Rotman Visiting Experts

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Big ideas. Bold conversations. Hosted by Brett Hendrie, this monthly podcast takes you behind the scenes of Rotman’s acclaimed Speaker Series to explore transformative ideas about business and society. Each episode features global thinkers, bold business leaders and influential scholars sharing insights on how we work, lead and live in a rapidly changing world. From leadership in uncertain times to failing smarter, you’ll get sharp, practical takeaways and fresh perspectives you can apply right away — no MBA required.

  1. Behind the Leadership Blockers: What's Really Holding You Back

    4H AGO

    Behind the Leadership Blockers: What's Really Holding You Back

    Are you carrying certain beliefs that might limit your ability to lead? Leadership coach Muriel Wilkins explores how hidden beliefs — like “I need to be involved in everything” or “I can’t make a mistake” — quietly limit leadership potential. She shares a practical three-step framework to help uncover, unpack and reframe these thoughts.  Show Notes  [00:00] Brett Hendrie on hidden beliefs  [1:12] Meet Muriel Wilkins, author of Leadership Unblocked: Break Through the Beliefs That Limit Your Potential [2:26] What are internal beliefs?  [4:27] The complete list of blockers and what they mean.  [6:01] Situations where these types of blockers are more likely to manifest themselves. [7:03] Honing in on one blocker: "I need it done right now." What does that blocker reveal about a person, and how does Wilkins coach people past that immediate urgency? [9:09] Another example blocker: "I can't make a mistake" — a relevant blocker for those who may have perfectionist tendencies. Wilkins explains how she coaches leaders to get past that mindset? [11:03] Exploring how different blockers can sometimes overlap.  [12:27] Wilkins provides advice on how to move past the blockers.  [14:24] How Wilkins overcomes her own blockers. [16:13] Advice on how to potentially help colleagues to see their own blockers.  [18:00] Final thoughts: you can lead with more ease if you remember how much your mindset matters, so try to leverage that.   If you enjoyed this episode, why not give some of our back catalogue a listen? If you want to dig deeper into leadership topics, check out Cutting through the noise: How to make better decisions with Nuala Walsh, or Michael Bungay Stanier on the secrets to coaching others. Make sure you subscribe to this podcast on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts — and please consider giving the series a five-star rating. To explore more leadership tips and tricks from the Rotman School of Management, check out our Rotman Executive Summary podcast, featuring the latest research and thought-leadership from our esteemed faculty. Check it out on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. And be sure to subscribe to the Rotman Insights Hub bi-weekly newsletter for even more insights shaping business and society.

    20 min
  2. Terry O'Reilly on what mavericks and outcasts can teach leaders about innovation

    JAN 27

    Terry O'Reilly on what mavericks and outcasts can teach leaders about innovation

    What does it mean to go against the grain? To be a trailblazer or a maverick? To break the rules?  We often celebrate mavericks in the business world for their success, but rarely acknowledge the tumultuous — and sometimes despondent — path they face when defying convention.  On the latest episode of Visiting Experts, Terry O’Reilly joins host Brett Hendrie to discuss his new book and explore how mavericks have changed the world, even when the personal cost was great. From Gustave Eiffel to Taylor Swift, it’s essential listening for leaders looking to bend — or break — a few rules. Show Notes [0:00] Brett Hendrie on the power of mavericks in business and society. [1:10] Meet Terry O’Reilly, host of The Age of Persuasion, and author of the new book Against the Grain.  [2:17] What prompted Terry to write a book on individuals who break the rules, and through the process, what did he learn about shared traits they all have?  [5:18] How did Gustave Eiffel — of Eiffel Tower fame — succeed when everyone believed he (and the tower) would fail?  [8:42] Terry breaks down the important, yet tragic, story of Ignaz Semmelweis.  [12:46] Why are intuition and hunches so crucial to the maverick mindset?  [14:20] Taylor Swift may feel like she’s part of the system, but her smart approach to bending the rules has made her an unrivalled superstar.  [17:23] Terry’s own journey into rule-breaking, for work with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, shows the power of trusting your gut and ignoring the status quo.  [20:34] If everyone has their own platforms and echo chambers, can you really go against the grain anymore? Terry says sort of.  [21:52] His parting advice: “I would say this, if you don't think one person can change the world, you are wrong. That's the takeaway.” If you enjoyed this episode, why not give some of our back catalogue a listen?  If you want to learn more about dealing with disruption, check out our conversation with Karthik Ramanna on leading in a time of outrage, or Anne Chow on redefining what inclusive leadership really means.  Make sure you subscribe to this podcast on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts — and please consider giving the series a five-star rating. To explore more leadership tips and tricks from the Rotman School of Management, check out our Rotman Executive Summary podcast, featuring the latest research and thought-leadership from our esteemed faculty. Check it out on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. And be sure to subscribe to the Rotman Insights Hub bi-weekly newsletter for even more insights shaping business and society.

