Episodes

  • The Power of High-Status Networks for Career Advancement with Deepti Pahwa

    The Power of High-Status Networks for Career Advancement with Deepti Pahwa
    Apr 23 2024
    In this episode of the 'Pfeffer on Power' podcast, host Jeffrey Pfeffer, a professor at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business, is joined by Deepti Pahwa, advisor of corporate venture studios, government-led start-up accelerators, and also the author of the book, Trailblazer Founders.Deepti brings us lessons in power distilled to "three superpowers" of courage, creativity, and determination. Her inspiring journey showcases how you can exploit structural holes in professional networks, craft resources almost out of thin air, and pursue objectives with unwavering intentionality. Jeffrey and Deepti discuss how she doesn't just talk about the importance of personal branding and leadership; she embodies it. Deepti also stresses the importance of building and using your network, sharing how embracing your role as your own Chief Evangelist Officer can open doors and create opportunities, particularly for people historically left at the margins. Pfeffer on Power is produced by University FM.00:00 Welcome01:21 Deepti’s Career Journey04:18 Leveraging Power and Networks07:15 From India to Global Influence10:00 Trailblazer Founders16:41 Building Economic Opportunities for Diverse Communities19:37 Closing ThoughtsEpisode Quotes:Deepti’s three principles in taking your own power18:33: The first three principles that I personally use, which I believe are my superpowers, but I also believe are superpowers for any given person: courage. It's like taking bold actions and making bold asks because what is the worst that would happen? You would hear a no; that's about it, right? So, just take the plunge. The second thing is to build networks and support networks around you who are invested in your success. And there are lots of people, at least in today's world, who are invested in your success. Go out there and find them, and, at the same time, have that insane kind of determination for what you're after because it is the impact that you wish to create. It's not about who is stopping you. Just be like water. Like, if you see a river, it finds its way, right? So everybody's able to kind of find that way if you just have the determination. Build networks and support networks around you who are invested in your success. And there are lots of people, at least in today's world, who are invested in your success. Go out there and find them, and at the same time, have that insane kind of determination for what you're after because it is the impact that you wish to create. It's not about who is stopping you. Just be like water. Like, if you see a river, it finds its way, right? So everybody's able to kind of find that way if you just have the determination towards the impact that you wish to create.Don’t bet on the horse bet on the jockey11:27: There's a whole coaching industry out there of products, services, and frameworks that prepare startup founders with so-called business model innovations, product-market fit, failure mindset, and culture training for teams, but no one ever teaches them the importance of leadership skills, building networks, thought leadership, investing in communities, and showing up with confidence and conviction to convey their ideas. And to me, it's more like telling a friend how to play chess on your behalf. I mean, you can make as many plans and business models as you want, but unfortunately, strategies and frameworks do not come in handy on a battlefield. And it's a very different set of skills that you need to succeed as an entrepreneur. And in doing the research that I did in writing this book, I found that venture capitalists, investors, and board members, and dozens of them that I interviewed, do not actually bet on the horse that is your idea, but they actually bet on the jockey that is the founder itself.On providing opportunities for entrepreneurial idea for people with diverse background17:46: I have to say that a lot of the times we talk about how we can provide for fair systems from the institutional perspective, and what we can do as institutions to increase that diversity. But my take is that, all that needs to be done and is a responsible thing to do, but until that happens, what we as individuals can do is to take part in the systems; and that is only possible by way of taking our own power and building our own influence .Show Links:DeeptiPahwa.comLink to Trailblazer FoundersAmazon PageLinkedIn Profile
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    22 mins
  • The Power Behind the Amazon Way with John Rossman

