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SPOS #947 – John Mackey On Whole Foods01 Sep 202401:00:09

Welcome to episode #947 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast - Episode #947. John Mackey, co-founder of Whole Foods Market and its CEO for 44 years, is no stranger to transforming industries. With his new memoir, The Whole Story, John takes readers on an intimate journey through the rise of an iconic company that didn't just succeed in business but sparked a retail and dietary revolution. Whole Foods Market began as a small, idealistic endeavor in Austin, Texas, and under John’s leadership, it grew into a $22 billion-a-year behemoth that forever changed the way we think about food. But The Whole Story isn’t just about business - it's a candid exploration of John’s personal and spiritual journey, from his early days immersed in counterculture to his evolution into a champion of Conscious Capitalism. In our conversation, John reflects on the pivotal moments that defined his career and the cultural impact of Whole Foods. He shares how the company challenged the norms of the food industry by prioritizing quality, natural, and organic products long before they were mainstream. But he also opens up about the missteps, the near-disasters, and the lessons learned along the way. We discuss the acquisition of Whole Foods by Amazon, a move that John describes as the best solution to the challenges his company faced, and the importance of embracing competition and continuous learning. Throughout, John’s dedication to improving health and advocating for conscious business practices shines through, as does his belief in the power of open-mindedness and adaptability. John offers more than just a behind-the-scenes look at Whole Foods - it’s a thoughtful reflection on his spiritual and philosophical growth, from New Age mysticism to life-changing experiences with psychedelics, and how these influences shaped his approach to business and life. For those who admire Whole Foods and its mission, this show provides a deeper understanding of the man behind the brand and the values that drove its success. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a foodie, or someone interested in the intersection of business and personal growth, John’s story is inspiring and thought-provoking. And it doesn’t end… he is currently deep into his next venture, Love.Life. Enjoy the conversation...

Chapters:

  • 00:00 - Introduction: John Mackey and his memoir.
  • 02:00 - Reflecting on Whole Foods’ journey.
  • 04:42 - The growth of Whole Foods Market.
  • 08:40 - Changing the food and supermarket industry.
  • 13:20 - Conscious capitalism and creating positive change.
  • 25:42 - The energy of entrepreneurship and passing the torch.
  • 27:54 - The current state of the world and progress.
  • 29:57 - Putting Wealth Inequality and Progress into Context.
  • 37:44 - The Acquisition of Whole Foods by Amazon: A Win-Win-Win Solution.
  • 53:53 - Competition and Continuous Improvement.
  • 59:03 - The Importance of Flexibility and Open-Mindedness.
SPOS #946 – Frederik Pferdt On How To Live Future Ready25 Aug 202400:57:24

Welcome to episode #946 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast - Episode #946. Dr. Frederik Pferdt has spent his career helping some of the most creative minds at Google - and beyond - shape the future. As Google's first Chief Innovation Evangelist, he didn’t just observe the future unfolding; he actively shaped it. Frederik founded Google's Innovation Lab, where he coached tens of thousands of Googlers in the art of innovation, fostering a culture that thrives on curiosity, empathy, and experimentation. His work has resonated far beyond Silicon Valley, with collaborations ranging from NASA to the NBA, and teaching stints at Stanford University that inspired a new generation of thinkers. In his book, What's Next Is Now - How to Live Future Ready, Frederik challenges the notion that the future is something we passively encounter. Instead, he invites us to see it as something we actively create. He distills his philosophy into six principles: optimism, openness, curiosity, experimentation, empathy, and something he calls "Dimension X" - the unique way each of us perceives the world. This isn't just a framework for surviving the future; it's a guide to thriving in it. During our conversation, Frederik dives into how these principles aren't just abstract concepts but actionable strategies that anyone can apply. He emphasizes that the future is crafted by the choices we make today, and by cultivating a "future-ready mindstate," we can turn ambiguity and uncertainty into opportunities. From collecting dots — ideas, experiences, and learnings — to connecting them in innovative ways, Frederik explains how we can stay ahead in a rapidly evolving world. Frederik also touches on the importance of predictive empathy, which helps us understand the potential consequences of emerging technologies, and how embracing uncertainty is crucial for personal growth. He shares insights on how to counter the cynicism that often accompanies aging by intentionally choosing curiosity and optimism. Our discussion explores the transformative power of mindfulness practices like silent meditation retreats and the value of experimentation in cutting through the hype of the present moment. Enjoy the conversation...

Chapters:

  • 00:00 - Introduction and Background.
  • 02:10 - Creating a Future-Ready Mind State.
  • 11:02 - The Power of Collecting Dots.
  • 27:22 - Changing Our Relationship with the Future.
  • 31:14 - Reflections on the Pace of Change.
  • 33:13 - Shaping the Future through Present Choices.
  • 35:43 - Embracing Uncertainty and Active Learning.
  • 40:18 - Counteracting Cynicism with Qualities of Mind.
  • 48:32 - Navigating the Hype and Trends of the Present.
  • 57:17 - The Transformative Power of Silent Meditation Retreats.
SPOS #937 – Scott Walker With Deep Insights From A Real-Life Hostage Negotiator23 Jun 202401:08:25

Welcome to episode #937 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast - Episode #937. Life is a negotiation... and every one of us should be thinking about how we can get better at it. Scott Walker is a Sunday Times bestselling author and a keynote speaker on negotiation, communications, leadership and resilience. Scott is one of the world’s most experienced kidnap-for-ransom negotiators, offering discreet advice to top corporate, political, and NGO leaders to manage and recover from all sorts of real-life threats. With over three hundred cases resolved worldwide, he now helps clients develop resilient and agile leadership skills to navigate uncertainty and conflict, while consistently delivering top performance. He also trains leaders and teams to master communication, influence, and conflict resolution.In our conversation, Scott dives into negotiation strategies and techniques, pulling from his new book, Order Out Of Chaos - Win Every Negotiation, Thrive In Adversity, And Become A World-Class Communicator. He emphasizes that negotiation is everywhere in life and underscores the critical role of trust, especially in hostage situations. Scott breaks down the challenges of dealing with irrational actors, the importance of saving face in negotiations, and why maintaining long-term relationships matters. We also touch on managing stress and anxiety, emotional self-regulation, and understanding one's own emotions before entering a negotiation. Scott shares stories from his hostage negotiation days, highlighting empathy, trust-building, and assertiveness. We also explore the complexities of kidnapping negotiations and the unique challenges of cyber extortion. His book, Order Out Of Chaos isn’t just about high-stakes negotiations - it's a guide to becoming a top-notch communicator. Scott's book, built on years of experience and research, offers simple, proven strategies to handle high-pressure moments, practice proactive listening, develop emotional intelligence, and manage conflict. Whether you're negotiating a deal at work or navigating everyday situations (like with your kids!), the techniques in this book will help you communicate effectively and get the results you want. Enjoy the conversation...

Takeaways

  • Negotiation is a part of everyday life, and it is important to recognize and improve our negotiation skills.
  • Trust is crucial in hostage negotiations, and third-party intermediaries can play a significant role in building trust.
  • Saving face and maintaining pride are important considerations in negotiations, as they can impact the outcome and long-term relationships.
  • Time can be a powerful negotiation strategy, allowing for emotional regulation and the exploration of options.
  • Managing stress and anxiety is essential in negotiations, as they can impact decision-making and outcomes.
  • Emotional self-regulation is crucial in negotiation, and understanding one's own emotions before entering a negotiation is essential.
  • Building trust and empathy are key elements in successful negotiations, whether in hostage situations or business deals.
  • Kidnapping negotiations involve balancing empathy and assertiveness, managing expectations, and developing a battle rhythm.
  • The cyber extortion industry presents unique challenges, and companies must weigh the risks and benefits of negotiation.
  • Difficult situations can be opportunities for personal growth and resilience, and reframing the meaning of challenges can lead to a more fulfilling life.

