Six Pixels of Separation Podcast

Welcome to episode #949 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast. Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast - Episode #949. Stephanie Harrison, founder of The New Happy and author of New Happy - Getting Happiness Right In A World That's Got It Wrong, is flipping the happiness script. For years, we’ve been sold the idea that happiness comes from checking off the "big three" — wealth, fame, and power — and doing it all solo. But as Stephanie’s research shows, we’ve had it wrong. Real happiness? It’s not about the corner office or the number of zeroes in your bank account. It’s about something far more sustainable: helping others. In New Happy, Stephanie gets to the core of what’s holding us back from true fulfillment - those old myths that tell us we’re not good enough, that happiness is a prize only the elite get to win. Instead, she lays out a blueprint for living with purpose, using our unique talents to make a difference in the world. The best part? Her advice isn’t just feel-good fluff - it’s backed by a decade of research and wrapped up in beautifully designed illustrations that bring these life-changing concepts to light. Our conversation dives deep into why social media, for all its flaws, can still be a tool for connection - if we use it the right way. Stephanie’s insights on gratitude, personal gifts, and living authentically are spot on. She makes it clear: happiness isn’t a destination you reach by ticking off goals; it’s a byproduct of living in line with your values and making an impact on others. Stephanie’s message is refreshing, smart, and just the kind of advice leaders and individuals need these days. If you’ve ever wondered why happiness seems just out of reach, New Happy will show you a new way forward - one where you don’t have to sacrifice success to feel fulfilled. Enjoy the conversation...  Running time: 1:01:22. 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 Stephanie Harrison. New Happy - Getting Happiness Right In A World That's Got It Wrong. The New Happy. The New Happy Newsletter. New Happy Podcast. Follow Stephanie on Instagram. Follow Stephanie on YouTube. Follow Stephanie on LinkedIn. This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'. Chapters: 00:00 - Redefining Happiness. 04:33 - The Pursuit of Goals. 08:04 - The Role of Social Media. 12:52 - Navigating Feedback and Authenticity. 15:37 - Creators and Viral Content. 20:21 - Balancing Originality and Audience Expectations. 22:46 - The Flawed Worldview. 26:12 - The Challenge of Injustice. 28:14 - The Grand Perspective of Humanity. 33:25 - The Power of Gratitude. 38:34 - Discovering and Cultivating Gifts. 45:56 - Exploring New Paths. 50:33 - The Importance of the Middle. 53:45 - Balancing Autonomy and Connectedness. 57:26 - Creating a Culture of Happiness. 59:03 - Personal Transformation.

Scott Young, a pioneering self-education advocate known for tackling MIT's curriculum independently, shares his unique insights on mastering any skill. He reveals three essential elements for improvement: observing others, engaging in targeted practice, and obtaining constructive feedback. Scott dives deep into his transformative experiences, including his Year Without English project, emphasizing the power of self-directed learning. He also discusses the interplay between innate talent and effort, urging listeners to embrace a growth mindset for sustained progress.

Join John Mackey, co-founder and former CEO of Whole Foods Market, as he reflects on the company's journey from a small Austin store to a $22 billion titan. He discusses his personal evolution, inspired by counterculture and conscious capitalism. John shares insights on the challenges of promoting healthier lifestyles and the cultural impact of the food industry. Discover his thoughts on Whole Foods' acquisition by Amazon, the importance of adaptability in entrepreneurship, and a transformative experience that reshaped his understanding of self.

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.