Thinking With Mitch Joel

Latest Episodes:

SPOS #997 – Adam Brotman On Being AI First Aug 17, 2025

Show notes

Welcome to episode #997 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast.

What happens when nearly everything a marketer or strategist does today becomes instant, automatic… and nearly free? That's the premise of AI First, the new book from Adam Brotman (my guest this week) and his co-author Andy Sack, which confronts the existential shift that AI is bringing to brand strategy, customer experience and creative work. Adam, the former Chief Digital Officer at Starbucks and co-founder of the strategic consultancy Forum3, brings firsthand experience building digital platforms that changed how global businesses operate. In this episode, we dive into what it really means to become an "AI First" organization, not just layering on tools, but redesigning your business from the ground up. You'll hear why OpenAI's Sam Altman believes 95% of current marketing agency work will be handled by AI, and what that means for leaders, teams and the future of creative differentiation. We explore the difference between being AI-aware and AI-native, how to run internal pilots that create momentum, and what the future holds for customer loyalty and personalization in a post-human-first creative landscape. For anyone wondering what practical transformation looks like in an AI-saturated world and how to build companies that still feel human, this conversation maps the next five years and beyond. Enjoy the conversation…

Running time: 52:22.
Hello from beautiful Montreal.
Listen and subscribe over at Apple Podcasts.
Listen and subscribe over at Spotify.
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 X.
Here is my conversation with Adam Brotman.
AI First.
Forum3.
Check out his podcast.
Follow Adam on LinkedIn.

Chapters:

(00:00) - The Journey of Digital Transformation. (05:05) - AI First: Understanding the New Paradigm. (10:00) - The Role of AI in Business Strategy. (15:09) - Navigating the Future of Work with AI. (19:50) - The Promise and Challenges of AGI. (31:58) - The Rise of AI and Human Collaboration. (34:07) - Navigating the AI Landscape: Challenges and Opportunities. (37:27) - Intelligence vs. Imitation: Understanding AI's Capabilities. (40:57) - Creativity in the Age of AI: A New Frontier. (43:30) - The Role of Empathy in AI Interactions. (46:41) - Paradigm Shifts: Embracing Change in Technology. (49:01) - Responsible AI: Balancing Innovation and Ethics. (52:44) - The Future of Work: Adapting to AI Transformations.

SPOS #996 – Christie Smith On Distributed Teams, Generative AI And Global Shifts Aug 10, 2025

Show notes

Welcome to episode #996 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Christie Smith is a former senior executive at Apple, Deloitte and Accenture with over three decades of leadership experience across industries including life sciences, consumer goods and finance. She holds a doctorate in Social Work and Organizational Psychology and now leads The Humanity Studio, a leadership advisory firm focused on redefining the future of work. In her new book, Essential - How Distributed Teams, Generative AI, and Global Shifts Are Creating a New Human-Powered Leadership (along with her co-author Kelly Monahan), Christie outlines a bold new framework for leaders navigating a post-pandemic, AI-driven, decentralized world. This episode explores the urgent need for management transformation - from command-and-control to people-centered leadership - and how today's leaders must adapt to rising expectations around purpose, trust and equity. Topics include the power shift from corporations to individuals, the cultural cost of distributed work, and why organizations must stop measuring productivity and start cultivating human energy. The discussion also unpacks the psychological strain of "always-on" work cultures, the promise and peril of generative AI, and how leaders can build communities, not just companies. At its core, this conversation is about what comes after burnout… what it means to lead with humanity, design systems that elevate people, and use power responsibly in a time of profound disruption. For anyone rethinking what it means to lead, build and belong in the modern workplace, this episode offers a timely and hopeful reframing of what's possible. Enjoy the conversation...

Running time: 56:23.
Hello from beautiful Montreal.
Listen and subscribe over at Apple Podcasts.
Listen and subscribe over at Spotify.
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 X.
Here is my conversation with Christie Smith.
Essential - How Distributed Teams, Generative AI, and Global Shifts Are Creating a New Human-Powered Leadership.
The Humanity Studio.
Follow Christie on Instagram.
Follow Christie on LinkedIn.

