The Purpose Made Podcast: Games, Film and IP

For anyone working where games, film and technology meet: Doug Griffin on a career from Star Wars at Lucasfilm to generative AI.

Doug's background spans biomechanics, games, visual effects and AI, with successful start-ups acquired by companies including Apple and Roblox. He talks about bringing characters from worlds like Harry Potter and Pirates of the Caribbean to life, what OpenAI, Midjourney and Apple's Vision Pro could mean for interactive entertainment, and the EU AI Act. Recorded in 2023.

In this episode, we explore:

• Griffin's inspiring ancestry & the enthralling tale of Oakridge - The Secret City That Built the Atomic Bomb.
• His metamorphic shift from architecture to tech, ignited by the advent of the Pentium processor in the late '90s.
• His enthralment with human performance & the confluence of exercise physiology & biomechanics with the gaming industry, spurred by PlayStation One's emergence.
• His dynamic engagements in media & entertainment - spanning from Biovision, EA to Lucasfilm, contributing to franchises like Star Wars, The Mummy Returns, Harry Potter, & Pirates of the Caribbean.
• The revolutionary power of AI within the creative culture of games, movies, & the creator economy.
• The intersecting vectors of innovation & societal influence.
• The future promise of AR, VR, AI, OpenAI, Stable Diffusion, DALL-E, Google Bard, Machine Learning, & Midjourney in an era of swift evolution & democratized access.
• A proficient analysis of Apple's new Vision Pro.
• The potentials & complexities of venture capital.
• The forthcoming era of AI in storytelling, creativity & healthcare.
• The importance of aligning with your passions and embracing change.

Our journey with Doug today has given us insights & questions. Now, it's your turn. Ask yourself: How do you want to shape our collective future? Whatever your answers, act on them. Engage in conversations, challenge norms, embrace change, & above all, be curious. The future is not just in the hands of the Doug Griffins of the world. It's in yours too. The narrative is ours to write, technology ours to steer, & the future ours to shape.

Enjoying the show? Follow and leave a rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It really helps other people find us.

We're also building a Purpose Made community on Discord for people who love games, film, TV and the IP behind them. Come and join us: https://discord.gg/vvtV6ZHKGK

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the extraordinary life of Johnny Ward—an adventurer whose tenacity knows no limits. From humble beginnings to the world's farthest corners, his story is a testament to courage and resilience.

Rejecting the notion of an ordinary rags-to-riches tale, we delve into the extraordinary journey of a boy from a single-parent home in Kilkeel. His audacious spirit defied all expectations, leading him to visit every country, scale the seven summits, reach both poles, and complete a grueling 50-day, 3,200 nautical mile row across the Atlantic Ocean.

In this episode, we trace Johnny's unique trajectory—from standing atop Everest to the creation of a multi-million dollar blogging empire, born from a mere $150. His story stands as a compelling testament to the limitless potential our dreams can ignite.

However, every tale has its shadows. We explore Johnny's personal struggles with depression, casting light on the reality that mental health issues don't distinguish between levels of success. His story reminds us of the paramount importance of mental health, no matter our achievements.

Beyond the adrenaline-fueled adventures, Johnny's life is a treasure trove of invaluable lessons—from unsettling encounters in Liberia to audacious ventures into Yemen. His experiences provide a rich well of insights, including the pivotal role of social media and websites, and the often-underestimated value of adversity in the journey to success.

Rather than basking in his success, Johnny illuminates the path for others. Through his NGO, Mudita Adventures, he transforms his triumphs into lifelines for those less fortunate. We examine how Johnny has used success as a catalyst to impact the lives of others, from building a school in Senegal to other philanthropic initiatives.

Johnny Ward's journey is a resounding testament that success is not an end, but a stepping stone to bigger dreams. This episode is an invitation for entrepreneurs, adventurers, and aspiring philanthropists to dream bigger, shatter boundaries, and channel victories into wider positive impacts.

