This week's conversation explores the significant transformation in storytelling, highlighting a shift from traditional, passive media consumption to immersive, interactive experiences that empower audiences and foster social connections.

Takeaways

We are experiencing a renaissance in storytelling.
There is a paradigm shift in how stories are created and consumed.
Traditional media was flat and passive.
The new media landscape is immersive and interactive.
Audiences now have agency in their storytelling experiences.
Stories are becoming more embodied and responsive.
The shift is leading to more social interactions around stories.
Transformative experiences are at the core of new storytelling.
The evolution of media is changing our relationship with stories.
This change is significant for both creators and consumers.

Chapters

00:00 The Flourishing of Human Creativity
00:12 Finding Immersive Experiences
00:34 The Renaissance of Storytelling

This conversation delves into the future of exploration, focusing on the ocean and space, and the importance of self-discovery and equity in these fields. Layne Beachley, a legendary surfer, and Dawn McIntosh, a space systems engineer, discuss their experiences and insights on how exploration can be more responsible and inclusive. They emphasize the need to protect our oceans, the role of women in exploration, and the potential of virtual reality to enhance our understanding of the world.

Takeaways

Exploring the ocean demands self-reflection and awareness.
Women's surfing embraces grace and flow over power.
The ocean is vital for human life and should be protected.
Exploration should include self-discovery and personal growth.
Equity in exploration can lead to more diverse voices.
Indigenous cultures offer valuable lessons for sustainable living.
Technology can both help and hinder exploration efforts.
Virtual reality can provide unique exploration experiences.
The overview effect can inspire environmental protection.
Collaboration is key in both ocean and space exploration.

Chapters

00:00 Exploring the Depths Within and Beyond
13:31 The Future of Exploration: Ocean vs. Space
24:35 Equity in Exploration: Paving the Way for Future Generations
36:17 The Spiritual Connection to the Ocean
47:29 Virtual Exploration: Bridging the Gap

Summary

In this episode, the conversation explores the often-overlooked value of boredom in our hyper-connected world. The guests discuss how boredom can foster creativity, the impact of digital technology on our ability to be bored, and the societal implications of our relationship with boredom. They also delve into the future of boredom, suggesting it may become a sought-after experience as people seek to disconnect from constant stimulation.

Takeaways

Boredom is becoming a premium product as people seek to disconnect.
Creativity often flourishes in moments of boredom.
Digital technology is diminishing our ability to be bored.
Boredom can lead to self-reflection and personal growth.
Mindfulness practices are often seen as more acceptable than boredom.
Boredom is linked to feelings of loneliness in the digital age.
Parents often feel pressured to fill their children's time to avoid boredom.
Boredom can inspire innovative ideas and projects.
The future may see a rise in digital detox camps and boredom retreats.
Understanding boredom can help us reclaim our time and attention.

Chapters

00:00 The Value of Boredom
02:59 Boredom and Creativity
10:00 Boredom in the Digital Age
19:29 Defining Boredom
24:06 Boredom and Loneliness
27:39 The Future of Boredom

In this episode of The Non-Obvious Show, host Rohit Bhargava engages with Michael Tennant, an empathy expert and founder of Curiosity Lab, discussing the importance of emotional awareness, vulnerability, and community in fostering deeper connections. Tennant shares his personal journey through loss and the development of his card game, Actually Curious, aimed at promoting empathy. The conversation explores the role of men's groups in emotional leadership, the impact of societal changes on empathy, and practical methods for cultivating empathy in oneself and others.

Takeaways

Being willing to feel heart emotions is crucial.
Empathy often requires vulnerability and self-reflection.
Men's groups can provide a unique space for emotional growth.
The game Actually Curious helps facilitate deeper conversations.
Personal tragedy can lead to a greater understanding of empathy.
Emotional intelligence is essential for building connections.
Community plays a vital role in emotional healing.
Learning empathy can be a structured process.
It's important to meet people where they are emotionally.
Understanding oneself is key to fostering empathy.

Chapters

00:00 The Power of Emotional Awareness
02:57 Empathy and Vulnerability: A Personal Journey
05:34 Men and Emotional Leadership
08:38 Building Deeper Connections Through Community
11:33 The Role of Conversation Games in Fostering Empathy
14:32 Navigating Empathy in a Changing World
17:29 Learning Empathy: Methods and Approaches
20:31 Creating a Million Empathy Experts
23:27 Understanding Yourself Through Empathy

In this episode, Paco Underhill, a pioneer in consumer behavior and retail anthropology, shares insights from his extensive research on how consumers shop and make decisions. He discusses the evolution of retail spaces, the impact of gender on shopping habits, and the role of technology in shaping consumer experiences. Underhill emphasizes the importance of observational research over traditional focus groups and highlights the shift towards experiential retail. He also reflects on his personal journey towards healthier eating and the broader implications of consumer choices.

