Effective leadership begins with the way you communicate.
Leading with impact isn’t about speaking louder—it’s about communicating in ways that resonate with what people already value. In Part 1 of this special two-part series from the Stanford LEAD Me2We Conference, Matt Abrahams brings together four expert GSB faculty—Allison Kluger, Nir Halevy, Christian Wheeler, and Naomi Bagdonas—to explore how to lead and communicate with intention. They share how authenticity builds trust, why discomfort is essential for growth, how to design space for serendipity, and the role AI can play in expanding—not replacing—human potential. From managing reputation to staying present in high-pressure moments, this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart offers insights to help leaders connect more effectively, show up with purpose, and inspire meaningful action.
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Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
03:33 Managing Reputation and Authentic Communication
05:35 Leadership Pluralism and Team Culture
07:35 Discomfort, Growth, and Distraction
11:59 Guiding Principles and the Serendipity Fund
14:34 Using AI in Teaching and Research
21:55 Fixing Hierarchies with CPR
23:50 Authenticity, Humor Styles, and Human Flourishing
26:39 Executive Presence and Owning the Room
29:28 Writing Better Titles and Facilitating Interactions
31:21 Conclusion