So, join us as we explore the mesmerizing journey of Johnny Ward. This is more than a story; it's a chronicle of unyielding determination, a unique roadmap to success, and a beacon for those bold enough to leave a lasting legacy in the world.

Remember: Dream Big. Travel Far. Live Full.

Enjoying the show? Follow and leave a rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It really helps other people find us.

We're also building a Purpose Made community on Discord for people who love games, film, TV and the IP behind them. Come and join us: https://discord.gg/vvtV6ZHKGK

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Spirituality has often been dismissed by skeptics —but what if I told you it holds the key to unlocking the full potential of the human brain?

Revolutionary advancements in neuroscience, genetics, and epidemiology reveal a fascinating fact: humans are innately wired for spirituality. More importantly, when this spiritual facet is awakened, it transforms us. Our brains evolve into stronger, more resilient entities, enhancing our lives with deeper meaning, purpose and fulfilment.

Our distinguished guest today, Dr. Lisa Miller, isn't just an expert in this field; she's a pioneer, challenging the traditional skepticism towards the 'science of spirituality'.

In this thought-provoking episode, we explore the emerging scientific research that validates the integral role of spirituality in fostering robustness, resilience, and a heightened sense of personal fulfillment.

Educated at Yale University and the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Miller currently teaches at Teachers College, Columbia University. She's the driving force behind the Spirituality Mind Body Institute, the Ivy League's first entity dedicated to spirituality and psychology. Our conversation weaves a rich tapestry of science and spirituality, exploring how disciplines such as neurology, neurobiology, genetics, epidemiology, and psychiatry can shed light on the remarkable mental health benefits of an awakened brain.

We delve into captivating segments, including:

1. Depression and Spiritual Awakening - Two Sides of One Door: This segment offers a riveting perspective on depression as a potential gateway to spiritual awakening, integrating discussion about IVF, the spiritual child, groundbreaking MRI studies to her work with the US Armed Forces and techniques to enable your own awakened brain.
2. The Neuroscience of Spirituality: An illuminating exploration of how various scientific disciplines affirm the mental health benefits of an awakened brain.
3. Accessing Innate Spirituality - A Practical Guide: Tangible strategies to tap into your innate spirituality and bolster traits like grit, optimism, and resilience.
4. Harnessing the Awakened Brain for Resilience: Ways you can leverage the awakened brain to help navigate life's challenges, such as addiction, trauma, and depression.

Join us on this enlightening intellectual journey, discovering how spirituality can reshape your life. Tune in as we together explore the mysteries of the 'Awakened Brain and the Neuroscience of Spirituality.

I sincerely hope you enjoy the listen as much as I enjoyed the conversation with Dr. Miller. It's an episode you won't want to miss!

Enjoying the show? Follow and leave a rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It really helps other people find us.

We're also building a Purpose Made community on Discord for people who love games, film, TV and the IP behind them. Come and join us: https://discord.gg/vvtV6ZHKGK

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For anyone interested in how a games company grows up: Andy Billings, Ph.D., on 25 years helping turn Electronic Arts into a global giant.

Andy goes back to the 90s, when a collaboration with John Madden and founder Trip Hawkins reshaped EA's future. He covers the move from packaged goods to live services, esports and mobile, how EA developed future leaders through its leadership programmes, and what AI could mean for the industry.

Here's what we're unpacking in this incredible episode:

• The Genesis of EA: How EA grew from a fledgling start up into a global gaming powerhouse.
• The Billion-Dollar Gaming Boom: With 5 billion active players projected in the near future, how does the industry plan to cater to this explosive growth?
• The Console Wars: Journey back to the 90s, where the genesis of a collaboration with football coach John Madden and the innovative talents of EAs founder Trip Hawkins reshaped EA's destiny.
• Gaming as a Cultural Force: It's not just entertainment – it's an art form that shapes our society.
• Leadership Lessons from EA: Discover how EA cultivated future industry leaders and countered market disruptions using strategic leadership programs.
• The Digital Revolution: From the rise of live services, E-Sports, and mobile gaming to the limitations of packaged goods, we'll dive into EA's digital transformation journey and the significance of Sim City, John Riccitiello, Larry Probst, and Andrew Wilson.
• AI and the Future of Gaming: What does the rise of AI mean for the gaming industry, and how is it influencing cultural behaviours and society?

