Best Stanford Graduate School of Business Podcasts (2025)

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S8E2: Leena Nair Refuses to Be the Last 59:28

4d ago59:28

59:28

Leena Nair doesn’t just talk about leadership — she redefines it. In a wide-ranging conversation with Ayesha Karnik, MBA ’25, Nair reflects on her journey from a factory floor in India to the corporate office in London, and ultimately, to Chanel’s C-suite. With humor and heart, Nair describes how she approaches leading a global luxury brand, shares…

1
Ep60 “A Trade Deficit? More Like a Capital Surplus” with John Cochrane 28:17

4d ago28:17

28:17

What exactly is a trade deficit? And why are so many policymakers fixated on it? Lately, the trade deficit in the U.S. is taking the bulk of the blame for the economic situation we’re in and it’s one of the reasons the Trump administration is pushing for sweeping tariffs. But tariffs are likely not the answer, and a trade deficit might be better re…

1
199. Blunder Pressure: Mastering In-the-Moment Communication (3 of 3) 22:45

5d ago22:45

22:45

This three-part miniseries is all about keeping your cool when speaking on the spot. Communicating effectively can be challenging enough, even with plenty of time to prepare what we want to say. But for most of our communication, there’s no time to plan, practice, or perfect — we have to respond in the moment. Spontaneous communication is a part of…

1
198. Pause and Effect: Mastering In-the-Moment Communication (2 of 3) 25:02

10d ago25:02

25:02

This three-part miniseries is all about keeping your cool when speaking on the spot. Communicating effectively can be challenging enough, even with plenty of time to prepare what we want to say. But for most of our communication, there’s no time to plan, practice, or perfect — we have to respond in the moment. Spontaneous communication is a part of…

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197. Prep or Perish: Mastering In-the-Moment Communication (1 of 3) 25:12

12d ago25:12

25:12

This three-part miniseries is all about keeping your cool when speaking on the spot. Communicating effectively can be challenging enough, even with plenty of time to prepare what we want to say. But for most of our communication, there’s no time to plan, practice, or perfect — we have to respond in the moment. Spontaneous communication is a part of…

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Stanford Professors Reflect on Fostering Grit & Nurturing Growth 26:37

12d ago26:37

26:37

Welcome to Grit & Growth’s final episode. After five years and 90 episodes, we’ve asked four Stanford GSB professors who teach in the Seed Transformation Program to tell us what they’ve learned — about the grit of intrepid entrepreneurs working in emerging economies and the growth they’ve experienced in their own teaching. Jesper Sorensen, Baba Shi…

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S8E1: Roelof Botha Doesn’t Believe in “the Top” 1:00:09

18d ago1:00:09

1:00:09

In a candid conversation with Kailash Sundaram, MBA ’25, Roelof Botha, MBA ’00 — leader of one of the most influential venture capital firms in the world — reflects on his journey from South Africa to Sequoia Capital. From meeting his wife and partner Huifen Chan, MBA '00, at Stanford Graduate School of Business, to lessons about ambition and failu…

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Ep59 “Why Tariffs Are Not The Ultimate Trade Weapon” with Dani Rodrik 32:16

18d ago32:16

32:16

With President Trump’s tariffs on Canada, Mexico, China, and other countries now in full swing, what consequences from an economic standpoint could the U.S. be facing? And what was the path that led us here? Hosts and finance professors Jonathan Berk and Jules van Binsbergen put the tariffs question to economist and author Dani Rodrik. Rodrik is t…

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196. Ditch the Dictionary: Communicate Confidently Through Connection 22:29

19d ago22:29

22:29

Communication isn’t about perfect word choice, it’s about connecting with others. For native speakers and language learners alike, communicating comes with all kinds of challenges. But no matter how much we stumble over our words, Lindsay McMahon says communication isn’t about perfection — it’s about connection. The CEO and founder of All Ears Engl…

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195. Q&A on Conflict, Confidence, and Connection: Me2We 2025 Part 2 13:15