Chapters:

  • 00:00 - Introduction and Background
  • 00:30 - Negotiation in Everyday Life
  • 03:08 - Trust in Hostage Negotiations
  • 05:17 - Negotiating with Irrational Actors
  • 08:06 - Saving Face and Maintaining Pride
  • 09:28 - Negotiating in Geopolitical Conflicts
  • 11:33 - Time as a Negotiation Strategy
  • 12:49 - Expanding the Pie: Win-Win Negotiations
  • 16:25 - Addressing Concerns and Criticisms
  • 20:51 - Short-Termism vs. Long-Term Success
  • 26:14 - Negotiating with Nefarious Intentions
  • 31:08 - Simplifying Negotiations
  • 32:03 - Managing Stress and Anxiety in Negotiations
  • 32:07 - Emotional Self-Regulation in Negotiation
  • 36:15 - The Importance of Negotiating with Yourself
  • 37:02 - Lessons from the First Professional Negotiation
  • 44:04 - The Complexity of Kidnapping Negotiations
  • 49:25 - The Business of Kidnapping for Ransom
  • 53:07 - The Aftermath of Hostage Situations
  • 55:46 - The Unique Challenges of Cyber Extortion
  • 01:02:14 - Finding Resilience and Meaning in Difficult Situations
SPOS #847 - Matthew Dixon On The Science Of Getting More Sales02 Oct 202201:03:09

Welcome to episode #847 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast - Episode #847. If you're in sales (and who isn't?) you should probably read (if you haven't already) The Challenger Sale by Matthew Dixon. The book was published in 2011, and has become one of the bigger books about sales. Matt is back with a brand new book, The JOLT Effect - How High Performers Overcome Customer Indecision (co-authored with Ted McKenna). The book focuses on a big idea: Customers no longer care about succeeding. What they really care about is not failing... and how, as a sales person, you can use this strategy to open up bigger conversations with prospects and close even bigger sales. Matt is Chief Product & Research Officer of the Austin-based AI and machine learning venture, Tethr. In this capacity, he has responsibility for product strategy, product management and product marketing. Prior to joining Tethr, Matt was a Senior Partner and Global Head of Sales Force Effectiveness Solutions at Korn Ferry Hay Group and, before that, held numerous global leadership roles in research, product development and management for CEB, now Gartner. A seasoned business researcher, Matt has been involved in dozens of original quantitative and qualitative research studies on topics ranging from customer experience strategy to customer service and sales effectiveness. Matt is also the author of several other books. Enjoy the conversation...

SPOS #846 - Ella F. Washington On Making Real Progress On Equity And Inclusion25 Sep 202200:52:58

Welcome to episode #846 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast - Episode #846. Candid conversations about diversity, inclusion and equity are never easy. Dr. Ella F. Washington is an organizational psychologist and DEI expert with a wealth of experience through her involvement as the Founder and CEO of Ellavate Solutions, a Professor of Practice at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, the Co-host of Gallup's Center of Black Voices Cultural Competence Podcast, and the author of the amazing book, The Necessary Journey - Making Real Progress on Equity and Inclusion. Dr. Washington continues to deepen her research pipeline and thought leadership as a Gallup Senior Scientist studying race, strengths and other DEI workplace topics. Dr. Washington’s global human capital consulting experience has allowed her to impact clients across a myriad of industries including financial services, sports & entertainment, oil and gas, higher education and government. Previously, Dr. Washington led the Diversity and Inclusion function Gallup as a subject matter expert where she provided insight to clients on issues of inclusion, culture, strategic diversity and engagement. Her research and client work focuses on women in the workplace, barriers to inclusion for diverse groups, and working with organizations to build inclusive cultures. She has conducted inclusiveness audits, developed learning workshops, and facilitates strategic planning sessions with executive leadership teams who have goals of intentionally improving diversity and inclusion. These experiences inspired the 2016 founding of Ellavate Solutions, an integrated DEI strategy firm. Enjoy the conversation...

SPOS #845 - Tom Webster On The Future Of Podcasting18 Sep 202200:51:39

Welcome to episode #845 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - Episode #845. If you ever need to know anything about the state of Podcasting (or where it's going), just ask Tom Webster. Tom has a new role as Partner at Sounds Profitable, dedicated to setting the course for the future of the audio business. He is a 25-year veteran audio researcher and trusted advisor to the biggest companies in podcasting, and has dedicated his career to the advancement of podcasting for networks and individuals alike. He has been the co-author and driver behind some of audio’s most influential studies, from the Infinite Dial series to Share of Ear and the Podcast Consumer Tracker. Tom has led hundreds of audience research projects on six continents, for some of the most listened-to podcasts and syndicated radio shows in the world. He’s done a card trick for Paula Abdul, shared a martini with Tom Jones, and sold vinyl to Christopher Walken. Tom is known as a results-driven consumer insights visionary, and I am honored to call him a friend. We've both been in the podcasting game longer than most and enjoy the back-and-forth banter about the industry. Enjoy the conversation...

SPOS #844 - Todd Henry On How To Be Creative Daily11 Sep 202200:55:30

Welcome to episode #844 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - Episode #844. When I think about creativity, motivation, getting the work done, being prolific, and taking my thinking to the next level, I often think about the work of Todd Henry. Positioning himself as an "arms dealer for the creative revolution," Todd teaches leaders and organizations how to establish practices that lead to everyday brilliance. He is the author of multiple bestselling books (The Accidental Creative, Die Empty, Louder Than Words, Herding Tigers, The Motivation Code) which have been translated into more than a dozen languages, and he speaks and consults across dozens of industries on creativity, leadership, and passion for work. With millions of downloads, his podcast - The Accidental Creative - offers weekly tips for how to stay prolific, brilliant, and healthy. He's got a brand new book out called, Daily Creative - A Practical Guide For Staying Prolific, Brilliant and Healthy. In the book, we're given a daily dose of insight with 365 exercises and insights for busy professionals, creative and beyond. The book was designed to help you gain powerful focus each and every day. Each daily reading can be completed in five minutes and includes a specific theme to break you out of your current mindsets: A challenge to reflect on and apply a new habit-building principles long with a key action as a takeaway to yield lasting results. Enjoy the conversation...

SPOS #843 - Susie Wise On How We Design For Belonging04 Sep 202200:46:32

Welcome to episode #843 of Six Pixels of Separation.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - Episode #843. Dr. Susie Wise is a design leader with experience in the education, tech, and the social sectors. She coaches leaders in equity design and innovation practices. She teaches at the d.school at Stanford and coaches with the Mira Fellowship. Previously, she founded and directed the K12 Lab at the d.school and co-created Liberatory Design. Her latest book, Design for Belonging, is part of a Stanford d.school series of designer guides, but is filled with insights for all business professionals. The book features a pantheon of smart insights to inspire your design for belonging endeavors and tools and exercises for framing your work. It’s also filled with stunning illustrations by DC-based muralist Rose Jaffe. In a world of remote and hybrid work, it’s important that everyone has both a sense of belonging and an understanding how to foster belonging in every organization. Enjoy the conversation…

SPOS #842 - Andrea Belk Olson On Secret Customer Needs28 Aug 202200:53:34

Welcome to episode #842 of Six Pixels of Separation.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - Episode #842. Have you ever met a "differentiation expert"? That's the role of Andrea Belk Olson (who is also a speaker and author). As the CEO at Pragmadik, where her team helps organizations of all sizes better understand customers (their wants, desires and secret needs). She is the author of The Customer Mission, No Disruptions, and more recently published her newest book, What to Ask - How to learn what customers need but don't tell you. A sought-after keynote speaker at conferences and corporate events, Andrea is a visiting lecturer at the University of Iowa’s Tippie College of Business and head of their Startup Business Incubator (JPEC Founders Club). She is also a mentor at the University of Iowa Venture School. In What to Ask, Andrea delivers a fresh, cognitive approach for discovering hidden customer needs, converting them quickly into differentiators, and avoiding the pitfalls of traditional research, which ignores the two essential sources of insight: context and behavior. So, if you are faced with discovering what customers really want, this episode is just for you. Enjoy the conversation...

SPOS #841 - Nathan Furr On The Upside Of Uncertainty21 Aug 202200:52:48

Welcome to episode #841 of Six Pixels of Separation.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - Episode #841. In his new book, The Upside of Uncertainty - A Guide To Finding Possibility In The Unknown, Nathan Furr (and his co-author/wife, Susannah Harmon Furr) provide a science-backed guide for navigating and thriving through uncertainty — based on interviews and insights from world-renowned leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, artists, and creatives. It's a book for this exact moment in time, and it's a wonderful read. Nathan is an Associate Professor of Strategy at INSEAD, where he teaches innovation and technology strategy. His research focuses on innovation and technology strategy, particularly how new and established firms adapt to technology change and enter new markets. His research has been published in leading journals, such as Strategic Management Journal, Organization Science, and Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal. He has received various impressive awards and is a recognized expert in innovation, entrepreneurship, and value creation. He also co-authored Innovation Capital, Leading Transformation, The Innovator's Method, and Nail It then Scale It: The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Creating and Managing Breakthrough Innovation. Professionally, Nathan has acted as the founder or advisor to corporations and startups in healthcare, clean technology, professional services, the internet, retail and financial services industries. Nathan also sits on the investment board of the Kickstart Seed Fund, an innovative early-stage venture fund, and was the founder of the International Business Model Competition, which attracts thousands of innovative teams from around the world in an international competition. If you're thinking about how to better embrace uncertainty (and, who isn't these days?), this episode is for you. Enjoy the conversation...

