Benjamin Laker

United Kingdom

Senior Contributor at Inc.

Senior Contributor at Psychology Today

Senior Contributor at Forbes

Professor @HenleyBSchool writing @HarvardBiz @MITSMR @Forbes @Inc @PsychToday articles and @Financialtimes @MITPress books

Articles

The Hidden Costs Of Leading As Your True Self At Work

3 days ago | forbes.com | Benjamin Laker

Authenticity is the currency of modern leadership. From startup founders to big named Fortune 500 executives, leaders across the board are encouraged to be open, transparent and vulnerable. That’s a good thing. We celebrate those who bring their whole selves to work, who share personal stories in town halls and who don’t hide behind corporate armor. It sounds progressive and often it is. But for many, authenticity isn’t empowerment. It’s exposure. Not every leader gets to be authentic in the same way.
The Big Reason AI Fails At Work, And What Good Managers Do Differently

4 days ago | forbes.com | Benjamin Laker

Strategic decisions about artificial intelligence may be made at the top, but the responsibility for making them work falls to managers in the middle. While AI is introduced as a pathway to efficiency and innovation, its success actually depends far more on execution than ambition, and this is precisely where many firms falter. Indeed, AI tools promise faster decision-making, streamlined operations, and reduced manual tasks. We all know that.
Can HR Drive Ethics? The Role of Social Responsibility in Workplace Integrity - Management Studies Insights Blog

1 week ago | managementstudiesinsights.com | Benjamin Laker |Chidiebere Ogbonnaya |William Y Degbey |Jintao Lu

Summary Discover how socially responsible HRM transforms workplace ethics. Our study reveals that integrating ethical principles into HR policies fosters moral awareness, builds trust, and cultivates ethical leadership. This comprehensive approach not only enhances decision-making but also creates a culture where integrity and fairness prevail. The findings offer actionable insights for organizations aiming to embed social responsibility at every level of people management.
LinkedIn Data Shows Executives Upskilling AI Over Traditional Skills

2 weeks ago | forbes.com | Benjamin Laker

In boardrooms from London to Singapore, the conversation around artificial intelligence has shifted dramatically. No longer a speculative investment or a buzzword tossed around in innovation decks, AI is becoming a core competency for today’s leaders. And according to newly released data from LinkedIn, the shift isn’t just philosophical—it’s tangible.
Marriott Didn’t Blink-Why Retaining DEI Values Is A Strategic Advantage

3 weeks ago | forbes.com | Benjamin Laker

When the CEO of Marriott received 40,000 emails in 24 hours this week after reaffirming the company’s commitment to inclusive values, it wasn’t a feel-good headline. It was a metric of internal alignment. In the wake of mounting U.S. government pressure to roll back DEI initiatives, many organizations are reassessing their commitments. But the real test isn’t policy—it’s leadership.
How To Work Well With A Colleague Who Really Dislikes You

3 weeks ago | forbes.com | Benjamin Laker

Ever found yourself dreading interactions with a colleague whose demeanor makes every conversation feel like walking on eggshells? When someone in your workplace seems to harbor dislike for you, the tension can be palpable and can affect your productivity as well as team morale. Yet, rather than letting resentment dictate the narrative, there are ways to turn this difficult relationship into a source of professional growth.
Did I Just Say Too Much? The Hidden Cost Of Brutal Honesty At Work

4 weeks ago | forbes.com | Benjamin Laker

There comes a moment in every leader’s life when the truth spills out with unrelenting force, leaving you to wonder if your straightforward approach has rubbed your colleagues the wrong way. In many workplaces—where candor is praised but sometimes mistaken for rudeness—the line between authenticity and tact becomes incredibly thin.
Nvidia Building AI Supercomputers In The U.S. But Who Will Operate Them?

1 month ago | forbes.com | Benjamin Laker

Nvidia’s decision to bring AI supercomputer production to the U.S. was headline gold earlier this week: 1 million square feet of manufacturing space, factories in Arizona and Texas, partnerships with TSMC, Foxconn and Wistron—all geared toward reshoring the future of high-performance computing. It felt like a triumph, both economic and symbolic, as U.S. tech reasserts control over the infrastructure of the AI era.
What Leaders Must Do Before The Next Tariff Hits

1 month ago | forbes.com | Benjamin Laker

Trade was once the reliable backdrop to business strategy. Executives could plan around stable agreements, predictable supply routes, and long-term economic partnerships. But that foundation has cracked. A sweeping wave of reciprocal tariffs, triggered by Trump-era foreign policy, has upended assumptions and exposed how fragile the global trading system really is.
How To Handle An In-Person Meeting When You Usually Work Remotely

1 month ago | forbes.com | Benjamin Laker

Being invited to an in-person meeting when you’ve built your career working from home can feel both exciting and unsettling. On one hand, the invitation signals an opportunity to forge deeper connections and engage face-to-face with colleagues. On the other hand, it may disrupt your established routine and bring up concerns about travel, logistics and the change in work dynamic.