Takeaways

Paco Underhill's insights on consumer behavior have shaped retail design globally.

Observational research is more effective than focus groups in understanding consumer behavior.

Gender dynamics play a significant role in shopping experiences and store design.

The line between physical and digital shopping experiences is increasingly blurred.

Retail experiences are becoming more important than traditional shopping methods.

Understanding food choices is crucial for promoting healthier eating habits.

The evolution of consumer preferences reflects broader societal changes.

AI and technology are transforming how consumers shop and make decisions.

Paco's personal journey towards healthier eating influenced his professional insights.

Legacy is about encouraging future generations to embrace their identities.

Chapters

00:00 The Evolution of Consumer Behavior
02:04 Accidental Journey into Consumer Anthropology
06:39 The Importance of Observational Research
09:49 Gender Dynamics in Shopping
17:51 The Impact of Technology on Shopping
22:52 The Shift Towards Retail Experiences
27:35 Understanding Food Choices and Shopping Habits
33:30 Legacy and Future Aspirations

In this episode of The Non-Obvious Show, Dr. Sunita Shah discusses the concept of defiance, challenging the negative perceptions surrounding it. She emphasizes the importance of understanding our values and how they can empower us to act defiantly in various situations. Through personal anecdotes and research, Dr. Shah illustrates how defiance can be a positive force for change, both personally and socially. The conversation explores the dynamics of compliance, the role of values, and the potential ripple effect of individual acts of defiance in professional contexts.

Takeaways

Defiance can be a quiet statement of values.
Compliance often leads to negative consequences for individuals.
Understanding our values is crucial for practicing defiance.
Defiance is not inherently negative; it can drive positive change.
Tension in a situation can signal the need for defiance.
Defiance is a skill that can be developed and practiced.
The costs of compliance can outweigh the risks of defiance.
Defiance can inspire others and create movements.
Preparation is key to being able to act defiantly when needed.
Living in alignment with one's values leads to greater happiness.

Chapters

00:00 The Power of Defiance
08:41 Understanding Compliance and Defiance
17:48 The Role of Values in Defiance
26:48 Defiance in Professional Contexts
35:24 The Ripple Effect of Defiance

In this episode of the Non-Obvious Show, host Rohit Bhargava engages with Rafi Kohan, author of 'Trash Talk', to explore the cultural and psychological dimensions of trash talk in sports and beyond. They discuss the epidemic of mental weakness in society, the historical misunderstanding of trash talk, and its role as a tool for competition. Kohan emphasizes the importance of trust in trash talk, the need for teaching mental resilience, and the current cultural moment surrounding trash talk as a means of communication and competition.

Takeaways

We are in an epidemic of mental weakness as a culture.

Outrage has become cultural currency.

Trash talk is a misunderstood form of competition.

Self-awareness is foundational to mental toughness.

Trust is essential for healthy trash talk.

Trash talk can be both antisocial and pro-social behavior.

Stress is not inherently bad; it prepares us for challenges.

Trash talk raises the psychological stakes of competition.

Teaching young people about trash talk can build resilience.

The real competition is attention in today's culture.

Chapters

00:00 The Epidemic of Mental Weakness

01:08 Understanding Trash Talk: A Cultural Exploration

03:47 The Misunderstanding of Trash Talk

07:42 The Psychology Behind Trash Talk

11:41 The Role of Trust in Trash Talk

15:42 Trash Talk as a Tool for Competition

20:00 Teaching Trash Talk: A Life Skill

23:56 The Cultural Moment of Trash Talk

27:50 Lessons from Trash Talk: Stress and Response

In this engaging conversation, AJ Jacobs, known for his unique lifestyle experiments, discusses his latest book, 'The Year of Living Constitutionally.' He shares insights on approaching disagreements as puzzles, the importance of learning through fun, and the impact of writing by hand on thought processes. Jacobs emphasizes the urgency of understanding the Constitution in today's political climate and advocates for bipartisan solutions to strengthen democracy. He also reflects on the role of humor in engaging readers and the potential of AI as a collaborative tool in creative endeavors.

Takeaways

• Approaching disagreements as puzzles fosters understanding.
• Lifestyle experiments can provide unique insights into complex topics.
• Learning can be fun and engaging, not dull.
• Writing by hand enhances memory and thought processes.
• Balancing curiosity with deadlines is essential for productivity.
• Identifying the 5% of ideas that are truly valuable is key.
• The Constitution's relevance is urgent in today's political landscape.
• Bipartisan solutions are necessary for a healthier democracy.
• Engaging with authority can amplify important ideas.
• Humility in exploration allows for deeper understanding. 

