Pfeffer on Power

In this episode of the 'Pfeffer on Power' podcast, host Jeffrey Pfeffer, a professor at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business, is joined by Alex Rodriguez, CEO and Chairman of investment firm Arod Corp, and is known as one of the greatest baseball players of all time, and Matt Abrahams, of the Think Fast Talk Smart podcast to co-host this interview. Alex discusses his transition to business and teaching at Stanford. Rodriguez, who co-teaches a class on Strategic Pivoting with Professor Allison Kluger, shares insights into their teaching framework and what he’s learned through teaching. Alex also emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, resilience, and preparation in both his athletic and business endeavors. Alex also touches on handling setbacks, maintaining authenticity, and the value of humility and gratitude in personal development. Alex also shares what he’s learned about effective communication and team-building, and how it can help shape young leaders and athletes. Pfeffer on Power is…

In this episode of the 'Pfeffer on Power' podcast, host Jeffrey Pfeffer, a professor at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business, is joined by Sarah Friar, CFO of OpenAI and former CEO of Nextdoor. Sarah shares her impressive career journey from engineering in Northern Ireland, to McKinsey, Goldman Sachs, and various leadership roles, notably CEO of Nextdoor and CFO at OpenAI. Sarah offers insights into switching roles within the C-Suite, the challenges women face in tech, and the importance of networking, curiosity, and owning one's power. She discusses her transition back to a CFO role, her views on organizational culture, and practical advice for building effective teams. Pfeffer on Power is produced by University FM.

In this episode of the 'Pfeffer on Power' podcast, host Jeffrey Pfeffer, a professor at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business, is joined by James da Costa, co-founder of Fingo Africa, and also author of the book Fintech Wars: Tech Titans, Complex Crypto and the Future of Money. James relays his journey growing up in Sheffield, England, and studying economics. From working at McKinsey, to founding a digital banking startup in Kenya and finally joining Andreessen Horowitz as a partner. James emphasizes the importance of boldness, continual learning, reaching out to influential figures, and the significance of generosity in networking. His story is an inspiring testament to young professionals and entrepreneurs. Pfeffer on Power is produced by University FM.

In this episode of the 'Pfeffer on Power' podcast, host Jeffrey Pfeffer, a professor at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business, is joined by Christine Hung, VP, Head of Client Solutions - Real-world Evidence. Christine shares her experiences as an Asian immigrant from Taiwan with an exemplary career in data science and analytics. Christine’s journey includes overcoming job discrimination and still coming out on top at prestigious companies like Apple, the New York Times, and Spotify, as well as her current role at Flatiron Health. Jeffrey and Christine discuss the importance of visibility, networking, asking for what you want, and overcoming self-doubt. This episode provides valuable insights not just for Asian Americans or immigrants, but for anyone facing similar challenges in the workplace. Pfeffer on Power is produced by University FM.

In this episode of the 'Pfeffer on Power' podcast, host Jeffrey Pfeffer, a professor at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business, is joined by Omar Shaya, the founder of MultiOn, an AI company that develops autonomous agents. Omar shares his inspiring journey from growing up in Syria and studying computer science in Germany to working at top tech companies, Microsoft and Meta. He delves into the philosophy and goals behind his startup, which aims to democratize access to personal AI assistants. Additionally, Omar discusses the importance of building a brand, forming strategic relationships, and acting with confidence. Practicing these rules of power helped Omar have successful pitches, secure investments, and build his company to where it is today. He reflects on valuable lessons learned from Professor Pfeffer’s class, such as networking relentlessly, bringing energy to every room, and questioning conventional wisdom. Omar shares how some pivotal choices in preparing for a meeting, such as searching…

In this episode of the 'Pfeffer on Power' podcast, host Jeffrey Pfeffer, a professor at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business, is joined by Gina Bianchini, CEO & Co-Founder Mighty Networks. Gina brings her expertise on how effective communication can elevate your leadership. Drawing fascinating parallels between political figures and startup founders, Gina and Jeffrey explore the importance of inspiring confidence and maintaining energy, even in the face of setbacks. Gina reveals the significant advantages of building a dedicated community space using Mighty Networks over a Facebook group. She candidly shares the challenges and triumphs she faced while building her company, emphasizing the value of resilience and persistence in the tech world. Gina also puts Jeffrey in the hot seat with a question of her own about the power dynamics at play on the biggest political stage possible and Jeffrey shares his thoughts on the power principles at play in the presidential race. Pfeffer on Power is produced…

