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SPOS #907 – David Burkus On Building The Best Team Ever Nov 26, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to episode #907 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast - Episode #907. What is the future of team dynamics at work? Let's delve into the innovative world of leadership and management with David Burkus, an expert in organizational theory and psychology. David, with his unique blend of academic rigor and practical insights, has continually redefined our understanding of what makes teams excel at work. His latest book, Best Team Ever!, is as a testament to his dedication to uncovering the secrets behind highly successful teams. This book isn't just a compendium of theories, it's a roadmap drawn from extensive research and real-world examples. David peels back the layers of traditional management structures, inviting readers to explore the core principles that empower teams to achieve their fullest potential. A regular contributor to leading publications and a sought-after speaker, David has made a career of challenging conventional wisdom. His approach blends the latest research with pragmatic strategies, a methodology that has made his work resonate with a diverse range of leaders and professionals. What sets David apart is his ability to distill complex concepts into accessible, engaging narratives. His previous books, Leading From Anywhere, Pick A Fight, Friend Of A Friend, Under New Management and The Myths of Creativity, demonstrate the diverse workplace challenges David has tackled over the years. David consistently offers a fresh perspective on collaboration, innovation, and productivity. So, if you are looking to navigate the complexities of modern team leadership, how effective teams operate and thrive in today's ever-evolving work environments, join us as we explore with the foundational elements that constitute the Best Team Ever! Enjoy the conversation...

Running time: 1:04:56.
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.
Check out ThinkersOne.
or you can connect on LinkedIn.
...or on Twitter.
Here is my conversation with David Burkus,
Best Team Ever!
Leading From Anywhere.
Pick A Fight.
Friend Of A Friend.
Under New Management.
The Myths of Creativity.
Check out David on ThinkersOne.
Follow David on LinkedIn.
Follow David on X.
Follow David on YouTube.
Follow David on TikTok.
This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'.

SPOS #906 – Anne Morriss On How To Move Fast And Fix Things Nov 19, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to episode #906 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast - Episode #906. Meet Anne Morriss, a seasoned leadership coach, prolific writer, and an indisputable authority in company creation. Anne has an acute understanding of the modern business landscape, and has devoted a significant portion of her career to exploring and addressing key issues that contemporary organizations face. An advocate for strategic leadership, she has become widely known for her insightful perspectives on the dynamics of trust, speed, and change within the business world. Anne is the co-author (along with her partner, Frances Frei) of the new book, Move Fast And Fix Things - The Trusted Leader's Guide To Solving Hard Problems. The book (and this conversation) is an exploration of the balance between speed and trust in fostering organizational change. He other books include: Unleashed and Uncommon Service. He is also the Co-Founder of The Leadership Consortium. With experiences like her advisory role at Uber during one of the company's most pivotal times, Anne offers piercing insights into the complex mechanisms of corporate action and cultural evolution. Beyond just writing about it, Anne is dedicated to the real-life implementation of her theories. She is a company builder, continually testing and refining her strategies in various environments. At the same time, her work as a leadership coach signifies her commitment to individual growth within the organizational context. Anne also hosts Fixable, a podcast in partnership with the TED podcast network, where she and Frances help to solve workplace problems quickly. The podcast offers deep insights, creating an invaluable resource for leaders aiming to improve their work environment and efficiency. In an era demanding quick results and transparency, Anne is lighting the way, demonstrating that trust-based, swift leadership is not only possible but also key to success. Anne embodies the transformative power of informed, strategic leadership. Enjoy the conversation...

Running time: 1:01:04.
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.
Check out ThinkersOne.
or you can connect on LinkedIn.
...or on Twitter.
Here is my conversation with Anne Morriss.
Move Fast And Fix Things - The Trusted Leader's Guide To Solving Hard Problems.
Unleashed.
Uncommon Service.
The Leadership Consortium.
Fixable.
Frances Frei.
Follow Anne on LinkedIn.
Follow Anne on X.
This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'.

