Radical Candor: Communication at Work

Latest Episodes:

How to Be Remarkable: Growth, Grit, and Grace with Guy Kawasaki 7 | 40 Nov 05, 2025

Show notes

When it comes to making a real difference, being remarkable isn’t about fame or titles—it’s about how you show up for others and yourself. Kim and Amy are joined by Guy Kawasaki—chief evangelist at Canva, bestselling author, and host of the Remarkable People podcast—to talk about what it really means to be remarkable. Guy shares stories from his book Think Remarkable and reflects on how growth, grit, and grace can help us create meaningful work and stronger relationships. From learning to embrace imposter syndrome, to saying “yes” when opportunity knocks, to finding joy in unexpected places (like surfing and parenting), Guy offers practical guidance for anyone who wants to make a difference. Tune in and discover how to bring more meaning—and more remarkable moments—into your life.

Get all of the show notes at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RadicalCandor.com

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Amy and Kim introduce Guy Kawasaki, chief evangelist, author and host of the Remarkable People podcast.

(00:03:02) Power of Saying Yes

Guy discusses his “say yes" philosophy and its impact on his career.

(00:06:54) What It Means to Be Remarkable

What it means to be remarkable and how everyone can make a difference.

(00:09:26) Being Remarkable with Jane Goodall

The story of Jane Goodall writing his foreword and being on the podcast.

(00:16:04) Growth Mindset & The Right Environment

How the right environment is crucial for fostering a growth mindset.

(00:20:59) Passion, Interests & Ikigai

The value of exploration and interests over forced passion.

(00:24:05) Get Interested in Your People

Lessons from taking up kids’ interests and parallels to leadership.

(00:29:43) Dealing with Stereotypes

Personal experiences and learning to respond with humor or candor.

(00:37:40) Bridging Viewpoints

Understanding opposing perspectives by asking how instead of why.

(00:42:02) Grace, Grit, & Growth

Connecting with Stacey Abrams and her alignment with Guy’s book.

(00:47:07) Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Advice on recognizing and overcoming imposter syndrome.

(00:53:45) Making Decisions Right

Focus on making decisions right, not making the right decisions.

(00:55:52) Lessons in Motivation

A story about mistaken identity and unexpected sources of motivation.

(01:00:40) Conclusion

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Why Knowing Your Core Values Makes You a Better Leader—and How to Discover Them with Robert Glazer 7|39 Oct 15, 2025

Show notes

How do you stay true to your values when the pressure’s on? On this episode of The Radical Candor Podcast, Kim and Jason talk with Robert Glazer, author of The Compass Within, about what it really means to live and lead by your core values.

Robert shares how storytelling helps bring his framework for discovering and defining core values to life. Together, they explore how understanding what truly drives you can strengthen trust, simplify tough decisions, and help you authentically lead with care and conviction — even when it’s uncomfortable.

If you’ve ever wondered how to find your direction, make confident choices, and lead without losing yourself, this conversation is your compass.

Get all of the show notes at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RadicalCandor.com

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Chapters:

(00:00) A New Chapter for Radical Candor

Jason shares an update on the podcast’s new twice-a-month format

(00:48) Meet Robert Glazer

Kim and Jason introduce Robert, his book The Compass Within, and the idea of values as a leadership compass.

(03:09) Why Values Matter

Why defining your personal values is essential for authentic leadership and decision-making.

(07:45) The Inverse Test

How frustration and discomfort can reveal your true core values.

(13:26) From Trust to Reliability

Kim and Robert explore how words like “trust” and “integrity” mean different things—and why clarity matters.

(21:30) The Six Questions Framework

Robert shares his practical process for identifying and validating your core values.

(27:22) The Cost of Integrity

Kim reflects on a time when staying true to her values came at a cost—and why it was worth it.

(41:20) Living Your Values

Robert reveals his own core values and how they connect to Radical Candor’s idea of “respectful authenticity.”

(49:12) Closing Reflections

How knowing your compass—your values—can help you lead with clarity, care, and conviction.

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What It Takes to Grow: Radical Candor Meets Hollywood with Adam Richman 7 | 38 Oct 08, 2025

Show notes

Great films aren’t just about talent — they’re built on trust, clarity, and the kind of feedback that helps people grow. Kim and Amy talk with producer Adam Richman (Gran Torino, The Burial,) about Double Nickel's new film, Grow, and how Radical Candor can actually fuel creativity.

