The Human Risk Podcast

How does moral polarization challenge even the most well-intentioned leaders?

In this episode, I speak with Morgan Hamel, who talks frankly about her journey from working in business ethics to launching her own ethical fashion business.

In our conversation, Morgan reflects on the complex dynamics of running a business that sought to balance purpose and profit and how that vision was tested by the demands of a polarized world.

Morgan’s story offers a candid look at the pressures business leaders face today—particularly around ethical decision-making and navigating stakeholder expectations. She shares her personal experiences of how social media, moral polarization, and the expectations of "doing good" can create enormous challenges for business owners who want to stay true to their values while also being commercially successful.

We explore the notion of moral polarization and how leaders can prepare themselves to handle the reputational and psychological pressure that comes with balancing ethics and business in today’s climate.

Morgan Hamel
Morgan describes herself as an entrepreneur and ethics expert who has dedicated her career to exploring the intersection of business and ethics. She began her journey in business ethics after studying applied ethics at Utrecht University. She later spent 11 years working in the ethics office of a large Canadian corporation, where she helped develop integrity programs and worked on aligning corporate actions with ethical codes.

After leaving corporate life, Morgan founded her own ethical fashion business, "The Garment," which sought to change the face of fashion by connecting women with responsibly made clothes. However, her business came under immense pressure during the moral and social upheaval following the death of George Floyd.

Morgan ultimately made the difficult decision to close the business, leading her to reflect on the deeper issues of moral polarization that businesses face today. Today, she works with organizations, boards, and executives to help them navigate the complexities of ethical leadership in a polarized world.

AI-generated timestamp summary

[00:00:00] - Introduction to the mini-series on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
[00:01:12] - Morgan's background in business ethics and her decision to start an ethical fashion business.

[00:02:33] - Morgan reflects on her business's failure due to the competing demands of ethics and commercial success.

[00:04:00] - The pressures of leading ethically in a polarized world, particularly on social media.

[00:07:10] - The dangers of moral polarization in business decision-making.

[00:10:20] - How post-2012 pressures (social media influence) have changed the ethical landscape for businesses.

[00:18:00] - Lessons from Morgan’s decision to close her business despite its commercial success.

[00:30:00] - A discussion on aligning business actions with ethical values and balancing profit with purpose.

[00:46:55] - Morgan’s reflections on handling reputational risk and psychological pressure.

[01:00:40] - The rise of post-2012 ethical risks and how leaders can prepare themselves.

[01:10:00] - Morgan’s current work on moral polarization and her advice for business leaders today.

Links
To find out more about Morgan, visit her website: https://www.morganhamel.com/

Morgan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morgan-hamel-365537210/

The previous episode of this mini-series on DI&E: https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/chloevaldary-morganhamel-peterstein-on-diversity-equity-inclusion/

The essay she wrote with Keith Darcy on Stakeholder Activism: https://www.morganhamel.com/stakeholder-activism

Morgan's TED Talk: https://tedxyyc.ca/talk/morgan-hamel/

What do you think of when you hear the words Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I)? If it's something negative, then this is the episode for you; because I'm exploring how we can transform DE&I from something theoretical but impractical to something that can really work and have a positive impact for everyone. In other words, how we can de-polarize it?

On this milestone 300th episode of the Human Risk podcast, I’m joined by three remarkable guests—Chloé Valdary, Morgan Hamel, and Peter Stein—who are working together to revolutionize how organizations approach DE&I.

Morgan, a former fashion ethicist, shares her story of navigating the challenges of DE&I while running her own business and how it led her to Chloé and Peter's groundbreaking work at The Theory of Enchantment.

Throughout the episode, we explore how their unique approach moves away from traditional and often divisive methods of addressing DE&I. Instead, they advocate for a humanistic approach that fosters genuine connection and respect, even across seemingly insurmountable divides.

If you’ve ever felt disillusioned by standard DE&I strategies, this conversation will open your eyes to a new way of thinking.

You’ll also hear about the challenges of implementing meaningful DE&I practices in today’s polarized world, with real-world examples of companies that have struggled — and sometimes failed — to get it right. 

This is a refreshing and practical discussion for leaders and professionals who want to find a more sustainable, inclusive, and human-centred way to manage DE&I in the workplace.

