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Leaders Unplugged
Future of work
David Bach: Why we all benefit from America’s top universities
May 1, 2025 • by David Bach, Felix Zeltner in Leaders Unplugged • 
Podcast available
In the latest episode, IMD President David Bach explains the vital importance of the partnership between the US government and the elite research universities, what we can learn from the vibrancy of...
Apple SpotifyWelcome to Leaders Unplugged, a bi-weekly podcast by IMD, hosted by IMD President David Bach with Felix Zeltner.
In the latest episode, IMD President David Bach explains the vital importance of the partnership between the US government and the elite research universities, what we can learn from the vibrancy of the Middle East, and why Ted Lasso is a better leadership role model than Elon Musk.
“The US built its global edge by attracting the world’s best. Now, it risks driving them away.” That’s the assessment of IMD President David Bach, who discusses the fallout from the clash between academia and the Trump administration in this episode of Leaders Unplugged.
As he takes the guest chair with his co-host Felix Zeltner, Bach explains why he thinks leaders in elite universities like Harvard and Yale need to better explain to the public the importance of their work.
“They’re incredibly selective institutions,” he says. “And yet, the research that happens there, the contribution to policy debates, the cultural heritage that’s preserved – all of those things benefit the public, they benefit America, and they benefit the world.”
For decades, leading scientists or aspiring scientists from all over the world have gone to the US, but now there is anecdotal evidence of a “reverse brain drain.”- David Bach
For decades, leading scientists or aspiring scientists from all over the world have gone to the US, but now there is anecdotal evidence of a “reverse brain drain.”
“It is ironic that a country that built an important part of its economic success, military strength, and soft power appeal on research universities, which drew people from all over the world, now seems to be doing everything it can to drive their successors back out of the country to Canada, Europe, and Asia.”
The situation in the US is in stark contrast to the drive for investment in research and education seen in the Gulf region. Fresh from a visit to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the Emirates, Bach was impressed by the vibrancy, optimism, and can-do attitude on display.
Another key area the Trump administration has turned a spotlight on is leadership by intimidation and insult. In reality, Elon Musk and his ilk have been successful despite their leadership style and not because of it, says Bach. Successful leaders are the ones who have “built long-term sustainable enterprises in which people feel a strong sense of belonging, where they’re motivated, and where they’re inspired.”
“Leadership is about two things: direction and energy. If you’re not doing both, you’re not leading.” For a truly inspirational leader, concludes Bach, look no further than Ted Lasso, the fictional soccer coach on Netflix.
Tune in now to explore the leadership challenges reshaping global talent, innovation, and trust.
Leaders Unplugged features real talk with the impactful. Candid, honest, actionable, and fresh from behind the scenes. It is presented by IMD in collaboration with Remote Daily.
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