Perhaps no fictional leader better represents the “brilliant jerk” than Willy Wonka—the candy-making genius who invites five children to his factory to find his successor. This episode is your golden ticket to learning: How “geniuses” and “brilliant jerks” impact the rest of the workforce—especially when they’re in charge (2:21), what companies can learn from Wonka’s unorthodox methods of product development (7:44), why front-line workers like Oompa Loompas are an overlooked source of innovation, better ways to select successors and transition to new leaders.

Hosted by Paula Cizek, Jane Garza, and Dr. Kim Perkins.

Credits: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Dir. Mel Stuart. Perf. Gene Wilder, Peter Ostrum. Paramount Pictures. 1971. “Work of Fiction” Theme Song: Matt Garza