Life Threads

Knowing with Julia Gillard and Selin Kesebir

Life Threads

Show Notes

What does it really mean to know something?

In this episode, Lynda Gratton explores the difference between gathering information and truly knowing, with insights from Selin Kesebir, Associate Professor at London Business School, and Julia Gillard, former Prime Minister of Australia.

Selin reveals how deep understanding grows not just from facts, but from experience, reflection and openness to change. Julia shares how pivotal moments and setbacks transformed her perspective and identity. Together, they discuss how self-knowledge develops through challenge, contrast with others, and learning from setbacks - and how wisdom emerges over a long working life through connection and compassion.

This episode delves into why knowing is more than information: it’s a shift that shapes how we think, act and relate to others.

Host:

Lynda Gratton, Professor of Management Practice in Organisational Behaviour, London Business School

Guests:

Selin Kesebir, Associate Professor of Organisational Behaviour, London Business School

Julia Gillard, 27th Prime Minister of Australia

Mentioned in this episode:

⁠Living the 100-Year Life⁠⁠

⁠⁠Life Threads diagnostic⁠

Chapters:

00:42 Introduction

01:47 The difference between knowing and information

06:02 The role of self-knowledge

21:50 Julia Gillard on learning through experience

30:30 Knowing what really matters

42:06 Four takeaways for deeper knowing

30:10 Lynda’s final thoughts

Learn more: Listen to the full episode and follow the series for more. Sign up to receive a curated selection of articles, podcasts and films direct to your inbox twice a month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.london.edu/think?entry=true#subscribeScreen ⁠⁠⁠

Follow us on social media: ⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/school/london-business-school/⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/londonbschool/

More from Life Threads

Oct 20, 2026

Friendship is often treated as something we fit around the rest of life. But over a long working life, it becomes one of the relationships that most sustains us.

Oct 9, 2026

Technology isn’t just disruptive; it can extend our capabilities and magnify what makes us unique at work. As AI makes routine tasks easier, our distinctiveness - judgment, relationships, expertise - matters more. The real question is, what will you choose to amplify, and what will you keep human?

Sep 18, 2026

What can world-class opera and ballet teach us about cooperation? In this episode, Lynda Gratton sits down with Sir Alex Beard, Chief Executive of the Royal Ballet and Opera, to explore the teamwork, trust and shared standards behind every performance.

Sep 11, 2026

What does it really mean to master something - and why does mastery keep changing? In this episode, Lynda Gratton sits down with Turner Prize-winning artist Sir Grayson Perry and leadership and career transition expert Herminia Ibarra for a conversation about creativity, reinvention, and staying relevant in a fast-changing world.

See all episodes →