Frederik Pferdt, a former Chief Innovation Evangelist at Google, discusses his journey in shaping the future through innovation. He emphasizes a proactive mindset, contrasting fixed and growth mindsets. Pferdt highlights the role of AI as a tool for opportunity rather than fear. He introduces six principles for a future-ready mindset: optimism, openness, curiosity, experimentation, empathy, and personal agency. Through anecdotes and insights, he encourages listeners to actively craft their future and navigate the complexities of the digital age.

Matt Beane, an Assistant Professor at UC Santa Barbara, dives into the fascinating dynamics between humans and intelligent machines. He discusses how robots are transforming workplaces, from surgery to warehouses, and examines the implications of automation on job roles and mental health. Beane outlines critical components of effective skill development and the importance of adapting education to meet real-world needs. His insights offer a captivating look at how we can thrive in an age dominated by technology while maintaining our humanity.

David De Cremer, Dunton Family Dean at Northeastern University, is an expert in technology and leadership. He shares critical insights on AI literacy for business leaders, emphasizing the need for strategic control over AI integration. De Cremer discusses the rapid evolution of AI, urging leaders to understand its implications for workforce dynamics. He also tackles how AI impacts creativity and authenticity in content creation, while advocating for ethical practices and transparency in leadership. His practical guide empowers leaders to navigate the AI transformation effectively.

Stephen Shedletzky, a leader in fostering open communication in organizations, shares his insights on creating a speak-up culture. He recounts a pivotal moment from his first corporate job that ignited his mission. Shed emphasizes the importance of psychological safety, humility, and emotional intelligence in leadership. He discusses how companies can evolve their cultures to support meaningful dialogue, especially in diverse and remote environments. Shed's approach advocates for fulfillment over mere happiness, encouraging leaders to listen and prioritize employee voices.

Michael Norton, a Harvard Business School professor well-versed in behavioral economics, shares intriguing insights on rituals and their profound impact on our lives. He distinguishes between habits and rituals, revealing how intention can infuse meaning into everyday tasks. The discussion touches on the evolution of personal rituals amid the COVID-19 pandemic and their significance in fostering community and resilience. Norton also emphasizes the emotional power of communal rituals, like shared meals, as connectors across cultures, demonstrating their role in emotional well-being and consumer behavior.

Finance professor, Alex Edmans, discusses combating misinformation in a post-truth world, the role of statistical significance, financial incentives driving misinformation, critical thinking, peer review in academic research, and the ladder of mis-inference.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast - Episode #940. I’ve had his brother (Don Tapscott) and nephew (Alex Tapscott) on the show countless times. We might as well extend the invitation to Bob Tapscott. Bob has a knack for diving into the deep end of tech and coming up with pearls of wisdom. With a background as a CIO, speaker, and consultant, Bob’s journey spans nuclear power maintenance, Wall Street derivatives, and flying commercial aircrafts by computer. He’s the go-to guy for developing and implementing disruptive strategies that actually work, focusing on corporate performance and customer satisfaction (meaning: He’s the person that is building the tech we all talk about). Bob delves into what he calls the second era of computing - where computers don't just follow orders, they learn, ask questions and show us what we need. It’s a “game-changer” (and I hate that word!), driven by the convergence of artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Bob breaks it down: We're seeing an growth in computing power that's reshaping our world. AI isn’t just about making things faster - it’s about making things smarter. The company with the most data will have the smartest systems, and that’s a big deal. But with great power comes great responsibility (thanks, Uncle Ben!). We talk about the potential for job displacement and the societal challenges that come with these advancements. It’s not just about the tech... it’s about the frameworks we need to guide its implementation responsibly. Our conversation touches on the exciting and somewhat daunting possibilities of AI, like the development of generative AI tools and the role of startups in this evolving landscape. Bob is particularly keen on the ethical implications - how do we ensure these technologies benefit society as a whole? And let’s not forget the international angle. Tech doesn’t respect borders, so collaboration is key. Bob’s new book, Trivergence - How Ai, Blockchain, And The Internet Of Things Are Ushering In A New Digital Age, is all about navigating this brave new world. He explores the synergies between AI, blockchain, and IoT, showing how these technologies can work together to transform business and society. It’s not a tech manual... it’s a guide for making smart decisions in a world full of uncertainties. Bob talks about the power of Infinite Data - where AI, powered by vast datasets, can generate insights and value without human intervention. It’s fascinating and a must-read for anyone looking to stay ahead of the curve. Bob unpacks these concepts with a mix of technical insight and practical wisdom. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or a business leader, there’s something here for you. Enjoy the conversation... Running time: 1:04:20. Hello from beautiful Montreal. Subscribe over at Apple Podcasts. 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 Twitter. Here is my conversation with Bob Tapscott. Trivergence - How Ai, Blockchain, And The Internet Of Things Are Ushering In A New Digital Age. Follow Bob on LinkedIn. Follow Bob on X. This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'. Takeaways The second era of computing is characterized by computers being able to ask and learn, rather than just being programmed. The exponential growth in computing power, driven by blockchain and AI, is transforming society. Data is crucial for AI development, and the company with the most data will likely have the most intelligent system. The implementation of AI and other technologies could lead to job displacement and societal challenges. Thoughtful frameworks and discussions are needed to guide the responsible and beneficial use of these technologies. The development of AI tools like chat GPT is impressive and has the potential to outperform human capabilities in certain tasks. The growth of data is exponential, and it presents both opportunities and challenges in the field of AI. The consolidation of AI power among big tech companies is likely, but startups can still find success by focusing on specific domains. The ethical implications of AI, including autonomous killing machines, raise concerns and the need for careful regulation and oversight. The impact of AI is not limited by geographic borders, and international collaboration is crucial for addressing its challenges and maximizing its benefits. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction and Background. 09:49 - Exponential Growth in Computing Power. 25:38 - Guiding the Responsible Use of Technology. 35:20 - Exploring the Potential of AI: Open AI and Generative AI Tools. 45:47 - The Exponential Growth of Data and its Implications for AI. 53:12 - Startups in the AI Landscape: Focusing on Specific Domains. 01:00:06 - The Role of Geography and the Need for International Collaboration in AI.