In this episode of the 'Pfeffer on Power' podcast, host Jeffrey Pfeffer, a professor at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business, holds a live Question and Answer session with an audience on both Crowdcast and LinkedIn. Podcast producer Scot Maupin does hosting duties as Jeffrey answers questions about power from listeners. Jeffrey fields questions on power dynamics and leadership, giving tips on how to build sustainable power, how to empower yourself and others, and a discussion on who might be the most powerful person alive today. Other questions from the audience covered topics such as overcoming bias, executive presence, networking, and navigating power struggles within organizations. Pfeffer also discussed practical steps for rebranding, negotiating exit offers, and the importance of managing up. We highlight key insights from Jeffrey’s 'Seven Rules of Power,’ along with recommendations for further reading, watching, and real-life success stories from diverse individuals. This episode offers…

In this episode of the 'Pfeffer on Power' podcast, host Jeffrey Pfeffer, a professor at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business, is joined by Jed Simon, an experienced CEO with a background in the FinTech and Media industries. First, Jed talks about Stanford’s MSx program, from which he is a recent graduate. Then, Jed takes us through his remarkable career journey, including his roles in investment banking at Morgan Stanley, corporate strategy at DreamWorks, and founding/selling a successful FinTech company. Jed shares several stories from these experiences including a humorous interaction with powerful media billionaire David Geffen and how Jed formed his relationship-building framework via gaining entry to LA’s hottest nightclub. Listen in and enjoy hearing about Jed’s experiences and applications of Jeffrey’s Paths to Power course, and how he used the opportunity to its maximum benefit. Pfeffer on Power is produced by University FM.

In this episode of the 'Pfeffer on Power' podcast, host Jeffrey Pfeffer, a professor at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business, is joined by Amir Rubin, CEO and founding managing partner of Healthier Capital, a fund that advances healthcare by supporting innovative companies creating significant impact and value. Amir is a trailblazing leader who has revolutionized healthcare giants like Stanford Healthcare and One Medical. Curious about how to build influence without direct control? From fixing hospital roofs to improving parking, Amir’s approach to practical issues offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to turn around underperforming departments. Learn how he fosters a supportive environment for doctors and staff, creating a culture that thrives on continuous improvement. Discover the secrets to aligning executive skills with organizational needs, as Amir dives into the importance of understanding board expectations and leveraging lean and design thinking approaches. Amir involves patients…

In this episode of the 'Pfeffer on Power' podcast, host Jeffrey Pfeffer, a professor at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business, is joined by Rene Caissie, CEO and co-founder of Medeloop.ai, a company dedicated to revolutionizing clinical research and trials through innovative AI technology. Rene is also an Adjunct Professor at the Stanford University School of Medicine. Rene, a former maxillofacial surgeon, shares how his personal experiences, including those of his children’s illnesses, motivated him to innovate in the field of electronic medical records and co-found the start-up Medeloop.ai, a revolutionary clinical research platform utilizing AI for accelerated drug discovery, playing a crucial role in addressing his own son's complex medical condition, underscoring the platform's real-world need and impact. Rene and Jeffrey also discuss the importance of networking and how it can catapult your career to new heights. Rene sheares the story of his transformative encounter with Amir Rubin, former…

In this episode of the 'Pfeffer on Power' podcast, host Jeffrey Pfeffer, a professor at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business, is joined by Luciana Doria Wilson, co-founder of Managrow, a boutique member of AICA global corporate advisors. Luciana opens up about her experience in Jeffrey Pfeffer's "Leading with Power" course, which shifted her perspective from execution to leadership, revealing the critical role of resilience, discipline, and strategic understanding of power dynamics, especially as a woman in a male-dominated industry. Luciana's insights will leave you empowered and ready to navigate your own career path with confidence. Learn how ManaGrow's commitment to long-term relationships with entrepreneurs and investors across 40 countries has driven sustained growth and client loyalty. Tune in for practical advice on expanding your professional network, maintaining client trust, and creating lasting business success in today's global market. 00:00 Welcome 01:03 Meet Luciana Doria Wilson…

In this episode of the 'Pfeffer on Power' podcast, host Jeffrey Pfeffer, a professor at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business, is joined by Deepti Pahwa, advisor of corporate venture studios, government-led start-up accelerators, and also the author of the book, Trailblazer Founders. Deepti brings us lessons in power distilled to "three superpowers" of courage, creativity, and determination. Her inspiring journey showcases how you can exploit structural holes in professional networks, craft resources almost out of thin air, and pursue objectives with unwavering intentionality. Jeffrey and Deepti discuss how she doesn't just talk about the importance of personal branding and leadership; she embodies it. Deepti also stresses the importance of building and using your network, sharing how embracing your role as your own Chief Evangelist Officer can open doors and create opportunities, particularly for people historically left at the margins. Pfeffer on Power is produced by University FM.