Adam shares why flattening hierarchies strengthens collaboration, how constraints spark innovation, and why gratitude creates teams that thrive. He also reflects on the joy of making Grow, a family film full of heart, hope, and giant pumpkins — coming to theaters October 17th.

If you want to create cultures where feedback is welcomed, relationships matter, and creativity flourishes, this conversation offers the inspiration to get started.

Get all of the show notes at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RadicalCandor.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Episode Links:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Kim and Amy introduce Adam Richman, producer of Gran Torino, The Burial, and Grow.

(00:03:07) Radical Candor in Creative Work

How caring personally and challenging directly helps creative teams thrive.

(00:08:34) Why Constraints Fuel Innovation

Adam shares how budget limits on Grow sparked better ideas.

(00:14:09) Flattening Hierarchies in Hollywood

Breaking down status walls on set to build stronger collaboration.

(00:20:21) Mentorship & Leading with Kindness

The role of mentorship and kindness in sustaining creative careers.

(00:24:10) Cultivating a Culture with Intention

Creating clarity and trust, and appreciation at every stage of production.

(00:28:44) The Film-Making Process

Adam explains the process of making Grow

(00:34:15) Feedback & Collaboration

How Radical Candor guides tough conversations and creative decisions.

(00:39:13) The Importance of Setting the Table

Lessons from Post-Production

(00:44:51) The Joy of Grow

Why this family film, out October 17th, is filled with hope and heart.

(00:48:48) Music & Joyful Storytelling

The story behind KT Tunstall’s theme song for Grow.

(00:52:15) Conclusion

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Are Flat Organizations More Efficient? Kim and Jason Weigh In 7 | 37 Sep 17, 2025

Show notes

Chasing efficiency by flattening your organization can sound appealing, but true innovation and collaboration often thrive in a different kind of structure. Kim and Jason discuss how a thoughtful hierarchy — built on trust, clarity, and collaboration — helps teams do their best work. Drawing on lessons from Google, Apple, and Khan Academy, they share how empowered managers, clear decision-making, and open communication can transform the way organizations function. They also offer practical strategies for creating a collaboration hierarchy that supports managers, strengthens relationships, and gives great ideas the space to flourish. If you’re ready to build a culture where teams feel trusted, connected, and inspired, this conversation provides the helpful guidance you need to make it happen.

Get all of the show notes at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RadicalCandor.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Kim and Jason introduce why “flat” organizations aren’t always as efficient as they seem.

(00:01:56) The Myth of Flat Organizations

Why fewer layers don’t automatically lead to better efficiency.

(00:04:03) Why Companies Flatten

Collaboration hierarchies versus command-and-control structures.

(00:08:02) Reality of Managerial Capacity

How having manageable spans of control can foster innovation.

(00:12:44) Collaborative Hierarchies

Examples of how thoughtful hierarchy supports entrepreneurship.

(00:18:48) Decision-Making & Trust

Building employee trust through transparent decision-making.

(00:22:01) Avoiding Silent Failures

The hidden risks when managers are overloaded and politics take over.

(00:26:45) Democratizing Communication

How open communication and collaboration beat rigid hierarchies.

(00:29:31) Fixing Managerial Overload

Practical strategies to maintain efficiency without burning out managers.

(00:36:34) Radical Candor Tips

Actionable tips to keep communication open and teams thriving.

(00:38:02) Conclusion

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The Cult of The Credo: How a Beloved Brand Betrayed Your Trust 7 | 36 Sep 10, 2025

Show notes

When a company’s values don’t match its actions, the impact can be devastating. Kim and Amy speak with investigative journalist Gardiner Harris about his book, No More Tears: The Dark Secrets of Johnson & Johnson. Harris uncovers how a company once seen as the gold standard of integrity used its famous “Credo” to build emotional trust while covering up harmful practices—from baby powder linked to cancer to its role in the opioid crisis. The conversation goes beyond one company, raising bigger questions about accountability, transparency, and the systems meant to keep us safe. It’s a candid look at how misplaced trust can cause lasting damage—and what it really takes to create a culture where honesty and responsibility come first.