    The Power Behind the Amazon Way with John Rossman
    Apr 10 2024
    In this episode of the 'Pfeffer on Power' podcast, host Jeffrey Pfeffer, a professor at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business, is joined by John Rossman, author of four books on leadership and business innovation, including The Amazon Way and his new book Big Bet Leadership. He is an early Amazon executive who played a key role in launching the Amazon marketplace business in 2002. Today, he is a leading keynote speaker on leadership for innovation and transformation. He has served as the senior technology advisor at the Gates Foundation and senior innovation advisor at T-Mobile and is the founder of Rossman Partners, a strategy & leadership solutions firm.John and Jeffrey discuss how corporate titans like Amazon sculpt their industry-dominating strategies. John Rossman helped mold Amazon's colossal marketplace. John tells Jeffrey his six cardinal rules for skillfully navigating Amazon’s early days and the pivotal role of trust in accelerating one's career. John also shares insights into using memo crafting as a clarity tool and customer happiness as the central dogma. Check out this episode for some real insight on navigating corporate power. 00:00 Welcome to Pfeffer on Power: Introducing Jon Rossman02:42 Jon Rossman's Journey: From Amazon to Author06:37 Rules to Navigating Corporate America: Rule 1: Earn Trust07:53 Rule 2: Be an Active and Early Risk Manager09:54 Rule 3: You Have to Manage Dependencies12:19 Rule 4: Having the Right Sense of Urgency14:50 Rule 5: Manage Up17:04 Rule 6: Clarify in Your Communications21:29 Amazon as a Political Place23:26 Why Jon Left Amazon25:11 Wrapping Up: The Essence of Power and AutonomyPfeffer on Power is produced by University FM.Episode Quotes:You have to manage dependencies10:00: So, the 14th leadership principle at Amazon is "deliver results." And the other ones tend to get the fanfare, but I'm telling you, the 14th is the one that differentiates Amazon. Like, you have to deliver results. Well, most things are not within your control; then you're really managing dependencies, and so you see this very active dependency management process. And so it's all based off of kind of "trust, but verify," like, you're always featuring the bad news. You're always having check-in meetings. You don't trust what they say. You ask more for proof points and demonstrations, and you don't assume anything. And so, sometimes, that gets into hedging and creating alternate paths. But people that are successful at Amazon are extremely good at managing dependencies upon others.Why clear expectations are the cornerstone of trust06:42: Trust and transparency sound like such great attributes to have, but most people don't really understand what trust is. Trust is about setting expectations and hitting expectations. And if you can trust that somebody sets good expectations and then hits those expectations, you can work together through almost anything. And most people don't actually understand what that word "trust" is; they think it means something like, you know, trustworthy or something like that, but you can actually create a formula. And what most people don't do well is they don't set expectations very well. And when you don't set expectations very well, then you each have a vague understanding of what the expectation is. And that's where so many things go sideways.Without risk, there are no new innovations08:20: Alpha risk is where we create new innovations. And so, you have to be extremely good at communicating your concept and where it's going. You also have to be very good at teaming networks and internal negotiating relative to this. So, this builds off of the trust aspect of setting expectations.Show Links:JohnRossman.comProfile on LinkedinAmazon Author PageBig Bet Leadership: Your Transformation Playbook for Winning in the Hyper-Digital EraThe Amazon Way: Amazon's 14 Leadership PrinciplesThink Like Amazon: 50 1/2 Ideas to Become a Digital LeaderThe Amazon Way on IoT: 10 Principles for Every Leader from the World's Leading Internet of Things Strategies
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    26 mins
  • Acting With Power and Using Your Influence with Deborah Gruenfeld

