Thinking With Mitch Joel

Welcome to episode #968 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Mehak Gandhi, co-author of Triple Fit Strategy - How To Build Lasting Customer Relationships And Boost Growth (along with Christoph Senn), is the Head of Research at Valuecreator in Switzerland, where she designs and implements B2B growth accelerator programs and next-generation sales strategies. With extensive experience conducting research and training for global giants like Allianz, Maersk, Konica Minolta, and Schneider Electric, Mehak has developed a reputation for merging data-driven insights with actionable strategies that drive sustainable growth. In our conversation, Mehak outlined the transformative potential of the Triple Fit Strategy, a framework designed to move beyond transactional buyer-seller dynamics toward deep, collaborative partnerships that create exponential value (which includes over 10,000 case studies). Drawing on decades of research and her work with companies like Microsoft, Coca-Cola, and GE, Mehak emphasizes the importance of aligning planning, execution, and resources to foster mutual growth. She shared powerful insights into how businesses can operationalize collaboration, simplify complex relationships, and engage customers early to drive innovation and new revenue streams. We also explored the critical balance between human decision-making and AI in optimizing these strategies, alongside the legal and operational challenges of fostering trust and data sharing in supplier-customer partnerships. Mehak's passion for helping businesses adopt a 360° customer-centric approach is evident as she shares examples of companies unlocking millions of dollars in opportunities through collaboration. If you've ever wondered how to future-proof your sales processes while building lasting partnerships, this episode is a must-listen. Enjoy the conversation!

• Running time: 59:35.
• Hello from beautiful Montreal.
• Listen and subscribe over at Apple Podcasts.
• Listen and subscribe over at Spotify.
• 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 Mehak Gandhi.
• Triple Fit Strategy - How To Build Lasting Customer Relationships And Boost Growth.
• Valuecreator.
• Follow Mehak on LinkedIn.
• This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'.

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction to Mehak Gandhi and Triple Fit Strategy. (02:50) - The Importance of Customer Centricity. (06:01) - Aligning Business Strategies for Mutual Growth. (08:57) - Navigating Supplier-Customer Relationships. (12:13) - Sustainability and Long-Term Partnerships. (15:06) - The Role of Collaboration in Business. (17:48) - Innovating Through Customer Engagement. (20:52) - Operationalizing the Triple Fit Strategy. (23:53) - The Complexity of Legal and Data Sharing. (27:01) - The Future of Business Relationships. (30:09) - The Role of Human Decision-Making in AI. (32:27) - Visionaries and Market Disruption. (35:20) - Building Relationships in Business. (37:49) - Navigating Procurement Challenges. (40:26) - Transitioning from Transactional to Collaborative Relationships. (42:04) - The Service vs. Product Paradigm. (45:13) - Unlocking Value through Service Innovation. (46:47) - Sustaining Partnerships Over Time. (48:29) - Managing Change in Business Relationships. (52:31) - Growth in an Uncertain Economy.

Welcome to episode #967 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Roland Allen is a publisher and author based in the UK, with a background in book and notebook publishing. He studied at Manchester University and has written on diverse subjects, including bicycles and bread. Roland has maintained a personal diary for decades and has a particular fondness for stationery. In this conversation, we delved into his latest book, The Notebook - A History of Thinking on Paper, which explores the profound impact of notebooks on creativity and thought processes throughout history (and, wow, I do love notebooks and I loved this book!). Roland shares his insights into how the tactile act of writing engages our senses uniquely, fostering clarity and connection in an increasingly digital world. We discuss the psychological benefits of journaling, the resurgence of interest in handwriting, and how notebooks continue to inspire productivity and joy. His reflections on the utilitarian origins of notebooks and the personal relationships individuals have with their stationery offers a fresh perspective on the value of putting pen to paper. If you've ever appreciated the feel of a fresh notebook or the act of writing by hand (or if you can't walk by a stationary store and not go in... like me), this episode provides a deeper understanding of an often-overlooked tool that has shaped human thought for centuries, and may hold the answer to how you can improve your skills and knowledge in 2025. Enjoy the conversation!

• Running time: 1:06:50.
• Hello from beautiful Montreal.
• Listen and subscribe over at Apple Podcasts.
• Listen and subscribe over at Spotify.
• 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 Roland Allen.
• The Notebook - A History of Thinking on Paper,.
• Follow Roland on LinkedIn.
• This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'.

