This week’s episode spotlights how inclusivity, leadership, and technological strategy are driving positive transformation across business and society.

We begin with a pressing issue: the persistent pay gap between immigrants and natives. Marta Elvira from IESE, in a study published in Nature, reveals that immigrants in Europe and North America earn 18% less on average. The core reason? Limited access to high-paying jobs. Elvira urges policymakers and companies to break down structural barriers through inclusive hiring and career advancement support, fostering both equity and economic strength.

From inclusivity, we move to history’s lessons on fair taxation. Ana Elena Azpúrua from HBS revisits the French Revolution, where unpopular taxes—like the salt tax—ignited public outrage and regime change. Her research highlights the need for modern tax policies to be balanced, transparent, and tied to public benefit to maintain trust and social stability, especially during economic shocks.

Next, we explore leadership during uncertainty. Ben Bryant from IMD underscores the importance of balancing vulnerability and authority. He encourages leaders to self-reflect, share stories, and provide candid feedback to build trust and empower teams—critical skills for high-performing organizations.

In the technology space, Hise O. Gibson from HBS presents lessons from a military exercise to showcase AI's role in cybersecurity and crisis management. He emphasizes that AI must be integrated thoughtfully to enhance real-time decision-making and coordination. Success lies in combining human judgment with AI-driven insights and fostering a culture of adaptability and continuous learning.

Continuing with AI, Faisal Hoque of IMD explores how aligning AI with strategic enterprise architecture leads to real business value. He outlines the importance of workforce readiness, process integration, and aligning AI projects with business objectives. A strategic approach ensures sustainable transformation and performance gains, rather than disjointed tech adoption.

Finally, Claudia Zeisberger from INSEAD offers sharp advice to entrepreneurs navigating early-stage credibility gaps. She recommends using team expertise, compelling storytelling, and trusted advisory boards to strengthen investor confidence. These strategies position start-ups to secure funding and scale effectively, even without an established track record.

Across all segments, the common thread is clear: strategic alignment, inclusive practices, and a forward-looking mindset are key to thriving in today’s dynamic environment. From addressing pay disparities to leading through crises and scaling innovation, today’s insights offer a roadmap for leaders striving to create lasting value.