The Leadership Spark

Impression (mis)management: the mistakes we make when we want to impress others. This is the topic of Övül Sezer’s research. She is an assistant professor of management and organizations at the Cornell School of Business. We explore why everyone engages in impression management, common mistakes like humblebragging and hiding success, and the balance between appearing warm versus competent. Övül explains how social media amplifies these challenges and how cultural differences shape self-promotion norms. And beyond her work in research, Övül shares an unexpected passion for stand-up comedy. This might be why she is able to read human beings so acutely!
Show notes:
Övül Sezer - Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
Article “Impression (mis)management: When what you say is not what they hear” by Övül Sezer
Article “Humblebragging: A distinct—and ineffective—self-presentation strategy.” by Övül Sezer
Book “Thinking, Fast and Slow“ by Daniel Kahneman
Book “The Odyssey” by Homer
Book “Humblebrag: The Art of False Modesty” by Harris Wittels
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Bernie Jaworski holds the Drucker Chair at Claremont's Drucker School and recently wrote “The Soul of Strategy”. Inspired by Peter Drucker's principle that organizations exist to create customers, Bernie critiques traditional strategy frameworks for neglecting customer centricity. He explores how companies lose customer focus as they scale, how AI accelerates insights generation, and why abandoning outdated practices is critical. The conversation also covers the risk of being overly customer-centric and concludes with a rapid-fire round highlighting Drucker's enduring management philosophy.
Show notes:
Bernie Jaworski - Drucker School of Management
Book “The Soul of Strategy” by Bernie Jaworski
The “Organic Growth Playbook” by Bernie Jaworski
Book “Why we buy” by Paco Underhill
Video “Shopping cart Design process” by Ideo
Joseph Schumpeter in Wikipedia
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George Kohlrieser is a renowned IMD Leadership professor and former hostage negotiator. In this episode he shares compelling stories from his career, illustrating how principles from hostage negotiation, such as emotional bonding, managing grief, and honest communication, can transform leadership. The conversation explores the psychology behind high-performance leadership, the importance of secure relationships, and the need for empathy in today’s rapidly changing world. You will gain practical insights on handling conflict, organizational change, and the emotional challenges leaders face.
Show notes:
George Kohlrieser – IMD Business school
Book “Care to Dare” by George Kohlrieser
Book “Hostage at the table” by George Kohlrieser
Book “On becoming a leader” by Warren Bennis
Gallup research on Hope
High-Performance Leadership program at IMD
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Summary:
In this episode of the Leadership Spark Podcast, Sylvain interviews Harvard professor Rakesh Khurana. Together they discuss about leadership, humility, and organizational culture. Drawing on personal stories and academic insights, Khurana explores the role of serendipity, the importance of adaptive and humble leadership, and the challenges facing modern institutions. He reflects on bureaucracy, the need for community and belonging, and the evolution of business education. The conversation highlights the value of courage, deep listening, and embracing discomfort as essential leadership qualities for navigating today’s complex world.
Show notes:
Rakesh Khurana’s Faculty profile
Book “Searching for a Corporate Savior: The Irrational Quest For Charismatic Ceos” by Rakesh Khurana
Book “From Higher Aims to Hired Hands” by Rakesh Khurana
Book “Inequality" by Christopher Jencks
Book “The Strength of Weak Ties" by Mark Granovetter
Book “Politics and Vision" by Sheldon Wolin
The MBA Oath Initiative
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In this episode of the Leadership Spark Podcast, Sylvain interviews famous psychologist and author Robert Holden, known for "The Happiness Project." They explore redefining success beyond money and status, emphasizing clarity, authenticity, and love. Robert shares insights on positive psychology, the importance of inner wisdom, and how leadership is an attitude rooted in respect and connection. The conversation covers overcoming busyness, the evolving role of ego, and the need for soulful leadership, especially as technology advances.
Show notes:
Robert Holden’s website
Book “Authentic Success” by Robert Holden
Book “Loveability” by Robert Holden
The Enneagram of personality
Book “Servant Leadership” by Robert Greenleaf
Book “The Great Work” by Thomas Berry
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