What can Bruce Springsteen teach us about leadership? 
In this episode of Humanity at Scale, host Bruce Temkin sits down with Andy Freed, CEO of Virtual, Inc., to explore how authenticity, communication, and community can transform the way we lead. Drawing from his upcoming book Lead Like the Boss, Andy reveals how the energy and connection of a great performance can inspire teams to believe, not just follow. From uniting global professionals into purpose-driven communities to using storytelling and repetition to build trust, this conversation uncovers practical tools for leading with heart, presence, and humanity. Whether you’re scaling an organisation or nurturing a team, Andy’s insights show how great leaders don’t just manage; they move people.
Here are some of the topics that Bruce and Andy explore:

• How to transform scattered professionals into cohesive communities through a clear mission and purpose
• The "Barbecue Principle" for building trust and breaking down barriers 
• Why face-to-face connection remains critical for building authentic relationships 
• How to communicate with intention like Bruce Springsteen by crafting meaningful "setlists" for every interaction
• The power of storytelling to make messages memorable and create a lasting impact
• Why repetition and "playing the hits" matter for leadership communication 
• How to "own the stage" in everyday leadership moments through intentional presence
• The importance of making every team member feel valued 
  
  

Andy Freed is a charismatic business executive and CEO of Virtual, Inc., with over 30 years of experience driving growth, transformation, and operational excellence across global organisations. A Harvard-trained leader with expertise spanning cybersecurity, healthcare, technology, and financial services, Andy is renowned for uniting diverse stakeholders and building high-performance teams. He’s also the author of Lead Like the Boss and host of the podcast 5 Minutes with Andy, where he shares powerful lessons on leadership, communication, and strategic execution.

Episode Resources:

• Andy Freed on LinkedIn
• Virtual, Inc Website 
• Bruce Temkin on LinkedIn

How can leaders create real learning environments in today’s fast-paced, AI-driven workplace?


On this episode of Humanity at Scale, host Bruce Temkin welcomes Tessa Forshaw, cognitive scientist and co-founder of Harvard’s Next Level Lab, about reimagining how adults build skills at work. Tessa explains why traditional training often fails, and how “learning in the flow of work” helps people connect new knowledge directly to daily challenges. She highlights metacognition, thinking about your thinking, as the essential skill for thriving in times of rapid change. Together, they explore how managers can act as cognitive apprentices by making their decision-making visible and transparent, and why small, incremental “roof shot” innovations often matter more than moonshots. Tessa also shares her insights on blending AI coaching with human mentorship to scale workplace learning while keeping it human-centered. 

Here are some of the topics that Bruce and Tessa explore:

• How learning in the flow of work creates stronger neural connections and better knowledge retention than traditional training
• Why is metacognition (thinking about your thinking) the key skill for thriving in a rapidly changing work environment
• The three-part framework for effective innovation: mindsets, moves, and metacognition
• How to transform managers into effective educators through cognitive apprenticeship
• Why small "roof shot" innovations matter more than moonshots for success
• How to integrate AI as a learning partner while maintaining human-centricity 
• The importance of creating authentic learning experiences 
• Why traditional assumptions about creativity and innovation hold people back 
• How to build a personal practice of noticing and adjusting your thinking patterns
• The future of workplace learning: empowering people to become skilled users of their own minds
  
  

Tessa Forshaw is a cognitive scientist and researcher at Harvard’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and co-founder of the Next Level Lab at Project Zero, where she studies the cognitive and creative skills needed for the future of work. She teaches design thinking and creativity at Harvard’s Division of Continuing Education and previously taught at Stanford’s 


d.school. Tessa’s work explores human-AI collaboration, innovation, and adaptability, and she is also an award-winning designer, TEDx speaker, and co-author of Innovation-ish.

Episode Resources:

• Tessa Forshaw on LinkedIn
• Harvard University Website 
• Bruce Temkin on LinkedIn

What makes a team win for more than a century, and what can leaders outside the sports world learn from it?

