James Baldwin’s insight emphasizes the necessity of confronting issues like prejudice and bullying, which require ongoing leadership action; in a video lesson, Kim Scott offers practical strategies to foster respectful team culture and effectively address harmful behaviors.

Professor Michael Watkins emphasizes that while AI can drive business value, leaders must prioritize ethical oversight, employee empathy, and proactive measures to mitigate risks like bias and job displacement in an AI-driven workplace.

Firing someone is challenging, but restaurateur Will Guidara emphasizes the importance of understanding an employee’s struggles before making a decision, urging leaders to assess whether the issue is a lack of effort or a mismatch in role, and to provide necessary support.

Jim Peters emphasizes that firing should never be easy, as it requires care and empathy; Professor Suzy Welch outlines key strategies for ethical terminations, including addressing performance issues early, preserving dignity, offering support for future steps, and providing a fair severance package.