What does a shipping container have to do with the global economy? Almost everything. In this episode, we sit down with economist and historian Marc Levinson to explore how a simple metal box revolutionized the way goods move across the world—and, by extension, how supply chains are organized, where manufacturing happens, and even which communities thrive or struggle. Marc walks us through the unlikely origins of containerization, from Malcolm McLean's 1956 voyage to the painstaking international negotiations that created industry standards. We discuss how containers made globalization possible by collapsing transportation costs from 15–20% of goods' value to mere cents, the profound impact on dock workers and manufacturing communities, and why today's supply chain disruptions are forcing businesses to rethink the just-in-time model. Along the way, Marc reminds us that the most transformative changes in how we do business often come from the most unexpected places—and that understanding this history is essential to navigating our present.

Link to the book The Box: How the Shipping Container Made the World Smaller and the World Economy Bigger

Please visit our website, www.businessandsociety.net, for more inspiration.

In this episode, Senthil sits down with The Hon Dr Andrew Leigh MP, Australia's Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities, and Treasury, to explore how innovation actually happens—and why the stories we tell about it are often wrong. Drawing from his book The Shortest History of Innovation, Andrew challenges popular myths: the lone genius, the eureka moment, and the innovation cluster. Instead, he reveals what history really teaches us about breakthrough ideas: they emerge through tinkering, collaborative teams, and the cross-pollination of diverse ideas. The conversation also tackles artificial intelligence—both its transformative potential and the real risks we need to manage—and explores what true leadership looks like in an age of rapid technological change.

Link to the book: The Shortest History of Innovation

Please visit our website, www.businessandsociety.net, for more inspiration.

What does it really mean to act on your values at work? Most of us think speaking up means confrontation—blowing the whistle, telling your boss they're wrong, or risking your career. But what if there's a better way?

In this episode, Senthil talks with Mary Gentile, creator of Giving Voice to Values, about how to navigate ethical conflicts with skill, strategy, and authenticity. Mary spent decades studying how leaders actually speak up—not through preaching or confrontation, but through practical tactics grounded in who they are. We explore what values really are, why we freeze when facing conflicts, and how you can prepare yourself to act on what matters most—even in cultures where speaking up feels impossible.

Link to Mary Gentile's book: Giving Voice to Values

Please visit our website, www.businessandsociety.net, for more inspiration.