Get all of the show notes at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RadicalCandor.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Episode Links:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Kim and Amy introduce Gardiner Harris, investigative journalist and author.

(00:01:01) No More Tears

Why Gardiner’s book hasn't been widely covered by the media.

(00:07:35) Hidden Dangers of Products

Overview of Johnson & Johnson’s vast range of dangerous products.

(00:15:13) Antipsychotics in Nursing Homes

How antipsychotics were pushed to sedate elderly patients.

(00:16:58) Opioids & Corporate Responsibility

The role Johnson & Johnson played in the opioid epidemic.

(00:24:04) The Power of Branding & Emotional Trust

The exploitation of emotional branding to avoid accountability.

(00:27:28) Incentives, Conflicts, & Complicity

How financial incentives corrupted doctors, researchers, and hospitals

(00:39:12) Breaking Points & Speaking Up

Stories about the individuals affected by Johnson & Johnson.

(00:47:27) The Cult of the Credo

How J&J weaponized its corporate credo to silence whistleblowers.

(00:52:19) How J&J Got Away With It

The ways J&J avoided accountability and hid decades of misconduct.

(00:57:36) Tylenol, Safety, & the Illusion of Trust

The FDA’s inability—or unwillingness—to enforce safety despite evidence.

(01:03:29) Hope, Oversight & Individual Action

How individual action and awareness can drive systemic change.

(01:08:10) Conclusion

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The Billion-Dollar Cost of Bad Meetings 7 | 35 Aug 27, 2025

Show notes

Endless meetings can be exhausting — but what if they could actually be productive and meaningful? Kim and Amy talk with Dr. Steven Rogelberg, author of Glad We Met and The Surprising Science of Meetings, about how to run effective meetings and make every minute count — especially during one-on-one meetings. Steven shares research-backed tips for running better meetings, from framing agendas as questions to setting clear meeting norms that invite everyone’s voice. He explains why one-on-one meetings are the most important conversations managers can have, how they build trust, strengthen relationships, and boost team performance, and why they should never be replaced by an email. If you’re ready to spend less time in unproductive meetings and more time having conversations that count, this episode offers helpful guidance on meeting best practices, better collaboration, and creating space for real connection.

Get all of the show notes at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RadicalCandor.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Episode Links:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect:

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Kim and Amy introduce guest Dr. Steven Rogelberg, organizational psychologist and an expert on meetings.

(00:03:51) The Impact of Meetings

The global volume of meetings and the underestimated economic impact.

(00:06:33) Optimizing Meetings

Misconceptions about meetings and advice on improving their effectiveness.

(00:09:39) Framing Agendas as Questions

How to ensure that the meeting agenda questions are valuable.

(00:12:01) Soliciting Feedback in Meetings

Whether feedback should be solicited at the end of meetings.

(00:14:24) Power of Silent Brainstorming

Advice on encouraging team members to speak up in meetings.

(00:17:51) Value of One-on-Ones

Research that highlights the desire for more one-on-one meetings.

(00:20:49) Building Relationships in One-on-Ones

The importance of building relationships in one-on-one meetings.

(00:25:54) One-on-One Best Practices

Tips on starting, structuring, and scheduling one-on-one meetings.

(00:28:21) Trust Through Signals

How the location and questions of a one-on-one send powerful signals.

(00:33:15) Scheduling for Success

Optimizing schedules by spacing out one-on-ones and time blocking.

(00:37:22) The Direct Report’s Role

How direct reports can prepare for meetings with their managers.

(00:41:48) Conclusion

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I Messed Up at Work: How to Recover from a Major Work Blunder 7 | 34 Aug 20, 2025

Show notes

We’ve all been there—that heart-sinking moment when you realize you’ve messed up at work. Kim, Jason, and Amy discuss how to recover from a big mistake without letting self-blame take over. Inspired by a Reddit post about a project that fell months behind, they share lessons from their own experiences, practical ways to take responsibility, and how to follow through with a recovery plan that actually works. You’ll learn why asking for support is a strength, not a weakness, and how managers can identify trouble early, check in effectively, and foster a culture where it’s safe to speak up before problems escalate. Whether you’ve missed a deadline, dropped the ball, or just want to be ready if things go sideways, this episode will help you rebuild trust and turn a setback into an opportunity for growth.

