On this episode of Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different, we get a fresh Pirates Perspective with our favorite fellow Category Pirates Eddie Yoon and Katrina Kirsch on why Relationship Capital is the most underrated form of wealth. In business, success is often attributed to strategy, skill, and spreadsheets. But the truth is, it’s deeply personal. The strongest careers and ventures are built not just on solo efforts but on shared battles, purpose, and risks. This is where Relationship Capital comes into play—an intangible but invaluable form of wealth that defines long-term success. You’re listening to Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different. We are the real dialogue podcast for people with a different mind. So get your mind in a different place, and hey ho, let’s go. Business is Radically Personal Many people believe that business is purely transactional, but the truth is that all business is personal. The deals you close and the partnerships you build are deeply rooted in human connections. It’s not just about numbers; it’s about trust and loyalty. Legendary careers are built not just on talent or hard work but on meaningful relationships. By investing genuinely in people, you create alliances that stand the test of time and challenges. When people trust you, they are more likely to go to battle with you and for you. Shared Purpose Builds Unbreakable Bonds Relationships that transcend transactions are grounded in shared purpose. When people come together for a common cause, the bonds formed are unbreakable. This shared vision fosters trust, collaboration, and loyalty. Whether you’re launching a startup or leading a team, aligning on purpose ensures everyone moves in the same direction. It also brings people of diverse backgrounds together, united by a mission that goes beyond personal gain. This is the foundation of long-lasting, impactful connections. Risk and Reward in Relationship Capital Building deep connections requires vulnerability and risk. Genuine relationships are built when people stand by each other during challenges. This emotional investment may not always yield immediate results, but it leads to exponential rewards over time. Those who take risks in relationships—whether by showing support during failures or celebrating successes—create bonds that are resilient and meaningful. In the end, it’s not the number of LinkedIn connections that matters but the people who stand by you when it counts. To hear more from the Category Pirates and their thoughts on Relationship Capital, download and listen to this episode. Subscribe to Category Pirates today and join the crew in our Category Design journey on the business seas! Don’t forget to grab a copy (or gift!) of one of our best-selling books:  Snow Leopard: How Legendary Writers Create A Category Of One  The Category Design Toolkit: Beyond Marketing: 15 Frameworks For Creating & Dominating Your Niche  A Marketer’s Guide To Category Design: How To Escape The “Better” Trap, Dam The Demand, And Launch A Lightning Strike Strategy The 22 Laws of Category Design: Name & Claim Your Niche, Share Your POV, And Move The World From Where It Is To Somewhere Different  **NEW!** The B2B Tech Marketer’s Guide To Category Design: How To Engineer Your Market, Find What Makes You Different, And Become A Category Queen We hope you enjoyed this episode of Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different™! Christopher loves hearing from his listeners. Feel free to email him, connect on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and subscribe on iTunes!

