Harvard Business Review

How to Build Your Own AI Assistant

8 Jul 2025

---

Data journalist Alexandra Samuel shows how anyone can create a custom AI assistant in five easy steps.

Read the full article here: https://s.hbr.org/46v9JXR

Prefer audio? Listen to our newest IdeaCast episode with Alex for a deeper dive: https://s.hbr.org/4lNiZeB


​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How to Get Good at Small Talk, and Even Enjoy It

6 Oct 2023

---

Even if you don’t think you’re a natural (or you hate it), anyone can become proficient at this important art using the right tactics and behaviors.

00:00 “Small talk” is a misnomer for such an important part of communication.
01:07 Establish appropriate goals.
01:52 Give yourself permission to pause.
03:35 What if you feel like you have nothing smart to say?
04:24 What if I make a mistake or say something dumb?
05:09 What if my problem is that I have too much to say?
06:04 What tools can I use if none of this is natural to me?
07:53 How do I get the conversation started?
09:00 How do I end the conversation (gracefully)?

According to Matt Abrahams, author of "Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You're Put on the Spot", key strategies include avoiding conventional responses in favor of establishing genuine connections, prioritizing brevity while delivering messages, and speaking authentically without the pressure to be perfect—which means daring to be dull. Fear or nervousness need not deter anyone from communicating effectively on the spot.

Read more: https://hbr.org/2023/09/how-to-shine-when-youre-put-on-the-spot

And there's more by Matt Abrahams on this topic in his new book: https://www.amazon.com/Think-Faster-Talk-Smarter-Successfully/dp/1668010305/

Follow us:
https://hbr.org/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/harvard-business-review/
https://www.facebook.com/HBR/
https://twitter.com/HarvardBiz
https://www.instagram.com/harvard_business_review

Sign up for Newsletters: https://hbr.org/email-newsletters

#HarvardBusinessReview #Communication #SmallTalk #CommunicationSkills #Career #YourCareer #Work #Business #Harvard

Copyright © 2023 Harvard Business School Publishing. All rights reserved.


​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Four-day Workweeks and 8 Other Trends That May Shape 2024 and Beyond

15 Feb 2024

---

In 2023, organizations continued to face significant challenges, from inflation to geopolitical turmoil to controversy over DEI and return-to-work policies — and 2024 promises more disruption. Gartner researchers have identified nine key trends, from new and creative employee benefits to the collapse of traditional career paths, that will impact work this year. Employers who successfully navigate these will retain top talent and secure a competitive advantage for themselves.

More details on these trends:
https://hbr.org/2024/01/9-trends-that-will-shape-work-in-2024-and-beyond

00:00 Are you and your team ready for these game changers?
00:27 Trend 1 - Work costs
00:59 Trend 2 - AI and work
01:28 Trend 3 - Four-day workweeks
01:53 Trend 4 - Conflict resolution
02:15 Trend 5 - GenAI
02:46 Trend 6 - Skills-based hiring
03:11 Trend 7 - Climate change
03:37 Trend 8 - DEI
04:08 Trend 9 - Career paths

Produced by Scott LaPierre and Elainy Mata
Video by Elie Honein
Design by Alex Belser

Follow us:
https://hbr.org/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/harvard-business-review/
https://www.facebook.com/HBR/
https://twitter.com/HarvardBiz
https://www.instagram.com/harvard_business_review

Sign up for Newsletters: https://hbr.org/email-newsletters

#HarvardBusinessReview #2024 #Trends #YourCareer #Career #AI #Work #Business #Harvard

Copyright © 2024 Harvard Business School Publishing. All rights reserved.


​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What the Best Negotiators Do Differently

6 Aug 2024

---

If you want to be a great negotiator, you need to prove that you’re a collaborator — not an adversary. To do that, show the other person you understand their logic, emotions, and perspective. Here’s how.

—

Read the full article: https://s.hbr.org/3WUSv1b

#negotiation #communication #psychology

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How Taylor Swift Handles Criticism

12 Apr 2025

---

Criticism doesn’t derail Taylor Swift—it sharpens her strategy. In this clip, HBR’s Kevin Evers breaks down how she turns backlash into empowerment, and why that mindset matters for leaders.

🎧 Listen to the full episode on HBR IdeaCast here: https://s.hbr.org/3EhNtFn


​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices