Best Cosmic Centaurs Podcasts (2025)

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Building Systems to Reclaim Your Time with Dhiren Bhatia 1:02:13

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3d ago1:02:13

1:02:13

Time is the one system every leader struggles to manage — and the one that reveals how well all the others work. In this energizing conversation, Diren Bhatia, entrepreneur, coach, and founder of Cloudscape Technologies, joins Tala Ode to explore how leaders and founders can redesign their relationship with time. From his own journey of moving from…

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Building Systems to Transform Large Companies with Breeze Dong 57:13

4d ago57:13

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How do you nudge a 13,000-person organization to move from managing change to creating the conditions for change? In this conversation, Chun Feng “Breeze” Dong, Associate Director of Organizational Development at Roche, joins Marilyn Zakhour to share how she and her team applied systems thinking to enable large-scale learning, collaboration, and in…

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Building Systems to Transform at Scale with Ibraheem Sheerah 1:52:52

4d ago1:52:52

1:52:52

What does it take to lead transformation across one of the region’s most complex organizations, and make it human? In this powerful conversation, Ibraheem Sheerah, Chief Transformation Officer at Saudia Group, joins Marilyn Zakhour to share how he led one of the Kingdom’s most ambitious transformation journeys, reshaping not just an airline, but th…

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Building Systems to Balance Parenthood & Work 54:15

8d ago54:15

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Parenthood is one of the most complex systems we’ll ever navigate — and for working parents, it often runs in parallel with another: work. In this heartfelt conversation Faten Fathallah, Marie Nakhle, Marilyn Zakhour, Tala Odeh, and Zeinab Makke from the Cosmic Centaurs team join Hadeel Kabosh to explore how they design, adapt, and sustain systems …

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Weaving the Human into the System (& Vice Versa) with Dr. José-Rodrigo Córdoba-Pachón 1:07:09

17d ago1:07:09

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What does it mean to bring humanity back into our systems, and to see ourselves as part of them? In this conversation, Dr. José-Rodrigo Córdoba-Pachón, Associate Professor at Royal Holloway, University of London, joins Marilyn Zakhour to explore the intersection of systems thinking, rituals, and the art of being. Together, they reflect on how leade…

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Building Systems to Innovate with Wissam Adib 59:22

19d ago59:22

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Innovation rarely fails because of a lack of ideas. It fails because the systems around it are built for compliance, not experimentation. In this episode, Wissam Adib, Executive Coach and former Advisor at the UAE Prime Minister’s Office, joins Marilyn Zakhour to explore what it really takes to build systems that foster innovation at scale. Drawing…

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The Heart of Systems with Rawan Albina 57:21

22d ago57:21

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In leadership, we often focus on strategies, frameworks, and structures. But what keeps systems alive are the people within them — their purpose, presence, and connection. In this soulful conversation, Rawan Albina, Leadership & Wellbeing Academies Director at Chalhoub Group, joins Marilyn Zakhour to explore the human and emotional dimensions of sy…

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Building Systems to PERFORM with Stoyan Yankov 1:24:53

22d ago1:24:53

1:24:53

Most leaders want high performance. Few know how to sustain it. In this energizing session, Stoyan Yankov, productivity & performance consultant, bestselling author, and co-creator of the PERFORM methodology, joins Marilyn Zakhour to unpack what it really takes to build teams that deliver results and stay energized. Together, they explore how leade…

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🎧 Building Systems to Deepen Impact with Daniel Delati & Mazuba Haanyama 1:00:34

22d ago1:00:34

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Metrics can tell you if you’re moving, but not whether you’re moving in the right direction. In this conversation, Daniel Delati, Managing Partner at 360 Consulting, and Mazuba Haanyama, Independent Consultant, join Hadeel Kabosh from Cosmic Centaurs to explore what it really takes to design systems that make impact visible, measurable, and meaning…

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Understanding the Systems Thinking Toolbox with Drs Derek & Laura Cabrera 1:02:49