    Acting With Power and Using Your Influence with Deborah Gruenfeld
    Mar 27 2024
    In this episode of the 'Pfeffer on Power' podcast, host Jeffrey Pfeffer, a professor at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business, is joined by Deborah Gruenfeld, professor at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business and author of the book Acting with Power: Why We Are More Powerful Than We Believe.Deborah emphasizes the impact of physical body language and personal presence on the perception of power. The discussion further delves into the utilization of 'outside-in' and 'inside-out' techniques for asserting power and the notion of differentiating between status and power. Deborah argues that possessing power comes with responsibilities that may not appeal to all while striving for status is universal. From the width of your stance to the tempo of your speech, the nuances of body language speak volumes about your place in the social hierarchy. Deborah and Jeff examine the choreography of power—how to enter a room, how to take up space, and how to pace your movements to nonverbally assert dominance. For those who've ever felt overlooked or underestimated, this episode is a toolbox for crafting the presence you deserve.00:00 Introduction00:53 Understanding Power and Body Language01:42 The Evolution of the 'Acting with Power' Class and Book02:20 The Impact of Visuals and Nonverbal Cues on Power03:22 The Role of Personal Growth in Power08:50 The Power of Imagination in Power Dynamics11:46 The Importance of Taking Up Space22:31 The Role of Status and Power in Hierarchies23:53 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Power27:59 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsPfeffer on Power is produced by University FM.Episode Quotes:A technique on how to show up more powerful06:31: One set of tactics or techniques is what I call outside-in techniques, and they have to do with just changing how you carry yourself: your physical body, how you stand, how you use your arms, how you use your eyes, and how you sit. The other set of tactics that I really think is equally important, maybe even more important in some cases, is what I call inside-out tactics. The inside-out tactics have to do with having ways to reframe situations and our role in those situations that are empowering. One of the things I like to say in my classes is that there are a lot of things about power and social life that are not under our control. We can't, for example, control directly how people perceive us, but we can always control, once we know how, where our attention goes.How do you act powerful?12:26: Being open in some ways feels very vulnerable, and it is. But when you have a lot of power, you can afford to be vulnerable. This is why the alpha gorillas sit with everything exposed because nobody's coming for them. It's the lower-down-ranking animals that have to protect their bodies. So having an open chest, in particular, conveys a lot of authority and power. That's an especially important technique for people who are smaller in stature. People always ask me if I can't carry myself like a tall person and I can't dominate someone physically with my height, what options do I have? I often tell them that the most important thing is that you carry yourself with an open chest because what you're communicating when your arms are capable of moving away from your body is that you are ready to fight for whatever you want, regardless of how big you are. On being comfortable with power23:25: There are people who just feel that it's not who they are to carry themselves in a way that takes ownership of superiority, authority, control, or having interests, experiences, and expertise that are privileged above other people. They're just people who feel like they can't do that. And I think it's one of the big challenges that a lot of executives face. In this way, I think we're really aligned, which is that most people realize they need to be comfortable with power in order to be successful. But they have to get past this fear of being held accountable, fear of losing status, fear of making enemies, and also fear of failing to show up as an authentic, powerful person when how you really feel is a little bit smaller.Show Links:Faculty Profile at Stanford School of BusinessProfile on LinkedInActing with Power: Why We Are More Powerful Than We BelieveWikipedia Page
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    29 mins
  • Power Plays in Business and Politics with Steve Westly

    Power Plays in Business and Politics with Steve Westly
    Mar 13 2024

    In this episode of the 'Pfeffer on Power' podcast, host Jeffrey Pfeffer, a professor at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business, is joined by Steve Westly, a venture capitalist and entrepreneur - he was employee number 22 at Ebay, lecturer in Management at Stanford University, and politician. He is also the former State Controller of California and can call some of the most powerful people in the world his friend.

    In this episode, Steve unpacks the stark contrasts and surprising similarities of power's role in both the private and public spheres and discusses why today's brightest stars are shying away from public service—a trend he believes is crucial to reverse.

    What has Steve learned about power from working closely with notable figures like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Barack Obama, and Meg Whitman, and the personal sacrifices they made on their paths to success? From the indispensable value of determination and the wisdom that you only get from defeat to the essence of intelligent communication and ambition, Steve and Jeffrey go over the essential qualities that forge a successful leader—be it in the worlds of tech or politics.

    • 01:51 Public vs Private Sector Power
    • 02:42 Steve's Personal Journey and Motivation
    • 05:51 Lessons from Powerful Figures
    • 11:41 Determination and Ambition
    • 18:55 Insights into Biden's Campaign
    • 22:14 Public and Private Sector Leadership: Differences and Similarities
    • 24:13 Closing Remarks

    Pfeffer on Power is produced by University FM.