In this episode of the 'Pfeffer on Power' podcast, host Jeffrey Pfeffer, a professor at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business, is joined by John Rossman, author of four books on leadership and business innovation, including The Amazon Way and his new book Big Bet Leadership. He is an early Amazon executive who played a key role in launching the Amazon marketplace business in 2002. Today, he is a leading keynote speaker on leadership for innovation and transformation. He has served as the senior technology advisor at the Gates Foundation and senior innovation advisor at T-Mobile and is the founder of Rossman Partners, a strategy & leadership solutions firm. John and Jeffrey discuss how corporate titans like Amazon sculpt their industry-dominating strategies. John Rossman helped mold Amazon's colossal marketplace. John tells Jeffrey his six cardinal rules for skillfully navigating Amazon’s early days and the pivotal role of trust in accelerating one's career. John also shares insights into using…

In this episode of the 'Pfeffer on Power' podcast, host Jeffrey Pfeffer, a professor at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business, is joined by Deborah Gruenfeld, professor at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business and author of the book Acting with Power: Why We Are More Powerful Than We Believe. Deborah emphasizes the impact of physical body language and personal presence on the perception of power. The discussion further delves into the utilization of 'outside-in' and 'inside-out' techniques for asserting power and the notion of differentiating between status and power. Deborah argues that possessing power comes with responsibilities that may not appeal to all while striving for status is universal. From the width of your stance to the tempo of your speech, the nuances of body language speak volumes about your place in the social hierarchy. Deborah and Jeff examine the choreography of power—how to enter a room, how to take up space, and how to pace your movements to nonverbally assert…

In this episode of the 'Pfeffer on Power' podcast, host Jeffrey Pfeffer, a professor at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business, is joined by Steve Westly, a venture capitalist and entrepreneur - he was employee number 22 at Ebay, lecturer in Management at Stanford University, and politician. He is also the former State Controller of California and can call some of the most powerful people in the world his friend. In this episode, Steve unpacks the stark contrasts and surprising similarities of power's role in both the private and public spheres and discusses why today's brightest stars are shying away from public service—a trend he believes is crucial to reverse. What has Steve learned about power from working closely with notable figures like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Barack Obama, and Meg Whitman, and the personal sacrifices they made on their paths to success? From the indispensable value of determination and the wisdom that you only get from defeat to the essence of intelligent communication and…

In this episode of the 'Pfeffer on Power' podcast, host Jeffrey Pfeffer, a professor at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business, is joined by Matt Abrahams, a lecturer at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business, podcast host of Think Fast, Talk Smart, and author of both 'Speaking Up Without Freaking Out' and 'Think Faster, Talk Smarter.' The discussion centers around effective communication strategies to navigate through challenging situations and accelerate career growth. Topics include managing anxiety during public speaking, shifting communication mindset, being present-oriented, the importance of preparation, and leveraging structure in spontaneous speaking situations. Pfeffer on Power is produced by University FM.

In this episode of the Pfeffer on Power podcast, host Jeffrey Pfeffer is joined by Tony Levitan, CEO of InWhack and the co-founder of Egreetings. The discussion delves into Levitan's experiences as a startup founder, specifically the challenges faced during his journey with Egreetings which ended up transforming from a 300 million-dollar business to a 30 million-dollar one. Levitan speaks about the lessons he learned and the importance of retaining the company’s culture even amidst leadership changes. Pfeffer and Levitan also shed light on 'imposter syndrome,' the need for behavioral interviewing during executive searches, and the pivotal role of effective coaching in personal and professional development. Pfeffer on Power is produced by University FM.