On this episode of Humanity at Scale, host Bruce Temkin sits down with James Kerr, bestselling author of Legacy, the book that captured the ethos of the All Blacks, New Zealand’s legendary rugby team, with an 80% win rate across 125 years. James unpacks the 15 mantras that shaped their culture, from the blunt standard of “No Dickheads” to the humble ritual of “Sweep the Sheds.” Along the way, he shares lessons from Everest and the Gurkhas, explains why rituals and cohesion beat raw talent, and shows how leaders can toggle between a bold vision and the discipline of winning the moment. Whether you’re leading a company, a team, or your own household, this episode will challenge you to rethink what leadership really means and give you a blueprint for leaving your “jersey” in a better place in whatever field you play in.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why the All Blacks’ 80% win rate over 125 years comes down to culture, not talent
• How the rule of “No Dickheads” protects cohesion, motivation, and long-term success
• The power of small rituals, like sweeping the shed,s to embed humility and identity
• Why leaders must toggle between a bold vision and the discipline of winning each moment
• How asking questions instead of giving orders creates ownership and future leaders
• What the Gurkhas’ Everest story reveals about resilience under crisis and uncertainty
• Why efficiency can erode effectiveness, and how connection is the leadership skill of the future
• What it really means to “leave the jersey in a better place” in business, teams, and life

James Kerr is the global bestselling writer, speaker, and leadership expert who helps create high-performance cultures for elite teams and organisations. He is the author of the global best-seller ‘Legacy’, which provides a unique insight into the culture of most successful sporting team, the New Zealand All Blacks, and has worked with some of the world's most exceptional organisations - from Tier One Special Force units to Premiership Football Teams, Formula One to America's Cup, Goldman Sachs to McKinsey & Co. His forthcoming book, ETHOS, The Legacy Playbook, is a practical playbook for high-performance leadership and how to turn vision into action and purpose into practice. He is a regular contributor to TV, radio, and print media, and lives in London, England.
Episode Resources:

• James Kerr on LinkedIn
• James Kerr Website 
• Legacy: What the All Blacks Can Teach Us About the Business of Life
• The Legacy Playbook
• Bruce Temkin on LinkedIn

What if the future of leadership isn’t technology, but connection?

In this episode of Humanity at Scale, host Bruce Temkin sits down with Aaron Hurst, founder of Taproot Foundation, Imperative, and the U.S. Chamber of Connection, and author of The Purpose Economy. Together, they explore how purpose functions as a core human need, why reflection is essential to meaning, and what it takes to rebuild trust in a fragmented society. From skills-based volunteering to AI-guided peer coaching to citywide onboarding for newcomers, Aaron shares thought-provoking insights on why the most powerful tools for change, purpose, belonging, and relationships aren’t just cultural ideals; they’re the infrastructure of thriving communities and organizations.
What You’ll Learn

• Why purpose is a core psychological need, not a CSR gloss
• How skills-based volunteering compounds impact and learning
• Why reflection is essential to meaning (and how tech erodes it)
• How peer coaching scales belonging without formal training
• Why movements run on relationships, impact, and growth
• How to design for connection outcomes (city onboarding, volunteer redesign, builder networks)
• A 10-year vision where connection & purpose are first principles for orgs and communities
  
  

Aaron Hurst is a social entrepreneur and the author of The Purpose Economy. Inspired by his grandfather, who authored the original strategy for the Peace Corps and led the Aspen Institute for 25 years, Aaron has carried forward a family legacy of service and systems change. He founded the Taproot Foundation, which pioneered skills-based pro bono service, built Imperative, a platform that activated purpose at work through peer coaching, and now leads the U.S. Chamber of Connection, a national effort to address loneliness and rebuild trust. Across these ventures, Aaron has focused on purpose and connection as core human needs, designing scalable models that help people find meaning, belonging, and impact in their work and communities.
Episode Resources

• Aaron Hurst on LinkedIn
• The Purpose Economy (Book)
• Taproot Foundation website
• Imperative Website
• U.S. Chamber of Connection Website
• Bruce Temkin on LinkedIn

What if the best ROI doesn’t come from transactions, but from trust?

