Welcome to episode #842 of Six Pixels of Separation. Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - Episode #842. Have you ever met a "differentiation expert"? That's the role of Andrea Belk Olson (who is also a speaker and author). As the CEO at Pragmadik, where her team helps organizations of all sizes better understand customers (their wants, desires and secret needs). She is the author of The Customer Mission, No Disruptions, and more recently published her newest book, What to Ask - How to learn what customers need but don't tell you. A sought-after keynote speaker at conferences and corporate events, Andrea is a visiting lecturer at the University of Iowa’s Tippie College of Business and head of their Startup Business Incubator (JPEC Founders Club). She is also a mentor at the  University of Iowa Venture School. In What to Ask, Andrea delivers a fresh, cognitive approach for discovering hidden customer needs, converting them quickly into differentiators, and avoiding the pitfalls of traditional research, which ignores the two essential sources of insight: context and behavior. So, if you are faced with discovering what customers really want, this episode is just for you. Enjoy the conversation...  Running time: 53:33. Hello from beautiful Montreal. Subscribe over at  Apple Podcasts. Please visit and leave comments on the blog - Six Pixels of Separation. Feel free to connect to me directly on Facebook here: Mitch Joel on Facebook. or you can connect on LinkedIn. ...or on Twitter. Here is my conversation with Andrea Belk Olson. What to Ask. The Customer Mission. No Disruptions. Pragmadik.  The Customer Mission Podcast. Follow Andrea on LinkedIn. Follow Andrea on Twitter.  This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'.  

SPOS #842 - Andrea Belk Olson On Secret Customer Needs

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Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast - Episode #931. What is a thought leader? What does thought leadership look like? How do you become a thought leader? I’ve spent decades fascinated by people who undertake the job of either creating or building on great ideas (mostly in business). It’s what led me to start ThinkersOne and it’s the same thing that keeps me inspired to show up here - week after week - and have these types of conversations. This week, we’re doing something a little bit different. I reached out to  Peter Winick - the founder and CEO of Thought Leadership Leverage and host of the  Leveraging Thought Leadership Podcast - and asked him if he would mind leading a conversation on the business of thought leadership. We were both eager to discuss and debate the value of thought leadership, the changing landscape of book publishing, building a personal brand, the power of thought leadership in corporate settings, the role of social proofing and more. We both agree that it’s all about relationship development, balancing vanity metrics and strategic networking, developing thought leadership skills and leveraging thought leadership for business opportunities. We explore the importance of creating mid-tier products, amplifying thought leaders' voices, and democratizing intellectual property. The conversation delves into building a sustainable thought leadership business, using thought leadership as a business generation strategy, and the real money in thought leadership. While we both might not love the title of “thought leader” we both agree on the value of people who chose the importance of lifelong learning, content creation, and balancing creativity with business strategy as a profession. Enjoy the conversation...  Running time: 1:15:33. Hello from beautiful Montreal. Subscribe over at  Apple Podcasts. Please visit and leave comments on the blog - Six Pixels of Separation. Feel free to connect to me directly on Facebook here: Mitch Joel on Facebook. Check out ThinkersOne. or you can connect on LinkedIn. ...or on Twitter. Here is my conversation with Peter Winick. Thought Leadership Leverage.  Leveraging Thought Leadership Podcast. Follow Peter on LinkedIn. Follow Peter on X. This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'.  Takeaways  Practice and refinement are essential for thought leaders to deliver valuable content. Social media can serve as an R&D; lab for testing ideas and gathering feedback. Thoughtful thought leadership focuses on adding value and engaging with the audience, while influencer marketing aims to persuade and sell products. Respecting the publish button and ensuring the quality of content is crucial for thought leaders. Artificial intelligence can be used to enhance thought leadership by improving writing, generating opposing perspectives, and providing new insights.  Chapters:  00:00 - Introduction and Background 01:31 - The Value of Thought Leadership 06:20 - Building Personal Brand and Thought Leadership 10:36 - The Power of Thought Leadership in Corporate Settings 11:36 - The Role of Social Proof in Thought Leadership 15:19 - Balancing Vanity Metrics and Strategic Networking 25:13 - Monetizing Relationships and Thought Leadership 27:10 - Democratizing Intellectual Property and Broadening Offerings 29:21 - Building a Sustainable Thought Leadership Business 30:19 - Thought Leadership as a Business Generation Strategy 31:21 - The Real Money in Thought Leadership: B2B 34:06 - Creating Personalized Experiences and Extending the Event Impact 37:27 - The Limitations of Speaking and the Need for Behavior Change 39:18 - The Importance of Lifelong Learning and Content Creation 47:58 - Experimenting with Different Formats and Reaching the Target Market 49:36 - Practicing in Public and the Challenges of Thought Leadership 53:18 - Using Social Media as an R&D; Lab 54:15 Thoughtful Thought Leadership vs. Influencer Marketing 56:52 - Adding Sizzle to Thought Leadership 58:38 - Using AI to Enhance Thought Leadership 