    24 min
  3. The value in what 'everyone knows': The invisible force behind communication and influence

    11/25/2025

    The value in what 'everyone knows': The invisible force behind communication and influence

    What we know matters. But what we know others know can make or break a deal. Professor Steven Pinker joins host Brett Hendrie to talk about common knowledge — what everyone knows that everyone knows, why it’s crucial to business and negotiation, and how shared understanding helps people get work done. Show notes: [0:00] Brett Hendrie on moments of shared understanding [0:58] Meet Harvard professor Steven Pinker, who joins the episode to talk about his new book When Everyone Knows That Everyone Knows. [2:28] What is common knowledge? [3:49] Steven was drawn to the topic because so much of language is what we don’t say… and he began to wonder why we don’t say it. [4:20] “Netflix and chill” is the perfect example of common knowledge in practice. [5:33] How common knowledge can shape advertising and marketing [7:59] It can also influence markets — think speculative bubbles, bank runs and trust in financial institutions. [11:01] Negotiations are often only successful because of common knowledge. [14:57] Complete openness and transparency can backfire — see Bridgewater Associates — and this is where things left unsaid (but still understood) can fill the gaps. [18:01] What do we lose with less common knowledge in a remote or hybrid work environment? Those physical social cues — blushing, glaring, staring — communicate a lot in the end. [19:51] In a world of information bubbles, common knowledge is getting fractured. [21:09] What’s left unsaid has lots of value. “I think the genteel hypocrisy and innuendo and euphemism makes social life possible — but that sometimes gets in the way of actually transacting the business of life. And that balance is, I think, what we call tact, savoir faire, social skill — not being too far along one end of the spectrum. And what I think a lot of that consists of is knowing what to put in common knowledge and what to keep out of common knowledge.” If you enjoyed this episode, why not give some of our back catalogue a listen? If you want to dig deeper into the psychology of the world around us, check out our discussions with Malcolm Gladwell on how our shared stories shape our world, or Michael Bungay Stanier on the secrets to coaching others. Make sure you subscribe to this podcast on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts — and please consider giving the series a five-star rating. To explore more leadership tips and tricks from the Rotman School of Management, check out our Rotman Executive Summary podcast, featuring the latest research and thought-leadership from our esteemed faculty. Check it out on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. And be sure to subscribe to the Rotman Insights Hub bi-weekly newsletter for even more insights shaping business and society.