SPOS #840 - Kathryn Judge On The Rise Of The Middleman Economy14 Aug 202200:50:43

Welcome to episode #840 of Six Pixels of Separation.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - Episode #840. The power of middlemen has, fundamentally, changed the shape of business and our economy. Kathryn Judge is the author of Direct - The Rise of the Middleman Economy and the Power of Going to the Source. In this book, she explores how powerful middlemen and complex supply chains have transformed our lives and how to reclaim the community, connection, and meaning lost along the way. Kathryn is a law professor, author, financial regulation expert, and mother of two. Kate (as she prefers to be called) joined the faculty at Columbia Law School in 2010 and currently serves as the Harvey J. Goldschmid Professor of Law. Her research shows how we can promote a more resilient and accountable financial system, and how regulatory design can enhance the legitimacy and efficacy of financial regulation. Her articles have been published in top journals, including Harvard Law Review, Stanford Law Review, etc. and have received accolades from academic peers and industry. She is an editor of the Journal of Financial Regulation and a research member of the European Corporate Governance Institute. Enjoy the conversation...

SPOS #839 - Seth Stephens-Davidowitz On Trusting Data (And Not Your Gut)07 Aug 202200:57:34

Welcome to episode #839 of Six Pixels of Separation.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - Episode #839- Host: Mitch Joel. Should you always trust the data? Should you always trust your gut? Is there science behind these choices? Seth Stephens-Davidowitz is a former Google data scientist turned writer and journalist. He spends his time investigating all types of data to help us answer big questions and make better decisions at work and in life. He's been called a data revolution “prophet” by Dan Pink, because of Seth's ability to teach us how our instincts lead us astray, but data can help us see the world more accurately, ask better questions, and get happier (according to him). His first book was, Everybody Lies - Big Data, New Data, and What the Internet Can Tell Us About Who We Really Are, and his latest one is, Don't Trust Your Gut - Using Data to Get What You Really Want in Life. Seth is a contributing op-ed writer for The New York Times and a former visiting lecturer at The Wharton School, where he developed a course about his research. Seth has presented his original research scientific manuscripts, public journals, and engaging lectures all over the world. He holds a PhD in economics from Harvard and a BA in Philosophy from Stanford, where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa. Enjoy the conversation...

SPOS #838 - Ashley Rose Mehlenbacher On Expertise (And Who Is Truly An Expert)31 Jul 202200:59:37

Welcome to episode #838 of Six Pixels of Separation.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - Episode #838 - Host: Mitch Joel. It seems like everyone on LinkedIn (which is everyone who works) considers themself an expert in something (or everything). What is expertise? Who should we consider an expert? Is there one definition to rule them all? Ashley Rose Mehlenbacher is not just an associate professor and Canada Research Chair in Science, Health, and Technology Communication at the University of Waterloo, but is also the author of, On Expertise - Cultivating Character, Goodwill, and Practical Wisdom. Much of Ashley's current research focuses on climate change communication, and she is a member of the University of Waterloo's Interdisciplinary Centre on Climate Change (IC3) and the Water Institute. In addition to her duties at Waterloo, she is the General Co-Editor, with Carolyn R. Miller, at Genre Across Borders. Further, she served as a Member of the Board of Directors for the Association for the Rhetoric of Science, Technology, and Medicine (ARSTM) from 2019-2021 and as President of ARSTM from 2018-2019. Ashley's research focuses on how communication practices shape the processes of science and also how diverse audiences engage with scientific and technical subjects through various communication strategies and modalities. Along with being the author of On Expertise, she also wrote Science Communication Online, and is co-editor of Emerging Genres in New Media Environments. Ashley has also been published in numerous journal articles and chapters. If you consider yourself an expert or eyeroll at those who self-describe themselves as one, this episode is for you. Enjoy the conversation...

SPOS #936 – Dan Pontefract On Leaders As Coaches16 Jun 202400:59:06

Welcome to episode #936 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast - Episode #936. My friend, Dan Pontefract, is a renowned leadership strategist, author, and keynote speaker with over two decades of experience in senior executive roles at companies like SAP, TELUS, and Business Objects. His focus has always been on corporate culture change, leadership development, employee experience, and overall performance improvement. Since leaving the world of full-time gigs in 2018, Dan has worked with organizations worldwide, including Salesforce, Amgen, Nestlé, and the City of Toronto, and countless others. He has a knack for turning leaders and corporate cultures into a competitive advantage, believing firmly that the future of work is now. In this conversation, Dan shares his insights on the evolution from work-life balance to work-life flow, emphasizing the need for a more fluid integration of work and personal life. We discuss how economic factors like the death of the middle class and shareholder primacy has reshaped work-life balance. Dan highlights the generational shifts in perspectives, with younger generations craving greater personalization and flexibility in their work lives. He stresses the importance of setting and respecting boundaries to maintain a healthy work-life balance, the role of culture in shaping this balance, and the potential impacts of gamifying work. Dan’s latest book, Work-Life Bloom - How to Nurture A Team That Flourishes, delves into the intricate dance between our professional and personal lives. Drawing parallels to how a flower needs the right mix of sunlight, water, and nutrients to thrive, Dan argues that team members need the right mix of work-life factors to create a fulfilling existence. Through global research, interviews, and personal anecdotes, he offers practical solutions for leaders and organizations to foster environments where teams can truly bloom. Dan is also the author of Lead Care Win, Open To Think, The Purpose Effect and Flat Army. Enjoy the conversation...

Takeaways

  • Work-life balance has evolved into work-life flow, emphasizing the need for a more fluid integration of work and personal life.
  • Economic factors, such as the death of the middle class and shareholder primacy, have had a significant impact on work-life balance.
  • Generational differences exist in work-life balance perspectives, with younger generations seeking greater personalization and flexibility in their work.
  • Setting and respecting boundaries is crucial for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
  • Culture plays a vital role in shaping work-life balance, and organizations need to consider individual needs and values.
  • The gamification of work can have both positive and negative effects on work-life balance.
  • In-person interactions and connections are valuable for fostering work-life balance.
  • Integrating productivity into work-life balance is a complex challenge that requires finding ways to be productive without sacrificing personal time.
  • Leaders should strive to be coaches, providing support, empathy, and constructive feedback to their team members.
  • The integration of artificial intelligence in the workplace raises concerns about job security and the need for human skills that cannot be automated.
  • Societal considerations should include addressing the struggles faced by men in the workplace and ensuring equal support and opportunities for all genders.

Chapters:

  • 00:00 - Introduction and Background
  • 03:02 - The Shift from Work-Life Balance to Work-Life Flow
  • 06:31 - The Impact of Economic Factors on Work-Life Balance
  • 10:23 - The Death of the Middle Class and Its Effect on Work-Life Balance
  • 13:08 - The Influence of Shareholder Primacy on Work-Life Balance
  • 16:47 - Generational Differences in Work-Life Balance Perspectives
  • 19:19 - The Personalization of Work and Its Impact on Work-Life Balance
  • 23:57 - The Importance of Boundaries in Work-Life Balance
  • 28:03 - The Role of Culture in Work-Life Balance
  • 32:30 - The Gamification of Work and Its Effect on Work-Life Balance
  • 36:25 - The Current State of Work-Life Balance
  • 39:40 - The Importance of Respect in Work-Life Balance
  • 43:48 - The Role of Boundaries in Work-Life Balance
  • 46:33 - The Value of In-Person Interactions in Work-Life Balance
  • 47:52 - Integrating Productivity into Work-Life Balance
  • 48:21 - Leaders as Coaches
  • 51:26 - The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Work
  • 55:15 - Societal Considerations for Men in the Workplace
SPOS #837 - Catherine Price On Why Fun Is Better Than Tech24 Jul 202201:01:22

Welcome to episode #837 of Six Pixels of Separation.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - Episode #837 - Host: Mitch Joel. This week, TED released a new talk titled, Why fun is the secret to a healthier life, that was delivered by Catherine Price on the main stage at TED in Vancouver a few months back. It's an event that I have been attending for well over a decade, and Catherine's talk was - without a question - one of the best talks at this year's event. In a strange twist of fate, Catherine wound up joining myself and others for one of the "open night" dinners that I had organized. We became fast friends. This led me down the rabbit hole of the amazing work that she has done. A special thanks to Adam Grant for making the connection and introduction. Here's how Catherine describes herself: "I help people scroll less, live more, and have fun." She is a science journalist, speaker, teacher, consultant, and the author of many books including, The Power of Fun - How to Feel Alive Again, How to Break Up With Your Phone and Vitamania - How Vitamins Revolutionized the Way We Think About Food. Her writing has appeared in places like The Best American Science Writing, The New York Times, Popular Science, and many more. Her passion is using her background as a science journalist to help people question their assumptions, make positive changes in their lives, and see mundane things (like fun, phones, vitamins) in an interesting and more philosophical light. She is also the founder of Screen/Life Balance, a resource hub dedicated to helping people create more intentional relationships with technology and reconnect with what really matters to them in life. Her newsletter is also a bright and intelligent light for your inbox (you can subscribe right here). Enjoy the conversation...

