Building Bridges
30 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 4 years ago - ★★★★★ - 6 ratingsBuilding Bridges is a podcast that asks important questions about the future of business. It goes beyond the what of timely issues to also explore why, so what, and what if.
We've all attended great parties where we become absorbed in deep and meaningful conversation. The podcast recreates this feeling of intimacy and mutual respect as business leaders discuss thought-provoking issues in an engaging small group format. Over time, we will focus on a wide range of topics, including flexible employment models, the evolution of cybersecurity, commercial and ethical consequences of new technologies, career design, and shifting capital flows.
As the listener, you are invited to join this conversation to learn and to challenge your own assumptions.
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Episodes
28. Why is it important for professionals to write well? Part 2
July 28, 2020 08:00 - 28 minutes - 43.4 MBGood writing is not complicated. As one guest notes, “it’s about injecting personality, making it engage and entertaining for your audience. But most importantly, it's about structure. … How is one paragraph leading to the next, how are they connected? The worst kind of writing, and we all see it all the time, is just rambling. It's not at all clear. People get lost and the idea gets lost.” This is the second part of our two-episode conversation about the value of effective business wr...
27. Why is it important for professionals to write well? Part 1
July 21, 2020 08:00 - 27 minutes - 42.2 MBAs one of our guests asserts, “it's very, very difficult to get to the top in any organization without being able to communicate in writing.” But how to become a better writer? Consider these two suggestions from another guest: “One is just simply read more and read better stuff. And secondly, write a lot. The more you write, the better you're going to get.” This is the first part of our two-episode conversation about the value of effective business writing. In this episode...
26. Why is it so hard to be an ethical leader? Part 2
June 30, 2020 08:00 - 31 minutes - 46.5 MBFictional 1980s corporate raider Gordon Gekko famously proclaimed that “Greed is good,” seeking to justify why one of the seven deadly sins is, in fact, ethically virtuous. Leaders should think deeply about the ethical dimensions of their actions. However, too many fail to recognize the moral complexity inherent in their decisions. As one guest argues, “Just like some people are tone-deaf, and they can’t carry a tune, some are ethics-deaf.” This is the second part of our two-epis...
25. Why is it so hard to be an ethical leader? Part 1
June 23, 2020 08:00 - 24 minutes - 37.5 MBWarren Buffett has described integrity as “a reputational advantage that others will weigh in subsequent dealings.” His partner, Charlie Munger, agrees, noting that “You’ll make more money in the end with good ethics than bad.” So, why are many leaders often tempted to take ethical short-cuts—or worse? This is the first part of our two-episode conversation in which we explore why it’s so hard to be an ethical leader. In this episode, Joanne Ciulla, Eugene Soltes, and Ann Te...
24. What is the future of money? Part 2
June 09, 2020 09:00 - 27 minutes - 42.3 MBOne of our guests argues that, “cash has historically been seen as a friend of the poor, [because] banks have never been seen as friends of the poor. Banks historically have been seen as institutions of elite control. They've been seen as run by social elites in the interests of social elites.” But much is changing. This is the second part of our two-episode conversation about the future of money. In this episode, Paul Avery, Dave Birch, and Brett Scott join us to discuss: - Cryp...
23. What is the future of money? Part 1
June 02, 2020 08:00 - 23 minutes - 35.3 MBAs one of our guests observed, we’re soon “going to have lots of different kinds of money. And the technological limitation of the past— which is, I only had five slots in my wallet, and I couldn't carry around 30 million different currencies— is about to vanish. My mobile phone is perfectly capable of managing 30 million different currencies.” This is the first part of our two-episode conversation in which we explore how money—and the monetary system—is evolving. In this episode...
22. How well does our current system of corporate governance address the big challenges of the future? Part 2
April 07, 2020 08:00 - 23 minutes - 33.6 MBAccording to one corporate director, “there are two places [in the United States]—the boardroom and the Supreme Court— where a lot of people go on them and think it's for a lifetime.” But this mindset is starting to change. This is the second part of our two-episode conversation about the evolution of corporate governance as climate change and other societal challenges become more acute. In this episode, George Anderson, Amy Borrus, and Megan Shattuck join us to discuss: - Corpor...
