Have you ever wondered what makes a great leader for a large, scaling company? 

In part two of our special series, Professor Robin Dunbar returns to explore the essential social skills needed to manage a growing organisation. Robin and host Susannah de Jager explore the psychological boundaries of group size, from the point where a CEO no longer recognises every employee to the limit of knowing 5,000 faces you've seen before. They discuss the challenges for founders who are emotionally attached to their "baby" and how this can impede necessary growth transitions.

The conversation highlights the often-overlooked importance of soft skills in the hiring process, particularly for senior roles. Professor Dunbar challenges the traditional reliance on CVs and short interviews, advocating for a trial period to truly assess if a candidate will fit into the social fabric of the company. 

• (00:00 ) - Welcome to Oxford+


• (00:31 ) - The Importance of Recognising Everyone


• (01:31 ) - Transitioning Leadership Through Growth Phases


• (02:25 ) - Challenges for Founders in Organisational Growth


• (03:37 ) - Managing Large Organisations


• (04:31 ) - The Role of Middle Management


• (06:56 ) - The Importance of Soft Skills in Hiring


• (08:04 ) - Evaluating Candidates Beyond the CV


• (10:20 ) - The Potential of AI in Hiring Processes


• (11:07 ) - Compromises in Hiring Decisions

Professor Robin Dunbar: A renowned professor who invented Dunbar's number, the concept that humans can only meaningfully connect with approximately 150 people. As a professor of evolutionary psychology at the University of Oxford, his research explores the behavioural, cognitive, and neuroendocrinological factors that influence social bonding. His work in evolutionary psychology and anthropology provides unique insights into how human dynamics influence group sizes and social structures in both historic and modern contexts, including business.

Connect with Robin on LinkedIn

Susannah de Jager: Susannah is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in UK asset management. She has worked closely with industry experts, entrepreneurs, and government officials to shape the conversation around domestic scale-up capital.

Connect with Susannah on LinkedIn / Subscribe to the Oxford+ Newsletter for exclusive content

Oxford+ is hosted by Susannah de Jager and supported by Mishcon de Reya and Oxford North.

Produced and edited by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.