SPOS #905 – Mark Schaefer On Crafting Authentic Brands In A Clickbait World Nov 12, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to episode #905 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast - Episode #905. A seasoned marketing consultant, keynote speaker and blogger, Mark Schaefer brings decades of experience to a discipline often clouded by buzzwords. Mark is all about cutting through the complexity of digital noise to foster real connections for the brand and their customers. His latest book, Belonging To The Brand, explores the concept of community as a cornerstone of customer loyalty. In it, Mark details pragmatic approaches for brands to earn trust and advocacy, suggesting that the key lies in creating a sense of belonging among consumers. This book is a guide rooted in the principle that meaningful engagement trumps transient marketing victories. Complementing this practical approach to marketing, Mark also recently published, The Most Amazing Marketing Book Ever, which is a collection of diverse perspectives from marketing professionals across the industry, advocating for a collective learning mindset (the authors were culled from his private marketing community). That book reinforces the idea that the most robust marketing strategies emerge from a mosaic of insights. Like me, Mark is a long-time blogger, offering opinions and actionable advice from evolving digital tactics to leveraging social media for genuine engagement. Beyond his writing, Mark prides himself on being an educator, marketing consultant and speaker. His philosophy is simple: Understand your audience deeply and engage with them authentically. If you're looking for insights that are both practical and forward-thinking, we battle it out thinking about where marketing is headed. Take a glimpse into the latest marketing trends and strategies, while also being reminded how enduring principles of community and authenticity can be applied in today's fully-digital world. Enjoy the conversation...

Running time: 1:02:04.
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.
Check out ThinkersOne.
or you can connect on LinkedIn.
...or on Twitter.
Here is my conversation with Mark Schaefer.
Belonging To The Brand.
The Most Amazing Marketing Book Ever.
Marketing Rebellion.
Known.
Cumulative Advantage.
Mark's other books.
Mark's Blog.
Rise Community.
Follow Mark on X.
Follow Mark on LinkedIn.
This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'.

SPOS #904 – Jason Del Rey On The Retail Battle For Our Wallets Nov 05, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to episode #904 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast - Episode #904. In the ever-changing and expanding universe of retail, Jason Del Rey stands as a chronicler of commerce, a journalist who's been demystifying the confluence of retail and technology with a critical yet insightful lens. Jason has been the voice behind the curtain, peering through the glittering facades of retail industry giants (namely Walmart and Amazon) and penning the narratives that shape our understanding of modern commerce. His expertise as a business journalist has graced the pages of Recode, where he's dissected the complex ecosystem of e-commerce, scrutinizing the moves of major players and the seismic shifts they create across the global market. In his new book, Winner Sells All, Jason unpacks the colossal clash between Amazon and Walmart, entities vying not just for market dominance but for the very essence of consumer loyalty. This isn't merely a story of two titans in a tug-of-war - it's an exposé on how their rivalry redefines the contours of retail and the stakes involved in winning the wallets of a global audience. As a journalist, Jason has had a front-row seat to the evolution of retail dynamics, witnessing firsthand how digital strategies have revolutionized consumer behavior and expectations. His book is also much more than a chronicle of competition, it's a lens through which we can view the future of retail, illuminated by the past's lessons and the present's innovations. And, as we all know, it stretched beyond retail into other dimensions like cloud services, healthcare, and more. What Jason offers in Winner Sells All is a treasure trove of insights gleaned from years of reporting and conversations with executives who are (or were) in the mix. He is the host of Land of the Giants: The Rise of Amazon, a narrative podcast series. His exploration goes beyond the surface, diving into the strategies, leadership philosophies, and corporate cultures that fuel these retail juggernauts. Enjoy the conversation...

Running time: 59:59.
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.
Check out ThinkersOne.
or you can connect on LinkedIn.
...or on Twitter.
Here is my conversation with Jason Del Rey.
Winner Sells All.
Land of the Giants: The Rise of Amazon.
Recode at Vox.
Follow Jason on LinkedIn.
Follow Jason on X.
This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'.