    23 min
  4. Gut instinct: How to actually master your intuition

    10/28/2025

    Gut instinct: How to actually master your intuition

    We’ve all been told to “trust our gut.” But how do you know when intuition is steering you right — or leading you astray? In this episode, host Brett Hendrie explores the science and strategy behind gut feelings with Laura Huang, professor of management and organizational development at Northeastern University. She explains why our gut is always right, how we can train ourselves to listen to what it’s telling us, and how to turn that intuiting process into a real decision-making tool — not just a hunch. Show notes:  [0:00] Brett Hendrie reflects on what it means to really listen to your gut.  [1:19] Meet Laura Huang, professor of management and organizational development at Northeastern University, and author of You Already Know: The Science of Mastering Your Intuition.  [2:15] What is our gut instinct and how does it differ from intuition? [5:03] Why is it important to disentangle our intuition from our emotions? (Hint: give yourself time.) [6:59] There are four types of decisions we need to make — simple, complicated, complex and chaotic — and we should really only use our gut for the latter two.  [9:24] Your gut never lies. It’s 100% accurate. Why? Because it’s more like a compass than a right/wrong switch.  [11:34] Our gut and intuiting process — like most things in life — aren’t linear. They pull data points from across our lives.  [13:12] The three types of gut reactions: Eureka, Aha and Uh-Ohs. [15:55] To train yourself to trust your gut, start by identifying what type of reaction you’re having. (What is your body actually telling you?)  [16:19] Training tip: Consider the rule of three (meet someone in three different settings) to test your gut.  [19:09] Become an “expert novice.” Think brushing your teeth with your non-dominant hand. Try that, but with a job task.  [21:39] What’s collective intuition?  [22:02] Your gut is like a whisper trying to break through the noise around you. “And so we kind of shove that aside, and the more we shove that aside, the more the whispers are buried in this sea of screams, and so I would say, listen to what whispers and not what screams. And the more we do that, the more we'll be able to master our intuition.” If you enjoyed this episode, why not give some of our back catalogue a listen? To stay on theme, check out our conversations with Richard Davis on mastering your ability to judge people, or Nuala Walsh on tuning out the wrong type of information when making decisions. Make sure you subscribe to this podcast on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts — and please consider giving the series a five-star rating. To explore more leadership tips and tricks from the Rotman School of Management, check out our Rotman Executive Summary podcast, featuring the latest research and thought-leadership from our esteemed faculty. Check it out onApple,Spotifyor wherever you get your podcasts. And be sure tosubscribeto theRotman Insights Hubbi-weekly newsletter for even more insights shaping business and society.

    25 min
  5. Finite humans: How to do more by accepting your limits

    09/30/2025

    Finite humans: How to do more by accepting your limits

    In a world that never stops asking for more, how can we focus on what truly matters? In the season premiere of Visiting Experts, Brett Hendrie sits down with Oliver Burkeman, author of Meditations for Mortals and 4,000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals, to explore the power of accepting our limits. Oliver shares insights on why striving for perfection can hold us back, how embracing imperfection can unlock ambition, and why small, deliberate actions often lead to the biggest impact. From navigating work and life like a kayak on a river to tackling intimidating tasks “one step at a time,” this conversation offers practical strategies for reclaiming control, reducing stress, and making time for what counts. Show notes [0:00] Brett Hendrie reflects on the myth of “zero inbox”  [1:26] Meet Oliver Burkeman, author of 4,000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals and Meditations for Mortals, expert on productivity, time management and personal effectiveness. [3:39] Understanding what it means to be a finite human in an infinite world, and how embracing your human limits can be freeing.  [5:52] The dangers of perfectionism in professional and personal life, and why imperfectionism can boost efficiency. [7:19] Making conscious trade-offs instead of trying to do everything: practical tips for prioritization and decision-making. [9:10] Oliver’s “kayak vs. superyacht” analogy for navigating uncertainty and making meaningful progress in life and work. [10:37] Long-term, detailed plans for change can be destined for failure. Instead, start small: take action today without trying to control every outcome. [12:21] The “just going to the shed” concept: confronting tasks and projects you’ve been avoiding to reduce decision paralysis and procrastination. [14:43] The liberating idea: every choice on how you spend your time has a cost, and once you accept that reality, you’re free to choose which set of costs you’re willing to pay.  [16:42] Integrating imperfectionism with realistic ambition to achieve more without burnout. [19:14] Applying these ideas as a leader or manager: balancing control and autonomy to empower teams and increase organizational productivity. [21:18] “Obviously, what people want is like the three practices you can do every day, and then you've got this nailed. But a big part of what I'm trying to say in this book is life doesn't work like that. And so, if you actually want the change, I think you do need to work on developing the patience to sort of try these things bit by bit. “If you were to ask me for like, what's one thing that people can do, then my answer would be: there is something in your work or your life that you know is really meaningful to you… Do 10 minutes of that thing today and actually do it.” To explore more leadership tips and tricks from the Rotman School of Management, check out our Rotman Executive Summary podcast, featuring the latest research and thought-leadership from our esteemed faculty. Check it out on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. And be sure to subscribe to the Rotman Insights Hub bi-weekly newsletter for even more insights shaping business and society.