On this episode of Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different, Andrew Gilmour, a visionary entrepreneur, discussed how capital markets can transform the way we approach environmental sustainability. The global carbon market is a trillion-dollar opportunity waiting to be realized, yet it remains inefficient and fragmented. By leveraging financial innovation, Andrew Gilmour believes we can create scalable, investable assets that will not only fight climate change but also generate wealth for developing nations. His insights shed light on the current barriers, the revolutionary potential of financial instruments, and why bold action is necessary to disrupt the status quo. You’re listening to Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different. We are the real dialogue podcast for people with a different mind. So get your mind in a different place, and hey ho, let’s go. Andrew Gilmour on the Broken State of Carbon Markets Carbon credits were originally designed as a solution to global emissions, allowing companies and governments to offset their carbon footprint by investing in environmental preservation. However, as Gilmour explains, the current system is deeply flawed. The voluntary carbon market, which should be a powerful tool for change, is dramatically undersized. In 2024, it only accounted for about $3 billion in trade volume, a minuscule amount compared to the estimated $4-5 trillion in annual demand​. One key reason for this inefficiency is the absence of liquidity. Unlike traditional stocks or commodities, carbon credits are not structured as financial instruments that can be easily bought, sold, or held as assets. Many companies treat them as a charitable expense rather than a tradable commodity, further limiting the market’s potential. Andrew argues that to unlock real value, we must introduce market structures that allow investors to buy, hold, and even short carbon credits—just as they would with any other financial asset. A Capital Market’s Approach to Environmental Change Andrew Gilmour believes that the only way to make carbon markets work is to integrate them into the global financial system. By structuring carbon credits as assets with clear ownership, transparency, and liquidity, the market can become attractive to a wider range of investors. “The beauty of capital markets is that they harness enlightened self-interest. It’s not for the benevolence of the butcher, the baker, or the brewer that we owe our daily bread, but to their own self-interest.” — Andrew Gilmour​ His approach has already yielded groundbreaking results. In a deal with Bolivia, $5 billion worth of carbon assets were structured and made available for trade, equivalent to 11% of the country’s GDP​. This transaction not only helps reduce emissions but also creates an economic lifeline for developing nations. Through financial innovation, Andrew is proving that environmental sustainability and economic growth are not mutually exclusive. Andrew Gilmour on the Path Forward: Disrupting the Status Quo For decades, climate action has been largely dominated by NGOs and government initiatives. Although they are well-intentioned, these efforts have failed to create scalable solutions. Andrew argues that the key to meaningful change lies in disrupting the existing model and adopting a fully market-driven approach. His vision for the future includes turning forests, kelp beds, and other natural carbon sinks into structured financial assets. By leveraging AI, satellite data, and advanced trading mechanisms, he is building a platform that ensures transparency and accountability in carbon trading. This approach not only benefits the environment but also attracts investors who might not have previously considered sustainability as a viable financial opportunity. As the world moves toward a net-zero future, the need for innovative, market-based solutions has never been greater. Andrew Gilmour’s bold vision challenges conventional thinking, proving that financial markets have the power to drive environmental change at an unprecedented scale. To hear more from Andrew Gilmour and how to unlock trillions in the Carbon Markets, download and listen to this episode. Bio Andrew Gilmour is the Co-founder & CEO of Laconic, a pioneering company revolutionizing carbon markets through financial innovation. With a background in capital markets and data-driven solutions, he is transforming carbon credits into tradable assets, unlocking trillions in environmental investments. Under his leadership, Laconic utilizes AI, satellite data, and regulatory frameworks to bring trust, transparency, and liquidity to carbon trading. His groundbreaking work has already led to billion-dollar deals, proving that sustainability and profitability can coexist. A visionary entrepreneur, Andrew Gilmour is redefining how financial markets drive global climate action and economic growth. Links LinkedIn | Laconic Website We hope you enjoyed this episode of Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different™! Christopher loves hearing from his listeners. Feel free to email him, connect on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and subscribe on iTunes!