24d ago13:15

13:15

Stanford experts answer live questions on leadership, authenticity, and communication. What happens when four top Stanford thinkers take live questions from a room full of leaders? In Part 2 of this special Think Fast, Talk Smart series from the Stanford LEAD Me2We Conference, Matt Abrahams and his panel of expert GSB faculty—Allison Kluger, Naomi …

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194. Live Lessons in Levity and Leadership: Me2We 2025 Part 1 32:16

26d ago32:16

32:16

Effective leadership begins with the way you communicate. Leading with impact isn’t about speaking louder—it’s about communicating in ways that resonate with what people already value. In Part 1 of this special two-part series from the Stanford LEAD Me2We Conference, Matt Abrahams brings together four expert GSB faculty—Allison Kluger, Nir Halevy, …

1
Ep58 How Rich Are The Ivy League Universities, Really? University Endowments Explained 24:36

1M ago24:36

24:36

The recent crackdown on federal spending has universities sweating despite the fact that many of them boast huge billion-dollar endowments. So what gives? Why would less money from the federal government be a cause for concern? Where does all that money go? And could there be more to this budget picture than meets the eye? In this episode, hosts an…

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193. Conquer questions: ADDing Value To Your Answers 11:59

1M ago11:59

11:59

Turn Q&A from nerve-wracking to confidence-boosting with strategies for clear, controlled answers. A great presentation doesn’t end with the final slide—it continues through the Q&A, where real engagement happens. Yet, for many speakers, this is the most nerve-wracking part. In this episode, Matt Abrahams explores why Q&A can feel intimidating and …

1
Tangguh dan Pertumbuhan: Kisah Singkat 16:24

1M ago16:24

16:24

Perkenalkan Denica Riadini-Flesch, seorang mantan ekonom yang menjadi pengusaha. Ia sedih melihat perjuangan para pengrajin dan petani tradisional di pedesaan Indonesia sehingga ia mendirikan perusahaan untuk membantu mengubah hidup mereka. SukkhaCitta adalah merek mode dari petani-ke-lemari, yang mengembalikan daya kepada para perempuan yang membu…

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192. Quick Thinks: How to Supersize Your Stories 10:38

1M ago10:38

10:38

How to craft compelling stories that captivate, inspire, and make an impact. Great storytelling isn't just about telling tales—it’s about crafting experiences that captivate, inspire, and drive change. In this special Quick Thinks bonus episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Matt Abrahams welcomes bestselling author Dan Heath for a masterclass on the p…

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191. Memorable Messages: Choose Words That Capture Attention and Stay Remembered 23:10

1M ago23:10

23:10

How to craft communication that your audience will remember. Why do some messages stick, while others go in one ear and out the other? When it comes to crafting memorable communication, Ada Aka says not all verbiage is created equal. “Certain words are intrinsically more memorable than others,” says Aka, an assistant professor of marketing at Stanf…

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MSx Insider - Jateen Kooverjee (MSx '24) 27:14

1M ago27:14

27:14

Jateen Kooverjee (MSx '24) discusses his MSx journey and how the program's flexibility and resources, including an independent study, enabled him to explore entrepreneurship. He highlights the support from his wife, who also engaged in Stanford's academic and entrepreneurial opportunities, and emphasizes the value of challenging conventional career…

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Short Takes: Growing Impact, Stitch by Stitch 14:39

2M ago14:39

14:39

Meet Denica Riadini-Flesch, a former economist turned entrepreneur, who was so saddened by the struggles of traditional artisans and farmers in rural Indonesia that she created a company to help change their lives. SukkhaCitta is a farm-to-closet fashion brand that puts power back in the hands of the women who make our clothes. Its mission: to end …

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Rerun: Ep36 “Institutional Neutrality: Open Debate and Moral Stands” with John Etchemendy 25:04

2M ago25:04

25:04

All Else Equal is taking a little spring break, so on this episode we’re revisiting a fascinating conversation on what happens when universities step off the sidelines and take a stance on contentious issues. Are they boarding a roller coaster that they can’t ever get off? Hosts and finance professors Jonathan Berk and Jules van Binsbergen chat wit…

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190. Motivation Matters: How to Leverage What People Already Want 25:25