Chapters:

(00:00) - The Evolving Role of Leadership. (03:06) - Emotional Maturity in Leadership. (05:51) - The Impact of the Pandemic on Leadership. (08:55) - Employee Expectations and Organizational Change. (11:54) - The Shift Towards Purpose-Driven Leadership. (15:05) - Navigating Challenges in Large Organizations. (18:11) - The Rise of Entrepreneurship and New Work Models. (21:03) - Community and Connection in the Digital Age. (33:24) - The Human Element in AI and Workplaces. (39:10) - Agency and Connection in Leadership. (45:51) - Legacy and Leadership in a Changing World. (52:10) - Building a New Organization: Culture and Purpose. (58:28) - Curiosity and Hope in the Face of Challenges.

SPOS #995 – Nelson Repenning On Delivering Real Results At Work Aug 03, 2025

Show notes

Welcome to episode #995 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Nelson Repenning has built his career at MIT Sloan and Shift Gear by asking a simple but haunting question: why do so many smart, capable organizations fail to get the right work done? In his new book, There's Got to Be a Better Way, Nelson (along with his co-author, Don Kieffer) introduces dynamic work design: a practical framework that helps leaders move beyond broken systems and toward better execution. In this conversation, we explore the five principles behind this approach: solving the right problem, structuring for discovery, connecting the human chain, regulating for flow and visualizing the work. We talk about how businesses become addicted to heroics and strategic ambiguity, and how this culture often traps people in cycles of fire-fighting and busywork that look productive but deliver little. Nelson shares stories from his experience applying these principles in casinos, hospitals, biotech labs, and even homeless shelters (environments where urgency is real, resources are stretched and clarity can make or break outcomes). We also discuss how leadership often overcomplicates productivity with reorgs and top-down mandates, instead of fixing the structural design flaws that block meaningful progress. Nelson is quick to point out that the work isn't just about doing more: it's about doing it better… and that better means aligning actual workflow with the outcomes organizations care about. He reflects on his early days as a student at MIT and why dynamic work design is less a management fad and more a necessary shift in how modern teams operate. If you're tired of watching your best people get burned out chasing KPIs while nothing fundamental improves, this episode offers a clearer path. We also get into the tension between change management and change design, and why the latter matters more in a world flooded with noise, complexity and well-intentioned but ineffective solutions. This is a sharp and focused take on work culture from someone who's spent a lifetime challenging the systems beneath it. Enjoy the conversation…

Running time: 1:00:22.
Hello from beautiful Montreal.
Listen and subscribe over at Apple Podcasts.
Listen and subscribe over at Spotify.
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 X.
Here is my conversation with Nelson Repenning.
There's Got to Be a Better Way.
Shift Gear.
MIT Sloan.
Follow Nelson on LinkedIn.

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction to Nelson Repenning. (02:55) - The Journey to System Dynamics. (05:55) - Bridging Theory and Practice in Organizations. (09:14) - The Challenge of Success and Anomalies. (11:54) - Dynamic Work Design: From Manufacturing to Knowledge Work. (15:06) - The Role of AI in Knowledge Work. (18:12) - Manufacturing's Future and National Security. (20:58) - The Integration of Design and Manufacturing. (32:01) - The Complexity of Manufacturing and Supply Chains. (33:14) - Dynamic Work Design: A New Approach. (35:34) - Identifying and Solving the Right Problems. (39:28) - The Disconnect Between Management and Ground Realities. (42:14) - Adapting Management Practices for Hybrid Work. (45:33) - Visual Management in Knowledge Work. (52:44) - Regulating Flow to Prevent Overload. (58:41) - The Psychological Hurdles of Change.

SPOS #994 – Vicki Tan On Life's Big And Little Decisions Jul 27, 2025

Show notes

Welcome to episode #994 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Vicki Tan has designed experiences for some of the most influential companies in the world (Pinterest, Airbnb, Headspace, Lyft, Google) and her work has always focused on helping people make better choices in complex environments. Her new book, Ask This Book A Question, continues that mission in a radically creative form. This isn't your typical self-help guide. It's an interactive journey through the beautiful mess of human decision-making, shaped by the science of cognitive bias, the power of storytelling and the playfulness of visual design. Vicki explores how our mental shortcuts shape everything - from whether we leave our job to how we fall in love - and how reframing our questions can unlock more clarity than any answer ever could. She talks about the tension between intuition and logic, the real-world costs of not understanding our own biases and the way interface design and behavior design intersect in both delightful and dangerous ways. In this epsiode, she also digs into the deeper story behind the book: How she collaborated with artists to visualize psychological concepts and why she believes our decisions deserve more compassion than critique. This episode is for anyone who's ever overthought a text message… or stood paralyzed in a grocery aisle… or wondered why being human feels so confusing sometimes. Which is to say: it's for all of us. Enjoy the conversation…

Running time: 54:55.
Hello from beautiful Montreal.
Listen and subscribe over at Apple Podcasts.
Listen and subscribe over at Spotify.
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 X.
Here is my conversation with Vicki Tan.
Ask This Book A Question.
Follow Vicki on Instagram.
Follow Vicki on LinkedIn.

