In S4E4 of the @MAGICademy Podcast, we are joined by Ben Nelson, the founder of Minerva University and a visionary educator and innovator. In this episode, Ben discusses the critical importance of wisdom in learning and its application in real-world contexts, emphasizing that critical wisdom goes beyond rote memorization; it involves applying practical knowledge in novel situations. 

Ben also shares his insights on how traditional learning models often fail to cultivate this essential skill, leading to a generation that is less-than-well-equipped for the complexities of modern life. He advocates for a shift towards nurturing critical wisdom (for both leaders and talents), which he defines as the appropriate application of knowledge in unfamiliar contexts. He highlights the need for lifelong learning as a means to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing world.

Conversation Outline

00:00 Introduction 

02:03 Ben Nelson’s Background

14:28 The Process of Nurturing Wisdom

20:43 Impact of AI on Learning and Development 

24:24 Application of Wisdom in Real-World Contexts

27:25 Curiosity and Childlike Wonder in Cultivating Critical Wisdom

27:54 The Fallacy of Pre-Puberty Brain

32:42 Developing Critical Wisdom

36:11 Using Technology to Cultivate Wisdom

41:33 Technology as a Tool for Gaining Wisdom

45:15 Ben’s Magic

51:08 Conclusion

#criticalwisdom #education #learning #knowledge #context #development #childhood #students #globalization #wisdom #criticalthinking #universities #MAGICademyPodcast #mindfulLearning 

In this episode of the MAGICademy Podcast, Brendan, founder of IDEO Play Lab and a fruitable toy inventor discusses how integrating play into learning and work can lead to greater engagement and creativity. IDEO Play Lab is a global design consultancy helping the world’s most audacious dreamers create braver tomorrows. Through his iconic toys like Fisher-Price Jumperoo, Barbie Products, Pictionary Air, and Twister Air Brendan illustrates how maintaining a playful mindset can significantly improve both the design process and the end-user experience.

Conversation Outline

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:37 Brandon’s Toy Invention career

08:30 The Role of Play in Work

21:30 Creating a Playful Workplace Culture

32:00 How Play Enhances Leadership

38:41 Tools for Making Environments More Playful

47:13 Brendan’s Magic

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In S4E02 of @MAGICademy Podcast, Dr. Chris Dede discusses the transformative potential of immersive technologies and artificial intelligence in human development. 

He explores how we can create engaging learning environments to enhance skill development and foster a deeper understanding of complex subjects. 

Dede argues that by combining the strengths of human learners with AI capabilities, we can achieve a new level of effectiveness that was previously unattainable.

Conversation Outline

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Chris Dede

01:52 The Importance of Immersive Technologies and AI

06:57 Exploring Virtual Environments for Learning

08:12 Case Study: EcoMod and Student Engagement

16:21 Balancing the Limitations of AI with Human Presence

20:45 The Role of AI Avatars in Immersive Environments

27:29 What are the Potential Concerns of AI

36:39 The Role of Childlike Wonder

39:28 Dr. Chris Dede's Magic

💕 Story Overview

Key Takeaways

What is Michael’s Magic? ✨ 

Michael's magic is "creation"—the ability to combine various elements to craft compelling audiovisual communications.

What is Robin’s Magic? ✨

Robin's magic is generosity - sharing knowledge and experiences accumulated over years in the field.

YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/U2gPJz_3v1M

Watch the Show Highlights here:

Connect with Our Guest Here:

Michael and Robin are the dynamic duo behind MediaCombo, a company that has been at the forefront of digital storytelling for over two decades. Their innovative approach combines film, interactive media, and virtual reality to create transformative experiences for museums and educational settings. Together, they are passionate about using technology to foster human connections and enhance learning through art.

References

In S3 E11 of @MAGICademy Podcast, we discuss leveraging the power of AI and emerging technologies to redefine and enhance the coaching experience, while addressing the important considerations and challenges involved in integrating intelligent systems into the deeply human-centric practice of coaching with @Vince Han, Founder of Mobile Coach. Vince shares his journey and insights on the evolving landscape of AI-powered coaching. He also addresses important considerations around privacy, bias, and the complementary roles of human and AI coaches.

