Welcome to episode #981 of Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Donald Miller is one of the most influential voices in modern marketing – a bestselling author, business strategist, and the creative force behind StoryBrand (a framework that has reshaped how leaders and organizations communicate). In our conversation, Donald breaks down the timeless power of story and why clarity – not cleverness – is the most underrated competitive advantage in business today. His new book, Building a StoryBrand 2.0 – Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen, expands on his original seven-part storytelling framework with sharper tools and practical applications for the modern marketer. Donald is also the author of several bestselling books, including the spiritual memoir Blue Like Jazz, the personal development reflection Scary Close, and A Million Miles In A Thousand Years (loved that one!), alongside business classics like Marketing Made Simple, Business Made Simple, Coach Builder, How to Grow Your Small Business, which have collectively shaped how individuals and organizations think about story, purpose, and growth. We explore why curiosity is the secret starting point in every great customer journey, how AI is accelerating both efficiency and confusion in marketing, and why simple messages are often the hardest to write. Donald also opens up about the creative process behind writing, how to chase ideas worth finishing, and why businesses fail not from a lack of creativity – but from poor communication. Whether you’re leading a brand, launching a product, or refining your personal pitch, this conversation is a masterclass in messaging. Enjoy the conversation…

Chapters:

(00:00) – The Power of Storytelling in Branding.
(12:46) – Understanding Consumer Relationships with Brands.
(26:02) – The Art and Science of Effective Marketing.
(29:00) – The Ineffectiveness of Modern Advertising.
(32:42) – The Importance of Clarity in Messaging.
(36:46) – The Role of Creativity in Marketing.
(41:15) – The Impact of AI on Marketing.
(46:24) – The Future of Marketing and Strategy.
(49:45) – The Creative Process and Writing Books.

Download the Podcast here: Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast – Episode #981.

Before you go… ThinkersOne  is a new way for organizations to buy bite-sized and personalized thought leadership video content (live and recorded) from the best Thinkers in the world. If you’re looking to add excitement and big smarts to your meetings, corporate events, company off-sites, “lunch & learns” and beyond, check it out.

Welcome to episode #980 of Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Tamara Myles is one of the world’s leading experts on meaningful work, with a career that bridges research, leadership consulting, and positive psychology. She’s the author of The Secret To Peak Productivity, a sought-after speaker and advisor to companies like Microsoft and KPMG, and one of the first 600 people in the world to earn a master’s in Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. In her new book, Meaningful Work – How To Ignite Passion And Performance In Every Employee (co-authored with Wes Adams), Tamara brings both scientific rigor and real-world empathy to one of the most pressing challenges of our time: how to make work feel like it matters. In this conversation, Tamara shares the results of her multi-year study – the first of its kind – on how leaders influence meaning in the workplace. She introduces the three core drivers of meaningful work: community, contribution, and challenge, and explains why they’re more relevant than ever in a world grappling with burnout, disconnection, and shifting values around work. We also talk about the lasting impact of the pandemic, the rise of employee apathy, and how social media has warped our collective expectations about fulfillment. Tamara, who teaches at both the University of Pennsylvania and Boston College, blends her academic insight with a deeply human perspective – reminding us that meaning is not just a nice-to-have, but a business imperative. Whether you’re leading a team or trying to reconnect with your own sense of purpose, this episode offers a much-needed compass. Enjoy the conversation…

Chapters:

(00:00) – Introduction to Positive Psychology and Meaningful Work.
(02:58) – The Importance of Meaning in Work.
(05:57) – The Misconception of Meaningful Work.
(09:03) – The Role of Leaders in Creating Meaning.
(11:59) – The Impact of the Pandemic on Work Meaning.
(14:58) – Transactional Work vs. Meaningful Work.
(18:10) – The Dual Responsibility of Leaders and Employees.
(21:04) – Hiring for Meaning in Organizations.
(24:13) – Common Sense vs. Common Practice in Work Meaning.
(26:59) – Expectations and Realities of Work Today.
(31:46) – The Impact of Social Media on Expectations.
(34:33) – Generational Perspectives on Meaningful Work.
(37:47) – Work-Life Balance and Productivity.
(39:08) – The Loneliness Epidemic Post-Covid.
(43:39) – Creating Meaningful Work Environments.
(46:58) – AI’s Role in the Future of Work.
(50:15) – Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace.
(52:28) – Overcoming Apathy in the Workplace.

Download the Podcast here: Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast – Episode #980.

