If/Then

Jensen Huang, co-founder and CEO of NVIDIA, believes leadership is about more than making decisions—it’s about empowering others to reason through ambiguity and drive transformative change. In this bonus episode of If/Then, Huang sits down with Stanford GSB student Shantam Jain, MBA ’24, on Stanford GSB’s View From The Top podcast, to discuss his journey from an ambitious engineer to the leader of one of the most innovative companies in the world. Huang reflects on the lessons learned during pivotal moments in NVIDIA’s history, from betting on 3D graphics before the market existed to embracing the potential of AI and accelerated computing. “You can’t create change by doing what everyone else is doing,” Huang explains. “You have to go back to first principles and ask: how would you build this today?” Despite navigating industry disruptions and financial crises, Huang remains focused on the future. He shares how NVIDIA has consistently stayed ahead by building technology that not only solves today’s problems but anticipates the needs of tomorrow. As this episode reveals, it’s not just about technological breakthroughs—it’s about cultivating a culture of resilience and purpose to redefine the future.For a full transcript of this episode, visit our podcast’s website. More Resources:View From The Top: The Podcast | Stanford GSBJensen Huang on How to Use First-Principles Thinking to Drive Decisions | Stanford GSB Chapters: (00:00:00) IntroductionKevin Cool introduces a bonus episode from the View From The Top podcast featuring CEO and founder of NVIDIA, Jensen Huang.(00:01:39) Early Career and Founding NVIDIAHuang reflects on his journey from LSI Logic to co-founding NVIDIA.(00:04:56) Securing Early InvestmentsConvincing Silicon Valley investors to back NVIDIA in a non-existent market.(00:08:31) Pivoting in the Face of FailureThe critical decisions and resets that saved NVIDIA during challenges.(00:16:24) Call That Changed EverythingThe pivotal phone call that led to a shift in NVIDIA's innovation focus.(00:19:21) Finding Conviction The balance of core beliefs and early indicators of future success.(00:26:45) Weathering Market DownturnsStaying focused on unchanging principles to weather external challenges.(00:31:36) Creating a Flat OrganizationEmpowering employees by sharing context and reasoning transparently.(00:38:13) The Future of Generative AIGenerative AI’s potential to redefine computing and communication(00:45:38) Building Organizations for TomorrowDesigning adaptable, future-focused organizations from first principles.(00:48:22) Challenges and Opportunities AheadChallenges NVIDIA faces, and the innovations Huang is most excited about.(00:51:33) Pace and Regulation of AI DevelopmentThe need for regulatory measures alongside rapid technological advancements.(00:55:35) Rapid-Fire Insights and Final AdvicePersonal reflections, leadership advice, and hopes for NVIDIA’s legacy.(00:57:21) ConclusionSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Behind every lesson lies a journey of discovery. In this special episode of If/Then, we step into the classrooms of Stanford Graduate School of Business to uncover the human stories driving extraordinary insights. Christian Wheeler, professor of marketing at Stanford GSB, challenges our fear of failure, reframing it as the sharp edge where growth truly happens. “Be comfortable being uncomfortable,” he says, urging leaders to embrace the anxiety of pushing limits to unlock their peak potential.Michele Gelfand, a professor of organizational behavior, takes us into the intricate world of cultural intelligence. “Negotiating across cultures isn’t just about competence—it’s about curiosity,” she explains, showing how understanding diverse perspectives can transform deadlock into breakthrough.And Jesper Sørensen, professor of organizational behavior, redefines what it means to lead. “Strategy isn’t a blueprint; it’s a living process,” he reflects, advocating for leaders to connect the dots, not just assign tasks, and to see uncertainty as a gateway to discovery.These faculty members remind us that leadership is as much about understanding ourselves as it is about guiding others. Whether it's failure, negotiation, or strategy, this episode showcases how curiosity and humanity are integral to leadership.Key Takeaways:Strategy is dynamic, not static: Leaders must explain the "why" to align their teams.Fear of failure can hinder growth: Growth requires embracing discomfort and using storytelling to connect and lead.Metaphors as tool for negotiation: Use metaphors to guide your goals and assess your success in the negotiation process. More Resources:Christian Wheeler, faculty profileJesper Sørensen, faculty profileMichele Gelfand, faculty profileClass TakeawaysThis episode of If/Then uses previously recorded audio and is repackaged in a new way. It features faculty talking about their research and the goal is to share more about faculty, while also keeping the If/Then podcast feed producing thought-provoking, research-backed content for our audiences. Chapters: (00:00:00) IntroductionKevin Cool introduces the episode featuring clips from the Class Takeaways series.(00:00:55) Embracing FailureProfessor Christian Wheeler discusses how embracing failure can lead to growth.(00:03:55) Strategy as a Dynamic ProcessProfessor Jesper Sørensen redefines strategy as an evolving course of action, not a static plan.