SPOS #931 – Peter Winick Debates Mitch Joel On The Art And Business Of Thought Leadership

Welcome to episode #930 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast. Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast - Episode #930. I’ve known Juliette Powell since she was a famed VJ on MusiquePlus - MuchMusic and I was a music journalist back in the mid-ninties. While we lost touch over the years, we reconnected when she published her book about social media in 2008,  33 Million People in the Room - How to Create, Influence, and Run a Successful Business with Social Networking, and more recently with her latest, The AI Dilemma - 7 Principles for Responsible Technology (co-authored with Art Kleiner). The balance between innovation and ethics with artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly crucial. Juliette, a seasoned consultant at the intersection of technology and business (wit her consultancy, KPI), addresses this challenge head-on in The AI Dilemma. The book is a roadmap for businesses and governments looking to harness AI's potential responsibly. Juliette delves into the pressing issues surrounding AI deployment and the imperative of upholding ethical standards. With her extensive background consulting for multinational companies and her research at Columbia University, Juliette brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective to the AI discourse. She explores the dual nature of AI - its capacity to drive unprecedented progress and its potential to perpetuate harm. She articulates the seven principles outlined in her book, which serve as guidelines for developing AI systems that support human flourishing while minimizing risks. These principles focus on rigorous risk assessment, transparency, data protection, bias reduction, accountability, organizational flexibility, and fostering an environment of psychological safety and creative friction. Juliette's insights are informed by real-world examples and her collaborations with institutions like Intel Labs and governmental bodies, which underscore the complexity of AI’s impact across various sectors. Our discussion also touches on the broader social implications of AI, including the challenges posed by data ownership, the illusion of personalized experiences, and the global divide in data value. Juliette addresses the confusion surrounding the term 'AI' and the critical need for digital literacy to navigate its consequences effectively. We all know that AI presents significant challenges but it also offers remarkable opportunities for those willing to engage with it thoughtfully and ethically. Enjoy the conversation...  Running time: 1:00:36. Hello from beautiful Montreal. Subscribe over at  Apple Podcasts. Please visit and leave comments on the blog - Six Pixels of Separation. Feel free to connect to me directly on Facebook here: Mitch Joel on Facebook. Check out ThinkersOne. or you can connect on LinkedIn. ...or on Twitter. Here is my conversation with Juliette Powell. The AI Dilemma - 7 Principles for Responsible Technology.  33 Million People in the Room - How to Create, Influence, and Run a Successful Business with Social Networking. KPI. Follow Juliette on LinkedIn. Follow Juliette on X. This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'.  Takeaways  Understanding the impact of AI requires critical thinking and digital literacy. Data ownership and the responsible deployment of AI are crucial considerations. Government regulation and international cooperation are necessary to address the challenges of AI. The term 'AI' is often misused and misunderstood, leading to confusion in the marketplace. The development and deployment of AI should be driven by ethical considerations and a risk-benefit analysis. The Apex Benchmark. Alignment and Human Values: Ensuring that AI systems align with human values is a complex challenge, as different cultures and individuals have varying moral perspectives.  Creative Friction and Diverse Perspectives: The best products and ideas are often the result of collaboration and diverse perspectives.  AI as a Tool for Creativity: AI can enhance human creativity by providing new perspectives, prompting exploration of new ideas, and generating content.  Ethics, AI, and the Future of Work: The ethical implications of AI are significant, particularly in relation to job displacement and income inequality.  Unconditional Love and Connection: The power of unconditional love and connection can shape our perspectives and actions.   Chapters:  00:00 0 Introduction and Background 02:28 - Early Recognition of AI's Impact 04:02 - Understanding Machine Learning and Data Ownership 06:36 - Lack of Transparency in AI Systems 07:42 - The Quandary of Personal Data and AI 09:33 - The Disconnect Between Public Awareness and Concern 11:08 - The Rise of AI and Data as New Oil 15:12 - The Need for Responsible AI Deployment 16:24 - Government Discourse and Regulation on AI 21:35 - Nationalism and Geopolitical Competition in AI 24:18 - Confusion and Misuse of the Term 'AI' 28:56 - The Importance of Digital Literacy 32:19 - The Pressure to Deploy AI and the Lack of Understanding 39:16 - The Excitement and Impact of ChatGPT 41:26 - The Apex Benchmark and the Race to Follow 45:23 - Alignment and the Challenge of Human Values 48:53 - Creative Friction and the Power of Diverse Perspectives 50:09 - The Medium is the Message: AI as a Tool for Creativity 54:24 - Ethics, AI, and the Future of Work 55:56 - Unconditional Love and the Power of Connection 