Before you go… ThinkersOne  is a new way for organizations to buy bite-sized and personalized thought leadership video content (live and recorded) from the best Thinkers in the world. If you’re looking to add excitement and big smarts to your meetings, corporate events, company off-sites, “lunch & learns” and beyond, check it out.

Welcome to episode #979 of Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Dr. Kurt Gray is a social psychologist whose work couldn’t be more relevant to our times. As a professor at UNC Chapel Hill, director of the Deepest Beliefs Lab and the Center for the Science of Moral Understanding, and the author of the new book Outraged – Why We Fight About Morality and Politics and How to Find Common Ground, he’s helping reshape how we understand conflict in a divided world. In this conversation, Kurt unpacked why it’s not that we’re wired differently across political lines – it’s that we perceive harm differently. He introduces ideas like the “exhausted majority,” the dangers of elite-driven outrage, and the evolutionary roots of our hypersensitivity to perceived threats. We also explore the surprising role of personal narratives in reducing division, the generational shift in how people approach morality, and how resilience – not avoidance – is what we really need when engaging across differences. His work dismantles the myth that we’re hopelessly divided and instead offers a path forward – one grounded in empathy, humility, and the science of human connection. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the volume of moral outrage around you, this episode just might restore a little hope. Enjoy the conversation…

Chapters:

(00:00) – Introduction to Outrage and Its Relevance.
(03:07) – Understanding Political Outrage and Connection.
(05:55) – The Role of Elites in Political Discourse.
(09:14) – The Exhausted Majority and Misconceptions.
(12:05) – Moral Perception and Human Nature.
(15:04) – The Evolution of Morality and Fear.
(18:08) – Tribalism and Moral Progress.
(21:01) – The Impact of Words and Microaggressions.
(24:03) – Generational Perspectives on Discourse.
(28:18) – Understanding Generational Perspectives on Misinformation.
(30:02) – The Challenge of Political Centrism.
(31:58) – Navigating Independent Ideologies.
(33:53) – The Impact of Technological Change on Society.
(35:40) – The Role of Personal Stories in Bridging Divides.
(39:34) – The Power of Personal Experiences in Conversations.
(42:19) – The Competing Narratives of Victimhood.
(46:51) – Moral Ambiguity in Victimhood and Survival.
(49:18) – The Momentum of Change and Hope.
(55:27) – Building Resilience in Difficult Conversations.

Download the Podcast here: Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast – Episode #979.

Before you go… ThinkersOne  is a new way for organizations to buy bite-sized and personalized thought leadership video content (live and recorded) from the best Thinkers in the world. If you’re looking to add excitement and big smarts to your meetings, corporate events, company off-sites, “lunch & learns” and beyond, check it out.

Welcome to episode #978 of Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Dr. Christopher DiCarlo is a philosopher, educator, author, and ethicist whose work lives at the intersection of human values, science, and emerging technology. Over the years, Christopher has built a reputation as a Socratic nonconformist, equally at home lecturing at Harvard during his postdoctoral years as he is teaching critical thinking in correctional institutions or corporate boardrooms. He’s the author of several important books on logic and rational discourse, including How To Become A Really Good Pain In The Ass – A Critical Thinker’s Guide To Asking The Right Questions and So You Think You Can Think?, as well as the host of the podcast, All Thinks Considered. In this conversation, we dig into his latest book, Building A God – The Ethics Of Artificial Intelligence And The Race To Control It, which takes a sobering yet practical look at the ethical governance of AI as we accelerate toward the possibility of artificial general intelligence. Drawing on years of study in philosophy of science and ethics, Christopher lays out the risks – manipulation, misalignment, lack of transparency – and the urgent need for international cooperation to set safeguards now. We talk about everything from the potential of AI to revolutionize healthcare and sustainability to the darker realities of deepfakes, algorithmic control, and the erosion of democratic processes. His proposal? A kind of AI “Geneva Conventions,” or something akin to the IAEA – but for algorithms. In a world rushing toward techno-utopianism, Christopher is a clear-eyed voice asking: “What kind of Gods are we building… and can we still choose their values?” If you’re thinking about the intersection of ethics and AI (and we should all be focused on this!), this is essential listening. Enjoy the conversation…

Chapters:

