DECODING AQ - Adaptability For The Future Of Work With Ross Thornley

Get ready to be inspired, amused, and maybe even a little bit envious, as we dive into the world of a man who's turned bucket listing into an art form and helping others into his mission. Ladies and gentlemen, I'm thrilled to introduce the one and only Seb Terry!

He's got a best-selling book, an ESPN documentary and a US-based reality TV show, where he's not just the star, but the fairy godfather helping others live their dreams.

So, folks, fasten your seatbelts, and maybe ask yourself, '100 Things... What's on my list?' But first, let's dive into Seb's world.

Ross and Seb talk about growing up, rugby, not having a calling, death, having no regrets, changing your life, values, what is important to you, willing to do anything, purpose driven goals, applying yourself and leading by example. The pair also discuss giving people a framework, people helping each other, sharing goals, being super driven, loving yourself, choosing to be happy, mindset, being present, improv comedy, facing your fear, acceptance, life lessons, worrying, boundaries and Preply (https://preply.com/).

Timecodes:

• 00:45 Seb's background
• 02:20 Seb as a ten year old
• 04:28 Inspiration to Seb's bucket list
• 06:45 How the bucket list evolved
• 09:24 Overcoming mindset and difficult challenges
• 14:25 Helping others define and achieve their goals
• 19:09 Effective environments to achieve great goals
• 23:18 "These are the good old days"
• 25:17 The last time Seb did something for the first time
• 30:15 Seb's new script

Connect with Seb:

• LinkedIn
• Website
• Instagram

Connect with Ross:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Moonshot Innovation 

Welcome back to DECODING AQ, where we delve into the minds of the most groundbreaking thinkers of our time! Today, I'm incredibly excited to introduce a guest whose contributions to neuroscience have shaped our understanding of the brain like no other. He has identified and named more brain areas than anyone in history. Hold onto your seats as we welcome the phenomenal George Paxinos (Paxsinos)- Professor of Medical Sciences, Neuroscience Research Australia and The University of New South Wales!

George, alongside Charles Watson, authored 'The Rat Brain in Stereotaxic Coordinates.' With a staggering 73,000 citations across its 7 editions, this masterpiece stands as the most cited work in neuroscience. For three decades, it ranked as the third most cited book in all of science, a testament to its monumental impact.

He's also the author of an astonishing 59 books delving into the intricacies of the human brain and that of experimental animals. In 2021, he ventured into a new realm with his first novel, 'A River Divided,' a captivating eco-fiction story exploring the classic nature versus nurture debate.

So, get ready for an enlightening conversation as we explore the remarkable mind and journey of George Paxinos!

Ross and George talk about his book, the Goldie Locks zone, brain size, JFK's brain, animal brains,  reorientation of religion, science and culture. Illusions, the soul, brain differences, Greek Mythology - Sisyphus, stories to help understanding, facing dilemmas, emotion over facts, climate change and misinformation. The pair also discuss how art is never finished, challenges, the environment, nature, frontal lobe damage,  human impact, sustainable society, destroying the planet, AI, human endeavour, growth, evolution, religion, eliminating life on earth, polarisation, humanity, tribalism, education, gene therapy, undiscovered talents,  human happiness and loving thy neighbour.

Timecodes:

• 01:03 George's background
• 03:20 The human brain solving it's own problems
• 06:31 Brain limitations and evolution
• 10:26 Switching our brains in the future
• 15:58 Travels which have shaped George and practical steps to help humanity
• 24:36 Neuroscience transforming behaviour
• 29:14 Creating things to understanding ourselves better
• 32:36 Understanding of the brain and free will
• 38:51 Identifying key parts of the brain
• 41:30 Fostering adaptable behaviour and break cycles that no longer work
• 46:26 The last time George did something for the first time
• 49:54 Things we can do

Connect with George:

LinkedIn
Website
Twitter
Emil: [email protected]

Connect with Ross:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Moonshot Innovation 

Sangeeta has been Principal at SB Global Human Capital Solutions for the last 15 years.