Welcome to episode #939 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast. Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast - Episode #939. Renée Warren is an award-winning entrepreneur, inspirational speaker, author, and founder of We Wild Women, which helps entrepreneurs get the media coverage of their dreams. She's also the host of the celebrated podcast, Into The Wild, a show that features curated interviews with women entrepreneurs designed to inspire and give actionable advice to women launching or growing their dream business. In 2012, Renée founded her content marketing and PR agency, taking it from the ground up to a 7-figure, globally-recognized company with clients from South Africa to San Diego. Today, she is sought after for her ability to create world-class PR strategies, marketing operations systems, content strategies, and classy media training. She is the co-author of Get Covered! - How To Craft, Pitch And Tell Your Startup's Story To Get More Customers, and is always challenging conventional ways to garner media and customer attention. When she's not crafting the ultimate PR pitch or podcasting, Renée spends time with her family, working out, enjoying really great business books, or refining her drumming skills. In our conversation, Renée dives into the challenges and opportunities for women in entrepreneurship, the evolving landscape of public relations, and the impact of AI on the industry. She emphasizes the need for more women in positions of power and highlights the importance of leveraging AI tools to streamline PR efforts. Renée discusses the changing dynamics of content creation and the potential implications of AI on various industries. We explore the importance of building authority and rising above the noise in today's crowded digital landscape by being unique and controversial while providing value and staying true to one's values. Renée and I touch on the impact of cancel culture and the need to navigate the fine line between expressing opinions and avoiding potential backlash. We also discuss the role of social media platforms like TikTok, LinkedIn, and Instagram in building authority and reaching target audiences. Renée emphasizes the power of personal branding and the shift towards individuals rather than organizations as trusted sources of information and influence. Whether you're a startup looking to stand out or an entrepreneur aiming to build your brand, Renee offers essential strategies to attract media attention and grow your customer base. Enjoy the conversation... Running time: 1:05:48. Hello from beautiful Montreal. Subscribe over at Apple Podcasts. 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 Twitter. Here is my conversation with Renée Warren. We Wild Women. Renee’s podcast: Into The Wild. Get Covered! - How To Craft, Pitch And Tell Your Startup's Story To Get More Customers. Follow Renee on Instagram. Follow Renee on X. Follow Renee on LinkedIn. This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'. Takeaways More women need to be in positions of power to drive gender equality and change in various industries. AI tools can be leveraged to streamline PR efforts and improve efficiency in pitching and content creation. Content creation has become more accessible and affordable, but it is important to have a solid understanding of business fundamentals to succeed as an entrepreneur. The impact of AI extends beyond text and includes images, audio, and video, enabling more efficient and creative content production. The future implications of AI and automation raise concerns about job displacement and the need for new types of work and skills. Building authority in today's noisy digital landscape requires being unique and controversial, while also providing value and staying true to one's values. Navigating the fine line between expressing opinions and avoiding potential backlash is crucial in the era of cancel culture. Different social media platforms serve different purposes, and content should be tailored to each platform's audience and purpose. Personal branding is becoming increasingly important, with individuals often being more trusted and influential than organizations. The power of personal connection and authenticity cannot be underestimated in building authority and establishing trust with audiences. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction and Background 06:16 - The Role of AI in PR and Content Creation 10:21 - The State of Public Relations and the Impact of AI 25:34 - Building an Integrated Marketing Strategy 32:24 - Building Authority in a Noisy Digital Landscape 36:51 - Navigating the Fine Line: Controversy vs. Backlash 50:04 - Tailoring Content for Different Social Media Platforms 57:54 - The Rise of Personal Branding