Key Takeaways

⭐ What’s Vince’s Magic?

Ability and willingness to go deep - deeply engaging with his relationships, problems, and tasks, rather than staying at a surface level.

Conversation Outline

00:00 Introduction and Background

04:16 What Makes a Good Coach?

06:36 Case Studies of AI Coaching Success

09:37 Integration of AI in Coaching

14:18 Dynamic Prompting in AI Coaching

21:24 The Role of Childlike Wonder in Coaching

26:37 The Future of Coaching with Advanced Technologies

34:49 The Role of Human Coaches in the Age of AI

39:34 Vince’s Magic and Conclusion

Connect with Our Guest Here

Vince Han is a former music major who has pivoted his career to become a successful entrepreneur and the founder of the mobile coaching platform, Mobile Coach. With a background in building multiple technology companies, Vince's true passion lies in understanding people, their goals, and the challenges they want to overcome. He is deeply invested in the power of technology to democratize knowledge and make coaching and personal development more accessible and effective. With a unique blend of analytical thinking and empathy, Vince is at the forefront of exploring how AI-powered coaching can enhance the human experience and help individuals unlock their full potential.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincehan/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/mobile-coach/

References

In S3E10 of @MAGICademy Podcast, we delve into the fascinating world of neuroscience and learning with @Lauren Waldman, founder of @Learning Pirate. Lauren shares her expertise on how our brains process information, form memories and adapt to change. She explains the crucial role of attention in learning, the concept of schemas, and how novelty stimulates our brains. The conversation explores the importance of rest and sleep in memory consolidation, the challenges of changing established neural networks, and the potential impact of new technologies on learning.

Key Takeaways

What’s Lauren’s Magic?

Conclusion

In conclusion, this episode equips you with practical neuroscience-based strategies to enhance your skill and development processes. By understanding the brain's mechanisms for attention, memory formation, and adapting to change, you can implement more effective learning techniques, such as incorporating novelty to boost engagement, allowing sufficient rest for memory consolidation, and patiently building new neural pathways when acquiring new skills or habits.

Connect with Our Guest Here

Lauren Waldman is the founder of Learning Pirate and a pioneer in applying neuroscience to professional and personal development. With a background as a CLO and years of experience in education and industry, Lauren has positioned herself as one of the few scientific learning designers working to integrate brain science into everyday life and work.

http://www.learningpirate.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-waldman-learning-pirate-4666bab/

https://www.instagram.com/learning_pirate/

References

Dive into the world of organizational dynamics and talent management with @MAGICademy S3E9 featuring @Alex Furman, CEO of @performica as we discuss a range of topics from organizational psychology, the need to move away from traditional hierarchical models to focus on mapping collaboration networks within companies to the potential impact of AI and emerging technologies on work.

Show Takeaways

#OrganizationalDynamics #WorkplaceInnovation #DataDrivenHR #LeadershipInsights #TalentManagement #DiversityAndInclusion #EmployeeEmpowerment #FutureOfWork #AIInWorkplace #StartupJourney #CollaborationNetworks #OrganizationalPsychology #PerformanceManagement #WorkplaceCulture #TechEntrepreneurship

Conversation Outline

00:00 Introduction to Alex Furman

12:08 The Problem with Traditional Organizational Models

22:17 The Four Quadrants of Talent Performance

29:37 Promoting Diversity and Inclusion with Performica's Approach

35:52 The Importance of Childlike Wonder and Creativity

48:05 Alex Furman’s Magic

Connect with Our Guest here:

Alex Furman is the founder and CEO of Performica, a technology company revolutionizing how organizations understand and manage talent. Born in the Soviet Union, Alex came to the US as a Jewish refugee and built a diverse career spanning software engineering, biotech entrepreneurship, and HR leadership. His experiences as a co-founder and Chief People Officer of a publicly traded company led him to develop Performica's innovative approach to visualizing workplace dynamics. Alex is passionate about creating more human-centric, innovative work environments and leveraging technology ethically to empower talents and foster diversity.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexfurman/

http://www.performica.com/

References

O'Reilly, C.A., & Pfeffer, J. (2000). Hidden Value: How Great Companies Achieve Extraordinary Results with Ordinary People.; 

Palepu, S., Nitsch, A., Narayan, M., Kim, S., & Osier, N. (2020). A Flat Organizational Structure for an Inclusive, Interdisciplinary, International, and Undergraduate-Led Team. Frontiers in Education.

