Talks at Google

Gretchen Rubin, a leading voice on happiness and author of 'Life in Five Senses,' shares her journey into sensory engagement. She discusses practical ways to reconnect with our surroundings to enhance daily life. The conversation dives into mindfulness through all five senses, personal identity evolution, and the art of listening for deeper connections. Rubin also highlights neglected senses for personal growth and the impact of taste on memories. Listeners are encouraged to embrace seasonal sensations to enrich their experiences.

Anne-Laure Le Cunff, an award-winning neuroscientist and founder of Ness Labs, discusses her book, "Tiny Experiments." She challenges the conventional linear notion of success and proposes a circular model of growth. The conversation highlights the importance of embracing curiosity and experimentation in both personal and professional life. Anne encourages self-observation for enhanced emotional understanding and introduces the concept of self-anthropology to help individuals track their experiences and foster meaningful change.

In her 18 years at Google, Jenny Wood grew from entry-level to executive and ran a large operations team that helped drive billions of revenue per year. She is the founder of Own Your Career, one of the largest career programs in Google’s history with over 50,000 people benefitting in nearly 100 countries. Jenny's work has been featured in the Harvard Business Review, CNBC, Business Insider, Entrepreneur, Inc., and Forbes. Now, Jenny’s back at Google to discuss her book, “Wild Courage: Go After What You Want and Get It.” "Wild Courage" coaches you to smash through your fear of discomfort, failure, and the judgement of others, and to embrace your boldest self. The book is an empowering and energizing guide to embracing your ambition and chasing after what you want. Watch this episode at youtube.com/TalksAtGoogle.

Marcus Collins, a Professor at the University of Michigan and former Chief Strategy Officer at Wieden & Kennedy, dives into how cultural subscriptions drive our purchasing choices and shape personal identity. He discusses the evolution of branding, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in the digital age. Collins also explores the intersection of technology and culture, predicting future cultural influencers and advocating for a personal brand rooted in genuine service. His insights reveal the critical role culture plays in both consumer behavior and societal norms.

Jonah Berger, a Wharton Professor and bestselling author, dives into the power of language and its pivotal role in persuasion and communication. He explores 'magic words' that effectively influence decisions and behaviors. Berger introduces the SPEAK framework to enhance creativity and interpersonal relationships. He discusses how framing questions around possibilities fosters innovative thinking. Cultural nuances also play a vital role in communication, shaping perceptions and accents in everyday conversations. This insightful discussion reveals how word choice can indeed change the world.

Lewis Howes is an entrepreneur and bestselling author known for his insights on financial success. He shares his philosophy on generosity, rooted in childhood lessons of kindness, emphasizing the power of tipping with $2 bills. Howes delves into the emotional journey of redefining wealth, promoting the idea that true richness encompasses emotional fulfillment. He discusses the lasting effects of childhood struggles on beliefs about money and health, and highlights how gratitude and generosity can transform lives, fostering connections and opportunities.

In this conversation, Seth Godin, a renowned author and founder of altMBA, shares insights from his latest work, "The Song of Significance." He discusses the disconnect in job satisfaction between employers and employees, advocating for workplaces that emphasize meaningful engagement. Godin critiques hustle culture, promoting patience and creativity instead. He challenges conventional success metrics, focusing on relationships and personal growth, while proposing innovative hiring practices that value skills over resumes. The talk inspires leaders to rethink their approach toward team dynamics.

David Allemann, Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of On, shares his inspiring journey in building a leading sportswear brand. He discusses the innovative strategies behind On's unique running shoes and the importance of nurturing a strong company culture through growth. David emphasizes the uplifting power of physical activity and how community engagement drives brand loyalty. He also introduces Cyclone, a sustainable subscription service for running shoes, showcasing his commitment to evolving footwear ownership and environmental responsibility.

Chuck Bryant and Josh Clark, co-hosts of the popular podcast 'Stuff You Should Know', share their captivating journey of educating audiences since 2008. They delve into how they tackle complex topics like climate change and the fascinating journey of photons from the sun. The duo discusses their unique research process, blending education with entertainment while maintaining authenticity and connection with listeners. Their playful dynamic shines through as they reminisce about their favorite episodes and the evolution of their podcasting experience.

In this engaging discussion, Daniela Rus, a pioneer in robotics and the first female director of MIT's AI Lab, joins author Gregory Mone to delve into their book about the future of intelligent machines. They explore how AI and robots could seamlessly integrate into daily life, transforming tasks and enhancing education. They also tackle the ethical implications of robotic advancements and the challenges in human-robot interaction. With visions of personalized learning and collaborative education, they inspire listeners to rethink the role of technology in society.