In this episode of ‘Pfeffer on Power,’ host Jeffrey Pfeffer, a Stanford University professor, converses with education expert and influential figure, Dr. Rudy Crew. Dr. Crew is the Clinical Education Professor at USC Rossier School of Education, and has had notable former roles as Chancellor of New York City Schools, superintendent of the Miami-Dade County School District, and Chief Education Officer for the State of Oregon. After having a long successful career in the education sector in these prestigious roles, Dr. Crew shares insights on navigating the sphere of power, the cost that comes with it, and the wisdom necessary to make careful choices. The talk explores aspects of power like ego, greed, the lure of linking to powerful individuals, and the personal, professional, and political consequences of the pursuit of power. Dr. Crew emphasizes the importance of staying grounded, maintaining humane leadership, and being observant of warning signs in a volatile political environment. Significantly, he…

Welcome to Season 2 of Pfeffer on Power podcast!

Learn more about Jeffrey Pfeffer and where you can buy or listen to his books: JeffreyPfeffer.com EPISODE 25 – Dana Carney, Professor & Director of the Institute for Personality and Social Research at UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business SHOW NOTES: Dana Carney, a world-leading expert on body language, is a professor at the Haas School at UC Berkeley who also runs the Institute of Personality and Social Research. She shares the most up-to-date tips on the strategic use of body language and facial gestures to persuade other people about your power or an issue. In this episode, you’ll learn about: Why people respond to others based on how they look The data shows that taller and good-looking people make more money The why and how people look and come across through gestures The 43 cues that have nothing to do with power The 9 cues that have everything to do with power How to differentiate between who has power and who does not What, in addition to access to and control over resources, creates power What to be…

Learn more about Jeffrey Pfeffer and where you can buy or listen to his books: JeffreyPfeffer.com EPISODE 24 – Tosin Joel, Founder, GTBOOL SHOW NOTES: Meet Tosin Joel, a leader of businesses, organizations and cross-functional leadership teams who, using the 7 Rules of Power, creates centers of change for herself and others around her. A Nigerian-born woman who was the first in her city to attend university, Joel has learned how to leverage her differences and become successful in the oil industry and beyond. In this episode, you’ll learn about: How her growing, education, and first jobs impacted her career at Eni How she applies the 7 Rules of Power to overcome challenges Why knowing she wants to be a center of change shapes her decisions How she went from being an outlier to having a seat at the table Ways to differentiate a career to set a precedent Ways of managing pressure The value in leveraging human capitol Turning obstacles into opportunities The birth of her nonprofit company GTBOOL (and what it…

Learn more about Jeffrey Pfeffer and where you can buy or listen to his books: JeffreyPfeffer.com EPISODE 23 – Michael Gruen, Co-Founder & CSO, DominateX SHOW NOTES: Meet the amazing and insightful Michael Gruen, a prodigy and social influencer who has started companies by breaking the rules, not getting in his own way, and only following what he knows to be true. His questioning of the status quo and not taking anything for granted are just two of the traits this free thinker employs to create a compelling level of success for himself and those he advises. In this episode, discover: Michael’s career trajectory and his influence on the internet Why he doesn’t believe anything as it is stated to him How the link between power and money works Reasons to not fear polarizing responses The value in making yourself a scarce asset What patience, persistence, and providing value create The flywheel effect His secret to getting into exclusive rooms The differences between egotists and narcissists in relation to…

Learn more about Jeffrey Pfeffer and where you can buy or listen to his books: JeffreyPfeffer.com Ep 22 – Dafina Toncheva, General Partner, USVP SHOW NOTES: Dafina Toncheva, General Partner at USVP, discusses how she’s strategically used the Rules of Power concepts to manage her career. From a small town in Bulgaria to now being a major figure in Silicon Valley, she has succeeded in an industry that has not traditionally welcomed women. Join us and learn how the principles of power apply to women and men, and how to use those principles of power to navigate an extraordinarily successful career for yourself. You'll learn from Dafina: Where she’s from, how she got to the U.S., and her career trajectory What political forces led her to desire to look for opportunities abroad How she ultimately ended up at Harvard and the only way she knew to get there Her path between college and her current career The lens she used to decide to join USVP in 2012 The use of power in her career to make the most impact The…