Top-tiered Talent Acquisition | Talent Developer:: DISC, EI, Human-centred Skills Training, AQai Facilitation | 4X Best Selling Author | GTACC Chair | ICMI Top 25

Sangeeta's passion is education, whether it be through school, a book, self-discovery or through mentorship! She believes that we can serve and impact others in all that we do.
and loves working with people to help them identify their strengths and bring out their best!

Her specialties include Search & Placement of RIGHT fit candidates, Staff Retention & Development, Human Behaviour Workshops, Emotional Intelligence and Soft Skills Training.

Ross and Sangeeta talk about words carrying power, being influenced by people, human experiences, elevating people, human behaviour,  co-elevation, not leaving people behind, life, mindset, how we see the world, resilience, diverse thought, balancing negativity, coaching, learning, stress, being your best self, adaptability, meaningful experiences, insecurities, being cared for and giving up hope. The pair also discuss experiential learning, communication,  adapting yourself for others, empathy, data, human potential, positivity, stress, playfulness, team leaders showing vulnerability, success, getting what out you put in, serving others,  self improvement, credible tools, recruitment, transforming careers,  changing organisations environments, becoming comfortable with technology and unlearning.

Timecodes:

• 01:45 Sangeeta's background
• 04:41 Sangeeta's journey into AQ and it's impact on her
• 09:55 Impacts on clients
• 15:22 Long term relationships and surviving over time
• 21:19 EQ areas of human behaviour intertwined with Sangeeta's work
• 27:44 Helping companies becoming more authentic
• 30:19 Results from businesses and ROI's
• 38:16 Challenges bringing awareness to new techniques
• 44:41 Employee Engagement
• 47:31 The last time Sangeeta did something for the first time

Connect with Sangeeta:

• LinkedIn
• Website
• Twitter
• Books
• Email - [email protected]

Connect with Ross:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Moonshot Innovation 

Rachel Treece is the CEO of fts global and The Henka Institute. Leadership & Executive Coach | Bestselling Author | Keynote Speaker| M&A Expert | Financial Services Podcaster

She previously worked as an executive within the global financial services sector and has a vast experience of managing multi-cultural teams for FTSE and Fortune 100 companies.

Rachel wishes her legacy to be "making financial services a better place " and to help the industry attract the talent it deserves to this ecosystem.

Rachel was awarded Most Inspiring Women in Entrepreneurship in 2012 and is a
founding member of the Charity Dress for Success (Luxembourg).

Rachel is a thought leader, speaker, writer and executive coach and is a leading expert in organizational health, employee engagement, communication and inclusion. She helps business leaders innovate, adapt and communicate in the age of disruption.

Hold on tight as we will be diving into 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗿𝘃𝗼𝘆𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 a concept Rachel will be unpacking to help us all truly level up our 'listening' and enter the world to really 'see clearly'

Timecodes:

• 00:45 Rachel's bio
• 02:29 Henka explained
• 04:46 The concept of Corporate Clairvoyance
• 07:56 What led Rachel into coaching
• 11:16 Rachel's stories of big change and burnout
• 14:44 Evolutions of coaching over the last decade
• 18:49 Key components that shaped Rachel's career
• 23:24 Examples of change and inclusivity working well
• 27:52 Making diversity valuable
• 31:25 Creating space for diversity when the stakes are high
• 34:30 Letting go to grow and Failure
• 38:36 Making a start and not being perfect
• 39:34 Body burnout
• 43:43 Awakening to the old and the new
• 44:57 Making financial services a better place
• 47:41 Panorama - Documentary on downfall of the Crypto King
• 51:41 The last time Rachel did something for the first time

Connect with Rachel:

• LinkedIn
• Henka Institute
• Website
• fts global
• Twitter/X
• Book

Connect with Ross:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Moonshot Innovation 

Mita is a prolific writer for HBR, Ad week, and Entrepreneur media. And now Wiley published author of  "Reimagine Inclusion: Debunking 13 Myths to Transform Your Workplace.”  Mita describes herself as an Inclusion Champion a Podcaster citing Storytelling as her Superpower.

Mita's LinkedIn newsletter "Brown Table Talk" is published weekly, where she unpacks insights from her podcast by the same name, which is part of the exclusive LinkedIn podcast network.