By the end of our chat, you'll gain insider knowledge on the gaming industry, learn powerful leadership lessons, and get a sneak peek into the future of gaming.

Remember, disruption isn't a stumbling block – it's the springboard for transformation. We all have the strength to shape the course of the future, and it all originates from welcoming the unfamiliar.

Stay curious!

Peter

Enjoying the show? Follow and leave a rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It really helps other people find us.

We're also building a Purpose Made community on Discord for people who love games, film, TV and the IP behind them. Come and join us: https://discord.gg/vvtV6ZHKGK

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Curious about the secret to success for a world-record-holding 2:17 marathoner who also expertly manages family and a full-time job?

Look no further than this unmissable episode of the Purpose Made Podcast, where we reveal the captivating story of ultra-running legend Michael Wardian, The Unstoppable Ultra.

Find out how he conquers the seemingly impossible, maintains family life, navigates a demanding career, and remains unwaveringly dedicated to the joys of running.

At Purpose Made, we believe in the power of purpose and the boundlessness of potential. Immerse yourself in this stimulating conversation that will shift your perspective and spark your passion for embracing challenges and unlocking your own limitless potential.

In this episode, we embark on a journey through Mike's awe-inspiring life, uncovering the secrets behind his ability to defy limitations and achieve the incomprehensible.

Episode highlights:

• Boston and the turning point that ignited Mike's passion for running
• His strategy for maintaining consistency and avoiding burnout
• The epic cross-country adventure: running across America for 61 days
• How Mike balances fatherhood, career, and record-breaking aspirations
• Conquering legendary races like the Hardrock Hundred Miler and the Badwater Ultramarathon
• Setting Fastest Known Times (FKTs) around the globe
• Mike's career as an international shipbroker and the invaluable life lessons derived from running
• The ultra-runner's innovative plant-based approach to nutrition and peak performance
• Cultivating unshakable mental resilience and transforming failure into growth opportunities
• Mike's thrilling bucket list endeavors: from rowing across the Atlantic to becoming a professional pickleball player

In the words of Steve Prefontaine, "To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift." This episode embodies that spirit, demonstrating the power of passion and commitment, and inspiring us all to unlock our boundless potential.

Join us for this captivating and motivating episode of the Purpose Made Podcast: Mike Wardian: The Unstoppable Ultra - A Journey to Ultra-Running Greatness. Listen now, and let the inspiration flow!

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts.

Thank you for listening, and we hope you enjoy!

Enjoying the show? Follow and leave a rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It really helps other people find us.

We're also building a Purpose Made community on Discord for people who love games, film, TV and the IP behind them. Come and join us: https://discord.gg/vvtV6ZHKGK

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can a company with over 160 years of history truly transform itself into a catalyst for positive change in the world? This burning question inspired our exploration into the captivating story of Tate & Lyle. Join us in this riveting episode, featuring Rowan Adams, Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Tate & Lyle, as he delivers a remarkable account of the company's journey from sugar producer to sugar reducer.

"Deep down, we knew we needed to change, and it would take time. We'd been on that path for a while, but we realized we needed to become a more contemporary company, addressing the issues society faces today." ~ Rowan Adams.

