The New Rules for Becoming an Enterprise Leader

The New Rules for Becoming an Enterprise Leader

Author: Harvard Business Review July 14, 2026 Duration: 31:12
What does it take to succeed in an enterprise-level leadership role today? Michael Watkins, professor at IMD and author of the book The First 90 Days, says that the leap from functional or business line manager to a more senior position is tricker than ever owing to three factors: AI, geopolitical complexity, and compressed leadership pipelines. He explains what that means for executives aspiring to make the transition and outlines all the new skills and capabilities they need to rise to the top now. Watkins is author of the HBR article, "3 Forces Are Redefining the Transition from Manager to Leader."

Each week, the HBR IdeaCast from Harvard Business Review sits down with experts whose ideas are shaping the world of work. This isn't about abstract theory; it's a conversation focused on practical insights for leaders, managers, and entrepreneurs navigating real challenges. You'll hear from scholars, CEOs, and innovators dissecting topics across management, marketing, and organizational strategy, translating complex research into actionable advice. The discussions get into the nuances of building effective teams, driving growth, making strategic decisions, and understanding the forces transforming industries. By tuning into this podcast, you gain access to the forefront of business thinking, a resource for anyone looking to sharpen their skills and lead more effectively. The consistent, in-depth dialogue provides a valuable perspective that goes beyond headlines, offering a deeper understanding of how to succeed in a competitive landscape. It's a direct line to the ideas that matter, presented through thoughtful conversation designed to provoke reflection and inspire change in your own professional approach.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

HBR IdeaCast
Podcast Episodes
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Duration: 28:55
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The Shifting Relationship Between Business and the U.S. Government [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:52
As the Trump administration continues to reshape the U.S. and global business landscape, many have been left wondering why CEOs and other business leaders aren't vocalizing their views. Jeffrey Sonnenfeld is a professor…
Strategy Summit 2026: Why AI Transformation Needs a Human Touch [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:46
AI needs to be central to any organization's strategy today, but many are still not implementing the technology in the most effective ways. In this four-part special series, we'll share conversations from the recent HBR…
The Hidden Causes of AI Workslop—and How to Fix Them [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:50
As organizations and their employees ramp up their generative AI experimentation, leaders are facing a new problem: the rise of AI-generated "workslop," which seems okay on the surface but doesn't actually pass muster an…
The New Leadership Structures that Unblock Innovation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:30
The ability of an organization to innovate over and over again, for the long term, depends on leadership structure, culture, and systems. That's according to Harvard Business School professor Linda Hill, who has spent ye…
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Duration: 29:15
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Duration: 30:07
What if the AI you integrate into your organization isn't just about efficiency or creating digital assistants, but completely changes how you work? Longtime digital trend watcher Don Tapscott says the next wave of artif…
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Duration: 29:50
What if your customers aren't looking for better products and services, but for a way for themselves to become better? While the experience economy remains important, Strategic Horizons cofounder B. Joseph Pine II argues…
The Cognitive Science Behind Sudden Change [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:11
Difficult change is an inevitable part of life, but few of us have the skills and mindset to handle it well. That can trickle into our work and careers, but there are lessons from psychology that can help us be more resi…
The Case For Becoming a Project-Based Org [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:20
What does it take to stay agile and compete effectively in today's business world? Smart leaders are entirely reorienting their organizations around project-based work, says Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez, CEO of Projects & Com…