The future of work started yesterday, and everyone's scrambling to figure out what's next. Join Milly and Lindsey, as they build Generalist World and ask the quiet questions out loud. Generally Curious is the show where the minds shaping tomorrow's workforce gather to swap notes, learn, teach, shortcut, and predict. And now, you have a front-row seat! Each episode is no-nonsense, packed with answers to the questions you need to know to navigate an ambiguous future. Subscribe now for meaningful conversations that equip you with actionable strategies for your career.

In this episode of Generally Curious, we sit down with Libby DeLana, a creative powerhouse known for integrating her passions and experiences into a multifaceted career. Libby's approach to life and work exemplifies the generalist mindset, seamlessly blending roles as a co-founder, author, and designer with her unique practice of mindful walking. We'll explore how Libby's diverse interests and insatiable curiosity have shaped her path, offering insights into the value of embracing a wide range of experiences in both personal and professional spheres. If you're interested in how diverse career experiences can enrich your life and work, and how simple daily practices like walking can inspire creativity and clarity, this conversation with Libby is for you. Join us to hear more about living intentionally, staying curious, and finding inspiration in every step.

Introduction (00:00:01)

Introducing the podcast and its purpose, setting the stage for the conversation.

Libby's Diverse Career (00:02:28)

Libby discusses her career journey, the value of diverse experiences, and the role of curiosity and creativity in her professional life.

The Beginning of Intentional Walking (00:07:23)

Libby shares the pivotal moment that led her to start her intentional walking practice and its significance in her life.

The Transformative Power of Walking (00:12:47)

Libby shares a powerful personal story of how walking helped her navigate a challenging life event and how it has become a tool for understanding emotions.

Accessibility and Democratic Nature of Walking (00:19:09)

The accessibility and universality of walking as a practice are discussed, emphasizing its democratic and inclusive nature.

The keys to walking (00:20:30)

Libby discusses the analogy of online gaming to explain the access and lessons gained from years of walking.

Influencing change in the creative industry (00:21:36)

Milly asks Libby for advice on influencing change and inclusivity in the creative industry and leadership roles.

Authenticity and bravery in the workplace (00:22:07)

Libby emphasizes the importance of showing up authentically and bravely in the workplace to influence change.

Building confidence to find your voice (00:24:44)

Libby shares advice on finding confidence and support to speak up in a professional setting.

Social responsibility and cultural impact (00:27:12)

Libby discusses the role of companies in creating cultural impact and social change through their messaging and actions.

Navigating career paths and following passion (00:30:25)

Libby shares her perspective on navigating career paths by following what excites and energizes us.

The power of storytelling and community (00:38:31)

Milly and Libby discuss the power of storytelling and community in inspiring and helping people at scale.

Defining generalists (00:39:42)

Libby defines a generalist as having broad knowledge with a splash of exquisite curiosity.

The impact of note-taking in career journey (00:40:07)

Libby shares the outsized difference note-taking has made in her career journey.

The joy of being around generalists (00:41:48)

Libby highlights the fun and resourcefulness of generalists, emphasizing their ability to connect dots and contribute to conversations.

Exploring Diverse Career Experiences (00:43:03)

Milly, Lindsey, and Libby discuss Libby's varied career experiences and the value of integrating personal passions into work.

The Transformative Power of Intentional Walking (00:43:09)

Libby shares insights from her book "Do Walk," emphasizing the transformative power of intentional walking and its impact on understanding emotions.

In this eye-opening episode of Generally Curious, hosts Milly and Lindsey delve into the multifaceted world of entrepreneurship with Ash Phillips, the Founder and Chair of Rebellious Co.

With a career spanning over a decade, Ash shares the patterns of success and common pitfalls he's encountered in his journey. From building and scaling companies to navigating the uncertainties of entrepreneurship, Ash provides deep insights into the risk management frameworks that have guided his path. As an angel investor, he also sheds light on what investing has taught him about business and life.

