

Six Pixels of Separation Podcast
Mitch Joel
Six Pixels of Separation - Mitch Joel’s weekly conversation with business leaders, thinkers, innovators and cultural icons. The show is about insights and provocations on brands, consumers, technology, business and how connected we’ve all become.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 12, 2023 • 1h 2min
SPOS #905 – Mark Schaefer On Crafting Authentic Brands In A Clickbait World
Welcome to episode #905 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast. Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast - Episode #905. A seasoned marketing consultant, keynote speaker and blogger, Mark Schaefer brings decades of experience to a discipline often clouded by buzzwords. Mark is all about cutting through the complexity of digital noise to foster real connections for the brand and their customers. His latest book, Belonging To The Brand, explores the concept of community as a cornerstone of customer loyalty. In it, Mark details pragmatic approaches for brands to earn trust and advocacy, suggesting that the key lies in creating a sense of belonging among consumers. This book is a guide rooted in the principle that meaningful engagement trumps transient marketing victories. Complementing this practical approach to marketing, Mark also recently published, The Most Amazing Marketing Book Ever, which is a collection of diverse perspectives from marketing professionals across the industry, advocating for a collective learning mindset (the authors were culled from his private marketing community). That book reinforces the idea that the most robust marketing strategies emerge from a mosaic of insights. Like me, Mark is a long-time blogger, offering opinions and actionable advice from evolving digital tactics to leveraging social media for genuine engagement. Beyond his writing, Mark prides himself on being an educator, marketing consultant and speaker. His philosophy is simple: Understand your audience deeply and engage with them authentically. If you're looking for insights that are both practical and forward-thinking, we battle it out thinking about where marketing is headed. Take a glimpse into the latest marketing trends and strategies, while also being reminded how enduring principles of community and authenticity can be applied in today's fully-digital world. Enjoy the conversation... Running time: 1:02:04. 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 Mark Schaefer. Belonging To The Brand. The Most Amazing Marketing Book Ever. Marketing Rebellion. Known. Cumulative Advantage. Mark’s other books. Mark’s Blog. Rise Community. Follow Mark on X. Follow Mark on LinkedIn. This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'.

Nov 5, 2023 • 60min
SPOS #904 – Jason Del Rey On The Retail Battle For Our Wallets
Welcome to episode #904 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast. Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast - Episode #904. In the ever-changing and expanding universe of retail, Jason Del Rey stands as a chronicler of commerce, a journalist who's been demystifying the confluence of retail and technology with a critical yet insightful lens. Jason has been the voice behind the curtain, peering through the glittering facades of retail industry giants (namely Walmart and Amazon) and penning the narratives that shape our understanding of modern commerce. His expertise as a business journalist has graced the pages of Recode, where he's dissected the complex ecosystem of e-commerce, scrutinizing the moves of major players and the seismic shifts they create across the global market. In his new book, Winner Sells All, Jason unpacks the colossal clash between Amazon and Walmart, entities vying not just for market dominance but for the very essence of consumer loyalty. This isn't merely a story of two titans in a tug-of-war - it's an exposé on how their rivalry redefines the contours of retail and the stakes involved in winning the wallets of a global audience. As a journalist, Jason has had a front-row seat to the evolution of retail dynamics, witnessing firsthand how digital strategies have revolutionized consumer behavior and expectations. His book is also much more than a chronicle of competition, it's a lens through which we can view the future of retail, illuminated by the past's lessons and the present's innovations. And, as we all know, it stretched beyond retail into other dimensions like cloud services, healthcare, and more. What Jason offers in Winner Sells All is a treasure trove of insights gleaned from years of reporting and conversations with executives who are (or were) in the mix. He is the host of Land of the Giants: The Rise of Amazon, a narrative podcast series. His exploration goes beyond the surface, diving into the strategies, leadership philosophies, and corporate cultures that fuel these retail juggernauts. Enjoy the conversation... Running time: 59:59. 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 Jason Del Rey. Winner Sells All. Land of the Giants: The Rise of Amazon. Recode at Vox. Follow Jason on LinkedIn. Follow Jason on X. This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'.