(00:08:00) Cultural Intelligence in NegotiationProfessor Michele Gelfand explains how cultural intelligence is key to negotiation.(00:12:31) ConclusionSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As leaders rise and hierarchies shift, Stanford GSB organizational behavior professor Deborah Gruenfeld, guest in season one of If/Then, reminds us that power is not just about authority—it’s about presence. In this special feed drop from Pfeffer on Power, Gruenfeld, author of Acting With Power, revisits topics featured in her If/Then episode, exploring how body language and mindset can shape perceptions of influence. “We’re all playing roles,” she explains, whether as CEOs, professors, or professionals navigating high-stakes environments. The key, she says, lies in mastering both "inside-out" techniques—such as reframing internal narratives—and "outside-in" strategies, like commanding physical space to exude confidence.Host Jeffrey Pfeffer, professor of organizational behavior at the GSB, and Gruenfeld discuss how power dynamics transcend culture and context, offering universal lessons for anyone looking to lead with impact. “Don’t leave power to the bad guys,” Gruenfeld advises, urging listeners to embrace their own potential for influence. This episode provides actionable insights to help you show up powerfully in any room, especially when the stakes are high. As the conversation unfolds, Pfeffer and Gruenfeld challenge us to think differently about power—not as a privilege, but as a responsibility to shape better outcomes for ourselves and others.Jeffrey Pfeffer will be a guest on the second season of If/Then. Pfeffer on Power is Produced by University FM. For a full transcript of this episode, visit the Pfeffer on Power’s website.More Resources:Deborah Gruenfeld, faculty profileDeborah’s Book: Acting with Power Pfeffer on Power Chapters: (00:00:00) IntroductionHost Jeffrey Pfeffer introduces guest Professor Deborah Gruenfeld from Stanford GSB.(00:01:45) First Impressions and Body LanguageHow people make snap judgments based on appearance and nonverbal cues.(00:03:25) Change How You Show UpThe possibility of reframing behavior to project more confidence and authority.(00:06:33) Showing Up with PowerTwo approaches for appearing more authoritative and powerful.(00:08:53) Inside-Out PowerReframing internal narratives to project power, even in moments of insecurity.(00:11:32) Outside-In PowerTechniques for using body language to command authority.(00:14:00) Physical and Social DynamicsHow occupying space communicates dominance and influence.(00:17:06) Unconscious Reactions to Power Whether power dynamics are consistent across cultures and time.(00:20:32) Ambivalence Toward PowerWhy some individuals are reluctant to embrace power.(00:24:47) Ethical Leaders in PowerThe importance of ethical individuals embracing power to prevent its misuse by others.(00:28:14) ConclusionSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of If/Then, we're diving into insights from three GSB experts featured on Think Fast, Talk Smart. Join us as professor of organizational behavior Michele Gelfand explains her "tight and loose" cultural framework, revealing how societal structures impact everything from crime rates to creativity. We also hear from marketing professor Jonathan Levav, who explores decision fatigue in judicial settings, shedding light on how mental depletion influences choices. Finally, marketing professor Szu-chi Huang discusses the role of motivation and emotionality in decision-making, drawing from her experiences in advertising and academia. Together, these discussions provide a multifaceted view of the elements influencing our choices and interactions.Key Takeaways:Switch between “tight” and “loose” mindsets: Individuals can code switch between “tight” and “loose” mindsets depending on the setting. You can shape your environment to help promote certain mindsets.Take mental breaks: Decision fatigue causes individuals to make the easier decision, not necessarily better ones. Taking breaks can help replenish your mental energy to think through decisions properly.Target your audience’s emotional needs: Emotion drives decision making. Messaging that meets emotional needs is more impactful.More Resources:Michele Gelfand, faculty profileJonathan Levav, faculty profileSzu-chi Huang, faculty profileThink Fast Talk Smart If/Then is a podcast from Stanford Graduate School of Business that examines research findings that can help us navigate the complex issues we face in business, leadership, and society. For a full transcript of this episode, visit our podcast’s website.Chapters: (00:00:00) IntroductionKevin Cool introduces the episode featuring GSB faculty discussing their research on the Think Fast, Talk Smart podcast.(00:00:35) Cultural Tightness vs. LoosenessThe benefits of "tight" versus "loose" culture.(00:03:47) Adjusting to Different Cultural NormsWhether individuals can adapt to cultural tightness or looseness.(00:05:24) Decision Fatigue in Court SettingsA study on how decision fatigue affects parole rulings over time.(00:07:29) Communication to Combat Decision FatigueInsights into overcoming decision fatigue and enhancing communication.(00:09:48) The Roots of MotivationThe transition from advertising to studying motivation in academia.(00:11:13) Needs and Emotions in Decision-MakingThe influence of needs and emotions in effective decision-making.(00:13:43) ConclusionSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.