Chapters

00:00 Approaching Disagreements as Puzzles
01:20 AJ Jacobs: The Human Guinea Pig
02:38 The Impact of Lifestyle Experiments
05:49 Learning Through Fun and Edutainment
08:34 The Power of Writing by Hand
10:58 Balancing Curiosity with Deadlines
12:37 The 5% Idea: Finding Worthwhile Concepts
15:51 The Urgency of Constitutional Understanding
20:23 Bipartisan Solutions for Democracy
24:02 Engaging with Authority on Constitutional Issues
26:11 Navigating Conversations with Disagreement
28:15 The Importance of Humility in Exploration
30:16 Using Humor to Engage Readers
31:33 AI as a Collaborative Tool
33:02 The Value of Bucket Lists
35:00 Reviving Democratic Traditions

In this conversation, Charles Duhigg discusses his book 'Supercommunicators' and explores the essential skills that make someone an effective communicator. He emphasizes the importance of understanding different communication styles, the role of empathy, and the significance of deep questions in fostering authentic connections. Duhigg also highlights the impact of nonverbal communication, the challenges of online interactions, and the potential of AI in communication. Ultimately, he encourages everyone to recognize that communication is a skill that can be developed and improved over time.

Takeaways

•  Charles Duhigg's books stem from personal questions and challenges.
• Super communicators are aware of the type of conversation they are having.
• Empathy is crucial in communication, often requiring matching the other person's emotional state.
• High centrality participants help groups connect better through neural entrainment.
• Asking deep questions fosters authentic connections and understanding.
• Laughter serves as a powerful tool for connection in conversations.
• Nonverbal communication plays a significant role in how we connect with others.
• Adapting communication styles for online interactions is essential for clarity.
• AI can mimic empathy but lacks genuine understanding in conversations.
• Building relationships through communication is vital for happiness and success.

Chapters

00:00 The Power of Communication
09:32 Understanding Super Communicators
19:42 The Role of Empathy in Communication
29:34 Navigating Online Communication
32:43 The Future of Communication and AI

Does your job meet your needs and if not, what changes can you make to ensure it's a more fulfilling aspect of your life? Dr. Michelle Penelope King is a globally recognized expert on inequality and organizational culture, and the bestselling author of The Fix: How to Overcome the Invisible Barriers that are Holding Women Back at Work and How Work Works: The Subtle Science of Getting Ahead Without Losing Yourself.

From speaking across the world to being the head of UN Women's Global Innovation Coalition for Change, and being the founder of a global consultancy called The Culture Practice, Michelle lends her expertise to advance gender equality and enhance global opportunity and achievement for women in each of her roles. In this episode, Rohit Bhargava and Dr. Michelle Penelope King discuss topics inspired by How Work Works, including the importance of finding meaning and worth in your career, reflecting on the true diversity of your team, setting an achievable goal for excelling your position, and preparing for the next generation of workers, there are always ways we can grow in our work and create a more positive, lasting impact upon retirement.

What does status mean today? Executive producer, editor, and author Chuck Thompson explores this question and the evolution of status in his book The Status Revolution: The Improbable Story of How the Lowbrow Became the Highbrow. In this episode, Rohit Bhargava and Chuck Thompson discuss topics inspired by the book, including the neuroscience behind dopamine boosts from luxury consumerism, the new-found elite status of dog rescuers, and the debate of claiming privilege versus status.

Is the future disabled? Ashley Shew, an associate professor of Science, Technology, and Society at Virginia Tech explores this question and writes for those who will become disabled in her book Against Technoableism: Rethinking Who Needs Improvement. In this episode, Rohit Bhargava and Ashley Shew discuss topics inspired by the book, including re-thinking who needs improvement, the five main tropes for disability narratives, de-cyborgafying, and the growth of opportunity for disabled people in space.

In this conversation, Dorie Clark discusses the significance of human expertise in an era dominated by AI. She emphasizes the need for long-term thinking and strategic planning, while also addressing the challenges of perseverance versus quitting. The discussion highlights the evolving landscape of expertise and personal branding, particularly in the context of generative AI's impact on media and content creation. Dorie shares insights on how individuals can maintain their relevance and distinctiveness in a rapidly changing world.

Takeaways

Expertise is crucial in a world increasingly influenced by AI.
Long-term thinking is essential for personal and professional growth.
It's important to create structures that allow for strategic thinking.
Understanding what you don't want can clarify your career path.
Perseverance is key, but knowing when to quit is equally important.
Building a personal brand is more important than ever.
AI can commoditize expertise, but human connection remains vital.
Distinctiveness is essential to stand out in a crowded market.
The future of media will require a focus on quality over quantity.
Investing in your expertise can lead to greater opportunities.

