Podcast
The Parlor Room
Hosted by Harvard Business School Online · EN
Join host and Harvard Business School Online Creative Director Chris Linnane as he sits down with HBS faculty to discuss business education in a way that’s both entertaining and insightful. The Parlor Room is your key to breaking down academic theory without sacrificing depth—all while gaining practical takeaways for navigating the business world.
25episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Willy Shih on AI and Disruptive Innovation
1w ago00:54:34Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Parlor Room Presents: Hello AI, host and Harvard Business School Online Creative Director Chris Linnane speaks with HBS Professor Willy Shih about artificial intelligence, disruptive innovation, and the future of competition. Shih explains why AI isn't inherently disruptive, explores how organizations can use it to improve productivity and supply chains, and shares how leaders can identify opportunities for innovation while avoiding the pitfalls of overserving the market. GUEST Willy Shih, Robert and Jane Cizik Baker Foundation Professor of Management Practice in Business Administration RESOURCES Learn more from Shih in the HBS Online course, Disruptive Strategy.
Transcribe →
Nien-hê Hsieh on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence
3w ago01:00:37Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Parlor Room Presents: Hello AI, host and Harvard Business School Online Creative Director Chris Linnane speaks with HBS Professor Nien-hê Hsieh about the ethical challenges of artificial intelligence. Hsieh discusses AI's impact on work, accountability, and human connection, and explains why responsible leadership and human judgment are critical as organizations adopt AI. GUEST Nien-hê Hsieh, Kim B. Clark Professor of Business Administration RESOURCES Learn more from Hsieh in the HBS Online course, Leadership, Ethics, and Corporate Accountability. Catch up on previous episodes of The Parlor Room, featuring Hsieh: Nien-hê Hsieh on Ethical AI, Decision-Making, and Investing
Transcribe →
Compilation Episode (Part 7): Who Is Getting AI Wrong?
4w ago00:12:01Tap to summarizeIn this compilation episode of The Parlor Room Presents: Hello AI, host and Harvard Business School Online Creative Director Chris Linnane explores one of the biggest challenges in artificial intelligence: knowing when—and when not—to trust AI. Featuring HBS professors Linda Hill, Felix Oberholzer-Gee, and Jake Cook, the conversation examines AI adoption, organizational culture, and the critical role of human judgment. From AI hallucinations and overconfidence to experimentation and decision-making, the episode offers practical insights for avoiding common AI mistakes in the workplace. GUESTS Linda Hill, Wallace Brett Donham Professor of Business Administration Felix Oberholzer-Gee, Andreas Andresen Professor of Business Administration Jake Cook, Lecturer of Business Administration RESOURCES Linda Hill on Leading Through AI-Driven Change Linda Hill on Leading Change and the Paradoxes of Management Felix Oberholzer-Gee on Winning with AI Felix Oberholzer-Gee on the Frameworks of Business Strategy Jake Cook on How to Use AI Effectively at Work
Transcribe →
Jake Cook on How to Use AI Effectively at Work
Jun 2400:51:43Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Parlor Room Presents: Hello AI, host and Harvard Business School Online Creative Director Chris Linnane speaks with HBS Professor Jake Cook about how artificial intelligence is changing the way people work. Cook shares practical advice for using AI effectively, explaining why it should be treated like an intern that requires direction, oversight, and critical thinking. He explores AI’s opportunities and limitations and why human judgment remains essential in an increasingly AI-powered world. GUEST Jake Cook, Lecturer of Business Administration RESOURCES Catch up on previous episodes of The Parlor Room, featuring Jake Cook: Compilation Episode (Part 1): Early Career Advice in the Age of AI Compilation Episode (Part 4): How Mid-Career Professionals Can Lead and Grow with AI Compilation Episode (Part 6): Where AI Surprises Us
Transcribe →
Compilation Episode (Part 6): Where AI Surprises Us
Jun 1700:12:57Tap to summarizeIn this compilation episode of The Parlor Room Presents: Hello AI, host and Harvard Business School Online Creative Director Chris Linnane explores one of AI’s most intriguing qualities: its ability to surprise us. Featuring HBS professors Nien-hê Hsieh, Christina Wallace, and Jake Cook, the conversation examines how AI is changing the way people work, create, and solve problems. From uncovering new approaches to complex challenges to empowering nontechnical professionals to build and experiment, the episode highlights unexpected lessons about innovation, creativity, and human potential in an AI-driven world. GUESTS Nien-hê Hsieh, Kim B. Clark Professor of Business Administration Christina Wallace, Senior Lecturer of Business Administration Jake Cook, Lecturer of Business Administration RESOURCES Nien-hê Hsieh on Ethical AI, Decision-Making, and Investing Christina Wallace on Developing an Entrepreneurial Mindset Christina Wallace on AI and Entrepreneurship
Transcribe →
Felix Oberholzer-Gee on Winning with AI
Jun 1001:17:44Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Parlor Room Presents: Hello AI, host and Harvard Business School Online Creative Director Chris Linnane speaks with HBS Professor Felix Oberholzer-Gee about AI’s impact on productivity, jobs, and competitive advantage. He explains how organizations can use AI to create lasting value, why human judgment remains essential, and what the future of work may look like in an AI-powered economy. GUEST Felix Oberholzer-Gee, Andreas Andresen Professor of Business Administration RESOURCES Learn more from Oberholzer-Gee in the HBS Online credential, Core Business Essentials And the HBS Online course, Business Strategy Catch up on previous episodes of The Parlor Room, featuring Oberholzer-Gee: Felix Oberholzer-Gee on the Frameworks of Business Strategy
Transcribe →
Compilation Episode (Part 5): Will AI Take My Job?