2M ago25:25

25:25

How to turn latent motivation into fuel for change. If you want to be a changemaker, you’ll have to convince others to join your cause. But according to Dan Heath, persuading your audience isn’t about creating new motivation — it’s about leveraging the motivation that’s already there. “The most important fuel for any change effort is motivation,” s…

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189. Numbers Need Narrative: Use Data to Influence and Inspire 21:09

2M ago21:09

21:09

Why numbers are only as compelling as the narratives we attach to them. Facts and figures can be your friend, but before you load your presentation full of data, Miro Kazakoff has a word of caution: “Data’s objective, but people are not.” You might think that your data speaks for itself, but Kazakoff says numbers need a narrative. A senior lecturer…

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MSx Insider - Sasha Gidwani (MSx '24) 23:21

2M ago23:21

23:21

Sasha Gidwani (MSx '24) shares her journey from a long-standing career in finance to exploring new opportunities through the Stanford MSx program. She discusses how the program's flexibility allowed her to challenge conventional career paths. Sasha emphasizes the value of leadership development, diverse experiences, and lasting relationships formed…

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Ep57 “Effective Communication: Trump vs. Reagan” with Peter Robinson 36:40

2M ago36:40

36:40

One key to effective negotiation is to keep your opponent guessing by randomizing your strategy. And right now, there might not be a more prolific example of this kind of strategy than President Donald Trump’s communication style. In this episode, hosts and finance professors Jonathan Berk and Jules van Binsbergen are joined by Peter Robinson, a re…

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188. Mind Reading 101: To Know What Your Audience Thinks, Just Ask 24:48

2M ago24:48

24:48

How to really know what your audience is thinking. To be a great communicator, you have to get out of your own head. But that’s not all, says Matt Lieberman. According to him, you also have to get into the head of someone else. “Mind-reading is this remarkable ability that humans have,” explains Lieberman, a professor of psychology, director of UCL…

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187. Experimenting, Failing, and Finding Your Job Fit - Catalyze Your Career 22:13

2M ago22:13

22:13

Rethink career success by testing, adapting, and staying open to unexpected opportunities. Career planning isn’t as straightforward as we often assume—but according to Dorie Clark, that’s actually a good thing. Instead of following a rigid path, she believes we should be “treating our careers like a series of experiments”—testing, iterating, and st…

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186. Own Your Impact: How to Communicate Your Personal Power 21:04

2M ago21:04

21:04

Why good communication starts with tapping into your power. Impactful communication isn’t just about the words you use. According to Chris Lipp, it’s about the power you deliver them with. “When we have a belief in ourselves, what we say changes,” says Lipp, a professor at Tulane University’s Freeman School of Business and author of The Science of …

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Short Takes: Disrupting African Travel, One Ticket at a Time 14:39

2M ago14:39

14:39

Meet Wyclife Omondi, co-founder of BuuPass, a company committed to tackling one of Africa’s biggest challenges: transportation inefficiency. The solution seemed simple enough – digital ticketing – but making it happen took persistence, adaptation, and plenty of strategic pivots. Learn about Omondi’s entrepreneurial journey as he scales to include o…

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Ep56 “When Should We Lie for the Greater Good?” with John Ioannidis 34:10

2M ago34:10

34:10

Is it acceptable for doctors to lie to their patients, or withhold some of the truth, if it’s in the patient’s best interest? In this episode, hosts and finance professors Jonathan Berk and Jules van Binsbergen welcome back John Ioannidis, professor of medicine at Stanford University, to discuss the ethical implications of concealing the truth in t…

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185. Say Less, Mean More: Craft Compelling Communication 19:43

3M ago19:43

19:43

How to captivate an audience and make your message stick. Pitches and presentations don’t fall flat because speakers aren’t prepared. For Guy Kawasaki, it’s because speakers miss the point. “If all you're trying to do is inform, you're not going to pull it off. You have to entertain your audience.” A renowned author, speaker, and entrepreneur, Kawa…

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184. Fit or Quit? Find the Job That is Right For You—Catalyze Your Career 22:21