SPOS #930 – Juliette Powell On The AI Dilemma

Welcome to episode #929 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast. Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast - Episode #929. Uncertainty and rapid change have become the business norm. The need for brave leadership is more pronounced than ever. Todd Henry, self-describes as an "arms dealer for the creative revolution," brings this point home in his latest book, The Brave Habit - A Guide To Courageous Leadership. Known for his extensive work with leaders and organizations to foster environments of innovation and creative brilliance, Todd's insights are always invaluable for anyone looking to thrive in creative or challenging industries. Todd’s been a friend for over a decade, and he is the person that I turn to when I think about new ways for human beings to be creative and more effective. Todd explores the evolving dynamics of bravery in the business world, especially in the realms of book publishing and the integration of artificial intelligence into creative processes. As the landscape of publishing shifts and AI begins to play a significant role in creativity, Todd discusses how these tools can be leveraged to enhance creative output without compromising the integrity of artistic expression. The Brave Habit is not just a manual - it's a manifesto for courageous action in times of daunting challenges. Todd emphasizes that bravery isn't an innate trait possessed by a select few but a skill that can be honed. His practical framework for courageous leadership is designed to empower professionals to make tough decisions and lead confidently through times of uncertainty. The conversation also touches on the risks posed by cancel culture and the pervasive fear of judgment that can stifle bold decision-making. Todd argues that creating a balance between homogeneity and creativity is crucial for fostering a culture of innovation. He highlights the role of empathy in understanding diverse perspectives and building a supportive environment where bravery can flourish. According to Todd, bravery involves doing the right thing in the face of fear or personal loss, and it is something that can and should be cultivated daily. Todd is also the author of The Accidental Creative, Die Empty, Herding Tigers, Daily Creative (also the name of his excellent and recently rebooted podcast), and Louder Than Words. Todd is also active on ThinkersOne where you can book him to pop into your next meeting. Enjoy the conversation...  Running time: 1:09:06. Hello from beautiful Montreal. Subscribe over at  Apple Podcasts. Please visit and leave comments on the blog - Six Pixels of Separation. Feel free to connect to me directly on Facebook here: Mitch Joel on Facebook. Check out ThinkersOne. or you can connect on LinkedIn. ...or on Twitter. Here is my conversation with Todd Henry. The Brave Habit - A Guide To Courageous Leadership. Daily Creative. Daily Creative Podcast. The Accidental Creative. Die Empty. Herding Tigers. Louder Than Words. Check out Todd on ThinkersOne. Follow Todd on X. Follow Todd In Instagram. Follow Todd on LinkedIn. This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'.  Takeaways  The traditional model of book publishing is evolving, with new formats and publishing options emerging. AI has the potential to enhance creativity by providing new avenues of exploration and inspiration. Creativity is a complex concept, and the impact of AI on creativity is still being explored. Bravery is essential in creative pursuits, as it requires taking risks and challenging the status quo.  Cancel culture and the fear of making missteps can hinder bravery in the workplace. Finding a balance between homogeneity and creativity is crucial for fostering innovation. Empathy plays a significant role in promoting bravery and understanding different perspectives. Bravery is defined as doing the right thing even in the face of fear or personal loss. Being brave in a cowardice situation requires listening to one's conscience and not succumbing to societal pressures. Bravery can be developed and trained, and it is not limited to extraordinary acts. Promoting bravery in everyday life involves creating a culture that values empathy, meaningful conversations, and the willingness to challenge the status quo.  Chapters:  00:00 - Introduction and Book Formats 03:00 - The Changing Landscape of Book Publishing 06:11 - New Models for Book Publishing 09:22 - The Role of AI in Creativity 15:10 - The Complexity of Creativity and AI 21:18 - The Impact of AI on Creativity and Imagination 30:05 - The Brave Habit and Bravery in Creativity 36:36 - Balancing Artistic Expression and Market Demands 41:09 - Taking Brave Actions in Creative Pursuits 41:59 - The Rewarding of Bravery in the Business World 45:12 - The Impact of Cancel Culture on Bravery 50:14 - The Balance Between Homogeneity and Creativity 54:53 - The Role of Empathy in Bravery 01:00:06 - The Definition and Opposite of Bravery 01:01:17 - Being Brave in a Cowardice Situation 01:04:06 - Discovering the Nature of Bravery 01:05:22 - Promoting Bravery in Everyday Life 

