In this introspective episode, Jon and Tom take a cinematic turn as they explore how storytelling shapes not only the media we consume but also how we view ourselves, navigate change, and find meaning in our careers. Drawing connections between screenwriting principles, cultural commentary, and personal development, they reflect on how stories can deepen perspective, challenge assumptions, and help craft a richer narrative of self-worth and direction.

They dive into the power of storytelling as a tool for building your value narrative, discussing how structure, perspective, and even primal human drives—like the need for purpose and redemption—make stories resonate. They also unpack the risks of today’s short-form media diluting depth and nuance, especially in a career environment that demands clarity of impact and self-awareness.

This episode is an expansive conversation for any professional seeking to understand how their personal story can become a tool for connection, clarity, and growth, especially when they’re stuck between where they’ve been and where they’re trying to go next.

Jon and Tom unpack one of the most overlooked skills for young professionals navigating career growth: learning to tell your story of value. Through reflections on promotions, imposter syndrome, and job transitions, they explore how generalists can clarify their strengths, identify their most valuable contributions, and communicate them with clarity and impact.

Jon shares his process of using generative AI to develop compelling impact statements for a promotion case, offering practical methods to structure personal narratives around problem, action, and result. Tom reflects on the emotional side of feeling undervalued and reframes the idea of "niching" as focusing on the full value chain you can serve—professionally and personally.

Whether you're building a case for promotion, pivoting careers, or simply trying to understand your professional worth, this episode is a masterclass in how storytelling, clarity, and strategic self-awareness shape your career journey.

Jon and Tom reflect on the evolving journey of professional identity, exploring how curiosity, creativity, and adaptability shape the next big move. Jon unpacks his own process of figuring out where he fits within a corporate merger and a changing industry, focusing on how to apply cutting-edge knowledge—like quantum computing or AI—through a lens of product engineering and creative systems thinking.

They explore the tension between research, engineering, and operations as value-creation modes, using vivid analogies like hiking through a mountain range of opportunity and navigating trade-offs between discovery and delivery. The episode also tackles the challenge of communicating intangible value, packaging innovation into something marketable, and how storytelling shapes impact in careers and consulting.

This episode is a deep dive for anyone reflecting on connecting their strengths, curiosity, and experience into meaningful work that drives both personal fulfillment and professional contribution.

Jon and Tom get nerdy and explore the evolving nature of professional value, discussing how intangible assets—like relationships, knowledge, and adaptability—play a crucial role in career progression. Tom shares insights from his experience navigating a corporate merger with IBM, reflecting on how organizations assess and place talent in shifting landscapes.

They dive into the challenges of self-assessment, especially when individual contributions blend into team efforts. How do you identify the impact you've made? How do you translate those experiences into future career opportunities? Jon and Tom unpack the hidden dynamics of strategic decision-making, staffing, and systems thinking, emphasizing the importance of understanding value cycles in personal careers and business operations.

For anyone looking to clarify their impact, position themselves for new opportunities, or better understand how organizations measure success, this episode offers valuable perspectives on defining and communicating value in an ever-changing workplace.

Jon and Tom dive into the realities of burnout, motivation, and the challenge of staying consistent when building something meaningful. They explore how the initial excitement of a new project often fades, making way for the real work of sustaining momentum. Jon shares his struggle balancing deep thinking and execution, while Tom reflects on how external accountability can drive long-term success.

This conversation unpacks the psychology behind persistence, explaining how personal ambition, feedback loops, and understanding one's "why" can determine whether a project thrives or fades. The participants also discuss the hidden costs of creative work, the role of adaptability, and strategies for building habits that outlast the highs and lows of motivation.

For anyone navigating personal growth, side projects, or career pivots, this episode offers insights on how to stay committed, overcome burnout, and play the long game toward success.

Jon and Tom discuss the intersection of program management, product design, and creative problem-solving in tackling complex challenges. Drawing from real-world experiences, they explore how program management orchestrates large-scale projects, highlighting the importance of breaking silos, aligning goals, and fostering communication among diverse teams.

The conversation delves into the adaptability required to balance predictive planning with the unpredictable realities of modern systems. Jon shares insights on working with intricate logistics and infrastructure projects, emphasizing the necessity of flexible thinking and structured coordination. Tom reflects on how internal processes and mental models shape organizational and personal success, advocating for creative approaches to problem-solving and adaptability.

This episode offers valuable takeaways for professionals navigating large-scale challenges and seeking innovative ways to collaborate effectively.

Jon and Tom explore the intersection of organization, systems, and professional success, sharing personal insights on how structure fuels confidence and adaptability. They discuss practical tools like Google Maps and Edge workspaces for organizing workflows, emphasizing the importance of clarity in navigating both personal and professional landscapes.

The conversation dives into the value of aligning individual contributions with broader business objectives, tying personal systems of organization to the larger goals of a team or company. Jon and Tom also reflect on the power of influence in career growth, the importance of being intentional with personal branding, and the role of clarity in digital platforms like LinkedIn.

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Jon and Tom continue their journey of launching a podcast by experimenting with new tools and discussing the balance between planning and spontaneity in creative endeavors. This episode dives into their brainstorming process, exploring how notebooks, frameworks, and collaborative tools like Figma and Miro fuel their creativity. They reflect on the evolving importance of agile and product mindsets, highlighting the role of adaptability in a fast-changing world.

Jon shares his discovery of being a "fusionist"—someone who integrates diverse fields like design, technology, and systems thinking to simplify complexity and inspire innovation. They also touch on the power of visuals for learning and retention, emphasizing frameworks as tools for clarity and action.

Stay tuned as Jon and Tom navigate personal growth and professional insights, setting the stage for future deep dives into complexity theory and their "next big move."

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Jon and Tom discuss self-discovery and personal branding, sharing challenges in defining their unique value and contributions. This episode sets the stage for future discussions on personal and professional development, offering insights and inspiration through candid conversations and relatable experiences.

They reflect on how their Midwestern and evangelical Protestant upbringings instilled humility and a strong work ethic, complicating self-promotion. Emphasizing career intentionality, they share personal anecdotes, like Jon's early art award and Tom's proactive strategies.

They explore complexity theory, illustrating how simple rules lead to emergent behaviors, and discuss ethical considerations in influencing behavior through design and marketing. Using a hiking analogy, they emphasize adaptability in career paths, advocating for designing one's career with adaptable rules for emergent opportunities.

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