The Knowledge Project

Join a lineup of fascinating guests as they explore keys to happiness, effective leadership, and health. Laurie Santos shares insights on well-being and its social connections. Alan Mulally discusses fostering a collaborative workplace culture. Andrew Huberman dives into impulse control and sleep science, while David Sinclair reveals strategies to slow aging. Kunal Shah offers investment wisdom, and Sarah Jones Simmer reflects on gratitude after overcoming personal health challenges. These conversations illuminate the simple habits that drive personal and professional growth.

Emily Balcetis, an Associate Professor of Psychology at NYU, dives into how our perceptions shape our motivations and goals. She discusses the 'perception gap' that can hinder our performance and shares strategies for effective goal-setting, including the importance of attention in achieving personal milestones. Balcetis also reveals how self-perception influences our commitment and decision-making, and explores the visual cues that affect our eating habits. With insights on overcoming obstacles in goal pursuit, this conversation is a treasure trove for anyone looking to enhance their life and achievements.

Keith Creel, President and CEO of Canadian Pacific Railway, shares his journey of transforming the company and leading a historic $27 billion merger with Kansas City Southern. He stresses the critical role of rail in the economy and discusses how the industry is evolving. Creel explains the balance between efficiency and resilience in business, the significance of Precision Scheduled Railroading, and offers valuable leadership lessons drawn from his experiences. His insights shed light on the future of freight transport and the unique challenges facing the railroad sector.

Tobi Lütke, co-founder and CEO of Shopify, shares his journey from a coder in Germany to leading an e-commerce powerhouse. He discusses the vital differences between founders and professional managers and how he navigates market volatility with a clear 'North Star.' Lütke explores balancing innovation with structure, the evolution of productivity through programming, and the media's role in shaping societal perceptions. He emphasizes decision-making that values long-term impact over short-term gains and the importance of maintaining well-being, especially in the pandemic era.

Alan Mulally, former CEO of Ford and Boeing veteran, shares his insights on effective leadership and teamwork. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration and a supportive culture in achieving collective goals. Mulally discusses the transformative power of love and service in leadership, alongside creating an integrated life that balances work and family. He dives into building a positive organizational culture through attentive communication and shared values, ultimately redefining success as meaningful contributions that benefit society.

Venkatesh Rao, an author focused on decision-making principles, joins a stellar lineup featuring Maria Konnikova, a psychologist and professional poker player, and Patrick Collison, CEO of Stripe. They delve into the three types of decision-makers and the impact of emotions on choices. Annie Duke and Tobi Lutke share insights on using mental models and self-reflection to enhance decision-making. The discussion emphasizes adaptability, collaborative strategies, and the role of conversations in refining thoughts and improving outcomes in both life and business.

Neil Pasricha, a New York Times bestselling author and popular TED speaker, shares insights on cultivating happiness through gratitude and simplicity. He discusses the rise of mental health issues and the impact of technology on genuine connections. Listeners will learn effective routines for enhancing well-being and combating anxiety, along with strategies for building resilience in a distracted world. Pasricha emphasizes the importance of intentional living, personal reflection, and cherishing life's extraordinary moments.

Kenneth Stanley, an influential artificial intelligence researcher and author, discusses the pitfalls of setting rigid objectives in this engaging conversation. He argues that over-fixation on ambitions can stifle true progress and innovation. Stanley emphasizes the importance of modest goals and the serendipity of unexpected discoveries that can lead to breakthroughs. He also critiques traditional peer review processes, advocating for a restructured approach that encourages creativity. Ultimately, he promotes a mindset that values experimentation and adaptability over conventional achievements.

Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn and former PayPal executive, shares invaluable insights from his extensive career as a venture capitalist. He discusses the art of decision-making, emphasizing speed, simplicity, and flexibility. Hoffman highlights the importance of evolving learning patterns as businesses scale and explores how leaders can effectively navigate crises, like COVID-19, through proactive communication. He also touches on the dynamics of hiring and the critical nature of building trust with investors in entrepreneurship.

Barbara Tversky, an acclaimed psychologist and Stanford University professor, dives into the fascinating interplay between action and thought. She unpacks the Nine Laws of Cognition and explains how language can shape our perception. Tversky shares insights on effective communication, especially via Zoom, and explores the role of gestures in enhancing memory and understanding. Additionally, she reflects on the creative processes of Leonardo da Vinci and emphasizes the importance of perspective-taking in cognition and problem-solving.