Fearless Thinkers

In this episode of Undiscovered Country, host Peter Mulford sits down with Columbia Business School’s Michel Tuan Pham to explore the psychology behind what makes an experience feel truly special. Drawing on his latest research, Professor Pham reveals three powerful drivers of unforgettable moments—uniqueness, meaningfulness, and authenticity—and how even the smallest touches can have a lasting impact. Together, they unpack how brands and leaders can design emotionally resonant experiences, and why AI may enhance or erode our sense of what’s real.

In this episode of Undiscovered Country, host Peter Mulford talks with Ron Pierantozzi, scientist, inventor, and innovation leader with thirty-two U.S. patents and a career spanning Air Products and Chemicals, Wharton, and Babson. Ron shares how to build a discovery, incubation, and acceleration pipeline, avoid leadership traps that stall learning, and use AI to accelerate innovation without losing discipline. He also reflects on the value of options thinking and offers personal advice on helping the next generation navigate uncertainty with critical thinking. Listen now!

In this Fearless Thinkers episode, BTS CEO Jessica Skon unpacks the realities and possibilities of AI at work.
She shares:

• The challenges global CEOs say will define the AI era
• What it will truly take to lead in the future
• How organizations can harness AI to spark creativity, connection, and joy at work

Her take? Simulation culture will be your organization's next superpower.

In this episode of Undiscovered Country, host Peter Mulford is joined by Mickey Connolly, founder of Conversant and co-author of The Communication Catalyst, to explore why better conversations—not better tools—are the key to better business results. Mickey shares practical frameworks for aligning teams, building trust, and creating lasting impact in the age of AI and hybrid work. Tune in to learn how thoughtful communication can reduce waste, drive commitment, and elevate leadership. Listen now!

For transcript, click here.

Coaching is no longer just for executives behind closed doors. It’s now a personalized, tech-enabled lever for scaling leadership development across the enterprise. In this episode, Christine Tao, co-founder of Sounding Board, and Katrin Mulford, SVP and Global Head of Coaching at BTS, dive into what’s changed—and what’s possible. From navigating uncertainty to building mindset shifts that stick, they explore how modern coaching is accelerating readiness, driving retention, and evolving through AI.

How do you lead in a world where roles are changing faster than people can adapt? In this episode, Rick Cheatham talks with Steph Peskett and Abi Scott about the second major trend from their recent research: human sustainability. The conversation covers everything from AI disruption to proactive talent strategies—and why the most forward-looking companies are rethinking how they grow, support, and retain their people.

What happens when employees lose trust in their organizations? In part one of this two-part conversation, Steph Peskett and Abi Scott unpack one of the biggest trends reshaping talent development: the erosion of trust and power. Drawing on original research and real client stories, they discuss how even well-intentioned policies can backfire—and what leaders can do to rebuild confidence, clarity, and connection across the workforce.

Rebecca Stern, Head of Learning at Udemy, discusses how her team is using AI to build a stronger learning culture. From skills mapping to hands-on experimentation, Rebecca shares how Udemy is helping employees get comfortable with AI, stay curious, and build the skills they need to grow. Listen now!

For a transcript, click here.

Rebecca Stern, Head of Learning at Udemy, discusses how her team is using AI to build a stronger learning culture. From skills mapping to hands-on experimentation, Rebecca shares how Udemy is helping employees get comfortable with AI, stay curious, and build the skills they need to grow.

For a transcript, click here.

In the debut of our new Quarterly Fearless Thinkers CEO Mini-Series, BTS CEO Jessica Skon brings you inside the conversations she’s having with today's Fortune 500 executives on what it will really take to lead through the seismic shifts ahead. Join host Rick Cheatham for a peer-to-peer conversation you won’t want to miss.