Disrupt Disruption

Pascal Finette
  • 5.0 (6)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

be radical's cofounder Pascal Finette in conversation with thought leaders and practitioners on all things innovation and disruption. Together we explore disruption from a first principles basis, identify the real drivers behind disruption and develop practical, hands-on advice on how to "disrupt".

  1. Navigating Uncertainty: Learning, Leadership, and AI's Real Role with Jeffrey Rogers

    OCT 8

    Navigating Uncertainty: Learning, Leadership, and AI's Real Role with Jeffrey Rogers

    What if the leadership frameworks we’ve relied on for decades are fundamentally broken for today’s world? In this thought-provoking conversation, Pascal sits down with Jeffrey Rogers—his collaborator of nearly a decade—to explore how leaders can navigate sustained uncertainty and systematic disruption. Jeffrey, an expert in organizational learning and futures thinking, challenges the “Good to Great” era of one-size-fits-all leadership models. Instead, he advocates for meta-learning: the ability to learn how to learn, adapt frameworks contextually, and build organizations that can transform repeatedly. They dive deep into the tension between efficiency and experimentation, why the “middle horizon” (5-10 years) is so hard to envision, and how generative AI fits into organizational learning—spoiler: it’s not the efficiency tool you think it is. Key Topics Covered: Why best practices are dead and what replaces them in high-uncertainty environmentsThe efficiency vs. learning paradox: how to balance execution with experimentationGenerative AI’s real value: rapid prototyping, not scaling (and why that matters)The futures cone and how to think about multiple possible futuresPractical advice for middle managers when leadership won’t listenBuilding learning systems that connect across your organization

    44 min
  2. The Future of HR: Insights from Gero Hesse on AI's Impact, Authentic Leadership, and Human-Centric Culture

    AUG 27

    The Future of HR: Insights from Gero Hesse on AI's Impact, Authentic Leadership, and Human-Centric Culture

    In this episode, we are joined by Gero Hesse, a distinguished “Top HR Influencer” and CEO of EMBRACE, a Bertelsmann Investments company at the forefront of HR technology. Drawing from his deep expertise, Gero offers a profound perspective on how the HR industry must evolve in an era defined by constant change. The conversation delves into the pressing dichotomy of the talent shortage driven by demographic shifts versus the narrative that AI will automate countless jobs. Gero argues that while technology will inevitably replace administrative roles, it will simultaneously create new ones, shifting the core challenge to workforce transformation and reskilling. He envisions a future where HR transitions from an administrative function to a strategic one, responsible for shaping the cultural and ethical rules for a new, blended workforce of humans and machines. Gero also shares his personal leadership philosophy, which is anchored in radical authenticity and a commitment to building long-term, trust-based relationships. He believes in being the same person at work and in his private life, a principle visibly reflected in the edgy, unconventional branding of his company and its festival-style conferences. Ultimately, Gero provides clear guidance for leaders and HR professionals: as automation handles routine tasks, the enduring value of HR will lie in its ability to manage the human side of the business. He champions a future where the focus shifts to shaping culture, fostering employee identification, and guiding technology integration in a way that amplifies human potential rather than simply replacing it.

    32 min
  3. The Human Side of Digital Transformation: Insights from John Fallon on Why Incumbents Succeed, The Pace of Organizational Change, and Integrating AI in Education

    JUL 23

    The Human Side of Digital Transformation: Insights from John Fallon on Why Incumbents Succeed, The Pace of Organizational Change, and Integrating AI in Education

    We’re joined by John Fallon, former CEO of Pearson PLC, who led its transformation from a 175-year-old publisher to a global digital learning company. Now an author and academic, John shares insights from his new book, “Resurgent,” on how established companies can thrive amidst disruption by leaning into their core strengths while learning to be agile. He argues that a strong, unifying sense of purpose is the most critical factor in navigating the immense challenges of change. John asserts that the “transformation” aspect of digital change is far harder than the “digital” part itself. He describes the core leadership challenge as bridging the gap between exponential technological progress and the linear way humans adapt. Success requires making change tangible and near-term, and he reframes middle managers not as a “permafrost” layer blocking change, but as the organization’s essential “shock absorbers” who translate strategy and manage the associated anxiety. Looking ahead, John provides practical advice, from using AI as a tool to create a powerful “first draft” that human creativity can then elevate, to having the patience required for a journey that often takes over a decade. He explains that leaders must protect small, innovative initiatives with non-financial KPIs and foster a culture of continuous change, recognizing that in the modern era, you are either busy being born or busy dying. → John’s new book "Resurgent: How Established Organizations Can Fight Back and Thrive in an Age of Digital Transformation"