SPOS #836 - Ashish Goel On Overcoming The Challenges Of Creative Work17 Jul 202200:48:17

Welcome to episode #836 of Six Pixels of Separation.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - Episode #836 - Host: Mitch Joel. Ashish Goel has launched and run design divisions for multiple international companies. He is an entrepreneur, designer, former teaching fellow and a collaborator on the Stanford 2025 project. He is the former head of design at Zomato (India's larger-scale Yelp!). He currently runs Boca, his sparkling water start-up, and advises some of India's top technology companies on design and product management. His new book via the d.school, The Hasso Plattner Institute of Design at Stanford, is called Drawing on Courage - Risks Worth Taking and Stands Worth Making. Ashish believes that this topic is not-always-talked about, yet fundamental to doing cutting edge design work. According to Ashish, "You can do good-enough design-for-life work with its associated tools, but to do great design work you need grit." His book is a practical, illustrated guide to overcoming the challenges of creative work, including where to start, how to give or get feedback, when to change direction, and how to stand up for what matters. Enjoy the conversation....

SPOS #835 - Kim Scott On Radical Candor And Ultimate Culture10 Jul 202200:59:09

Welcome to episode #835 of Six Pixels of Separation.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - Episode #835 - Host: Mitch Joel. I have been hard at work trying to find a way to meet Kim Scott since she first published the book, Radical Candor. A special thanks to Dorie Clark and Alisa Cohn for inviting Kim to a dinner that we hosted during the last TED event in Vancouver. Along with Radical Candor, Kim is also the author of Just Work - How to Root Out Bias, Prejudice, and Bullying to Build a Kick-ass Culture of Inclusivity and co-founder of the companies, Just Work and Radical Candor. Kim was a CEO coach at Dropbox, Qualtrics, Twitter, and other tech companies. She was a member of the faculty at Apple University and before that led AdSense, YouTube, and DoubleClick teams at Google. Prior to that Kim managed a pediatric clinic in Kosovo and started a diamond-cutting factory in Moscow. She lives with her family in Silicon Valley, and loves to write fiction novels almost as much (maybe more) than business books. Enjoy the conversation...

SPOS #834 - Ron Carucci On How To Lead With Truth, Justice And Purpose03 Jul 202200:58:19

Welcome to episode #834 of Six Pixels of Separation.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - Episode #834 - Host: Mitch Joel. Under what conditions will people tell the truth, behave fairly and act with purpose at work? And when will they lie, cheat and be selfish? Based on 15 years of research, Ron Carucci's latest book, To Be Honest, looks at four factors and how they foster the right (or wrong) culture. Ron has a thirty-year track record helping executives tackle challenges of strategy, organization, and leadership — from start-ups to Fortune 10s, non-profits to heads-of-state, turn-arounds to new markets and strategies, overhauling leadership and culture to re-designing for growth. With experience in more than 25 countries on four continents, he helps organizations articulate strategies that lead to accelerated growth, and then designs programs to execute those strategies. The author of eight books, Ron shares the stories of leaders who have acted with purpose, honesty and justice even when it was difficult to do so, and how they came out on top. Enjoy the conversation...

SPOS #833 - Christine Porath On Mastering Community26 Jun 202200:47:53

Welcome to episode #833 of Six Pixels of Separation.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - Episode #833 - Host: Mitch Joel. What does it mean to build a community? How powerful are communities? Have communities become to insular lately? Christine Porath is a tenured professor at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business. She’s the author of Mastering Civility - A Manifesto for the Workplace and co-author of The Cost of Bad Behavior. Her latest book is called, Mastering Community - The Surprising Ways Coming Together Moves Us From Surviving To Thriving. In this book, Christine argues how important thriving communities are to our wellbeing and the success of organizations, and learn what steps you can take to create them. Enjoy the conversation...

SPOS #832 - John Hagel On The Future, Technology And Life At The Edge19 Jun 202200:52:22

Welcome to episode #832 of Six Pixels of Separation. Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - Episode #832 - Host: Mitch Joel. To those in the know, John Hagel is a known entity. I've heard him described as the horse-whisperer to many of technology's most respected leaders. John has spent over forty years in Silicon Valley and has experience as a management consultant, entrepreneur, speaker and author. He is driven by a desire to help individuals and institutions around the world to increase their impact in a rapidly changing world. After recently retiring as a partner from Deloitte, John published his newest book, The Journey Beyond Fear, that addresses the psychology of change and he is developing a series of programs to help people navigate through change at many levels. John has founded a new company, Beyond Our Edge, that works with companies and people who are seeking to anticipate the future and achieve much greater impact. While at Deloitte, John was the founder and leader of the global Center for the Edge with the mission of identifying emerging business opportunities that should be on the agenda of CEO’s, but are not, and doing the research to persuade them to put them on their agenda. He has also worked with McKinsey & Co. and Boston Consulting Group. He also served as senior vice president of strategy at Atari, Inc., and is the founder of two Silicon Valley startups. He currently is on the Board of Trustees of the Santa Fe Institute, an organization that conducts leading edge research on complex adaptive systems. He also serves on the faculty of Singularity University. He has also led a number of initiatives regarding business transformation with the World Economic Forum. In addition to his new book, John is the author of seven books, including The Power of Pull, Net Gain, Net Worth, Out of the Box and The Only Sustainable Edge. If you think about the future of work and how we can adapt to change, this is for you. Enjoy the conversation... Running time: 52:21. Hello from beautiful Montreal. Subscribe over at Apple Podcasts. Please visit and leave comments on the blog - Six Pixels of Separation. Feel free to connect to me directly on Facebook here: Mitch Joel on Facebook. or you can connect on LinkedIn. ...or on Twitter. Here is my conversation with John Hagel. The Journey Beyond Fear. Beyond Our Edge. The Power of Pull. Net Gain. Net Worth. Out of the Box. The Only Sustainable Edge. Follow John on Facebook. Follow John on LinkedIn. Follow John on Twitter. This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'. Download the Podcast here: Six Pixels of Separation - Episode #832 - Host: Mitch Joel.

SPOS #831 - Robert Livingston On Seeking And Speaking The Truth About Racism12 Jun 202200:53:56

Welcome to episode #831 of Six Pixels of Separation.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - Episode #831 - Host: Mitch Joel. His book, The Conversation - How Seeking and Speaking the Truth About Racisms Can Radically Transform Individuals and Organization, is widely regarded as one of the best books on the topic of diversity, equity and inclusion. Dr. Robert Livingston is a social psychologist and leading expert on the science underlying bias and racism in organizations. Prior to joining the Harvard Kennedy School in 2015, he held positions as Assistant Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Associate Professor at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, and Professor of Organizational Behavior at the University of Sussex, where he was also area chair, and founder and faculty director of the Centre for Leadership, Ethics, and Diversity. Dr. Livingston is also a practitioner whose passion is the application of social psychological theory and research to solving real-world organizational and societal challenges. For two decades, he has served as a diversity consultant to scores of Fortune 500 companies, public-sector agencies, and non-profit organizations. His Harvard Business Review article, How to Promote Racial Equity in the Workplace, was the winner of the 2020 Warren Bennis Prize, awarded to the best article on leadership published in HBR each year. This article was also included in HBR at 100 — a book showcasing the most influential and innovative articles published in Harvard Business Review over the last century. His groundbreaking approach to combatting racism is detailed in the book, The Conversation. It was selected from among 600 entries as one of six finalists for the Financial Times & McKinsey Best Book of 2021 Award. The Conversation was also nominated for a 2022 NAACP Image Award in the “Outstanding Literary Work—Instructional” category. Dr. Livingston is an elected Fellow of the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, and he was also selected by Thinkers50 as a member of the Radar Class of 2022. Enjoy the conversation...

SPOS #830 - Zoe Chance On News Ways To Think About Influence And Persuasion05 Jun 202200:47:39

Welcome to episode #830 of Six Pixels of Separation.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - Episode #830 - Host: Mitch Joel. Dr. Zoe Chance is a writer, teacher, researcher, and climate philanthropist obsessed with the topic of interpersonal influence. She earned her doctorate from Harvard and now teaches the most popular course at Yale School of Management, which is the basis for her international bestseller, Influence Is Your Superpower - The Science of Winning Hearts, Speaking Change and Making Good Things Happen. Her framework for behavior change is the foundation for Google’s global food policy, and before academia, she managed a $200 million segment of the Barbie brand at Mattel. Today, Zoe teaches smart, kind people to raise money for charity, get elected to political office, fund startups, start movements, save lives, find love, negotiate great deals and job offers, and even get along better with their kids. In other words, she helps people to use their superpower of influence as a force for good. Influence Is Your Superpower will teach you how to transform your life, your organization, and perhaps even the course of history. It’s an ethical approach to influence that will make life better for everyone, starting with you. Enjoy the conversation...