3M ago22:21

22:21

Stay prepared, build your network, and take control of your career. Most of us know that career growth is important—but according to Catherine Fisher, we're thinking about it all wrong. It’s not just about landing a job or climbing the ladder; it’s about staying adaptable, building strong connections, and being proactive about opportunities before …

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183. Rethinks: How Anxiety Can Fuel Better Communication 27:20

3M ago27:20

27:20

Reframe anxiety as a strength and use stress to enhance your communication. Stress, anxiety, nervousness — when these feelings inevitably arise, lecturer Kelly McGonigal says it’s not about making them go away, but using them to your advantage. “What I have come to value about anxiety,” says McGonigal, “is it’s a sign that I care.” As she explains,…

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182. Stop Chasing Time and Start Owning It: Communication, Happiness & Wellbeing 21:34

3M ago21:34

21:34

Clarify your purpose — and stop wasting time. The new year gives us an opportunity to reflect on who we are and who we want to be. As we set resolutions and prepare for evolutions, this special four-part series on communication, happiness, and well-being explores practical ways to enhance our lives through better communication, deeper connections, …

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Ep55 “The Future Of The MBA: From 3 Top Business Schools” with Madhav Rajan 32:03

3M ago32:03

32:03

As more and more universities move away from full-time MBA programs, what does the future of business education look like? How should it look? In this episode, hear perspectives from three of the top business schools in the U.S.: Stanford Graduate School of Business, The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, and the Booth School of Busi…

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Short Takes: Breaking Barriers with Heavy Machinery 12:25

3M ago12:25

12:25

Meet Santhoshi Sushma Buddhiraju, CEO and cofounder of Autocracy Machinery, a heavy machinery manufacturing company located in southern India. The idea for her company began with a simple question: Why is India, the world’s largest consumer, so reliant on imported machinery? Answering that question entailed bold risks, fearless leadership, and pers…

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181. Why Happiness is a Direction, Not a Destination: Communication, Happiness & Wellbeing 24:23

3M ago24:23

24:23

Why connection is the key to a life well lived. The new year gives us an opportunity to reflect on who we are and who we want to be. As we set resolutions and prepare for evolutions, this special four-part series on communication, happiness, and well-being explores practical ways to enhance our lives through better communication, deeper connections…

1
180. Unlocking Your Future Self: Communication, Happiness & Wellbeing 22:13

3M ago22:13

22:13

Why creating happiness in the future starts today. The new year gives us an opportunity to reflect on who we are and who we want to be. As we set resolutions and prepare for evolutions, this special four-part series on communication, happiness, and well-being explores practical ways to enhance our lives through better communication, deeper connecti…

1
179. Finding Positive in Negative Emotions: Communication, Happiness & Wellbeing 24:12

3M ago24:12

24:12

A double definition of happiness — and how to cultivate both parts. The new year gives us an opportunity to reflect on who we are and who we want to be. As we set resolutions and prepare for evolutions, this special four-part series on communication, happiness, and well-being explores practical ways to enhance our lives through better communication…

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Ep54 “The Rise And Fall of Great Societies: Lessons from History” with Victor Davis Hanson 29:55

3M ago29:55

29:55

History shows that as societies rise to greatness, the scales eventually tip back and those societies fall. But what leads to that fall and are we heading toward one? In this episode, hosts and finance professors Jonathan Berk and Jules van Binsbergen speak with historian Victor Davis Hanson, a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution who specialize…

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178. Navigating Chaos and Uncertainty: The Power of Transparency and Empathy 20:22

3M ago20:22

20:22

Clear communication during times of uncertainty. Whether leading people through a 15-minute meeting or a years-long pandemic, communication requires compassion. For Dr. Anthony Fauci, that means being clear about who we’re speaking to and concise in what we say. As one of the world's leading experts in infectious diseases and public health, Fauci h…

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177. Don’t Resolve, Evolve: Top 10 Lessons For 2025 21:39

4M ago21:39

21:39

Ten essential communication strategies designed to elevate your skills. 2024 has been an incredible year for learning and growth, and as we head into 2025, there’s no better time to reflect on the skills and strategies that can shape our communication and careers. In this special episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Matt Abrahams takes us through ten…

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Short Takes: Building a Health(y) Business in Rural India 13:34

