Purpose, Meaning and Storytelling | A Conversation with Assoc. Prof. Nathanael Fast

Creativity, Design Thinking and Cognitive Biases | A Conversation with Assoc. Prof. Cheryl Wakslak

In this episode, Assoc. Prof. Cheryl Wakslak discusses creativity, design thinking, and cognitive biases. “When we look at the landscape and we think about what careers are going to be here in 20, 30, 40 years from now many of the jobs are something that can be automated,” says Cheryl Wakslak, Associated Professor. “But creativity is an integral part of Humanistic Leadership is vital to business professionals as well as organizational success.” Associate Professor of Management and Organization & McAlister Associate Professor in Business Administration, much of Cheryl Wakslak’s recent research looks at communication, exploring when people use more “big-picture” abstract language versus more specific language, and how this influences the way they are perceived by others.

Purpose, Meaning and Storytelling | A Conversation with Assoc. Prof. Nathanael Fast

In this episode, Assoc. Prof. Nate Fast discusses the purpose, meaning, and concept of storytelling. “Purpose absolutely provides a kind of mechanism that helps fired up, motivate, and engages the workforce. Embedding purpose in the way that you lead employees, and especially during times of change, can deliver significant company loyalty.” – Nate Fast, Associate Professor. Nathanael Fast, Associate Professor of Management and Organization, studies the underpinnings of power and influence in organizations and society. His research examines the psychological determinants and consequences of hierarchy, social networks, and new technology adoption, with implications for the future of work.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging | A Conversation with Assoc. Prof. Sarah Townsend

In this episode, Associate Professor Sarah Townsend discusses diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in organizations. “Inter-group contact is very helpful. It’s something that can reduce bias and change the association that you have with different groups. But if your organization tries to teach the theories without really committing to creating an actual diverse and safe environment, it is difficult to improve the corporate culture.” – Sarah Townsend, Associate Professor. Sarah Townsend, Interim Assistant Vice Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Associate Professor of Management and Organization, studies the psychological foundations of inequality. Her research reveals the dysfunctional behaviors and physiological costs that can result when individuals’ cultural norms collide with the dominant cultural norms of organizations.

The Evolution of Business Leadership | A Conversation with Executive Director Terry Wolfe

In episode 3 of our series, our Executive Director, Terry Wolfe discusses the evolution of business leadership. “At the root of a humanistic leadership is the question that elevates the level of anxiety significantly. ‘Who are you and what is your purpose?’ People are not accustomed to that kind of self-exploration, that self-reflection, that creates the self-awareness,” - Terry Wolfe, Executive Director at USC Marshall Executive Education. Terance Wolfe, Executive Director at Executive Education, is known for his work in strategic planning, executive development through team building and coaching, and organizational assessment and change. Also, a professor at Marshall’s MBA programs, Wolfe's current interests are strategic mindsets, the development of strategic sense-making, and dimensions of high-performance management.

High Impact Learning Journeys | A Conversation with Assistant Dean of Executive Education, Tim Blakesly

In this episode, Tim Blakesly, USC Marshall Executive Education Assistant Dean, discusses High Impact Learning Journeys. “We constantly need to be evolving ourselves and staying current,” says Tim Blakesly. “From early career, all the way to CEOs business professionals are thinking about what is that ‘next job opportunity and how to stay ready for what’s next.” Specializing in leadership development, Tim Blakesly, Assistant Dean of Executive Education, has worked with executives and leaders in some of the world’s leading organizations—spanning multiple sectors including biotech, energy, technology, healthcare, finance, and pharmaceutical, in both profit and non-profit organizations.