(00:00) – Introduction to AI Ethics and Philosophy.
(03:14) – The Interconnectedness of Systems.
(05:56) – The Race for AGI and Its Implications.
(09:04) – Risks of Advanced AI: Misuse and Misalignment.
(11:54) – The Need for Ethical Guidelines in AI Development.
(15:05) – Global Cooperation and the AI Arms Race.
(18:03) – Values and Ethics in AI Alignment.
(20:51) – The Role of Government in AI Regulation.
(24:14) – The Future of AI: Hope and Concerns.
(31:02) – The Dichotomy of Regulation and Innovation.
(34:57) – The Drive Behind AI Pioneers.
(37:12) – Skepticism and the Tech Bubble Debate.
(39:39) – The Potential of AI and Its Risks.
(43:20) – Techno-Selection and Control Over AI.
(48:53) – The Future of Medicine and AI’s Role.
(51:42) – Empowering the Public in AI Governance.
(54:37) – Building a God: Ethical Considerations in AI.

Download the Podcast here: Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast – Episode #978.

Before you go… ThinkersOne  is a new way for organizations to buy bite-sized and personalized thought leadership video content (live and recorded) from the best Thinkers in the world. If you’re looking to add excitement and big smarts to your meetings, corporate events, company off-sites, “lunch & learns” and beyond, check it out.

Welcome to episode #977 of Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Dan Heath is a frequent and always welcome guest on this show, and with good reason – few people have done more to translate complex human behavior and organizational dynamics into smart, actionable insights. You probably know Dan as the co-author (with his brother Chip Heath) of some of the most beloved and bestselling business books of the past two decades, including Made To Stick, Switch, Decisive, and The Power of Moments. His work has reshaped the way leaders think about communication, decision-making, change, and the emotional beats that define experience. With his latest solo book, Reset – How To Change What’s Not Working, Dan continues this tradition – offering a practical framework for identifying leverage points that can unlock real transformation, even in systems that feel stuck or bloated by inertia. In this conversation, we dug into why momentum beats speed, how progress (not perfection) is the most powerful motivator in the workplace, and why so many leaders miss the mark by focusing on customer experience while overlooking the employee experience. We also talk about the role of self-doubt, the necessity of feedback, and how the Great Resignation isn’t just about quitting – it’s about a systemic failure to reimagine work. Dan’s signature mix of rigorous research, compelling storytelling, and approachable wisdom is on full display here. You should also check out his podcast, What It’s Like To Be…. If you’ve ever wondered why change efforts stall – or how to get unstuck with the same people and resources – this one’s for you. Enjoy the conversation…

Chapters:

(00:00) – Introduction to Reset and Its Themes.
(02:54) – Understanding Inefficiencies in Organizations.
(05:58) – The Role of Technology in Problem Solving.
(09:01) – Team Dynamics and Collaborative Change.
(12:08) – Leverage Points for Effective Change.
(15:10) – Motivation and Employee Engagement.
(17:56) – Cultural Differences in Organizational Success.
(21:03) – The Shift from Customer to Employee Experience.
(32:06) – The Great Resignation and Management Challenges.
(34:02) – Management by Walking Around: A Timeless Approach.
(36:19) – Inertia and the Challenge of Change.
(38:34) – Momentum vs. Speed: The Key to Progress.
(40:08) – The Progress Principle: Motivation Through Meaningful Work.
(41:56) – The Reality of Modern Work.
(43:53) – Defining Waste: A New Perspective on Efficiency.
(45:53) – The Role of Government in Efficiency and Change.
(52:40) – Self-Doubt and Openness to Feedback.

Download the Podcast here: Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast – Episode #977.

Before you go… ThinkersOne  is a new way for organizations to buy bite-sized and personalized thought leadership video content (live and recorded) from the best Thinkers in the world. If you’re looking to add excitement and big smarts to your meetings, corporate events, company off-sites, “lunch & learns” and beyond, check it out.

Welcome to episode #976 of Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Jennifer Moss has been a guiding voice in the evolving conversation around workplace culture, burnout, and what it truly means to find purpose in our work. Her latest book, Why Are We Here? – Creating A Work Culture Everyone Wants, takes a deep dive into how work has changed – sometimes for the better, often for the worse – and what leaders can do to fix it. Jennifer is also the author of The Burnout Epidemic and Unlocking Happiness At Work. In this conversation, Jennifer and I explore the shifting motivations of employees post-pandemic, the growing tension around remote and hybrid work, and why so many people are feeling disengaged in their careers. She shares insights from her extensive research, highlighting the erosion of trust between employers and employees, the disconnect between ideal career expectations and workplace reality, and the impact of AI on job security. We also discuss why organizations need to rethink productivity metrics, prioritize autonomy, and create spaces for in-person connection, even in remote work environments. Jennifer doesn’t just diagnose the problems – she offers real solutions, drawing on examples of companies that are getting it right. As the workplace continues to evolve, her research and advice couldn’t be more timely. If you’re wondering how to build (or rebuild) a work culture that people actually want to be a part of, this is for you. Enjoy the conversation…

Chapters:

(00:00) – Exploring Purpose: Why Are We Here?

