Business & Society with Senthil Nathan

In this episode, Senthil sits down with The Hon Dr Andrew Leigh MP, Australia's Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities, and Treasury, to explore how innovation actually happens—and why the stories we tell about it are often wrong. Drawing from his book The Shortest History of Innovation , Andrew challenges popular myths: the lone genius, the eureka moment, and the innovation cluster. Instead, he reveals what history really teaches us about breakthrough ideas: they emerge through tinkering, collaborative teams, and the cross-pollination of diverse ideas. The conversation also tackles artificial intelligence—both its transformative potential and the real risks we need to manage—and explores what true leadership looks like in an age of rapid technological change. Link to the book: The Shortest History of Innovation Please visit our website, www.businessandsociety.net , for more inspiration.

What does it really mean to act on your values at work? Most of us think speaking up means confrontation—blowing the whistle, telling your boss they're wrong, or risking your career. But what if there's a better way? In this episode, Senthil talks with Mary Gentile, creator of Giving Voice to Values, about how to navigate ethical conflicts with skill, strategy, and authenticity. Mary spent decades studying how leaders actually speak up—not through preaching or confrontation, but through practical tactics grounded in who they are. We explore what values really are, why we freeze when facing conflicts, and how you can prepare yourself to act on what matters most—even in cultures where speaking up feels impossible. Link to Mary Gentile's book: Giving Voice to Values Please visit our website, www.businessandsociety.net , for more inspiration.

What does business owe society? And what does society owe business in return? These aren't abstract questions—they're survival questions. As climate change accelerates, democracies falter, and mission-driven companies struggle to stay afloat, we need a new conversation about what capitalism can actually do. This week, we sit down with Rebecca Henderson to explore the real constraints, the hidden power of the private sector, and why this moment might be more hopeful than it seems. Rebecca Henderson is one of 25 University Professors at Harvard and author of Reimagining Capitalism in a World on Fire . We talk about climate commitments, investor power, the future of democracy, and what it takes to build a business that lasts. If you're a founder, a leader, or simply trying to understand how we got here and where we go next, this conversation is for you. More about Rebecca's work and research: https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/profile.aspx?facId=12345 Please visit our website, www.businessandsociety.net , for more inspiration.

What does it mean to live a full life — not just a successful one? Gurcharan Das, former CEO of Procter & Gamble India and one of the subcontinent's most celebrated public intellectuals, has spent a lifetime asking exactly that. In this conversation, he reflects on his memoir Another Sort of Freedom , tracing a life shaped by restlessness, curiosity, and the classical Indian framework of the four aims — Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha. From being fired on his first day in business to navigating the ethical minefield of the License Raj, from quitting the corporate world at fifty to write and think, to walking into the offices of Sonia Gandhi and L.K. Advani and finding no political home — his journey is as unlikely as it is instructive. Along the way, Gurcharan shares the idea he considers the most original in the Bhagavad Gita — Nishkam Karma , acting for the sake of the work itself, without attachment to personal reward — and why he believes it remains one of the most underappreciated gifts to modern leadership. He also offers a frank assessment of India's economic journey: what liberalisation delivered, what it failed to, and why he remains cautiously optimistic about the road ahead. A rich, wide-ranging conversation about business, philosophy, and the art of making a life. Link to Gurcharan's website: https://gurcharandas.org/ Please visit our website, www.businessandsociety.net , for more inspiration.

What drives business leaders to give? Geoffrey Jones, celebrated business historian at Harvard Business School, challenges everything we think we know about philanthropy. In this episode, we explore "spiritual philanthropy"—a concept rooted not in tax incentives or CSR mandates, but in deeply held values. Geoff reveals why leaders in emerging markets approach giving differently than their Western counterparts, how proximity to poverty shapes generosity, and what happens when business values get watered down by growth. We also discuss what business history teaches us about capitalism, responsibility, and the skills leaders need in an increasingly complex world. A conversation about fairness, purpose, and what it really means to do good. Link to Geoffrey Jone's latest book: Deeply Responsible Business Please visit our website, www.businessandsociety.net , for more inspiration.

Can business be a force for human rights — not just avoid violating them? In this episode, Senthil sits down with Tyler Giannini, Professor at Harvard Law School, to explore the growing field of business and human rights. From the Nuremberg trials to the UN Guiding Principles of 2011, Tyler traces how the world has slowly — and imperfectly — begun holding corporations accountable. Tyler also shares the thinking behind the Fourth Pillar Initiative, a framework he helped develop that puts communities at the heart of business decisions and challenges the "do no harm" baseline that defines current global standards. In this episode: • What the UN Guiding Principles are — and what they leave out • Why voluntary frameworks aren't as toothless as they sound • The Fourth Pillar: agency, power, and advancing rights • Why community engagement is actually good for business • Where the field is headed over the next decade Book mentioned: Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull & Amy Wallace Fourth Pillar Initiative: https://fourthpillarinitiative.org/ Follow the show for new episodes every fortnight. Please visit our website, www.businessandsociety.net , for more inspiration.