Mita has spent over 15 years as a storyteller, leading iconic brands like AVEENO, AVON Color Cosmetics, Chapstick, Vaseline, Suave and Dove. Throughout her career, she has fought hard to ensure people like herself are included.

As a fierce advocate of including and representing Black and Brown communities, her work made sure Black and Brown people were represented in campaigns together with championing products to be created for all skin tones.

Ross and Mita talk about advertisements, Dove adverts, inclusive environments, representation, different times, demographic change, diversity, consumers, experimenting, pulling data together, youth obsessed culture, serving people better, cross cultural differences, shattering stereotypes, myth busting, book deals, following your passion and having an opinion. The pair also discuss being relatable,  knowing your audience, evolving society, creativity, discipline, meetings, presenting work, hearing things you don't want to hear, coaching, company potential, being valued, the voice of the employee, companies matching internal with external optics, non bucket lists and seeing things with new eyes.

Timecodes:

• 00:51 Mita's background
• 02:11 Mita's favourite advert growing up
• 05:55 The speed of progress
• 08:34 How Mita has transformed the workplace
• 12:04 Influencing and biases
• 15:39 Reimagining inclusion
• 17:57 Mita's book -"Reimagine Inclusion"
• 20:54 Book - "The Hidden Edge" by Jody Rodgers
• 21:49 Seeing people's thoughts
• 23:11 Mita's journey with writing and Wiley publishers
• 27:54 Surprises learned when writing a book
• 30:29 Mita's next novel
• 31:12 Ross's book - Decoding AQ
• 33:51 Leadership tips
• 40:11 Retaining people in the right way
• 41:37 What is Mita proud of and her impacts
• 43:22 The last time Mita did something for the first time

Connect with Mita:

• LinkedIn
• Book
• Podcast - Brown Table Talk
• Instagram

Connect with Ross:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Moonshot Innovation 

Colin is a curator of thought-leadership events that help you develop teams, leads, relationships and ideas.

With a background in the finance industry, having started his career at Deutsche Bank, then Barclays, Standard Bank, and 5 years as the MD at ABSA Group. And for the last 6 years the founder of his own business. Innovation Catalysts.

Colin values education and meaningful conversations, a past deputy chair at university of cape town,  he enjoys sharing ideas on leadership, innovation and strategy with the hope that now and then it catalyses positive change.

Ross and Colin talk about Middle East investment, transformation, the AI revolution, US elections, AI disruption, misinformation, humanity, stories, amplifying, markets changing, technology, Start-up opportunities, regulations, hierarchy, division, dilemmas, exponential change, Thomas Cook and loss making organisations. The pair also discuss share price, purposeful organisations, investing, low risk investments, helping outside the traditional, high belief, passion, risk, sales, telling an awesome story,  shareholders support, pushing things through, wanting good service, cheaper investments, Forbs Africa, taking risks and speed of learning.

Timecodes:

• 00:31 Colin's background
• 01:50 What is Colin most excited about
• 06:11 Dangers for leaders in organisations and dealing with challenges
• 11:29 Examples of Colin driving innovation
• 17:58 The optimal level of companies
• 23:59 Organisations building, borrowing and buying
• 29:50 Bringing in new ideas when they aren't in your job description
• 35:01 Best places for innovation opportunities 
• 37:23 The last time Colin did something for the first time

Connect with Colin:

• LinkedIn
• Website
• YouTube
• Twitter

Connect with Ross:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Moonshot Innovation 

The World's #1 Negotiation Coach, Keynote Speaker, Bestselling Author "Never Split The Difference" - which has sold over 1 million copies.

Chris spent over 24 years in the FBI with 4 years as the chief international hostage and kidnapping negotiator. After working on more than 150 international hostage cases, he retired from the FBI and founded The Black Swan Group.

A consultancy and trainer for businesses and individuals on negotiation skills

He created and narrated a MasterClass, The Art of Negotiation - One of Masterclass's top performing courses.

A documentary film - 'Tactical Empathy' - by our mutual good friend - Nick Nanton was released sharing his story.

