#18 Navigating 'The Age of Outrage': Leading in a World on Edge with Karthik Ramanna

Professor Karthik Ramanna, a prominent authority on business-government relations and sustainable capitalism, joins us to unravel the themes from his compelling book, "The Age of Outrage: How to Lead in a Polarized World." Our conversation touches on his influential role as the inaugural director of Oxford's Blavatnik School of Government's Master of Public Policy program. Discover how his course on managing organizations in polarized times served as a springboard for his book, and how engaging with global leaders informed his perspective on leadership in tumultuous times. We navigate the multifaceted challenges of leadership and the societal fissures that threaten the fabric of modern governance.

We explore the unsettling forces of fear, historical injustices, and ideologies of othering that are reshaping our world and eroding the global enlightenment perspective. Delve into the concept of othering and its impact on politics, while understanding why a return to tribal instincts is more prevalent than ever. With trust in institutions waning, the need for temperate leadership that fosters empathy and altruism becomes crucial. Professor Ramana provides a nuanced analysis of how addressing peripheral issues around othering can restore societal harmony.

On the practical side, we discuss effective crisis management strategies, emphasizing the importance of establishing clear rules of engagement and maintaining composure under pressure. With insights from neuroscience and personal anecdotes, learn how simple practices like physical activity can help leaders manage emotions and positively influence others. Professor Ramana shares his thoughts on corporate social responsibility, navigating the delicate balance between business objectives and societal expectations. Concluding with valuable book recommendations, including Stephen Covey's "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People," this episode offers essential tools for personal growth and understanding interdependence in an increasingly polarized world.

More inspirations from Karthik Ramanna:

Link to his book The Age of Outrage: How to Lead in a Polarized World

Biography and work: https://www.bsg.ox.ac.uk/people/karthik-ramanna

Please visit our website, www.businessandsociety.net, for more inspiration.

Chapters

• 1:29 What led to the book The Age of Outrage
• 10:59 How this age of outrage is different
• 16:10 Drivers of the age of outrage
• 19:17 The platform
• 21:35 Subtle practices to navigate the age of outrage
• 23:47 The rules of engagement
• 26:47 DEI/ESG policy reversals
• 33:10 Temperate leadership
• 38:00 Leadership in the age of outrage
• 39:36 The framework
• 47:54 Managing differences of opinion/setbacks
• 48:51 Book recommendation