Chapters

00:00 The Importance of Human Expertise in the Age of AI
02:21 Understanding the Long Game
12:22 Navigating Perseverance and Quitting
12:53 The Value of Expertise in a Changing World
25:16 The Future of Media and Expertise

Does everything happen for a reason or is it all just flukes? Brian Klaas, a professor of Global Politics at University College London, writer, podcaster, and researcher explores this question and why things happen in his book Fluke: Chance, Chaos, and Why Everything We Do Matters. In this episode, Rohit Bhargava and Brian Klaas discuss topics inspired by the book, including Kokura's Luck, Chaos Theory, the paradox of 21st century life, and the non-obvious stuff that often sways history.

What will it take to transform the way the world views time? Richard Fisher, a senior journalist with BBC Global News, explores this question and shares ways to expand our minds into deeper time scales in his book The Long View: Why We Need to Transform How the World Sees Time. In this episode, Rohit Bhargava and Richard Fisher discuss topics inspired by the book, including short termism in business and consumerism, the continuity time view, the impact of science fiction, and the encouragement of existential hope.

Would you know fraud when you see it or are you committing some fraud yourself? Kelly Richmond Pope is a nationally recognized expert and professor in forensic accounting who spent years interviewing fraud perpetrators before switching to learning from the victims. In her book, Fool Me Once: Scams, Stories, and Secrets from the Trillion-Dollar Fraud Industry, Kelly shares insight on the various ways fraud is committed and how to prevent yourself from becoming a victim. 

In this episode, Rohit Bhargava and Kelly Richmond Pope discuss topics inspired by the book, including the different types of perpetrators, the acceptance of fraud in business, and the psychological damage of fraud on victims. Kelly also shares a red flag list to help you avoid becoming a victim, including not trusting people who still use HotMail. 

Could a workaround solve your problem? Paulo Savaget is an award-winning researcher and professor of engineering entrepreneurship who went on a three year journey to study how people invent workarounds to solve problems. In his book,The Four Workarounds: Strategies from the World's Scrappiest Organizations for Tackling Complex Problems, he shares his experience and findings in hopes of inspiring others to value workarounds and the possible big changes they enable. 

In this episode, Rohit Bhargava and Paulo Savaget discuss topics inspired by the book, including the four types of workarounds with case examples, the ethics of loopholes, and the innovations of smaller organizations that large corporations can learn from. 

Do you know how social media really works? Tobias Rose-Stockwell's research on how tech amplifies discontent and disrupts democracy has inspired leading tech companies to adopt key interventions to reduce toxicity and polarization. In his book, Outrage Machine, he combines this research with personal anecdotes to create a guide to understanding how the internet has broken our brains and how we can fix it. 

In this episode, Rohit Bhargava and Tobias Rose-Stockwell discuss topics inspired by the book, including why we become emotionally arrested by content, content that flirts with the extreme to gain engagement, and the process of changing minds when we live in a period of constant news and opinions.

How To Work With (Almost) Anyone: featuring Michael Bungay Stanier, the award-winning author of The Coaching Habits, as well as teacher and speaker who has sold over 1.5 million books, shares solutions to this question in his book How to Work With (Almosn) Anyone.

In this episode, Rohit Bhargava and Michael Bungay Stanier discuss topics inspired by the book, including keystone conversations, how to stay human when working with people, and his mission to infect everyone with the "possibility virus."  

Why do most projects fail? Bent Flyvberg and Dan Gardner explore this question and the pattern of failed megaprojects in their book How Big Things Get Done: The Surprising Factors That Determine the Fate of Every Project, from Home Renovations to Space Exploration and Everything In Between. Bent Flyvbjerg is the first BT Professor and inaugural Chair of Major Programme Management at the University of Oxford's Saïd Business School, Villum Kann Rasmussen Professor and Chair at the IT University of Copenhagen. Dan Gardner is the New York Times best-selling author of books about psychology and decision-making.

In this episode, Rohit Bhargava, Bent Flyvbjerg, and Dan Gardner discuss topics inspired by the book, including fat-tailed risks, stories of success, why many projects start wrong, mastering project leadership, and how to focus on people rather than technology. 

How often do you think about your pockets? Hannah Carlson, an author and lecturer in dress history and material culture at the Rhode Island School of Design, explores this question and the history of pockets in her book Pockets: An Intimate History of How We Keep Things Close.

