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We have the distinct honor of hosting a true visionary in human resources and organizational culture, Laszlo Bock. His name is synonymous with innovation, empathy, and transformative leadership. His journey is a testament to leading with both the mind and the heart, a philosophy that has revolutionized the workplaces he has touched.
Laszlo earned a BA from Pomona College and an MBA from the Yale School of Management. He honed his skills at General Electric and McKinsey before his tenure at Google as the Senior Vice President of People Operations, which catapulted him into the global spotlight.
At Google, he instituted a workplace culture that astonished everyone. Extravagant perks like free shuttle buses with Wi-Fi, free food, and slides between floors were just the beginning. These investments contributed to Google’s success, which saw record stock performance in its first 20 years. Under Laszlo’s leadership, Google was named the Best Company to Work for over 30 times globally and received more than 100 awards as a top employer. His innovative HR approaches emphasized data-driven decision-making, transparency, and employee well-being.
In 2010, at age 38, he was named Human Resources Executive of the Year by HR Resources Magazine. In 2015, he published his New York Times bestseller, “Work Rules! Insights From Inside Google That Will Transform How You Live And Lead.” Two years later, Laszlo left Google and co-founded Humu, a company that combines technology and human-centric leadership to deliver “nudges” to workplace managers.
Humu describes nudges as short, science-backed suggestions—bite-sized actions to support teams and improve work. For the curious, this concept was developed by University of Chicago scholars Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein.
Having recently sold Humu, Laszlo has just created a Transformative Chief Human Resources Leadership Program at the Haas Business School at UC Berkeley. His program aims to equip the next generation of HR leaders with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate modern workplaces, further cementing his legacy as a pioneer in the field.
Laszlo Bock’s career is a masterclass in leading with both the mind and the heart. His ability to blend analytical rigor with genuine care for people has set a new standard for leadership today. As we dive into our conversation, we will explore the principles that have guided his journey, the lessons he has learned, and his vision for the future of work.
Not to be missed.