Download the Podcast here: Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast – Episode #976.

Before you go… ThinkersOne  is a new way for organizations to buy bite-sized and personalized thought leadership video content (live and recorded) from the best Thinkers in the world. If you’re looking to add excitement and big smarts to your meetings, corporate events, company off-sites, “lunch & learns” and beyond, check it out.

Welcome to episode #975 of Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Chapters:

(00:00) – Introduction to Nicholas Carr and His Work.

Download the Podcast here: Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast – Episode #975.

Before you go… ThinkersOne  is a new way for organizations to buy bite-sized and personalized thought leadership video content (live and recorded) from the best Thinkers in the world. If you’re looking to add excitement and big smarts to your meetings, corporate events, company off-sites, “lunch & learns” and beyond, check it out.

Welcome to episode #974 of Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Rishad Tobaccowala is one of those rare thinkers who can seamlessly connect the dots between business, technology, media, and human behavior – so it’s always a pleasure to have him back on the show. A true industry veteran, Rishad has spent decades shaping the marketing and media landscape, from his time as Global Chief Strategist and Growth Officer at Publicis Groupe to becoming a sought-after author, advisor, and speaker. His latest book, Rethinking Work – Seismic Changes In The Where, When, And Why, dives deep into the fundamental shifts happening in the workforce, from the decline of the 9-to-5 model to the rise of hybrid work, decentralized careers, and leadership that prioritizes talent over corporate loyalty. Rishad’s first book is Restoring The Soul Of Business and his newsletter, The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past, and podcast, What Next?, are not to be missed. In our conversation, we explore the evolving role of leadership, the impact of AI on employment, and how brands must rethink trust in an era where consumers are more aligned with individuals than institutions. Rishad also shares his insights on how businesses can remain relevant by embracing change rather than resisting it, and why the future of work will require companies to shift from management-driven structures to ones that emphasize agility, learning, and human connection. Thoughtful, provocative, and always ahead of the curve, Rishad brings the kind of clarity we need as we navigate a world of constant disruption. If you want to stay relevant in a fast-changing business landscape, this episode is one you won’t want to miss. Enjoy the conversation…

Chapters:

(00:00) – Introduction to Rishad.
(03:08) – The Political Landscape of Tech and Media.
(06:06) – The Power Dynamics of Big Tech.
(09:03) – The Influence of Money in Politics.
(11:55) – The Shift in Consumer Trust.
(15:08) – The Erosion of Brand Trust.
(17:52) – The Changing Nature of Work.
(20:53) – The Crisis of Leadership in Business.
(35:15) – The Entrepreneurial Vision and Workforce Dynamics.
(36:25) – Leadership vs. Management: The New Paradigm.
(37:45) – Diversity in the Workplace: Ageism and Work Styles.
(38:44) – The Irrelevance of Traditional Business Models.
(39:57) – The Importance of In-Person Interaction.
(41:40) – The Future of Work: Hybrid and Remote Models.
(43:34) – AI’s Impact on Employment and Business Structure.
(46:32) – The Transformation of Knowledge Work.
(49:50) – Reimagining Business Strategies in the Age of AI.
(52:33) – The Financial Play: Mergers and Market Relevance.
(56:18) – Aligning Talent and Corporate Goals.
(01:01:48) – The Future of Work: Companies as Talent Aggregators.

Download the Podcast here: Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast – Episode #974.

Before you go… ThinkersOne  is a new way for organizations to buy bite-sized and personalized thought leadership video content (live and recorded) from the best Thinkers in the world. If you’re looking to add excitement and big smarts to your meetings, corporate events, company off-sites, “lunch & learns” and beyond, check it out.

