Corporate Unplugged

In this episode, Vesna is joined by Lars Strannegård, President of the Stockholm School of Economics, for a profound conversation on education, leadership, and the critical role of art and empathy in shaping the future of business and society. Lars shares his formative experiences living abroad, highlighting how cultural exposure and the lack of it shaped his perspective on inclusion and the importance of creative expression. He discusses the vision for SSE, emphasizing the need for students to leave with a broad, reflective mindset, ready to serve society and make a positive impact. In an era where artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the landscape, Lars argues that the development of human intelligence—skills like empathy, self-awareness, and critical thinking—becomes more vital than ever. He introduces the FREE framework guiding SSE: Fact-based, Reflective, Empathetic, and Entrepreneurial mindsets, which together foster responsible leadership. The conversation explores the transformative power of art as an “intellectual and emotional itching powder,” challenging individuals to reflect and grow. Lars also stresses the importance of inclusion, respect, and the need for everyone to feel heard and valued in organizations and society. The episode offers practical wisdom for leaders to widen their perspectives, embrace discomfort, and prioritize relationships as the foundation of meaningful leadership.On today’s podcast:● Why art and culture are essential for leadership in the age of AI● The FREE framework: Fact-based, Reflective, Empathetic, Entrepreneurial● How formative experiences shape empathy and inclusion● The transformative power of art as a catalyst for self-reflection● Why inclusion and respect are critical for responsible leadership

In this episode, Vesna welcomes Dr. Peter Senge, renowned MIT Sloan lecturer and pioneer of systems thinking, to the Corporate Unplugged Podcast. Peter explores why true change requires a shift in how we see interdependence, not just in business but in society at large. Drawing from decades of work with organizations and indigenous communities, he explains how deep, sustainable transformation starts with cultural and institutional shifts—far beyond quick fixes or policy tweaks.Peter shares practical ways leaders can catalyze systemic change, emphasizing the power of authentic partnerships and “pre-competitive collaboration”—even among rivals. He highlights the importance of leadership as a developmental journey rooted in purpose, service, and the ability to create generative social fields where trust and innovation can flourish. Peter also reflects on the wisdom of indigenous cultures and the critical need for hope and honest dialogue in times of uncertainty.On today’s podcast:Why systems thinking is essential for real, lasting changeHow leaders can embody and catalyze transformationThe value of partnerships and collective intelligenceLessons from indigenous cultures on resilience and memoryWhy hope, courage, and relational space matter now more than ever

Robert Edward Grant, a modern polymath, inventor, author, and visionary entrepreneur, joins Vesna on Corporate Unplugged to explore the profound intersections of love, leadership, and multidimensional thinking. With over 80 patents and contributions spanning fields like cryptography, geometry, and healthcare, Robert shares his unique journey of bridging science, spirituality, and innovation.In this episode, Robert reflects on how love drives his purpose and how self-awareness and judgment-free living are essential for personal and societal transformation. He discusses the importance of polymathy in addressing complex challenges and why humanity is on the cusp of a collective awakening. From sacred geometry to the power of synchronicity, Robert offers a thought-provoking lens for leaders seeking to create meaningful impact.In this episode:Why love is the ultimate driver of purposeThe role of polymathy in solving global challengesHow judgment creates suffering and self-love heals itHumanity’s awakening and interconnectedness through synchronicitySacred geometry as a meditative practice

In this episode of Corporate Unplugged, Vesna Lucca speaks with Thierry Malleret, economist, author, and founder of Summit of Minds. Thierry shares his unique perspective on leadership, sustainability, and the urgent need for businesses to embrace stakeholder capitalism. Drawing from his diverse career—including years at the World Economic Forum—Thierry reflects on the challenges and opportunities shaping our world today. “Without nature, there is no economy,” Thierry emphasizes, underscoring the critical role of natural capital in sustaining our future. Through his Summit of Minds initiative, he immerses leaders in nature-based experiences to inspire action: “When you see glaciers retreating almost visibly, it compels you to act.” Thierry also reveals his creative side as a novelist. His latest geopolitical thriller, Deaths at Davos, explores themes of power, greenwashing, and global influence. “Fiction allows me to ask bold questions about our world without the constraints of non-fiction,” he explains.Listeners will hear Thierry’s candid thoughts on cross-generational collaboration: “Younger generations are today’s change agents—more attuned to sustainability and determined to make a difference.” He also highlights the importance of listening as a key leadership skill: “Too many leaders talk at people instead of with them. Listening is rare but transformative.”This episode is a call to action for leaders and individuals alike to embrace hope through decisive action, collaboration, and a commitment to sustainability.On today’s podcast:Thierry’s non-linear career journeyThe importance of stakeholder capitalismWriting fiction to explore global challengesNature as an economic cornerstoneCross-generational dialogue as a force for change

In this episode of Corporate Unplugged, Vesna explores new worlds with Jesh de Rox, cultural anthropologist and founder of hOURS. They explore the transformative potential of AI in enhancing human connection and creativity. Jesh shares his journey from being a renowned photographer to a visionary leader in social technology, emphasizing the importance of nurturing environments that foster human growth.Jesh discusses his shift from seeing himself as a healer to a gardener, focusing on creating conditions for people to thrive. This metaphor underpins his work at hOURS, where he aims to build scalable systems that promote epiphanies and personal development. He envisions a future where technology supports collective intelligence, drawing from the deep well of human creativity and emotion.The conversation also touches on the limitations of current AI systems, which often lack depth and fail to capture the richness of human experience. Jesh advocates for a new approach that respects individual data ownership and incentivizes genuine contributions to a collective intelligence network.This episode reflects on the role of trust and purpose in this journey, highlighting the urgent need for businesses to align with human-centric values. It is a call for leaders to embrace boldness and authenticity in shaping a future that prioritizes growth and connection over profit and exploitation.In this episode:Transitioning from healing wounds to cultivating growth.AI that can enhance human creativity and connection.Personal data ownership – crucial for ethical AI development.Trust and purpose – essential components of systems aligned with human values.A call for leaders to prioritize meaningful contributions over profit.

In this episode Vesna sits down with Dr. Renée Lertzman, a renowned psychologist and strategist, to explore the intricacies of creating genuine engagement within organizations. Renée shares her insights on leveraging psychology to drive transformative change and how leaders can foster resilience in the face of volatility.She emphasizes the importance of intrinsic motivation, highlighting key drivers like mastery, purpose, autonomy, connection, and belonging. This challenges traditional approaches to change management, advocating for a shift from pushing and persuading to guiding and partnering with teams.The conversation delves into the psychological aspects of courage and how organizations can create environments that enable individuals to access their inner strength. Dr. Lertzman also discusses the significance of integrating experiences into daily practice, ensuring that transformative moments lead to sustainable change.Join us as we uncover strategies for unlocking potential and driving meaningful change in today's complex world.On today’s podcast :Intrinsic Motivation: Mastery, purpose, autonomy, connection, and belonging.Guiding Over Pushing: Shift from traditional methods to a partnership approach in leadership.Courage and Resilience: Creating conditions that enable individuals to access their courage.Integration of Experiences: Ensuring transformative experiences are integrated into everyday practice.Psychological Approach: Using psychology to foster engagement and manage change effectively.