Biography of the Guests

Morgan Hamel describes herself as a fashion ethicist and former compliance officer, now focused on exploring the intersection of ethics, reputation, and diversity in business. Morgan ran her own fashion company, The Garment, where she experienced firsthand the challenges of navigating DE&I, ultimately leading her to close the business. Passionate about finding new solutions to old problems, Morgan now collaborates with Chloe and Peter to help businesses tackle polarization and inclusivity more meaningfully.

Chloé Valdary founded The Theory of Enchantment, an innovative framework for DE&I that emphasizes compassion, curiosity, and emotional resilience. Chloé’s work has gained international recognition for its refreshing take on a traditionally contentious space. She’s committed to depolarizing organizations and fostering environments where diverse perspectives are welcomed and celebrated.

Peter Stein partners with Chloé at The Theory of Enchantment, bringing a broad humanist perspective to the world of DE&I. With a background that spans academia and business, Peter focuses on building bridges across ideological divides, helping organizations heal from the harm caused by poorly implemented DE&I practices. His work is rooted in a belief that compassion and open dialogue are key to effective change.

AI-Generated Timestamped Summary

• [00:00:00] Introduction: 300th episode celebration and series overview
  
  
• [00:01:00] Introducing guests: Morgan, Chloe, and Peter's unique collaboration
  
  
• [00:03:00] Morgan shares her journey from running a fashion company to her current focus on ethics and DE&I.
  
  
• [00:09:00] The difficulty of finding DE&I approaches that unify rather than divide.
  
  
• [00:16:00] Chloe discusses the harm caused by mainstream DE&I practices and the need for more human-centered approaches.
  
  
• [00:22:00] Peter shares stories of organizations harmed by divisive DE&I programs.
  
  
• [00:36:00] Morgan’s reflections on the value of the Theory of Enchantment’s work in depolarizing organizations.
  
  
• [00:50:00] The power of viewpoint diversity and why curiosity is key to effective DE&I.
  
  
• [00:54:00] Conclusion: What to expect in future episodes featuring more in-depth interviews with each guest.

Links
Theory of Enchantment website: https://theoryofenchantment.com

Morgan's website: https://www.morganhamel.com/

The Governance Certificate in Depolarization run by Morgan: https://www.cpaalberta.ca/Professional-Development/Executive-Programs/Governance-Certificate-in-De-Polarization

Jordan Peterson's interview with Chloé: https://youtu.be/3rZkv_prTOk?si=MyPXub1_0AMM-4S0

John McWhorter’s book, Woke Racism: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/696856/woke-racism-by-john-mcwhorter/

Bud Light Diversity Controversy: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bud_Light_boycott

How does neurodiversity impact creativity? On this episode, I explore the challenges of mental health and how it can be both a driver of astonishing creativity and the cause of significant pain. I believe that having conversations about mental health is crucial if we want to create an inclusive society and get the best out of everyone. 

To discuss this topic, I’m joined by the incredibly talented Matt Ottley, an author, illustrator, composer, and musician whose work spans multiple mediums and touches on profound themes. Matt’s journey as a creative artist has been deeply shaped by his experiences with Type 1 Bipolar Disorder, giving him a unique, and sometimes challenging, perspective on creativity and mental health. 

Together, we discuss how Matt’s mental health has influenced his artistic process, how he navigates the extreme highs and lows of bipolar disorder, and how these experiences have culminated in his latest work, The Tree of Ecstasy and Unbearable Sadness. This project is a powerful multimedia exploration of psychosis and recovery, blending music, art, and storytelling. Matt has generously shared some of his music with us for the episode, so you’ll hear his words and his art.

Whether you’re interested in how art intersects with mental health, curious about how neurodiversity shapes creativity, or simply want to hear an inspiring story of personal challenges turned into extraordinary work, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.


Biography of the Guest:
Matt Ottley is an acclaimed Australian artist, composer, author, and illustrator whose work spans multiple disciplines, including visual art, literature, and music. Born in Papua New Guinea and later raised in Australia, Matt’s career has seen him navigate a diverse range of artistic pursuits, from working as a flamenco and classical guitarist to composing orchestral works and illustrating children’s books. However, what makes Matt’s story truly compelling is how his experiences with Type 1 Bipolar Disorder have shaped his artistic journey.

In addition to being a highly respected figure in the Australian arts community, Matt’s work often delves into profound and deeply personal themes, particularly around mental health. His most recent multimedia project, The Tree of Ecstasy and Unbearable Sadness, is a powerful and immersive exploration of psychosis and recovery. This ambitious blend of visual art, music, and storytelling has been described as a groundbreaking representation of the experience of living with bipolar disorder.
 
