John Maeda emphasizes the importance of adaptability in career transitions and educational pursuits.
Reflecting on cultural influences, John Maeda highlights the impact of diverse backgrounds on career decisions.
Deep dives
John Mader's Unique Background and Career Path
John Mader, a multifaceted individual with a background in computer science, electrical engineering, design, and academia, shares insights from his varied career. From MIT graduate to professor and author of 'How to Speak Machine,' Mader discusses his journey, including pivotal moments like his shift to design at MIT and transition from academia to business education, highlighting the importance of adapting and evolving.
The Impact of Personal Heritage on John's Career Path
Exploring John's Hawaiian and Japanese heritage, he reflects on the contrasting influences of his strict Japanese father and laid-back Hawaiian mother. This cultural blend shaped his childhood and worldview, fostering a desire to excel beyond his family's labor background. The interplay of diverse cultural influences and familial aspirations influenced John's career choices and educational pursuits.
Leadership Challenges During Financial Crisis at Rhode Island School of Design
As president of the Rhode Island School of Design during the global financial crisis, John Mader faced significant challenges related to the institution's financial stability. Tackling issues of debt, building maintenance, and faculty discontent, Mader implemented strategic financial measures, leading to controversial decisions and a vote of no confidence. Through resilience and innovative solutions, he navigated the institution through turbulent times.
Balancing Empathy and Maker Mentality in Leadership
Reflecting on the balance between empathy and a maker mentality, John discusses the inherent challenges in transitioning from a hands-on creator to a leader. The intense focus and precision required in craftsmanship often clash with the interpersonal demands of leadership, necessitating a shift in perspective towards understanding and supporting others. By embracing empathy alongside technical expertise, leaders can foster inclusive and sustainable organizational cultures.
Today’s guest is John Maeda – famed artist, designer, technologist, author, ex MIT professor, and once President of the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design, among many other accolades - most recently as CTO at Everbridge.
He completed his bachelors and masters degrees in Computer Science and Electrical Engineering at MIT where he would return to become Professor of Design and Computation and Head of Research. He also earned a PhD in Design and a Master’s in Business.
In this wide-ranging conversation, John and I discuss his book How to Speak Machine: Computational Thinking for the Rest of Us as well as the leadership lessons he has learned throughout his career through good times and more importantly, the bad, how we can create a world of optimism akin to the Obama era and why we should all remain curious creatures.
I have learned so much from John over the years and this conversation and I am sure you will too.
So here is my conversation with the utterly brilliant John Maeda.