Innovative Cultures — the research context
Selected conversations: the research context
The conversations behind the question, in full — excerpts from these episodes prompted the proposed study.
Selected conversations: the research context
Perspectives: voice, failure, and creative culture
Personal accounts: parenting and leadership
These excerpts are drawn from prior podcast conversations. They are not findings from this study, and their inclusion does not imply endorsement by the speakers.
The episodes
Talent & Teams
Creating Psychological Safety - with Harvard Business School Professor, Amy Edmondson
Harvard Business School Professor Amy Edmondson has been recognized as the #1 thought leader in the world.
She literally revolutionized the way CEOs around the world think about psychological safety. In her new book - The Right Kind of Wrong - she takes this conceptual framework one big step forward - and shares a practical tool-kit to help people reframe risk and learn from mistakes.
Edmondson confronts head-on the biggest dilemma facing innovative organizations. Bluntly, it requires people take risks and venture into the unknown. Yet people despise failure. How can leaders resolve this paradox? How can leaders create a culture that inspires their people to innovate, to be inclusive, to share unpopular views, to venture into the unknown, and to learn from their mistakes? How should talent feel about inevitable failure - and the embarrassment and shame they may feel?
One thing is certain - until organizations embrace 'intelligent failure' - they'll be at a competitive disadvantage to more innovative competitors.
Professor Edmondson's practical lessons apply broadly and equally well to innovators, CEOs, elite athletes, top chefs, research lab scientists, and even parents who just want to raise kids who embrace a more healthy perspective to risk taking and learning from the right kind of wrong.
Join the Breakfast Club.
Succession & the Boardroom
Harvard College Dean Rakesh Khurana - How I Feel About Antisemitism, Racism, and Violence on Campus - and How We are Changing Our 387 Year Old Culture
Harvard is an iconic, 387 year old institution of higher education. And it's time for a cultural overhaul.
The events of the past year – racism, antisemitism, violence on campus, the removal of its president - have thrown their imperfections into stark relief for the world to see.
Today’s guest - Harvard College Dean Rakesh Khurana – is very open and humble about Harvard’s imperfections. But that doesn’t mean he’s sitting still. Far from it. Recognizing he casts a long shadow and embracing a 'beginner's mindset', Khurana is spearheading the Intellectual Vitality effort which he hopes will revitalize the school’s culture.
The lofty goal is to create a safe space environment across the entire campus and community – both physically and psychologically – that encourages tough conversations about divisive problems, in which students can learn from each other, regardless of how uncomfortable it is, at first.
As Dean Khurana says, “let’s be hard on the problem, but easy on each other.”
We should all be keeping an eye on Harvard's progress. Lessons gleaned may help other universities - and other divided institutions and partisan leaders across America in the media, politics, education, and business.
www.imperfectleaders.com, Jefffrey Cohn
Mind, Body & Performance
Collective Genius in Health Care - with Dr. Rakesh Suri - and Harvard Business School Professor Linda Hill
Dr. Rakesh Suri is one of the top heart transplant surgeons in the world - with stints at both Mayo Clinic and the Cleveland Clinic - the top two hospitals in the world.
Suri is also one of the most visionary leaders in the world. Recognizing his considerable gifts, Tony Robbins recently recruited Suri to help lead a revolutionary new healthcare venture called Fountain Life.
Rakesh's leadership journey is so compelling, that one of the world's top scholars - Linda Hill - a Professor at the Harvard Business School - wrote three case studies on Dr. Suri - focusing on leadership, globalization, and innovation.
Today, we are in for a special treat. I've invited both Suri and Hill to the podcast.
www.imperfectleaders.com
Founders & Builders
The Metamorphosis of Jason Karp - Founder, HumanCo - True Food, Snow Days, Cosmic Bliss, Grove Collaborative
What do Oprah Winfrey, Drew Barrymore, and Scarlett Johansson have in common with today's guest - Jason Karp?
Every one of them is passionate about changing the way people eat - especially in the United States. And, they've all helped build some of the country's most amazing food brands including - True Food Kitchen, Snow Days, Cosmic Bliss, and Grove Collaborative.
Today, Jason is an incredible entrepreneur and philanthropist. Yet, his life has never been easy. Many times during his life, Jason has looked straight into the abyss - felt completely alone and deeply ashamed - and somehow used nothing but personal intellect and tenacity to emerge even stronger from his trauma.
It's the definition of a hero's journey.