Learn more about Jeffrey Pfeffer and where you can buy or listen to his books: JeffreyPfeffer.com Ep 21 – Nick Binkley, Singer-Songwriter, Former Banking Executive SHOW NOTES: My old friend and very successful financial executive, Nick Binkley, talks about his career in finance, rising to the position of vice chair of Security Pacific Bank, and then vice chair of the Bank of America, and then a partner in a very successful venture capital firm. Nick has a lot of lessons around the 7 Rules of Power for all of us to pay attention to. In this episode you’ll learn: How Nick went from a guitar-playing Peace Corps volunteer and campaign manager to a banker What he saw in the Tunisian economy that sparked his desire to become an international banker How visualizing where he wanted to be and breaking the rules facilitated his career change The way playing the game allowed him to develop a new approach to statement analysis called the Binkley Tree What accelerated his career in the ten years he went from a vice…

Learn more about Jeffrey Pfeffer and where you can buy or listen to his books: JeffreyPfeffer.com EPISODE 20 – Tadia James, Managing Partner, Aligned Generation SHOW NOTES: Tadia James is the Managing Partner at Aligned Generation. Tadia shares the rules of power which have helped her excel in the financial industry, where women or people of color manage less than 2% of global assets. In this episode, you will learn: How Tadia has consciously built her career How her jobs at JPMorgan and Gingerbread Capital led her to start her own company The three pillars Aligned Generation advises and develops startups within How her story speaks to issues of women and underrepresented minorities What she focused on to gain visibility when she was often the youngest and only woman and person of color in the room How she gets out of her own way and shows up in ways that convey power The discipline necessary to help achieve goals The things done to acquire visibility while at Stanford Business School Being clear on using…

Learn more about Jeffrey Pfeffer and where you can buy or listen to his books: JeffreyPfeffer.com EPISODE 19 – Andrew Yang, Entrepreneur & Author. Humanity Forward SHOW NOTES: My guest today is Andrew Yang, the 2020 Democratic presidential candidate and a 2021 candidate for mayor of New York City. Named by President Obama as a Presidential Ambassador of Global Entrepreneurship, he is the founder of Humanity Forward, Venture for America, and the Forward Party. Yang’s New York Times bestselling book The War on Normal People helped introduce the idea of universal basic income into the political mainstream. Andrew shares how through practice, he learned to embody particular rules of power to make effective changes in the world. In this episode, you will learn about: The non-profits he started to improve the operation of America’s electoral system A brief overview of his career and entrepreneurial background Why he was an accidental presidential candidate What the Forward Party stands for How his background as an…

Learn more about Jeffrey Pfeffer and where you can buy or listen to his books: JeffreyPfeffer.com Episode 18 – Gary Loveman, Co-Founder, Chairman & CEO SHOW NOTES: Meet Gary Loveman, the former CEO of Caesars, the large casino company, and a former senior executive at Aetna, and now running Well, a health-related startup. Gary made the remarkable transition from being a professor to running a company. He is extraordinarily thoughtful on issues of power and influence, coming in as an outsider and being exceptionally successful. In this episode you’ll learn about: How Gary came from outside into an industry dominated by insiders The techniques used to get people on his side and overcome their resistance Why critical relationships have to work, and how to make them work The value in making unwanted news tolerable for each person affected by it The humility, transparency, and feedback involved in collectively reaching goals Your duty to shareholders, colleagues, employees, and customers to cultivate working…

Learn more about Jeffrey Pfeffer and where you can buy or listen to his books:JeffreyPfeffer.com Episode 17 – Robin Lumsden, Founder & Managing Partner, Lumsden & Partners Today, we meet Dr. Robert Lumsden, who has gone from a tennis player to the Special Forces, to law, to business, and now to owning a sports franchise. He is always paying attention to building his brand, getting out of his comfort zone, and thinking about what he can do for other people to build the relationships that will, in turn, make him successful. Topics discussed: The principles of 7 Rules of Power he uses to build his career The jobs Robin held before attending Stanford, beginning at age seven What it is like to be an adversary for some of the most famous lawyers in the U.S. Three of his most significant deals and why he didn’t get a Porsche in one of them Why he came to GSB and what he learned there Why his goal at GSB was to know the successful professors and business people How he got into Condoleezza Rice and Eric Schmidt’s…

Learn more about Jeffrey Pfeffer and where you can buy or listen to his books:JeffreyPfeffer.com Episode 16 – Dr. Laura Esserman, Professor of Surgery and Radiology UCSF, Director of the UCSF Breast Care Clinic Dr. Laura Esserman is a leading figure in the transformation of American medicine. Named one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World, Laura is dedicated to increasing the speed at which we learn about new cancer drugs and treatments. She discusses her transformation into becoming a more effective version of herself through storytelling and cultivating empathy with opponents. Join us and learn about: Adjustments in her behavior that make her extraordinarily effective The importance of knowing what you want to accomplish over being likable Realizing to become successful, she needed to get out of her way The listening and give-and-take skills that enable effectiveness Allowing the space for people to think differently than yourself Finding common ground to accomplish shared goals How…

