Adapting To Massive Technological Change

If/Then

38:05

In late 1972, U.S. Marine Captain Ron Forrester disappeared on a bombing run into North Vietnam. Back home in Texas, his family could only wait and hope. Audio subscribers to Texas Monthly can get early access to episodes of the series, plus exclusive interviews and audio. Visit texasmonthly.com/audio to join. Go to HelloFresh.com/FLIGHT10FM to get 10 Free Meals with a Free Item For Life.…

about a year ago 25:15

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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.

Adapting To Massive Technological Change

If/Then

16,160 subscribers

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

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.

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If/Then

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Small Business, Big Impact 25:36

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Could Financial Literacy Change the World? 27:40

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If/Then

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Adapting To Massive Technological Change 25:15

6 weeks ago25:15

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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: Susan Athey faculty profile A Low-Cost, Scalable Way to Get More Women Into Tech A.I. Can Help “Personalize” Policies to Reach the Right People A/B Testing Gets an Upgrade for the Digital Age East Brother Light Station Chapters (00:00:00) - Modernizing a 150 Year Old Lighthouse (00:03:05) - Adapting to Advancing Technology (00:04:20) - Impact of Mass Layoffs (00:06:16) - Low-Cost Scalable Solutions (00:13:37) - AI’s Role in the Future of Work (00:19:45) - Managing Transitions in the Job Market See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

If/Then

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Think You Know Yourself? Think Again. 26:09

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How Taxes Influence Innovation 25:06

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Broken Systems, Broken Trust: Why We Need New Rules 25:10

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Introducing If/Then: Season Two 1:52

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View From The Top: “Jensen Huang on How to Use First-Principles Thinking to Drive Decisions” 57:44

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If/Then

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From the Classroom: Lessons in Failure, Strategy and the Power of Connection 13:01

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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: Strategy is dynamic, not static: Leaders must explain the "why" to align their teams. Fear of failure can hinder growth: Growth requires embracing discomfort and using storytelling to connect and lead. Metaphors as tool for negotiation: Use metaphors to guide your goals and assess your success in the negotiation process. More Resources: Christian Wheeler, faculty profile Jesper Sørensen, faculty profile Michele Gelfand, faculty profile Class Takeaways 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 .…

If/Then

1
Pfeffer on Power: “Acting With Power and Using Your Influence with Deborah Gruenfeld” 30:04

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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: Deborah Gruenfeld, faculty profile Deborah’s Book: Acting with Power Pfeffer on Power 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 .…

If/Then

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The Science Behind Our Everyday Decisions with Think Fast, Talk Smart 13:51

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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: Switch between “tight” and “loose” mindsets: Individuals can code switch between “tight” and “loose” mindsets depending on the setting. You can shape your environment to help promote certain mindsets. Take mental breaks: Decision fatigue causes individuals to make the easier decision, not necessarily better ones. Taking breaks can help replenish your mental energy to think through decisions properly. Target your audience’s emotional needs: Emotion drives decision making. Messaging that meets emotional needs is more impactful. More Resources: Michele Gelfand, faculty profile Jonathan Levav, faculty profile Szu-chi Huang, faculty profile Think Fast Talk Smart 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 .…

If/Then

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How AI-Driven Misinformation Could Undermine Democracy 16:25

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16:25

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If/Then

1
The Future of Everything: “Kuang Xu: How to Make (and Keep) Genetic Data Private” 28:21

31 weeks ago28:21