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction to Vicki Tan and Her Journey. (02:57) - Balancing Work and Writing. (05:55) - Understanding Product Design. (08:56) - The Role of Luck in Career Success. (12:00) - The Importance of Asking Questions. (15:01) - The Process of Writing a Book. (17:49) - Cognitive Biases and Decision Making. (20:52) - Cultural Perspectives on Risk. (24:10) - Engaging with the Book and Its Purpose. (28:23) - The Polarization of Society and Technology's Role. (29:16) - The Evolution of Music Consumption and Its Implications. (32:16) - Designing for the Future: The Role of Creators. (37:25) - Risk Tolerance and the Art of Quitting. (41:41) - Navigating Decision Fatigue in a Complex World. (46:08) - The Impact of AI on Decision Making. (52:20) - Understanding Time and Decision Making in a Vortex of Choices.

SPOS #993 – Angela Chee On The Power Of Only Jul 20, 2025

Show notes

Welcome to episode #993 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Angela Chee is a keynote speaker, media and communication coach, and author of The Power Of the Only – Own Your Voice, Thrive in Any Environment, a book that challenges us to rethink the spaces we occupy and the voices we often silence… especially our own. In this conversation, Angela explores what it means to truly "own your voice" in an era defined by visibility and vulnerability, noise and nuance. Angela speaks candidly about how being the "only" in the room (whether because of race, gender, background, or perspective) is not a disadvantage but a profound source of power and insight. We discuss the emotional tension of the spotlight effect, where the desire to be seen and the fear of judgment collide, and how discernment (not just visibility) becomes the essential skill for modern communication. Angela opens up about the importance of balancing authenticity with intention, and why the journey of discovering your voice is never really over. It's a practice, a reclaiming and a reshaping of self in response to a constantly shifting cultural landscape. We touch on the rise of AI, the tension of audience capture, the commodification of personality, and the difference between performance and presence. Angela's perspective is grounded in clarity and connection, and she brings both wisdom and structure to the chaos of today's media environment. Her Five Principles of The Power of the Only are not just a framework for communication, they're a roadmap for identity and leadership in uncertain times. This conversation is for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the demand to "show up" in public, who wonders if they're saying too much or not enough, or who is searching for the courage to take up space without apology. If you've ever felt like an outsider at work, in life, or even in your own skin, this episode reminds us that our difference isn't something to overcome. It's the very thing that makes us whole. Enjoy the conversation…

Running time: 58:53.
Hello from beautiful Montreal.
Listen and subscribe over at Apple Podcasts.
Listen and subscribe over at Spotify.
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 X.
Here is my conversation with Angela Chee.
The Power Of the Only – Own Your Voice, Thrive in Any Environment.
Follow Angela on Instagram.
Follow Angela on LinkedIn.
Book Angela for your next meeting on ThinkersOne.

Chapters:

(00:00) - The Power of Communication and Visibility. (03:09) - Navigating the Spotlight Effect. (06:03) - Owning Your Voice and Power. (08:53) - The Evolution of Personal Branding. (11:52) - Balancing Authenticity and Marketing. (15:11) - The Challenge of Expertise vs. Ego. (17:53) - Media Literacy and Cultural Change. (29:34) - The Shift from Value to Volume. (32:15) - Navigating Audience Capture and Content Creation. (35:41) - Redefining 'Only' as Empowerment. (38:07) - Embracing Unique Identities in Leadership. (42:08) - Innate Skills vs. Self-Limiting Beliefs. (49:05) - The Rise of AI and Digital Twins. (54:31) - Monetizing Individuality in a Capitalist World. (57:37) - The Importance of Human Connection.

