In this episode of Not Alone: Leaders in Conversation, host Rafael Bras discusses higher education, public health, and leadership with Julio Frenk, the incoming chancellor of the University of California, Los Angeles. Frenk, a former president of the University of Miami, shares his rich background—from his family's escape from Nazi Germany to his groundbreaking reforms as Mexico's Minister of Health. He delves into his decision to shift from clinical medicine to public health, his influential role in creating Seguro Popular, and his perspectives on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Frenk also discusses the challenges facing higher education today, and his unique contributions to children's education through his book series on human physiology. This episode offers valuable insights into how evidence-based policy, global cooperation, and enlightened leadership can shape better outcomes in health and education.

00:00 Introduction to Not Alone Leaders in Conversation
00:51 Meet Julio Frenk: From Mexico to Harvard
01:35 Family Background and Early Influences
06:18 A Diverse and Accomplished Family
09:59 Choosing Public Health Over Clinical Medicine
16:31 Navigating the Political Landscape as Minister of Health
25:41 Creating Seguro Popular and Its Impact
33:16 Massive Loss of Progress in Mexico
33:48 Impact of COVID-19 on Mexico
37:03 Leadership Styles and Pandemic Outcomes
40:02 Gender and Leadership During the Pandemic
41:47 Lessons from the Pandemic
50:11 Higher Education Challenges and Opportunities
01:01:38 Children's Books and Science Education
01:09:51 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections

In the latest episode of Not Alone: Leaders in Conversation, host Rafael Bras engages in an in-depth discussion with Prof Larry Bacow, one of America’s most esteemed academic leaders, having held prestigious positions at MIT, Tufts and Harvard. The conversation, recorded on Oct 16, 2024, covers a wide range of topics including Prof Bacow’s aversion to titles, his career shaped by mentorship and serendipity, the role of parental influence, addressing public perception of higher education, managing institutional challenges, and the current issues of diversity and inclusion in academia. Prof Bacow also delves into his principles of leadership and reflects on his contributions to initiatives on the legacy of slavery and academic admissions. The episode provides valuable insights for anyone in or aspiring to be in academic leadership.

00:00:00 Introduction to Not Alone Leaders in Conversation

00:00:51 Introducing Dr. Larry Bacow

00:01:29 Larry Bacow's Leadership Philosophy

00:04:32 The Role of Mentors in Larry's Career

00:08:10 Larry's Family Background and Values

00:16:34 Challenges and Reflections on Leadership

00:20:29 Navigating Unusual Career Paths

00:31:44 Challenges Facing Higher Education

00:32:25 Public Perception and Cost Control

00:34:01 Research Mission and Economic Impact

00:36:15 Accessibility and Affordability in Elite Institutions

00:42:06 Governance and Leadership in Universities

00:49:59 Supreme Court Decision on Race in Admissions

00:55:08 Addressing the Legacy of Slavery

01:00:09 Reflections on Anti-Semitism and Discrimination

01:04:15 Concluding Thoughts and Future Optimism

01:07:10 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

In this episode of Not Alone: Leaders in Conversation, hosted by Rafael Bras, Prof Robert Langer of MIT talks about his impressive career and contributions to medicine, including the co-founding of Moderna and the development of groundbreaking drug delivery systems.

He shares his early influences, experiences with ADHD, the challenges he faced in academia, and his thoughts on leadership.

Their conversation also delves into the evolution of biological sciences, the importance of entrepreneurship in higher education, and Langer’s dedication to teaching and innovation. Amid reflections on his significant achievements, including the rapid development of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, Langer emphasizes the critical balance between academic pursuit and real-world application.

00:00:00 Introduction to Not Alone Podcast

00:00:52 Introducing Professor Robert Langer

00:02:19 Early Life and Influences

00:04:02 Challenges with ADD and Academic Journey

00:05:55 Personal Anecdotes and Religion

00:08:04 Collaborations and Family

00:10:22 MIT Career and Department Challenges

00:18:26 Leadership and Mentorship

00:23:21 Balancing Academia and Industry

00:26:22 Advancements in Biology and Health Sciences

00:30:39 Debating the Impact of CRISPR

00:31:42 Future Medical Treatments with CRISPR

00:32:39 Challenges in Treating Diseases

00:34:23 Public Perception of Higher Education

00:36:03 Free Speech and Campus Protests

00:40:11 Entrepreneurship in Academia

00:42:51 Balancing Academia and Entrepreneurship

00:48:07 The Story of Moderna

00:57:15 Reflections and Personal Insights

01:02:07 Closing Remarks and Gratitude