A Blueprint for Keeping Humans in Control of AI
New research teaches independent AI agents to ask for help — and builds oversight of models we don’t fully trust.
David Rubenstein on Leading the Parade
The D.C. denizen reflects on his time in Jimmy Carter’s White House, recalls how he got into leveraged buyouts, and shares why he thinks you're not working hard enough if you never fail.
Ask for More Pay and Get Penalized, Stay Quiet and Fall Behind
New research finds that class shapes not just who negotiates for higher salaries, but who pays a price for speaking up.
How Falling Interest Rates Widened Americans’ Wealth Gap
Low interest rates fueled an asset boom that benefited the wealthy — and would amplify the hit of potential Social Security cuts on low-income retirees.
The Dollar’s Dominance Is Eroding
Investors are increasingly eying alternatives to the world’s strongest currency.
AI Could Uncover the Hidden Ways People Work Together
The winners of the AI for Organizations Grand Challenge believe that identifying the “grammar of coordination” could have profound implications for the future of work.
Latest Stories
Idea Stories Opensearch
April 23, 2020
Written
Reading Through the Pandemic
A Stanford business scholar discusses the literature that can sustain us in a crisis.

April 21, 2020
Written
Mexico City — Latin America’s Future Tech Hub?
A new wave of entrepreneurs are launching in North America’s most populous city.

April 21, 2020
Written
Patagonia CEO: A Force for Environmental Change
Rose Marcario is working to push the business world to stop prioritizing short-term gain over long-term environmental impact.

April 17, 2020
Written
Finding Mindfulness in Traumatic Times
Here’s a curated collection from the archives that offer self-care wisdom and helpful life lessons during a period of worldwide stress.

April 16, 2020
Written
The Productivity Pitfalls of Working from Home in the Age of COVID-19
Nicholas Bloom’s research has measured the benefits of working from home. But in the current coronavirus crisis, the economist fears productivity will plummet.

April 16, 2020
Written
Responding to Crisis: A Spotlight on Your Organization
Rather than be derailed by crises, seize the opportunity to articulate what you stand for — at a time when everyone is listening.

April 14, 2020
Written
Joel Peterson: How Entrepreneurs Should Lead in Times of Crisis
Face hard truths, act decisively, lean on your board, and communicate “lavishly,” says the JetBlue chairman.

April 10, 2020
Audio
Don’t Get Lost in Translation: How Non-Native Speakers Can Communicate with Confidence
On this podcast episode, host Matt Abrahams speaks with Kenneth Romeo on specific tactics that non-native English speakers can use to handle in-the-moment challenges.

April 10, 2020
Written
Yes, the Unemployment Numbers Are Bad, but the Pain Might Be Relatively Short
“I do have hope that we can come out of it quickly,” says Stanford economist Edward Lazear.

April 07, 2020
Written
What Makes Some Health Care Teams More Effective Than Others?
High-performing health care teams focus on functional and cultural change simultaneously, while low-performing teams focus on just one type of change.

April 06, 2020
Written
The Crisis Leadership Playbook
Don’t just tell your constituents how you’re responding to the pandemic, a Stanford expert says. Ask them what they want, listen to them, and then engage.

April 06, 2020
Written
Golden State Warrior Steph Curry: Communication Is Everything
The celebrity athlete talks family, religion, and vision on and off the court.

April 03, 2020
Audio
Quick Thinks: Tips for Speaking up in Virtual Meetings
In this bonus episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, host Matt Abrahams shares a framework for structuring your comments during a meeting or presentation.

April 02, 2020
Written
The 1930s Depression Was ‘Great.’ This One Might Be Greater.
The coronavirus pandemic may end this winter, but a longtime expert says the economic damage will be deep and could last for years.

April 01, 2020
Written
Goldman Sachs’ David Solomon: Taking a “Very Closed, Very Private” Company into the Modern World
Goldman’s top executive riffs on his backstory, priorities, and musical moonlighting as DJ D-Sol.

March 31, 2020
Written
Could Infusion of Foreign Capital Be a Cure for Xenophobia?
Communities look more favorably on immigrants when investments help boost the local economy.

March 27, 2020
Audio
Quick Thinks: Communicating and Leading Virtually
In this bonus episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, host Matt Abrahams shares quick tips on communicating via screen.


March 26, 2020
Written
Economists to Congress: Don’t Bail out Big Business
An open letter drafted by Stanford professors says the coronavirus stimulus package should benefit workers — not corporations and their wealthy shareholders.

March 25, 2020
Written
Girls Who Run the World: Business Insights and Interviews with Women CEOs
To celebrate Women’s History Month, we’re sharing stories from Diana Kapp’s, MBA ’96, book aimed at inspiring young entrepreneurs.

March 23, 2020
Written
Where Insider Trading Flourishes
Two ways company insiders are taking advantage of privileged information and going undetected.

March 18, 2020
Video
How to Bridge Political Divides
Reframe your argument to reflect the other side’s values.

March 18, 2020
Written
Rethinking Workplace Education
Guild offers a data-driven approach to education benefits that has attracted the Fortune 500.

March 16, 2020
Written
The Future of Criminal Justice
A conference on prosecution reform through data discusses the challenges of culture change.