SPOS #992 – Dave Whorton On Building Companies That Last Jul 13, 2025

Show notes

Welcome to episode #992 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Dave Whorton has spent his career building, backing and reimagining companies, but not in the way Silicon Valley usually does it. As founder of Tugboat Institute and author of Another Way – Building Companies That Last…and Last…and Last (which he co-authored with Bo Burlingham), Dave champions a different breed of business: evergreen companies. These are organizations designed to last generations, rooted in purpose, resilience and profitability… not just hypergrowth and exit strategies. Before this pivot, Dave had a front-row seat to the "get-big-fast" movement as an associate partner at Kleiner Perkins, and he co-founded ventures like drugstore.com and Good Technology. But the treadmill of fast capital and faster exits didn't resonate. He stepped off and sought a more meaningful model, eventually codifying it into the 7 Ps of Evergreen: purpose, perseverance, people first, and more. In this conversation, Dave explores the cultural and economic consequences of chasing unicorns, and what's gained when we celebrate the quiet power of companies in the middle. Those not seeking fame or fortune but focused on sustainable impact. Dave talks about the role of introverted leadership, long-term planning, and what capitalism can look like when it's driven by values rather than valuations. If you've ever felt that the venture-backed startup narrative doesn't tell the whole story or if you're building something you want to last, this conversation might just give you language and hope. Enjoy the conversation…

Running time: 1:00:43.
Hello from beautiful Montreal.
Listen and subscribe over at Apple Podcasts.
Listen and subscribe over at Spotify.
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 X.
Here is my conversation with Dave Whorton.
Another Way – Building Companies That Last…and Last…and Last.
Tugboat Institute.
Follow Dave on LinkedIn.

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction to Evergreen Companies. (02:47) - The Shift in Capitalism. (05:52) - The Spectrum of Capitalism. (08:55) - The Role of Venture Capital. (11:50) - Defining Scale in Business. (15:08) - The Importance of SMBs. (17:53) - The Seven Ps of Evergreen Companies. (21:13) - Revisiting Venture Capital Models. (23:54) - Celebrating Success and the Power Law. (31:40) - Reflecting on the Journey: The Value of the Middle. (33:14) - The Economic Landscape: Building Evergreen Companies. (34:38) - Historical Perspective: Resilience in Business. (38:15) - The Role of Evergreen Companies in a Changing Economy. (40:19) - Compensation and Value Distribution in Evergreen Companies. (42:29) - Resisting the Unicorn Mentality: A Different Path. (47:31) - From Manifesto to Strategy: The Evergreen Approach. (51:49) - The Culture of Evergreen Leadership: Introversion and Stewardship.

SPOS #991 – Bob Goodson On The "Like" Button (And How It Changed The World) Jul 06, 2025

Show notes

Welcome to episode #991 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Bob Goodson is President and Founder of Quid, an AI-driven company whose models are used by a third of the Fortune 50. Before launching Quid, he was the first employee at Yelp, where he witnessed (and helped shape) the birth of the like button. Bob's academic roots in language theory (Oxford) and his deep curiosity about patterns of innovation led him to co-author Like - The Button That Changed The World, an illuminating book about how a simple social media feature rewired global communication and commerce. In this episode, we dig into the origin story of the like button and its unintended consequences - from how it shaped the social graph into a tool of surveillance capitalism, to the unintended shifts it created in digital identity and culture. Bob shares insights into the "arms race" of social engagement, the design intentions behind digital signals, and the eerie power of such tiny UX decisions to shape massive behavioral patterns. We also discuss TikTok's model of engagement, the overlooked nuance of the thumbs down, and the responsibility of technologists in shaping society. For marketers, platform builders and cultural observers, this conversation is a deep dive into how the smallest code fragments can shape our biggest societal shifts. Enjoy the conversation…

Running time: 52:16.
Hello from beautiful Montreal.
Listen and subscribe over at Apple Podcasts.
Listen and subscribe over at Spotify.
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 X.
Here is my conversation with Bob Goodson.
Like - The Button That Changed The World.
Co-Author Martin Reeves.
Quid.
Follow Bob on LinkedIn.

Chapters:

(00:00) - The Birth of the Like Button. (04:02) - Evolution of User Interaction. (10:05) - The Emergence of Data Graphs. (14:59) - The Role of Thumbs Up and Down. (20:13) - Cultural Impact and Manipulation of Engagement. (27:03) - The Evolution of Social Media Strategies. (30:12) - The Arms Race for Attention in Social Media. (36:34) - The Impact of the Like Button on Identity. (41:43) - Regulation and the Unintended Consequences of Technology. (50:10) - Long-Term Perspectives on Technology and Society.

