Six Pixels of Separation Podcast

In this conversation, Patrick Tanguay, a generalist and creator of the newsletter Sentiers, dives into the art of curating global change signals. He shares insights on building personal observatories to enhance our understanding of the future, emphasizing the importance of generalist skills. The discussion navigates through effective content consumption strategies and the role of technology in managing information. Tanguay reflects on his diverse career, showcasing how thoughtful design and community engagement lead to innovative thinking and creativity.

Welcome to episode #999 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast. Noah Giansiracusa is an associate professor of mathematics at Bentley University and a visiting scholar at Harvard who has built a reputation for translating the hidden power of algorithms into plain language that empowers individuals. With a PhD in algebraic geometry from Brown, he’s always bringing a mathematician’s eye to the cultural and social impact of technology. His earlier book, How Algorithms Create and Prevent Fake News, was praised by Nobel Prize–winning economist Paul Romer as “the best guide to the strategies and stakes of this battle for the future.” In his latest book, Robin Hood Math - Take Control Of The Algorithms That Run Your Life, Noah shows how banks, insurers, tech giants and governments use algorithms to make decisions that shape our lives, and how ordinary people can reclaim agency using simple mathematical tools. At a time when our feeds, finances and even friendships are increasingly mediated by code, Noah argues that math can be a democratizing force: a way to cut through the opacity of “black box” systems, understand who benefits from them, and make better choices in daily life. His work emphasizes that algorithms are neither inherently good nor bad, they tilt the balance of power depending on who wields them. By unpacking formulas like the weighted sum that underpins credit scores, college rankings and even TikTok virality, he provides a way to see through the manipulation and complexity. In this episode, Noah discusses the double-edged nature of technology, the transparency gap in digital platforms, the cultural consequences of algorithm-driven media and why math education must evolve to reflect the algorithmic realities students are already living. For anyone curious about reclaiming autonomy in a world increasingly designed by machines, his message is clear: a little math can go a long way in leveling the playing field. Enjoy the conversation... Running time: 1:05:57. Hello from beautiful Montreal. Listen and subscribe over at Apple Podcasts. Listen and subscribe over at Spotify. Please visit and leave comments on the blog - Six Pixels of Separation. Feel free to connect to me directly on Facebook here: Mitch Joel on Facebook. Check out ThinkersOne. or you can connect on LinkedIn. ...or on X. Here is my conversation with Noah Giansiracusa. Robin Hood Math - Take Control Of The Algorithms That Run Your Life. How Algorithms Create and Prevent Fake News. Check out Noah’s podcast: AI In Academia: Navigating The Future. Follow Noah on Instagram. Follow Noah on LinkedIn. Chapters: (00:00) - Understanding Algorithms and Their Impact. (03:11) - The Dual Nature of Technology. (06:05) - Agency in an Algorithmic World. (09:00) - The Centralization of Algorithms. (11:53) - The Role of Math in Understanding Algorithms. (15:04) - Practical Applications of Algorithm Understanding. (19:07) - Engagement and Its Consequences. (24:06) - Navigating Social Media Dynamics. (27:54) - The Future of AI and Algorithms. (37:28) - Understanding AI: Generative vs Traditional. (39:59) - The Impact of AI on Social Media. (41:25) - Data as the New Oil: Advertising and Efficacy. (44:51) - Transparency in Technology and Advertising. (48:19) - Bridging the Gap: Understanding Algorithms. (51:56) - The Power Dynamics of Technology. (53:58) - Reclaiming Agency Through Math. (56:49) - Rethinking Math Education for the Modern World. (01:00:42) - Simplicity in Complexity: Understanding Algorithms. (01:03:51) - Finding Relevance in Math.

Annie Wilson, a marketing professor at the Wharton School and co-author of *The Growth Dilemma*, dives into the complexities of brand growth. She discusses how attracting new customers can inadvertently alienate loyal ones, using real-world examples from companies like Apple and Gucci. With a focus on AI's impact on marketing strategies, she emphasizes the importance of authenticity and cultural relevance. Wilson explores the precarious balance between brand integrity and growth, and shares insights on sustaining consumer connection amidst a rapidly evolving landscape.

Adam Brotman, co-founder of Forum3 and former Chief Digital Officer at Starbucks, dives into the age of AI, discussing how brands must redefine themselves beyond just adopting tools. He explores the impending shifts in marketing, emphasizing that AI will handle much of current agency work. Brotman highlights the importance of integrating AI at the core of business strategies while balancing human connections. With insights on customer loyalty and personalization, he paves the way for navigating a future where companies remain human-focused in an AI-driven world.

Christie Smith, a former senior executive at Apple, Deloitte, and Accenture, now leads The Humanity Studio, focusing on redefining leadership in the modern workplace. She discusses the urgent need for empathetic leadership in a post-pandemic world, where people-centered approaches are key. The conversation dives into how organizations must move beyond traditional productivity measures, emphasizing human energy and emotional connections. Moreover, she explores the complex dynamics of distributed teams and the ethical dilemmas posed by generative AI, calling for a balanced, mission-driven culture.

In this engaging discussion, Nelson Repenning, a professor at MIT Sloan, dives into why smart organizations struggle to get effective work done. He introduces dynamic work design, a method aimed at improving execution through five key principles. Nelson shares real-life stories from various sectors, illustrating how traditional work cultures can become traps of unproductive busyness. He emphasizes that true productivity isn't about doing more, but doing work that aligns with actual desired outcomes, especially in an era of increasing complexity and AI.

Vicki Tan, author of Ask This Book A Question and product designer for giants like Google and Spotify, dives into the intricacies of decision-making. She discusses how cognitive biases shape our choices and the importance of storytelling in helping us navigate life's complexity. Vicki emphasizes that reframing questions can unlock clarity over simply seeking answers. The conversation also touches on cultural attitudes towards risk and the intersection of design with personal growth, providing a refreshing perspective on the art of decision-making.

Angela Chee, a keynote speaker and author of The Power Of the Only, discusses the strength found in being the 'only' voice in any room. She emphasizes how to own your voice and navigate the complexities of modern communication. The conversation touches on the emotional spotlight effect, the balance between authenticity and intention, and the evolution of personal branding in a digital world. Angela shares her Five Principles of empowerment and explores the impact of AI on human authenticity, urging listeners to cultivate genuine connections.

In this engaging discussion, Dave Whorton, founder of Tugboat Institute and co-author of "Another Way," shares his passion for building evergreen companies designed for longevity rather than quick exits. He delves into the significance of purpose-driven leadership and the 7 Ps of sustainable business success. Whorton emphasizes the cultural shift needed in entrepreneurship, advocating for sustainable impact over hyper-growth. He also reflects on the resilience of these companies in challenging economic times, championing a new perspective on business values.

Bob Goodson, President and Founder of Quid, played a pivotal role in the development of the 'like' button back at Yelp. He discusses how this seemingly simple feature reshaped global communication and digital identity. The conversation dives into the 'arms race' of social engagement and the unintended consequences of the like button, such as surveillance capitalism and its impact on culture. Goodson also compares TikTok’s engagement model and emphasizes the responsibility of technologists in shaping societal norms.