SPOS #829 - David McRaney On The Surprising Science of How Minds Change29 May 202200:55:39

Welcome to episode #829 of Six Pixels of Separation.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - Episode #829 - Host: Mitch Joel. When you have a curious mind, you might find yourself wondering what it takes to truly change someone's mind... is that even possible? Especially as things get as crazy as they have become? David McRaney had his own mind changed (about many things)… and it surprised him. David is a science journalist, and he's fascinated will all things brains, minds and culture. He created the blog/book/podcast, You Are Not So Smart, to get a better understanding of self-delusion and motivated reasoning. He started the blog in 2009, and the book became a bestseller shortly after (now available in 17 languages). His second book, You Are Now Less Dumb, was released in 2013, and his latest book is, How Minds Change - The Surprising Science of Belief, Opinion and Persuasion. David also recently wrote, produced, and recorded a six-hour audio documentary, Exploring Genius, that dives deep into the history of the idea and the word: genius. With that, if you think that we can't motivate others to rethink their beliefs, you would be wrong. If you still don't believe me, listen to this show. Enjoy the conversation...

SPOS #828 - Laura Huang On Turning Adversity Into Advantage22 May 202200:53:13
Welcome to episode #828 of Six Pixels of Separation.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - Episode #828 - Host: Mitch Joel. Laura Huang is a professor of Business Administration at the Harvard Business School. Laura’s research examines interpersonal relationships and implicit bias in entrepreneurship and in the workplace. She is the creator and co-founder of Project EMplify, an initiative dedicated to addressing inequality and disadvantage through personal empowerment. Previously, she held positions in investment banking, consulting, and management, for organizations such as Standard Chartered Bank, IBM Global Services, and Johnson & Johnson. Her first book is entitled, Edge - Turning Adversity into Advantage, and it looks at how to find a competitive edge when the obstacles feel insurmountable. How do you get people to take you seriously when they're predisposed not to, and perhaps have already written you off? Through her deeply-researched framework, Laura shows how we can turn weaknesses into strengths and create an edge in any situation. She explains how an entrepreneur scored a massive investment despite initially being disparaged for his foreign accent, and how a first-time political candidate overcame voters' doubts about his physical disabilities. Special shout-out to Laura Gassner Otting for the introduction to Laura. Enjoy the conversation...

SPOS #935 – Malissa Clark On Curing Workaholism09 Jun 202401:01:55

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast - Episode #935. Malissa Clark is an associate professor of industrial/organizational psychology at the University of Georgia and the brains behind the Healthy Work Lab. Known for her expertise in workaholism, burnout, and employee well-being, Malissa has made significant strides in understanding the modern work environment. Her work has been featured in top journals like the Journal of Applied Psychology, the Journal of Management and many more. In this conversation, Malissa dove into the concept of the "ideal worker" and how this can wreak havoc on work-life balance. We talked about how the pandemic has changed our approach to work, pushing the need for flexibility and remote work options into the spotlight. She shared insights on how implementing changes like shorter workweeks and better communication practices can boost productivity and employee happiness. We also touched on the critical role of government and unions in ensuring fair work practices. Malissa didn’t hold back when discussing workaholism and the rise of hustle culture. She highlighted the importance of psychological detachment from work for overall well-being and how leaders today need to manage individual needs with empathy. Her thoughts on balancing side hustles and hobbies with work were particularly enlightening, stressing that we need time for daydreaming and mental rest to foster creativity. Malissa's latest book, Never Not Working - Why The Always-On Culture Is Bad For Business - And How To Fix It, tackles the unhealthy relationship many of us have with work. In a world that praises long hours and constant connectivity, Malissa offers a deep dive into busting myths and providing strategies to break free. She explains how overwork and burnout affect both individuals and organizations, and offers practical advice on fostering a healthier work culture. Whether you’re a leader or an employee, this is a must-listen for anyone looking to reclaim their well-being and improve company performance. Enjoy the conversation...

Takeaways

  • The concept of the ideal worker, who prioritizes work above everything else, can be detrimental to employee well-being and work-life balance.
  • The pandemic has highlighted the need for a more flexible and adaptable approach to work, including remote work options.
  • Implementing changes in the workplace, such as shorter workweeks and improved communication practices, can lead to increased productivity and employee satisfaction.
  • Government regulations and the involvement of unions may be necessary to ensure fair and equitable work practices.
  • Work-life balance is a challenge in the modern work environment, and the concept of a mandated 40-hour work week may not be feasible in the US.
  • Psychological detachment from work is important for overall well-being and has been linked to positive outcomes such as work engagement and restful sleep.
  • The rise of hustle culture has led to the monetization of hobbies and side hustles, but it is important to find a balance and avoid obsession.
  • Leaders in the modern work environment need to manage individuals and their unique needs, which requires empathy and understanding.
  • Taking time for boredom, daydreaming, and being alone with one's thoughts is important for creativity and well-being in a constantly connected world.

Chapters:

  • 00:00 - Introduction and Background
  • 03:00 - The Gap Between Academic Research and Real-World Application
  • 06:00 - The Concept of the Ideal Worker
  • 09:00 - Balancing Work and Personal Life
  • 11:00 - The Challenges of Remote Work
  • 17:00 - The Changing Landscape of Work
  • 25:00 - The Impact of the Pandemic on Work
  • 31:00 - Reconciling Work and the Economy
  • 42:00 - The Role of Government and Unions
  • 43:33 - Work-Life Balance and the 40-Hour Work Week
  • 44:31 - Identifying Workaholism and Burnout
  • 46:58 - The Importance of Psychological Detachment from Work
  • 47:57 - The Challenge of Constantly Thinking About Work
  • 49:40 - The Rise of Hustle Culture
  • 50:39 - The Individualization of Work and Leadership Challenges
  • 51:30 - Balancing Hobbies and Side Hustles
  • 56:24 - The Role of Leaders as Mentors and Life Coaches
  • 57:30 - The Difficulty of Being Bored and Alone with Thoughts
  • 59:55 - The Impact of Personal Conversations on Research
SPOS #827 - Ayelet Fishbach On The Science Of Motivation15 May 202200:54:39

Welcome to episode #827 of Six Pixels of Separation.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - Episode #827 - Host: Mitch Joel. Is there an actual science to motivation? Can that science be understood in a world where there are so many hucksters push "motivation" with snake oil-like magnitude? Please meet Ayelet Fishbach, the Jeffrey Breakenridge Keller Professor of Behavioral Science and Marketing and IBM Corporation Faculty Scholar at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
Ayelet studies social psychology, management and consumer behavior. She is an expert on motivation and decision making. She has presented her research all over the world. Ayelet has served as an Associate Editor on several journals, including Psychological Science and the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, and she has served on the editorial board of leading journals in psychology and management. She has further served as the president of the International Social Cognition Network and the Society for the Study of Motivation. She is the recipient of several international awards, including the Society of Experimental Social Psychology's Best Dissertation Award, Career Trajectory Award, and the Fulbright Educational Foundation Award. In 2006, she received the Provost's Teaching Award from the University of Chicago. Most recently, Ayelet published her first book, Get It Done - Surprising Lessons From The Science of Motivation, that presents a new theoretical framework for self-motivated action, explaining how to identify the right goals, attack the “middle problem,” battle temptations, use the help of others around you, and so much more. Enjoy the conversation...

SPOS #826 - Roger Martin On A New Way To Think08 May 202200:57:24

Welcome to episode #826 of Six Pixels of Separation.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - Episode #826 - Host: Mitch Joel. Don't take my word for it, but Roger Martin is one of the world's top business thinkers in the world. I do think this is true. In 2017, Roger was named the world’s #1 management thinker by Thinkers50, an annual ranking of the most influential global business thinkers. Roger is a trusted strategy advisor to the CEOs of companies worldwide including Procter & Gamble, LEGO and Ford. He is is a Professor Emeritus at the Rotman School of Management at University of Toronto where he served as Dean from 1998-2013. In 2013, he was named global Dean of the Year by the leading business school website, Poets & Quants. His newest book is, A New Way to Think - Your Guide to Superior Managerial Effectiveness. His previous twelve books include, When More is Not Better, Creating Great Choices (with Jennifer Riel), Getting Beyond Better (with Sally Osberg), and Playing To Win (with A.G. Lafley). He has written thirty Harvard Business Review articles and writing every week on Medium as well. If you love big thinking about business, this episode is for. Enjoy the conversation...