Get all of the show notes at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RadicalCandor.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Episode Links:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Kim, Jason, and Amy introduce a Redditor’s dilemma about falling months behind on a project.

(00:02:59) When Big Mistakes Happen

Stories of mistakes and why they feel so personal.

(00:04:05) From Lost to Regained Credibility

Why credibility is already damaged—and how to earn it back.

(00:06:20) Getting Away With Mistakes

How getting away with a risky choice makes it tempting to repeat.

(00:08:32) Procrastination or Denial?

Recognizing the difference and the risk to your reputation.

(00:12:31) Acknowledging the Mistake

Why the first step to regaining credibility is admitting the error.

(00:15:34) Kim’s Story of Denial

A personal startup experience, health struggles, and hard truths.

(00:20:29) Accountability Without Punishment

Why admitting mistakes doesn’t mean beating yourself up.

(00:21:40) The Manager’s Role

How leaders can spot issues early and make bad news safe to share.

(00:26:34) Escaping the “Death March”

Breaking the cycle of repeated missed deadlines.

(00:29:45) Preventing Crisis With Goal Tracking

How visibility helps identify delays before they become disasters.

(00:33:09) A Plan to Rebuild Trust

Steps for repairing credibility with your boss and peers.

(00:36:11) Cognitive vs. Affective Trust

The two sides of workplace trust and how to restore them.

(00:38:04) Radical Candor Tips

Advice for self-forgiveness, peer support, and managing accountability.

(00:41:37) Conclusion

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What Founders Need to Know About Feedback and Culture 7 | 33 Aug 13, 2025

Show notes

Startup founders have a lot on their plates—but one of the most important things they can’t afford to neglect is how they build and lead their early team. Kim talks with executive coach and author Julia Austin about one of the most overlooked—but most important—skills for founders: setting clear expectations and giving helpful feedback early and often. Drawing from Julia’s book After the Idea, they cover how early hires shape company culture, why feedback systems matter from day one, and how to align as a team to create realistic, shared goals. Founders, joiners, and anyone curious about startup life will find valuable advice on leading with clarity, empathy, and purpose—because building a business starts with building relationships.

Get all of the show notes at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RadicalCandor.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Kim Scott introduces guest Julia Austin, who shares the inspiration behind her book After the Idea.

(00:02:36) Why Early Hires Matter

How the first 10–15 employees shape startup culture.

(00:04:08) Building Good Systems

The importance of healthy incentives and checks on power.

(00:06:26) Growing Without Losing Trust

The evolution of startups as they scale and the growing pains that follow.

(00:08:14) Preparing for Growth and Change

Managing team expectations as the company shifts and scales.

(00:10:39) Layering Without Losing Trust

Hiring early senior employees with transparency and respect.

(00:14:51) Expectation Setting as a Leadership Tool

Why clearly defined roles and goals are the most underused tools.

(00:17:52) Co-Creating Goals in Startups

Tips on using 30/60/90-day plans and bottoms-up goal setting.

(00:19:53) What to Do When It’s Not Working

Signs of misalignment and navigating tough conversations with care.

(00:22:14) The Value of Contrarians

Why different working styles and perspectives can be strengths.

(00:23:49) Communicating What Success Looks Like

Setting clear goals to reduce ambiguity and guide decision-making.

(00:25:44) Aligning on Growth Strategy

Why co-founders need to agree on the speed and path of scale.

(00:28:10) Building a Culture of Feedback

Small changes that create clarity, reduce fear, and invite real conversations.

(00:29:50) Working With Visionary Founders

Addressing unrealistic expectations while honoring the big picture.

(00:32:02) Staying Connected as You Scale

How founders can stay approachable and in touch as the company grows.

(00:34:55) The Power of In-Person Moments

Why off-Zoom time and shared experiences matter for team trust.

(00:36:20) Common Mistakes Founders Make

Avoiding common traps like bottlenecking, gossip loops, and unclear roles.