💕Dive into the world of ADHD with @MAGICademy S3E8, featuring @Rawi Nanakul (He/Him), an experienced ADHD coach and tech industry product management expert. Discover the hidden potentials of ADHD talents and practical strategies for managing its challenges, including optimizing sleep, exercise, and meditation techniques. Whether you're diagnosed with it, suspect you might have it, or lead a neurodiverse team, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable advice toward a collaborative environment with overall well-being. 

Show Takeaways

#ADHD #AttentionControl #Selfconcept #hiddenemotions #inclusiveleadership #microlearning #inclusivelearning #microinclusivelearning #upskill #reskill #leadershipdevelopement #learninganddevelopment #generativeai #magicademy

YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/LwkfmgGxp-o

Conversation Outline

00:00 Introduction and Overview

02:27 Rawi's Introduction and ADHD Coaching

09:57 The Impact of ADHD on Psychology and Emotions

16:21 Core Strategies for Managing ADHD

29:18 Leadership and ADHD in the Workplace

30:34 Creating an Empathetic Environment for ADHD

39:02 Unleashing the Hidden Potential of ADHD

43:35 Rawi’s MAGIC: Deep connection with people to discover their hidden potential

Connect with Our Guest Here

Rawi Nanakul is an experienced ADHD and product management coach who empowers neurodivergent tech professionals to thrive in their careers.  Through his coaching, he empowers his clients to find strategies that allow them to thrive, rather than simply cope, with the emotional and attentional difficulties associated with ADHD.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rawi-nanakul/

https://www.techatypically.com/

https://substack.com/@rawinanakul

References

💕 #MAGICademy S3E7, we had the great pleasure of meeting @Kristen DiCerbo, chief learning officer @Khan Academy to discuss basic principles for designing AI-powered tutors to power up the skill development process for learners across age groups. She emphasizes the importance of curiosity and wonder in the learning process. She also highlights the need for a balance between AI tutors and human teachers, as human relationships and motivation are crucial for student success. 

Story Takeaways

1️⃣ Curiosity is a potent intrinsic motivator in learning, surpassing external rewards. It drives deeper engagement, broader exploration, and better retention. Curious learners ask more questions, make connections across subjects, and think more critically, making learning an exciting journey rather than a chore.

2️⃣ The human element in education is irreplaceable. Human teachers or coaches excel at providing emotional support, adapting to individual needs, and serving as inspirational role models. While AI tutors/coaches can provide targeted practice and feedback, it is difficult for them to replicate the nuanced understanding of human emotions or form meaningful relationships crucial for skill development success. 

3️⃣ Redefining accessibility in the context of artificial intelligence (AI) involves shifting the focus from merely accommodating disabilities to meeting each learner where they are, particularly during challenging moments in their learning journey. By leveraging AI technologies, educators and developers can potentially design systems that identify and respond to learners' specific challenges in real time, providing tailored support and resources to facilitate understanding and engagement. 

4️⃣ Kristen’s MAGIC: Translating and implementing research into product design to develop skills.