SPOS #825 - Joe Pulizzi Breaks Down The Creator Economy01 May 202200:59:22

Welcome to episode #825 of Six Pixels of Separation.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - Episode #825 - Host: Mitch Joel. Web3, the creator economy, Discord servers, social tokenization, decentralized technology, Twitch streams… and so much more. When it comes to this new world of content marketing, social media and personal brands slamming into newer platforms and creators, you will meet some of the sketchiest people. Lots of talk with little protein. Joe Pulizzi is the real deal, and since his first Content Marketing World back in 2010, I count him as both a good friend and one of the kindest, smartest minds in the business. Joe has founded five companies including his latest, Creator Economy Expo (the inaugural event takes places next week in Phoenix from May 2nd - 4th, 2022). Joe also recently launched, the content entrepreneurship news site, The Tilt, and the Content Marketing Institute. In 2014, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award by The Content Council. His podcast series, This Old Marketing with Robert Rose, has millions of downloads. His charitable foundation, The Orange Effect, delivers speech therapy and technology services to children in over 35 states. Joe is also a bestselling writer. He is the author of Content Inc. (which was recently completely updated and expanded into a second edition), Killing Marketing, Epic Content Marketing and more. His novel, The Will To Die, was awarded "Best Suspense Book" of 2020 by the National Indie Excellence Awards. What does the creator economy and content entrepreneurship mean for you as the world of Web3 grows? Let’s break down this new world of influencers, content marketing and more. Enjoy the conversation...

SPOS #824 - Shalene Gupta On The Power Of Trust24 Apr 202200:50:42

Welcome to episode #824 of Six Pixels of Separation.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - Episode #824 - Host: Mitch Joel. Do you trust the brands that you buy from? Has your definition of trust in business shifted through this pandemic? Shalene Gupta is a research associate at Harvard Business School and the co-author of The Power of Trust - How Companies Build It, Lose It, Regain It with Harvard Business School professor, Sandra Sucher. The Power of Trust was nominated for a Thinkers50 Breakthrough Idea award. In 2022, Shalene was identified as a thinker to watch out for and made the Thinkers50 Radar list. In the past she was a reporter for Fortune where she wrote about the intersection of diversity and tech. Before working as a reporter, she was a financial specialist for the U.S. Department of Treasury, taught English in Malaysia on a Fulbright scholarship and wrote a book documenting the history of the Malaysian Fulbright program. She has a BA in writing seminars and psychology from Johns Hopkins and an MS from Columbia Journalism School. She’s also a graduate of GrubStreet’s Novel Incubator program. Shalene has taught writing classes in the Boston area, spoken at conferences about trust and diversity, and is now thinking deeply about how we can learn to better trust one another and the companies that we work with. Enjoy the conversation...

SPOS #823 - Debbie Heiser On Rethinking Age And Aging17 Apr 202200:47:11

Welcome to episode #823 of Six Pixels of Separation.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - Episode #823 - Host: Mitch Joel. When I read Debbie Heiser's bio after her being named to the Thinkers50 list, I knew I wanted to dig into her domain of authority. Debbie is an Applied Developmental Psychologist, a TEDx speaker, consultant, Founder of The Mentor Project, and an Adjunct Professor in the Psychology Department at SUNY Old Westbury. Debbie has additionally authored peer-reviewed articles, is co-editor of Spiritual Assessment and Intervention with Older Adults, and a frequent expert guest for syndicated and local talk radio shows, international and local podcasts, and print and online media outlets. Her research covers a wide range of topics related to aging, including depression identification, dementia, and frailty. She received an international award for her research on depression identification, as well as serving for nine years on the Board of the State Society on Aging of New York and was President in 2008. Later In 2016, she served as President of Queens Psychological Association in New York. How do you think about age and aging? If you're young, aging is just around the corner, and for those in their middle age, it's a topic that can impact everything from health and happiness to wealth and progress. Enjoy the conversation...

SPOS #822 - Marcus Buckingham On Love And Work10 Apr 202201:04:35

Welcome to episode #822 of Six Pixels of Separation.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - Episode #822 - Host: Mitch Joel. Marcus Buckingham is the author of two of the best-selling business books of all time, has two of Harvard Business Review’s most circulated, industry-changing cover articles, and has been the subject of countless in-depth profiles, including The Oprah Winfrey Show. After spending two decades studying excellence at the Gallup Organization and co-creating the StrengthsFinder tool, he built his own coaching and education firm, The Marcus Buckingham Company. As CEO, he quickly turned it into a human capital management company working with some of the world’s largest organizations. He is known as the world’s most prominent researcher on strengths and leadership at work, and today leads research at the ADP Research Institute. Challenging entrenched preconceptions about achievement to get to the core of what drives success, Marcus’s strengths-based approach is defining the future of work as we know it. He is the author of nine books, including: The One Thing You Need To Know, Now, Discover Your Strengths, First, Break All The Rules, and his latest: Love + Work. The book looks at the intelligent intersection of what you love to with how you contribute it. Enjoy the conversation...

SPOS #821 - Whitney Johnson On Smart Growth03 Apr 202200:54:21

Welcome to episode #821 of Six Pixels of Separation.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - Episode #821 - Host: Mitch Joel. Growth is the goal. Helping people develop their potential - enabling them to articulate and become the self they want to be, are capable of being, and that best serves them and others in the short and long term — is what we, as individuals and leaders, strive toward. But how do we grow? This is the question that Whitney Johnson's new book, Smart Growth - How To Grow Your People To Grow Your Company answers. Whitney is CEO of the tech-enabled talent development company Disruption Advisors. Along with being one of the most fascinating people that I know, she is one of the top ten business thinkers in the world as named by Thinkers50, Whitney is an expert at smart growth leadership. Whitney has worked at Fortune 100 companies, and as an award-winning equity analyst on Wall Street. She co-founded the Disruptive Innovation Fund with Harvard Business School’s late Clayton Christensen. She has coached alongside the renowned Marshall Goldsmith, selected by Goldsmith in 2017 as a Top 15 Coach out of a pool of more than 17,000 candidates. Whitney understands how companies work, how investors think, and how the best coaches coach. An award-winning author, Whitney teaches the S Curve of Learning to managers and companies as both a keynote speaker and a frequent lecturer for Harvard Business School’s Corporate Learning. An innovation and disruption theorist, Whitney is also the author of the bestselling, Build an A Team and Disrupt Yourself. She also hosts the weekly, Disrupt Yourself podcast. Enjoy the conversation...

SPOS #820 - Jenny Blake On How To Love Your Work27 Mar 202200:48:14

Welcome to episode #820 of Six Pixels of Separation.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - Episode #820 - Host: Mitch Joel. Time is not money. Time is life force. This is the core of Jenny Blake's powerful new book, Free Time - Lose The Busywork, Love Your Business. Jenny is an author and podcaster (and friend) who loves helping people navigate change and free time to do more of their best work. Jenny is the author of the award-winning book, Pivot - The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One, and co-creator of Google’s acclaimed Career Guru coaching program. Free Time teaches people to move from friction to flow through smarter systems and the three-stage Free Time Framework. Jenny hosts two podcasts with over 1 million downloads combined: Free Time with Jenny Blake for heart-based business owners, and Pivot with Jenny Blake for navigating change. Jenny started her first blog, Life After College, in 2005. After two years as the first employee at a political polling start-up in Silicon Valley, followed by five years at Google in training and career development, Jenny moved to New York City in 2011 to launch her own business. Enjoy the conversation...