In today's episode, Jason beautifully articulates his personal 'crucible' moments that helped shape his core values, personal mission, and leadership style.
www.imperfectleaders.com
Founders & Builders
Sequoia Capital Global Managing Partner, Doug Leone, A Venture Capital Legend
Hall of Fame venture capitalist, Doug Leone of #1 ranked Sequoia Capital, discusses the imperfections that will absolutely destroy you during a pitch. He offers practical advice for future founders and leaders. This podcast was taped during Doug's session with student leaders across the country!
Click on www.imperfectleaders.com for free weekly episodes delivered to your inbox and the opportunity to join live discussions with top leaders.
Talent & Teams
Why Do Five Million People Trust Professor Robert Cialdini?
Every once in a while I'm stupid enough to get into an argument with my wife. Even when I win the battle (rarely), I lose the war (always).
This paradox made me think about the art of influence. How do you persuade people in a way that both sides feel they've won?
I turned to the world's preeminent thought leader on the topic - Professor Robert Cialdini - who wrote a book called Influence, The Psychology of Persuasion - that has sold more than five million copies around the world.
Charlie Munger and Warren Buffett loved the book so much they actually gave Cialdini a share of their stock - Berkshire Hathaway - which is now worth nearly 1/2 a million dollars. When asked about the gift, Munger replied, "The principles in your book have made our firm a lot of money over the years. You deserve a gift."
After listening to today's episode, let us know if you agree with Charlie Munger? Do Professor Cialdini's principles resonate with you?
www.imperfectleaders.com
Founders & Builders
Mark Cuban, Owner Dallas Mavericks, Assessing Superstar Talent
Our very special guest - Mark Cuban - owner of the Dallas Mavericks and iconic Shark Tank judge - explains to student-leaders across the country that self awareness is an essential leadership quality.
www.imperfectleaders.com
Founders & Builders
Tim Connelly, Minnesota Timberwolves GM - The Emotionally Intelligent Leader
One of the best leaders in the NBA is today’s guest – Tim Connelly – General Manager of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Before billionaire owner Marc Lore and co-owner Alex Rodriguez lured him to Minnesota, Connelly worked side by side with Stan and Josh Kroenke and Coach Michael Malone - as the team's GM who helped the Denver Nuggets win their very first world championship.
What is Tim’s secret sauce? Is it superior analytics and competitive intelligence? Nope. Actually, it’s the exact opposite. Tim is an incredibly emotionally intelligent leader – comfortable in his own skin and able to forge authentic relationships with star talent like Anthony Edwards, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Rudy Gobert.
Although Tim prefers to stay out of the spotlight – and rarely will you see him do public interviews on ESPN or the NBA on TNT– he was gracious enough to share wisdom with our listeners. We hope you enjoy!
www.imperfectleaders.com
Founders & Builders
Cirque du Soleil CEO, Reigniting the Creative Spark
Where do Elon Musk and James Cameron go when they need a creative jolt of inspiration?
Both recently went backstage at Cirque du Soleil and asked an awful lot of questions. They were like kids in the proverbial candy store. So, who the heck is in charge at Cirque? The CEO - for nearly two decades - was a man named Daniel Lamare. I have been wanting to interview him for quite some time - to help unlock a few secrets of creativity. All of us get stressed out when the creative lightbulb doesn't come on as quickly as we'd like.
Click on www.imperfectleaders.com for free weekly episodes delivered to your inbox and the opportunity to join live discussions with top leaders.
Founders & Builders
The Renaissance Leader - David Teece
There's a reason why top CEOs have David Teece's phone number on speed dial. Because Teece is one of the few people on the planet who can help these CEOs solve their most complex challenges.
Teece is a scholar-entrepreneur who is equally comfortable creating a multi-disciplinary theory that solves a complex business challenge; directing an elite research institute at U.C. Berkeley; or advising Fortune 50 Boards of Directors on bet-the-company strategic decisions.
Teece is also a world-class CEO, building from scratch the fastest-growing professional services firm in history - The Berkeley Research Group - an award winning economics consulting firm. Teece's leadership style is to create a talent magnet culture that attracts and inspires world-class consultants and academic experts who want to make a huge impact with clients and policy-makers.
If that weren't enough, Teece is a savvy venture investor, real estate developer, viticulturist, and captain - with a fleet of sailboats across the world.
Any comments, questions or thoughts to share with today's podcast guest - David Teece - join our community at www.imperfectleaders.com.