21. How well does our current system of corporate governance address the big challenges of the future? Pt 1
March 31, 2020 08:00 - 25 minutes - 36.8 MBAs one of our guests observed, corporate governance “used to be a sleepy backwater. Now, it's on the front pages of the papers all the time.” This is the first part of our two-episode conversation in which we explore how corporate boards are evolving to address new challenges. In this episode, George Anderson, Amy Borrus, and Megan Shattuck join us to discuss: - The purpose and design of corporate governance practices - Board and management responsibility toward stakeholders ...
20. Why do some new ideas gain traction—while others fail to catch on? Part 2
March 17, 2020 09:00 - 28 minutes - 43.1 MBAs comedian Robin Williams once observed, “No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.” This is the second part of our two-episode conversation in which we explore why some ideas gain traction, while others fail to catch on. In this episode, Ethan Beute, Mark Bonchek, Dara Treseder, and Sangram Vajre join us to discuss: - Ideas as personal truth - Influence of digital technologies - Aligning ideas and culture - The role of idea ch...
19. Why do some new ideas gain traction—while others fail to catch on? Pt 1
March 10, 2020 09:00 - 28 minutes - 43.1 MBVictor Hugo once wrote that “There is one thing stronger than all the armies in the world, and that is an idea whose time has come.” This is the first part of our two-episode conversation in which we explore why some ideas gain traction, while others fail to catch on. In this episode, Ethan Beute, Mark Bonchek, Dara Treseder, and Sangram Vajre join us to discuss: - Characteristics of ideas that take hold - Value of storytelling and community to spread ideas - Id...
18. The Collective Wisdom of High-Performing Women : Part 2
December 19, 2019 12:00 - 29 minutes - 43.1 MBThis is the second part of our two-episode conversation with three leaders whose stories were featured in The Collective Wisdom of High Performing Women: Leadership Lessons from the Judy Project. Last time, we discussed the origin and objectives of the Judy Project and Collective Wisdom. We also explored how others perceive success and ambition in both men and women, the impact of gender on our guests’ careers, and the evolving characteristics of successful leaders. You can listen to ...
17. The Collective Wisdom of High-Performing Women : Pt 1
December 16, 2019 12:00 - 23 minutes - 34.6 MBWomen make up nearly half the workforce but still represent only 5% of Fortune 500 CEOs. However, the number of women in senior leadership roles is increasing each year. What lessons can we learn from those who reach the executive ranks? In this episode of the Building Bridges Podcast, we are joined by three accomplished guests to discuss a terrific book, The Collective Wisdom of High Performing Women. Our guests also describe their affiliation with The Judy Project, a Canadian program for...
16. How Will Advanced Technologies Impact Law Firms—and Their Clients? Pt 2
November 12, 2019 09:00 - 30 minutes - 46.2 MBTechnology is transforming virtually every professional function—including the practice of law. Instead of simply automating traditional tasks, advanced technologies will soon allow law firms and in-house counsel to approach legal work in completely new ways. On the second of our two-part series about technology in the legal space, our guests — Bobbi Basile, Shawnna Hoffman, and Jeff Marple — explore these issues: Return on investment on technology in the legal industry Millennial expec...
How Will Advanced Technologies Impact Law Firms—and Their Clients? Pt 1
November 05, 2019 09:00 - 24 minutes - 37.2 MBTechnology is transforming virtually every professional function—including the practice of law. Instead of simply automating traditional tasks, advanced technologies will soon allow law firms and in-house counsel to approach legal work in completely new ways. On the first of our two-part series about technology in the legal space, our guests — Bobbi Basile, Shawnna Hoffman, and Jeff Marple — explore these issues: Why AI matters to our experts and the legal field Common applications for ...