24d ago1:02:49

1:02:49

What if you could train your brain to think more effectively, to see connections, anticipate ripple effects, and redesign the systems you operate in? In this episode of the 2025 Cosmic Conference: The System is the Strategy, Cosmic Centaurs CEO Marilyn Zakhour is joined by Dr. Derek Cabrera and Dr. Laura Cabrera, founders of the Cabrera Research La…

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Building Systems to Scale Psychological Safety with Sander Hoeken & Marilyn Zakhour 1:05:09

24d ago1:05:09

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We often think of psychological safety as something created within teams — but what about the systems, structures, and incentives that surround them? 🌍 In this powerful Cosmic Conference 2025 session, Sander Hoeken, Co-Founder of The Fearless Organization Scan and Founder of CellSpace, joins Marilyn Zakhour, CEO of Cosmic Centaurs and Harvard Busin…

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🎧 Breaking the System: Leading in the Age of AI with Imad Lahad 59:34

25d ago59:34

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By Cosmic Centaurs

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Understanding Systems Change with Darren Yeh 58:05

1M ago58:05

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In this session from the 2025 Cosmic Conference, Marilyn Zakhour is joined by Darren Yeh, Managing Director at Omplexity Consulting, a systems change agency that partners with global institutions to align resources for systemic impact. Together, they explore: The essentials of systems thinking for leaders How to apply systems mapping to uncover hid…

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Leading Through Systems: The 2025 Cosmic Conference Opening Keynote 13:06

2M ago13:06

13:06

We’re kicking off the 2025 Cosmic Conference with an opening keynote you won’t want to miss. In this episode, Marilyn Zakhour, CEO & Founder of Cosmic Centaurs, introduces this year’s theme and makes the case for why systems thinking is an essential skill for leaders navigating complexity. Over the past year, many leaders have shared how they feel …

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Psychological Safety: The Superpower of High-Performing Teams 59:42

6M ago59:42

59:42

What if the key to unlocking bold ideas, honest feedback, and high performance wasn’t talent or experience—but psychological safety? In this special episode marking Cosmic Centaurs’ 5th anniversary, our founder Marilyn Zakhour is joined by two remarkable guests: Sandra Salame, founder of Siira, and Sander Hoeken, co-founder of the Fearless Organiza…

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The Surprising Power of Rituals - Learnings from our HBR Article 1:07:37

9M ago1:07:37

1:07:37

What if the key to more engaged employees isn’t a new incentive program, but something much more human? In this episode, Marilyn Zakhour and Dr. Constance Noonan Hadley take you behind the scenes of their three-year research journey on team rituals—work that led to their widely read Harvard Business Review article. Together, they unpack the data th…

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Mastering the Limitations of Polarities 1:31:53

12M ago1:31:53

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In the closing session of The Cosmic Conference, Marilyn Zakhour is joined by Jose Santos, Affiliated Professor of Practice in Global Management at INSEAD, to explore the intricate art of managing polarities in leadership. Jose challenges conventional wisdom, shedding light on the importance of distinguishing true polarities—those interdependent te…

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Mastering Polarities in Organizations 45:08

12M ago45:08

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In this episode of the Cosmic Conference series, Marilyn Zakhour unpacks how organizations can thrive by mastering the inherent polarities that define modern leadership. Drawing lessons from iconic case studies, such as Fujifilm and Kodak, Marilyn explores how strategy, structure, and culture can be aligned to build resilient, ambidextrous organiza…

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Mastering Sustainable Performance 46:43

12M ago46:43

46:43

Join us for a keynote with #Burnout Research & Coach Matt Bartlett-Bond MSc GMBPsS who shares his insights and research about burnout with CEO & Founder, Marilyn Zakhour. Matt is a key contributor to a global research initiative focused on understanding workplace burnout and promoting healthier behaviors to drive sustainable growth. With nearly 30 …

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Mastering the Mythic & the Mundane 1:00:08

12M ago1:00:08

1:00:08

Join us for a keynote and discussion with Executive Coach and Partner at Cultivating Leadership Gayle Karen Young Whyte as she explores the essential polarities organizations face in shaping their strategies and culture. Discover how to effectively leverage these tensions to foster an organization that thrives. Gayle Karen Young is a cultural archi…