Furthermore, Ash, a renowned speaker, shares invaluable advice for aspiring speakers on becoming more confident on stage and landing both their first and bigger gigs. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, leadership, and the unique blend of skills that drive innovation and success in the business world. Join us as we explore Ash's dynamic career, his contributions to the UK startup ecosystem, and the invaluable lessons he's learned along the way.

Fun Fact: Ash introduced Lindsey + Milly, so this podcast quite literally would not have existed without Ash 👏

The introduction (00:00:01) Milly and Lindsey introduce the podcast and its purpose.

Introducing Ash Phillips (00:00:59) Ash Phillips' background and accomplishments are introduced, focusing on his impact in entrepreneurship and leadership.

Insights into entrepreneurship (00:02:12) Ash Phillips' insights into entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation are discussed, along with patterns of success and common mistakes.

Patterns of success (00:03:41) Ash Phillips discusses the patterns of successful people and the role of confidence.

Common mistakes in business (00:07:07) The discussion shifts to the common mistake of focusing too much on small details and neglecting the importance of selling in business.

Career and self-reflection (00:09:45) Ash Phillips reflects on his career path, self-awareness, and the importance of taking life one step at a time.

Internal work and risk in entrepreneurship (00:13:23) The conversation delves into the internal work required for entrepreneurship and the tolerance for risk and uncertainty in building companies.

Objective vs. Holistic Approach (00:18:31) Ash discusses intuition and gut feel in decision-making, emphasizing the importance of subjective and objective approaches.

Evaluating Risk and Fiscal Management (00:21:14) Ash explains the importance of evaluating risk and fiscal management, providing insights into using mathematical analysis for risk assessment in business.

Angel Investing and Founder Market Fit (00:22:41) Ash shares his experiences and insights into angel investing, emphasizing the significance of founder market fit and subjective evaluation in early-stage investments.

Getting Started in Angel Investing (00:26:51) Ash provides tips for individuals interested in angel investing.

Becoming a Confident Speaker (00:29:31) Ash offers advice on becoming a more confident speaker, emphasizing the importance of having a common theme and understanding that most people in the audience may not care.

Energy and Engagement in Speaking (00:33:57) Milly discusses the importance of bringing energy and humor to speaking engagements.

The unique perspective (00:35:37) Discussion on the power of combining unique perspectives in entrepreneurship and the value it brings to the industry.

Bento box time management (00:39:24) Explanation of a time management strategy using a visual representation of time allocation, known as a bento box.

Spinning plates (00:41:37) Ash Phillips provides an overview of the different projects he is working on and how they intersect or operate independently.

Lightning round questions (00:44:17) Quick-fire questions about defining a generalist, the impact of social media on career journey, and the potential of generalists in the world.

Conclusion (00:47:13) Closing remarks and gratitude.

Dive into an invigorating conversation with Cindy Gallop, the trailblazing founder of MakeLoveNot Porn, on this special International Women's Day episode of Generally Curious.

Cindy shares her unfiltered insights on disrupting the sex tech industry, the power of backing female founders, and why making a world-changing startup means reshaping the world to fit your vision.

Join us as we explore how to turn challenges into opportunities, the importance of caring deeply for transformative change, and Cindy's current mission to hit her $1m WeFunder crowdfunding target [INVEST HERE].

Discover how you can be part of the movement to fund women now and drive real, impactful change.

This week's episode of Generally Curious features Kat Gabrielle and Khanyi Mnyaka, two trailblazers who have dedicated their careers to empowering marginalized communities. With a focus on intersectionality, radical self-love, and the complexities of navigating various identities, they share their journeys and the impactful initiatives they've been part of. From building businesses in local communities affected by tourism to running accelerators for black and non-binary leaders, their stories are a testament to the power of empathy, resilience, and the importance of seeing beyond one's accolades. Tune in to gain insights into the challenges and triumphs of advocating for equity and inclusion across different spectrums of society.

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The introduction (00:00:01) Introducing the podcast and its purpose.

Advocacy for marginalized communities through travel (00:02:30) KKhanyi discusses her work in helping a small community in the Philippines affected by tourism and raising money for homes.

Leadership academy for marginalized leaders (00:04:50) Kat Gabriel talks about her experience facilitating a leadership academy for black and other marginalized leaders.