Beyond his personal website, Matt’s work has been recognized globally. He has exhibited in major galleries, published numerous books, and collaborated with orchestras to create performances that fuse sound and sight. His art and music often reflect his internal experiences and challenges, offering a window into the complexities of neurodiversity.
 
AI-Generated Timestamped Summary of Key Points:
[00:00:00] – Introduction by Christian Hunt, explaining the episode’s focus on mental health, creativity, and neurodiversity.

[00:01:00] – Christian introduces Matt Ottley, highlighting his artistic career and experiences with bipolar disorder.

[00:03:00] – Matt describes his childhood in Papua New Guinea and Australia and how his early creative talents emerged in unique ways.

[00:07:00] – Matt discusses how bipolar disorder first began to shape his creative output and artistic development.

[00:12:00] – Explanation of bipolar disorder and its various forms, including Matt’s personal experiences with psychosis.

[00:16:00] – The relationship between extreme emotions, creativity, and mental health and how they fuel Matt’s artistic process.

[00:23:00] – Matt describes his multimedia project, The Tree of Ecstasy and Unbearable Sadness, as a portrayal of his experiences with psychosis.

[00:33:00] – Christian and Matt discuss societal challenges around neurodiversity, creativity, and the stigma attached to mental health.

[00:47:00] – Matt explains his creative process, particularly how music, art, and words are deeply intertwined in his work.

[01:01:00] – The episode concludes with reflections on empathy, neurodiversity, and the importance of understanding mental health.


Links

Matt's website: https://mattottley.com/

The Tree of Ecstasy and Unbearable Sadness: https://mattottley.com/product/tree-of-e/ 

CityLit Mental Wealth Festival: Saturday October 11th – Film Screening of The Tree of Ecstasy and Unbearable Sadness followed by a Q&A with Matt Ottley (via Zoom): https://www.citylit.ac.uk/events/mental-wealth-festival

What makes a digital workplace truly effective? In this episode, I talk to Sharon O'Dea, co-founder of Lithos Partners, about the intricacies of navigating the digital workplace.

Sharon brings her wealth of experience in digital communications and workplace strategies to the table, sharing insights on how organizations can leverage technology to enhance employee performance and mitigate human risk.

The conversation delves into the practical challenges of managing digital workplaces, from AI integration to the complexities of remote work.

Sharon also offers personal anecdotes, including her unique experiences in Iraq and Amsterdam, shedding light on how geography can shape one’s professional journey.

You'll hear about the importance of effective communication, the risks of poor digital practices, and the evolving work landscape in a post-pandemic world.

Guest Biography

Sharon is the co-founder of Lithos Partners, a boutique consultancy that specializes in digital workplace strategies and internal communications.

With a career that spans several years in communications, Sharon has a rich background in digital transformation and helping organisations navigate the complexities of the modern workplace. Her work includes guiding companies in optimising digital employee experiences, managing organisational data, and adopting effective communication practices in an increasingly digital world.

On her official website, Sharon describes herself as a digital strategist passionate about using technology to enhance human potential.

Beyond her professional achievements, she is known for her engaging social media presence, sharing insights on digital work, remote working, and her experiences living in Amsterdam.


AI-Generated Timestamped Summary
[00:00:00] Introduction to the episode and guest Sharon O'Dea.

[00:01:00] Sharon discusses her work at Lithos Partners and her focus on digital workplace strategies.

[00:02:00] Sharon's experience in Iraq working with the fledgling Iraqi Parliament.

[00:04:00] Challenges of digital communication and collaboration in a sectarian context.

[00:06:00] Sharon’s move to Amsterdam and how the city influences her work and life.

[00:10:00] The importance of intentional communication in remote work environments.

[00:16:00] Discussion on AI note-takers and the risks they pose in workplace communication.

[00:20:00] Challenges of managing organizational data in a digital workplace.

[00:28:00] The debate over remote work versus returning to the office.

[00:32:00] The role of technology in building workplace connections and engagement.

[00:39:00] How to create value in the digital workplace and avoid bad digital practices.

[00:44:00] The evolving expectations for digital experiences in the workplace.

