How can leaders create a culture where people with different perspectives collaborate and thrive?

In this episode of Humanity at Scale, host Bruce Temkin speaks with psychologist and neuroscientist Kurt Gray, Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at UNC, Chapel Hill, to explore how leaders can navigate moral complexity and foster empathy in organizations. They discuss how perceptions of harm shape moral divides, why storytelling builds understanding better than facts, and how power impacts empathy. Listen in as Kurt shares actionable insights into making ethical decisions transparent, designing inclusive systems, and using emotional intelligence to lead with both clarity and compassion in these morally challenging times.

Episode Highlights:
00:00 Intro: Bridging Moral Divides in Leadership
02:04 Personal Journey: Finding Common Ground Across Differences
05:02 Understanding Moral Judgments and Protection
11:16 The Power of Personal Stories Over Facts
15:11 How Power Affects Empathy in Leadership
19:04 Building Empathy at Scale in Organizations
21:40 Navigating Ethical Gray Zones
25:41 AI and Moral Decision-Making
30:54 The Future of Moral Leadership
34:33 The Charitable Pause: A Tool for Better Understanding
36:10 Key Takeaways: Leading with Humanity

Links:
Apple Podcast: bit.ly/3RUUgb8
Spotify: spoti.fi/4im3mbQ
YouTube: bit.ly/3Rp3hsS