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Mastering Change in Uncertainty 1:08:12

12M ago1:08:12

1:08:12

Our guests Ayoub Semaan and Janine Weber-el Meouchy offer a new approach to leading organizational change in today's complex and unpredictable world, moving beyond traditional change management tools to leverage relational skills, systemic thinking, and facilitation techniques. Janine is the Executive Director of Teach For Lebanon, where she leads …

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Mastering Dualities in Leadership 28:01

12M ago28:01

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Join Marilyn Zakhour for the opening keynote of the 2024 #CosmicConference, as she explores how exceptional leaders navigate the complexities of today's landscape by embracing polarities at the individual, team, and organizational levels.By Cosmic Centaurs

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Mobile Giant to Nostalgic Memory: The Decline of Nokia’s Digital Dynasty 28:35

12M ago28:35

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In this episode, we delve into Nokia's incredible rise and dramatic fall. Once a global leader with 40% of the market share, Nokia connected 1.5 billion people and led the mobile industry. But what caused this giant to crumble? Join Marilyn as she explores the pivotal moments that defined Nokia's journey, from groundbreaking innovations to missed o…

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Navigating the Tides of Change: Taking the Film out of Fujifilm 25:28

1+ y ago25:28

25:28

In Episode 7 of Centaur Stage Season 3, "Taking the Film Out of Fujifilm," host Marilyn Zakhour delves into the captivating story of Fujifilm's transformation under the visionary leadership of Shigetaka Komori. As the digital era threatened to render traditional photographic film obsolete, Komori spearheaded a radical overhaul of Fujifilm's busines…

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Prioritizing well being at work with Sandra Saleme 52:40

2y ago52:40

52:40

Sandra Salame is the founder of Siira, a mental wellbeing platform that provides emotional support through harnessing the power of communities to overcome day to day struggles. Siira aims to educate and empower individuals, businesses and governments by providing them with the tools and knowledge needed to effectively solve wellbeing challenges and…

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Leading through Time with Prof Jose Santos 1:22:12

2y ago1:22:12

1:22:12

Jose Santos joined us for the 4th year in a row for our closing session to talk about the role that time plays in leading organizations that deliver in our closing session. Jose is an Affiliated Professor of Practice in Global Management. After spending 20 years in the managerial world, Joe moved from Italy to INSEAD and devoted himself to scholarl…

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Leading Organizations through Restructuring 59:22

2y ago59:22

59:22

Tandem’s Rabih Brair and Alexander Damouni spoke at the 2023 #CosmicConference on Wednesday, November 8 to share insights on how leaders can navigate a restructuring holistically. Rabih Brair is the Managing Partner and co-founder at Tandem, a Dubai-based business advisory firm aimed at startups, SME's and angel investors in the region. Alex Damoun…

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Leading the Reskilling Revolution 53:11

2y ago53:11

53:11

One of our dearest members of the #CosmicCommunity, Dr. Christiane Mueck joined us for the 2023 #CosmicConference to discuss capability building, the skills gaps, and reskilling talent in the region. Christiane Mueck has 20+ years of experience as a strategy consultant & expert advisor in education, foundations, and start-ups in Europe and the Midd…

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Leading in a Global Organization 50:06

2y ago50:06

50:06

Soussane Chartouny is Senior director, EMEA/LATAM Field & Channel Marketing at Palo Alto Networks. She’s experienced in developing go to market strategies based on data analytics and execution to meet business goals and results. She’s also passionate about customers, technology and people and is an advocate of a growth mindset and collaborative lea…

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Leading Systemic Change 50:46

2y ago50:46

50:46

Joining us for this year’s 2023 hashtag#CosmicConference is M. Belen Settembri CPCC MCC (Master Certified Coach), Executive and Leadership Coach, and Founder of @shiftunfolders. Belen’s session, all about leading systemic change, explores how to engage executive teams, how to manage people through change and turn those most resistant into advocates…

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Leadership During Change: Adapting your leadership to the phases of change with Wissam Adib 50:54