Jun 300:20:30Tap to summarizeIn this compilation episode of The Parlor Room Presents: Hello AI, host and Harvard Business School Online Creative Director Chris Linnane explores one of the most pressing questions facing professionals today: Will AI take my job? Featuring HBS Professors Nien-hê Hsieh, Christina Wallace, Joe Fuller, and Iavor Bojinov, the conversation examines how AI is reshaping organizations, changing the nature of work, and influencing hiring, management, and trust. From the rise of AI-powered startups to the challenges of adoption, ethics, and inequality, the episode offers practical insights into how professionals can navigate an AI-driven future and adapt to the evolving workplace. GUESTS Nien-hê Hsieh, Kim B. Clark Professor of Business Administration Christina Wallace, Senior Lecturer of Business Administration Joseph Fuller, MBA Class of 1960 Professor of Management Practice Iavor Bojinov, James Dinan and Elizabeth Miller Associate Professor of Business Administration RESOURCES Catch up on previous episodes of The Parlor Room, featuring faculty from this compilation episode: Nien-hê Hsieh on Ethical AI, Decision-Making, and Investing Christina Wallace on Developing an Entrepreneurial Mindset Christina Wallace on AI and Entrepreneurship Joe Fuller on AI and Rethinking Work Iavor Bojinov on AI Adoption, Trust, and Decision-Making
Transcribe →
Christina Wallace on AI and Entrepreneurship
May 2701:26:29Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Parlor Room Presents: Hello AI, host and Harvard Business School Online Creative Director Chris Linnane speaks with HBS Professor Christina Wallace about how AI is transforming entrepreneurship and creativity. Wallace explains how founders are using AI to accelerate customer research, prototyping, branding, and operations—and why judgment, originality, and proprietary insight matter more than ever. She also explores the risks of overreliance on AI-generated work, the pressure AI places on artists and creators, and why rising expectations are redefining what it takes to stand out. GUEST Christina Wallace, Senior Lecturer of Business Administration RESOURCES Catch up on previous episodes of The Parlor Room, featuring Christina Wallace: Christina Wallace on Developing an Entrepreneurial Mindset Compilation Episode (Part 2): Early Career Advice for Building AI and Human Skills Compilation Episode (Part 4): How Mid-Career Professionals Can Lead and Grow With AI Plus: Explore Wallace's online course: Entrepreneurial Marketing
Transcribe →
Compilation Episode (Part 4): How Mid-Career Professionals Can Lead and Grow With AI
May 2000:29:01Tap to summarizeIn this compilation episode of The Parlor Room Presents: Hello AI, host and Harvard Business School Online Creative Director Chris Linnane gathers HBS faculty to share actionable advice for mid-career professionals navigating the AI landscape. Featuring professors Christina Wallace, Jake Cook, Iavor Bojinov, and Joe Fuller, the conversation explores how mid-career professionals can build AI fluency, apply their domain expertise, and create value in a rapidly evolving workplace. From identifying entrepreneurial opportunities to experimenting with AI tools and leading organizational change, guests share what it takes to stay adaptable, relevant, and competitive in an AI-driven future. GUESTS Christina Wallace, Senior Lecturer of Business Administration Jake Cook, Lecturer of Business Administration Iavor Bojinov, James Dinan and Elizabeth Miller Associate Professor of Business Administration Joseph Fuller, MBA Class of 1960 Professor of Management Practice RESOURCES Catch up on previous episodes of The Parlor Room, featuring faculty from this compilation episode: Christina Wallace on Developing an Entrepreneurial Mindset Iavor Bojinov on AI Adoption, Trust, and Decision-Making Joe Fuller on AI and Rethinking Work
Transcribe →
Sunil Gupta on Marketing in the Age of AI
May 1300:42:36Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Parlor Room Presents: Hello AI, host and Harvard Business School Online Creative Director Chris Linnane speaks with HBS Professor Sunil Gupta about how AI is reshaping marketing. Gupta explains how generative AI is changing content creation, customer targeting, and brand strategy—and why marketers must go beyond efficiency to create meaningful differentiation. He also explores the evolving role of human judgment, the risks of over-automation, and what it takes to build trust in an AI-driven landscape. GUEST Sunil Gupta, Edward W. Carter Professor of Business Administration RESOURCES Learn more from Professor Sunil Gupta in the HBS Online course, Digital Marketing Strategy. Catch up on previous episodes of The Parlor Room, featuring Sunil Gupta: Sunil Gupta on Data-Driven Digital Marketing Strategies Compilation Episode (Part 3): Mid-Career Strategies for Thriving in an AI-Driven Workplace Related HBS Online Blog Posts: 4 Important Human Skills AI Can’t Replace How AI Training Can Help You Compete in Your Industry What Is a Customer Journey Map? Examples & Process
Transcribe →