Radical Candor: Communication at Work

The Cost of the Move-Fast-Break-Things Mentality 7 | 17


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Move fast, break things, and hope no one notices? Not so fast. In this episode, Kim and Jason rip into the shiny promise of speed at all costs—and the very real damage it leaves behind. From slashing vital research to chasing clicks with outrage bait, they expose how a lack of debate, accountability, and thoughtful decision-making can spiral into chaos. This isn’t just about tech; it’s about what happens when leaders skip the hard conversations and dodge the consequences. Drawing from their own experiences, they make the case for cultures that value learning over ego, action over excuses, and why psychological safety isn’t just nice to have—it’s non-negotiable. It’s a no-BS look at what happens when no one’s allowed to say, “Hey, maybe let’s not.”


Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com/podcast.


Episode Links:

  • Transcript
  • How To Get Shit Done | Radical Candor Podcast 4 | 2
  • Leaders Can Move Fast And Fix Things
  • CEO Of $4.2 Billion Tech Giant Says Defying Silicon Valley's ‘Move Fast And Break Things’ Mantra Was Essential To Growing His Business | Fortune
  • Amy Edmondson—The Science Of Failing Well | Radical Candor Podcast 5 | 18
  • The Measurement Problem—Development Versus Management | Radical Candor Podcast 3 | 7

  • Connect:

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    • TikTok
    • LinkedIn
    • YouTube

    • Chapters:


      (00:00:00) Introduction

      Kim and Jason introduce the episode's topic of the "move fast and break things" philosophy.


      (00:00:31) Mistakes, Innovation, and Safety

      Why admitting errors is key to progress—even in high-stakes fields.


      (00:02:44) Ebola Funding Fallout

      A case study in reckless decisions and real-world impact.


      (00:05:08) When Speed Isn’t the Answer

      How context matters—from search engines to nuclear plants.


      (00:08:10) Accountability & Power

      The erosion of checks and balances in tech and government.


      (00:10:30) Scale Changes the Stakes

      Why today’s tech giants can’t play by startup rules.


      (00:14:40) Metrics That Mislead

      How measuring engagement drives harmful content.


      (00:20:01) Debate Fuels Innovation

      Why creating space for disagreement leads to better outcomes.


      (00:23:43)  Power, Politics, and Platforms

      How tech companies avoid regulation and the need for public input


      (00:28:52) Inside Content Moderation

      Kim’s Google stories and the need for democratic input.


      (00:36:46) Why Oversight Is So Hard

      The difficulty of encouraging informed debate in organizations.


      (00:41:37) Radical Candor Tips

      Tips for moving fast without breaking what matters most.


      (00:42:52) Conclusion

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      Radical Candor: Communication at WorkBy Kim Scott, Jason Rosoff & Amy Sandler

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