2y ago50:54

50:54

Wissam Adib is an Executive Coach & Organizational Behavior Expert. He leverages a 25-year career leading large- and small-scale organizational transformation programs and works with these leaders to unlock hidden potential and create transformative results. This includes several turnaround and restructuring projects, as well as leading the institu…

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Lead. Execute. Fund. Grow. 1:16:12

2y ago1:16:12

1:16:12

📣 SPEAKER ANNOUNCEMENT: Joining us for this year's 2023 #CosmicConference is Fahad ‘Abu PowerPoint’ Habib, Founder of Boost | Consulting Redefined . Fahad shared the critical aspects of scaling, including strategy execution, key skill sets for leaders, effective strategies for small businesses, and insights on the Saudi market, while also shedding …

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Leading the Long Term Game with Richard Fitzgerald 1:05:07

2y ago1:05:07

1:05:07

Richard Fitzgerald is CEO and Founder of Augustus Media, an award-winning modern media company in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, publishers of Lovin Dubai, Lovin Saudi and Smashi TV. Initially working in digital, media and social media agencies in Europe and the Middle East for over a decade, Richard founded Augustus Media in 2015 to what has grown to b…

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Leading for Sustainable Growth with Patrick Flesner 56:58

2y ago56:58

56:58

Patrick Flesner is a growth mindset leadership coach, mentor and advisor who has a unique and holistic perspective on leadership and business growth. The insights and frameworks he shares equip leadership teams with the knowledge and tools they need to become highly effective leaders, grow their businesses fast and sustainably, and reach their bigg…

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Leading the Strategy Process from Experimentation to Execution with Mihai Ionescu 1:31:15

2y ago1:31:15

1:31:15

Mihai Ionescu, Strategy Management technician, has spent the past 15 years developing the practice-tested definition of a Strategy cycle that connects the dots of the key concepts, theories, and frameworks of the Strategy Management discipline. He joined us at the #CosmicConference on Wednesday, October 11, to discuss the process of developing and …

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Masters of Strategy Execution: The Consultant's Perspective with Jean Abou Assi from PWC 36:33

2y ago36:33

36:33

Join us for a rerun of Jean Abou Assi's Fireside chat with Marilyn Zakhour during the Opening Event of the 2023 Cosmic Conference. Jean is a Partner Digital & Technology at PWC ME. He has wide experience in leading large-scale digital transformation programs and is well-versed in the entire digitization process from strategy to delivery. Jean works…

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Masters of Strategy Execution: The Coach's Perspective with Wissam Adib 19:12

2y ago19:12

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Join us for a rerun of Wissam’s keynote about creating a high-trust executive team from the Opening Event of the 2023 #CosmicConference. Wissam Adib is an Executive Coach to CEOs and senior leaders in the public and private sectors. He leverages a 25-year career leading large- and small-scale organizational transformation programs and works with th…

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Masters of Strategy Execution: The Managers' Perspective 39:21

2y ago39:21

39:21

Learn how to become a master of strategy execution from leaders directly involved in doing this at various scales. You'll hear from Infosysta's Edmond Tehini, AESG's Katarina Uherova Hasbani, and Nisrine Khoury. Join us for a rerun of this panel discussion with Marilyn Zakhour from the Opening Event of the 2023 Cosmic Conference on Friday, October …

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Leading Organizations that Deliver - Virtual Keynote 26:16

2y ago26:16

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Marilyn Zakhour the CEO & Founder of Cosmic Centaurs, hosted a Linkedin Live at the #CosmicConference on Tuesday, October 10, at 1PM Dubai time (GMT +4) to deliver the keynote from the opening event of the Cosmic Conference all about #strategyexecution.By Cosmic Centaurs

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Revolution and Reckoning: The Rise and Fall of Carlos Ghosn at Nissan 30:50

2+ y ago30:50

30:50

Witness the transformation of a struggling giant, the formation of the Renault-Nissan alliance, and the consequences of unchecked power. Join us for this gripping exploration of Carlos Ghosn's story, a remarkable figure in the automotive industry.By Cosmic Centaurs

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Bootstrap to Brilliance: Atlassian's Unusual Journey to Scale 20:02

