HBR IdeaCast

Why Business Leaders Need Political Diplomacy Skills Now

Nov 18, 2025 · 27 min · Episode 1053 · 28.2 MB
0:00-27:29

Streams straight from the publisher. PodNod never proxies or re-hosts episode audio.

Geopolitics are no longer a tailwind for businesses today, opening markets and boosting global trade. Instead, argues ESSEC Business School associate professor Srividya Jandhyala, rising national security concerns and protectionist economic policies have created a headwind for many organizations, and that's changing how executives need to operate. She explains what’s changed in the global balance of power, how it's affecting even small to medium-sized companies and unexpected industries —from shrimp farming to fast fashion -- and why leaders need new talent and risk management strategies to adapt. Jandhyala is the author of the book The Great Disruption.