The Expansive

In this episode, we discuss the evolution of technology and community, celebrate some of our recent podcasting successes, and introduce the new show format. We dive into some key topics, including AI developments in Abu Dhabi, how mushrooms are powering robotics, and leadership lessons from big names like Nike and Eskom. The conversation also touches on Amazon’s back-to-office mandate and troubling revelations about P. Diddy, highlighting the importance of breaking cycles of abuse and the role of leadership in shaping organizations.

Stories We Covered:

1. BlackRock, Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), Microsoft, MGX, and NVIDIA are forming a groundbreaking partnership.
2. Cornell University has developed a robot powered by mushrooms!
3. Amazon US Officially Ends Hybrid Working
4. Nike’s New CEO Faces Major Challenges
5. The shocking news of P. Diddy's arrest.
6. Meta Introduces Teen Accounts for Under-18s on Instagram
7. Eskom Marks 6 Months of No Load Shedding

Additional Highlights:

• We start off by celebrating our Podcast of the Year win at APVA.
• Teasing our upcoming book (watch this space!).
• John shares his experience at a tech summit in Abu Dhabi, tied to the new BlackRock partnership. Plus, a documentary he saw claims that without London, England would be a third-world country!
• A classic "Expansive" episode isn’t complete without a mushroom story—this time, a mushroom is helping a robot walk.
• Leadership stories from Amazon's return-to-office mandate and South Africa’s Eskom leadership. Did new management end load shedding after six months?
• We dive into the psychological tactics of the Springboks' "Bomb Squad," a brilliant strategy by Rassie to boost the energy of the bench players.

Bonus Topics:

• John gives his top tips on how to stand out in the corporate world, sparking a debate on remote vs. in-office work.
• And yes, we also talk about P. Diddy. Erik gets reflective, while John just wanted to gossip – classic!

To listen to The Current Podcast, go to - https://www.investec.com/en_za/focus/the-

current. 

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In this captivating episode, our hosts dive deep into the art of storytelling, revealing how this ancient skill can transform your personal and professional life. From shaping self-perception to building lasting relationships, this masterclass is packed with insights you won't want to miss.

The episode kicks off with a bang, exploring how the stories we tell ourselves profoundly impact our self-image and interactions with others. As the conversation unfolds, John regales listeners with a hilarious personal anecdote (you'll have to tune in to hear it!) that perfectly illustrates the power of engaging storytelling.

Key takeaways from this must-listen episode include:

- The critical role of emotional highs and lows in captivating presentations

- How clarity and context can make or break your message

- The secret ingredient that keeps your audience on the edge of their seats

- Why personal stories are your most potent tool for connection

- The undeniable link between passion and impact in storytelling

Whether you're a business leader, educator, or simply someone looking to enhance your communication skills, this episode offers invaluable insights into the craft of storytelling. Our hosts emphasise the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in honing your narrative abilities.

Don't miss out on this game-changing discussion that could revolutionise how you connect with others. Tune in now and discover how to harness the transformative power of storytelling in your own life and career!

#StorytellingMasterclass #CommunicationSkills #PersonalDevelopment #PublicSpeaking #EffectivePresentation #theexpansive

To listen to The Current Podcast, go to - https://www.investec.com/en_za/focus/the-

current. 

Please like and subscribe to our channel and leave us a comment! We love hearing from our listeners and we thank you for being apart of our community!

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Head to: DocMarty.com and use code THEEXPANSIVE for 20% off your first purchase!

Do you want to achieve and live your ideal life? 

In this episode, Erik Kruger and John Sanei discuss the essential factors for creating the life you truly desire. They delve into five key areas worth investing in to achieve a more fulfilling and purposeful life. The guys even share their own personal affirmations they use on a daily basis to achieve their success. Erik and John offer practical insights and actionable advice to guide you on your journey.

Connect with Us:

• Subscribe to The Expansive: [link.chtbl.com/expansive]
• LinkedIn: Expansive Podcast LinkedIn
• YouTube: Expansive Podcast Playlist
• Instagram: @theexpansivepodcast
• TikTok: @theexpansivepodcast

Connect with John Sanei:

• Instagram: @johnsanei
• LinkedIn: John Sanei

Connect with Erik Kruger:

• Instagram: @erik_kruger
• LinkedIn: Erik Kruger

Call to Action:

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate and review our podcast! Share your thoughts and feedback with us on social media or drop us a message at [email protected]

 Stay tuned for more inspiring content!

To listen to The Current Podcast, go to - https://www.investec.com/en_za/focus/the-

current. 

Please like and subscribe to our channel and leave us a comment! We love hearing from our listeners and we thank you for being apart of our community!

Socials:

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Head to: DocMarty.com and use code THEEXPANSIVE for 20% off your first purchase!

Would you go to the Peruvian jungle to do Ayahuasca to prepare for the Paris Olympics 2024? Dallas Oberholzer did.

