In this episode of World Business Forum NYC 2023 Series from Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf welcomes Will Luke, Director of Retail Operations and Stacey McCormick, the River's Senior VP of Retail Performance, as they break down their thoughts on Simon Sinek's unique Q&A in New York City. In their conversation, they delve into Simon's ideas on the correlation between rewarding behaviors and initiatives as opposed to rewarding outputs. They examine the idea of a company hackathon to solve big problems within the company with collaboration. Additionally, they discuss how scheduled office meetings can impede spontaneous creativity, and explore the current work-from-home (WFH) culture and why a return to office (RTO) can lead to a necessary and healthy dose of human and social connection. Simon suggests that the WFH culture is causing our epidemic of loneliness and isolation.

They discuss Sinek's book "The Infinite Game" and the long-term, healthy benefits of playing an infinite game in business as opposed to the short-term and limited mindset that leads to a decline of trust, culture, and morale that comes from playing a finite game.

They discuss various viewpoints presented by Sinek and whether or not they fully concur with his ideas. Additionally, they delve into some of his concepts, such as when it is appropriate to terminate someone. The conversation also covers the responsible implementation of AI technology, taking into account both its exciting possibilities and underlying concerns.

In staying true to his optimistic outlook, Simon concludes his time on the stage by stating that his theme for the new year is idealism as he suggested that the possibility for world peace literaly existed within the room that day.

Additional information:

The Optimism Company - https://simonsinek.com

"A Bit of Optimism" podcast - https://simonsinek.com/podcast/

"The Millennial Question" from Simon Sinek - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vudaAYx2IcE

3 Things w/ Simon Sinek | The Purpose of Business - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQaIyTekTmU

https://www.redventures.com/blog/3-things-the-purpose-of-business

Surgeon General Advisory: The Healing Effects of Social Connection - https://www.hhs.gov/surgeongeneral/priorities/connection/index.html

The Surgeon General's Advisory on Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation (PDF) lays out a framework for a National Strategy to Advance Social Connection - https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf

and one-page summary - https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/sg-social-connection-general.pdf

"Start With Why" by Simon Sinek - https://www.amazon.com/Start-Why-Simon-Sinek/dp/1591844517

"Leaders Eat Last" by Simon Sinek - https://www.amazon.com/Leaders-Eat-Last-Together-Others/dp/1591848016/

"The Infinite Game" by Simon Sinek - https://www.amazon.com/Infinite-Game-Simon-Sinek/dp/073521350X/

"Finite and Infinite Games: A Vision of Life as Play and Possibility" by James P. Carse - https://www.amazon.com/Finite-Infinite-Games-James-Carse/dp/1476731713

"Chief Joy Officer" by Richard Sheridan - https://richardsheridan.com/books/chief-joy-officer

WBF NYC 2023 Event Details: https://www.wobi.com/it/wbf-nyc/

WBF NYC 2023 Event Brochure: https://www.wobi.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/wbfnyc_brochure.pdf

This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/49vgPn63wpo

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