SPOS #929 – Todd Henry On Cultivating Bravery In Creative Leadership

Welcome to episode #928 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast. Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast - Episode #928. Let’s explore what it means to master something. Dr. Michael Gervais is a world-renowned high-performance psychologist whose work has revolutionized the way we think about fear, potential, and personal growth. Mike, whose career spans working with top athletes and Fortune 100 leaders, delves into the critical barriers that impede our success and satisfaction in life — chief among them, the Fear Of Other People's Opinions (aka FOPO). His new book, The First Rule of Mastery - Stop Worrying about What People Think of You, dives deep into overcoming this pervasive fear. Mike articulates how FOPO manifests in nearly all aspects of our lives, constricting our actions and dampening our authenticity. From the sports field to the boardroom, the consequences of surrendering to FOPO are universally detrimental, leading us to play it safe and small. During our conversation, Mike shares his personal journey of curiosity, which has fueled his passion for understanding the human mind and its vast capabilities. He emphasizes that the path to mastery isn't just about achieving external success but about engaging in a lifelong process of learning, artistic expression, and embracing the moment. This approach not only enhances personal fulfillment but also drives us to contribute meaningfully to the world around us. We discuss the broader implications of living under the shadow of FOPO in today’s society, where insularity and tribalism often dominate. He highlights the importance of embracing a balanced perspective and the dual recognition of our significance to others while acknowledging our smallness in the grand scheme of things. As someone who splits his time between innovative projects at the  Performance Science Institute at USC and his podcast Finding Mastery, Mike embodies the balance between action and reflection, making him an ideal guide for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of themselves and the world through the lens of mastery. Whether you're a leader, educator, or simply someone pursuing personal growth, this conversation will empower you to lead a high-performance life by mastering the art of tuning out the noise and focusing on what truly matters. Enjoy the conversation...  Running time: 1:03:16. Hello from beautiful Montreal. Subscribe over at  Apple Podcasts. Please visit and leave comments on the blog - Six Pixels of Separation. Feel free to connect to me directly on Facebook here: Mitch Joel on Facebook. Check out ThinkersOne. or you can connect on LinkedIn. ...or on Twitter. Here is my conversation with Dr. Michael Gervais. The First Rule of Mastery - Stop Worrying about What People Think of You. Finding Mastery Podcast. Finding Mastery. Follow Mike on LinkedIn. Follow Mike on X. Follow Mike on Instagram. Follow Mike on YouTube. This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'.  Takeaways  Fear of other people's opinions (FOPO) can be a major obstacle to personal growth and potential. Setting high standards for oneself is more effective than having expectations. Context and culture play a crucial role in shaping our actions and behaviors. The path to mastery involves a deep commitment to learning, artistic expression, and a love affair with the unfolding moment. Maintaining authenticity and staying true to oneself can be challenging in the face of external expectations and pressures.  The voice inside our heads can either be a protector or a propeller, and it's important to be aware of its influence on our thoughts and actions. Success is a subjective concept that varies from person to person and is influenced by cultural and individual values. The current state of society is characterized by increasing insularity, tribalism, and a focus on superficial metrics of success. To live a good life, it is important to prioritize experiences, relationships, and personal growth over external achievements. Investing in mental skills training, such as mindfulness, journaling, and conversations with wise individuals, can help cultivate a positive mindset and navigate challenges. The path to mastery involves embracing duality, recognizing our significance in the lives of others while also acknowledging our smallness in the grand scheme of things.  Chapters:  00:00 - Introduction and Background. 08:24 - Setting High Standards for Personal Growth. 30:34 - Navigating Authenticity in the Face of External Expectations. 39:33 - The importance of awareness. 48:30 - The current state of society. 55:24 - Unleashing human potential. 

