Cal Fussman: How To Interview ANYONE and NEVER be BORING with a legendary journalist
Apr 25, 2023
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Renowned interviewer Cal Fussman shares insights on the art of interviewing, active listening, and engaging banter. He discusses surprising encounters, asking questions, and genuine experiences amidst marketing strategies. The conversation also delves into unconventional wisdom from models and the power of meaningful connections.
True connections are made through deep listening and thoughtful follow-up questions in interviews.
Creating a safe environment for interviewees enhances the quality of responses and conversations.
Authentic storytelling and genuine interactions lead to meaningful connections and insights during interviews.
Deep dives
The Power of Authenticity and Curiosity in Interviewing
Listening is key in asking the right follow-up questions. Cal Fussman highlights that true connections are made through deep listening and thoughtful follow-up inquiries during interviews. He compares the process to digging for gold, emphasizing that digging deeper in one place, rather than shifting around, uncovers the most valuable insights.
Overcoming Fear in Asking Questions
Cal Fussman and the host delve into the psychology of asking questions and the fear of offending. They highlight the importance of creating a safe and comfortable environment where individuals feel heard and understood. Cal shares his journey of conquering the fear of asking direct questions by embracing silence and persistence.
Creating Comfort in Interviews
The episode explores the significance of making interviewees feel at ease. Cal Fussman recounts anecdotes of engaging with high-profile individuals like Gerald Butler and creating moments of comfort and connection through casual conversations. Establishing a sense of safety and rapport is identified as crucial in effective interviewing.
The Art of Being Authentic in Interviews
Modeling authenticity, Cal Fussman shares compelling stories of interviewing iconic figures like Lauren Hutton and gaining unexpected insights. The conversation delves into the depth of connections made through authentic storytelling and genuine interactions, showcasing the value of being true to oneself in interviews.
Evolving Interview Techniques and Hiring Practices
Cal Fussman discusses the evolution of interview techniques towards creating meaningful dialogues that reveal the true essence of individuals. His transition into assisting businesses in crafting effective interview questions reflects a transformative approach to recruitment, where authenticity and curiosity play pivotal roles in candidate selection.
Renowned interviewer Cal Fussman is known for his ability to conduct deep and insightful interviews with some of the most influential people of our time, including Muhammad Ali, Mikhail Gorbachev, and Jeff Bezos. Fussman has won numerous awards for his writing, including four National Magazine Awards and a Sports Emmy.
Cal Fussman is the Contributing editor at large for Esquire magazine for over 20 years, where he gained recognition for his "What I've Learned" column. Fussman began his career as a sportswriter, covering events such as the Super Bowl and the Olympics. He is also the founder of Big Questions, a consulting and training company that helps individuals and organizations ask better questions.
“Interviewed me…In true Cal fashion took the conversation to places I never could have expected. He really is a master of the craft of asking questions.” - Tim Ferriss