    Episode Quotes:

    Are the public and private sector leadership qualities more similar than we think?

    22:45: Private sector and public sector require you to be not just a good communicator, but a great communicator. And I think the best leaders in the public and the private sectors are people who are not only great communicators. They have the rarest of all personal traits, and that's the ability to inspire people. Tenacity in both sectors. It is tough. You've got board issues. You've got employee issues, legal issues, labor issues, and politics. You got all the issues. You have to be incredibly tenacious.

    What makes a successful politician?

    12:19: It's not just persistence and determination; it is insane determination. It is the willingness to sit in a small room hour after hour, calling people, begging for money, and to go out the next day and have people beat the living shit out of you. In the public and with your family, my opponent for the gubernatorial race not only ran hit ads on me but managed to get my wife and two and three-year-old children into the hit pieces. It's not easy. Winston Churchill once said, in war, you can only die once. But in political life, you can die many times over again, and it's true. It's hard. It's tough.

    What Steve learned from Meg Whitman of Ebay?

    18:07: I think there are three things. I mean, one of them—it's where I was starting—Pierre and Jeff really handed the keys to a rocket ship to her. It was the first thing with a community growing like crazy that was, you know, there's always a little bit of good luck in the long term success. Second, look, Meg's just very smart. She's a Princeton grad. She was an athlete. She has a degree from Harvard, a background at Disney. She was smart. She was experienced. And third, I would say she's just a great communicator. And I think she worked hard at listening. She had a lot of superb traits.

    12:19: Leadership has a lot of facets for students out there. I'd urge you to look broadly, and it goes beyond the standard pedigree.

    Relevant Links:
    • Profile on WestlyGroup.com
    • Faculty Profile at Stanford University
    • Steve Westly LinkedIn
    • Wikipedia Page
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    26 mins
  • Communicating with Power: Connection Over Perfection with Matt Abrahams

    Communicating with Power: Connection Over Perfection with Matt Abrahams
    Feb 28 2024

    In this episode of the 'Pfeffer on Power' podcast, host Jeffrey Pfeffer, a professor at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business, is joined by Matt Abrahams, a lecturer at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business, podcast host of Think Fast, Talk Smart, and author of both 'Speaking Up Without Freaking Out' and 'Think Faster, Talk Smarter.'

    The discussion centers around effective communication strategies to navigate through challenging situations and accelerate career growth. Topics include managing anxiety during public speaking, shifting communication mindset, being present-oriented, the importance of preparation, and leveraging structure in spontaneous speaking situations.

    • 01:06 Introducing the Guest: Matt Abrahams
    • 02:59 Matt’s Career Journey
    • 05:09 Overcoming Fear of Public Speaking
    • 10:37 Tips for Effective Communication
    • 15:18 Spontaneous Speaking and Its Importance
    • 21:47 Conclusion and Farewell

    Pfeffer on Power is produced by University FM.

    Episode Quotes:

    Communication is about connection, not perfection

    17:52: Many of us worry about not doing our communication right. We want to be perfect. We want to do it right. And I'm here to tell you, after doing this for decades, there is no right way to communicate. There are better ways and worse ways, but there is no one right way. And by fixating on trying to do it right, we actually get in the way of doing it well at all. It's all a bandwidth issue. Cognitive bandwidth. We only have so much bandwidth, and if part of that bandwidth is dedicated to hyper judgment, hyper-evaluation, we have less effort to put into what we're saying. So it's about connection, not perfection. Communication is about connection, making it relevant. So after we manage anxiety, that's where we have to go.

    What are the keys to speaking better?

    20:03: If we manage anxiety, we connect rather than worry about being perfect. Make sure that we see things as opportunities, not threats. We listen well, and we use structure. Those are the keys to being better at speaking in the moment.

    How do we get over the fear of public speaking?