SPOS #819 - Maria Brito On How To Turn Your Ideas Into Gold20 Mar 202200:50:04

Welcome to episode #819 of Six Pixels of Separation.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation – Episode #819 – Host: Mitch Joel. You can learn how to make creativity work for your business or career. In her new book, How Creativity Rules The WorldMaria Brito shows how creativity is merely a series of habits, actions, and attitudes that you can develop — regardless of who you are and what you do. There has never been a more crucial time than now to develop your creativity and your ability to innovate. Coming up with original ideas of value is today’s most precious resource. Contrary to a myth that has been unfairly perpetuated, creativity can be taught and learned. Maria Brito is an award-winning New York-based contemporary art advisor, author, and curator. A Harvard graduate, originally from Venezuela, her first monograph, Out There, was the recipient of the Best Book Awards in both the Art and Design Categories. In 2015 Brito was selected by Complex Magazine as one of the 20 Power Players in the Art World, and in 2020 she was named by ArtNews as one of the visionaries who gets to shape the art world. For several years, Maria has taught her creativity course in companies and, in 2019, she launched Jumpstart – an online program on creativity for entrepreneurs based on years of research and observation in both the areas of business and art. In 2019 she created and hosted The C Files with Maria Brito, a TV and streaming series for PBS‘s new station All Arts. Enjoy the conversation…

SPOS #818 - Jennifer Moss On The Burnout Epidemic13 Mar 202200:49:38
SPOS #934 – Vijay Govindarajan Gives A Masterclass On Leadership And Management02 Jun 202401:06:49

Welcome to episode #934 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast - Episode #934. When it comes to management and innovation, Vijay Govindarajan (aka VG) is a true legend. VG is a name synonymous with strategy and innovation. As the Coxe Distinguished Professor at Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business and a key player in Silicon Valley’s Mach49 incubator (prior to joining the faculty at Tuck, VG was on the faculties of Harvard Business School, Insead and the Indian Institute of Management), VG's insights are pure gold for anyone looking to push their business thinking forward. VG’s journey is impressive. From being the first Professor in Residence and Chief Innovation Consultant at General Electric to working with top management teams in over 40% of the Fortune 500, VG has seen it all. In our conversation, he breaks down the evolving definition of innovation and why it's crucial for organizations to aim high and take risks. One of his standout ideas is the fusion strategy — melding physical products with tech to create something truly remarkable (also the name of his latest book, Fusion Strategy - How Real-Time Data and AI Will Power the Industrial Future). It’s not just about having the latest gadgets but about integrating them in ways that make life better. We also tackle the topic of leadership. VG stresses that true leaders are those who can solve customer problems in real-time and build lifelong relationships. He’s a firm believer that smart data and AI are the new electricity - essential and transformative. But it's not just about having the tools... it's about how you use them. Innovation isn’t just a buzzword for VG; it’s a necessity, especially in our unpredictable world. We also talked about the impact of black swan events and how these unpredictable challenges require a new way of thinking and an openness to change. He’s all about thinking differently and pushing the boundaries to reach your true potential (see his ten-plus business books or the countless articles he’s published in the top academic journals - work like Reverse Innovation, Stop The Innovation Wars and many more). It’s about being bold, taking risks, and learning from every step along the way. VG’s practical experience and strategic mind make him a treasure trove of insights. He’s worked with industry giants like Boeing, Coca-Cola, FedEx, and Walmart, and spoken at major events like TED and the World Economic Forum at Davos. He’s a big brain with a warm heart and a passion for doing things right in business today. Enjoy the conversation...

Takeaways

  • Embrace true potential and overcome risk aversion to achieve innovation.
  • Integrate physical and tech to create better products through fusion strategy.
  • Leverage digital technologies to transform the industrial sector.
  • Focus on solving customer problems in real time and building lifelong relationships.
  • Smart data and AI are the new electricity, providing immense power and potential for companies.
  • Innovation is crucial in a world of unpredictable change, and conducting low-cost experiments at the edges of the organization can lead to strategic flexibility and adaptability.
  • Black swan events, such as Covid 19, require leaders to think differently and embrace new ways of navigating uncertainty.
  • The marketplace is evolving and improving our lives, with technology enabling greater connectivity and convenience.
  • Thinking differently and continuously striving to reach one's true potential is key to personal and professional growth.

Chapters:

  • 00:00 - Introduction and Background
  • 02:07 - The Ever-Evolving Definition of Innovation
  • 06:36 - Overcoming Risk Aversion in Organizations
  • 09:31 - The Impact of the Poly Crisis on Innovation
  • 11:28 - The Potential of Digital Technologies in Business
  • 13:20 - The Optimistic Outlook for Innovation
  • 15:27 - Fusion Strategy: The Integration of Physical and Tech
  • 21:21 - Digitizing the Industrial Sector
  • 23:35 - The Role of Leadership in Embracing Innovation
  • 26:09 - The Importance of Understanding Product in Use
  • 28:36 - Augmented Intelligence and the Future of Work
  • 31:24 - The Role of Policymakers in Regulating AI
  • 36:17 - Navigating the Complexities of AI Regulation
  • 39:30 - The Challenge of Meeting Consumer Expectations
  • 46:27 - Solving Customer Problems in Real Time
  • 50:19 - The Importance of Building Lifelong Customer Relationships
  • 51:18 - The Significance and Challenges of Speed in Technology
  • 52:39 - Smart Data and AI as the New Electricity
  • 55:19 - Innovation in the Face of Unpredictable Change
  • 57:35 - The Rise of Black Swan Events
  • 58:12 - The Evolution of the Marketplace
  • 1:00:29 - Thinking Differently and Embracing Potential
SPOS #817 - Carla Johnson On Rethinking Innovation06 Mar 202200:51:23

Welcome to episode #817 of Six Pixels of Separation.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - Episode #817 - Host: Mitch Joel. Carla Johnson helps organizations that are constrained by an old-school approach when taking on new world problems. They're struggling with unpredictability, frustrations, and a shortfall of results. They might think the problem is the wrong people or strategy or product. But they’re really suffering from an outdated and faulty architecture. Even the hardest work and best intentions fall flat with the wrong conditions for innovation and more broadly – success – in these modern and volatile times. As an Innovation Architect and CEO of RE:Think Labs, Carla helps organizations design and build the ideal architecture to accelerate innovation, engagement, and growth. Having written ten books and studied both innovation and architecture for the last twenty years, she’s developed a specific framework to help leaders remodel their approaches in order to boost speed, reduce risk, and enjoy more predictable outcomes. In her latest book, RE:Think Innovation, teaches her 5-step framework to connect the dots, come up with the ideas and find the opportunities in any market, for any business and under any condition. Enjoy the conversation...

SPOS #816 - Gaurav Bhatnagar On Breakthrough Performance And Well-Being27 Feb 202200:50:12
SPOS #815 - Sarah Stein Greenberg On How To Think, Create And Lead20 Feb 202200:52:06
SPOS #814 - Barry Nalebuff On Better Ways To Negotiate13 Feb 202200:55:36
SPOS #813 - Sucharita Kodali On The Future Of Retail And Consumer Behavior06 Feb 202201:00:07

Welcome to episode #813 of Six Pixels of Separation.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - Episode #813 - Host: Mitch Joel. When I think of retail and the state of eCommerce, I'm always curious what Sucharita Kodali is thinking. As Vice President and Principal Analyst at Forrester, Sucharita is a leading expert on eCommerce, multichannel retail, consumer behavior, and trends in the online shopping space. In her research (you can get a taste of it right here), Sucharita covers such consumer-oriented topics as eCommerce forecasting and trends, merchandising best practices, conversion optimization, and social computing in the retail world. Prior to Forrester, Sucharita was the director of marketing at Saks Fifth Avenue, where she managed the customer acquisition, retention, and market research efforts for the $2 billion luxury retailer's online channel. Sucharita holds a B.A. in economics from Harvard University and an M.B.A. from the Stanford Graduate School of Business. Enjoy the conversation...

SPOS #812 - Michael Bungay Stanier On Doing Something That Matters30 Jan 202200:57:40
SPOS #811 - Ruth Gotian On Peak Business Performance23 Jan 202200:52:22
Welcome to episode #811 of Six Pixels of Separation.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - Episode #811 - Host: Mitch Joel. Dr. Ruth Gotian is the Chief Learning Officer and Assistant Professor of Education in Anesthesiology and former Assistant Dean of Mentoring and Executive Director of the Mentoring Academy at Weill Cornell Medicine. She has been hailed by the journal Nature and Columbia University as an expert in mentoring and leadership development and is currently a contributor to Forbes and Psychology Today where she writes about optimizing success. She also has a weekly podcast by the same name, where she gathers high achievers to talk about their journey to success. In 2021, she was one of 30 people worldwide to be named to the Thinkers50 Radar List, dubbed the Oscars of management thinking and is a semi-finalist for the Forbes 50 Over 50 list. During her extensive career, she has personally coached and mentored thousands of people ranging from undergraduates to faculty members. As Assistant Dean for Mentoring she oversaw the success of nearly 1,800 faculty members at Weill Cornell Medicine. Currently, she researches the most successful people of our generation, including Nobel laureates, astronauts, CEOs and Olympic champions, in order to learn about their habits and practices so that we may optimize our own success. She is also the author of a brand new book titled, The Success Factor – Developing the Mindset and Skillset for Peak Performance. Enjoy the conversation...

SPOS #810 - Martin Ford On The Rule Of The Robots16 Jan 202200:53:54

Welcome to episode #810 of Six Pixels of Separation.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - Episode #810 - Host: Mitch Joel. Martin Ford is a futurist and the author of four books, including including his latest, Rule of the Robots - How Artificial Intelligence Will Transform Everything, the New York Times Bestselling Rise of the Robots, Architects of Intelligence, and The Lights in the Tunnel. He is also the founder of a Silicon Valley-based software development firm. His TED Talk on the impact of artificial intelligence and robotics on the economy and society, given on the main stage at the 2017 TED Conference (where I was in attendance), has been viewed over 3 million times. So, if you have been thinking about artificial intelligence, automation, and the future of (just about) everything, this is for you. Enjoy the conversation...