(00:38:55) Conclusion

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Managing Managers: How to Navigate the Jump from Manager to Director 7 | 32 Aug 06, 2025

Show notes

Kim, Jason, and Amy respond to a real-life leadership curveball: what happens when you accept a new role—only to find out mid-interview that it’s actually a director position? Inspired by a question from Reddit, they share practical advice for anyone navigating the leap from managing individuals to managing managers. Learn how to build trust early, create a strong feedback culture, and recognize when to listen and when to take action. Whether you’re new to leadership or just feeling a little unprepared, remember: you don’t have to have all the answers. Leading with Radical Candor means you care personally, challenge directly, and stay curious. Your job isn’t to fix everything—it’s to help your team grow.

Get all of the show notes at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RadicalCandor.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Episode Links:⁠

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Kim, Amy, and Jason introduce a Reddit question about becoming a first time company director.

(00:01:12) Core Management Principles

Why the fundamentals of good leadership apply at every level.

(00:03:18) Scaling Leadership Skills

Learning to coach managers instead of solving problems directly.

(00:05:35) Speak Truth to Power Meetings

Creating space for honest feedback across company hierarchies.

(00:07:39) Building Trust

Why listening first matters—especially in a new role.

(00:11:52) Handling Dysfunctional Teams

Avoiding harm by understanding the root of the issues.

(00:13:19) Navigating Pressure from Above

How to explain why slowing down builds a strong foundation.

(00:14:46) When to Step in Immediately

Stories of handling toxic behavior and disrespect as managers.

(00:17:37) Spotting Issues in Remote Teams

Picking up subtle cues and helping team members course-correct.

(00:19:03) When Moving Too Slowly Backfires

Lessons from when hesitation allowed issues to grow.

(00:23:52) Leading Through Identity

How personal identity shapes experience and response in leadership.

(00:27:16) Respectful Leadership

Examples of respectful leadership communication and collaboration.

(00:30:30) Ask for Help the Right Way

Encouragement for new leaders to share their plans and seek feedback.

(00:33:50) Radical Candor Tips

Tips for helping overwhelmed, hesitant, or siloed leaders.

(00:42:00) Conclusion

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A Framework for Communicating Hard News (That Actually Works) 7 | 31 Jul 30, 2025

Show notes

Candor Coach and executive coach Farrah Mitra joins Amy Sandler to share her 4-step Communicating Change Framework—a practical guide for leaders navigating layoffs, performance conversations, or org changes. Learn how to deliver tough news with kindness, clarity, and confidence, without causing unnecessary harm. A must-listen for anyone leading through change with Radical Candor.

Get all of the show notes at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RadicalCandor.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Episode Links:

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Amy introduces Farrah Mitra, Radical Candor coach and creator of the Communicating Change framework.

(00:01:49) Why This Matters

Two stories that highlight the power of how change is communicated.

(00:04:47) Framing Makes the Difference

How message delivery impacts emotional response.

(00:06:28) Goals of the Framework

The overarching goal of the Communicating Change framework.

(00:07:36) Why We Avoid Empathy

Why leaders struggle with human-centered communication during change.

(00:09:54) Structure Creates Confidence

Creating a process that facilitates courage and clarity in conversations.

(00:11:30) Communicating Change Framework

A framework that gives leaders direction during tough conversations.

(00:13:00) Coaching for Mindset Shifts

Coaching to focus on reframing how leaders feel before they speak.

(00:14:20) Reframing from Guilt to Partnership

A real coaching story shows how shifting mindset changes everything.

(00:17:51) Grief, Identity & Communication

Why emotional processing is key before delivering hard news.

(00:21:00) Clarifying the Message

Choosing a narrative that doesn't mix performance and role decisions.

(00:25:13) Focus on the Receiver

Questions to help reverse engineer empathetic communication.

(00:29:02) Helpful Phrasing Tips

Phrasing examples to tailor language to ensure authenticity and clarity.

(00:31:15) Empathy vs. Niceness

Thoughtfully using structure to communicate with clarity and compassion.

(00:35:24) Company-Wide Implementation

How one org made the framework part of their leadership culture.

(00:38:19) Why Empathy Still Wins

Human-centered communication prevents harm—even in tough moments.

(00:39:52) Connect with Farrah

Where to connect with Farrah and find her framework.

(00:41:11) Conclusion

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