Thinking With Mitch Joel

Erin Clark, Managing Director at Deloitte Consulting, specializes in unlocking human potential within organizations. In this engaging discussion, she explores how the pandemic and technological advancements are shaping the future of leadership. Erin advocates for a shift from traditional control-based leadership to a more empowering, collaborative approach. Topics include the urgent need for human-centric leadership, the impact of AI, and the balance between personal potential and workplace demands, all drawn from insights in her book, 'Leading Through'.

Karthik Ramanna, a Professor at Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government and author of 'The Age of Outrage', explores the pervasive nature of societal outrage in today’s world. He discusses how modern leaders must navigate heightened expectations for corporate responsibility amid increasing polarization. Ramanna highlights the complexities of genuine action versus performative gestures in response to social movements, and critiques capitalism’s influence on politics while advocating for ethical leadership in business education. His insights provoke deep reflection on the intersection of emotion and leadership.

Nick Bostrom, a renowned philosopher and director of Oxford’s Future of Humanity Institute, dives into the future shaped by artificial intelligence. He explores the transition from existential risks to a hopeful vision in his latest book, 'Deep Utopia.' The talk challenges traditional views of work and meaning in a post-work society, discussing how superintelligence could redefine our purpose. Bostrom also reflects on the interplay of creativity and AI, raising profound questions about happiness, value, and the essence of being human in this new landscape.

In this discussion with Stephen Shapiro, a former leader at Accenture, listeners learn how he transformed his career from optimizing business processes to fostering innovation and job creation. He emphasizes anchoring to core strengths while navigating change, using the basketball pivot as a metaphor for stability in uncertainty. Shapiro critiques the chase for fleeting trends, advocating for deepening organizational differentiation instead. He also explores workplace evolution post-pandemic and the importance of emotional engagement in customer connections.

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.