into the studio to talk about the importance of research at Stanford Graduate School of Business. He shares insights on what motivates faculty to study what they do and how it impacts practitioners across industries. “One of the challenges of being a great researcher is that you need to move away again from this kind of day-to-day reality.… I think a gift that a lot of our faculty have is to be able to both live in that very abstract kind of world and then make it relatable to somebody who’s not living in that world,” Sørensen says. “Sometimes putting fundamental insights into practice is really hard. One of the hallmarks of research is trying to isolate particular mechanisms through various kinds of control. Scientists live in the world where it’s a vacuum, and so we just watch the leaf fall and we can then time it and then tell you what the answer is,” Sørensen says. “And managers live in a world where the wind is blowing and there’s all these kinds of forces getting in the way.” In his conversation with podcast host Kevin Cool, Sørensen also shares his thoughts on three episodes from If/Then’s first season. If/Then is a podcast from Stanford Graduate School of Business that examines research findings that can help us navigate the complex issues we face in business, leadership, and society. Each episode features an interview with a Stanford GSB faculty member. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| Stay Tuned for If/Then's Summer Series | 10 Jul 2024 | 00:00:30 | |
While our team starts working on our second season, we'll still be sharing insights, bonus content, behind-the-scenes audio, and "class takeaways" from Stanford Graduate School of Business faculty throughout the summer. Stay Tuned! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| Who Wants to Run? Incentivizing Better Participation in Politics, with Andrew B. Hall | 26 Jun 2024 | 00:29:37 | |
Getting to elect our leaders is certainly a privilege. Yet, even in a representative democracy, the choice that citizens have is often only as good as the candidates they have to choose from. That’s why Professor Andrew B. Hall, The Davies Family Professor of Political Economy, wonders: How do we get society’s best and brightest to participate in politics? As a political economist at Stanford Graduate School of Business and the Stanford School of Humanities and Sciences, Hall has spent years studying what motivates people to engage in the democratic process. On this episode of If/Then: Business, Leadership, Society, he shares his insights on how we can create a system that attracts a more diverse and qualified pool of candidates to run for public office and encourages greater voter participation at the local, state, and national levels. Key Takeaways:
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If/Then is a podcast from Stanford Graduate School of Business that examines research findings that can help us navigate the complex issues we face in business, leadership, and society. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| Invisible Matchmakers: How Algorithms Pair People with Opportunities, with Daniela Saban | 12 Jun 2024 | 00:23:32 | |
If we want to get fair outcomes, then we need to build fairness into algorithms. Whether you’re looking for a job, a house, or a romantic partner, there’s an app for that. But as people increasingly turn to digital platforms in search of opportunity, Daniela Saban says it’s time we took a critical look at the role of algorithms, the invisible matchmakers operating behind our screens. Saban is an Associate Professor of Operations, Information & Technology at Stanford Graduate School of Business whose research interests lie at the intersection of operations, economics, and computer science. With algorithms significantly influencing who gets matched with opportunities, she advocates for building “equity into the algorithm.” In this episode of If/Then: Business, Leadership, Society, Saban explores how properly designed algorithms can improve the fairness and effectiveness of matching processes. If we want algorithms to work for good, then we need to make conscious choices about how we design them. Key Takeaways:
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If/Then is a podcast from Stanford Graduate School of Business that examines research findings that can help us navigate the complex issues we face in business, leadership, and society. Each episode features an interview with a Stanford GSB faculty member. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| Money Talks: Understanding the Language of Business, with Ed deHaan | 29 May 2024 | 00:26:43 | |
Unless you’re a CPA or own a large business, it might be hard to see the relevance of accounting. While it’s true that the average person doesn’t necessarily need to be able to read a corporate balance sheet, Professor Ed deHaan says a deeper understanding of accounting — a greater fluency in the “language of business” — can help everyone get a grip on their finances and make more empowered decisions for their lives. deHaan is a professor of accounting at Stanford Graduate School of Business. In this episode of If/Then: Business, Leadership, Society, he explores why accounting principles are crucial given money's centrality across personal and professional domains, and how by proactively fostering financial literacy, we can empower a generation of informed consumers and leaders equipped to harness money as a force for good. Key Takeaways:
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If/Then is a podcast from Stanford Graduate School of Business that examines research findings that can help us navigate the complex issues we face in business, leadership, and society. Each episode features an interview with a Stanford GSB faculty member. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| Leading With Values: When Good Intentions Aren’t Enough, with Ken Shotts | 15 May 2024 | 00:23:31 | |
If we create good institutions, then we can live up to our good intentions. Knowing and articulating our values is essential. But when the metaphorical Siren’s song fills the air, is knowing our values enough to ensure that we live by them? According to Ken Shotts, a professor of political economy at Stanford Graduate School of Business, having stated values is just expressing aims not necessarily actualizing them through concrete policies and practices. “We need those binding institutions to help us live up to those intentions,” Shotts says. From incentive structures within organizations to regulatory bodies, laws, and civic organizations in society at large, Shotts explains how carefully designed institutions can ensure that we don’t just espouse good intentions, but that we actually live up to them. Key Takeaways:
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If/Then is a podcast from Stanford Graduate School of Business that examines research findings that can help us navigate the complex issues we face in business, leadership, and society. Each episode features an interview with a Stanford GSB faculty member. Find out more about If/Then. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| Oh, the Humanity! Relating to Robots May Change Us. But How? With Szu-chi Huang | 01 May 2024 | 00:28:50 | |
Whether or not robots can feel is a question that, at least for now, might be better left to the philosophers. But what’s becoming increasingly clear, says Associate Professor Szu-chi Huang, is that robots do have the capacity to make us feel. In this episode of If/Then: Business, Leadership, Society, Huang delves into the effect that robots can have not just on our emotions, but on our behavior. Huang’s research shows that when people witness people helping others, they’re inspired to do the same. This is what she calls “pro-social” behavior. But she wondered: what happens when a robot is the one lending a helping hand? Are people inspired to by machines? To find out, Huang designed a study where participants were shown various news reports about natural disasters and the measures being taken in response. In some stories, the “heroes” were human first responders; in others, they were robots. “In both cases, we [explained] in detail what those heroes were doing,” says Huang. Whether dragging survivors out of ruins after an earthquake or disinfecting hospitals amidst a surging COVID-19 pandemic, “The actions are exactly the same, but the heroes are different.” Following test subjects’ exposure to these stories, Huang measured their willingness to engage in pro-social behavior, like donating to support children in need. What she found was those who saw robot heroes were significantly less likely to donate than those who saw humans take the same actions. “The robot stories actually make people feel less inspired,” says Huang. “And that has important consequences. If using robots lowers our intention to help others, it could have a pretty big negative social impact.” So what do we do as AI and robots play an increasing role in our lives? How do we embrace their benefits without downgrading our humanity and pro-sociability in the process? On this episode of If/Then, Huang explores how “humanizing” robots — highlighting their vulnerability, autonomy, and finitude — helps us connect with them and ourselves more deeply. Takeaways
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If/Then is a podcast from Stanford Graduate School of Business that examines research findings that can help us navigate the complex issues we face in business, leadership, and society. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||