Links 

Sharon's website: https://sharonodea.com/

The Week Note that covers this episode: https://sharonodea.com/2024/08/25/weeknote-2024-34/

Sharon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharonodea/

Sharon's (now retired) account on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/sharonodea

Introducing the Decision-Making Studio Podcast
If you’re a regular listener to the show, you’ll know that it’s all about the risks of human decision-making.
 
I try to bring you guests who can help us to better understand them and what we can do to mitigate them.
 
One of those guests is Ben Cattaneo, the host of his own podcast, which was one of the inspirations for this show. 

Ben’s show used to be called The All Things Risk podcast, but he recently rebranded it to The Decision-Making Studio podcast.
 
To mark this he launched what he calls an ‘inbetweenisode’ — a short explainer show — on his channel.  It's done with his trademark honesty, insightfulness and a touch of humour.  
 
If you’re listening to this show, then chances are you’ll find Ben’s show interesting. 

So, I thought I’d let Ben take over this channel to share why he’s changing the show’s name and breaking up with risk.

You’ll find the show on all the usual podcast platforms. 

Further information and links: https://thedecisionmaking.studio/podcast

To hear Ben’s previous appearances on this show: 

Ben on Decision-making (April 2024): https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/ben-cattaneo-on-decision-making-part-two/

Ben on All Things Risk (March 2020): https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/ben-cattaneo-on-all-things/

A cross-cast of this show and the All Things Risk podcast (April 2020): https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/all-things-human-risk-crosscast/

How can passion and irritation lead to innovation and community building?
 
In this episode, my guest is Danielle Letayf, the founder of Badassery, a dynamic community designed for unconventional thought leaders dedicated to igniting change.
 
In our discussion, we delve into the essence of community building, exploring how cognitive diversity and shared values can create spaces that foster genuine connection and innovation. Danielle shares her journey from being the daughter of immigrant parents to a mission-driven entrepreneur in technology and media.

You’ll gain insights into the art of amplifying underrepresented voices and the importance of building communities that prioritize depth over scale. Danielle discusses her approach to curating a community where members are challenged and inspired to think differently, emphasizing the power of diverse perspectives in driving meaningful change. Our conversation also touches on the personal challenges of maintaining mental health and balance while pursuing ambitious goals.

Through her experiences, Danielle illustrates the importance of aligning personal values with professional endeavours, offering a candid look at the trials and triumphs of community building.
 
Guest Biography
Danielle Letayf is the founder and CEO of Badassery, a membership community for unconventional thought leaders who are dedicated to igniting change. Danielle describes herself as a passionate community builder with a mission to amplify the voices and stories of those who are often overlooked. Her career spans over a decade in community building, event management, and tech, where she has worked with notable organizations, including AOL and Verizon Media.
 
Beyond her professional achievements, Danielle’s journey is deeply influenced by her upbringing as the daughter of immigrant parents from the Middle East. This background has shaped her understanding of community, hospitality, and the power of storytelling. Danielle is also an advocate for cognitive diversity, believing that diverse perspectives are key to creating impactful and lasting communities.
 
For more on Danielle’s work and her community, visit Badassery’s official website and explore her projects.
 
Timestamped AI-produced summary of Key Points:
[00:00:00] - Introduction to the episode and the topic of community building

[00:01:00] - Danielle Letayf’s background and the founding of Badassery

[00:03:00] - Discussion on the importance of amplifying underrepresented voices. 

[00:04:00] - The role of cognitive diversity in creating a cohesive community. 

[00:05:00] - Challenges and strategies in curating a community that prioritizes depth over scale. 
 
[00:08:00] - Danielle’s personal journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship.

[00:13:00] - The impact of values on community building and personal growth.

[00:17:00] - Balancing ambition with mental health and preventing burnout.

 [00:22:00] - How Danielle’s experiences in tech have influenced her approach to community building.

 [00:27:00] - The importance of flexibility and adaptability in pursuing entrepreneurial goals.

 
Links Mentioned:
 
Badassery Official Website

Danielle's LinkedIn Profile

What if we saw Artificial Intelligence as a mirror rather than as a form of intelligence?

That’s the subject of a fabulous new book by Professor Shannon Vallor, who is my guest on this episode.

In our discussion, we explore how artificial intelligence reflects not only our technological prowess but also our ethical choices, biases, and the collective values that shape our world.

We also discuss how AI systems mirror our societal flaws, raising critical questions about accountability, transparency, and the role of ethics in AI development.  

