Cal Fussman, a seasoned journalist and Writer At Large for Esquire, takes the reins in a captivating conversation. He delves into the importance of genuine connections in an AI-driven world, emphasizing vulnerability over perfection. The discussion also covers personal growth during the pandemic and the evolving identity amidst societal changes. Fussman explores the transformative power of friendships and creativity, while sharing insights on the shifting landscape of journalism in the era of technology. Tune in for a thought-provoking dialogue!
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Manage AI Risks with Guardrails
Society must debate and manage AI's risks with guardrails, balancing costs and benefits.
Uncontrolled AI may cause harms that outweigh its advantages, so consider regulation like seatbelt laws.
insights INSIGHT
AI as Ultimate Librarian
AI acts like a brilliant librarian, having read every book and summarizing what matters most.
Unlike Google, AI does the work to filter and synthesize information for you.
insights INSIGHT
AI Lacks Human Curiosity
AI cannot create new original thoughts or curiosity; it only recycles existing ideas.
Growth and struggle in creating work are what make us better versions of ourselves, not just the end product.
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In 'Leaders Eat Last', Simon Sinek explores the principles of true leadership, emphasizing the importance of trust, safety, and the well-being of team members. The book delves into the biological and anthropological aspects of leadership, highlighting the role of neurochemicals such as serotonin, oxytocin, dopamine, and endorphins in shaping behavior. Sinek advocates for a 'Circle of Safety' where leaders prioritize the needs of their team members, ensuring they feel protected and valued. He contrasts short-term, self-serving leadership with long-term, people-centric leadership, using examples from various organizations to illustrate his points. The book stresses that leadership is a choice rather than a rank and that great leaders focus on the well-being of their people above all else[2][3][4].
The Infinite Game
Simon Sinek
In 'The Infinite Game', Simon Sinek distinguishes between finite and infinite games. Finite games have known players, fixed rules, and a clear endpoint, whereas infinite games, like business and life, have no defined endpoint and are played to continue the game rather than to win. Sinek argues that leaders who adopt an infinite mindset, focusing on a 'Just Cause', building 'Trusting Teams', having 'Worthy Rivals', practicing 'Existential Flexibility', and showing the 'Courage to Lead', will build stronger, more innovative, and resilient organizations. The book uses real-world examples to illustrate the benefits of an infinite mindset and the pitfalls of a finite mindset in business and leadership[1][2][5].
Start with Why
How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action
Simon Sinek
In 'Start with Why', Simon Sinek introduces the concept of 'The Golden Circle', which consists of 'Why', 'How', and 'What'. He argues that successful leaders and organizations start with their purpose or 'Why', which inspires loyalty and trust. Sinek uses examples such as Apple, Martin Luther King Jr., and the Wright Brothers to illustrate how this approach can lead to significant influence and success. The book emphasizes the importance of leadership and purpose in inspiring others and achieving long-term success.
Sometimes in life, we must stop and ask ourselves, “Where am I you going next?” Other times, it’s more fun to do a podcast takeover.
No one has ever interviewed me quite like Cal Fussman. Cal has a gift – he pulls things out of you that you didn’t even know were there. A prolific Writer At Large for Esquire, Cal has interviewed legends like Muhammad Ali and Mikhail Gorbachev, and he’s the host of the podcast Big Questions. So, to mark 15 years since writing Start With Why, I invited Cal to take over my podcast and ask me the questions I don’t usually get asked.
Cal did get me to open up in this conversation, but not in the way you might expect. We talk about where I’ve been, where I’m going, the infinite game, creativity in AI…and why I’ve become so obsessed with friendship lately.
A Bit of Optimism 