    41 min
  4. Fixing the System, Not the Women: Insights from Stefanie Klein on The Business Case for Diversity, Attracting Female Talent, and Driving Cultural Change

    JUL 17

    Fixing the System, Not the Women: Insights from Stefanie Klein on The Business Case for Diversity, Attracting Female Talent, and Driving Cultural Change

    In this episode, we welcome Stefanie Klein, who leads the international initiative Women4Metals at Aurubis AG. With years of experience in the male-dominated metals industry, Stefanie is dedicated to making women in heavy industry more visible and empowered. Her work demonstrates that diversity is a business imperative, essential for driving cultural transformation across an entire sector. Stefanie explains that the push for diversity at her company is not just a social good but a strategic necessity. It addresses the critical “war for talent” by widening the talent pool and brings diverse perspectives to the table, leading to more sustainable and robust business decisions. The core philosophy of her initiative is to “fix the system, not the women,” focusing on changing the corporate framework to be more inclusive rather than trying to change the women within it. This involves making female role models more visible to attract others and fostering genuine male allyship. For individuals navigating their careers, especially in traditional industries, Stefanie offers clear, actionable advice. She stresses the importance of building a diverse professional network and seeking out sponsorship, noting that women are often “over-mentored but under-sponsored.” Her final guidance for young people is to remain curious, be proactive in connecting with companies, and stay open to all opportunities, particularly in STEM fields where there is immense potential for growth and impact.

    33 min
  5. Authentic Leadership in the Age of Uncertainty: Insights from Brian Brault on Vulnerability, AI, and Human-Centered Management

    JUN 11

    Authentic Leadership in the Age of Uncertainty: Insights from Brian Brault on Vulnerability, AI, and Human-Centered Management

    In this episode, Pascal sits down with Brian Brault, a leadership development expert who runs programs at MIT with the Entrepreneurs Organization, to explore how leadership has fundamentally evolved in our rapidly changing world. Brian shares insights on the shift from traditional “smartest person in the room” leadership to emotionally intelligent, authentic leadership that prioritizes building teams and genuinely caring for people. The conversation delves into the fascinating duality modern leaders face: being vulnerable and empathetic with human teams while maintaining strict control and boundaries when managing AI agents and systems. Brian emphasizes the critical difference between “being vulnerable” and “leading with vulnerability,” explaining how authentic leaders can acknowledge uncertainty while still providing direction and commitment. The discussion covers the future of organizational structures, the continuing importance of middle management despite Silicon Valley trends, and practical advice for leaders navigating the “messy middle” of technological disruption. Brian concludes with actionable guidance for emerging and established leaders looking to adapt their leadership style, including the power of mentorship and leveraging personal strengths rather than focusing on weaknesses. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Leadership Evolution 01:10 The Shift from IQ to EQ in Leadership 04:00 Trust, Authenticity, and Stakeholder Balance 05:50 The AI Leadership Paradox: Humans vs Machines 09:17 Data Accuracy and Decision-Making in the AI Era 11:35 Outdated vs Essential Leadership Skills 12:22 Brian's Story: Learning to Lead Without All the Answers 16:17 Creating Organizations of Leaders, Not Followers 17:44 Leading Into the Unknown and Career Transitions 21:48 Building Empowered Teams and Strategic Clarity 22:15 The Future of Organizational Structure and Middle Management 26:24 Defining Vulnerable vs Leading with Vulnerability 28:57 Practical Advice for Adapting Leadership Style 33:40 Where to Find Brian and Legacy of Significance ↗ Brian's company: Legacy of Significance ↗ Connect with Brian on LinkedIn

    38 min
  6. Embracing Rapid Change: Insights from Scott Wingo on AI, E-commerce, and Innovation

    MAY 16

    Embracing Rapid Change: Insights from Scott Wingo on AI, E-commerce, and Innovation