In this episode, Rohit Bhargava and Hannah Carlson discuss topics inspired by the book, including the evolution of pockets, pocket-sized inventions, pocket sexism in the fashion industry, and the history of pockets in literature.

How will you tell your life story and are you thinking about it right now? James R. Hagerty, an obituary writer, author, and previous reporter, editor, and bureau chief for The Wall Street Journal and the International Herald Tribune, explores these questions and shares tips for writing obituaries in his book Yours Truly: An Obituary Writer's Guide to Telling Your Story. 

In this episode, Rohit Bhargava and James R. Hagerty discuss topics inspired by the book, including why to start writing your obituary when you're young, how to start writing an obituary plus things not to include, and tips for recording family history while managing the accuracy of memories. 

What is afrofuturism and how can we develop a powerful view of the future for African Americans through a cultural lens? Dr. Kevin Strait, the Museum Curator of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, explores these questions and the exhibition in DC as one of the editors for the book Afrofuturism. 

In this episode, Rohit Bhargava and Dr. Kevin Strait discuss topics inspired by the book, including afrofuturistic literature, rewriting the historical narrative of afrofuturism to reconsider how African Americans are viewed and view themselves, the driver of African American culture, and reviving the platform for free thinking.

In this engaging conversation, Anne Libera, a comedy expert and director of Comedy Studies at The Second City, shares her insights on the art of comedy. She discusses the essence of humor, the science behind it, and how anyone can learn to be funnier. The conversation explores the changing landscape of comedy, the role of representation, and the importance of live performance in honing comedic skills. Libera emphasizes that comedy is not just about telling jokes but about connecting with audiences through recognition and shared experiences.

Takeaways

Anyone can use the tools of comedy to be a better communicator.
Comedy is about more than just being a natural.
AI can mimic jokes but lacks true comedic essence.
Comedy is intentionally crafted to generate laughter.
Recognition and shared experiences are key to humor.
Live performance is crucial for developing comedic skills.
The landscape of comedy is evolving with new voices.
Representation in comedy inspires new talent.
Teaching comedy involves understanding its core principles.
Humor can be a powerful tool in professional settings.

Chapters

00:00 The Power of Comedy in Communication
02:38 Understanding the Essence of Comedy
05:35 The Changing Landscape of Humor
08:40 The Science Behind Comedy
11:42 The Evolution of Comedy Writers
14:48 The Role of Second City in Comedy
17:32 The Journey of Becoming Funny
20:43 The Impact of Representation in Comedy
23:30 The Core of Comedy Teaching
26:23 Using Humor in Professional Life
29:14 Personal Insights and Non-Obvious Humor

How do we bring more culture into the work that we do? Marcus Collins, an award-winning marketer, cultural translator, professor, and author, explores this question and how culture is the most powerful vehicle for influencing behavior in his book For the Culture: The Power Behind What We Buy, What We Do, and Who We Want to Be. 

In this episode, Rohit Bhargava and Dr. Marcus Collins discuss topics inspired by the book, including the types and risks of cultural appropriation, the anemia of cultural connection, byproducts of our cultural subscription, and how we can better practice cultural appreciation as a society. 

How do you become coachable in order to transform your life and career? Jacquelyn Lane and Scott Osman are two renowned coaching experts who co-authored the book "Becoming Coachable: Unleashing the Power of Executive Coaching to Transform Your Leadership and Life" with the world's top executive coach - Marshall Goldsmith. Jacquelyn Lane is the president of the 100 Coaches Agency, with her work and studies focusing on conscious capitalism and entrepreneurship as a means to create sustainable solutions globally. Scott Osman is the founding CEO of the 100 Coaches Agency, and is well known as a thought leader in the area of purpose strategy. "Becoming Coachable" invites readers to tap into their fullest potential and become better leaders, collaborators, and members of society.

In this episode, Jacquelyn Lane and Scott Osman discuss what it means to be coachable, non-obvious misconceptions about the field, and the benefits of learning from someone who has walked in similar - but not the exact same - shoes. Here is Jacquelyn Lane and Scott Osam explaining what it takes to be coachable on this week's episode of the Non-Obvious Show.

How do you deal with difficult people to create better harmony at work? Amy Gallo is a workplace expert, speaker, and contributing editor at Harvard Business Review. Her work specializes in effective communication, interpersonal dynamics, gender, difficult conversations, and feedback. Her bestselling book, "Getting Along," delves into the challenges of working with difficult people and gives insight on how to communicate empathetically in order to create a positive working environment. 

In this episode, Amy Gallo talks about the eight archetypes of difficult people, developing interpersonal resilience, and how we need to be open-minded in order to find common ground and collaborate to work together. Here is Amy Gallo sharing how to deal with difficult people on this week's episode of the Non-Obvious Show. 