Oct 29, 2023 • 1h
SPOS #903 – Neil Patel On Timeless Marketing In Digital Mayhem
Welcome to episode #903 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast. Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast - Episode #903. In an era bedazzled by emerging marketing platforms and technologies co-mingling with fickle algorithms, Neil Patel stands as a beacon for modern marketers — illuminating not just the untamed frontiers of digital strategy, but also the classic routes that brands should never abandon. Sure, we’re awash with shiny new marketing platforms and tactics (ready for comment marketing?), but Neil reminds us that these are just that: Tools. They are not substitutes for foundational strategies that have stood the test of time — Search Engine Optimization, content marketing, and customer engagement. Sure, digital trends shift, but consumer needs remains constant. Neil's genius lies in his alchemical skills, blending the latest tools with timeless wisdom - all of which has culminated in the success of his own agency, NP Digital. What makes Neil stand out is not only his finger-on-the-pulse insights, but his ability to declutter the digital landscape. His marketing playbooks are veritable treasure maps, where X (not the Twitter X) marks the perfect blend of new-age tactics and old-school strategies. When Neil speaks of conversion optimization, he’s not dismissing the art of crafting a compelling story or the tried-and-true method of A/B testing. He’s layering them with behavioral analytics and data points, evolving the process without losing the essence. His mantra could very well be: "Innovate, but don't alienate." One thing is clear: Innovation and tradition are not oil and water in Neil’s marketing strategy blend. Neil is a New York Times Bestselling author. The Wall Street Journal calls him a top influencer, Forbes says he is one of the top 10 marketers, and Entrepreneur Magazine says he created one of the 100 most brilliant companies. He was recognized as a top 100 entrepreneur under the age of 30 by President Barack Obama and a top 100 entrepreneur under the age of 35 by the United Nations. My new business, ThinkersOne, is also a client of NP Digital - so I was eager to chat with someone who has walked a similar professional path to mine, and then intersects again as I become a client of his. Enjoy the conversation... Running time: 1:00:11. 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 Neil Patel. NP Digital. Follow Neil on X. Follow Neil on LinkedIn. This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'.

Oct 22, 2023 • 52min
SPOS #902 – Charlotte Fox Weber On Exploring Our Deepest Desires
Welcome to episode #902 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast. Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast - Episode #902. A seasoned psychotherapist, an eloquent writer, and a captivating speaker, Charlotte Fox Weber wears multiple hats with an effortless grace that captures the zeitgeist of the emotionally complex world we navigate (and how we think about ourselves and our deepest desires). Here's why Charlotte should be on your radar: Her new book, Tell Me What You Want - A Therapist and Her Clients Explore Our 12 Deepest Desires, is a linchpin in understanding the enigmatic art of human connection to ourselves (and to each other). In a generation awash with self-help books and quick-fix therapies, Tell Me What You Want cuts through the clutter. It steers clear of empty jargon and psychological platitudes, delivering a more grounded and poignant message: It's okay to be a work-in-progress... it's more than okay to be imperfect, and our world isn't all that open to this (see: Beauty filters). Charlotte's book and work with people on the couch is a journey into the labyrinthine corridors of the human mind and heart, asking probing questions and offering not exact answers, but powerful perspectives. Charlotte synthesizes years of clinical practice and academic rigor into a narrative that is deeply reflective and accessible to those who have (and have not) done the self-work. Where Charlotte truly excels, is in her ability to make psychotherapy relatable and demystified. If you're a skeptic who's ever wondered why anyone would pay to talk, this conversation may just change your mind. If you're a firm believer in the therapeutic process, it will only affirm your convictions and possibly deepen your understanding and the work that you're doing. Charlotte truly has a unique way of making psychotherapy seem less like a daunting endeavor and more like an exciting exploration. Her candidness, married to her academic gravitas, makes for an intoxicating blend of intellect and accessibility. She makes you want to lean in, listen, and — most importantly — tell her (and yourself) what you really want. Enjoy the conversation... Running time: 52:16. 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 Charlotte Fox Weber. Tell Me What You Want - A Therapist and Her Clients Explore Our 12 Deepest Desires. Follow Charlotte on Instagram. Follow Charlotte on LinkedIn. This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'.