    24 min

  6. SEASON 4 TRAILER

    Rotman Visiting Experts launches September 30

    Big ideas. Bold conversations. Rotman Visiting Experts returns September 30. Join host Brett Hendrie as he chats with the influential thinkers and leaders featured in our acclaimed speakers series. This season, learn how to embrace imperfectionism, master your intuition and lead like a maverick.     Season 4 launches September 30 — follow now so you don't miss an episode.

    2 min

  7. 03/25/2025

    The psychology of data: The hidden messages in your digital footprint

    Every search, like, and click leaves a trace — but what do these digital breadcrumbs really say about you? Author and professor Sandra Matz joined host Brett Hendrie to explore the psychology of data and how businesses use this information to build detailed profiles, predicting everything from your personality to your spending habits. How much do they really know, and what can you do about it?  Three takeaways What you do online says so much more about you than you realize. Even the words you use in social posts can be telling about your personality. If you use lots of self-centred language (I, me, myself), it can actually be a sign of emotional distress. And studies from nearly a decade ago show that by simply analyzing a person's Facebook likes and follows, AI can be better at predicting someone's personality than their closest friends and family.And businesses can use this information to influence their consumer behaviour. Matz worked on one study with a beauty retailer that proves the point. For outgoing extroverts, language on the ads highlighted the fun nights ahead, while for introverts the ads focused on self-care at home, and the campaign was hugely successful. But Matz warns, leaders need to be very cautious about using this type of information; after all trust is easily broken and it's a fine line between giving people exactly what they want and need from a company and manipulation.Finally, when it comes to privacy issues, Matz warns it's not your social posts people should be most concerned with. It's our phones. The apps on our phones often have complete access to our photo galleries, location data, and even message history. Managing your data privacy can be a full-time job, but for folks who want to take a first step, she recommends being way more mindful about the permissions you give to companies when downloading your next app or game.

    25 min

  8. 02/25/2025

    Leading bigger: Inclusion, flexibility and the future of work

    Is inclusion the secret to high-performing teams? In this episode of Rotman Visiting Experts, Brett Hendrie sits down with Anne Chow, former CEO of AT&T Business and author of Lead Bigger, to explore why true inclusion goes beyond DEI—and why leaders who embrace it outperform those who don’t. From creating psychologically safe workplaces to rethinking flexibility and performance metrics, Chow shares practical insights on how leaders can cultivate cultures where employees — and businesses — thrive. Three takeaways Inclusion has been stuck on the end of the DEI acronym. To Chow, inclusion is more than just representation. It's broadening our perspectives and ensuring the voices of all our stakeholders — from employees to regulators to unions to media to customers — are heard and considered. The world is changing, and the better leader will be one with a diverse perspective.Inclusive leadership starts with caring about your employees. Chow reminds bosses that people don't have a work life and a personal life. They have one life, and it happens to consist of both work and personal obligations. "You as a leader, you have the relationship with the person based on the professional dimensions of their life, but it is incumbent upon you to respect the boundaries and the priorities of their personal life," she says. "And what that means for you as the inclusive leader is that you must put in place performance measures, accountability, clarity, as well as benefits and support structures that enable people to live a meaningful life that has professional and personal goals and contributions." And right now, the key for most leaders will be around flexibility.A good manager or leader will help employees thrive in their job. Team members will never lack understanding of where they are in their job, how they're doing in relation to their peers. They will know what skills they need to advance and feel their leader has provided them the resources they need to succeed. A great manager will help their people thrive in their careers, never forgetting that their current job is just one small part of the entirety of their work life. "They recognize and seek in you a potential that goes beyond your current job," she says.

    24 min
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Big ideas. Bold conversations. Hosted by Brett Hendrie, this monthly podcast takes you behind the scenes of Rotman’s acclaimed Speaker Series to explore transformative ideas about business and society. Each episode features global thinkers, bold business leaders and influential scholars sharing insights on how we work, lead and live in a rapidly changing world. From leadership in uncertain times to failing smarter, you’ll get sharp, practical takeaways and fresh perspectives you can apply right away — no MBA required.

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