Anecdotally Speaking

Jeanne Louise Calment lived to 122 years of age (a species record). Who would have thought such an age was achievable? How would you feel, betting against such a long life, and losing on the deal? Shawn and Mark discuss how a business might use this story to illustrate the unexpected nature of planning, and the danger of 'the sure thing'. The post 194 – French reverse mortgage – Jeanne Calment appeared first on Anecdote.

Andrew Loog Oldham at 19 years of age was the Rolling Stones first manager. By suggesting that Keith Richards and Mick Jagger start writing original songs, a 50 year plus collaboration was born (affectionately now known as the 'Strolling Bones' ;>). Shawn and Mark discuss how a business might use this story to explain both the value of copying masters, and encouraging innovation. The post 193 – Rolling Stones songwriting – Andrew Loog Oldham appeared first on Anecdote.

Sir Peter Blake suggested a single focus for New Zealand's Americas Cup challenge - only do those things that make the boat go faster - leading to two trophies. Shawn and Mark discuss how a business might use this story to galvanise a team. The post 192 – Americas Cup speed focus – Peter Blake appeared first on Anecdote.

The quality of a good question can create insight. Join Shawn and Mark as they discuss the life saving simplicity and humble beginnings of the Apgar Test. The post 190 – Infancy of the newborn test – Virginia Apgar appeared first on Anecdote.

Sometime we just have to throw plans out the window as circumstances change. Blistering temperatures in Tunisia caused the simplification of a now iconic fight scene. The post 189 – The last raiders of the lost ark – Harrison Ford – Gary Marshall appeared first on Anecdote.

Can you imagine Sydney Harbour without the Opera House? Well, without 10 years of delays and $90 million in cost overruns the bridge might have been the only feature in the skyline. Join Shawn and Mark for a discussion on podiums, persistence and politics. The post 188 – Sydney Opera House – Jorn Utzon – Ove Arup appeared first on Anecdote.

If it doesn't feel right, maybe it's not? Do the right thing, not the easy thing. We always have the right to choose, so ask questions and resist being made to feel 'incompetent'. Join Shawn, Mark and Anastasia Dedyukhina from Consciously Digital, as they share stories on digital privacy, attention and switching. The post 187-Privacy in the EU – Anastasia Dedyukhina – Consciously Digital appeared first on Anecdote.

The launch of a new product is risky, but to see young people interact with ease can give lots of confidence. In this episode, we discuss this very point with Ursula Llabres product owner at Meta Reality Labs. The post 185 – VR headsets are coming – Ursula Llabres from Meta appeared first on Anecdote.

The beauty and power of persistence. This is the story of Jack Ma told by Vika Abromova, the country head of Mars Poland. It's another business story to tell. The post 186 – Never give up – Jack Ma appeared first on Anecdote.

Opinions aren’t facts. Listen to hear how Surgeon Fiona Wood set the record straight when her son’s partner was told to reconsider her chosen career path. The post 184 – Don’t push your bias onto others – Fiona Wood appeared first on Anecdote.