Chapters:

(00:00) - The Invisible World of Notebooks. (02:46) - The Ritual of Writing. (06:10) - Digital vs. Analog: The Writing Experience. (09:01) - The Evolution of Notebooks. (11:49) - Cultural Perspectives on Writing. (15:07) - The History and Purpose of Notebooks. (18:12) - The Future of Handwriting. (21:04) - The Impact of Technology on Writing. (24:08) - The Art of Note-Taking. (27:08) - The Journey of Writing a Book. (37:25) - The Purpose of Notebooks: Thinking vs. Writing. (39:00) - Exploring the World of Stationery. (40:20) - Notebook Preferences: A Personal Journey. (44:40) - The Craft of Writing: Learning from Masters. (46:19) - The Value of Libraries and Reading. (48:27) - The Intrigue of Personal Notebooks. (52:07) - The Superpower of Reading and Note-Taking. (56:44) - Trends in Notebooks and Stationery.

Welcome to episode #966 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Christine Rosen is a thinker whose work boldly interrogates the intersections of history, technology, and culture, and she's someone I've long admired for her incisive intellect. Christine's new book, The Extinction of Experience - Being Human In A Disembodied World, invites us to reflect on what we lose when technology mediates so much of our lives. In this conversation, we unpacked the book's provocative thesis: that the human experiences most fundamental to our identity - face-to-face connection, serendipity, patience, and risk - are at risk of atrophy in an increasingly virtual world. Christine, whose earlier works include Preaching Eugenics, My Fundamentalist Education, The Feminist Dilemma, and Acculturated, takes a nuanced, critical stance on technology. She acknowledges its benefits but urges caution about its unintended consequences. Together, we explore the blurred boundaries between virtual and real, the societal implications of a two-tier care system, and the surprising resurgence of physical community spaces like libraries and malls post-pandemic. Christine's historical perspective, informed by her background as a fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and her experience as a columnist for Commentary, lends depth to her argument that we must actively choose to reclaim experiences that ground us in the physical world. She shared insights on how tools like AI might aid healthcare but warned of the risks when they replace human judgment in areas like justice or personal relationships. Her reflections on community, loneliness, and the enduring importance of "third spaces" remind us that connection is essential to our humanity. If you've ever wondered how to balance the convenience of technology with the richness of lived experience, this conversation is a must-listen. Enjoy the conversation...

• Running time: 1:06:40.
• Hello from beautiful Montreal.
• Listen and subscribe over at Apple Podcasts.
• Listen and subscribe over at Spotify.
• 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 Christine Rosen.
• The Extinction of Experience - Being Human In A Disembodied World.
• Preaching Eugenics.
• My Fundamentalist Education.
• The Feminist Dilemma.
• Acculturated.
• American Enterprise Institute.
• Commentary.
• This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'.

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction to Christine Rosen and Her Work. (02:57) - Defining Humanity in a Technological Age. (06:06) - The Ambivalence of Technology: Optimism vs. Skepticism. (09:09) - The Role of Critical Questions in Technology Development. (11:58) - Balancing Innovation and Regulation in AI. (15:00) - AI in Healthcare vs. AI in Defense. (18:07) - The Impact of Technology on Human Connection. (20:56) - The Deterioration of Local Communities. (24:05) - The Consequences of Living in Public. (26:53) - Navigating Online Dating in a Digital World. (30:02) - The Importance of In-Person Connections. (39:00) - The Role of Technology in Human Connection. (42:29) - Navigating Confirmation Bias. (45:50) - Collective Action and Community Solutions. (49:12) - The Challenge of Parenting in a Digital Age. (51:06) - The Evolution of Writing and Communication. (55:02) - Reading Trends Among Youth. (01:00:59) - Physical Challenges and Personal Growth.

Welcome to episode #965 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Tom Asacker has been challenging my thinking for years, ever since we first connected in the mid-2000s when his book, A Clear Eye For Branding, offered a fresh perspective on marketing and branding. Over the years, Tom has continued to push boundaries, diving into the intersection of belief, behavior, and what truly drives us. His latest book, Unwinding Want - Using Your Mind To Escape Your Thoughts, is a natural progression of his work, building on the insights he explored in earlier books like The Business Of Belief, Sandbox Wisdom, I Am Keats, and Your Brain On Story. In this conversation, Tom and I delved deep into the paradox of desire - how what we think we want often reflects our conditioning rather than our true selves. We discussed how marketers manipulate emotions, the societal constructs that shape our decisions, and the role of personal agency in breaking free from unconscious patterns. Tom shares profound insights about the human experience, such as how recognizing our conditioning can help us make more authentic choices and how the pursuit of comfort can sometimes rob us of meaningful experiences. He also touched on how AI mimics the human mind's patterns, creating an eerie reflection of our own thought loops. What I've always appreciated about Tom is his ability to merge intellectual rigor with practical wisdom, challenging us to reexamine not just what we want but why we want it. If you've ever found yourself questioning whether the life you're living is truly your own, this episode - and Tom's work - might just give you the tools to find out. This is a great discussion to kick off 2025 (Happy New Year!). Enjoy the conversation!

