Welcome to episode #974 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast. Rishad Tobaccowala is one of those rare thinkers who can seamlessly connect the dots between business, technology, media, and human behavior - so it’s always a pleasure to have him back on the show. A true industry veteran, Rishad has spent decades shaping the marketing and media landscape, from his time as Global Chief Strategist and Growth Officer at Publicis Groupe to becoming a sought-after author, advisor, and speaker. His latest book, Rethinking Work - Seismic Changes In The Where, When, And Why, dives deep into the fundamental shifts happening in the workforce, from the decline of the 9-to-5 model to the rise of hybrid work, decentralized careers, and leadership that prioritizes talent over corporate loyalty. Rishad’s first book is Restoring The Soul Of Business and his newsletter, The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past, and podcast, What Next?, are not to be missed. In our conversation, we explore the evolving role of leadership, the impact of AI on employment, and how brands must rethink trust in an era where consumers are more aligned with individuals than institutions. Rishad also shares his insights on how businesses can remain relevant by embracing change rather than resisting it, and why the future of work will require companies to shift from management-driven structures to ones that emphasize agility, learning, and human connection. Thoughtful, provocative, and always ahead of the curve, Rishad brings the kind of clarity we need as we navigate a world of constant disruption. If you want to stay relevant in a fast-changing business landscape, this episode is one you won’t want to miss. Enjoy the conversation... Running time: 1:08:19. 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 Rishad Tobaccowala. Rethinking Work - Seismic Changes In The Where, When, And Why. Restoring The Soul Of Business. The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past. What Next? Book Rishad for your next meeting on ThinkersOne. Follow Rishad on LinkedIn. Follow Rishad on Instagram. This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'. Chapters: (00:00) - Introduction to Rishad. (03:08) - The Political Landscape of Tech and Media. (06:06) - The Power Dynamics of Big Tech. (09:03) - The Influence of Money in Politics. (11:55) - The Shift in Consumer Trust. (15:08) - The Erosion of Brand Trust. (17:52) - The Changing Nature of Work. (20:53) - The Crisis of Leadership in Business. (35:15) - The Entrepreneurial Vision and Workforce Dynamics. (36:25) - Leadership vs. Management: The New Paradigm. (37:45) - Diversity in the Workplace: Ageism and Work Styles. (38:44) - The Irrelevance of Traditional Business Models. (39:57) - The Importance of In-Person Interaction. (41:40) - The Future of Work: Hybrid and Remote Models. (43:34) - AI's Impact on Employment and Business Structure. (46:32) - The Transformation of Knowledge Work. (49:50) - Reimagining Business Strategies in the Age of AI. (52:33) - The Financial Play: Mergers and Market Relevance. (56:18) - Aligning Talent and Corporate Goals. (01:01:48) - The Future of Work: Companies as Talent Aggregators.

Alison Wood Brooks, a Harvard Business School professor and author of "Talk: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves," dives into the intricacies of human communication. She explores what makes conversations effortless versus awkward and emphasizes the value of genuine dialogue over Q&A. Topics include the significant role of AI in social interactions, the necessity of empathy, and the importance of face-to-face communication in a digital world. Brooks shares her TALK Maxims, a framework to enhance personal and professional conversations.

Tom Chatfield, a philosopher of technology and author of 'Wise Animals,' delves into our intricate relationship with tech. He argues that technology isn't just a tool but is woven into our very identity. The conversation touches on the biases in digital tools, the ethical dilemmas posed by AI, and why soft skills like empathy are becoming essential as AI replicates knowledge tasks. Chatfield also reflects on the growing skepticism toward experts and underlines the importance of self-awareness in the face of intelligent systems.

Deborah Perry Piscione, co-founder and CEO of the Work3 Institute, is a thought leader in AI and Web3, and author of "Employment Is Dead". She discusses how disruptive technologies are reshaping work, emphasizing the shift toward decentralized careers and the gig economy. Deborah highlights the demands for flexibility and purpose from younger generations, the evolving role of the metaverse, and the importance of social currency over traditional employment metrics. Her insights advocate for rethinking work as a dynamic, tech-driven ecosystem.

Rohit Bhargava, a bestselling author and founder of Idea Press, shares his insights on non-obvious thinking and its application in the publishing world. He discusses the evolving landscape of business books amid market saturation, emphasizing the importance of shorter, engaging formats. The conversation explores innovative book marketing strategies, including unique contests, and the significance of curation in idea generation. Rohit also addresses challenges like confirmation bias and encourages embracing diverse perspectives for richer understanding.

Michael B. Horn, co-founder of the Clayton Christensen Institute and Harvard educator, discusses the evolving landscape of education and career development. He reveals insights from his book 'Job Moves,' advocating for personalized career paths amidst changing job dynamics. The conversation touches on the significance of experiential learning, the challenges faced by minimum wage workers, and the impact of AI on employment. Horn also reflects on the legacy of his mentor, Clayton Christensen, emphasizing a hopeful and accessible future for work and learning.

In this discussion, Mehak Gandhi, Head of Research at Valuecreator and co-author of "Triple Fit Strategy," shares her expertise in B2B growth and customer relationships. She emphasizes the importance of deep partnerships over mere transactions, revealing how to operationalize collaboration for mutual growth. The conversation delves into integrating AI with human decision-making, navigating complex business relationships, and rethinking competition as a pathway to innovation. Mehak's insights offer a fresh perspective on fostering trust and aligning strategic goals.

Roland Allen, a UK-based publisher and author, dives into the joy and significance of notebooks in creativity and thought. He discusses how writing by hand offers unique sensory engagement and clarity, contrasting traditional methods with digital note-taking. Allen shares insights on the psychological benefits of journaling and the cultural revival of handwriting. The conversation also touches on the personal relationships we form with stationery and the ongoing importance of notebooks in fostering productivity and meaningful expression.

Christine Rosen, a Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and author of "The Extinction of Experience," dives into the risks posed by technology to vital human connections. She discusses how digital interactions challenge real-world relationships and the ethical concerns surrounding AI. The conversation explores the resurgence of community spaces post-pandemic and the diminishing skills like handwriting. Rosen urges a balance between benefiting from technology and reclaiming the essential experiences that shape our identity.

In this episode, Tom Asacker, an insightful author and advisor known for his work on desire and human behavior, delves deep into the paradox of what we truly want. He explores how our conditioned desires are manipulated by marketers and societal norms, encouraging self-reflection to achieve authenticity. Tom discusses the eerie parallels between AI and human thought patterns, emphasizing the limitations of AI in providing genuine emotional support. He invites listeners to reshape their inner dialogues and examine the societal pressures that shape their motivations.