In this episode of Humanity at Scale, host Bruce Temkin sits down with Brad Feld, co-founder of Techstars, Foundry Group partner, and pioneer of the “Give First” philosophy. Together, they explore how generosity, long-term relationships, and emotional self-awareness have shaped Brad’s decades-long impact in venture capital. From mentorship to mental health, Brad shares thought-provoking insights on why the most powerful tools in leadership, generosity, self-awareness, and long-term thinking aren’t just strategic advantages; they’re deeply human.
What You’ll Learn:

• Why “Give First” is not altruism, and why that matters
• How to build startup ecosystems that scale with trust, not control
• The 3-pillar framework Brad uses to evaluate investments
• How to balance generosity with healthy boundaries
• The real difference between “multi-turn” and “single-turn” leadership
• What mentorship really looks like, and why it flows both ways
• Why self-awareness is more strategic than ever in leadership
• How to stay grounded in a world of hype cycles and innovation overload

Brad Feld is a venture capital veteran with more than three decades of experience building and backing some of the most successful startups in the world. As a co-founder of Techstars and founding partner at Foundry Group, Brad helped shape the modern startup accelerator model while championing long-term investment practices rooted in trust and shared purpose. He’s the author of several influential books, including Startup Communities and Give First: The Power of Mentorship, and a rare voice in the VC world openly discussing emotional health, aging, and resilience. Through his “Give First” philosophy, Brad has become a steward of ecosystem thinking, changing how founders and funders engage across generations.
Episode Resources:

• Brad Feld on Linkedin
• Brad Feld’s Website & Blog 
• Bruce Temkin on LinkedIn
• Give First: The Power of Mentorship (Book)
• Startup Communities (Book)
• Foundry Group Website
• Techstars Website

In this special episode of Humanity at Scale, Bruce Temkin brings together the voices of 14 past guests, each answering the same powerful question: If you could wave a magic wand, what would you change to make organizations more humanity-centric? 

From rethinking leadership structures to elevating empathy, their answers reveal four core values that can redefine how we lead. It’s a fast-moving, thought-provoking journey through bold ideas, personal insights, and a shared vision for more human organizations.

Tune in as Bruce and his guests explore:

• Faisal Hoque on why the greatest leadership skill might be learning to pause.
  
  
  
• Kurt Gray on the power of inserting a moment of reflection before reacting.
  
  
  
• Lisa Kay Solomon on empathy as the foundation for designing better futures.
  
  
  
• Katherine Elkins on helping people find meaning and value in their work.
  
  
  
• Liz Wiseman on tearing up job descriptions to unlock hidden talent.
  
  
  
• Conny Kalcher on breaking silos and creating agile, squad-like teams.
  
  
  
• Kamales Lardi on why leadership must be measured by values, not just profit.
  
  
  
• Renee Cacchillo on why putting people first will always pay off.
  
  
  
• Joey Coleman on why companies should invest in employees as seriously as they invest in tech.
  
  
  
• Vivienne Ming on how purpose fuels productivity and innovation.
  
  
  
• Tania Israel on cultivating curiosity to bridge divides at work.
  
  
  
• Brian Moreland on why we need more women in top leadership roles.
  
  
  
• Erica Keswin on the overlooked role of middle managers in shaping culture.
  
  
  
• Fred Reichheld on the deceptively simple, transformative act of leading with love.
  
  
  
  

About the Guests:

• Faisal Hoque is a technologist, leadership thinker, and best-selling author known for his work on mindful leadership and innovation.
  
  
  
• Kurt Gray is a psychologist and empathy researcher, exploring how reflection and understanding can transform workplace relationships.
  
  
  
• Lisa Kay Solomon is a futurist and educator who helps leaders design for possibility and human connection.
  
  
  
• Katherine Elkins is a literature professor and AI ethics expert focused on the intersection of meaning, culture, and technology.
  
  
  
• Liz Wiseman is the researcher and best-selling author of Multipliers, advising leaders on how to bring out the best in their teams.
  
  
  
• Conny Kalcher is a global brand executive advocating for flatter, more agile organizations.
  
  
  
• Kamales Lardi is a digital transformation expert and TED speaker on aligning leadership with human values.
  
  
  
• Renee Cacchillo is the CEO of Safelite Auto Glass, known for her commitment to people-first leadership.
  
  
  
• Joey Coleman is the author of Never Lose an Employee Again, a leading voice on customer and employee experience.
  