11 snips
Oct 15, 2023 • 54min
SPOS #901 – Allen Adamson On Seeing The How
Allen Adamson, a branding expert, discusses the effects of the pandemic on brands and the evolution of consumer behavior. They explore the importance of staying focused and excelling in marketing, changing behaviors and finding catalysts, marketing strategies, luxury goods, and first impressions.

Oct 8, 2023 • 54min
SPOS #900 – Dan Ariely On Misbelief And Irrationality
Welcome to episode #900 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast. Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast - Episode #900. Where would I be without Dan Ariely? You will have to listen in to find out. Beyond that, Dan is renowned for his insightful research in behavioral economics, which he simplifies for the everyday reader. His journey into understanding human irrationality began in a profoundly personal way: Recovering from severe burns caused by an explosion. The challenges of his treatments, particularly the agonizing daily baths, led him to question the patterns of irrational behaviors. Post recovery, Dan delved deep into the world of decision-making, keen to figure out how the knowledge from behavioral economics could enhance various facets of life— be it finance, health, habits, or personal relationships. As Dan expanded his understanding, he grew passionate about sharing these insights. His goal? To help people harness this knowledge to elevate their everyday lives. Dan's extensive work, including his great books, Predictably Irrational, The Upside of Irrationality, The (Honest) Truth About Dishonesty (and more), along with the film Dishonesty and The Irrational Game, seeks to make behavioral economics more accessible and relatable. Beyond his writings, Dan holds the esteemed title of James B. Duke Professor of Psychology and Behavioral Economics at Duke University. He is also a key figure at the Center for Advanced Hindsight (tongue in cheek, of course). His latest book is called, Misbelief - What Makes Rational People Believe Irrational Things, which is part freaky memoire (based on a very strange online trope created about him) and part exploration into why we (and our loved ones) might fall into a rabbithole of lies, and how to get out of it. Enjoy the conversation... Running time: 53:38. 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 Dan Ariely. Misbelief - What Makes Rational People Believe Irrational Things. Predictably Irrational. The Upside of Irrationality. The (Honest) Truth About Dishonesty. Dishonesty. The Irrational Game. Center for Advanced Hindsight. Follow Dan on X/Twitter. Follow Dan on LinkedIn. Follow Dan on Instagram. This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'.

Oct 1, 2023 • 59min
SPOS #899 – Cara Brookins On Getting Unstuck
Welcome to episode #899 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast. Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast - Episode #899. Have you heard the story about the mom who built her own home with her four kids using YouTube videos? That's my friend, Cara Brookins. Cara built software systems for 20 years as a software architect, but when her life crumbled around her, she turned herself into a builder and architect of a different kind… With no construction experience, Cara and her children built a 3,500 square foot house from the ground up by watching YouTube tutorials. Convinced that by building a house, they could rebuild their broken family, she and her kids poured the concrete, framed the walls, and laid the bricks. In the end, they had built a two-story, five-bedroom home. Using real-life examples from her unconventional construction site, Cara now helps organizations by focusing on teamwork, perseverance, and the resilience in each of us to overcome incredible odds. Her tactics of self-empowerment show how to blend an imperfect mix of personalities, talents, and temperaments into a cohesive, unstoppable team. While her story went viral in more than 75 countries and has been viewed more than two billion times, Cara has become a go-to expert for getting people unstuck and moving on their projects in business and beyond. Her first non-fiction book, Rise, is a must-read memoir that traces her family’s rise from battered victims to stronger, better versions of themselves. Her latest book, Unstuck - End Procrastination Using The Ancient Psychology Behind How-To Videos, offers the tools your team (and you) can use to overcome procrastination and reshape the way you think about productivity. Enjoy the conversation... Running time: 59:15. 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 Cara Brookins. Unstuck - End Procrastination Using The Ancient Psychology Behind How-To Videos. Rise. Follow Cara on Instagram. Follow Cara on LinkedIn. Follow Cara on X. This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'.