Shannon helps me to examine the risks and opportunities presented by AI, particularly in the context of decision-making, privacy, and the potential for AI to influence societal norms and behaviours.  

This episode offers a thought-provoking exploration of the intersection between technology and ethics, urging us to consider how we can steer AI development in a direction that aligns with our shared values.  

Guest Biography 

Prof. Shannon Vallor is the Baillie Gifford Chair in the Ethics of Data and Artificial Intelligence at the Edinburgh Futures Institute (EFI) at the University of Edinburgh, where she is also appointed in Philosophy.  

She is Director of the Centre for Technomoral Futures in EFI, and co-Director of the BRAID (Bridging Responsible AI Divides) programme, funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council. Professor Vallor's research explores how new technologies, especially AI, robotics, and data science, reshape human moral character, habits, and practices.   

Her work includes advising policymakers and industry on the ethical design and use of AI. She is a standing member of the One Hundred Year Study of Artificial Intelligence (AI100) and a member of the Oversight Board of the Ada Lovelace Institute. Professor Vallor received the 2015 World Technology Award in Ethics from the World Technology Network and the 2022 Covey Award from the International Association of Computing and Philosophy.  

She is a former Visiting Researcher and AI Ethicist at Google. In addition to her many articles and published educational modules on the ethics of data, robotics, and artificial intelligence, she is the author of the book Technology and the Virtues: A Philosophical Guide to a Future Worth Wanting (Oxford University Press, 2016) and The AI Mirror: Reclaiming Our Humanity in an Age of Machine Thinking (Oxford University Press, 2024).  

Links
Shannon's website: https://www.shannonvallor.net/ 
The AI Mirror: https://global.oup.com/academic/product/the-ai-mirror-9780197759066?A Noema essay by Shannon on the dangers of AI: https://www.noemamag.com/the-danger-of-superhuman-ai-is-not-what-you-think/  
A New Yorker feature on the book  https://www.newyorker.com/culture/open-questions/in-the-age-of-ai-what-makes-people-unique  
The AI Mirror as one of the FT’s technology books of the summer https://www.ft.com/content/77914d8e-9959-4f97-98b0-aba5dffd581c 
The FT review of The AI Mirror: https://www.ft.com/content/67d38081-82d3-4979-806a-eba0099f8011    
The Edinburgh Futures Institute: https://efi.ed.ac.uk/      
The clip from the movie "Real Genius' which she refers to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wB1X4o-MV6o

AI Generated Timestamped Summary of Key Points:

00:02:30: Introduction to Professor Shannon Vallor and her work.

00:06:15: Discussion on AI as a mirror of societal values.

00:10:45: The ethical implications of AI decision-making. 00:18:20: How AI reflects human biases and the importance of transparency.

00:25:50: The role of ethics in AI development and deployment.

00:33:10: Challenges of integrating AI into human-centred contexts.

00:41:30: The potential for AI to shape societal norms and behaviours. 

00:50:15: Professor Vallor’s insights on the future of AI and ethics.

00:58:00: Closing thoughts and reflections on AI’s impact on humanity.

Is there such a thing as an original idea? What if everything were actually a remix?

Episode Summary
In this episode, I'm exploring the fascinating concept of creativity with filmmaker, educator, and speaker Kirby Ferguson.

Kirby is best known for his groundbreaking video series “Everything Is A Remix,” which delves into the idea that creativity is all about copying, transforming, and combining existing ideas to form something new. During our conversation, Kirby shares his insights into how creativity works and why understanding the remixing process can make us better creators and more appreciative consumers of culture.
 
Kirby discusses various examples from his series, highlighting how iconic works in film, music, and technology are often built on the foundations laid by others. He also brings a fresh perspective on the intersection of creativity and technology, focusing on the role of artificial intelligence. The discussion touches on how AI is changing creative work, the ethical implications of machine-generated art, and Kirby’s thoughts on the future of AI in creative industries.
 
You'll hear a nuanced understanding of creativity’s hidden connections and how embracing the remixing process can relieve the pressure to be original. Whether you’re an artist, a technologist, or simply someone interested in the evolution of ideas, this episode offers a thought-provoking journey through the world of creativity. 

Guest Biography
Kirby Ferguson describes himself as a filmmaker, educator, and speaker, best known for his viral video series “Everything Is A Remix,” which originally ran from 2010 to 2012. The series explores the idea that creativity is a process of copying, transforming, and combining existing ideas.