On this episode of Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different, we get a Pirates Perspective with our favorite fellow Category Pirates Eddie Yoon and Katrina Kirsch on how personal capital—financial resources, reputation, creativity, and relationships—can empower individuals to design a career and life on their own terms. Many people wake up every day working for someone else’s dream, relying on a paycheck while wondering, “Is this all there is?” The truth is, breaking free from this cycle requires more than just ambition—it takes Personal Capital. We hope that this episode helps fellow Pirates see how they can build up their personal capital rather than mindlessly selling their time for money. You’re listening to Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different. We are the real dialogue podcast for people with a different mind. So get your mind in a different place, and hey ho, let’s go. The Four Types of Personal Capital To build a career that provides true freedom, you need more than just money. The four types of personal capital include: Financial Capital – Savings, investments, and income sources that give you the flexibility to take risks and invest in yourself. Reputation Capital – Your personal brand, expertise, and credibility that open doors to new opportunities. Creator Capital – The ability to generate unique ideas and create scalable value, especially in a digital-first world. Relationship Capital – A strong network of mentors, collaborators, and supporters who propel you forward. The hosts discuss that understanding and investing in these four areas allows individuals to shift from merely selling their time for money to leveraging their skills and resources for long-term independence. The Emotional Journey of Breaking Free Leaving behind a traditional career path is not just a financial challenge—it’s an emotional one. Fear, self-doubt, and the weight of societal expectations can make this transition overwhelming. Each of the hosts then share their journey from restarting again to launching a successful business despite having no money or connections and the uncertainty of success. Entrepreneurs and career changers often grapple with fear of failure and imposter syndrome. However, taking control of one’s career means embracing the discomfort of uncertainty and learning from failures rather than fearing them. The key is to develop radical agency—the mindset that you are the author of your own future. Adapting to the Changing Work Landscape The hosts then get to the topic of AI. The digital revolution, particularly the rise of AI and automation, is reshaping how we work. Traditional knowledge-based careers are being disrupted as AI makes existing information more accessible and commoditized. The new competitive edge lies in creative and entrepreneurial thinking. All three agree that in order to thrive in this evolving landscape, professionals must learn to shift from knowledge work to creator work, producing unique and scalable value. One must also leverage digital tools and platforms to build their brand and reach a global audience. And finally, one must continuously learn and reinvent themselves to stay ahead of industry shifts. The key takeaway? Now is the best time to embrace digital opportunities and take control of your career. Those who do will find greater flexibility, fulfillment, and financial independence. To hear more from the Category Pirates and their thoughts on personal capital, download and listen to this episode. If you wish to listen to the Personal Capital audiobook, subscribe to Category Pirates so you can have access to their multitude of audio books that is available for every pirate to hear. You can also join in the discussions to add your thoughts about Category Design, brands, and sailing the business seas! Don’t forget to grab a copy (or gift!) of one of our best-selling books:  Snow Leopard: How Legendary Writers Create A Category Of One  The Category Design Toolkit: Beyond Marketing: 15 Frameworks For Creating & Dominating Your Niche  A Marketer’s Guide To Category Design: How To Escape The “Better” Trap, Dam The Demand, And Launch A Lightning Strike Strategy The 22 Laws of Category Design: Name & Claim Your Niche, Share Your POV, And Move The World From Where It Is To Somewhere Different  **NEW!** The B2B Tech Marketer’s Guide To Category Design: How To Engineer Your Market, Find What Makes You Different, And Become A Category Queen We hope you enjoyed this episode of Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different™! Christopher loves hearing from his listeners. Feel free to email him, connect on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and subscribe on iTunes!

Pastor Evan Mawarire, a Zimbabwean clergyman and activist known for founding the #ThisFlag movement, shares his inspiring journey fighting for justice and social change. He discusses the importance of defying societal norms to embrace authenticity and resilience. Evan reflects on the pursuit of true happiness linked to one's spiritual purpose, navigating faith amid challenges, and the power of language in shaping perceptions. His candid insights reveal how joy can coexist with grief, urging listeners to find meaning and connection in their struggles.

Eddie Yoon, a member of Category Pirates, introduces the innovative concept of Grief Design, advocating for radical self-expression and community support as essential tools in navigating grief. The discussion revolves around the powerful metaphor of the 'empty chair', symbolizing the ongoing presence of loss during the holiday season. Together with Katrina Kirsch, they emphasize the importance of open conversations about grief, balancing pain with joy, and how shared experiences can foster deep connections and healing.

In a delightful conversation with Ken Honda, a bestselling Japanese author known for merging financial wisdom with self-help, listeners explore the concept of 'happy money.' Honda emphasizes that money can bring joy when received and spent mindfully. He promotes gratitude during transactions to transform spending into a joyful experience. The discussion also delves into our emotional relationships with money, encouraging a shift from traditional financial metrics to a more fulfilling, community-oriented approach that prioritizes happiness over wealth.