   
SPOS #809 - Dorie Clark On How To Play The Long Game09 Jan 202200:54:03

Welcome to episode #809 of Six Pixels of Separation.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - Episode #809 - Host: Mitch Joel. One of the great pleasures of my professional career has been getting to know Dorie Clark and watching her ascent in the business world. Dorie has been named one of the Top 50 business thinkers in the world by Thinkers50, and was recognized as the #1 Communication Coach in the world by the Marshall Goldsmith Leading Global Coaches Awards. Dorie, a consultant and keynote speaker, teaches executive education at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and Columbia Business School, and she is the bestselling author of Entrepreneurial You, Reinventing You, Stand Out, and her new book, The Long Game - How to Be a Long-Term Thinker in a Short-Term World. A former presidential campaign spokeswoman, Dorie has been described by the New York Times as an 'expert at self-reinvention and helping others make changes in their lives.' A frequent contributor to the Harvard Business Review, she consults and speaks for clients including Google, Microsoft, and the World Bank. Enjoy the conversation...

   
SPOS #808 - Len Herstein On Vigilance02 Jan 202200:54:33

Welcome to episode #808 of Six Pixels of Separation.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - Episode #808 - Host: Mitch Joel. I first heard about Len Herstein because he was running an ever-popular live event called, Brand ManageCamp. A few years later we spoke, and he asked me to give one of the keynote presentations (virtual… because… ya know…). From there we exchanged messages from time to time and became quick friends. Len also understands the danger of complacency. He just wishes he had known earlier. Now, as the author of Be Vigilant! Strategies to Stop Complacency, Improve Performance, and Safeguard Success. Your Business and Relationships Depend on It, he’s on a mission to empower organizations and individuals to safeguard the success they’ve worked so hard to achieve. Len has a three decade history in business, marketing, and entrepreneurism. Before founding ManageCamp Inc and producing 19 annual iterations of the world-acclaimed Brand ManageCamp marketing conference, Len worked in brand marketing and innovation for Coca-Cola, The Campbell Soup Company, and Nabisco. Len is also a Reserve Sheriff’s Deputy with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office in Colorado. In this volunteer position, he works up to 850 hours a year as a State-certified peace officer on the patrol team – for free. Inspired to make a positive contribution to the safety and well-being of the citizens of Douglas County, Len works to be part of the solution of creating better relationships between police and the community. It wasn’t long before Len realized he was learning valuable lessons through his law enforcement training that could be applied directly back to his business. The most important lesson, and one of the very first he learned, was the concept that complacency kills and vigilance saves. Now Len has developed actionable strategies to help business leaders stop complacency, improve performance, and safeguard success through vigilance. Enjoy the conversation...

   
SPOS #933 – Steve Dennis On Driving Leadership And Innovation26 May 202401:03:30

Welcome to episode #933 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast - Episode #933. Let’s dive deep into the transformative insights of Steve Dennis - a strategic advisor, retail leadership expert, and bestselling author. Steve's latest book, Leaders Leap - Transforming Your Company At The Speed Of Disruption, dissects why so many transformations fail and reveals what leaders must do to keep their organizations relevant in an ever-evolving landscape. With a diverse career that includes c-suite roles at two Fortune 500 companies and his current position as President of SageBerry Consulting, Steve brings a wealth of experience to the table. First he was at Sears and then Neiman Marcus Group, where he pioneered customer insight, loyalty, and omnichannel marketing strategies, making him a sought-after voice in retail innovation. Steve underscores the urgency for leaders to aim higher and move faster to navigate a world of abundant choice and zero friction. He argues that being remarkable is not just about standing out but creating an emotional connection with customers. In an era where technology has leveled the playing field, businesses must differentiate themselves and offer value beyond price. Steve stresses the need for agility in leadership, urging leaders to understand the factors impacting their business and respond swiftly to volatility. He warns against the trap of incrementalism and highlights the importance of creating a sense of urgency and embracing change. Steve's insights are not just theoretical - they are grounded in his extensive practical experience and are vital for any leader looking to thrive in today's fast-paced business environment. He is also a Forbes senior contributor and co-host of the Remarkable Retail podcast, which amplifies the themes of his first book, Remarkable Retail - How To Win And Keep Customers In The Age Of Disruption. Enjoy the conversation...

Takeaways

  • Being remarkable is about creating a distance between your brand and the competition, and making an emotional connection with customers.
  • Leaders need to aim higher and move faster in order to stay relevant and avoid becoming irrelevant or extinct.
  • Technology enables access to information and substitutes, making it crucial for businesses to differentiate themselves and provide value beyond price.
  • Leaders must understand the factors that impact their business and be agile in responding to a volatile and uncertain environment.
  • Creating a sense of urgency and embracing change are essential for driving innovation and staying ahead of disruption.
  • Success anomalies can be misleading and it is important to analyze them critically and not draw general conclusions from them.
  • Attracting and inspiring talent is crucial for the success of a company, and it is important for leaders to create a culture that values and leverages the unique gifts of their employees.
  • Brands taking a stance on social and political issues can be a complex and risky endeavor, and leaders need to carefully consider the impact on their customers and stakeholders.
  • Physical retail still has a role in a digital world, particularly for experiential and social shopping experiences, but it needs to evolve and provide unique value to customers.

Chapters:

  • 00:00 - Introduction and Background
  • 02:49 - The Power of Being Remarkable
  • 06:04 - Aiming Higher and Moving Faster
  • 08:55 - Navigating a Volatile Business Environment
  • 13:03 - The Role of Technology in Driving Innovation
  • 28:48 - Analyzing Success Anomalies
  • 30:39 - Self-Reflection and Adaptability for Leaders
  • 39:21 - Attracting and Inspiring Talent
  • 44:03 - Navigating Brands and Social Issues
  • 49:20 - The Role of Acquisitions
  • 51:08 - The Evolving Role of Physical Retail
SPOS #807 - Karen Walrond On How To Work For Change26 Dec 202100:56:37

Welcome to episode #807 of Six Pixels of Separation.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - Episode #807 - Host: Mitch Joel. She is on a mission to help people name their gifts, attain their goals and make light. Karen Walrond is an author, a leadership and activism coach, and a Certified Dare to Lead Facilitator, having been trained in Brené Brown's work on vulnerability, courage, shame-resilience and worthiness. Karen also trained in positive psychology coaching from the Wholebeing Institute, using the science of well-being and research-based assessments and interventions to bring about greater satisfaction, purpose and fulfillment in life. She's also a bestselling author, on the subjects of tapping into your superpowers and how to work for change in the world without losing your joy, and she's contributed both photographs and essays to books on faith and self-expression. Her latest book is called, The Lightmaker's Manifesto - How To Work For Change Without Losing Your Joy. Enjoy the conversation...

   
SPOS #806 - Martin Moore On Reconnecting Leadership With Results19 Dec 202100:54:47

Welcome to episode #806 of Six Pixels of Separation.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - Episode #806 - Host: Mitch Joel. Meet a very animated (and passionate) leader... who demands real results. His business, Your CEO Mentor, creates cut-through content for leaders who want to build their leadership confidence and skills, fast. Co-founded by father/daughter duo Martin Moore and Emma Green, their purpose is to improve the quality of leaders, globally. Together they have distilled Marty's 30+ years of senior leadership experience and turned it into practical, no nonsense content that helps experienced leaders become exceptional leaders. They host the podcast, No Bullsh!t Leadership, and their book of the same name is a great read. They also run the highly regarded online leadership program, Leadership Beyond The Theory, and work with leaders through a range of bespoke consulting and keynote speaking engagements. Enjoy the conversation...

SPOS #805 - Vanessa Bohns On Influence And Persuasion12 Dec 202101:00:40

Welcome to episode #805 of Six Pixels of Separation.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - Episode #805 - Host: Mitch Joel. I’m really into this book called, You Have More Influence Than You Think - How We Underestimate Our Power Of Persuasion, And Why It Matters by Vanessa Bohns. Vanessa is a social psychologist, an award-winning researcher and teacher, and a professor of organizational behavior at Cornell University. She holds a PhD in psychology from Columbia University and an AB in psychology from Brown University. Vanessa has been a Visiting Scholar at the NYU Stern School of Business and has taught at the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management. Her writing has appeared in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Harvard Business Review, and her research has been published in top academic journals in psychology, management, and law, and featured by the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, The Economist, and beyond. This is her first book, and it illustrates why we we fail to recognize the influence we have, and how that lack of awareness can lead us to miss opportunities or accidentally misuse our power. Enjoy the conversation...

   
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