• Running time: 1:12:22.
• Hello from beautiful Montreal.
• Listen and subscribe over at Apple Podcasts.
• Listen and subscribe over at Spotify.
• 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 Tom Asacker.
• Unwinding Want - Using Your Mind To Escape Your Thoughts.
• A Clear Eye For Branding.
• The Business Of Belief.
• Sandbox Wisdom.
• I Am Keats.
• Your Brain On Story.
• Check out Tom's amazing Substack.
• Follow Tom on LinkedIn.
• This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'.

Chapters:

(00:00) - Exploring the Intersection of Marketing and Psychology. (02:51) - The Insight Behind Unwinding Want. (06:00) - Understanding Human Behavior and Conditioning. (09:00) - The Role of Marketing in Shaping Desires. (12:00) - Artificial Intelligence and Emotional Connection. (14:53) - The Limitations of AI in Guiding Human Life. (18:07) - The Impact of Conditioning on Life Choices. (20:51) - Navigating the Pursuit of Authenticity. (23:55) - The Influence of Society on Personal Desires. (27:08) - The Future of Human Connection and AI. (29:59) - Reflections on Scarcity and Abundance in Society. (37:20) - Exploring Reality and Perception. (40:09) - The Concept of Moloch and Its Implications. (44:13) - The Divisive Nature of Beliefs. (49:52) - Navigating Systemic Challenges and Personal Agency. (53:58) - The Role of Nonconformity in Personal Growth. (59:49) - Understanding the Marketplace of Wants. (01:03:02) - The Importance of Relationships in Life. (01:06:50) - Embracing Change and Curiosity.

Welcome to episode #964 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Tamsen Webster is an expert of messaging and an architect of transformative communication. Over her 25-year career, Tamsen has helped leaders, from Harvard Medical School to Fidelity Investments, craft messages that don't just resonate - they stick, long after the words are spoken. Her latest book, Say What They Can't Unhear - The 9 Principles of Lasting Change (she is also the author of Find Your Red Thread), is a guide to creating messages so compelling, they can't be ignored. In our conversation, we explored her fresh take on persuasion, focusing on building understanding before asking for agreement - a concept so simple yet often overlooked. Tamsen revealed why storytelling still works (hint: our brains are wired for it) but also why it sometimes fails, especially when the story doesn't align with the audience's core beliefs. Her approach, rooted in science and steeped in empathy, pushes us to find common ground - not by oversimplifying the message, but by connecting with deeply held truths. Our dialogue covered everything from the evolution of storytelling to the resurgence of Socratic discourse in modern conversations, and even how polarization impacts how we communicate. But what struck me most was her ability to balance the rational with the emotional, showing that truly effective messaging requires both. Tamsen's insights go beyond the typical "problem-solution" framework, offering a model that encourages dialogue, understanding, and long-term engagement. If you've ever struggled to present a big idea or faced resistance when trying to spark change, this episode is a masterclass in how to say what others can't unhear. Enjoy the conversation...

• Running time: 1:07:50.
• Hello from beautiful Montreal.
• Listen and subscribe over at Apple Podcasts.
• Listen and subscribe over at Spotify.
• 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 Tamsen Webster.
• Say What They Can't Unhear - The 9 Principles of Lasting Change.
• Find Your Red Thread.
• Message Design Institute.
• Follow Tamsen on X.
• Follow Tamsen on Instagram.
• Follow Tamsen on LinkedIn.
• This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'.