Zoe Chance teaches the most popular course at the Yale School of Management, called "Mastering Influence and Persuasion," yet she describes herself as being shy and uninfluential in her youth. Her impressive career includes stints in sales, leading marketing for the Barbie brand, and teaching thousands of people how to tap into their own inner charisma and make influence their superpower. In this episode, Zoe Chance delves into influence techniques and strategies that are both comfortable for you and those you speak to, why it's harder to negotiate as women, and why the secret to being influential is being influenceable. 

She has a new book out called, "Influence is Your Superpower: The Science of Winning Hearts, Sparking Change, and Making Good Things Happen" where she delves into the realms of persuasion and decision-making.

In this episode, Zoe Chance delves into influence techniques and strategies that are both comfortable for you and those you speak to, why it's harder to negotiate as women, and why the secret to being influential is being influenceable. Here is Zoe Chance sharing how to use influence as your superpower on this week's episode of the Non-Obvious Show.

World leading expert on employee and customer experience, Joey Coleman is the Chief Experience Composer at Design Symphony - a customer experience branding firm that helps organizations like NASA and Zappos retain their customers and employees, turning them into their biggest fans. In his latest book, "Never Lose an Employee Again", Joey digs into how any business owner, manager, or employee can build a positive workplace that people love to stay in.

 In this episode, Joey Coleman discusses the long-term effects of positive employee journeys, measuring employee engagement post-COVID, and what enhancing an organization's experience looks like nowadays.

What does it take to unlearn history in order to build a more just future for everyone? Dolly Chugh is an award-winning psychologist and professor of social psychology and management at the New York University Stern School of Business. Dolly's research focuses on "bounded ethicality," which she describes as the "psychology of good people." In her latest book, "A More Just Future," Dolly explores our emotional relationship with our country's complicated past, providing us with the tools we didn't know we needed to do the urgent and necessary work of reckoning with our past.

 In this episode, Dolly Chugh explains why we need to focus on being good-ish people rather than just good, the importance of understanding, noticing, and doing better than our country's mistakes, and how incorporating more storytelling into history education could be the stepping stone to filling the gaps within our history for future generations. Here is Dolly Chugh sharing what it takes to unlearn history on this week's episode of the Non-Obvious Show.

How do we demystify data and measurement? Neil Hoyne has centered his career around championing the universal accessibility of data-driven actionable insights. As Google's Chief Measurement Strategy and Global Head of Customer Analytics, he pioneers strategies for customer lifetime value, marketing attribution, dynamic pricing, content personalization, and truly democratized data.

His bestselling book, Converted, aims to make data science more approachable for anyone in the form of a field guide for business growth. In this episode, you will learn what it takes to better understand data, focus on what really matters, and get better at using the data that is now available at your fingertips to improve your marketing, as well as increase your overall understanding of how data and measurement actually works and what the numbers are really telling you.

How do you fight workplace gender bias? What happens when a "band" of top female executives gather together to share their hard earned knowledge about how to succeed in the boardroom (or any other room) by conquering the gender biases that are so often faced by executives from minority groups. Angelique Bellmer Krembs, Katie Lacey, Lori Marcus, Cie Nicholson, & Mitzi Short wrote You Should Smile More to empower women and men to unlock a culture of greatness in the workforce, offering a new lens through which to talk about and tackle the stubborn remnants of gender bias at work. In this episode, "The Band of Sisters" teaches you some of the best coping strategies, what really works and what doesn't, how to lead a team no matter who's on it and how to deal with conflict if and when it happens.

Is the future analog? David Sax is an award-winning journalist and keynote speaker, specializing in dissecting the intersection of business and culture. His latest book, The Future Is Analog, is a manifesto for a more human future. One in which we innovate for the good of social and cultural lives, and build a future that first and foremost serves us as humans. In this episode, David Sax dives into the timely cost of going digital, the way in which the evolution of our communication skills is altered by social media, and how to create a more human world.

How do you make the changes your business needs? Popular small business marketing expert and radio show host Barry J. Moltz has discovered the formula to get business owners unstuck. He focuses on marketing and sales, leadership and management, cash flow and money, the customer experience and productivity. His award-winning book, ChangeMasters, exposes the true reasons why so many small business owners pay for expensive advice, agree to take action ... and then never follow through. In this episode, Barry J. Moltz explains the confusion between intention versus action, how to get unstuck in your business, and why starting with small changes can lead to long-term sustainable changes.

