Thinking With Mitch Joel

Judd Kessler, an influential economist and the inaugural Howard Marks Endowed Professor at Wharton, dives into the concept of hidden markets. He discusses how these markets operate based on rules rather than prices, using examples like concert tickets and organ donations. Kessler explains the role of lotteries and waiting lists in reducing friction and promoting fairness. He highlights AI's disruptive impact on market signaling and the importance of strategic design in daily life. Discover how understanding these hidden systems can help us navigate scarcity.

Join Joe Pulizzi, founder of the Content Marketing Institute and author of 'Burn The Playbook,' as he dives into the importance of audience ownership and the creator economy. He discusses how legacy content remains valuable despite algorithm changes. Joe emphasizes building trust through repetition and focusing on audience needs over mass reach. He shares insights on networking and overcoming obstacles in creative ventures, all while navigating the balance between AI advancements and maintaining human connection.

Vanessa Urch Druskat, an esteemed organizational psychologist and professor known for her pioneering work on Team Emotional Intelligence, dives into how effective collaboration is engineered, not inherent. She delves into the critical role of team norms over individual traits in driving performance and discusses the importance of psychological safety in fostering collaboration. Vanessa shares insights on adapting to remote work dynamics, the necessity of coaching in leadership, and how understanding each other strengthens teams. Her research highlights emotional intelligence as fundamental to high-performing cultures.

Ranjay Gulati, a Harvard Business School professor and bestselling author, dives into the nuances of courage and fear in this engaging discussion. He differentiates between uncertainty and risk, revealing how both can trigger instinctual reactions. Gulati emphasizes the importance of purpose in leadership and explains why inaction often trumps data. He introduces the 'Six C's' of courage and discusses the challenges of cultivating collective courage in hybrid work environments. With practical insights, he highlights how introspection can empower individuals to act boldly.

Jon Levy, a behavioral scientist and author known for the Influencers Dinner, explores the dynamics of teamwork and human connection. He discusses how anonymity can break down status barriers and foster real relationships during his unique cooking experiences. Jon challenges the myth of star talent, revealing how too much individual brilliance can hinder team performance. He emphasizes the power of emotional intelligence and the need for intentional design in hybrid workplaces to enhance collaboration. His insights spark a fresh perspective on leadership and collective success.

Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, a renowned professor of business psychology and author, challenges the conventional belief in authenticity with his latest book, arguing that adaptability and strategic self-presentation lead to greater success. He discusses the impact of celebrity culture and social media in shaping our perceptions of authenticity, revealing how identity has become a curated performance. The conversation explores the delicate balance leaders must maintain between sincerity and impression management, as well as the implications of hybrid work on trust and collaboration.

Nick Foster, a designer and futurist known for his innovative roles at Sony, Google X, and his book 'Could Should Might Don't,' dives into the art of shaping futures. He discusses how our curiosity drives creativity and the vital role of responsibility in design. Nick also critiques the limits of science fiction in predicting the future, emphasizing the power of diverse possibilities over singular narratives. With insights on balancing optimism and caution, he offers a refreshing framework for thoughtful explorations of what lies ahead.

Henrik Werdelin, an entrepreneur and co-founder of BarkBox, explores how AI is reshaping entrepreneurship. He argues that the future relies on intimacy and understanding customers over mere scale. They discuss AI's ability to lower barriers, fostering a new neighborhood economy of deeply connected businesses. Henrik raises concerns about the saturation of content driven by AI, emphasizing the need for originality and human connection. Their insights suggest that in this evolving landscape, pursuing 'interestingness' might outshine traditional measures of success.

In this discussion, Peter Cappelli, a Wharton School professor and employment expert, challenges the remote work trend found in his book, "In Praise of the Office." He argues that absence from the office erodes vital social interaction and mentorship. Cappelli reveals how hybrid work often generates confusion and inefficiency, citing ‘coffee-badging’ and unproductive meetings. He emphasizes the importance of physical offices for creativity and career growth, while also shedding light on the crucial role of human resources in fostering company culture and employee engagement.

Scott Anthony, an innovation expert and author of "Epic Disruptions," shares his insights on the quiet nature of disruption. He discusses the emotional toll of change within organizations and explores why mergers and acquisitions often falter. Scott emphasizes learning from past innovators to guide future intrapreneurs and highlights AI’s transformative role in business education, advocating for 'augmented intelligence' over shortcuts. He also examines why companies resist change and the crucial need for adaptation in an evolving landscape.