SPOS #903 – Neil Patel On Timeless Marketing In Digital Mayhem Oct 29, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to episode #903 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast - Episode #903. In an era bedazzled by emerging marketing platforms and technologies co-mingling with fickle algorithms, Neil Patel stands as a beacon for modern marketers — illuminating not just the untamed frontiers of digital strategy, but also the classic routes that brands should never abandon. Sure, we're awash with shiny new marketing platforms and tactics (ready for comment marketing?), but Neil reminds us that these are just that: Tools. They are not substitutes for foundational strategies that have stood the test of time — Search Engine Optimization, content marketing, and customer engagement. Sure, digital trends shift, but consumer needs remains constant. Neil's genius lies in his alchemical skills, blending the latest tools with timeless wisdom - all of which has culminated in the success of his own agency, NP Digital. What makes Neil stand out is not only his finger-on-the-pulse insights, but his ability to declutter the digital landscape. His marketing playbooks are veritable treasure maps, where X (not the Twitter X) marks the perfect blend of new-age tactics and old-school strategies. When Neil speaks of conversion optimization, he's not dismissing the art of crafting a compelling story or the tried-and-true method of A/B testing. He's layering them with behavioral analytics and data points, evolving the process without losing the essence. His mantra could very well be: "Innovate, but don't alienate." One thing is clear: Innovation and tradition are not oil and water in Neil's marketing strategy blend. Neil is a New York Times Bestselling author. The Wall Street Journal calls him a top influencer, Forbes says he is one of the top 10 marketers, and Entrepreneur Magazine says he created one of the 100 most brilliant companies. He was recognized as a top 100 entrepreneur under the age of 30 by President Barack Obama and a top 100 entrepreneur under the age of 35 by the United Nations. My new business, ThinkersOne, is also a client of NP Digital - so I was eager to chat with someone who has walked a similar professional path to mine, and then intersects again as I become a client of his. Enjoy the conversation...

Running time: 1:00:11.
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.
Check out ThinkersOne.
or you can connect on LinkedIn.
...or on Twitter.
Here is my conversation with Neil Patel.
NP Digital.
Follow Neil on X.
Follow Neil on LinkedIn.
This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'.

SPOS #902 – Charlotte Fox Weber On Exploring Our Deepest Desires Oct 22, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to episode #902 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast - Episode #902. A seasoned psychotherapist, an eloquent writer, and a captivating speaker, Charlotte Fox Weber wears multiple hats with an effortless grace that captures the zeitgeist of the emotionally complex world we navigate (and how we think about ourselves and our deepest desires). Here's why Charlotte should be on your radar: Her new book, Tell Me What You Want - A Therapist and Her Clients Explore Our 12 Deepest Desires, is a linchpin in understanding the enigmatic art of human connection to ourselves (and to each other). In a generation awash with self-help books and quick-fix therapies, Tell Me What You Want cuts through the clutter. It steers clear of empty jargon and psychological platitudes, delivering a more grounded and poignant message: It's okay to be a work-in-progress... it's more than okay to be imperfect, and our world isn't all that open to this (see: Beauty filters). Charlotte's book and work with people on the couch is a journey into the labyrinthine corridors of the human mind and heart, asking probing questions and offering not exact answers, but powerful perspectives. Charlotte synthesizes years of clinical practice and academic rigor into a narrative that is deeply reflective and accessible to those who have (and have not) done the self-work. Where Charlotte truly excels, is in her ability to make psychotherapy relatable and demystified. If you're a skeptic who's ever wondered why anyone would pay to talk, this conversation may just change your mind. If you're a firm believer in the therapeutic process, it will only affirm your convictions and possibly deepen your understanding and the work that you're doing. Charlotte truly has a unique way of making psychotherapy seem less like a daunting endeavor and more like an exciting exploration. Her candidness, married to her academic gravitas, makes for an intoxicating blend of intellect and accessibility. She makes you want to lean in, listen, and — most importantly — tell her (and yourself) what you really want. Enjoy the conversation...