Learn more about Jeffrey Pfeffer and where you can buy or listen to his books: JeffreyPfeffer.com Episode 15 – Phillip Mohabir, Co-Founder & CEO Vivo Surgery Phillip Mohabir is an executive with IMAX and is the Co-Founder and CEO of Vivo Surgery. He shares how he has used my power materials to accelerate his career, along with the lessons learned from his experience coaching graduate school students and how these lessons are helpful to you. Topics in this episode: The Rules of Power used to accelerate his career inside IMAX What he learned from his coaching experience that can be helpful to you What facilitated his move from operations to investor relations Vivo Surgery, his virtual classroom start-up with a waitlist of 900 medical students The pursuit of his MBA The value of increasing visibility to people in positions of power and influence Redefining employee evaluation criteria toward the goal of achieving a perfect score Why sponsors may be more important than mentors Retooling the DCF model learned at…

Learn more about Jeffrey Pfeffer and where you can buy or listen to his books: JeffreyPfeffer.com EPISODE 14 – Marcelo Miranda, CEO, Consolis Tecnyconta Marcelo Miranda is CEO of Consolis Tecnyconta, a leading provider of precast concrete solutions in Spain. He shares how he implements the rules of power to build brand and relationships and harnesses power for overall good by using technology to create more sustainable, affordable, and humanized construction for the people. Also, understand how he built an amazing reputation and image by delivering results and being open to working with people in the media. During our conversation, you’ll learn: The benefits of building relationships with human resource associations in Brazil How he built his visibility within the executive marketplace in Brazil and then Spain How creating a positive image aids advancement and positive results Why he was willing to be the face of his organization The type of person everyone likes to work with and how to work with challenging…

Learn more about Jeffrey Pfeffer and where you can buy or listen to his books: JeffreyPfeffer.com EPISODE 13 – Christina Troitino, Director of Strategy and Operations at Morning Brew Meet Christina Troitino, the director of strategy and operations for the startup Morning Brew. Christina tells her story about shamelessness, breaking the rules, agency, and surmounting her background prior to attending Stanford’s Graduate School of Business. In this episode, you’ll learn: How her Hispanic background and witnessing her family living under the Hugo Chavez regime gave her context to understand how unfair the world can be That being aware of power constructs, especially in “unfair” spaces How her job at Amazon showed what happens when employees are not treated their best to move forward goals effectively The value in accepting the “rules of the road” within power dynamics The shameless way she secured having dinner with Martha Stewart at the Sundance Film Festival Her writing experience as a Forbes contributor on…

Learn more about Jeffrey Pfeffer and where you can buy or listen to his books: JeffreyPfeffer.com EPISODE 12 – Lucinda Stewart, Partner, Spencer Stuart Lucinda Stewart shares the inspiring ways, throughout her career and life, that she has successfully made her way in traditionally male-dominated fields like sports, business, and the Bering Sea. A true example of a business person who embodies the 7 Rules of Power, Lucinda shows how getting others to want to help you on your career journey is integral to success. Lucinda shares insights on: Formative experiences of often being the only woman in certain situations The impact her father’s attitude toward her limitless abilities has on her Climbing Mount Constance at age 13 Working on a fishing boat in the Bering Sea How the fishing boat got her an instant hire position at Morgan Stanley Why we are all capable of doing way more than we think we can do The person she befriended for protection in a dangerous situation Tips on getting people to help and support…

Learn more about Jeffrey Pfeffer and where you can buy or listen to his books: https://JeffreyPfeffer.com/ Join Vivas Kumar, CEO, and Co-Founder of Mitra Chem, as we discuss why power and influence are essential topics for people doing their own startups. This episode packs an incredible set of actionable insights from a leader in the race to end climate change. Vivas explains how he used and will continue to use the concepts learned in my The Paths to Power class at Stanford GSB. In this episode, you will learn: The motivation for Vivas’ family to move to the U.S. from Singapore 20 years ago His realization that education goes well beyond just books Why just putting your head down and working hard to be successful is not true Who plays by a different set of rules, and the results gained Acquiring power and influence to enact positive change in the world Mitra Chem’s mission to solve climate change and how it got funded What he learned from working for Elon Musk Why IQ and EQ have certain limits while…

