HBS Leadership Initiative

The newly released 2024 Women in the Workplace report by LeanIn.org and McKinsey & Company reveals a concerning stagnation in women’s labor force participation. Despite years of discussion and initiatives, men and women continue to be concentrated in different occupations, and women still bear the brunt of housework and childcare responsibilities. One of the most alarming findings is that the experiences of women under 30 mirror those of women aged 50 and older—sometimes, they’re even worse. This lack of progress across generations highlights a pressing need for companies to confront the unique challenges that hinder women early in their careers. The report outlines specific actions organizations can take to support the next generation of women leaders, including: 1. Creating inclusive career development opportunities 2. Implementing policies that promote work-life balance 3. Addressing bias in hiring and promotion processes It’s time for companies to step up and take meaningful action to foster an equitable workplace for all. #WomenInLeadership #GenderEquality #WorkplaceEquity #CareerDevelopment #LeanIn #HBR

Navigating the transition into a CEO role can be challenging, but one key piece of advice stands out: engage with your employees from the start. A recent article from Harvard Business School underscores the importance of open communication. By prioritizing conversations with your team, you build trust and gain valuable insights into the organization’s culture and dynamics. Early and frequent dialogue fosters a collaborative environment, allowing you to address concerns, align on goals, and drive engagement. It’s about more than just leading; it’s about listening and learning from those who know the business best. Let’s embrace the power of communication in leadership! #Leadership #CEO #Communication #EmployeeEngagement #BusinessStrategy #HBS

Thank you, Ryan Snyder, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Thermo Fisher Scientific, for sharing your invaluable insights during the fireside chat with Professor Linda Hill at Harvard Business School’s High Potentials Leadership Program. Your perspectives on leadership and digital transformation were truly inspiring and left a lasting impact on the participants. #Leadership #DigitalTransformation #CIO #HBS #HighPotentials #Inspiration #ExecutiveEducation #HarvardBusinessSchool

Thank you to the incredible leaders who joined us for Harvard Business School's High Potentials Leadership Program! Your energy, commitment, and thought-provoking contributions made the experience truly exceptional. We look forward to seeing you again on campus soon! A special thanks to our outstanding faculty team: Linda Hill, Tony Mayo, Joshua Margolis, and Allie Feldberg. Your expertise and guidance were invaluable. We’re also grateful to our guest speakers, Michael Ku,  Vice President of Global Clinical Supply at Pfizer, and Ryan Snyder, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Thermo Fisher Scientific, for sharing their powerful insights. Finally, a big thank you to our Executive Education team: Clarissa Quintanilla, Abby Rebello, Aleyda Villavicencio, @Abby S. Peter, and Erika Florez-Villamarin. Your partnership and support are instrumental in making our programs a success. #LeadershipDevelopment #HighPotentials #HBSExecutiveEducation #LifelongLearning #HBSLeadership #LeadershipJourney #FutureLeaders #ExecutiveEducation #HarvardBusinessSchool #LeadershipExcellence

A failed reinvention can quickly lead a business into irrelevance. So how do companies successfully pivot without losing the essence that made them great? In this brief video from MIT Sloan Management Review, Harvard Business School’s Professor Ryan Raffaelli shares lessons from his decade of research on corporate reinvention. Corning stands out as a prime example: A company that has continuously embraced change without compromising its core identity. The video explores how leaders can create an organizational climate that balances market-driven reinvention with adherence to the company’s goal. Successful reinvention isn’t about starting over but about evolving with purpose while staying true to your identity. For a deeper dive into the common mistakes and how to avoid them, check out Raffaelli’s article: “The Three Traps That Stymie Reinvention” on MIT SMR. #Leadership #Strategy #Innovation #CorporateReinvention #BusinessTransformation #MITSMR #HBS

Those of us at the Leadership Initiative had the honor of attending Harvard's 2024 HILT Conference for a day of interactive workshops, thought-provoking insights, and inspiring discussions designed to grapple with hard challenges encountered in our classrooms. Here are some of our top takeaways! Encouraging Diverse Discussions: We need rigorous pedagogy that embraces inclusion across all fields. Preparing Citizens for Democracy: As educators, our role extends beyond teaching content; we’re shaping citizens for a pluralistic democracy. Authenticity Matters: Students seek genuine dialogue. Fostering authentic conversations is essential for meaningful engagement. Skill Development: Implementing training in emotional regulation and conflict management will help students navigate complex discussions effectively. Creating Spaces for Dialogue: We must encourage students to engage with each other, especially as they explore their identities in various settings. Acknowledging Emotion: Recognizing the emotional component in discussions is vital; we must respect diverse viewpoints while pushing for deeper understanding. Together, let's empower our students to engage authentically and thoughtfully! #HILTConference #Education #Diversity #Leadership #Authenticity

A key lesson from five top industry leaders? Adaptability is the new superpower. Whether it’s navigating digital transformation, leading organizational change, or fostering a collaborative culture, these leaders agree that being flexible and empowering teams is essential for success in today’s world. Embrace change, inspire growth, and lead with impact! #Leadership #Adaptability #Transformation #Empowerment #GrowthMindset 4oDon’t miss these five interviews with industry leaders (mckinsey.com)

For first-time managers, learning how to delegate is key to success. Many are promoted because they excelled in their previous role, but once you step into leadership, you have to accept that you can’t—and shouldn’t—do everything yourself. The more senior you become, the less you’ll be involved in day-to-day tasks. Instead, you’ll need to keep a pulse on what’s happening without personally handling every project. This requires a shift in mindset from “doing” to “managing,” which can feel uncomfortable at first. Resisting this change can lead to missed opportunities for your team. Embrace delegation and watch your team—and your leadership—thrive!  #Leadership #ManagementSkills #Delegation #CareerGrowth #TeamDevelopment #HarvardBusinessReview

This past summer, the LI had an exciting pottery trip with our peers across the initiatives and BiGS. Here we are attempting to craft bowls for the first time. It was such a pleasure to create art and practice being experimental in a new medium with our colleagues. A highlight was the jar we all contributed to that will be displayed in our shared office space.  Here’s to more LI adventures! #LeadershipInitiative #BiGS #Pottery #Collaboration #TeamBuilding

As CEOs, connecting with stakeholders is not just a task—it's a priority. The most successful leaders make it a core part of their agenda, and during a crisis, it becomes even more crucial. McKinsey’s partner Blair Epstein shares key strategies that top CEOs use to build robust communications plans. Check it out here: How to build a communications road map and navigate crisis (mckinsey.com)