1. In Segment 1 - Navigating a Changed Landscape: Rowan delves into the realities of the sale of Tate & Lyle's sugar business to American Sugar Refining (ASR) for £211m, coupled with the emergence of visionary, compassionate leaders who are reshaping the global stage amidst the realities of today's geopolitical climate, including the impacts of SVB, the Cost-of-Living Crisis, Global Recession, and the intertidal nature of Britain, Russia, Ukraine, and beyond.
2. In Segment 2 - The Evolution of Tate & Lyle: Rowan candidly recounts the story behind the company's extraordinary transformation and how their unwavering commitment to purpose has spurred them towards meaningful innovation.
3. In Segment 3 - The Power of Purpose in Business: Rowan unveils how purpose is revolutionizing businesses, offering unique opportunities to tackle pressing global challenges while integrating ESG values into core strategies.
4. In Segment 4 - The Road Ahead: Rowan reveals Tate & Lyle's ambitious long-term roadmap, highlighting their resolve to enhance lives while reducing their impact on the planet alongside key thoughts and takeaways.

This is an episode full of thought-provoking insights to guide your transformative journey, as Rowan's enlightening revelations are sure to empower and inspire you.

At Purpose Made, we believe that your purpose is your power, and your potential is limitless. So, immerse yourself in this stimulating conversation that will shift your perspective and spark your passion for a sweeter, more sustainable future.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts.

Change is inevitable, but the way we embrace it can shape our future. Tate & Lyle's transformation is a testament to the power of commitment, purpose, and resilience in driving positive change by cultivating long-term, future-conscious thinking and behaviour – an antidote to short-termism. Join us on the Purpose Made Podcast to explore the possibilities of transformation and unleash the limitless potential within.

Thank you for listening, and we hope you enjoy!

Peter

🔗

1. Over half the world's population could be overweight by 2035 - https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2023/03/top-health-stories-global-obesity-march-15/
2. Edelman Trust Barometer 2023 - https://www.edelman.com/trust/2023/trust-barometer
3. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Report - https://www.ipcc.ch

Enjoying the show? Follow and leave a rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It really helps other people find us.

We're also building a Purpose Made community on Discord for people who love games, film, TV and the IP behind them. Come and join us: https://discord.gg/vvtV6ZHKGK

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Embrace the challenge and conquer the impossible. This is the unwavering spirit of the Royal Marines, encapsulated in the famous motto, "No cuff too tough." It's a creed that inspires the bravest and boldest to push beyond their limits, to improvise, adapt, and overcome any obstacle in their path.

Today, we have the honour of hearing from a true embodiment of this creed - Simon Jeffries.

As a former Royal Marine Commando, Simon has faced some of the toughest challenges imaginable. But with eight years of service and three tours under his belt, he has emerged as a true beacon to the power of mindset, resilience, belief, and courage.

"Mindset is a skillset, but if you don't treat it as that, things are never going to change." ~ Simon Jeffries.

From the battlefield to the boardroom to co-founder of the Natural Edge, Simon's indomitable spirit has never wavered. Through his experiences in special forces, he found a kindred spirit in his business partner, John Sykes-Popham. Together, they have forged a path of success that reflects the same unbreakable determination that drives the Royal Marines.

This is a conversation about the primacy of purpose, the power of passion, and the pursuit of self-discovery. It's about resilience, self-accountability, and overcoming limiting beliefs. And it's about the embracement of pain as a crucible for growth and development. Ultimately, this is a conversation about what it means to forge true confidence, to chase down your dreams and live a life of happiness and purpose.

1. In Segment 1- From Battlefield to Boardroom: Simon shares his background as a Special Forces soldier and his transition to a management consultancy in London. While it was prestigious and well-paid, Simon felt like something was missing in his life.
2. In Segment 2 - The Wake-Up Call: Simon talks about his wake-up call in 2017 that made him realise he wasn't living life to the fullest. He quit his job and pursued his passion for coaching. Simon discusses the struggles he faced in finding his purpose and the importance of mindset and motivation in overcoming obstacles.
3. In Segment 3 - Forging True Confidence with Purpose: Simon explains how he helps others find true confidence by focusing on personal development, growth, and living with purpose. He shares tips and strategies for developing a growth mindset and overcoming self-doubt, imposter syndrome, the fishbowl effect, comparison paralysis and more.

We hope this conversation will shift your perspective and inspire you to invest more deeply in your own pathway toward forging true confidence, to chase down your dreams and live a life of happiness and purpose.