    05:09 [Jeffrey Pfeffer]: What is your advice to help people get over this fear of public speaking?

    05:17[Matt Abrahams]: We have some evidence that upwards of 75-85 percent of people report it as a major issue that they have. And quite frankly, I think the rest of the people are lying. I think we could create a situation that would make them nervous too. The goal, I don't think, is to overcome it. I don't think we ever truly can overcome it. Those of us who study this believe it's innate to being human to have this anxiety, but there are certainly things we can do to manage it. When it comes to managing anxiety, you can look at it as a two-pronged approach. First, you have to deal with the symptoms that we experience—the rapid rate, the sweaty brow, the shakiness—but you also have to address the sources of anxiety—the things that initiate and exacerbate it. It's a two-pronged approach.

    Relevant Links:
    • MattAbrahams.com
    • Think Fast Talk Smart Podcast
    • LinkedIn Profile
    • NoFreakingSpeaking.com
    • Faculty Profile at Stanford
    • Speaking Up Without Freaking Out
    • Think Faster, Talk Smarter
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    21 mins
  • Lessons Learned from Losing Power and Keeping Power with Tony Levitan of Egreetings

    Lessons Learned from Losing Power and Keeping Power with Tony Levitan of Egreetings
    Feb 14 2024

    In this episode of the Pfeffer on Power podcast, host Jeffrey Pfeffer is joined by Tony Levitan, CEO of InWhack and the co-founder of Egreetings. The discussion delves into Levitan's experiences as a startup founder, specifically the challenges faced during his journey with Egreetings which ended up transforming from a 300 million-dollar business to a 30 million-dollar one.

    Levitan speaks about the lessons he learned and the importance of retaining the company’s culture even amidst leadership changes. Pfeffer and Levitan also shed light on 'imposter syndrome,' the need for behavioral interviewing during executive searches, and the pivotal role of effective coaching in personal and professional development.

    • 00:00 Introduction and Overview
    • 00:29 Guest Introduction: Tony Levitan
    • 00:57 Tony's Journey with Egreetings
    • 01:36 The Challenges of Startup Founders
    • 03:19 Tony's Personal Experience and Lessons Learned
    • 04:06 Tony's Reflection on His Time at Egreetings
    • 08:43 The Impact of Leadership Changes on Company Culture
    • 12:23 The Importance of Effective Hiring and Recruitment
    • 16:56 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
    • 21:23 The Role of an Executive Coach
    • 24:29 Conclusion and Farewell

    Pfeffer on Power is produced by University FM.

    Episode Quotes:

    On the importance of inquiry

    18:26: One of the things that is the easiest door in for many is we all are asked to make business decisions off of data. And yet, when it comes to two things, we don't tend to bias towards data. One is people. We don't tend to have as much data on people, right? We make decisions off of gut feel and things like that. The other is being able to take an external view of ourselves and our competency, right? So I have a couple of clients who are wrestling with their identity as a competent leader, and yet they're surrounded by data that says, "You are making a difference. You are delivering impact." They just have a hard time seeing it, and they don't have people around them who are helping them see it on a daily basis.

    On the importance of having a coach

    22:41: When I made the shift at InWhack, Inc., it took me a while to figure out where my sweet spot was going to be because I think, just like I had to figure out where I could deliver as a coach, people who look for a coach need to do some reflection on what would be helpful to them.

    What references should really tell you

    14:17: One of the mistakes we made at Egreetings is, we actually—I feel embarrassed to share this because it's so obvious, but we had the executive search firm do the reference checking. And I mean, you want to talk about misaligned incentives, right? I mean, their incentive is to close the search. Our incentive is to have deep insight into who's coming to work in our company. So, that's one of the things I always mention. The other thing is that References aren't so much about, should I hire this person or not. References really ought to be about how do we most effectively work with this person. What does this person need to be effective in working with us?