Following the success of the original series, Kirby released an updated version in 2022-2023.

He has spoken at TED, Google, Netflix, YouTube, and Hulu, among other prestigious venues. Kirby’s work continues to focus on creativity, media, and the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence in these fields. 


Timestamped Summary of Key Points
[00:00:00] Introduction to the episode and guest, Kirby Ferguson.

[00:01:00] Kirby’s background and the impact of “Everything Is A Remix.”

[00:02:00] The nature of creativity and how everything is a remix. 

[00:03:00] Kirby’s updated series and ongoing projects. 

[00:04:00] The genesis of “Everything Is A Remix” and the concept of remixing in creativity. •

[00:05:00] Examples of remixing in film, music, and technology.

[00:08:00] The pressure to be original and the value of remixing.

[00:09:00] The role of eclecticism and broad experiences in creativity.

[00:12:00] The connection between creativity and analogy. 

[00:16:00] The challenge of being a generalist and finding connections across domains.

[00:19:00] The balance between novelty and familiarity in creative work. 

[00:23:00] AI’s role in creativity and the controversy surrounding it. 

[00:30:00] The ethical implications of AI-generated art. 

[00:34:00] Kirby’s views on the future of AI in creative industries.

[00:45:00] The practical uses of AI in creative work.

[00:54:00] The importance of understanding AI’s limitations. 

[01:01:00] How Kirby’s insights apply to compliance and human risk.
 
Links Mentioned

Everything Is A Remix website including Kirby's courses - www.everythingisaremix.info. 

Kirby on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirbyferguson/

Kirby's TED Talk 'Embrace The Remix' - https://www.ted.com/talks/kirby_ferguson_embrace_the_remix?subtitle=en

Queen & David Bowie 'Under Pressure' - https://open.spotify.com/track/6suU8oBlW4O2pg88tOXgHo?si=3249601d4212498b

Vanilla Ice 'Ice ice Baby' that uses a sample of 'Under Pressure' - https://open.spotify.com/track/3XVozq1aeqsJwpXrEZrDJ9?si=0c3305b283b84c13

 
Related Episodes of the Human Risk Podcast

1. Ian Leslie on Conflict - https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/ian-leslie-on-conflict-/

2. Interview with ChatGPT - https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/chat-gpt-3-on-ai-human-risk/

What would motivate someone to cycle 4,000 miles across America, and what stories might they uncover along the way?

Episode Summary

On this episode, I speak with travel writer Simon Parker, who recently cycled 4,000 miles across America.
 
Simon's journey, from Seattle to Key West, was a mission — ahead of the US election in November — to understand the current social and cultural landscape of the United States by speaking with everyday people.
 
Throughout the episode, listeners will hear about the challenges Simon faced, the incredible stories he gathered, and the unique perspectives he gained on issues like gun control, religion, freedom of speech, and food deserts.
 
Simon shares how his passion for travel and long-distance cycling has shaped his career as a writer and journalist. He discusses how the pandemic and becoming a father have influenced his work and personal life. The conversation delves into the logistics of such a massive undertaking, including the physical and mental demands, and how cycling serves as both a method of travel and a means to connect with strangers.
 
You’ll hear compelling anecdotes from Simon's trip, illustrating the kindness of strangers and the diverse experiences of Americans. This episode provides a deep dive into the lesser-heard voices and the real-life impact of political and social issues in the US, making it a thought-provoking listen for anyone interested in travel, journalism, or American culture.
 
Guest Biography
 
Simon Parker is a British travel writer, journalist, and filmmaker based on the edge of the Cotswolds. He has spent the past 20 years traveling the world, working for notable publications and broadcasters such as The Telegraph, The Times and the BBC. Simon has visited over 150 countries, creating documentaries and writing extensively about his experiences.
 
Describing himself as someone who has always been passionate about travel, Simon's career began with a one-way ticket to New Zealand at the age of 19, leading to years of hitchhiking around Australia and New Zealand.

His adventures have taken him from the remote islands of the Pacific to the bustling cities of Europe. Simon is known for his long-distance cycling expeditions, which have become a central theme in his writing and journalism. 

His new book, "A Ride Across America," documents his 4,000-mile journey across the United States, exploring the country's small towns and big issues in the lead-up to the presidential election.
 