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction to Tamsen Webster and Her Work. (01:53) - The Evolution of Storytelling. (05:36) - Understanding the Structure of Stories. (07:59) - Why Stories Sometimes Fail. (10:06) - The Impact of Polarization on Storytelling. (12:25) - Beliefs and Their Role in Storytelling. (17:54) - Finding Common Ground in Communication. (20:35) - The Importance of Understanding in Persuasion. (24:56) - Permission Persuasion: A New Approach. (26:55) - Character Development in Storytelling. (30:48) - The Shift in Storytelling Techniques. (35:43) - Excavating Beliefs for Better Communication. (37:50) - Understanding Cause and Effect in Communication. (40:00) - The Challenge of New Ideas in a Saturated Market. (42:59) - The Importance of Long-Term Engagement. (45:53) - Exploring the Depth of Storytelling. (48:51) - The Return of Socratic Discourse. (53:09) - Bridging the Gap Between Rational and Emotional Understanding.

Welcome to episode #963 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Daniel J. Levitin is a polymath whose career defies categorization - a neuroscientist, musician, and New York Times bestselling author, he seamlessly blends the scientific with the soulful. As a professor and researcher, his work has illuminated the deep connections between music, the brain, health, and creativity, with his insights gracing publications from Nature and Science to Rolling Stone and The Atlantic. Dan has not only revolutionized how we think about music through seminal works like This Is Your Brain On Music but also through his consultations with tech giants like Apple and Microsoft and his collaborations with legendary musicians like Joni Mitchell and Sting. In our conversation, Dan shares insights from his latest book, I Heard There Was a Secret Chord - Music As Medicine, a fascinating exploration of music's unique ability to heal and connect us. We discussed everything from the evolutionary roots of music to its capacity to transform physical and emotional health. He explained the brain's innate response to rhythm and melody, unpacking why music compels us to move and how it serves as one of humanity's oldest forms of therapy. The dialogue also touched on the neuroscience of creativity, the serendipity of success in the music industry (and business), and the evolving role of music in the streaming age. His work reminds us that music isn't just entertainment - it's a vital force that shapes who we are and how we connect with the world. If you've ever wondered why a particular song brings you to tears or makes you tap your foot uncontrollably, this episode will resonate deeply. Enjoy the conversation...

• Running time: 1:08:01.
• Hello from beautiful Montreal.
• Listen and subscribe over at Apple Podcasts.
• Listen and subscribe over at Spotify.
• 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 Daniel J. Levitin.
• I Heard There Was a Secret Chord - Music As Medicine.
• This Is Your Brain On Music.
• Dan's music.
• Dan's research.
• Follow Dan on X.
• Follow Dan on Instagram.
• Follow Dan on LinkedIn.
• This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'.

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction to Dr. Daniel J. Levitin. (02:52) - The Connection Between Music and Movement. (06:12) - The Evolution of Music and Speech. (09:05) - The Role of Taste in Music Discovery. (11:58) - Luck vs. Skill in Music Success. (14:49) - The Complexity of Musical Originality. (18:06) - Creativity Across Cultures. (20:48) - The Evolution of Artists and Their Music. (31:09) - The Emotional Power of Music. (34:55) - The Evolution of Musical Taste. (39:42) - Songwriting and Personal Expression. (44:05) - Music as Medicine. (50:12) - The Impact of Streaming on Music Consumption. (56:45) - Lessons from Live Performance.

Welcome to episode #962 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Richard Cytowic is a neurologist, neuropsychologist, and a creative force who brought the enigmatic phenomenon of synesthesia back into scientific discourse after decades of dismissal, earning him international acclaim and cementing his place as a pioneer in neuroscience. Currently a Clinical Professor of Neurology at George Washington University, Richard has authored multiple groundbreaking books, including The Man Who Tasted Shapes, which won The Montaigne Medal, and has been the subject of three BBC documentaries. His work has influenced fields ranging from psychology to the arts, with speaking engagements at prestigious institutions like NASA, the Smithsonian, and the Library of Congress. In our conversation, Richard explored the themes of his latest book, Your Stone Age Brain In The Screen Age - Coping With Digital Distraction And Sensory Overload, an examination of why our prehistoric brains are ill-equipped for the constant bombardment of modern technology. Richard's unique lens - a fusion of neurological insight and storytelling - reveals how our brains, still operating on Stone Age instincts, are no match for the addictive design of our devices. He explains the science behind behaviors many of us dismiss, such as our inability to put down our phones or stop scrolling, linking these behaviors to the brain's limited bandwidth and the mechanics of positive intermittent reinforcement (think slot machines in your pocket). As someone who helped reintroduce synesthesia to mainstream science, Richard also connects these findings to larger societal implications, questioning how technology influences not only our attention but also our ability to interact meaningfully with others. Richard's deep dives into the science of human attention, working memory, and our psychological relationship with technology offer practical wisdom and fascinating insights. If you've ever wondered why it's so hard to put your phone down - or how we can reclaim our focus and connection in the digital age - this is for you. Enjoy the conversation...