Running time: 52:16.
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.
Check out ThinkersOne.
or you can connect on LinkedIn.
...or on Twitter.
Here is my conversation with Charlotte Fox Weber.
Tell Me What You Want - A Therapist and Her Clients Explore Our 12 Deepest Desires.
Follow Charlotte on Instagram.
Follow Charlotte on LinkedIn.
This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'.

SPOS #901 – Allen Adamson On Seeing The How Oct 15, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to episode #901 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast - Episode #901. Navigating the ever-shifting landscape of branding is challenging. Few understand this terrain better than Allen Adamson. With extensive experience in both corporate and academic settings, he offers a unique lens through which to understand the challenges and opportunities that today's businesses face. Allen has contributed to the success of global players such as GE, Johnson & Johnson, and FedEx, with a focus on identifying and delivering what truly matters to audiences. His latest book is Seeing The How - Transforming What People Do, Not Buy, To Gain Market Advantage. Allen makes the compelling case for customer experience as a strategic differentiator. His insights arise from years of multi-sector experience, beginning in the supermarket aisles of Unilever, progressing through advertising firms, and culminating in senior leadership at Landor Associates. As an adjunct professor at NYU's Stern School of Business and Cornell University, Allen shares his insights by adding academic rigor to practical expertise. He's not just a thought leader... he's a practitioner dedicated to actionable solutions. His past books include, BrandSimple, BrandDigital, The Edge, and Shift Ahead. He serves as an expert witness in litigation concerning brand assets and has the trust of media outlets ranging from CNBC to The New York Times. Co-founder and managing partner of Metaforce, Allen brings together a consortium of top-tier industry talent, tasked with identifying and executing high-impact customer experiences. In this episode, we delve deep into the transformative potential of aligning customer experience with brand promise. It's a conversation for anyone invested in the future of building a smarter business through branding and market leadership. Enjoy the conversation...

Running time: 54:06.
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.
Check out ThinkersOne.
or you can connect on LinkedIn.
...or on Twitter.
Here is my conversation with Allen Adamson.
Seeing The How - Transforming What People Do, Not Buy, To Gain Market Advantage.
BrandSimple.
BrandDigital.
The Edge.
Shift Ahead.
Metaforce.
Follow Allen on LinkedIn.
This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'.

SPOS #900 – Dan Ariely On Misbelief And Irrationality Oct 08, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to episode #900 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast - Episode #900. Where would I be without Dan Ariely? You will have to listen in to find out. Beyond that, Dan is renowned for his insightful research in behavioral economics, which he simplifies for the everyday reader. His journey into understanding human irrationality began in a profoundly personal way: Recovering from severe burns caused by an explosion. The challenges of his treatments, particularly the agonizing daily baths, led him to question the patterns of irrational behaviors. Post recovery, Dan delved deep into the world of decision-making, keen to figure out how the knowledge from behavioral economics could enhance various facets of life— be it finance, health, habits, or personal relationships. As Dan expanded his understanding, he grew passionate about sharing these insights. His goal? To help people harness this knowledge to elevate their everyday lives. Dan's extensive work, including his great books, Predictably Irrational, The Upside of Irrationality, The (Honest) Truth About Dishonesty (and more), along with the film Dishonesty and The Irrational Game, seeks to make behavioral economics more accessible and relatable. Beyond his writings, Dan holds the esteemed title of James B. Duke Professor of Psychology and Behavioral Economics at Duke University. He is also a key figure at the Center for Advanced Hindsight (tongue in cheek, of course). His latest book is called, Misbelief - What Makes Rational People Believe Irrational Things, which is part freaky memoire (based on a very strange online trope created about him) and part exploration into why we (and our loved ones) might fall into a rabbithole of lies, and how to get out of it. Enjoy the conversation...