4M ago13:34

13:34

Meet Sumit Sinhal, founder and director of Kin’s Health, a growing healthcare company located in West Bengal, India, at the foot of the Himalayas. While most entrepreneurs would see obstacles in delivering care to this remote region, Sinhal’s passion, innovation, leadership, and strategic vision are creating opportunities — for both patients and do…

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Rerun: Ep48 “Why CEOs are Underpaid” with Dirk Jenter 29:09

4M ago29:09

29:09

As we ring in the new year, we’re bringing back one of our favorite episodes! Handpicked by Jules and Jonathan, this previous conversation is perfect for starting your year with thought-provoking insights. Are CEOs overpaid? It’s easy to see million-dollar (or even billion-dollar) salaries and jump to conclusions. But those figures might not captur…

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176. From Stereotypes to Synergy: Communicating Across Generations 19:15

4M ago19:15

19:15

Age diversity and cross-generational synergy can transform an organization. Most of us know age diversity matters in the workplace. But according to UCLA’s Bob McCann, we're thinking about it all wrong: it's not just about having different generations present — it's about creating meaningful connections between them. As director of UCLA's Leadershi…

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Ask Matt Anything (AMA) 1: Trust, Paraphrasing, and Nonverbal Cues 15:49

4M ago15:49

15:49

Enjoy this preview of our first Ask Matt Anything (AMA). We are excited to introduce this special edition of Think Fast, Talk Smart, featuring a preview of our first-ever Ask Matt Anything (AMA) episode. Typically, these sessions are exclusive to our Think Fast, Talk Smart Premium members, where Matt Abrahams answers the most pressing communication…

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175. Mastering Toasts and Tributes: Making Your Words Count 16:05

4M ago16:05

16:05

Crafting impactful toasts for every occasion. "Almost reflexively, most of us focus in the moment on how others are perceiving us, yet these situations aren't about us at all." Matt Abrahams, host of Think Fast, Talk Smart, shares an excerpt from his book, Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You're Put on the Spot, on the art…

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Stories Sell: A Masterclass on Building Trust One Tale at a Time 38:25

4M ago38:25

38:25

Welcome to Grit & Growth’s masterclass on sales, featuring Celine Duros, a woman who started her career in sales at 16 and is now both an experienced sales director in emerging markets and consultant to entrepreneurs seeking the secrets to successful sales – whether you’re pitching yourself, managing teams, or selling a specific product. Celine Dur…

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Ep53 “The Truth About Inflation and Price Caps: Learn From Argentina” with Veronica Rappoport 26:10

4M ago26:10

26:10

During the 2024 U.S. presidential election, inflation was one of the most talked about issues, and there was one policy idea to get inflation under control that kept coming up: price caps. But history has shown time and time again that price caps do anything but reduce inflation. So why do policymakers still want to try it? In this episode, hosts a…

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174. Fix Meetings: Transform Gatherings Into Meaningful Moments 20:06

4M ago20:06

20:06

Turn any meeting or get-together into a chance for deep connection and collaboration. Whether you’re holding a team meeting or hosting a family get-together, the success of any gathering, says Priya Parker, isn’t about the perfect agenda or venue, but about the intentionality behind how you bring people together. “90% of the success of any gatherin…

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Ep52 “Should Legacy Admissions at Universities Be Illegal?” with Patrick Awuah 26:49

5M ago26:49

26:49

Should legacy admissions at colleges and universities be banned? What are the benefits and tradeoffs of admitting students based on their legacy status? In this episode, hosts and finance professors Jonathan Berk and Jules van Binsbergen speak with guest Patrick Awuah, president of Ashesi University, about the Ghanaian university’s unique economic …

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173. Rethinks: Surviving the Holidays 14:21

5M ago14:21

14:21

Master holiday conversations. The holiday season is a time of joy, connection, and, occasionally, communication challenges and as we gather with family, friends, and colleagues, effective communication becomes crucial. To help make this time more enjoyable, this special Think Fast Talk Smart “Rethinks” episode revisits favorite “recipes” from past …

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Stanford Graduate School Of Business Podcasts

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