#AITutor, #AICoach, #LearningScience, #Curiosity, #Wonder, #AILiteracy, #AIProductDesign

🌼 Conversation Outline

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Kristen DiCerbo and Khanmigo

02:06 The role of AI in guiding learner  practice

04:59 The importance of a healthy dose of productive struggle

06:21 Identify the strength of a human tutor 

07:57 Engineer the prompt to leverage existing large language models 

11:31 The collaboration between AI and human instructors

13:10 Activate a childlike sense of wonder to enhance skill development

17:50 The future of AI in skill development

22:15 Practical strategies to mitigate AI hallucination

24:27 Interesting thought leaders and builders to follow

26:57 Dr. Kristen DiCerbo's Magic: Translating Research into Learning Products

☕ Connect with Our Guest Here 

Dr. Kristen DiCerbo is the Chief Learning Officer at Khan Academy, where she leads the content, design, product management, and community support teams. Dr. DiCerbo’s career has focused on embedding insights from education research into digital learning experiences. Prior to her role at Khan Academy, she was vice president of Learning Research and Design at Pearson, served as a research scientist supporting the Cisco Networking Academies, and worked as a school psychologist. Kristen has a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from Arizona State University.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-eignor-dicerbo-414138b/

https://www.kristendicerbo.com/home

https://www.khanmigo.ai/ 

📚 Reference: 

💕 #MAGICademy S3E6, we had the great pleasure of meeting @Kouji Miki, founder of @Zen 2.0 to discover how Zenful meditation helps clear mental clutter to foster deep awareness, creativity, and true innovation by encouraging focused non-judgmental thinking. We'll also dive into how revisiting childhood memories helps uncover our innate passions and talents, guiding us toward a more authentic purpose, or Ikigai.

Story Takeaways

1️⃣ The Zen approach emphasizes complete awareness of one's environment, which allows for both intuitive and analytical insights crucial for idea creation. The non-duality principle of Zen encourages withholding premature judgment, creating a learning space where new ideas can be explored without immediate acceptance or rejection.

2️⃣ In meditation, our minds initially resemble a glass of muddy water, with thoughts and distractions clouding our awareness. As we focus on our breath and remain present, the mental agitation begins to settle, enabling the "mud" of our thoughts to fall away and revealing the clear water of calmness and insight.

3️⃣ Exploring childhood memories has the potential to rediscover our Ikigai by revealing passions, natural talents, and core values that shaped our early experiences. Reflecting on joyful activities and sources of happiness can align our current life with what we love, guiding us toward a more fulfilling and authentic purpose.

4️⃣ Kouji’s MAGIC: Deep dive into people’s minds to find their “hidden treasure”

#Zen, #Innovation, #Mindfulness, #Meditation, #Calmness, #Inclusivity, #ChildlikeWonder, #Curiosity, #Ikigai, #TeamDynamics

🌼 Conversation Outline

00:00 Introduction and Sense of Calmness

01:12 How to manage a busy mind during meditation?

04:50 Finding Innovation Within Searching Inside Yourself

04:57 Spreading the wisdom of Zen to the world

09:16 How does Zen support the process of innovation?

09:43 The ideas are always inside of us

12:19 Data Driven Innovation and True Innovation

13:54 Zen & Ikigai

15:29 The "Outsider" view gives us strength and inclusive perspectives

21:23 Zen meditation promotes deep team connections

23:25 The magic of childlike wonder on innovation

27:44 Kouji's childlike wonder: deep dive into the ocean

☕ Connect with Our Guest Here 

Kouji Miki is a Zen-based coach specializing in mindfulness for executives and CEOs, with a Master's degree in Media and Governance from Keio University. After experiencing personal challenges that led him to Zen meditation, he founded the Zen2.0 conference in 2017, which has become the world's largest international gathering on Zen and mindfulness for over 6 years, attracting mindful speakers and participants globally. Kouji's mission is to integrate traditional Zen philosophies with modern technologies to foster innovation and societal change, and he has authored two books, "Let's Start Micro-Monozukuri" and "True Innovation," focusing on creating innovation through Zen-like dialogue.

https://www.zenschool.jp/global

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikikouj/

📚 Reference: 

Ming, L., & Jang, C. G. (2018, July). The Research of Cultural and Creative Product Design Based on the Zen Buddhism Culture. In 2018 International Seminar on Education Research and Social Science (ISERSS 2018) (pp. 69-72). Atlantis Press.
Castellani, B., & Gerrits, L. (2024). Mindfulness, imagination and creativity. In The Atlas of Social Complexity (pp. 196-206). Edward Elgar Publishing.