THE JUNGLE

This episode features a conversation with Maryann Feldman and Martin Kenney, leading scholars on innovation, finance, and regional economic development, and co-authors of Private Equity and the Demise of the Local. Maryann is the Watts Professor of Public Policy and Management at Arizona State University and Research Director at the Global Center for Technology Transfer. Martin is a Distinguished Emeritus Professor at the University of California, Davis, and Senior Project Co-Director at the Berkeley Roundtable on the International Economy.

Together, Maryann and Martin discuss how private equity has evolved from a restructuring tool into a dominant ownership model shaping industries from manufacturing and healthcare to housing, childcare, and local media. They explore the mechanisms behind financialized ownership, the consequences for workers and communities, and why place-based ownership matters. The conversation also highlights emerging alternatives and what it will take to rebuild durable, locally rooted economies.

This episode features a conversation with Alison Fragale, Ph.D., Professor at UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School and author of the national bestseller Likeable Badass—a compelling exploration of the science behind gender bias and stereotypes, and how to change them. Beyond the book, we discuss how individuals can shape how they’re perceived, how leaders can create environments that bring out the best in others, and how we can nurture these skills in the next generation of leaders.

This episode features a conversation with Spencer Harrison, Ph.D. – Professor of Organisational Behaviour at INSEAD. He is a world expert on creativity, coordination, and connection in organizations. We discuss his recent research on creativity and best practices for unlocking creativity in organizations.

Richard Reeves - President of the American Institute for Boys and Men This episode features a conversation with Richard Reeves – President of the American Institute for Boys and Men. Richard is a world expert on the challenges facing boys and men in Western societies and founded the American Institute of Boys and Men to raise awareness and advocate for effective solutions. His 2022 book “Of Boys and Men: Why the Modern Male Is Struggling, Why It Matters, and What to Do About It” was named a book of the year by both The Economist and The New Yorker. We discuss the role of cultural entrepreneurship in crafting new narratives for boys and men, implications for business, and the work of The Kalamazoo Promise to support the success of boys.

This episode features a conversation with Lauren Rivera, Ph.D. – Professor of Management & Organizations at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. She is a world expert on how evaluations of merit in hiring and employment create social inequality. We discuss her research and recent book Pedigree: How elite students get elite jobs.