Welcome to episode #938 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast. Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast - Episode #938. He’s back! Johann Hari, the bestselling author and celebrated journalist, is known for diving deep into the human condition, from addiction to depression to our scattered attention. His books, translated into 40 languages, have earned praise from the likes of Oprah, Elton John, and Noam Chomsky. Now, Johann is back with his latest book, Magic Pill - The Extraordinary Benefits And Disturbing Risks Of The New Weight-Loss Drugs, and it's sparking conversations everywhere. In our lively chat, Johann opens up about his latest journey, one that began with him injecting himself with Ozempic, a new weight-loss drug. Imagine losing up to a quarter of your body weight in just six months. Sounds like magic, right? But Johann wasn't entirely convinced. He dove into this world with a mix of hope and skepticism, exploring whether these drugs are a miraculous solution or just another illusion. Johann breaks down the good, the bad, and the ugly of these new drugs. On the plus side, they offer significant health benefits for those struggling with severe obesity, potentially reducing risks of diabetes, cancer, and early death. But, and it's a big but, they come with their own set of risks and side effects. Johann didn't just stop at the surface - he traveled from Iceland to Minneapolis to Tokyo, talking to top experts and uncovering twelve major potential risks that come with these seemingly wonder drugs. Our discussion also takes a broader look at the roots of the obesity crisis. Johann points out how our shift from whole foods to processed junk has played a huge role. He explains why diets often fail in the long run — our bodies are biologically programmed to resist weight loss. So, while these drugs might help, they’re not a silver bullet. Johann also emphasizes the need to tackle the social causes of obesity. It’s not just about popping a pill. We need to rethink our relationship with food and our bodies. We talk about the evolutionary reasons why our bodies hoard fat, the food industry's role in pushing sugar-laden products, and the emotional aspects of eating. Magic Pill isn’t just another book on weight loss - it’s a thought-provoking exploration of our modern health dilemmas. Johann's blend of personal experience, thorough research, and engaging storytelling makes this book a must-read. Whether you’re curious about the science behind these new drugs or their cultural impact, Johann provides a comprehensive guide to understanding this health revolution. With that he also the author of sone of my favorite books: Stolen Focus - Why You Can’t Pay Attention - And How To Think Deeply Again, Lost Connections, and Chasing The Scream. Enjoy the conversation... Running time: 1:08:04. Hello from beautiful Montreal. Subscribe over at Apple Podcasts. 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 Twitter. Here is my conversation with Johann Hari. Magic Pill - The Extraordinary Benefits And Disturbing Risks Of The New Weight-Loss Drugs. Stolen Focus - Why You Can’t Pay Attention - And How To Think Deeply Again. Lost Connections. Chasing The Scream. Follow Johann on X. Follow Johann on Instagram. This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'. Takeaways Weight loss drugs can offer significant benefits in terms of health outcomes, particularly for those who are severely obese. The rise of obesity is linked to the shift from whole foods to processed and ultra-processed foods. Diets often fail in the long term due to biological changes that make it harder to maintain weight loss. While weight loss drugs can be a solution, addressing the social causes of obesity is crucial for long-term change. There is a need for regulation and careful consideration of the risks and benefits of weight loss drugs. Human beings evolved in an environment where famine was a frequent threat, so our bodies are programmed to store fat. This makes it difficult to reverse obesity. The food industry and our craving for sugar contribute to the obesity crisis.  Cultural and societal changes, such as promoting healthy eating habits and providing nutritious food in schools, are crucial in addressing the obesity crisis. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction and Background 02:24 - The Mystery of Weight Loss Drugs 06:06 - The Benefits and Risks of Weight Loss Drugs 10:54 - The Mechanism of Weight Loss Drugs 29:11 - Balancing Social Causes and Personal Health 35:20 - The Challenges of Long-Term Weight Loss 38:38 - The Evolutionary Reasons Behind Obesity 41:45 - The Impact of the Food Industry and Sugar Cravings 45:29 - The Challenges of Reversing Obesity 52:53 - The Potential Risks and Benefits of Weight Loss Drugs 01:01:49 - The Importance of Cultural and Societal Changes in Addressing Obesity

Scott Walker, a renowned hostage negotiator, shares insights on negotiation strategies in various contexts, emphasizing the importance of trust and communication. He discusses managing stress, emotional self-regulation, and mastering time perception in negotiations. The podcast explores the challenges of negotiating in hostage situations, the involvement of third-party intermediaries, and the importance of building resilience in facing challenges.