Learn more about Jeffrey Pfeffer and where you can buy or listen to his books: https://JeffreyPfeffer.com/ SHOW NOTES: Laura Chau shares how her story of origin, along with some of the 7 Rules of Power, like getting out of her own way and building a powerful brand, enable her to lean into the power she has cultivated in her career as a General Partner at Canaan. In this episode, we discuss the following: The role conscious brand building plays in achieving and maintaining power How to best work within current constructs of the world to create effective change The importance of a defined brand and voice as tools to achieve goals Why ambition as a personality dimension predicts success How culture and upbringing can contain scripts that are not useful The avenues she used to build power: a podcast, panel events, conferences, a Clubhouse show, Substack, Medium Getting maximum mileage out of everything she does because time is limited The value in making sure people remember you Why your personal style is a…

Learn more about Jeffrey Pfeffer and where you can buy or listen to his books: https://JeffreyPfeffer.com/ SHOW NOTES: Daryn Dodson is the founder and managing director of Illumen Capital and is an African American who is changing the world of investable assets so that more women and people of color have a more significant role in investing the multiple trillions of dollars. Daryn shares his personal history along with business philosophies inspired by The 7 Rules of Power. In Episode 9 you’ll learn: How Daryn’s family history of integrating Washington, D.C., informs his mission of working for justice, equity, and inclusion The impact of applied education The program he built to rebuild lives and businesses after Hurricane Katrina His work to ensure entrepreneurs of color and women-led firms have access to capital The value of working on biases toward women and people of color What counterintuitively happens when implicit bias is removed A guiding principle learned from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Fiduciary…

Learn more about Jeffrey Pfeffer and where you can buy or listen to his books: https://JeffreyPfeffer.com/ SHOW NOTES: Valerie Shen is Partner and Chief Operating Officer at G2 Venture Partners, overseeing all operational aspects of the firm, which has almost one billion dollars under management. Valerie exemplifies many of the principles within the book 7 Rules of Power and speaks with us about how she began (yes, began) her career as a Chief Operating Officer for a venture capital firm. In this episode: Valerie’s background before attending business school Her pivotal internship How she landed her job as a Chief Operating Officer Why she accepted the position How she met her mentor by sending a cold email The importance of choosing a focus within the company’s roles The importance of differentiating yourself What a COO does in a venture fund The rules of power used to get such a high-level role so early in her career Taking a position that matches your natural skillsets and what you enjoy Crafting a job…

Learn more about Jeffrey Pfeffer and where you can buy or listen to his books: https://JeffreyPfeffer.com/ SHOW NOTES: Meet Sadiq Gillani, a Senior Advisor for travel at Attestor Capital, where he is Chairman The Advisory Board for Condor, the second largest airline in Germany. We discuss how he used his association with Lufthansa to leverage his career, his career philosophy, how he spots new opportunities, personal brand building within a corporation, and surviving the departures of people who hired him at Lufthansa and Emirates. In this episode, we discuss: Using ideas of power to leverage knowledge and experience toward becoming more successful His series of career moves created by proactively managing his career Using power as an amplification of performance Leveraging platforms and identifying opportunities as they appear What put him in the ecosystem of travel startups His experience lecturing at Stanford for six years How internal and external activities simultaneously reinforce company and personal…

Learn more about Jeffrey Pfeffer and where you can buy or listen to his books: https://JeffreyPfeffer.com/ SHOW NOTES: Meet former Chief Investment Officer at Meyer Memorial Trust and board member of several organizations including Oregon Public Broadcasting (and former student of mine), Rukaiyah Adams. We discuss how she uses power to overcome career challenges and how the personal and professional intersect to affect career decisions and success. Discussed in this episode: Forging a career in finance after receiving her JD and MBA from Stanford Business School How fewer than 2% of the trillions of dollars in managed assets are managed by women or people of color – and what rare breed this makes Rukaiyah Being asked to run for mayor of Portland Overcoming early career challenges The advantage of operating differently from her peers The value in understanding roles to acquire power How not being perceived as a threat facilitated advancement The non-linear trajectory when the personal and professional…