    In this episode, Pascal is joined by Scott Wingo, a pioneer in the e-commerce space, to discuss the concept of 'liminal space' and the rapid changes brought by AI and geopolitics. Scott shares his journey from growing up with a mainframe in his home to navigating the fast-paced shifts from desktop to mobile and now AI. The conversation delves into the complexities organizations face in adapting to technological advancements, highlighting Martex’s Law and the need for a non-binary approach to change. Scott explains his 70-20-10 framework developed at ChannelAdvisor to balance core business activities with innovation. The discussion also covers the future of AI-native organizations, the rise of agents in e-commerce, and how leaders can manage these agents effectively. Scott emphasizes the importance of staying updated through podcasts and other high-signal sources while also sharing insights on potential disruptions in traditional search models by AI-driven platforms. 00:00 Introduction and Liminal Space 00:59 Technological Evolution and AI 03:15 Organizational Change and Martex Law 04:15 Framework for Managing Change 07:34 AI Native Organizations 11:31 Staying Updated in a Rapidly Changing World 17:36 Diving into Agent AI in E-commerce 18:56 The Potential of Agent AI in Everyday Life 20:52 Managing a Company with AI Agents 22:06 Building an AI-Driven Organizational Structure 28:42 The Future of AI in Business Efficiency 31:26 The Shift from Google Search to AI-Powered Tools 33:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts ↗ Scot’s new venture: ReFiBuy.ai

    38 min
  7. Middle Management's Vital Role: Insights from Johnathan and Melissa Nightingale, Raw Signal Group

    MAR 13

    Middle Management's Vital Role: Insights from Johnathan and Melissa Nightingale, Raw Signal Group

    In this episode, the first of Season 2, Pascal welcomes Johnathan and Melissa, founders of the Raw Signal Group, to discuss the evolving landscape of management and leadership. Known for their impactful writings and expertise, Johnathan and Melissa share their insights on how leaders can navigate the turbulent shifts brought about by remote work, AI advancements, and geopolitical changes. They explore the concept of 'liminal space' in the workplace and the challenges faced by managers in constantly adapting to new norms. The conversation delves into the importance of middle management, the need for organizations to prioritize clarity and communication, and the critical role of one-on-one meetings in managing change effectively. They also highlight the pitfalls of relying solely on top-down directives and the importance of critical self-reflection for leadership development. The episode concludes with practical advice for leaders at all levels and a glimpse into the training and resources offered by the Raw Signal Group. Raw Signal Group: ↗ https://www.rawsignal.ca Raw Signal Group’s “The World’s Best Newsletter”: ↗ https://www.rawsignal.ca/worlds-best-newsletter/ Unmanageable - Leadership Lessons from an Impossible Year: ↗ https://www.amazon.com/Unmanageable-Leadership-Lessons-Impossible-Year/dp/0995964327/ How F*cked Up Is Your Management - An Uncomfortable Conversation About Modern Leadership: ↗ https://www.amazon.com/How-cked-Your-Management-uncomfortable/dp/0995964300 00:00 Introduction to Season Two 00:49 Meet Jonathan and Melissa 00:55 Navigating the Liminal Space 01:27 Challenges in Modern Leadership 03:22 The Human Element in Tech 05:49 The Role of Middle Management 08:48 Effective Change Management 10:53 Building Confidence in Leadership 17:37 The Importance of One-on-Ones 20:16 Overcoming Resistance to Change 24:24 Creating a Narrative Hook for Change 25:12 Responding to Overwhelming Change 25:43 The Importance of Structure in Fast-Moving Organizations 26:53 The Impact of Intentional Design in Management 29:24 The Killer Competitor Exercise 30:13 The Challenge of Stopping Activities 32:20 The Importance of Trade-offs in Management 36:07 The Future of Work and Management 44:04 Practical Advice for Leaders in Liminal Spaces 47:17 About Raw Signal Group and Conclusion

    52 min

  8. 03/22/2024

    The Future of Spatial Computing (or: Whatever happened to AR and VR?)

    ​Join Pascal Finette in our dynamic bimonthly live event series to dive into the heart of innovation. Pascal engages in candid conversations with eminent experts who demonstrate progress in practice. ​In our first session of 2024, we feature Aaron Frank, a longtime expert in Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Spatial Computing. Together, we will explore the future of this field. ​With the recent release of Apple's Vision Pro headset, Meta's ongoing efforts, the continuous updates to the Quest Pro hardware, and the entry of new companies into the market, this could be the moment when headset-based computing takes off – or not?!

    54 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

be radical's cofounder Pascal Finette in conversation with thought leaders and practitioners on all things innovation and disruption. Together we explore disruption from a first principles basis, identify the real drivers behind disruption and develop practical, hands-on advice on how to "disrupt".

Information

  • Creator
    Pascal Finette
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    58
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Pascal Finette
  • Show Website
    Disrupt Disruption

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