Sep 24, 2023 • 1h 6min
SPOS #898 – Michael Bungay Stanier On How To Build The Best Possible Relationships
In this podcast, Michael Bungay Stanier, author of The Coaching Habit, discusses the power of catchy book titles, building strong workplace relationships, coaching as a style of leadership, 'fake work' in organizations, the power of our inner voice, and the limitations of empathy in the workplace.

Sep 17, 2023 • 1h 12min
SPOS #897 - Marcus Collins On Brands, Culture And The Path Forward
Welcome to episode #897 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast. Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast - Episode #897. Meet Dr. Marcus Collins, a dynamic brand and marketing figure who has immersed himself in understanding the profound influence of culture on human behavior. Leveraging a rich background that spans roles as a clinical professor at the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business and he's the head of strategy at Wieden+Kennedy, New York, Marcus utilizes his deep insights to bridge the gap between theory and practice, helping individuals leverage cultural understanding to induce action. Marcus's acclaim in the advertising and business realms is evident through his multiple recognitions, including a spot in the American Advertising Federation’s Advertising Hall of Achievement, and featured on Thinkers50 class of 2023 Radar List, among others. His strategic and creative endeavors have breathed life into notable campaigns such as "Cliff Paul" for State Farm and Google's "Real Tone" technology. Before stepping into the advertising arena, Marcus co-founded a startup in the music and tech sphere, leading initiatives at giants like Apple and crafting digital strategies for the iconic Beyoncé. More recently, Marcus shares his wealth of knowledge in his bestselling book, For The Culture. I loved reading this book. It delves deep into the nexus between culture and human tendencies. Drawing from a vast reservoir of literature, case studies, and first-hand experiences, Marcus offers readers a roadmap to foster culturally contagious ideas that resonate and induce movement. If you're wondering about the state of brands, how culture impacts sales, and where the ideal communities are, take a listen. Enjoy the conversation... Running time: 1:11:29. 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 Dr. Marcus Collins. For The Culture. Wieden+Kennedy. Follow Marcus on X/Twitter. Follow Marcus on LinkedIn. Follow Marcus on Instagram. This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'.

Sep 10, 2023 • 54min
SPOS #896 – Zeynep Ton On The Case For Good Jobs
Welcome to episode #896 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast. Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast - Episode #896. Renowned scholar and dynamic force in the business academia and consulting world, Zeynep Ton has dedicated her career to scrutinizing the nuances of operational management through a lens that values not just the customers and investors but the employees who are often regarded as mere cogs in the wheel. With her home base at the MIT Sloan School of Management, she leverages her role as a Professor to delve deep into the symbiotic relationship between employee satisfaction, customer service, and investor returns. Her insightful research has graced the pages of prestigious publications like the Harvard Business Review, Organization Science, and Production and Operations Management, making her a formidable voice in the business analysis sphere. Before her tenure at MIT Sloan, Zeynep honed her craft at Harvard Business School for seven years, earning accolades for her exceptional teaching acumen. In 2014, Zeynep pulled together a decade and a half of rigorous research in her ground-breaking book titled, The Good Jobs Strategy - How the Smartest Companies Invest in Employees to Lower Costs and Boost Profits. This work not just chalked out but vivaciously argued that a blueprint of superior returns and outstanding service is incomplete without weaving in investment in employee well-being with operational strategies that spur productivity and morale. Now, she's back with her latest book, The Case for Good Jobs - How Great Companies Bring Dignity, Pay, and Meaning to Everyone's Work. It feels like perfect timing for a book like this, if you look at the workforce and how the economy is moving. Enjoy the conversation... Running time: 54:07. 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 Zeynep Ton. The Case for Good Jobs. The Good Jobs Strategy. Follow Zeynep on LinkedIn. Follow Zeynep on X/Twitter. This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'.