Links
 
Simon’s website: https://www.simonwparker.co.uk
 
His books ‘Riding Out’ and ‘A Ride Across America’: https://www.simonwparker.co.uk/books/
 
Simon’s UK theatre tour dates; https://www.simonwparker.co.uk/speaking/
 
Timestamped Summary
 
00:00:00 - Introduction

00:01:00 - Overview of Simon's cycling adventure across America.

00:02:00 - Simon's background and career as a travel writer.

00:04:00 - The motivation behind Simon's passion for travel.

00:07:00 - Impact of the pandemic on Simon's life and work.

00:09:00 - The logistics and challenges of long-distance cycling.

00:12:00 - Cultural and social dynamics encountered during the trip.

00:14:00 - Simon's reflections on the kindness of strangers.

00:17:00 - Balancing family life with a career in travel writing.

00:20:00 - Overview of Simon's new book and its themes.

00:23:00 - Discussions on gun control, religion, and freedom of speech.

00:27:00 - The concept of food deserts in America.

00:30:00 - Starting conversations with strangers during the journey.

00:33:00 - Unexpected themes and stories from the trip.

00:36:00 - Reflections on slow travel and its benefits.

00:39:00 - Simon's thoughts on the future of travel writing.

00:42:00 - Writing process and challenges of creating the book.

00:45:00 - Insights gained from the journey and changing perspectives.

00:49:00 - Simon's views on gun ownership and personal safety.

00:51:00 - Conversations about religion and personal beliefs.

00:54:00 - Future plans and upcoming projects.

00:56:00 - Conclusion and final thoughts from Simon

How do you get 𝟲𝟮,𝟬𝟬𝟬 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 to keep a 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁? By not calling it a secret.

With the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics later today, on this episode, I'm looking back 12 years to the London 2012 Olympics.

In this episode, we dive into the behind-the-scenes secrets of the London 2012 Olympic Opening and Closing Ceremonies with Victoria Sena, a participant and former colleague of mine from the UK Financial Services Authority. We discuss the meticulous planning, the psychology behind the “Save the Surprise” campaign, and the incredible volunteer effort led by Danny Boyle.

Back then, the opening ceremony director 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗻𝘆 𝗕𝗼𝘆𝗹𝗲 faced a dilemma.

He needed to hold a dress rehearsal to ensure nothing went wrong on the night. But to make it as realistic as possible, he’d need a stadium full of test viewers.

Boyle wanted the details of the opening ceremony to be a surprise. Having 62,000 people who’d seen it ahead of time posed a potential risk.

So he did something clever.

Since some people aren’t good at keeping secrets, Boyle spoke directly to his test audience and asked them to help '𝘴𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘦’.

Knowing they’d likely want to share their experience on social media, he suggested they use the hashtag hashtag#savethesurprise. While he encouraged them to share as much as they liked about their experience, he asked them not to divulge specific details of the show.

It worked exactly as he’d hoped.

I wrote about this recently on LinkedIn, and a former colleague Victoria Sena, got in touch to say that she was part of the ceremony and had some insights to share.  So, I invited her to the show to get an insider's view of what happened.

Guest Bio
Victoria Sena started her career at the UK Financial Services Authority, worked at the Bank of England, and has since moved into the private sector as a COO. She played a significant role in the London 2012 Olympic ceremonies and brings a unique perspective on the intersection of large-scale event planning and compliance. 

AI-generated Timestamped Summary:
• [00:00:00] - Introduction and context of the episode.
• [00:01:00] - The “Save the Surprise” story from “Humanising Rules.”
• [00:03:00] - Victoria’s background and career journey.
• [00:05:00] - Decision-making around volunteering for the Olympics.
• [00:09:00] - The audition process and commitment required.
• [00:14:00] - The role of psychology and selling the dream.
• [00:20:00] - The meticulous planning and the role of professionals.
• [00:27:00] - Problem-solving during rehearsals.
• [00:32:00] - The “Save the Surprise” campaign’s impact on secrecy.
• [00:39:00] - Final thoughts on the success of the London 2012 ceremonies.

Links

Find Victoria on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vlnsena/

Six Degrees Wealth Management: https://thisis6.com/

The London 2012 Olympic Ceremony: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4As0e4de-rI

The LinkedIn post that prompted Victoria to get in touch with me: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/humanrisk_savethesurprise-ethics-compliance-activity-7195309250129096704-dwyM?

To read the first few chapters of my book 'Humanizing Rules' for free: www.humanizingrules.com