Summary:

In this episode of the Leadership Spark Podcast, Sylvain interviews Harvard professor Rakesh Khurana. Together they discuss about leadership, humility, and organizational culture. Drawing on personal stories and academic insights, Khurana explores the role of serendipity, the importance of adaptive and humble leadership, and the challenges facing modern institutions. He reflects on bureaucracy, the need for community and belonging, and the evolution of business education. The conversation highlights the value of courage, deep listening, and embracing discomfort as essential leadership qualities for navigating today’s complex world.

Show notes:

• Rakesh Khurana’s Faculty profile
• Book “Searching for a Corporate Savior: The Irrational Quest For Charismatic Ceos” by Rakesh Khurana
• Book “From Higher Aims to Hired Hands” by Rakesh Khurana
• Book “Inequality" by Christopher Jencks
• Book “The Strength of Weak Ties" by Mark Granovetter
• Book “Politics and Vision" by Sheldon Wolin
• The MBA Oath Initiative

sylvainnewton.com/podcast