This show is all about Expansion. Expanding your mind, business and ultimately your life! That’s why when we have people doing amazing things that push the boundaries of the norm - we get excited! And thats exactly who we on the pod today.

In this episode, John Sanei sits down with long time friend and skateboarding legend Dallas Oberholzer who has just returned from the 2024 Paris Olympics. John dives into his unorthodox journey to the Olympics with no funding, no team behind him, and how he went to Peru to go on an Ayahuasca journey to find a holistic way to expand his abilities in his life and also quit smoking weed. Dallas spills the BTS of the Olympics village. Were the beds really that bad? Did he meet Raygun? Did he smoke with Snoop?!  We get it all!

Dallas is also known for his incredible contribution to the South African skateboarding world, where he is the founder of Indigo Youth Movement, who’s mission is to use skateboarding as a tool for youth development, particularly in rural and disadvantaged communities in South Africa.

Enjoy the show!

To listen to The Current Podcast, go to - https://www.investec.com/en_za/focus/the-

current. 

Please like and subscribe to our channel and leave us a comment! We love hearing from our listeners and we thank you for being apart of our community!

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This episode is a masterclass in overcoming defensiveness, fostering a culture of exploration, and driving innovation through openness and effective collaboration. Get ready to explore the themes of collaboration, innovation, and the future of work in this insightful conversation.

Join Hosts John Sanei and Erik Kruger as they dive deep into the essential elements of team building in 2024, and explore what it takes to nurture leaders who are prepared to navigate today’s complex and rapidly changing business landscape

To listen to The Current Podcast, go to - https://www.investec.com/en_za/focus/the-

current. 

Please like and subscribe to our channel and leave us a comment! We love hearing from our listeners and we thank you for being apart of our community!

Socials:

Instagram: @theexpansivepodcast

X: @theexpansivepod

Linkedin: The Expansive Podcast

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Head to: DocMarty.com and use code THEEXPANSIVE for 20% off your first purchase!

In this episode of The Expansive, hosts John Sanei and Erik Kruger dive into personal and professional transformations, discussing John’s journey from restaurant ownership to bankruptcy and Erik’s insights on balancing ambition with relaxation. The conversation explores wellness practices, including the evolving view on psychedelics and alternative therapies and we end with some Paris Olympics talk!

John’s Journey: From Restaurants to Reinvention 

• John  reflects on his early career in the restaurant industry and the financial challenges that led to bankruptcy.
• Highlights:
  • John’s start in hospitality and early successes with Primi Piatti.
  • The impact of high testosterone and financial risk-taking.
  • The emotional and financial toll of bankruptcy.
  • How the experience reshaped John’s views on money and self-worth.

Erik  on Balancing Ambition and Relaxation 

• Erik discusses the challenges of maintaining a balance between pushing for success and taking time to recharge.
• Highlights:
  • Insights on the Enneagram personality type and its influence on achievement.
  • The importance of enjoying the process and letting go of outcomes.
  • Strategies for incorporating relaxation and intentional time into a busy schedule.

Exploring Modern Wellness Practices 

• A joint discussion on the rise of wellness practices, including psychedelics and alternative therapies.
• Highlights:
  • The shift in perception of practices like ketamine, MDMA, and psilocybin.
  • Reflections on how these practices contrast with past views on wellness and drugs.

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To listen to The Current Podcast, go to - https://www.investec.com/en_za/focus/the-

current. 

Please like and subscribe to our channel and leave us a comment! We love hearing from our listeners and we thank you for being apart of our community!

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WOW! What an episode. We love bringing new and innovative ideas about not only wellness, but concept in business and todays episode is exactly that. Joined by visionary thinkers Rowan Belchers and Ellie Seilern, John quite literally got his mind blown by the concept of becoming attuned with your business as its own sentient being. Being in relationship with your business? What a thought. We loved it. You're going to love it. Don't miss out on being ahead of the curve. Enjoy!

1. Attuning to your business as a sentient, intelligent being with its own purpose and potentiality
2. Viewing business as a devotional practice and sacred endeavour
3. Bringing sacredness and success together in business
4. Expanding your consciousness to relate to your business in a new way
5. Tapping into the hidden intelligence and potential of your business

Rowan is a  "business romantic" who believes businesses are beautiful. Rowan focuses on implementing sacred business principles to drive performance and results.

Ellie has a consulting business helping founders build sacred, successful businesses. She also teaches visionary founders energy technologies to tap into their business's unique potentiality. Ellie views business as a devotional practice and her greatest teacher.

Other key points:

• The importance of attuning to your business as a separate entity with its own intelligence
• How seeing your business as sentient can unlock new potential and insights
• Practical tips for starting to relate to your business in a more sacred way
• The potential societal impact of bringing more sacredness into business

Notable quote: "Your business loves you unconditionally, just like the sacred loves us unconditionally because business is an aspect of the sacred, just like we are an aspect of the sacred." - Ellie

To listen to The Current Podcast, go to - https://www.investec.com/en_za/focus/the-

current. 

