Harry Max, co-host of Traction Heroes, brings a practical leadership focus, while Jorge Arango offers a deep theoretical perspective as a Rosenfeld Media author. Together, they explore a unique podcast format that sparks impromptu conversations from insightful book passages. Their goal is to decode complex ideas into actionable advice for leaders. They discuss the importance of aligning design with business objectives and highlight personal growth through continuous learning, using gardening as a metaphor for change.
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Podcast Genesis
Jorge contacted Harry with a "crazy idea" for a new project.
This led to a dinner meeting in Oakland where they discussed the podcast concept.
insights INSIGHT
Unique Podcast Format
The podcast's format makes it unique: unscripted conversations sparked by reading passages.
This differs from traditional interview formats, offering deeper, more improvisational discussions.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Reaching Senior Leaders
Expose IA principles to senior audiences unfamiliar with IA.
Frame conversations in business language, focusing on practical applications for decision-makers.
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High Output Management is a seminal book by Andrew S. Grove that outlines his management and productivity concepts developed during his tenure at Intel. The book introduces the 'management by objectives' approach, also known as the objectives and key results (OKR) framework. It covers techniques for creating highly productive teams, methods of motivation, and the importance of measurable processes, performance reviews, and training. Grove emphasizes the role of managers in leading and motivating teams, and his book is praised for its practical advice and timeless relevance in various professions and industries.
Necessary Endings
The Employees, Businesses, and Relationships That All of Us Have to Give Up in Order to Move Forward
Henry Cloud
In 'Necessary Endings', Henry Cloud challenges readers to identify and end unhealthy relationships, businesses, and practices that hinder personal and professional growth. The book emphasizes that endings are a natural part of life and necessary for moving forward. Cloud provides practical advice on making tough decisions, using metaphors like pruning a rose bush to illustrate the need for intentional endings to allow for new beginnings and growth. The book is designed to help readers achieve the personal and professional growth they desire by proactively correcting the bad and the broken in their lives and businesses[2][3][4].
Living in Information
Jorge Arango
Duly Noted
Duly Noted
Jorge Arango
Information Architecture: For the Web and Beyond
Peter Morville
Jorge Arango
Lou Rosenfeld
This book provides essential concepts, methods, and techniques for digital design, focusing on information architecture as a strategic capability for creating intuitive and user-centric digital products. It covers components like organization, labeling, navigation, search, and metadata, offering practical advice for UX designers, product managers, and developers.
What happens when two brilliant minds from the world of information architecture team up to create a podcast that’s part leadership playbook, part intellectual high-wire act? That’s exactly what Harry Max and Jorge Arango set out to explore with their new podcast, Traction Heroes. Lou Rosenfeld chats with two and learns how they envision their project and how their podcast differs from traditional interview formats.
Instead of scripted discussions, Traction Heroes features Harry and Jorge reading thought-provoking passages from books to each other—without prior preparation—sparking impromptu, insightful conversations. The goal? To decode complex ideas and turn them into actionable advice for leaders and decision-makers. The pair leverage their complementary strengths: Harry’s applied, results-driven approach, and Jorge’s deep, theoretical mindset. Together, they aim to help listeners gain traction in their careers and lives, all while keeping the dialogue engaging and accessible.
Launched in January 2025, the podcast avoids technical or siloed jargon, and focuses on practical tools for structuring decisions and creating meaningful outcomes. Available on major platforms and at TractionHeroes.com, the show promises a fresh take on leadership and decision-making.
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