  
  
• Vivienne Ming is a neuroscientist, entrepreneur, and “mad scientist” focused on unleashing human potential through purpose.
  
  
  
• Tania Israel is an author and researcher dedicated to bridging political and cultural divides through curiosity.
  
  
  
• Brian Moreland is a Tony-nominated Broadway producer and advocate for more diverse voices in leadership.
  
  
  
• Erica Keswin is a workplace strategist and author helping organizations create rituals of belonging.
  
  
  
• Fred Reichheld is the creator of the Net Promoter System and a champion of loyalty-driven, love-centered leadership.
  
  
  

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review Humanity at Scale on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.


Episode Resources:

• Faisal Hoque on LinkedIn
• Kurt Gray on LinkedIn
• Lisa Kay Solomon on LinkedIn
• Katherine Elkins on LinkedIn
• Liz Wiseman on LinkedIn
• Conny Kalcher on LinkedIn
• Kamales Lardi on LinkedIn
• Renee Cacchillo on LinkedIn
• Joey Coleman on LinkedIn
• Vivienne Ming on LinkedIn
• Tania Israel on LinkedIn
• Brian Moreland on LinkedIn
• Erica Keswin on LinkedIn
• Fred Reichheld on LinkedIn
• Bruce Temkin on LinkedIn

What does it take to produce a winning Broadway play in an environment where creative risk, emotional intensity, and public scrutiny collide—night after night?

On this episode of Humanity at Scale, host Bruce Temkin sits down with Brian A. Moreland, the Tony-nominated Broadway producer behind Othello, The Wiz, and Thoughts of a Colored Man, to uncover what it takes to lead at the intersection of creative excellence, financial risk, and human connection. Drawing from his journey from performer to producer, Brian breaks down how presence, clarity, and shared vision unite dozens of teams behind the curtain and how leadership decisions shape every part of the production, from union crews to ushers to megastars like Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal. Whether you're leading a creative team or building a culture of belonging, this episode reveals how humanity-centered leadership can transform even the most complex productions.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why every Broadway show is a leadership lab with 16 unions and dozens of departments
• How to balance creative integrity with budget constraints (and find solutions like the “one-seat funding model”)
• The role of presence and visibility in shaping company culture
• What it takes to build trust and shared vision across massive, diverse teams
• Why mentorship and access, not just representation, are key to lasting change
• The biggest leadership lesson from handling backstage chaos during a high-stress tour
• How expanding ZIP codes not just marketing budgets diversifies audiences
• What does the legacy mean when you center kindness, equity, and opportunity

Brian A. Moreland is a Broadway producer whose visionary work includes Othello, The Wiz, and Thoughts of a Colored Man. Known for fusing artistic excellence with social impact, Brian champions stories that spark empathy and equity. A former actor and performer, he brings a creative yet pragmatic lens to producing, and he’s committed to opening doors for underrepresented voices on Broadway and beyond. Brian’s leadership blends empathy, directness, and an unshakable belief in the power of presence, partnership, and purpose.
Episode Resources:

• Brian A. Moreland on LinkedIn
• Brian A. Moreland Website 
• Othello on Broadway website
• Thoughts of a Colored Man on IBDB 
• Othello on IBDB 
• The WIZ on IBDB
• The Broadway League 
• Bruce Temkin on LinkedIn

What does it mean to lead when machines join the team?

In this episode of Humanity at Scale, host Bruce Temkin sits down with Faisal Hoque, a three-time Wall Street Journal bestselling author and the founder of multiple companies focused on innovation, transformation, and human-centered leadership. Together, they explore what it truly means to lead in a world increasingly shaped by AI. From managing hybrid teams of humans and machines to navigating the moral dimensions of automation, Faisal shares thought-provoking insights on why the most powerful leadership skills of the future, empathy, emotional intelligence, and ethical clarity, are also the most human.
What You’ll Learn:

• How AI is transforming leadership from a technical to a moral imperative
• Why emotional intelligence is the essential skill of the AI era
• The real danger of losing entry-level jobs to machines and what it means for society
• How leaders can design hybrid teams that elevate both systems and humans
• The role of government in securing ethical AI development
• Why “pause and think” might be the most revolutionary leadership move you can make