In this episode of the Business and Society Podcast , Senthil speaks with Sven Beckert about his sweeping new book, Capitalism: A Global History . Spanning nearly a millennium, the conversation challenges conventional narratives of capitalism as a purely Western or modern phenomenon. Beckert traces its origins to early global merchant networks—from the Arabian Peninsula to South Asia—and explains how capitalism was “born global,” long before the term globalization entered modern discourse. Together, they unpack how capitalism evolved from small “islands of capital” into a dominant global system, shaped not just by markets but through deep entanglements with state power, empire, and the transformation of the countryside through commodities like cotton and sugar. The episode also confronts capitalism’s more difficult histories, including slavery and exploitation, while acknowledging its role in driving unprecedented economic growth, technological progress, and social mobility. Beckert emphasizes that capitalism is not a fixed system but an adaptive, undogmatic one—capable of both profound harm and meaningful reform. Looking ahead, the conversation turns to the future: how societies might better distribute the gains of growth, address inequality, and navigate environmental limits. Ultimately, this episode invites listeners to see capitalism not as inevitable, but as a human-made system—one whose next chapter can still be shaped through informed choices and collective action. Please visit our website, www.businessandsociety.net , for more inspiration.

In the very first episode of The Right Way mini-series, Senthil and Vihaan revisit one of the most famous business ethics cases ever taught: the 1982 Tylenol crisis . What began as a horrifying act of product tampering—when seven people in the Chicago area died after taking cyanide-laced Tylenol capsules—quickly became a defining test of corporate leadership, public trust, and moral courage. At the time, Tylenol was one of the most successful consumer brands in America, making the crisis not only a human tragedy but also an existential threat to Johnson & Johnson. The episode explores how Johnson & Johnson CEO James Burke responded under extraordinary pressure: taking responsibility, communicating openly, recalling every bottle of Tylenol nationwide, and putting public safety ahead of profit. Senthil and Vihaan reflect on why this response became a global case study in ethical leadership—and what it still teaches us today about trust, transparency, and doing the right thing when the stakes are highest. Sources: https://youtu.be/4D-B3WwcIZA?si=RpRNU6silks_YX-v https://www.ou.edu/deptcomm/dodjcc/groups/02C2/Johnson%20&%20Johnson.htm https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/tylenol-murders-1982 https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cr43dp99k4vo Please visit our website, www.businessandsociety.net , for more inspiration.

In this episode of the Business and Society Podcast, Senthil Nathan speaks with researcher and leadership expert Zach Mercurio , author of The Power of Mattering . Together they explore a simple but powerful idea: people thrive at work when they feel that they truly matter. Drawing on research across industries, Zach explains why small everyday interactions—being noticed, affirmed, and needed—can have a far greater impact on motivation and engagement than perks, pay, or promotions. The conversation unpacks the science behind the human need to matter, why workplace engagement is declining despite rising investment in employee programs, and how leaders can intentionally design cultures where people feel seen, valued, and indispensable. Zach also shares practical tools leaders can use immediately, including the “NAN” model (Noticed, Affirmed, Needed) and the concept of a mattering audit to assess whether organizations are creating meaningful daily experiences for their people. If you lead a team—or aspire to—this episode offers a powerful reminder: when people feel that they matter, energy, commitment, and performance follow. Link to Zach's book: The Power of Mattering: How Leaders Can Create a Culture of Significance Harvard Business Review Article: https://hbr.org/2025/05/the-power-of-mattering-at-work Please visit our website, www.businessandsociety.net , for more inspiration.

In this episode of the Business and Society Podcast, Senthil speaks with Viraj Sikand, CEO of EarthAcre, about one of the biggest emerging frontiers in sustainable business: market-based solutions for biodiversity. Viraj shares his journey from growing up in a conservation-focused family in Kenya to building climate and circular-economy ventures in the U.S., and ultimately launching a platform designed to help Indigenous and community landowners get paid to protect nature. The conversation explores how biodiversity can be measured at scale, what “biodiversity capacity” means, and how new technologies—from remote sensing to digital community platforms—are reshaping nature finance. They also dive into complex challenges: land rights, trust, additionality, direct payments, and lessons learned from carbon markets. Viraj explains why aligning financial incentives with community stewardship is critical to preventing biodiversity collapse—and how businesses, philanthropies, and investors can play a role. The episode closes with leadership reflections, practical advice for navigating cross-cultural collaboration, and a recommended read: The Case for Nature. Topics covered: biodiversity markets, nature finance, Indigenous land stewardship, direct payments, measuring ecosystem outcomes, and the future of business in protecting nature. Please visit our website, www.businessandsociety.net , for more inspiration.