Running time: 53:38.
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.
Check out ThinkersOne.
or you can connect on LinkedIn.
...or on Twitter.
Here is my conversation with Dan Ariely.
Misbelief - What Makes Rational People Believe Irrational Things.
Predictably Irrational.
The Upside of Irrationality.
The (Honest) Truth About Dishonesty.
Dishonesty.
The Irrational Game.
Center for Advanced Hindsight.
Follow Dan on X/Twitter.
Follow Dan on LinkedIn.
Follow Dan on Instagram.
This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'.

SPOS #899 – Cara Brookins On Getting Unstuck Oct 01, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to episode #899 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast - Episode #899. Have you heard the story about the mom who built her own home with her four kids using YouTube videos? That's my friend, Cara Brookins. Cara built software systems for 20 years as a software architect, but when her life crumbled around her, she turned herself into a builder and architect of a different kind… With no construction experience, Cara and her children built a 3,500 square foot house from the ground up by watching YouTube tutorials. Convinced that by building a house, they could rebuild their broken family, she and her kids poured the concrete, framed the walls, and laid the bricks. In the end, they had built a two-story, five-bedroom home. Using real-life examples from her unconventional construction site, Cara now helps organizations by focusing on teamwork, perseverance, and the resilience in each of us to overcome incredible odds. Her tactics of self-empowerment show how to blend an imperfect mix of personalities, talents, and temperaments into a cohesive, unstoppable team. While her story went viral in more than 75 countries and has been viewed more than two billion times, Cara has become a go-to expert for getting people unstuck and moving on their projects in business and beyond. Her first non-fiction book, Rise, is a must-read memoir that traces her family's rise from battered victims to stronger, better versions of themselves. Her latest book, Unstuck - End Procrastination Using The Ancient Psychology Behind How-To Videos, offers the tools your team (and you) can use to overcome procrastination and reshape the way you think about productivity. Enjoy the conversation...

Running time: 59:15.
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.
Check out ThinkersOne.
or you can connect on LinkedIn.
...or on Twitter.
Here is my conversation with Cara Brookins.
Unstuck - End Procrastination Using The Ancient Psychology Behind How-To Videos.
Rise.
Follow Cara on Instagram.
Follow Cara on LinkedIn.
Follow Cara on X.
This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'.

SPOS #898 – Michael Bungay Stanier On How To Build The Best Possible Relationships Sep 24, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to episode #898 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast - Episode #898. When it comes to unearthing the real power of coaching and getting the best out of people and the work that they do, few people make it as accessible, engaging and smart as Michael Bungay Stanier. He's both a good friend and a perpetual fountain of wisdom. You might already be familiar with Michael's breakthrough book, The Coaching Habit. It's a tome that's shifted the paradigm for managers and leaders by emphasizing the art of asking the right questions over doling out advice. But that's not where his literary journey ends (and that book has sold well over a million copies). Michael has also authored The Advice Trap, Do More Great Work, How To Begin, and his latest, How To Work With (Almost) Anyone. His work always expands on the importance of navigating complex conversations and leadership scenarios. His works are more than just books - they're guideposts for those eager to be more intentional, impactful, and, yes, humane, in how they lead. Michael's approach to coaching (and life) is built on the premise that less is often more. He steers clear of abstract jargon and cuts straight to the chase, delivering insights that you can actually implement the moment you step out of our podcast realm and back into your daily grind. His philosophy aligns well with what we've always emphasized here on Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast — knowledge isn't just for keeping... it's for doing. With that, grab your notebook (you're going to want to jot down the gold nuggets he shares), and get ready for an insightful ride. Lastly, Michael is also available to bring his wisdom into your everyday meetings, lunch & learns, and client events at ThinkersOne. As Michael often says, "Stay curious!" Enjoy the conversation...

Running time: 1:05:51.
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.
Check out ThinkersOne.
or you can connect on LinkedIn.
...or on Twitter.
Here is my conversation with Michael Bungay Stanier.
How To Work With (Almost) Anyone.
The Coaching Habit.
The Advice Trap.
Do More Great Work.
How To Begin.
Check out Michael on ThinkersOne.
Follow Michael on Instagram.
Follow Michael on LinkedIn.
Follow Michael on X.
This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'.

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