How Dollar Tree Plans to Thrive Despite Breaking the Buck
For 35 years, Dollar Tree, a discount retail chain selling general merchandise, had held its fixed price point steady, charging $1.00 for its ever-changing assortment of household items, food, stationery, books, seasonal items, gifts, toys, and clothing. That changed in late 2021, when the company announced that Dollar Tree was raising prices on all goods to $1.25. Harvard Business School Senior Lecturer Jill Avery joins host Brian Kenny to discuss whether the retail chain could remain relevant to its price sensitive shoppers through smart marketing, pricing, and branding strategies in the case, “Dollar Tree: Breaking the Buck.”
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How Lyft’s CEO Got the Company Moving Again
In the winter of 2023, Lyft was facing declining market share and financial pressures. Enter new CEO David Risher, who took the helm amid low morale and limited resources. His challenge: reignite innovation, refocus the culture, and find new ways to stand out in an industry dominated by Uber. Harvard Business School professor Ranjay Gulati joins host Brian Kenny to discuss the case “Lyft 2023: Roads to Growth and Differentiation.” They explore how Risher led during a strategic crossroads, making bold decisions, putting the customer front and center, and shaking loose old habits. Gulati also shares insights from his new book, “How to Be Bold,” illustrating how courage becomes a competitive advantage in times of uncertainty.
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Partnerships Power Highland Electric’s Expanding Fleet of School Buses
How do you scale innovation in a system where critical pieces are out of your control? That is the challenge Highland Electric Fleets faced as it worked to replace diesel school buses with electric vehicles across the United States. While Highland provided financing, infrastructure, and fleet operations, success depended on external partners, including manufacturers, utilities, and districts. Delays and disruptions forced the company to stay nimble and deliver under pressure.
Harvard Business School professor Rosabeth Moss Kanter and Highland Electric founder and CEO Duncan McIntyre join host Brian Kenny to discuss the HBS case “’The Wheels on the Bus’ Go Electric.” They explore what it takes to scale a climate solution while sustaining momentum and coordinating across public and private sectors.
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Atlassian Anchors Remote Flexibility in Structured Daily Practices
Atlassian promised employees they could work from anywhere, permanently. By 2024, its data-driven routines and workplace experiments were shaping both its culture and its products, turning the company into an innovation lab. Now it faces a new challenge: helping customers adopt these practices, which requires hands-on support, strategic advising, and cultural change. Harvard Business School Associate Professor Ashley Whillans joins host Brian Kenny to discuss the case “Designing the Future of Work: Atlassian’s Distributed Work Practices” and the questions Atlassian’s leaders must answer as they try to scale what works.
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Disrupting the Freezer Aisle: Dr. Bombay Ice Cream
When Happi Co. CEO Sam Rockwell partnered with Snoop Dogg and his son, Cordell Broadus, to launch Dr. Bombay Ice Cream, the team set out to disrupt a stagnant market with bold flavors and culturally resonant branding. With national retail placement and projected first-year sales of $20 million, the brand quickly made its mark. Now, as Rockwell plans the next phase—marketing, fundraising, and expanding into new markets—he must also navigate the dynamics of a creator-led brand, balancing roles and staying nimble and authentic. Sam Rockwell and Harvard Business School professor Bill Kerr join host Brian Kenny to discuss Kerr’s case, “Dr. Bombay Ice Cream,” which explores the launch and growth of a lifestyle brand built on cultural storytelling and entrepreneurial ambition.
Cold Call distills Harvard Business School's legendary case studies into podcast form. Hosted by Brian Kenny, the podcast airs every two weeks and features Harvard Business School faculty discussing cases they've written and the lessons they impart.
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