15. How Will Advanced Technologies Impact Law Firms—and Their Clients? Pt 1
November 05, 2019 09:00 - 24 minutes - 37.2 MBTechnology is transforming virtually every professional function—including the practice of law. Instead of simply automating traditional tasks, advanced technologies will soon allow law firms and in-house counsel to approach legal work in completely new ways. On the first of our two-part series about technology in the legal space, our guests — Bobbi Basile, Shawnna Hoffman, and Jeff Marple — explore these issues: Why AI matters to our experts and the legal field Common applications for ...
14. What if Every Executive Had a Coach? Pt 2
October 08, 2019 08:00 - 35 minutes - 52.3 MBAll top athletes have specialized coaches. Even amateur athletes have coaches supporting them through every practice and game. Why doesn’t every executive have that kind of support? We ask that question in the second half of our two-part conversation with experienced executive coaches Katharine Halpin, Dr. George Watts, and Brian Underhill, Ph.D. In this episode, we explore: What a typical coaching session feels like What Hall of Fame coaches are doing differently Pros and cons ...
13. What if Every Executive Had a Coach? Pt 1
October 01, 2019 08:00 - 28 minutes - 42.9 MBAll top athletes have specialized coaches. Even amateur athletes have coaches supporting them through every practice and game. Why doesn’t every executive have that kind of support? We asked established executive coaches Katharine Halpin, Dr. George Watts, and Brian Underhill, Ph.D. that exact question. In this episode, we explore: The benefits of the executive coaching experience The scope of coaching assignments How coaching techniques vary Katharine Halpin is the Founder an...
12. What Have We Learned So Far?
August 13, 2019 08:00 - 33 minutes - 52.6 MBConfucius said that learning without reflection is a waste; reflection without learning is dangerous. We agree. In this special episode of the Building Bridges Podcast we take a step back to reflect on what we have learned so far. The episode weaves together excerpts from previous discussions around eight key points: The nature of work is changing. Risk is unavoidable; organizations need to accept that and make choices in spite of the risks. It’s important to understand systems in a h...
11. How Can a Professional Build a Career Around Their Personal and Professional Passions?
July 30, 2019 09:00 - 33 minutes - 60.5 MBSteve Jobs once said, “You've got to find what you love… the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking, and don't settle.” So passion must lead to a satisfying career, right? Not necessarily. We asked Logan Lyles, Allison Kern, and Perry Lane this question: What does passion mean to you? Perry, Logan, and Allison shared personal stories of how their passions and their work overlap. They also explored whether one’s professional path is t...
10. What Books Should Professionals Read at Different Points of Their Career? Pt 2
July 16, 2019 09:00 - 32 minutes - 48.9 MBThis is the second part of our two-episode conversation discussing which books individuals should read at varying parts of their career. In this episode, we turn our focus to the characteristics of the best reading material books, particularly for young & upcoming business leaders. Larry Gennari, Alex Graham, and Alison Jones join us again to discuss: Best books to read early in one’s career The value of developing a reading habit Why there is a shortage—so far—of business books w...
9. What Books Should Professionals Read at Different Points of Their Career? Pt 1
July 09, 2019 09:00 - 30 minutes - 45.7 MBThis is the first part of our two-episode conversation discussing which books individuals should read at different parts of their career. In this episode, we discuss the characteristics of the best business books, the sort of material one might read at different stages of life, and how to realize lasting value from what we read. Special guests Larry Gennari, Alex Graham, and Alison Jones join us to discuss: The importance of reading for any aspiring business leader The difference b...
8. How Might Business Change if Information Couldn't Be Protected? Pt 2
June 18, 2019 09:00 - 28 minutes - 42.5 MBThis is the second part of our two-episode conversation about information security, which began with last week’s episode. As we discussed last week, the inability to secure information results in catastrophic incidents every single day. And many business leaders aren’t aware that their security infrastructures are broken. Shuman Ghosemajumder, Shawn Henry, and Mischel Kwon return to help us explore several important themes, including: How business leaders should think about inform...
7. How Might Business Change if Information Couldn't Be Protected? Pt 1
June 11, 2019 09:00 - 26 minutes - 38.8 MBThe inability to secure information results in catastrophic incidents every single day. Still, many business leaders aren’t even aware their security infrastructures are broken. In part one of this two-part series on information security, our guests — Shuman Ghosemajumder, Shawn Henry, and Mischel Kwon, discuss: The changing nature of cyber threats Impact of new technologies and applications The need for better metrics to understand cyber risks Balancing the costs and benefits of cy...