So, join us on the Purpose Made Podcast, where we believe that your purpose is your power, and your potential is limitless.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts.

Thank you for listening and we do hope you enjoy!

Peter Bell

Founder, Purpose Made &

Host of the Purpose Made Podcast

Slink: https://myslink.app/thepeterbell

Enjoying the show? Follow and leave a rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It really helps other people find us.

We're also building a Purpose Made community on Discord for people who love games, film, TV and the IP behind them. Come and join us: https://discord.gg/vvtV6ZHKGK

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Imagine being one of the very few people in history to descend deep into an Antarctic iceberg and come face-to-face with the mysteries hidden beneath the ice. Imagine then being trapped inside this underwater abyss whereby the split-second decisions you make determine whether you live or die.

This is the remarkable true story of today’s guest Jill Heinerth.

Jill is one of the most accomplished underwater explorers on the planet who has accomplished feats that only a handful of people in history have ever achieved.

She famously captained an expedition in 2001 to become the first-ever to cave dive inside an iceberg, notably the B-15 iceberg in Antarctica, the largest recorded iceberg roughly the size of the island of Jamaica and was the leader of a team that discovered the ancient watery remains of Mayan civilisations.

During this phenomenal conversation, Jill takes us on an intimate journey deep into the inner depths of her world, whereby fear must be reconciled, and a mission's success balances between knowing one's limits and pushing the envelope of human endurance.

We discuss topics such as facing fear, the Tham Luang cave rescue, sexism, imposter syndrome, and the challenges that come with pushing one's limits, such as physical and emotional stress, isolation, PTSD to the grief and loss which go hand in hand to the career she loves. More people have died exploring underwater caves than climbing mount Everest, as Jill emphasises the importance of embracing fear as a positive catalyst, and how by embracing darkness, we learn to not just manage fear but thrive within it.

Jill's story is a testament to the power of pursuing one's passion and pushing one's limits. By embracing fear, leaning into challenges, and persevering through adversity, we can achieve greatness and discover the extraordinary within ourselves.

"Jill’s extraordinary path from under Antarctic icebergs to tropical blue holes is proof that real life is far more exciting than fiction." ~ James Cameron, Academy Award-Winning Director

Jill is an absolute delight. I loved getting to know her—and I know you will too. Jill's message is one of resounding resilience, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to living life to the fullest as when we transcend the fear of failure and terror of the unknown, we are all capable of great things, personally and as a society.

We might not always know where the journey will lead us. We might feel a burden of difficulty. But all paths lead to discovery. Both good and bad life events contribute to the fabric of who we are as individuals and as a civilisation. If we continue to trek purposefully toward our dreams, into the planet and beyond, we just might achieve the impossible.

Enjoy!

🔗

https://www.intotheplanet.com

Enjoying the show? Follow and leave a rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It really helps other people find us.

We're also building a Purpose Made community on Discord for people who love games, film, TV and the IP behind them. Come and join us: https://discord.gg/vvtV6ZHKGK

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tired of leaders who prioritize power over trust? You're not alone.

According to the Edelman Trust Barometer 2023, a lack of faith in societal institutions triggered by economic anxiety, disinformation, mass-class divide, and a failure of leadership has brought us to a deeply and dangerously polarized state.

But don't worry, in this podcast, we've got you covered. We speak with globally renowned keynote speaker and founder of The Trusted Executive, Dr. John Blakey, who shares the importance of trust and purposeful leadership in the 21st century.

During our conversation, John notes how leaders can inspire trust in their people by exhibiting nine habits of trust under the three pillars of ability, integrity, and benevolence.

Our discussion emphasizes the need for purposeful leadership that prioritizes the power of trust over the trust in power.

Here are some key takeaways that you won't want to miss:

Importance of Trust:

John shares a personal experience from 18 years ago when his boss questioned his response to a good day and asked if he was "too effing nice". In the 21st century, leaders need to be creative in defining great leadership and rely on trust instead of power. The Trust Executive Foundation attracts leaders who prioritize trust.