    Relevant Links:
    • Profile on LinkedIn
    • Profile on X
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    25 mins
  • The Price of Power with Dr. Rudy Crew

    The Price of Power with Dr. Rudy Crew
    Jan 31 2024

    In this episode of 'Pfeffer on Power,' host Jeffrey Pfeffer, a Stanford University professor, converses with education expert and influential figure, Dr. Rudy Crew. Dr. Crew is the Clinical Education Professor at USC Rossier School of Education, and has had notable former roles as Chancellor of New York City Schools, superintendent of the Miami-Dade County School District, and Chief Education Officer for the State of Oregon.

    After having a long successful career in the education sector in these prestigious roles, Dr. Crew shares insights on navigating the sphere of power, the cost that comes with it, and the wisdom necessary to make careful choices.

    The talk explores aspects of power like ego, greed, the lure of linking to powerful individuals, and the personal, professional, and political consequences of the pursuit of power. Dr. Crew emphasizes the importance of staying grounded, maintaining humane leadership, and being observant of warning signs in a volatile political environment.

    Significantly, he stresses that ethical leadership rooted in keeping the welfare of students at the forefront has helped him navigate these challenges.

    • 00:01 Introduction and Guest Presentation
    • 01:53 The Price of Power: A Discussion with Dr. Rudy Crew
    • 03:30 The Pitfalls of Power: Ego, Lack of Ideas, and Wrong Associations
    • 05:52 Recognizing Danger Signs in Power Pursuits
    • 08:03 Navigating Political Challenges in Power Positions
    • 10:51 The Consequences of Tough Decisions in Power Positions
    • 17:20 Avoiding the Pitfalls of Power: Advice and Insights
    • 20:57 Staying Grounded in Power Positions: A Personal Anecdote
    • 22:52 Conclusion and Farewell

    Learn more about Jeffrey Pfeffer and his work on JeffreyPfeffer.com

    Pfeffer on Power is produced by University FM.

    Episode Quotes:

    Lead by the kind of quality work your provide

    18:25: I remember having to make budget cuts, and those budget cuts were going to be pretty deep. But there's goodwill in the culture. If there are other things that you did or have done traditionally that made people feel like this was not a vendetta, unfortunately, this was a bad fiscal year in the state of California, and we had to make budget cuts. But the fact of the matter is, there was humanism brought to the table. There was a sense of honor brought to the table. There was transparency and a sense of humility brought to this that no one enjoyed watching people walk out the door and be without a job. You can create a cultural wave of positivity and yet do some things that are very, very, very unpopular and sometimes very uncomfortable.

    There’s no good deed that gets unpunished

    17:05: My advice has always been, pay the price. Don't do the wrong thing, but just understand that by doing the right thing, you will still accrue a consequence. There's no good deed that goes unpunished.

    Every job comes with a quid pro quo

    15:57: When you get the job, be prepared to lose the job. That would be the first of many commandments, right? Be prepared to lose it, and by losing it, I mean, it may be gradual, but the fact of the matter is every decision you make comes with a consequence, and that consequence generally is added up in political terms, and the accumulation of that is what I would say to you is quid pro quo. That is the giant quid pro quo. It's the one that you're going to ultimately pay permanently for.

    Relevant Links:
    • Faculty Profile at USC Rossier
    • Wikipedia Profile
    • LinkedIn Profile
    • APB Speakers page
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    24 mins
  • Season 2 Trailer

    Season 2 Trailer
    Jan 19 2024

    Welcome to the Pfeffer on Power podcast. I'm your host, Jeffrey Pfeffer, a professor at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business, where I teach a popular course on developing and using your power and organizations to get things done and advance your career. In this podcast, we interview people who have successfully implemented power principles to accelerate their career successes. We include startup founders and people from diverse backgrounds working around the globe. We talk about building helpful social relationships, creating resources, how to develop the qualities that produce power and success, what those qualities are and how to enlist others in achieving your goals. Check out our previous season of more than 20 episodes at pfefferonpower.com, and stay tuned for new episodes and interviews every other week with people who have used these ideas to do remarkable things, just like you can.
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    1 min