Why do so many organizations lose their way as they grow? Eric Ries, entrepreneur and author, says that corruption inside companies rarely begins with bad people or dramatic scandals. More often, it emerges slowly, through broken incentives, unchecked bureaucracy, and systems that reward the wrong behaviors. He explains why even successful organizations drift from their values, and what companies can do to stay adaptable, trustworthy, and mission-driven as they scale. Ries wrote the book Incorruptible: Why Good Companies Go Bad... and How Great Companies Stay Great.

Why do we replay cryptic emails, small workplace slights, and past business decisions over and over in our heads? Science journalist Donna Jackson Nakazawa has looked deep into the research and discovered the hidden brain mechanisms that get us into these loops. She explains why a need for achievement, as well as modern work culture, make the problem worse. And she shares practical techniques for recognizing when reflection has crossed into rumination, interrupting destructive thought patterns, and helping teams create more psychological clarity and safety. Nakazawa is author of “Mind Drama: The Science of Rumination and How to Outwit Your Inner Defeatist”.

Why do so many organizational change efforts stall or flat out fail? Julia Dhar, managing director and partner at Boston Consulting Group, says the problem often isn’t strategy, it’s behavior. Leaders spend enormous time designing change, but far less understanding whether employees are willing, motivated, and equipped to adopt it. She shares research around how leaders can create genuine alignment, and what it takes to sustain momentum once the novelty fades. Dhar is coauthor, along with Kristy Ellmer and Philip Jameson, of the book "How Change Really Works: Seven Science-Based Principles for Transforming Your Organization".

What if the biggest barrier to change isn’t resistance—but the way we’ve been taught to lead? Nilofer Merchant, an author and leadership expert, says a number of habits are holding organizations of all sizes back. She walks through behaviors to adapt and not just survive but thrive in a world of continuous change, including normalizing discomfort, not overlooking your best ideas, and separating confidence from competence. Merchant wrote the book Our Best Work: Break Free from the 24 Invisible Norms That Limit Us.

Many senior leaders say they want an organization filled with psychological safety and candor, but they often act in ways that are counterproductive to that goal. Charles Duhigg, an author and researcher, has looked deeply into the secrets of good communication, and says there are specific things leaders can do to improve their relationships at work, and thus the culture of the organization. He shares practical, research-backed strategies for building teams where people feel safe to challenge ideas, raise concerns, and contribute openly, from “ostentatious listening” to structuring meetings so every voice is heard. Duhigg wrote the book Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection.

A small percentage of teams perform exceptionally well and have fun while doing it. And the secret to their success isn't innate talent. It's the way they work together. Ron Friedman, psychologist and the founder of Superteams, Inc., has studied the data on these high-performing groups across industries and identified the key leadership behaviors that drive sustained outperformance--from asking questions people often avoid to creating continuous feedback loops. Friedman is the author of the HBR article "How to Build a Superteam That Keeps Getting Better," and the book Superteams: The Science and Secrets of High-Performing Teams.

Companies that spend their energy on incremental improvements to products, services, and even employee experience might just be spinning their wheels. Author Marcus Buckingham argues that data show that the only way to truly make an impact on performance is to make sure customers don't just like - but love - whatever you are selling them. He shares why extreme positive experiences are so important, companies that are getting it right, and how even the most basic products can inspire love and connection--with the right strategy. Buckingham is author of the HBR article "What Companies Can Learn from Their Biggest Fans" and the book Design Love In: How to Unleash the Most Powerful Force in Business.

Are you a morning type, a night owl, or somewhere in between? And what about the people on your team? When do they feel most energized and productive? Stefan Volk, professor of management at the University of Sydney Business School, says that leaders need to pay more attention to their own and employees’ circadian rhythms because they have a big impact on performance. While forcing everyone into the same schedule can lead to conflict, mistakes, and burnout, carefully planning tasks around individual energy peaks enhances collaboration not only during overlaps but also when people are apart. He offers practical advice on how to get all chronotypes working well together. Volk is author of the HBR article "Tapping into Your Team's Circadian Rhythms."

Artificial intelligence is advancing quickly, but its real impact on productivity, jobs, and competitive advantage is still uncertain. In this four-part special series, we'll share conversations from the recent HBR Strategy Summit to help you get ahead. In this episode, Andrew McAfee, principal research scientist at MIT and cofounder and codirector of the MIT Initiative on the Digital Economy at the MIT Sloan School of Management, will explain why we’re in a moment where “nobody knows anything” about how AI will ultimately reshape business—and what leaders should do anyway. Plus, he argues cutting entry-level hiring because of AI could be a major long-term mistake. HBR editor at large Adi Ignatius contributes audience questions.

For sustainability to be a core part of your business model, you might need to rethink how and why you incorporate sustainable policies and products. That's according to IMD Business School professor Goutam Challagalla, who explains that many customers don't want to pay a premium for sustainability. Instead, he argues that good intentions around sustainability can often lead to weak strategy and wasted investment. He explains how instead, leaders should think about sustainability as a way to create innovation and truly drive customer value, by doing things like reducing inefficiencies and creating affordable products. Challagalla is coauthor, along with Frédéric Dalsace, of the book Clean Winners: Sustainability Strategy That Puts Customers First.

As AI takes hold of the business world, is long-term competitive advantage a thing of the past? In this four-part special series, we'll share conversations from the recent HBR Strategy Summit to help you get ahead. In this episode, Columbia Business School professor Rita McGrath explains how she thinks companies must adapt when they can no longer depend on their competitive advantage lasting. She explains the most important strategic decision an organization can make today, and what it looks like to run an "unbossed" organization. HBR editor in chief Amy Bernstein contributes audience questions.