Learn more about Jeffrey Pfeffer and where you can buy or listen to his books: https://JeffreyPfeffer.com/ SHOW NOTES: Jason Calacanis is an entrepreneur and angel investor, amongst many other things, and shares with us three rules of power that have made him an incredibly effective business person. How Jason turned $100,000 into $100 million Growing up in middle-class Brooklyn Fixing laser printers by day and going to Fordham at night The unconventional way he got into Fordham • Willingness to break the rules The power of frequency Why there is always room for an exception Creative distribution of his publications What made Digital Dim Sum a success The importance of networking and relationships Standing up for who you believe in Creating smart controversy The lasting impressions of hosting high-quality events A valuable technique for introducing guests Creating strength when nobody’s opinion matters Demonstrable Growth – what it is and why it works The Tipping Technique The three rules of power that…

Learn more about Jeffrey Pfeffer and where you can buy or listen to his books: https://JeffreyPfeffer.com/ SHOW NOTES: Dr. Sarah Buchner shares what she’s learned in my Paths to Power class at Stanford in the MBA program and how she’s successfully applied power to her career as the Queen of Construction. How the power game began for her when she started her career at age 12 in Austria The ways she learned to show her power The advantages of being an outsider The uniqueness of her PhD Why she always uses “Dr.” in her email signature How she financed her PhD Ideas about breaking the rules and standing out What from the class and book, 7 Rules of Power, are helping launch her startup The boldest networking moves she’s made The benefits of getting out of your way What she’s done with branding herself in terms of appearance and acting with power to build her brand The secret to her handshake and other branding decisions Why her first business cards stood out How success has helped activate the “success excuses…

Learn more about Jeffrey Pfeffer and where you can buy or listen to his books: https://JeffreyPfeffer.com/ SHOW NOTES: Jon Levy is a behavioral scientist specializing in human connection, trust, and influence. He is the author of the New York Times Best Seller “You’re Invited”, and Founder of Influencers, the secret dining experience and private community. Jeffrey speaks to Jon about how he started his Influencer Dinners and shares some of the amazing content from his book. How Levy started hosting Influencer Dinners Why relationships, connections, and trust lead to an extraordinary life The model Levy developed after researching the behavior of highly influential people What has been learned after hosting 2500 people at 266 dinners in 11 cities in four countries What highly influential people need instead of another rubber chicken dinner What reading about scientific concepts does for Levy’s life How the IKEA effect accelerates the rate at which people bond Why vulnerability creates trust (and how it’s the…

Learn more about Jeffrey Pfeffer and where you can buy or listen to his books: https://JeffreyPfeffer.com/ SHOW NOTES: Benjamin Fernandes, CEO and founder of Nala, the African payment system, and former student of Jeffrey Pfeffer, discusses how dedication creates opportunities in starting a business. Nala’s valuation is $100 million and their ultimate mission is to increase economic opportunity for Africa globally. How hosting a local TV show at age 17 exposed him to the business of mobile cross-border payments in Africa The door his unique ability to keep people’s attention opened How Nala is working to reduce the cost of sending money globally into and out of Africa What ideas Fernandes found helpful for building his business from Pfeffer’s class at Stanford Advice on fighting imposter syndrome A unique protocol-breaking technique that ultimately gained Nala investors The benefits of being proactive versus reactive The value in having employees take responsibility for their role What being scrappy brought…

Learn more about Jeffrey Pfeffer and where you can buy or listen to his books: https://JeffreyPfeffer.com/ SHOW NOTES Deb Liu, CEO of the $4.7 billion company Ancestry, author of Take Back Your Power: 10 New Rules for Women at Work and a former student of Jeffrey Pfeffer, Ph.D shares how she overcame enormous amounts of challenges and career discrimination, why amplifying your work is a generous act, and questions to bring you to reaching your career goals more efficiently. How her careers at PayPal, eBay, and Facebook helped her learn to use her voice to overcome challenges The challenges Asian women face in their careers and how she overcame them How she actively worked to change her shy nature to cultivate power and executive presence Why asking for help and resources is a sign of strength How differently telling the story of a product shifts support and revenue How a core team of four expanded to twelve and the impact that team created The Hero’s Journey in relation to projects, failure, and changing…

Do you want to learn tips that will help you accelerate your career? Every other week, Stanford business professor and author Jeffrey Pfeffer talks to a guest who has utilized Pfeffer’s Principles of Power to accelerate their career, to get out of their own way, and to accomplish amazing things.