What You Will Learn

Latest Episodes:

The Laws of Simplicity Apr 06, 2023

Show notes

Join Ashto and Jonesy in this week's episode as they explore the world of design and innovation through the lens of "The Law of Simplicity". Authored by renowned designer and technologist John Maeda, this book offers a compelling argument for the power of simplicity in design and how it can be leveraged to create meaningful and impactful products and experiences.

Through insightful anecdotes and practical examples, Maeda presents his ten laws of simplicity, which serve as a guide for designers, entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking to simplify their lives. From the importance of reducing clutter to the value of adding meaningful complexity, Maeda's laws provide a framework for achieving simplicity in a complex world.

In this thought-provoking episode, Ashto and Jonesy explore the ten laws of simplicity and how they can be applied in various contexts, including technology, business, and everyday life. Join them as they discuss the nuances of simplicity and complexity, the role of emotion in design, and the importance of paying attention to what lies in the periphery.

Tune in to gain a better understanding of the power of simplicity and how it can be harnessed to create impactful and meaningful products and experiences.

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Bubble Or Revolution? Mar 30, 2023

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Join Ashto and Jonesy this week as they review Bubble or Revolution, a comprehensive book that delves into the topic of blockchain and cryptocurrencies. Written by Silicon Valley leaders from Google, Microsoft, and Facebook, Bubble or Revolution provides a balanced, comprehensive, and accessible analysis of these technologies.

While the Harvard Business Review and venture capitalist Marc Andreessen have hailed the blockchain as a disruptor and revolutionary invention, there are also concerns about the darker side of cryptocurrencies. They have been linked to drug peddling and hacking, making it difficult for law enforcement to track down criminals. In another instance, the hype around these technologies has reached extreme levels, with companies like Long Island Ice Tea changing their name to add the word blockchain and seeing their stock prices skyrocket. So, are blockchain and cryptocurrencies a legitimate revolution or just a hyper fueled bubble waiting to burst?

In this thought-provoking episode, we’re taking a closer look at both sides of the argument and examine the potential use cases and drawbacks of these technologies. Tune in to gain a better understanding of blockchain and cryptocurrencies and decide for yourself if they are a bubble or revolution.

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Customer Success Mar 23, 2023

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This week, Ashto and Jonesy learn the exciting new model of customer management through Customer Success, co-authored by Nick Mehta, Dan Steinman, and Lincoln Murphy. Enabling customers to understand the value in your products can result in creating a loyal customer base and safeguarding long-term recurring revenue. This book explains how business relationships have changed, and why B2B vendors must focus on delivering success for their clients to achieve success for their own businesses.

Customer Success outlines the key elements of building a successful customer success strategy, from the initial planning stages to execution. It offers expert guidance on structuring your organisation, segmenting your customers, and developing cross-functional playbooks. The authors' extensive experience in the field shines through in this book, which is also packed with real-world examples of successful customer success strategies. A compulsory read for any CEO or business leader who wants to stay ahead in the evolving B2B industries, tune in to hear our take on Customer Success.

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Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind Mar 16, 2023

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In this week’s podcast episode, Ashto and Jonesy explore the timeless wisdom of Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind, a classic book on Zen Buddhism written by Shunryu Suzuki Roshi. This episode delves into the fundamental question of what is more important in life - is it about making a million dollars, or finding meaning in our efforts to be successful? Suzuki Roshi's teachings on zazen, posture, breathing, and perception of nonduality provide a clear and joyful path towards self-discovery and inner peace. A highly recommended read for seekers on the zen path, Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind continues to inspire and guide a new generation of spiritual seekers. Join us this week as we explore the treasure of life and journey towards enlightenment.

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Shoe Dog Mar 09, 2023

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Join Ashto and Jonesy in this week’s episode as they delve into the fascinating world of Nike and its founder Phil Knight. In his candid and captivating memoir Shoe Dog, Knight reveals the inside story of Nike's early days as a daring start-up and its evolution into one of the most iconic and profitable brands in the world.

Fresh out of business school in 1962, Knight borrowed $50 from his dad to import high-quality, low-cost athletic shoes from Japan. With a lime green Plymouth Valiant as his makeshift store, he grossed $8,000 in his first year. Today, Nike's annual sales top $30 billion, making it an exceptionally influential global company.

But Knight's story is not just about business success; it's also about taking the unconventional path and chasing your dreams. In Shoe Dog, he recounts the many risks and setbacks he faced in building the Nike brand, and the formative relationships with his first partners and employees.

Knight acknowledges the role of luck in his success, and encourages us to have faith in ourselves and in faith itself (however we define it). Through hard work and belief in our mission, we too can achieve our dreams and reach our fullest potential. Shoe Dog illustrates the power of grit, determination, and a shared vision in creating a brand that changed everything.

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The Art of Possibility Mar 02, 2023

Show notes

This week, Ashto and Jonesy learn the twelve breakthrough practices for bringing creativity into their daily lives. The Art of Possibility addresses the notion of possibility and its power in various aspects of life. Written by music conductor Benjamin Zander and psychotherapist Rosamund Stone Zander, this book combines Benjamin’s talent as a teacher and communicator and Rosamund’s brilliance in creating innovative paradigms for achieving personal and professional fulfilment. Through stories, parables, and personal anecdotes, The Art of Possibility encourages us to discover passion and purpose in the way we lead, communicate, and perform, creating even more possibilities in the world.

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The Structure of Scientific Revolutions Feb 23, 2023

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Gleaned from Thomas Kuhn’s The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, this week’s episode discusses the need for occasional revolutions in the world of science.

When it was first published in 1962, The Structure of Scientific Revolutions marked a significant milestone in the history and philosophy of science. In this book, Kuhn argues that major scientific breakthroughs don’t come from everyday experimentation and data gathering. He believes that transformative ideas occur outside of normal science and arise from revolutions that challenge accepted ways of thinking.

Fifty years later, lessons from this book are still applicable to our current world. The ultimate transformative moment occurs when our paradigm shifts. This means that sometimes, it’s necessary to disassemble a familiar structure and put it back together in a completely different way. This week, Ashto and Jonesy learn that science isn’t a linear, cumulative process; science changes by means of revolutions.

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Life In Half A Second Feb 16, 2023

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The 5 Elements of Effective Thinking Feb 09, 2023

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This week, Jonesy and Ashto adopt creative strategies to develop their mental strength and capacity from The 5 Elements of Effective Thinking. Written by Edward B. Burger and Michael Starbird, this book presents practical methods that offer innovative solutions to difficult challenges in your life. Drawn from compelling examples from every walk of life, this book is a suitable guide for anyone who wants to reach their fullest potential.

Embracing the elements of effective thinking will inevitably lead you to your quintessential self. Not only will you discover new ways of looking at yourself, but The 5 Elements of Effective Thinking will also reveal hidden opportunities in your life.

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The Alchemist Feb 02, 2023

Show notes

The Alchemist is a modern classic that has sold millions of copies and inspired countless readers around the world. Written by Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist follows the mystical journey of an Andalusian shepherd boy Santiago. Santiago’s self-discovery tale teaches the wisdom of listening to our hearts, recognising opportunities and omens that we encounter on our life path, and ultimately, following our dreams.

Although The Alchemist is written with strong elements of magic and mysticism, the deeper meaning of this book resonates closely with our lives. However, alchemy in our world isn’t about discovering the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow – it’s about walking along the said rainbow and enjoying the gradual process of our transformation.

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