In this episode of The Non-Obvious Show, the conversation explores the themes of transactional versus non-transactional relationships, the philosophy of accessibility, and the importance of responsiveness in communication. The speakers discuss the evolving definitions of accessibility, personal responsibility in relationships, and the shift in work-life balance. They delve into the 'Give First' philosophy, emphasizing the need to engage non-transactionally and the benefits of being a giver in entrepreneurship. The discussion also touches on the realities of success in the entrepreneurial world and concludes with non-obvious insights about the speaker's personal experiences and perspectives.

Takeaways

We live in a transactional world with zero-sum activity.
Accessibility has evolved from being physically available to being engaged and interested.
Responsiveness can lead to unexpected opportunities.
Email remains a powerful tool for communication.
Finding balance in life is often a myth; harmony is a better goal.
The 'Give First' philosophy encourages non-transactional relationships.
Givers tend to be more successful than takers in the long run.
Mental health stigma in entrepreneurship needs to be addressed.
Personal responsibility is crucial in maintaining relationships.
Success is not solely defined by financial gain. 

Chapters

00:00 Transactional vs. Non-Transactional Relationships
01:28 The Philosophy of Accessibility
02:31 Deciding Where to Spend Time
05:32 The Importance of Responsiveness
09:36 The Role of Email in Communication
11:44 Evolving Definitions of Accessibility
13:51 Personal Responsibility and Relationships
18:15 The Shift in Work-Life Balance
22:06 Finding Harmony in Entrepreneurship
26:54 The 'Give First' Philosophy
30:59 Shifting from Transactional to Positive Sum
34:44 The Reality of Success in Entrepreneurship
40:03 Non-Obvious Insights About the Speaker

How do we create a more inclusive world through design? Ellen Lupton, Kaleena Sales, and Valentine Vergara are part of a diverse group of creators who wrote Extra Bold – a Feminist, Inclusive, Anti-racist, Nonbinary Field Guide for Graphic Designers. This groundbreaking design guide for anyone who works in (or loves) design about how to rethink the assumptions and traditional mindsets that sometimes hold designers and the organizations who employ them back. In this episode, Ellen Lupton, Kaleena Sales, and Valentine Vergara talk about how designers can shift their thinking, how the rest of us can elevate and promote more diversity in design, and what a world that has more inclusive design might look like.

Can humor help you find better ideas? "Marketoonist" Tom Fishburne is an international keynote speaker and marketer specializing in cartoons, digital transformation, and the future of work. His book, Your Ad Ignored Here, depicts the modern marketing life, capturing 15 years of marketing, business, and doodling, while giving voice to the challenges and opportunities faced by people working in business everywhere. In this episode, Tom Fishburne explores what role humor should play in your marketing, the revolutionary potential of cartoons, and finding the humor in deep topics to strengthen impact.

How have women shaped the exercise industry? Danielle Friedman is an award-winning journalist and the author of. Her book Let's Get Physical: How Women Discovered Exercise and Reshaped the World explores the untold history of women's exercise culture while debunking myths and reveals how this physical strength has transformed into other forms of power. In this episode, Danielle Friedman explores the history of women's fitness, discrimination in the industry, and the groundbreaking women who changed it for generations.

How do you get people talking about race? Imagine taking a year off to travel to every state in America, sleep on the couches of strangers and tap random people on the shoulder to start a dialog about race. If that's hard enough to picture, now consider doing it while you're still a teenager. This unique journey inspired my next guests Priya Vulchi and Winona Guo to create a new curriculum for racial literacy and a book inspired by the experience called Tell Me Who You Are. In our time together, squeezed between two classes, we talk about the original inspiration for their trip, what answers surprised them and what they both plan to do next now that they are graduating.

How do you talk to a racist? Dr. David Wiley Campt, aka The Dialogue Guy, is a renowned speaker, master facilitator, and author. He has over 25 years of experience working as an anti-racism trainer and founded The Dialogue Company and the White Ally Toolkit. His latest book, How to Talk to Racists, educates anti-racism allies on engaging in transformative discourse about race and other polarizing conversations. In this episode, Dr. David W. Campt the science behind rage as an instinctive reaction, how the race method can help with difficult conversations, and managing your image for speaking opportunities.

What is the truth behind college admissions? New York Times bestselling author Jeff Selingo has written about higher education for over two years, including regular contributions to The Atlantic, New York Times, and the Washington Post. When not writing, he is a special advisor to the president and professor of practice at Arizona State University, and co-hosts the Future U podcast. In this episode, Jeff Selingo takes you inside the college admissions process, and offers an unusual look at how to really get into college and what mistakes to avoid.