Faisal Hoque is a three-time Wall Street Journal bestselling author and the founder of multiple companies focused on innovation, transformation, and human-centered leadership. His books, Lift, Transcend, Reinvent, and Survive to Thrive, blend systems thinking, technology strategy, and Eastern philosophy to present a new vision for leadership in turbulent times. A lifelong technologist and spiritual thinker, Faisal has advised organizations like the U.S. Department of Defense, GE, and Mastercard on navigating change with intention and integrity.
Episode Resources:

• Faisal Hoque on LinkedIn
• Bruce Temkin on LinkedIn
• Faisal Hoque's website & Books

What do 50,000 novels, AI, and leadership have in common?
In this episode of Humanity at Scale, host Bruce Temkin sits down with Katherine Elkins, Professor at Kenyon College and Principal Investigator at IBM Notre Dame Tech Ethics Lab, about how AI is transforming human emotion, storytelling, and leadership. From uncovering universal narrative patterns to navigating ethical dilemmas in AI integration, Elkins shares compelling insights on preserving empathy, trust, and creativity in a tech-driven world. Whether you're leading teams, building tech, or simply curious about the future, this episode offers a profound look at how to scale humanity alongside machines.
What you will learn:

• From Homer to GPT: The Collision of Human Imagination and AI with Katherine Elkins
• How stories follow universal emotional patterns revealed through AI analysis 
• Why AI's hyper-personalization capabilities may pose greater risks 
• The importance of developing forecasting skills in an era of rapid technological change
• How leaders can ethically integrate AI while maintaining human-centered organizations
• Why transparent AI strategies are crucial for addressing workplace anxiety and trust
• The critical balance between leveraging AI tools and preserving human creativity

Katherine Elkins is a Professor of Comparative Literature and Humanities at Kenyon College and Principal Investigator at the IBM Notre Dame Tech Ethics Lab. With a background in literature, philosophy, cognitive science, and AI governance, she explores how artificial intelligence understands and shapes human emotion, creativity, and culture. Co-author of The Shapes of Stories, she led pioneering machine learning analysis of 50,000 novels. A featured expert on AI and creativity, she serves on NIST’s US AI Safety Institute and speaks globally on ethical AI. 


Episode Resources:

• Katherine Elkins on LinkedIn
• Kenyon College Website
• Talent Harbour Website
• Bruce Temkin on LinkedIn

What if the key to successful digital transformation isn't about technology at all, but about people?
In this episode of Humanity at Scale, host Bruce Temkin sits down with Kamales Lardi, CEO of Lardi & Partner Consulting and author of The Human Side of Digital Business Transformation. Together, they explore why successful transformation is 80% about people, not technology. Kamales shares how to build digital confidence, foster trust, and use AI to enhance rather than replace human potential. Backed by neuroscience and grounded in real-world experience, this conversation offers powerful insights for leaders navigating change. Tune in to learn how to lead transformation with empathy, purpose, and a deep commitment to keeping humanity at the center.
What you will learn:

• How to shift from technology-first to human-centered digital transformation 
• Why traditional change management often fails and how to build trust from the start
• The neuroscience behind resistance to change and techniques to build team synchrony
• How to develop "digital confidence" in employees without overwhelming them
• Why AI should augment rather than replace human capabilities in organizations
• The "Values Contract" framework for ensuring leadership teams prioritize human needs
• The importance of abundance thinking in leading digital transformation initiatives
• How to maintain algorithmic oversight and prevent over-reliance on AI decision-making
• Why does successful transformation require continuous engagement 
• The critical balance between driving efficiency and preserving team creativity 
  
  

Kamales Lardi is a globally recognized digital transformation expert with over 25 years of experience guiding organizations through human-centric, tech-driven change. As CEO of Lardi & Partner Consulting, she has led 50+ global initiatives across Fortune 500 firms and governments. Named a Top 10 Global Influencer in Digital Transformation, Kamales is also a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and Teaching Fellow at Durham University. Her work empowers leaders to embrace technologies like AI and blockchain while keeping people at the heart of innovation.


Episode Resources:

• Kamales Lardi on LinkedIn
• Lardi & Partner Consulting Website 
• Talent Harbour Website
• Bruce Temkin on LinkedIn