Navigating internalized biases and challenges in professional spaces (00:07:43) Kat shares her experience challenging internalized biases and feelings of inadequacy in professional settings.

Intersectionality and its impact on professional endeavors (00:10:53) Khanyi and Kat discuss how intersectionality shapes their work and professional endeavors.

Radical self-love and acceptance (00:16:26) Khanyi explains the concept of radical self-love, including accepting and loving the uncomfortable parts of oneself.

The therapist's insight (00:19:58) Kat's realization about her giving nature and lack of receiving, leading to self-love and therapy insights.

Self-love and people-pleasing (00:21:53) Khanyi discusses the connection between people-pleasing, self-love, and relationships.

Challenging conditioning (00:23:08) Kat discusses the conditioning of Black women to always give and her struggle with receiving.

Misconceptions about black entrepreneurs (00:24:31) Kat explains that Black women founders are not just focused on charity but are entrepreneurs solving problems.

Equity and systemic change (00:25:36) Discussion about the misconception of equity work and the need for systemic change in the workplace.

Challenges for DEI practitioners (00:34:04) Kat discusses the challenges faced by DEI practitioners, particularly black women, and the pressure on them to drive change.

The role of white women in DEI (00:35:17) Discussion about the prevalence of white women in DEI roles and the need to address the intersectionality of race and gender in recruiting and HR.

Accountability and lived experiences (00:36:52) The importance of accountability and understanding lived experiences in DEI work.

Nuances of identity (00:37:45) Lindsey emphasizes the importance of understanding the nuances of identity and the limitations of good intentions in DEI work.

Impact of initiatives in black communities (00:38:48) Discussion about the impact of initiatives led by white people in black communities and the need for genuine understanding and collaboration.

Pigeonholing in DEI (00:39:20) Kat discusses her focus on black women and non-binary folk in DEI and her intentional approach.

Empathy in Leadership (00:45:16) Khanyi and Kat discuss the need for empathy in leadership and the challenges in teaching empathy to organizations.

Community and Branding (00:48:17) Kat and Lindsey critique the dehumanizing aspects of branding and the importance of genuine community.

Embracing a Generalist Mindset (00:52:09) Khanyi and Kat highlight the value of embracing a generalist mindset.

Defining Generalist and Professional Journey (00:53:32) Kat defines a generalist as a visionary and emphasizes the importance of showing up in professional journeys.

Dive into a compelling conversation with Robert Berris, the mastermind of innovation at Brightwell, as we unravel the enigma of the Chief Innovation Officer role. This episode takes you on a journey through Robert's eclectic path from comedy to corporate innovation, shedding light on the nuanced world of fostering creativity and strategic thinking within organizations. Join us as we explore the delicate dance between maintaining company values and driving forward-thinking initiatives, all while questioning the very fabric of conventional business wisdom. Don't miss this insightful blend of humor, wisdom, and innovation insights.

To keep the conversation going, join us over at Generalist World!

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Defining Innovation (00:02:46)

Robert discusses the ambiguity of innovation and the importance of defining it for organizational success.

Role of a Chief Innovation Officer (00:07:03)

Robert explains the indicators for a company needing a Chief Innovation Officer and how innovation can benefit both growth stage and mature organizations.

Influence of Comedy on Professional Life (00:11:22)

Robert shares his background in comedy, its impact on him, and his journey through different career paths influenced by his passion for storytelling.

Transition into Innovation (00:14:45)

Robert describes his transition from design and strategy into innovation, and how it led him to explore new product development and venturing.

The journey to building an innovation community (00:16:19)

Robert discusses the evolution of the company's innovation focus and the creation of a community for entrepreneurs and innovators.

Becoming a business strategist (00:18:36)

Robert explains how he developed new skills, such as research and business strategy, to address the needs of the people they were serving.

Tactical lessons in creating organizational change (00:20:34)

Robert shares how facilitation and workshopping became crucial in building alignment, clarity, and confidence for the innovators he was working with.

Leveraging company values for behavioral change (00:26:12)

Robert discusses how company values can be used as tools to influence behavior and drive meaningful organizational change.