• Running time: 1:02:58.
• Hello from beautiful Montreal.
• Listen and subscribe over at Apple Podcasts.
• Listen and subscribe over at Spotify.
• 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 Richard Cytowic.
• Your Stone Age Brain In The Screen Age - Coping With Digital Distraction And Sensory Overload.
• The Man Who Tasted Shapes.
• Synesthesia.
• Richard's columns for Psychology Today.
• Follow Richard on X.
• Follow Richard on LinkedIn.
• This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'.

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction to Synesthesia. (11:46) - The Impact of Screens on Our Brains. (25:14) - Understanding Attention and Energy. (39:45) - Navigating Digital Addiction. (55:50) - The Future of AI and Human Interaction.

Welcome to episode #961 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Sandra Matz is one of those rare individuals who sits at the intersection of academic rigor and cultural relevance. As a computational social scientist with a background in psychology and computer science, Sandra studies human behavior by uncovering the hidden relationships between our digital lives and our psychology. Her goal is to make data relatable, and help individuals and businesses make better and more ethical decisions. As the David W. Zalaznick Associate Professor of Business at Columbia Business School, Sandra has dedicated her career to understanding the hidden connections between human behavior and the data trails we leave behind. Over the last 10 years, she has published over 50 academic papers in the world's leading peer review journals. In her new book, Mindmasters - The Data-Driven Science Of Predicting And Changing Human Behavior, Sandra dives into how big data is not just a tool for understanding us but also for influencing our decisions - sometimes in ways that are empowering, other times in ways that are downright chilling. As someone who has always been fascinated by the promise and perils of technology, this conversation hit close to home. Sandra's perspective is nuanced: she's as much a champion of the transformative potential of algorithms in areas like mental health and financial well-being as she is a critic of their misuse for manipulation. Our conversation ranges from her conflicted feelings about the power of psychological targeting to her hope that these tools can help individuals lead happier, more balanced lives. What struck me most was her candor about the fine line between helpful nudges and invasive manipulation. Sandra is not just theorizing about these issues; she's actively shaping the conversation around them. If you're grappling with questions about the role of AI and algorithms in our lives - whether as a force for good or something we need to be deeply wary of - this episode will give you plenty to think about. Enjoy the conversation...

• Running time: 1:04:51.
• Hello from beautiful Montreal.
• Listen and subscribe over at Apple Podcasts.
• Listen and subscribe over at Spotify.
• 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 Sandra Matz.
• Mindmasters - The Data-Driven Science Of Predicting And Changing Human Behavior.
• Follow Sandra on LinkedIn.
• This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'.

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction to Computational Social Science. (03:00) - The Conflict of Technology and Psychology. (06:13) - Understanding Psychological Targeting. (08:58) - The Intimacy Economy vs. The Attention Economy. (11:52) - The Dangers of Data Privacy. (15:09) - The Impact of Google Searches on Personal Life. (17:56) - Mass Surveillance and Data Collection. (20:57) - The Role of Regulation in Data Privacy. (24:07) - The Algorithmic Accountability. (26:49) - Synthetic Data and Its Implications. (30:09) - The Future of AI and Human Creativity. (33:01) - The Role of Algorithms in Society. (36:08) - The Importance of Perspective in AI. (41:59) - The Challenge of Transparency in Algorithms. (44:46) - Grassroots Movements and Algorithm Accountability. (47:46) - The Future of AI and Human Interaction. (51:05) - Conclusion and Reflections on Technology.

Welcome to episode #960 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast.