Welcome to Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different 2025! In this New Year’s episode, we reflect on the past year and look forward to 2025, with a focus on significant career trends and the impact of AI on the workforce. With 60% of Americans considering job changes, the episode highlights the diminishing value of traditional knowledge work and the rise of “creative capitalists” who leverage AI for innovation. Our 2025 focus includes helping individuals identify their unique strengths, connect them to meaningful contributions, and achieve personal and financial fulfillment. Join us in embracing these transformative opportunities for a legendary year ahead. You’re listening to Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different. We are the real dialogue podcast for people with a different mind. So get your mind in a different place, and hey ho, let’s go.   Trends in Job Changes Recent surveys reveal a striking trend: approximately 60% of Americans are contemplating job or career changes in 2025. This statistic, reported by Gallup and corroborated by a résumé templates survey, indicates a widespread desire for new opportunities. Specifically, 56% of individuals are looking to pursue new jobs, with 27% actively searching. This data suggests that more than half of the workforce is seeking meaningful transitions in their careers.   The New Reality of AI As we navigate this new landscape, we must acknowledge the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI). We are no longer in a future where AI is a distant concept; it is now a present reality. The workforce will be divided into two categories: those who thrive in this new environment and those who struggle to adapt. For the past 70 years, the highest value work has been classified as “knowledge work,” a term coined by the renowned Peter Drucker. Knowledge workers acquire valuable information and apply it to produce results. However, in an AI-driven world, the value of existing knowledge is diminishing daily. Tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini can provide insights and strategies that were once the exclusive domain of high-end knowledge workers.   The Rise of Creative Capitalists In this evolving landscape, the new high-value role is that of the “creative capitalist.” These individuals are not just knowledge workers; they are innovators who generate new knowledge and ideas, leveraging AI to enhance their creativity and productivity. Those who can harness AI to create unique solutions and insights will find themselves at the forefront of success in 2025 and beyond. Conversely, those who cling to traditional knowledge work without adapting to the changes brought about by AI may face significant challenges. The tech industry has already seen substantial layoffs, with around 200,000 job losses reported in 2024. This serves as a stark reminder of the need to evolve and embrace new ways of working. To hear more about the new trends and what you need to adapt in this new year 2025, download and listen to this episode.   We hope you enjoyed this episode of Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different™! Christopher loves hearing from his listeners. Feel free to email him, connect on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and subscribe on iTunes!

Renowned author Steven Kotler, a leader in human performance, shares insights from his book, "The Art of Impossible." He explores intrinsic motivation, detailing how curiosity, passion, purpose, autonomy, and mastery drive peak performance. Delving into the neurobiology of flow states, Kotler emphasizes the role of neurochemicals like dopamine in achieving extraordinary results. He also highlights the importance of aligning actions with passions for fulfilling outcomes, while reflecting on risk-taking in extreme sports and the need for environments that foster creativity and productivity.

Rick Bennett, a renowned guerrilla marketing expert from Silicon Valley, shares his wild marketing adventures. He reflects on bold, unconventional strategies that have made waves for tech giants like Oracle and Salesforce. Rick recounts creating impactful campaigns that not only captured attention but also psychologically disrupted competitors. The discussion emphasizes the crucial role of courage in marketing and how unique positioning can turn challenges into opportunities. Dive in for stories that blend innovation with audacity!

Judah Taub, managing partner at Hetz Venture Capital and a leader in the Israeli tech ecosystem, shares insights into the unique challenges and resilience of entrepreneurs in Israel. He discusses the critical role of military service in shaping a collective entrepreneurial spirit and the adaptability of startups in the face of adversity. Judah highlights how recent traumatic events, like those on October 7th, have shaped the landscape of innovation and the importance of experience among founders. His anecdotes reveal a profound connection between personal and professional lives that fuels creativity.