In this episode of the Business and Society podcast, Senthil is joined by Dr. Kristen Lucas, Professor of Management at the University of Louisville and one of the leading scholars on workplace dignity. Drawing on her personal background and decades of research, Kristen explains what dignity at work really means—beyond the absence of bullying—and how it connects to people’s sense of self-worth, competence, and contribution. She traces the evolution of dignity from its philosophical roots to its lived reality in today’s organizations, and reflects on how inequality, instrumentality, and disrespect continue to threaten dignity, particularly for low-wage and frontline workers. The conversation also explores why dignity matters for leaders and organizations right now, especially amid rapid changes driven by AI, global economic pressures, and shifting labor markets. Kristen shares practical insights on how communication, empathy, and everyday managerial behaviors can either undermine or strengthen dignity at work—and why investing in dignity pays off through higher engagement, creativity, and retention. The episode closes with concrete steps leaders can take to assess and improve dignity in their workplaces, along with recommended readings for anyone wanting to go deeper into this often-overlooked but essential dimension of work. Please visit our website, www.businessandsociety.net , for more inspiration.

In this episode, Senthil speaks with Professor Cordelia Fine about women in the workplace and the ideas behind her new book Patriarchy, Inc. They explore how gender norms, power, and status shape modern work, why the “business case” for gender equality can fall short, and what real workplace reform could look like. Please visit our website, www.businessandsociety.net , for more inspiration.

This episode of Business and Society unpacks “dark patterns” – deceptive design features in apps and websites that push people into actions they never intended, such as unwanted subscriptions, extra fees, oversharing data, or staying online longer than planned. Guest Marie Potel, founder of Fair Patterns, explains that these patterns are fundamentally different from normal marketing because they exploit cognitive biases and obscure critical information, undermining user autonomy, distorting competition, and even posing risks to democracy when people are trained to click “I agree” without thinking.​ Marie and Senthil discuss concrete cases like fake urgency in travel and hotel booking, and Amazon’s multi‑billion‑dollar settlement over Prime sign‑ups and cancellations, before turning to solutions. Marie outlines how Fair Patterns uses ethical AI and a Figma plugin to detect and replace dark patterns with transparent “fair patterns,” and argues that fair, plain‑language design not only reduces legal risk but also builds trust and can drive higher long‑term growth for companies that adopt it. Please visit our website, www.businessandsociety.net , for more inspiration.

In this episode of the Business and Society podcast, host Senthil speaks with Dr Ivanka Visnjic, Professor of Innovation at ESADE Business School, about how companies can unlock opportunities at the intersection of sustainability and innovation. Drawing from her research and fieldwork across global industries, Ivanka explains why sustainability should be treated as a transformation challenge, not a compliance exercise—one that requires the same capabilities that fuel innovation: long-term vision, experimentation, and ecosystem collaboration. Through examples from Enel, Holcim, Suzano, Gore-Tex, and others, she illustrates how pioneering firms are turning sustainability goals into new business models, services, and markets. Ivanka also discusses the organizational shifts required to align sustainability with performance, the role of cross-sector partnerships in tackling “hard-to-abate” sectors, and why ambidexterity—the ability to balance short- and long-term priorities—is a defining skill for leaders today. In the final segment, Ivanka reflects on how she manages differences of opinion, the essential leadership skills for the new era of business transformation, and her favorite book on climate and innovation. She also offers a preview of her upcoming book on how companies can rewire themselves to meet sustainability ambitions through innovation and collaboration. A conversation rich with insight and practical examples, this episode explores how strategy meets society—and why the path to sustainability might just be the next great frontier for corporate renewal. Please visit our website, www.businessandsociety.net , for more inspiration.

In this episode, Senthil speaks with Dario Soto-Abril, Executive Director of the Trafigura Foundation, about how corporate philanthropy is shifting toward catalytic, risk-tolerant funding that supports climate adaptation and community resilience. Drawing on his global career, Dario explains what sets corporate philanthropy apart—its ability to leverage business resources for public good while prioritizing innovation, additionality, and strong community partnerships. He also highlights why adaptation remains severely underfunded and shares examples of how technology, including predictive tools and AI, is helping organizations act earlier and more effectively in vulnerable regions. Dario addresses critiques surrounding the tension between a company’s carbon-intensive legacy and its philanthropic commitments, noting that companies can be both part of today’s energy system and significant investors in the technologies of tomorrow. He closes by reflecting on leadership—approaching disagreements with curiosity, asking better questions, making clear decisions, and valuing soft skills such as listening, humility, and learning from mistakes. Please visit our website, www.businessandsociety.net , for more inspiration.