Ross and Chris talk about teaching negotiations, coaching, book - The culture code, making a difference, being driven, workplace awakenings, positive and negative mindsets, vulnerability, naivety, applying new ideas, what we are driven by, how humans are wired, neuroscience, emotional intelligence, labelling dynamics, impact on the brain, bringing things out and reading people. The pair also discuss testing, collaboration, trust, leaving people better, having a more prosperous life, obituaries, help, service, what are we afraid of, overreactions, caveman, extremes, breaking points, playful negotiations, state of playfulness, calming yourself down, turning negative into  positive, coaching real estate agents, knowing your value, insight, discovery, 'what and how questions, exploitation and driving dune buggies.

Timecodes:

• 00:47 Chris's bio
• 02:31 Black Swan's background
• 04:34 training entrepreneurs vs corporate
• 06:21 Humans operating differently in different environments, 
• 10:04 Mindsets of entrepreneurs
• 13:46 Tactical empathy
• 18:07 Labelling techniques
• 22:09 Low risk practice 
• 25:20 Treating life like a negotiation
• 28:14 Understanding life
• 29:42 Transition and negotiation of self
• 33:06 Rules stifling creativity
• 36:47 Playfulness at high stakes
• 40:37 Chris's book - The Full Fee Agent
• 43:36 Perspective shifts in relation to negotiation
• 47:26 Overcoming jitters with large scale serious projects and opportunities
• 50:00 The last time Chris did something for the first time

Connect with Chris:

• LinkedIn
• Masterclass
• Wikipedia
• Book - Never Split the Difference
• Book - The Full Fee Agent
• Black Swan
• Instagram

Connect with Ross:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Moonshot Innovation 

Alisa Cohn is an Executive Coach; Angel investor, author and podcast host who has worked with C-suite executives at prominent startups (such as Venmo, Etsy, Draft Kings, The Wirecutter, Mack Weldon, and Tory Burch) and Fortune 500 companies (including Dell, IBM, Microsoft, Google, Pfizer, Calvin Klein and Hitachi.) She is the author of the 2022 Independent Press Award-winning book From Start-up to Grown-up and podcast host of the same name, which provides insights and tools for the journey founders (and all leaders) must go through as they scale their leadership.
 
She was named the Top Startup Coach in the World at the Thinkers50/Marshall Goldsmith Global Coaches Awards and the #1 Global Guru for Startups in 2021 and 2022, A sought-after speaker, Inc. named Alisa one of the top 100 leadership speakers, and she has keynoted events for IBM, PwC, Dell, and Citi. She is the executive coach for Runway, the incubator at Cornell’s New York City campus. She is a regular contributor to the Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and Inc, and she's been featured as an expert on BBC World News and in the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. She is an angel investor and a Broadway investor.

Ross and Alisa talk about making a difference, direct impact, rapid skill acceleration & development, managing yourself, being successful, the speed of learning, retiring skills, leaders, asking specific questions, internal mobility, coaching, creating a new future, scanning the environment, updating your sense of reality, practice not being annoyed, acceptance, turning bad into good and re-framing before responding. The pair also discuss mentors, Martial Goldsmith, role models, being pushed, getting business, getting paid, following up, persistence, being distinctive, thought leadership, being overwhelmed, outrageous openness, go with the flow, bravery, getting excited, podcasts, compounding effects, exercise, building muscle, arthritis, momentum and TedX.

Timecodes:

• 00:15 Alisa's intro
• 01:19 Why Alisa is fascinated by startups
• 02:38 Key things learned from leadership and coaching
• 05:59 Hiring tips
• 08:25 Challenges around role shifts
• 10:34 Overcoming realities we don't like
• 15:39 Key people who have influenced Alisa
• 19:08 Getting on the Tim Ferris show
• 22:46 Key things to help guide new coaches
• 26:38 Thoughts of aggregators in the marketplace
• 27:28 Alisa's final article
• 29:09 Believing in yourself
• 31:53 Nourishing your own identity
• 35:38 Role shifts
• 37:31 What excites Alisa the most
• 40:26 Getting into weightlifting
• 46:19 The last time Alisa did something for the first time
• 48:30 Alisa's Book - From startup to Grownup 

Connect with Alisa:

• LinkedIn
• Website
• Scripts
• Podcast
• Twitter

Connect with Ross:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Moonshot Innovation 

Laura went from  being a lawyer to Head of Operations and Consultancy at GS Fast Growth who provide Unbeatable Fast Growth Programmes For Company Leaders Who Mean Business📈 No BS, No Gimmicks, No False Promises, Just Great Results!