What are the secrets to brand transformation? Brand guru Emmanuel Probst is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Assemblage, the Global Lead of Brand Growth & Thought Leadership at Ipsos, and teaches Consumer Market Research at UCLA. In this episode, Emmanuel Probst reveals the secrets of building an enduring brand, what mistakes marketers often make when trying to grow their brand loyalty, and how the world's most successful brands thrive by connecting deeply with their audiences.

How do you support female leaders? Corporate inclusion visionary, Deepa Purushothaman encourages companies and individuals to challenge the status quo of ambition, success and power through her seasoned advisory approach to leadership. Her internationally acclaimed book The First, The Few, The Only is a deeply personal call to action for women of color to redefine power in corporate America. In this episode, Deepa Purushothaman talks about the real challenges that women of color face, and some proven ideas for how to overcome them.

What does your digital body language convey? Erica Dhawan is an award winning keynote speaker and the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Digital Body Language. As the founder and CEO of Cotential, Erica has helped leaders and teams leverage twenty-first-century collaboration skills globally, helping them innovate faster and further, together. In this episode, Erica Dhawan digs into how gender affects communication, bringing empathy into digital body language, and how understanding body language could de-escalate violent situations.

How do you get people to support you? Suneel Gupta is a bestselling author, renowned speaker, Harvard Medical School visiting scholar, and host of a global documentary series called Business Class on Amazon Prime. Once seen as the "face of failure" in the New York Times, Suneel understands that the road to success is not always smooth, has learned from his mistakes, and went on to become a founding CEO of wellness app RISE. In this episode, Suneel Gupta defines exhibition matches, the importance of backable people, and the positive domino effect of women in the workforce.

In this episode, the conversation explores the concept of meaningful work, its definitions, and the impact of technology on the workplace. Philosophers and psychologists discuss the importance of understanding who benefits from our work, the pressures of finding a calling, and the cultural perspectives that shape our views on work. The discussion also touches on the implications of automation and the need for a societal perspective on meaningful work.

Takeaways

The more interaction with beneficiaries increases work meaningfulness.
Non-obvious beneficiaries can enhance the perception of work value.
Not everyone needs to find a calling to lead a meaningful life.
Cultural upbringing influences our views on work.
The pandemic highlighted the importance of essential workers.
Technology can both displace and create new job opportunities.
Meaningful work should be considered a human right.
Work can contribute to the good life, but definitions vary.
The classification of work as essential can impact self-worth.
Exploring different career paths can lead to unexpected callings.

Chapters

00:00 The Quest for Meaningful Work
11:40 Defining Work and Its Value
23:29 The Impact of Technology on Work
35:17 Cultural Perspectives on Work

How do you become an epic gift giver? John Ruhlin was known as a gifting expert, keynote speaker, and author of Giftology. He has been called "the world's greatest gift giver" and helped people and organizations around the world to rethink how they use gifts to retain customers, win hearts and cut through the noise. In this episode, John Ruhlin explains how gifts can bring in referrals for businesses, lists examples of bad gifts, and shares the recipe of what he calls "giftology."

How does ownership really work? Michael Heller and James Salzman explore the six simple rules that everyone uses to claim everything in their new book Mine!. Michael Heller is a Professor of Real Estate Law at Columbia Law School, and is the author and co-author of multiple books. James Salzman is a Professor of Environmental Law at UCLA and UC Santa Barbara, and is the author and co-author of numerous bestselling books. In this episode, Michael Heller and James Salazman discuss possession versus ownership, the growing complications of digital ownership, and how ownership of original resources is claimed.

What has caused the death of common sense? Martin Lindstrom is a bestselling author, consumer branding expert, and named one of TIME Magazine's "World's 100 Most Influential People." He's the founder and chairman of Lindstrom Company, the world's leading brand & culture transformation group, with clients such as Seth Godin and Tyra Banks. His latest book, The Ministry of Common Sense, is a Wall Street Journal Bestseller and a humorous yet practical guide to ridding ourselves — and our companies — of bureaucratic red tape. In this episode, Martin Lindstrom discusses how empathy is dying, the benefits of consumer insight, and why he feels the best solution is for more organizations and governments around the world should create a ministry of common sense.

Originally aired: December 15, 2021
Why is ​​collaboration overrated? Safi Bahcall is a former public company CEO, second-generation physicist, biotech entrepreneur, and the author of international bestseller Loonshots. Today Safi advises CEOs and leadership teams on strategy and innovation, and has delivered keynote presentations at industry conferences, investor events, leadership retreats, medical meetings, and leading academic institutions around the world.

In this episode, Safi Bahcall goes behind the mindsets required to see the world a little differently, explores why a focus on collaboration might counterintuitively hold us back from innovating in some situations and why thinking like a physicist just might offer a path to solving some of the world's biggest problems.