SPOS #990 – Lori Rosenkopf On Creating Value Through Innovation Jun 29, 2025

Show notes

Welcome to episode #990 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Lori Rosenkopf is the Simon and Midge Palley Professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, and currently serves as the Vice Dean of Entrepreneurship. In that role, she oversees Wharton's Venture Lab and its West Coast campus, while continuing her long-standing research into social networks, innovation and how knowledge flows between people, companies and technologies. Before her academic career, Lori worked as a systems engineer for Kodakand AT&T Bell Labs, giving her a rare blend of practical and academic insight into how organizations innovate. She's also the author of the new book Unstoppable Entrepreneurs – 7 Paths for Unleashing Successful Startups and Creating Value through Innovation. It's a smart, grounded book that expands the definition of entrepreneurship, shifting it away from the mythology of Silicon Valley unicorns toward a more inclusive, pragmatic framework of value creation across industries and backgrounds. Lori's experience guiding more than 20,000 students has helped her see entrepreneurship not as a single path, but a set of diverse approaches, whether you're building something disruptive, innovating inside a larger company, or launching a mission-driven startup. In this episode, we explore the evolving nature of entrepreneurial identity and why many of the old narratives no longer fit. We talk about the role of failure, the rise of creators as entrepreneurs and the impact of AI on idea generation. Lori also shares her thoughts on market fit, how to foster innovation in organizations, and why community and mentorship are more critical than ever. There's a realism here that's refreshing: entrepreneurship isn't always glamorous, but it can be deeply meaningful. We also dive into the challenges of corporate disruption, the future of work and the tension between profit and social impact. If you've ever felt like you don't fit the stereotype of an entrepreneur, this conversation might help you realize that the stereotype is the problem… not you. It's a powerful reflection on how we build, why we build and who gets to build. Enjoy the conversation…

Running time: 56:28.
Hello from beautiful Montreal.
Listen and subscribe over at Apple Podcasts.
Listen and subscribe over at Spotify.
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 X.
Here is my conversation with Lori Rosenkopf.
Unstoppable Entrepreneurs – 7 Paths for Unleashing Successful Startups and Creating Value through Innovation.
Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Venture Lab.
Follow Lori on LinkedIn.

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Innovation. (03:01) - The Ecosystem of Entrepreneurship Education. (06:02) - Dispelling Myths: The Reality of Entrepreneurs. (08:57) - Defining Entrepreneurship: Value Creation Through Innovation. (12:04) - The Shopify Effect: Accessibility and Challenges in Entrepreneurship. (15:01) - Surviving the Grind: The Reality of Entrepreneurial Life. (18:03) - Market Fit: The Holy Grail of Entrepreneurship. (20:50) - The Rise of the Content Creator as Entrepreneur. (31:18) - The Cult of Personality in Entrepreneurship. (32:40) - The Role of Age in Entrepreneurship. (34:36) - AI and Idea Generation for Entrepreneurs. (39:21) - The Disruption of Traditional Corporate Roles. (41:42) - Value Creation Beyond Profitability. (44:31) - Changing Work Culture and Entrepreneurial Mindset. (46:34) - Innovations in Business Models and Technology. (48:47) - The Importance of Community in Entrepreneurship. (51:52) - Trends in Entrepreneurship and Future Outlook. (54:34) - Understanding Failure in Entrepreneurship. (55:56) - Wealth Inequality and the Role of Entrepreneurs.