The art of asking great questions (00:30:54)

Robert emphasizes the importance of psychological safety and feeling comfortable to ask questions, creating a culture that encourages open dialogue.

The role of asking smarter questions (00:31:52)

Robert discusses the importance of asking smarter questions in business using the business model canvas and the concept of identifying symptoms vs. problems.

The importance of company values (00:36:02)

Robert and the hosts discuss the significance of company values and how to effectively design and define them through workshops and discussions.

Challenges in scaling companies (00:42:21)

Robert talks about the difficulties in scaling companies, including hiring for cultural fit and maintaining a cohesive culture as the organization grows.

Predictions for the future of work (00:44:03)

Robert shares his optimistic beliefs about the future of work, including the need for better thinking, human empathy, and community in the workplace.

Lightning round with Robert (00:47:32)

The hosts ask Robert quick-fire questions about generalists, career tools, and the value of generalists as leaders.

Milly's appreciation (00:48:49)

Milly expresses gratitude and appreciation for the support received.

End of the episode (00:49:02)

The hosts conclude the episode and thank the listeners for tuning in.

Teaser for the next episode (00:49:08)

A teaser for the next episode is provided, encouraging listeners to stay tuned for more fascinating stories.

Closing remarks (00:49:15)

Final words as the episode comes to an end.

In this insightful episode of Generally Curious, we dive deep with Rachel Nazhand, a seasoned expert in business operations (biz-ops). Rachel shares her unique perspective on biz-ops, emphasizing its evolving nature and critical role in modern companies. She discusses the importance of understanding various business divisions and their success metrics, and the value of pattern recognition and problem-solving skills in biz-ops. Additionally, Rachel explores career progression in non-linear paths, the significance of storytelling in driving organizational change, and the evolving landscape of work in tech-first environments.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the dynamic field of business operations and its impact on company success.

Join hosts Milly and Lindsey on this episode of "Generally Curious" as they sit down with Kyle Hagge, an innovator and community strategist from Morning Brew. Kyle shares his journey of embracing a generalist mindset, exploring the value of unique personal traits in career development. He delves into the idea of 'spiky traits' - those distinctive qualities that set you apart - and how they can become your superpowers in the right environment.

Kyle also introduces the concept of a personal monopoly, explaining how combining diverse skills can establish an unrivaled position in your field. His experiences across various industries, including political campaigns, civic tech, and digital media, provide a rich backdrop to this conversation about carving out your unique niche in the professional world.

This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone looking to harness their generalist nature to achieve career success and personal fulfillment. Tune in to discover how to identify your unique traits and leverage them to create your own path in the ever-evolving landscape of work.

The significance of spiky traits (00:02:33) Identifying and leveraging unique traits, understanding short-term vs. long-term thinking in career planning.

The art of storytelling for generalists (00:06:25) Challenges and strategies for effective storytelling as a generalist in the workforce.

Articulating career story and experiences (00:11:30) Mapping diverse experiences to relevant stories, reflecting on motivators, and practicing storytelling for career articulation.

Embracing being a beginner (00:17:46) The importance of embracing being a beginner and not pretending otherwise in career transitions.

Leaning into Naivete (00:18:08) Encouraging beginners to embrace their naivete and approach problems with fresh perspectives.

Innovation and Analogies (00:20:31) The importance of applying analogies across domains for innovation and learning strategies for skill development.

Personal Monopoly (00:25:19) Creating a personal monopoly by combining unique skills or traits to be the only one with that combination.

Predictions for Work Evolution (00:27:31) Anticipated changes in career paths, the rise of solopreneurs, and the importance of fit in the workplace.

Spiky Traits (00:33:49) Discussion of personal spiky traits, including excitability, sensitivity, and curiosity.

Identifying Traits (00:35:44) Kyle discusses the importance of going beyond skills to identify underlying traits and seeking external feedback.

Defining Generalist (00:37:56) Kyle defines a generalist as someone with diverse experiences across domains leading to innovative results.