Nine Habits of Trust:

We delve into the details of John's nine habits that inspire trust in people and why transparency is critical in building trust. Businesses need to contribute to more than just profit-making.

Evolution of Power:

We map out how the evolution of power is changing, and how existing power struggles will formulate in the market. The challenges in driving factors that lead to sell are not new, but crisis can be the catalyst for change.

Creating Clear Visions:

We explore why business leaders need clear visions for their organisations and how to galvanise movements for change both internally and externally. We draw comparisons to current notable leaders and how the Edelman Trust Barometer notes the loss of trust in governments and media requires business leaders to articulate new visions and agendas. We also focus on the Triple Bottom Line vision (people, profit, planet) and why it's a priority for investors and the communities you serve.

Articulating Beliefs:

We highlight why business leaders need to be clear about their values and beliefs and articulate clear narratives that resonate with people's values. We provide insight on Milton Friedman's Neoliberalism and how it promotes shareholder value above anything else, which is no longer relevant and is to the detriment of society. We explore whether stakeholder capitalism is the way forward in today's changed creator economy.

Purposeful Leadership:

Leaders need to focus on the future and create something new by exhibiting purposeful leadership. We discuss why people with the seed of leadership should be excited about the opportunity to create something new.

It was an absolute pleasure to have John on the show. We're grateful he made the time to come sit down with us. This one is packed with wisdom and practical tools regarding trust, motivation, purposeful leadership, and we sincerely hope you enjoy the exchange!

As always, you can find the podcast on Apple, Acast, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts.

Remember, by creating clear visions and articulating beliefs, leaders can inspire change and create a better future for everyone.

Enjoy!

Enjoying the show? Follow and leave a rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It really helps other people find us.

We're also building a Purpose Made community on Discord for people who love games, film, TV and the IP behind them. Come and join us: https://discord.gg/vvtV6ZHKGK

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we're exploring the crucial relationship between power and diversity with our exceptional guest, Bob Gower.

Bob is a New York-based author, speaker, and consultant who is passionate about creating organisation's that make a positive impact on the world. In this episode, he takes us on a journey through his travels around the globe, sharing valuable insights on how it has influenced his life and work. We also discuss his latest book, Radical Alignment: How to Have Game-Changing Conversations That Will Transform Your Business and Your Life, and the critical takeaway of "Low Drama, High Joy."

Key Takeaways that you won't want to miss:

• Diversity is vital, but it comes with its share of challenges. While it brings strength, it can also cause friction and division. However, now more than ever, it's essential that we work towards equality and sustainability.
• We explore the differences between gatekeeping and co-creating, two approaches to sharing power. Bob argues that we must lean into the challenge of diversity to create a more equitable future.
• Underrepresented groups often face significant challenges when it comes to claiming their share of power. Bob shares his thoughts on the obstacles that they must overcome to achieve true equality.
• Uncomfortable truths are critical to making progress in society, and we examine the role of the Black Lives Matter movement and rising inequalities. It's more important than ever to lean into discomfort rather than building narratives and restrictions against it.
• We discuss the critical role of morality, ethics, and goodness in understanding the virtues of the human system, as well as Aristotle's concept of virtual ethics coupled to delving into the work of Viktor E Frankl and more.
• Finally, we examine our foundations, including economic models and societal change, and consider our thoughts for the future. Are we entering a new economic paradigm shift, or are those in power limiting change to maintain control, which never ends well for anyone, including the rich?

Get ready for an unforgettable 50th show! Join us for a jam-packed episode filled with insightful takeaways that you won't want to miss. So sit back, relax, and we do hope you enjoy!

As always, the podcast is available on Apple, Acast, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts.

Enjoying the show? Follow and leave a rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It really helps other people find us.

We're also building a Purpose Made community on Discord for people who love games, film, TV and the IP behind them. Come and join us: https://discord.gg/vvtV6ZHKGK

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.