If The Business Leader Is Wonky, So Will Be Their Business!

Business leaders who successfully achieve growth in their businesses don’t just work harder – they achieve this because the way they think, act, and operate is fundamentally different from an average business.

If you are struggling to grow your business, struggling to see the wood for the trees, if you are burned out because you are still working in your business, instead of ON your business, it may be time to get some outside help.

Ross and Laura talk about ice breakers, mental illness, depression, homelessness, mind shifts, doing what it takes, self development, book - '7 Habits of Highly effective Teenagers', self development, volunteering, showing people who doubt you, studying law, working hard, realising your capabilities, courage, building confidence, wouldn't go back moments, therapy, hypnotherapy, changing careers and the documentary - Stutz.  The pair also discuss evidence based strategies, growing businesses, consulting, poor company foundations, entrepreneurs, support, accountability, guidance, belief, doing what it takes, ambition, resisting change, open mindedness, human connections, socialising, the company of one, giving up, going all in, being committed, film - Air, shifts, dreaming, skydiving and finally the 'because I said I would' movement. 

Timecodes: 

• 00:29 Laura's background
• 00:57 Why people call Laura 'Bob'
• 02:06 The journey from Estonia to the UK
• 05:19 From struggling to a turning point
• 09:53 Phases after moving to the UK
• 16:12 Moving into coaching
• 21:04 What Laura is currently doing
• 22:57 Results that have been generated
• 26:36 Perfect engagements Laura could help
• 29:43 Evolving in these current times
• 35:58 Core essential skills valuable for success
• 41:59 The last time Laura did something for the first time

Connect with Laura:

• LinkedIn
• Linktr
• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook

Connect with Ross:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Moonshot Innovation 

Jason spent 20 years as a reporter and editor, with stints at Men's health, Fast Company, Maxim and for the last 7 and a half years Jason has held the role of Editor in Chief of Entrepreneur Magazine.

Author of "Build for Tomorrow". An Action Plan for Embracing Change, Adapting Fast, and Future-Proofing Your Career. It is an action plan detailing how to navigate the four phases of change: Panic, Adaptation, New Normal, and Wouldn't Go Back

Jason wants to help us reach our "Wouldn't Go Back" moment.

I’ve seen this happen over and over again — with the small entrepreneurs I meet, and the most successful people in the world — and I’ve studied the patterns. My goal is to help you get there faster.

Here's how I'm doing it:

📖 Entrepreneur magazine, where I’m editor in chief, and share stories of adaptability

🎤 Keynote speaking, which I’d be happy to discuss for your next event

🎧 Build For Tomorrow podcast, a show that debunks the stories we tell ourselves about why change is bad

🎧 Problem Solvers podcast, a show about entrepreneurs who adapt and solve problems in their business

"People don’t need advice. They need *perspective* — and that requires a human touch. Lean into your voice and build their trust."

Ross and Jason talk about The four phases of change, being misunderstood, imposter syndrome, being helpful, new perspectives, having something to say, connecting with people, being an authority, pursuits, entrepreneurship,  vulnerability, experimentation, learning out loud, being afraid, knowing what your good at, catering to people, sharing stories, memorable ways of thinking and talking to audiences. The pair also discuss walking people through experiences, resonating with people, understanding how people think, speaking, navigating moments of disruption, not overloading people with information, helping with understanding, human potential, the industrial revolution, humanness, technology, finding value, navigating change, Scary situations and getting courage.

Timecodes:

• 00:17 Jason's bio
• 00:44 Jason's book - Build for tomorrow
• 01:28 Wouldn't go back moments
• 05:23 Transforming and adapting
• 12:00 Shifting from journalism to putting it in a book
• 20:01 Jason's favourite way to express himself
• 25:20 AI and revolutions
• 29:23 The last time Jason did something for the first time 

Connect with Jason:

• LinkedIn
• Website
• Podcasts
• His awesome newsletter ' one thing better' - one way to improve your work — and build a career or company you love.

Connect with Ross:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Moonshot Innovation