Please like and subscribe to our channel and leave us a comment! We love hearing from our listeners and we thank you for being apart of our community!

Socials:

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Head to: DocMarty.com and use code THEEXPANSIVE for 20% off your first purchase!

1. The Expansive podcast has been nominated for Best Podcast of the Year at the African Podcast and Voice Awards. Voting details will be shared soon.
2. Discussion on the challenges of podcasting, including discoverability issues and competition with major shows like Joe Rogan.
3. Main topic: The concept of "letting go" to create more flow in life
   • Contrasts with typical ambitious, high-pressure approaches
   • Involves releasing attachment to outcomes while still taking action
   • Differs from apathy, which is not caring at all
   • Requires practice and a shift in mindset
4. Two key insights shared:
   • Noticing reactivity in daily life and choosing to let go of unnecessary responses
   • Distinguishing between detachment (positive) and apathy (negative)
5. Benefits of "letting go" approach:
   • Reduces stress and anxiousness
   • Allows for more creativity and adaptability
   • Applies to personal life, leadership, and organizations
6. Quote of the week: "You are thinking too much, just let it flow." - E. Palusak

Plant Wave Concert: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VNC-T35ExE&list=PLAEIBaDzoJ5HicxO1NybOHBA8Z6T8-Vfk&index=13&t=364s 

Plant Wave Website https://plantwave.com/

To listen to The Current Podcast, go to - https://www.investec.com/en_za/focus/the-

current. 

Please like and subscribe to our channel and leave us a comment! We love hearing from our listeners and we thank you for being apart of our community!

Socials:

Instagram: @theexpansivepodcast

X: @theexpansivepod

Linkedin: The Expansive Podcast

Tik Tok: theexpansivepodcast

Head to: DocMarty.com and use code THEEXPANSIVE for 20% off your first purchase!

Key Topics and Timestamps:

1. Introduction and "Podwalking" Concept (00:00 - 23:00)
   • Discussion of "podwalking" as a new trend for hybrid teams
   • Benefits of structured learning and discussion in organizations
   • Importance of leadership in facilitating learning experiences
2. The Evolution of Public Speaking (23:00 - 30:00)
   • Richard's 21 years of speaking experience
   • The timeless principles of effective communication
   • How audience expectations have changed over time
3. The Shapiro Matrix and Four Novelties (30:00 - 39:00)
   • Introduction to Julian Shapiro's concept of novelties in writing/speaking
   • Detailed explanation of the four novelties: a) Counterintuitive b) Counter-narrative c) Elegant articulation d) Shock and awe
   • Examples and personal experiences with each novelty type
4. The Impact of AI and Technology on Public Speaking (39:00 - end)
   • The increasing value of authentic, in-person communication
   • How AI and shortened attention spans have elevated the importance of public speaking
   • The unique combination of authority and extended attention in live presentations
5. Theatrics in Keynote Speaking
   • Discussion of novel presentation techniques (e.g., 3D projections)
   • Examples of impactful presentations (Jamie Oliver's sugar demonstration, Bill Gates' mosquito release)
6. Importance of Fundamental Speaking Principles
   • Logos, Pathos, Ethos
   • Rhetorical devices like antimetabole and tricolon
7. Skill vs. System Curve in Speaking
   • High skill, low system speakers can be entertaining but may not drive change
   • Example: Ken Robinson's popular TED Talk criticized for lack of substance
8. Rich Mulholland's Approach to Talks
   • Core talk: "Relentless Relevance" with variations for different audiences
   • Balancing information and entertainment
9. Key Topics for Corporate Speaking Engagements
   • Sales, leadership, culture, and future
10. Importance of Future-Oriented Content in Speaking
11. Specialization vs. Generalization in Speaking Careers
    • Need for niche expertise, especially in markets like the US
12. Strategies for Speaking on Unfamiliar Topics
    • Using metaphors and "distance management"
    • Creating relatable examples and frameworks
13. Authenticity and Audience Connection
    • Importance of understanding audience limitations
    • Avoiding pretending to be an insider when you're not
14. The Impact of AI on Public Speaking
    • Growing importance of storytelling and authenticity
    • Challenges of engaging audiences in a world of hyperintelligence
15. The Universal "Bullshit Detector" in Audiences
    • Importance of being genuine and playing to your strengths as a speaker

To listen to The Current Podcast, go to - https://www.investec.com/en_za/focus/the-

current. 

Please like and subscribe to our channel and leave us a comment! We love hearing from our listeners and we thank you for being apart of our community!

Socials:

Instagram: @theexpansivepodcast

X: @theexpansivepod

Linkedin: The Expansive Podcast

Tik Tok: theexpansivepodcast

Head to: DocMarty.com and use code THEEXPANSIVE for 20% off your first purchase!