2+ y ago20:02

20:02

How did 2 college grads bootstrap a company with only $10,000, and without any VC money, which would later become one the biggest tech companies in the world? Join me next week to learn all about Atlassian’s fascinating story, in our upcoming episode of Centaur Stage Season 3.By Cosmic Centaurs

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From Maverick to Mishap: Southwest's rise & fall 25:08

2+ y ago25:08

25:08

How did America’s most popular airline, Southwest Airlines, cancel 16,700 flights over the 2022 Christmas period, leading to a 820 million dollar loss? Short answer: it was the tipping point of 20 years of neglect. Join me on this episode of Centaur Stage Season 3, as I share the story of how the rise and fall of Southwest Airlines.…

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When Innovation Goes Wrong: Kodak's Untold Digital Camera Story 17:31

2+ y ago17:31

17:31

In 1975, Kodak engineer Steven Sasson unveiled the world's first digital camera—a momentous leap forward for the industry. How did Kodak end up filing for bankruptcy in 2012? Join me on this episode of Centaur Stage Season 3 as I share the story of how Kodak faltered in leveraging their own innovation and uncover the invaluable lessons we can learn…

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"Discovering" your Strategy: Lessons from IKEA's founding story 20:25

2+ y ago20:25

20:25

In the Swedish province of Småland where the founder of IKEA Ingvar lived, the stony land produced poor crops. Farming wasn’t enough to survive. People had to be innovative, creative, strong and stubborn. Families were thrifty, and many became entrepreneurs to make ends meet. In the upcoming episode of Centaur Stage Season 3, I will be sharing the …

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Mastering the Turnaround: How Best Buy Stood the Test of Time 19:25

2+ y ago19:25

19:25

How did Best Buy have its shares go from being worth $11 to $110 in 8 years - knowing those were the 8 years that witnessed Amazon’s peak? Listen to the incredible story of how Hubert Joly executed a turnaround strategy with Best Buy in the very first episode of Centaur Stage Season 3. In this third season, we dive deep into tales of triumph and tr…

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Pits & Peaks from the 2022 Cosmic Conference all about the Employee Experience 52:18

3y ago52:18

52:18

💫Up for a round of Pits & Peaks? It’s a ritual we do after events, projects and at the end of each month. We come together to share the incredible highs (peaks) and a few areas for improvement (pits) to discuss openly how we can level up our ways of working (collaboration) and the quality of our work (delivery). From hosting a 3.5 week long confere…

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(re)Leveraging Systems Thinking for Engagement at Scale with Breeze Dong 48:52

3y ago48:52

48:52

Breeze Dong, Transformation & Enterprise Agile Coach @Roche, joined us at the #CosmicConference on Friday, October 21st, at 4 PM (GMT +4). Breeze shared her insights on human-centered design, systems thinking, and engagement at scale.By Cosmic Centaurs

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(re)Thinking your Identity at Work with Jonathan Yeo 1:01:51

3y ago1:01:51

1:01:51

Jonathan Yeo, Founder at the Potential Space, joined us at the 2022 #CosmicConference to talk about identity in the workplace. In this interactive session Jonathan coached two remarkable volunteers through an identity exploration exercise. He asked them to reflect and share various aspects of their identity. Drawing on his Exploring Identity worksh…

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(re)Building the Firm as an Establishment with Jose Santos 1:05:06

3y ago1:05:06

1:05:06

Jose Santos, Affiliated Professor of Practice in Global Management @ INSEAD, joined us at the #CosmicConference on Wednesday, October 19, at 1 PM (GMT +4) to share his take on how to lead in an emergent world and discuss the concept of “the firm” and what it means for the future of workBy Cosmic Centaurs

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(re)Kindling Connections at Work with Connie Hadley 1:08:39

3y ago1:08:39

1:08:39

Connie Hadley, Founder of Institute for Life at Work, joined Marilyn on Tuesday, October 18, at 6 PM (GMT +4) for the #CosmicConference to discuss results from their collaborative research on the impact of mutual knowledge, rituals and team purpose on job meaning and satisfaction. In light of the great resignation and the crisis of trust in organiz…