Life Threads

What does it really mean to know something? In this episode, Lynda Gratton explores the difference between gathering information and truly knowing, with insights from Selin Kesebir, Associate Professor at London Business School, and Julia Gillard, former Prime Minister of Australia. Selin reveals how deep understanding grows not just from facts, but from experience, reflection and openness to change. Julia shares how pivotal moments and setbacks transformed her perspective and identity. Together, they discuss how self-knowledge develops through challenge, contrast with others, and learning from setbacks - and how wisdom emerges over a long working life through connection and compassion. This episode delves into why knowing is more than information: it’s a shift that shapes how we think, act and relate to others. Host: Lynda Gratton, Professor of Management Practice in Organisational Behaviour, London Business School Guests: Selin Kesebir, Associate Professor of Organisational Behaviour, London Business School Julia Gillard, 27th Prime Minister of Australia Mentioned in this episode: ⁠Living the 100-Year Life⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Life Threads diagnostic⁠ Chapters: 00:42 Introduction 01:47 The difference between knowing and information 06:02 The role of self-knowledge 21:50 Julia Gillard on learning through experience 30:30 Knowing what really matters 42:06 Four takeaways for deeper knowing 30:10 Lynda’s final thoughts Learn more: Listen to the full episode and follow the series for more. Sign up to receive a curated selection of articles, podcasts and films direct to your inbox twice a month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.london.edu/think?entry=true#subscribeScreen ⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on social media: ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/school/london-business-school/⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/londonbschool/

What can world-class opera and ballet teach us about cooperation? In this episode, Lynda Gratton sits down with Sir Alex Beard, Chief Executive of the Royal Ballet and Opera, to explore the teamwork, trust and shared standards behind every performance. Alex reveals what happens behind the curtain, where hundreds of musicians, performers, designers, technicians and front-of-house staff work together to create something that appears effortless. He explains how immediate, actionable feedback helps even the most celebrated performers continue to grow, and why trust is essential when every role depends on another. From responding to last-minute setbacks to taking creative risks, this episode explores how radical cooperation enables resilience, innovation and extraordinary work – and what leaders in any organisation can learn from the ultimate team sport. Host: Lynda Gratton, Professor of Management Practice in Organisational Behaviour, London Business School Guest: Sir Alex Beard CBE, Chief Executive, Royal Ballet and Opera Mentioned in this episode: Living the 100-Year Life Life Threads diagnostic Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 01:47 The invisible performance: what happens behind the curtain 08:45 The power of feedback and notes 13:13 Trust, team curation and process 18:39 Innovation and taking creative risks 28:55 Four takeaways for radical cooperation 30:25 Lynda’s final thoughts Learn more: Listen to the full episode and follow the series for more.  Sign up to receive a curated selection of articles, podcasts and films direct to your inbox twice a month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.london.edu/think?entry=true#subscribeScreen ⁠ Follow us on social media: ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/school/london-business-school/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/londonbschool/

What does it really mean to master something - and why does mastery keep changing? In this episode, Lynda Gratton sits down with Turner Prize-winning artist Sir Grayson Perry and leadership and career transition expert Herminia Ibarra for a conversation about creativity, reinvention, and staying relevant in a fast-changing world.  Grayson Perry talks about identity, the impact of option paralysis on creativity, and why he’s not worried about AI replacing artists. Herminia Ibarra shares why being great at your job could actually hold you back, how to escape a “competency trap,” and what it takes to reinvent your career - even when you’re not sure what’s next.  From the risks of sticking with what you know, to the courage it takes to start over, this episode is full of real stories, practical advice, and surprising insights on how to keep your career - and yourself - moving forward.  Host:  Lynda Gratton, Professor of Management Practice in Organisational Behaviour, London Business School.  Guests:  Sir Grayson Perry, artist, writer and broadcaster  Herminia Ibarra, Charles Handy Chair in Organisational Behaviour and Professor of Organisational Behaviour, London Business School.  Mentioned in this episode:  Living the 100-Year Life  Life Threads diagnostic  Working Identity  Act Like a Leader, Think Like a Leader  Grayson Perry musical  Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 02:00 Grayson Perry on art, craft and learning new skills 11:01 The difference between a hobby and a career 15:00 Identity, authenticity and mental health 29:15 Herminia Ibarra on career transitions and networks 40:38 The cost and trap of mastery Learn more: Listen to the full episode and follow the series for more.  Sign up to receive a curated selection of articles, podcasts and films direct to your inbox twice a month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.london.edu/think?entry=true#subscribeScreen Follow us on social media: ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/school/london-business-school/⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/londonbschool/