Impactful Tool: Podcast Mic (00:38:17) Kyle shares how starting a podcast, "Bridge the City," with a friend and using a podcast microphone made a significant impact on his career.

Generalists' Value (00:40:37) Kyle emphasizes that more people are generalists than they realize and highlights the adaptability and dynamic role expansion of generalists in a company.

In this episode of Generally Curious, we welcome Nikita Khandwala, a dynamic generalist with a rich tapestry of experiences ranging from data analytics at LinkedIn to pioneering in the startup world. Nikita opens up about her journey, highlighting the pivotal decisions, challenges, and learnings that have shaped her career.

We dive deep into the concept of 'squiggly' career paths, exploring how embracing non-linearity and interdisciplinary approaches can lead to profound personal and professional growth. Nikita shares her insights on the intersection of AI and work, advocating for a blend of human intuition and technological advancement.

Our conversation also touches on the themes of self-worth, decision-making, and the evolving landscape of work. Nikita's experiences bring to light the importance of adaptability and resilience in today's fast-paced world.

As we explore the future of work, Nikita offers her predictions, emphasizing the role of generalists in an increasingly complex and AI-driven work environment. Her perspective on portfolio careers, fractional work, and the project-based economy provides valuable insights for anyone navigating the fluidity of modern careers.

Join us for this enlightening episode as Nikita Khandwala shares her wisdom, experiences, and vision for a more inclusive and dynamic future of work.

Introduction (00:00:01)

Nikita's Early Career Experiences (00:02:20)

Nikita discusses the value of diverse early career experiences and treating one's career as a science lab.

Wayfinding in Career Decisions (00:03:27)

Nikita discusses the concept of wayfinding and intentional decision-making in her career.

Pivotal Career Moments (00:05:09)

Nikita shares pivotal moments in her career, including decisions to leave opportunities and the learnings from those experiences.

Embracing Failure and Learning (00:07:37)

The conversation delves into the value of learning from failures and celebrating the learning journey.

Evaluating Career Crossroads (00:09:14)

How to evaluate career paths at crossroads and the importance of following one's intuition.

Self-Worth and Decision Making (00:11:11)

Nikita reflects on decisions influenced by self-worth and the impact on career choices.

Transitioning from Founder to Employee (00:15:54)

Nikita shares insights and challenges related to transitioning from being a founder to becoming an employee.

Challenging Career Taboos (00:19:08)

The conversation addresses societal expectations and taboos related to age, expertise, and career longevity.

The stigma of non-linear careers (00:19:24)

Discussion about the stigma and curiosity surrounding non-linear career paths.

Crafting a personal narrative as a generalist (00:20:25)

The difficulty and importance of crafting a personal narrative as a generalist to combat self-doubt and societal norms.

Reflecting on decisions and societal definitions of success (00:21:27)

Reflecting on decisions, societal definitions of success, and embracing a non-linear career path.

Defining the future of work (00:24:43)

Discussion about the impact of COVID-19, technological advancements, and the changing landscape of work, leading to a redefinition of the future of work.

Trends in the future of work (00:28:33)

Insights into the evolving trends in the future of work, including the impact of AI and technology, non-linear career paths, and a shift towards a project-based economy.

The rise of generalist talent in the workforce (00:34:40)

Anticipation of a rise in demand for generalist talent due to their timeless skills and ability to connect diverse perspectives and knowledge.

The power of collaboration between generalists and specialists (00:35:44)

Emphasizing the importance of collaboration and synergy between generalists and specialists for innovation and problem-solving.

The value of generalists in the workforce (00:38:04)

Highlighting the significance of generalists and the strength they bring to collaboration and progress in the workforce.

Dive into the world of multidimensional thinkers on Generally Curious. Join Milly Tamati, founder of Generalist World, and Lindsey Lerner, your curious companion, as they unravel stories of innovators thriving beyond labels. Explore inspiring narratives, strategic insights, and practical wisdom to navigate multifaceted careers. Whether you're a seasoned generalist or exploring diverse interests, tune in for a journey of endless curiosity and empowerment. Subscribe now on major platforms. Let's embrace the beauty of diverse skills together.