SPOS #989 – Andrew Brodsky On The Secrets Of Virtual Communications Jun 22, 2025

Show notes

Welcome to episode #989 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Andrew Brodsky is reshaping how we think about work, not by focusing on tasks or tools, but by interrogating how we communicate. A management professor at the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin, Andrew specializes in organizational behavior, with a sharp focus on the friction (and possibility) that emerges when human behavior meets digital platforms. With a PhD from Harvard Business School and a BS from Wharton, his work explores everything from how to show emotional authenticity on Zoom to how organizations can build culture without a physical office. In his new book, Ping - The Secrets of Successful Virtual Communication, Andrew offers a science-backed, research-driven guide to the biggest question facing modern professionals: when should something be an email, a Slack, a video call or nothing at all? He pushes past the cliché of "this meeting could've been an email" to examine what kinds of communication actually drive clarity, trust and effectiveness. In this episode, we explore the messy reality of hybrid work, the erosion of "third places" where colleagues used to casually connect, and the deeper organizational consequences of fragmented communication norms. Andrew explains why remote work isn't the root of all workplace disconnection (return-to-office mandates won't fix your culture) and how better communication (intentional, strategic, well-matched to the message) is the real differentiator for teams. We also talk about the long-term implications of this shift: from how loneliness is showing up in employee engagement surveys to how new communication technologies might shape our future work rhythms. Whether you're leading a team, working across time zones, or just trying to get a response to your last message, this conversation offers practical takeaways grounded in deep expertise and real-world research. Andrew's insights cut through the noise and help us see virtual communication not as a limitation, but as an opportunity to be more human, more clear and more connected… no matter the channel. Enjoy the conversation…

Running time: 1:03:22.
Hello from beautiful Montreal.
Listen and subscribe over at Apple Podcasts.
Listen and subscribe over at Spotify.
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 X.
Here is my conversation with Andrew Brodsky.
Ping - The Secrets of Successful Virtual Communication.
Ping Group.
Follow Andrew on X.
Follow Andrew on LinkedIn.

Chapters:

(00:00) - The Evolution of Virtual Communication. (02:50) - Understanding Virtual Communication. (05:48) - The Challenges of Virtual Interactions. (09:03) - The Role of Communication in Performance. (12:04) - Optimizing Remote Work Culture. (15:02) - The Future of Meetings and Collaboration. (17:49) - Teaching Communication Skills. (20:59) - Investing in Effective Communication. (24:05) - The Impact of Remote Work on Relationships. (27:04) - The Future of Work and Economic Implications. (33:28) - The Shift in Workplace Dynamics. (39:15) - The Evolution of Social Spaces. (41:53) - The Role of Technology in Communication. (49:30) - Navigating Virtual Interactions. (01:01:11) - Lessons Learned from Covid 19.

SPOS #988 – Julian Treasure On Listening, Sounds And Superpowers Jun 15, 2025

Show notes

Welcome to episode #988 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Julian Treasure believes the world needs to learn how to listen again. You may know him from his TED Talk, How To Speak So That People Want To Listen - one of the most viewed of all time (over 65 million views). But long before going viral, Julian was helping companies and individuals rethink their relationship with sound - as founder of The Sound Agency, author of How To Be Heard and Sound Business, and now with his new book Sound Affects - How Sound Shapes Our Lives, Our Wellbeing and Our Planet. Julian's work spans science, music, psychology, and design - from biophilic soundscapes in office buildings to sonic branding for global brands. In this conversation, he breaks down why we confuse hearing with listening, how silence is often the most powerful part of any conversation, and why we need to teach listening the same way we teach reading and writing. We also explore the risks of AI-generated music, the future of compassion in polarized discourse, and why democracy itself might hinge on our ability to listen consciously. Julian also recently launched The Listening Society (a community for anyone interested in the power listening and sound). Julian's life is a testament to the power of sound... and why we must all become better listeners. Enjoy the conversation…

Running time: 51:06.
Hello from beautiful Montreal.
Listen and subscribe over at Apple Podcasts.
Listen and subscribe over at Spotify.
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 X.
Here is my conversation with Julian Treasure.
Sound Affects - How Sound Shapes Our Lives, Our Wellbeing and Our Planet.
The Listening Society.
How To Be Heard.
Sound Business.
Julian's TED Talk.
Follow Julian on X.
Follow Julian on Instagram.
Follow Julian on LinkedIn.

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction to Sound and Listening. (02:49) - The Importance of Listening in Education. (06:10) - Hearing vs. Listening: Understanding the Distinction. (09:08) - The Role of Silence in Communication. (12:11) - Cultural Influences on Listening. (15:12) - Active Listening vs. Attentive Listening. (17:56) - The Impact of Technology on Listening. (20:52) - Conscious Listening and Its Benefits. (24:47) - The State of Discourse and Listening. (30:29) - Practical Steps to Improve Listening. (34:38) - The Science of Sound and Its Impact. (39:04) - The Unifying Power of Music. (46:12) - AI and the Future of Sound. (50:14) - Starting from Where You Are.

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