6. How Do We Rethink Education When Most Knowledge Fits in Our Pockets? Pt 2
May 28, 2019 07:00 - 28 minutes - 44.5 MBKhan Academy founder Sal Khan has observed that the current education system was designed by the Prussians, who hoped to “churn out loyal and tractable citizens who would learn the value of submitting to the authority of parents, teachers, church, and, ultimately, king.” However, Khan further notes that “Today’s world needs a workforce of creative, curious, and self-directed lifelong learners who are capable of conceiving and implementing novel ideas. Unfortunately, this is the type of stude...
5. How Do We Rethink Education When Most Knowledge Fits in Our Pockets? Pt 1
May 21, 2019 09:00 - 29 minutes - 45 MBAccording to historian and best-selling author Yuval Noah Harari: “Since we do not know how the job market would look in 2030 or 2040, already today we have no idea what to teach our kids. Most of what they currently learn at school will probably be irrelevant by the time they are forty.” While the problem statement is simple, the answers may be far more complex. The current education system is continually faced with shrinking budgets, increased regulations and scrutiny and, perhaps most...
4. What Should Entrepreneurs Learn From Corporate Leaders—and Vice Versa? Pt 2
May 07, 2019 07:00 - 23 minutes - 35 MBOne this episode of Building Bridges we are joined again by Leonard Schlesinger and Denny Weinberg for part two of our podcast on what entrepreneurs and corporate leaders can learn from one another. Leonard is currently a Baker Foundation Professor at the Harvard Business School but he has transitioned several times between academic and managerial roles in both educational and business settings. Denny is a member of the founding team at WellPoint, now known as Anthem.
3. What Should Entrepreneurs Learn From Corporate Leaders—and Vice Versa? Pt 1
April 30, 2019 07:00 - 30 minutes - 45 MBToday we are joined by Leonard Schlesinger and Denny Weinberg. Leonard is currently a Baker Foundation Professor at the Harvard Business School but he has transitioned several times between academic and managerial roles in both educational and business settings. Denny is a member of the founding team at WellPoint, now known as Anthem. In part one of this episode of Building Bridges, we’re talking about what entrepreneurs should learn from corporate leaders—and vice versa.
2. How Will Greater Flexibility in Labor Markets Impact Businesses and Employees? Pt 2
April 09, 2019 18:03 - 24 minutes - 37.8 MBMost independent workers are treated much differently than employees. As Linda Nazareth said, employers don’t put any time into making the gig workers long time team players. “They don’t train them… they don’t invite them to the holiday party. They forget about them the moment they walk out of the building.” To conclude this 2 part episode on flexibility in labor markets, Linda Nazareth, Cecile Alper-Ler and Marion McGovern joined us to talk about career progression paths, the war fo...
1. How Will Greater Flexibility in Labor Markets Impact Businesses and Employees? Pt 1
April 09, 2019 17:58 - 21 minutes - 34.1 MBAs the definition of work continues to evolve in the 21st century, one thing is becoming very clear: Work is what we do, not where we go. For the very first episode of Building Bridges, we brought together three experts to talk about the future of work. Cecile Alper-Leroux, Vice President, Human Capital Management Innovation at Ultimate Software. Marion McGovern, Author of Thriving in the Gig Economy. Linda Nazareth Keynote Speaker, Economist, and Author of Work is Not a Place.
Executive Peer Networks and the Magic of Group Conversations w/ Jamie Millar
April 01, 2019 18:03 - 9 minutes - 14 MBMany people confuse networking, a verb, and network, a noun. Networking is transactional, inauthentic, and feels desperate, but a good network fosters authentic relationships. Jamie Millar is the founder of Skybridge Associates, leaders in providing peer networks that cultivate cooperation, support, trust, and a sense of belonging for executives for some of the largest, most successful companies. He’s also the author of the book Building Bridges, which asserts that too few leaders enjo...