Founders & Builders
Rinse. Wash. Don’t Repeat – with Bryan Leach – Founder and CEO of Ibotta
The Love Song of J Alfred Prufrock is a TS Elliot poem that rings true with todays guest, Bryan Leach, founder and CEO of Colorado based unicorn - Ibotta.
In the poem, Prufrock laments a string of intellectual dead ends and lost opportunities, and is haunted by what could have been - instead of his reality - struggling through never ending, visceral feelings of regret, shame, and humiliation. Leach could relate. Even though he was a partner at a prestigious law firm, he had these exact same feelings of dread and boredom.
Rinse. Wash. Repeat.
But unlike many of us, Leach had the courage to do something about it. He quit his job - and started a new venture. Success didn’t come easy. But it was a journey worth taking. Today, Ibotta is one of the most successful private companies in the country and is poised to disrupt the entire consumer loyalty industry. Leach is a powerful leader who displays unabashed vulnerability - not afraid to do the hard work necessary to become more self aware and authentic.
Any comments, questions or thoughts to share with today's podcast guest - Bryan Leach - join our community at www.imperfectleaders.com.
Founders & Builders
Real Estate Tycoon, Bernard Hurley: Breaking Bad
Talk about breaking bad. Bernard Hurley was locked up in a maximum security prison - serving what he thought would be a life sentence. Yet now he is one of the most successful business leaders and philanthropists in the state of Colorado.
How did he turn it all around?
If you want to learn about resilience - I mean, really learn what it takes to bounce back from extreme failure - don't just read a book and call it a day. Instead, listen to Hurley's lessons and insight. From solitary confinement in a maximum security prison to one of the most successful real estate developers in Colorado history, Hurley embodies resilience and passion, and shares practical advice for all of us, whether you're just getting out of prison or have a Harvard MBA and on the CEO track at your company.
Click on www.imperfectleaders.com for free weekly episodes delivered to your inbox and the opportunity to join live discussions with top leaders.
Talent & Teams
Columbia Professor Emeritus, Robert Carter, The Lies Leaders Tell Themselves
Ever wonder why an astounding 95% of CEOs in Corporate America are white males?
Why do so few black people - and other minorities - make it to the corner office? Most companies talk a good game about building a robust and diverse leadership pipeline. Organizations claim to create cultures that inspire and enable people to reach their full potential. The best ideas win. Everyone has equal opportunity. Executives gain power through hard work and intellect. The best people will rise to the top.
But these are just the lies we tell ourselves, according to Dr. Robert Carter, the country’s most renowned expert on these topics - an acclaimed author and distinguished professor emeritus of psychology at Columbia University
It makes us feel good. It makes us feel worthy. But there are deeper, psychological forces and invisible barriers at play. And even though we can’t see these barriers with the naked eye, they exist, and they are causing real harm and economic pain.
Agree or not, Professor Carter shines an interesting perspective on this complex topic, and helps us understand the root, psychological causes and structural barriers to achieving progress.
Perhaps we should take his advice seriously. Until we do the hard work necessary to become more self aware and empathic, we won’t be able to capitalize on the economic benefits of diversity and inclusion.
Click on www.imperfectleaders.com for free weekly episodes delivered to your inbox and the opportunity to join live discussions with top leaders.
Neurodiversity
Thinking About Thinking: What a World-Class Neuroscientist Learned When His Own Child Got Sick, with Dr. Bradley Schlaggar, CEO of the Kennedy Krieger Institute
In this episode of Imperfect Leaders, host Jeff Cohn sits down with Dr. Bradley Schlaggar — physician, neuroscientist, and President and CEO of the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, one of the world's premier institutions for children and young adults with disorders of the brain and nervous system.
Brad's path to leadership began with a lifelong obsession with the developing brain, an MD and PhD from Washington University, and nearly two decades on the faculty building a celebrated research career.
But it was a series of deeply personal crucible experiences — the loss of his sister and father to cancer, his own emergency heart surgery, his wife's breast cancer diagnosis, and his son Simeon's four-year battle with leukemia — that forged his most important leadership qualities.
Those experiences gave Brad something no training program could: a profound, bone-deep empathy for the families sitting across from him, and a servant leader's instinct to make space for others rather than occupy it himself.
That empathy and humility are not incidental to how Kennedy Krieger works — they are the foundation of it. Brad has built a culture where world-class specialists in neurology, psychiatry, behavioral health, and education are not just housed under one roof but genuinely work together, centered entirely on the patient and family in front of them.
In this conversation, Brad takes us inside that culture — how it is built, how it is sustained, and why true interdisciplinary care produces outcomes that siloed systems simply cannot.