This episode of the Business and Society podcast features a conversation with Etelle Higonnet, founder of Coffee Watch, Yale alumna, and renowned environmental activist. The discussion centers on the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and its profound implications for smallholder coffee farmers worldwide. Main Topics Covered EUDR Impact: The episode explains the intent and scope of EUDR, emphasizing how the regulation aims to halt deforestation linked to key commodities—especially coffee—and the challenges faced by smallholder farmers in meeting new compliance demands. Coffee Supply Chain Realities: Listeners gain insight into poverty, labor exploitation, and the systemic issues affecting coffee growers, with Etelle breaking down statistics and stories from global coffee farming communities. Activism and Solutions: The importance of activism in driving policy change is highlighted, alongside hope-filled examples of collaboration between NGOs, governments, and industry to foster transparency, traceability, and a transition to regenerative, farmer-centric coffee production. Key Guest Insights Etelle discusses the broader context of global poverty, biodiversity loss, and climate change, making the case for urgent reforms and a science-based approach to business leadership. The episode candidly addresses obstacles such as land tenure, literacy, and technological access for smallholders, while exploring the possibility for creative solutions and capacity building. Etelle shares concerns around compliance burdens for marginalized groups and suggests that regulatory action like the EUDR can be a catalyst for industry-wide transformation. Closing Reflections The interview concludes with Etelle’s book recommendations, essential leadership skills—courage and scientific literacy—and a call to action for business leaders to champion responsible sourcing and planetary well-being. Please visit our website, www.businessandsociety.net , for more inspiration.

In this episode, Senthil sits with Professor Nick Bloom of Stanford University to discuss the evolution, research, and future of remote, hybrid, and in-person work. Drawing from global data and his landmark Trip.com study, Nick explains why hybrid models now dominate professional work, how work-from-home trends differ across countries and industries, and their impacts on productivity, innovation, and employee wellbeing. The conversation highlights the importance of coordinated hybrid schedules and the shifting nature of workplace equity, while offering a data-driven perspective for business leaders and policymakers navigating the changing world of work. Please visit our website, www.businessandsociety.net , for more inspiration.

In this episode of the Business and Society podcast, Senthil delves into the complexities of the Indian consumer market with renowned market expert and author Rama Bijapurkar. Drawing from four decades of research, Rama outlines the transformational journey of India's consumer economy—from pre-liberalization austerity to the explosion of choices and rising competition after 1991. The discussion highlights the unique nature of the Indian market, the enduring relevance of kirana (mom-and-pop) stores despite predictions of modern retail dominance, and the myth of the middle class. Rama explains why Western business models often fail in India, the nuanced urban-rural divide, women's evolving roles in consumption, and the impact of digital technology. Tangible insights for entrepreneurs abound, stressing the necessity of careful segmentation and understanding local market logic. The episode closes with practical advice for business leaders and personal reflections on books and learning, making it essential listening for anyone interested in India's consumer landscape. You can learn more about Rama's work by visiting her website: www.ramabijapurkar.com. Please visit our website, www.businessandsociety.net , for more inspiration.

Senthil sits with renowned MIT Sloan professor Zeynep Ton, author of The Good Jobs Strategy and The Case for Good Jobs, for a conversation to reveal how investing in frontline employees with fair pay, stable schedules, and meaningful career paths is not just ethical—but a true competitive advantage. Hear compelling stories, research insights, and real-world examples from leading companies like Costco, Sam’s Club, and Mercadona that show how systemic change, not piecemeal fixes, creates better jobs and stronger businesses. Zeynep dives into the essential elements of a good job system and demystifies why more businesses haven’t made the switch—addressing the mindsets and organizational silos that keep most companies trapped in the “vicious cycle” of poor labor practices. The conversation covers: -Why “bad jobs” are a choice, not a necessity -How pay, stability, empowerment, and operational excellence create mutually reinforcing systems for business and worker success -What leadership qualities set apart organizations that transform frontline work -Practical advice for leaders who want to start their good jobs journey This episode is essential listening for business leaders, students, or anyone interested in reimagining work at the ground level—showing how dignity and profitability can go hand in hand. Please visit our website, www.businessandsociety.net , for more inspiration.

In this episode, Senthil sits with Patrick McGee, author of Apple in China and reporter at the Financial Times, delve into the intricate world of Apple's global supply chain, exploring the company's relationship with China, the role of Foxconn, and the impact of COVID-19 on labor conditions. They discuss how Apple's manufacturing processes have shaped the smartphone market and the ethical dilemmas the company faces in balancing profit with human rights. The conversation highlights the symbiotic relationship between Apple and China, emphasizing the complexities of modern capitalism and the lessons that can be drawn for other companies and consumers. Patrick's website: https://appleinchina.com/ Book recommended by Patrick: Chip War: The Fight for the World's Most Critical Technology Please visit our website, www.businessandsociety.net , for more inspiration.