Welcome to episode #973 of Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Alison Wood Brooks is one of the leading voices in understanding the science of human conversation, and her latest book, Talk – The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves, explores just how complex, delicate, and transformative our daily interactions can be. As a professor at Harvard Business School, Alison has spent years studying the psychology behind dialogue – why some conversations feel effortless while others fall flat, how we navigate social dynamics, and why even the simplest exchanges can shape our relationships and success. In our conversation, we explore the difference between Q&A and true dialogue, the often-overlooked art of reading the room, and the skills that can make or break an interaction. Alison shares insights on the role of AI in companionship, the way egocentrism naturally seeps into our conversations, and why teaching conversational skills is more critical than ever in a digital-first world. We also discuss the post-Covid social shift, the importance of face-to-face interactions, and how conversational missteps – something we all experience – can actually strengthen relationships if handled the right way. Her TALK Maxims (Topics, Asking, Levity, Kindness) offer a simple yet powerful framework for improving everyday communication, whether in personal relationships, business, or even in navigating difficult discussions. If you’ve ever struggled with what to say, when to say it, or how to be a better conversationalist, this episode will help you rethink the way you talk… and listen. Enjoy the conversation…

Chapters:

(00:00) – Introduction to Conversation Science.
(02:49) – The Dynamics of Q&A vs. Conversation.
(05:58) – The Art of Eavesdropping and Voyeurism in Conversations.
(08:53) – Emerging Science of Conversation.
(11:59) – AI and Human Conversations.
(15:06) – The Role of AI in Companionship.
(18:01) – Egocentrism in Conversations.
(20:46) – Alpha and Beta Dynamics in Conversations.
(23:51) – Teaching Conversation Skills.
(27:07) – Conversational Toggling in a Digital Age.
(32:00) – The Fleeting Nature of In-Person Connections.
(35:06) – The Impact of AI on Human Interaction.
(38:58) – Navigating Post-Covid Social Dynamics.
(43:03) – The Importance of Reading the Room.
(48:03) – Breaking the Pace in Conversations.
(52:01) – The Value of Topic Preparation.
(57:02) – Foot-in-Mouth Moments and Repair Strategies.

Download the Podcast here: Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast – Episode #973.

Before you go… ThinkersOne  is a new way for organizations to buy bite-sized and personalized thought leadership video content (live and recorded) from the best Thinkers in the world. If you’re looking to add excitement and big smarts to your meetings, corporate events, company off-sites, “lunch & learns” and beyond, check it out.

Welcome to episode #972 of Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Dr. Tom Chatfield is one of those rare thinkers who seamlessly blends philosophy, technology, and human experience, making sense of the rapidly evolving digital landscape. As an author, tech philosopher, and educator, his work – including his latest book, Wise Animals – How Technology Has Made Us What We Are – explores how humans and technology have co-evolved over thousands of years, shaping not only how we work and communicate but how we think and perceive the world. Tom is also the author of How To Think, This Is Gomorrah, Critical Thinking and many others. In this conversation, Tom challenges the conventional narrative that technology is either a savior or a threat, arguing instead that it is deeply intertwined with who we are as a species. We explore the biases embedded in our digital tools, the generational shifts in how technology is understood, and the ethical dilemmas posed by AI’s increasing influence on work, productivity, and decision-making. Tom also shared why soft skills – like empathy, collaboration, and critical thinking – are becoming more valuable than ever in an age where AI can replicate knowledge-based tasks but struggles with human connection. He reflected on the growing skepticism toward experts, the rising noise in legal and regulatory environments, and the fundamental need for doubt and self-awareness in how we design and interact with intelligent systems. Thought-provoking, insightful, and refreshingly nuanced, this conversation is for anyone who wants to engage with technology more thoughtfully, rather than passively accepting or fearing it. Enjoy the conversation…

Chapters:

(00:00) – Introduction to Technology Philosophy.
(02:58) – The Role of Technology in Human Experience.
(06:10) – Generational Perspectives on Technology.
(08:54) – The Impact of AI on Work and Productivity.
(11:57) – The Evolution of Human Interaction with AI.
(15:05) – The Future of Work in an AI-Driven World.
(17:48) – The Ethics of AI and Human Value.
(20:49) – Navigating the Divide in Access to Technology.
(23:49) – The Devaluation of Knowledge Work.
(30:51) – The Impact of AI on Knowledge Work.
(35:40) – The Value of Human Connection in a Tech-Driven World.
(41:45) – Rethinking Professional Education and Skills.
(48:08) – Philosophical Perspectives on AI and Technology.
(57:28) – Co-evolution with Technology and the Future of Knowledge.

Download the Podcast here: Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast – Episode #972.

Before you go… ThinkersOne  is a new way for organizations to buy bite-sized and personalized thought leadership video content (live and recorded) from the best Thinkers in the world. If you’re looking to add excitement and big smarts to your meetings, corporate events, company off-sites, “lunch & learns” and beyond, check it out.