SPOS #928 – Michael Gervais On The First Rule Of Mastery

Welcome to episode #927 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast. Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast - Episode #927. Let’s get much more curious in our work (and in our daily lives) to help bring this world closer together. Scott Shigeoka has spent his time exploring the power of curiosity. This has not only won him accolades but also transformed how we think about bridging divides in our increasingly complex world. His new book, Seek - How Curiosity Can Transform Your Life and Change the World, offers a look into curiosity as a force for positive change, earning praise from thinkers like Malcolm Gladwell and Adam Grant, and recognition as an Amazon Best Book of 2023. Scott’s unique perspective is shaped by a diverse background — from his roots in Hawaii to teaching groundbreaking courses at the University of Texas at Austin, and speaking for brands like Google and Pixar. His journey through curiosity began as a personal quest and has evolved into a universal call to action, underscored by his work at UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center. Our conversation also touches on the impact of the pandemic on curiosity, a time when questions and the search for understanding became more critical than ever. Scott discusses how embracing curiosity can empower us to navigate through crises with resilience and hope. He also delves into the challenges of cancel culture and scrutiny, which can stifle curiosity. Beyond individual growth, Scott explores how institutions like universities can serve as incubators for curiosity, promoting an environment where challenging discussions can occur without fear. The role of emotions in fueling or hindering curiosity emerges as a key theme, with Scott advocating for emotional intelligence as a complement to intellectual inquiry. As Scott splits his time between the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area and the tranquil Mojave Desert, he embodies the balance between action and reflection, making him an ideal guide for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the world through the lens of curiosity. Whether you're a leader, educator, or simply someone looking to foster more meaningful connections, this conversation promises to offer valuable insights into making curiosity a dynamic part of your everyday life. Enjoy the conversation...  Running time: 1:00:26. Hello from beautiful Montreal. Subscribe over at  Apple Podcasts. Please visit and leave comments on the blog - Six Pixels of Separation. Feel free to connect to me directly on Facebook here: Mitch Joel on Facebook. Check out ThinkersOne. or you can connect on LinkedIn. ...or on Twitter. Here is my conversation with Scott Shigeoka. Seek - How Curiosity Can Transform Your Life and Change the World. Greater Good Science Center. Follow Scott on Instagram. Follow Scott on X. Follow Scott on LinkedIn. This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'.  Takeaways  Hope and optimism are essential for fostering curiosity and a vision for the future. Cancel culture and the fear of scrutiny can hinder curiosity and prevent the exploration of different perspectives. Power dynamics play a role in curiosity, with those in positions of power needing to be curious about the perspectives of others. Emotions can impact curiosity, and it is important to create spaces where different perspectives can be shared without fear of judgment. College campuses can serve as laboratories for fostering curiosity and bridging differences. Curiosity has the power to change perspectives and create positive relationships.  Chapters:  00:00 - Introduction and Background 02:15 - The Science of Curiosity 04:54 - The Catalyst for Writing the Book 07:49 - Curiosity During the Pandemic 12:51 - The Importance of Curiosity in Healing 18:36 - The Role of Curiosity in Bridging Differences 19:13 - The Power of Asking Questions 21:31 - The Dive Model 28:38 - Scaling Curiosity and Bridging Differences 43:17 - The Importance of Hope and Optimism 44:03 - The Fear of Scrutiny and Cancel Culture 45:00 - The Impact of Cancel Culture on Curiosity 46:47 - The Role of Power in Curiosity 49:17 - The Impact of Emotions on Curiosity 52:41 - Curiosity and Polarization on College Campuses 55:23 - Creating Spaces for Curiosity on College Campuses 59:04 - The Power of Curiosity to Change Perspectives 

SPOS #842 - Andrea Belk Olson On Secret Customer Needs

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