He also speaks with remarkable candor about what parents of children with autism and developmental differences actually need, what the system consistently gets wrong, and what business leaders with real capital and influence can do right now to move the needle for these families — inside their companies and in their communities.
This episode will resonate deeply with any parent who has ever sat in a waiting room terrified, and with any leader who has learned — the hard way — that the most powerful thing you can do is get out of the way of the people around you.
www.imperfectleaders.com
Founders & Builders
#1 Global Business Thinker, Roger Martin, Why is He on Speed Dial of Every Top CEO in the World?
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Today’s guest – Roger Martin – is one of the smartest people on the planet when it comes to business and leadership.
He was recently voted the #1 by Thinkers50 a ranking of the most influential global business thinkers.
He is on speed dial of hundreds of famous CEOs across the world – from Silicon Valley startups to Fortune 50 giants. They call Roger when they are faced with a complex strategic or cultural issue that has no easy answer. Roger has a unique way of framing tough challenges and communicating in a crystal-clear way that helps top leaders rethink old mental models.
He’s recently written a new book – which I loved – called “A New Way to Think” – and he’s published some of the all-time best-selling articles for the Harvard Business Review.
In that context, he’s the perfect guest to help leaders – of all shapes and sizes – think about their flaws, outdated mental models, and imperfections. Just because you learned a new principle at a top business school, doesn’t make it right. In fact it may be dead wrong, according to Roger. He should know, he was the Dean of one of the top business schools in the country – The Rotman School of Management at University of Toronto – for 15 years!
Nothing is out of bounds during our conversation – from money, power, politics, and capitalism, itself.
Neurodiversity
How His Autistic Son – Caleb – Helped Him Become a Better CEO – with Brian Harper, CEO of 11 North Partners.
Today's guest – Brian Harper – shares how his beautiful son, Caleb, who has profound autism, taught him how to be a better CEO, a better father, a better husband, and a better human being.
Brian sits at the intersection of two brutally competitive, results-oriented industries – private equity and real estate.
And his new firm – 11 North Partners – invests in beautiful, open-air developments – and drives alpha in an unusual way.
They do it through humanity, empathy, and values-driven leadership. The 'soft skills' really do drive 'hard' business results.
And by the way, Caleb couldn't be happier – he lives at The Center for Discovery – which provides a unique and powerful way of helping autistic individuals reach their full potential.
www.imperfectleaders.com
Neurodiversity
My Autistic Son Taught Me to Be a More Resilient Leader – with Adrian Jones, Goldman Sachs – Chairman & Co-Head, Global Private Equity, Asset Management
Adrian Jones is one of the classiest, humble, and resilient leaders I have ever met. Not just at Goldman Sachs, but at any company.
His son Liam – received a diagnosis of profound autism at 2 years old. As you can imagine, this crucible experience forever changed the lives of Adrian and his incredible wife, Tina.
Aside from bringing immeasurable joy (and, if we're being honest lots of heartache and pain), Liam has helped Adrian become crystal clear about his core values, deeply held beliefs, and North Star.
in very real ways, Liam has helped his dad become a better leader, husband, father, and human being.
www.imperfectleaders.com
Neurodiversity
A True North Leader – Chris Male – Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Autism Impact Fund
Every once in a while you're lucky enough to meet a values-driven leader who has the passion, the mind, and the skills to make the world a better place.
Today's guest – Chris Male – is one of those trailblazers.
His firm – The Autism Impact Fund (AIF) – is helping to solve what many experts consider the largest public health issue of our generation -– skyrocketing autism, and other mental and behavioral health conditions.
AIF has become the investment and innovation arm of the autism community.
www.imperfectleaders.com
Neurodiversity
“From Care to Character with Amanda Lukof: How Eleplan Transforms Families – and Ourselves”
Join us for a deeply human conversation with Amanda Lukof, founder of the groundbreaking Eleplan app and devoted caregiver to her autistic brother, Liam.
In this episode, we explore how Eleplan is changing the game for families—making the chaos of care more manageable and freeing up precious time and peace of mind.
But as Amanda shares, caregiving isn’t just about looking after others; it’s about who we become in the process. From her own family’s journey to Eleplan’s powerful vision, you’ll discover how better care can transform families, bring clarity to overwhelming moments, and help all of us grow into our best selves.
Whether you’re a caregiver, a leader, or simply seeking inspiration, this is an episode about love, innovation, and the character that comes from caring.
www.imperfectleaders.com