Episode
Think Fast, Talk Smart: "Ambiguity to Action: Tensions and Trade-Offs of Leadership and Communication"
- Podcast
- If/Then
- Published
- Jul 9, 2025
- Duration seconds
- 1425
- Processing state
not_requested
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Summary
This week on If/Then , we’re sharing an episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart , a podcast hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Business lecturer and friend of the show, Matt Abrahams. How do you communicate with others when you’re confused yourself? For fellow GSB lecturer Rob Siegel, leadership isn’t about avoiding uncertainty: it’s about embracing the clarity that ambiguity can bring. In his latest book, “ The Systems Leader: Mastering the Cross Pressures That Make or Break Today's Companies ,” Siegel explores how leaders today are “living in dualities,” caught between managing existing processes and adapting to emerging disruptions. “The sooner we get comfortable with [change] in the sense of ‘I don't have to like it, but I can deal with it,’ then [we can] lead our teams and give them the calm to know they can get through this.” On this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Siegel and Abrahams explore how to communicate effectively amid constant change. From preparation strategies for spontaneous speaking to building trust through candid conversations, you'll hear practical tips for communicating with clarity when nothing is certain but change. More Resources: Rob Siegel, faculty profile Matt Abrahams, faculty profile Think 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) Introduction Kevin Cool previews season three and introduces a featured episode from Think Fast Talk Smart . (00:00:40) Introduction to Rob Siegel Matt Abrahams welcomes Rob Siegel and introduces his new book The Systems Leader . (00:01:34) Tea…