It's not every day you get to sit down with someone who has shaped your professional life in such a profound way. I've known Seth Godin for nearly two decades. While I wouldn't say we're the kind of friends who text each other about weekend plans, there's a kinship that comes from two people who respect the craft of ideas, the power of language, and the art of making things better for others. Over the years, Seth has been a generous mentor - not in a formal sense, but in the way his words, books, and insights have seeped into the cracks of my thinking, slowly but surely changing how I approach my own work. Seth's latest book, This Is Strategy - Make Better Plans (Create a Strategy to Elevate Your Career, Community & Life), feels like a culmination of his ethos. If you've read his work before, you know his magic lies in making the complicated feel clear, the overwhelming feel doable, and the intimidating feel… well, fun. This book is no different. It's a map, not just for businesses trying to navigate a tricky economy or professionals angling for that next promotion, but for anyone looking to build something meaningful - whether it's a company, a community, or a life. And here's the thing: Seth doesn't just teach strategy; he lives it. From the outside, it might seem like his career has been one unbroken string of successes - best-selling books, a groundbreaking blog, iconic projects like The Marketing Seminar and altMBA. But what he really teaches us, and what I've seen firsthand, is that strategy is about persistence, adaptability, and the willingness to say, "I made this," even when you're not sure how it will land. In this conversation, we went deep into not just the mechanics of strategy but the mindset behind it. Seth has this uncanny ability to get you to question your assumptions while making you feel like you're capable of anything. It's a rare kind of mentoring, and I think you'll feel it too when you listen to this episode. So, if you're someone who's wrestling with what's next - whether it's a project, a career move, or just a better way to spend your days - I hope you'll carve out some time for this one. Seth has this way of reminding you that strategy isn't about being clever; it's about being clear. And clarity? That's something we could all use more of. Enjoy the conversation...

• Running time: 1:03:00.
• 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 Seth Godin.
• This Is Strategy - Make Better Plans (Create a Strategy to Elevate Your Career, Community & Life).
• Seth's Blog.
• All things Seth.
• Follow Seth on X.
• Follow Seth on Instagram.
• Follow Seth on LinkedIn.
• This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'.

Chapters:

(00:00) - The Journey of Influence. (02:59) - Navigating Public Speaking. (06:09) - The Impact of AI on Culture. (08:47) - Understanding Intimacy in the Digital Age. (11:59) - The Essence of Strategy. (14:50) - The Role of Story in Strategy. (17:56) - Status and Affiliation in Marketing. (20:55) - The Philosophy of Strategy. (23:59) - Empathy and Systems Change. (27:06) - The Power of Nostalgia. (29:59) - The Future of Work and Culture. (33:00) - The Role of News in Our Lives, (36:11) - Recommendations and Reflections.

Welcome to episode #959 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Dr. Rebecca Homkes is a high-growth strategy specialist who has dedicated her career to helping CEOs and executive teams navigate growth and uncertainty. As the founder of her own boutique consultancy firm, she advises some of the world's leading organizations on how to thrive in challenging economic landscapes. Rebecca is a Lecturer at the London Business School's Department of Strategy and Entrepreneurship, faculty at Duke Corporate Executive Education, and an advisor and faculty member at Boston Consulting Group University. Her rich academic background includes directing the joint McKinsey & Co and LSE Centre for Economic Performance Global Management Project, and her writings have been featured in publications like the Harvard Business Review, Businessweek, Fortune, and Forbes. In this conversation, Rebecca delves into the intricacies of formulating effective growth strategies amidst economic uncertainty. She emphasizes that true entrepreneurs can find growth opportunities in any market situation. While organizations often excel at short-term and long-term planning, Rebecca points out that many struggle with midterm strategies - a critical gap that needs addressing. She introduces her framework, Survive, Reset, Thrive (also the name of her recently published book), which serves as a roadmap for organizations to navigate uncertainty and build a sustainable right to win. Rebecca highlights the importance of internal predictability, suggesting that organizations with stable internal processes are better equipped to adapt swiftly to external changes. She also discusses how speed, when aligned with clear direction, can serve as a competitive advantage in today's fast-paced business environment. We debate the future of work, where Rebecca anticipates a potential renaissance in trades as industries evolve. She underscores the necessity of continuous learning and capability-building, urging organizations to invest in their people's development alongside their strategic initiatives. Rebecca's insights offer valuable guidance for leaders seeking to navigate growth amid uncertainty and provides thoughtful approaches to thriving in today's complex business landscape. Enjoy the conversation...

• Running time: 1:06:47.
• 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. Rebecca Homkes.
• Survive, Reset, Thrive.
• Follow Rebecca on X.
• Follow Rebecca on LinkedIn.
• This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'.

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction to Growth Strategies. (03:00) - Navigating Economic Uncertainty. (06:01) - The Role of CEO Tenure in Strategy. (09:01) - Midterm Growth Strategies. (12:02) - Understanding the Right to Win. (14:51) - Building Loyalty Lock-In. (18:06) - Survive, Reset, Thrive Framework. (21:01) - The Impact of AI on Business. (23:58) - The Challenge of Acting to Shape. (27:07) - The Future of Work and Skills. (29:50) - The Importance of Internal Predictability. (33:06) - Speed vs. Direction in Strategy. (36:13) - Personal Reflections and Lessons Learned.