What Works

In management cybernetics, there are 3 types of systems: simple, complex, and exceedingly complex. The systems we pay the most attention tend to be, you guessed it, exceedingly complex. In this episode, I explore what that means for how we do our work and run our businesses—and what happens when we forget that people are exceedingly complex systems, too.Footnotes:Cyberboss by Craig GentThinking In Systems: A Primer by Donella MeadowsEmergent Strategy by adrienne maree brown"Practicing the Future: 3 Ideas for Rethinking Change" at What Works     Every episode is published in essay form at What Works and delivered in my newsletter—check it out and subscribe! ★ Support this podcast ★

The podcast challenges the conventional notions of scarcity and abundance mindsets. It introduces a compelling idea: resourcefulness as a third approach. Listeners are encouraged to distinguish between needs and wants, urging creative use of available resources. The discussion highlights the power of narrative and storytelling in fostering resourcefulness. Interconnectedness and cognitive creativity are emphasized as essential components in overcoming feelings of inadequacy and unlocking new opportunities. It's a fresh perspective on how we perceive and generate value!

Data isn't just a set of facts; it's a medium that shapes our interactions and perceptions. The podcast explores how the interpretation of data isn't purely objective and is influenced by human context. There's a deep dive into the concepts of predictability, relevance, and actionability, highlighting the importance of meaningful metrics for decision-making. Additionally, it emphasizes the need for enhanced media and systems literacy to navigate the complexities of our data-driven world.

Today's episode is about tips. As in gratuity. Wait, wait, wait! Where are you going?I know, you probably don't receive tips for your work. Maybe you don't live in the US, and you're thinking, 'What is this American BS about tips?'Well, when I first heard about Trump's (and then Harris's) proposal to eliminate federal taxes of tipped income, my brain went a hundred different places: how many people would it impact, how much savings are we talking about, what will this do to the proliferation of tipped work, and how much could this accelerate re-proletarianization?! You probably weren't expecting that last one. Here's the thing: tipping is a class issue. Which means it's also a social justice issue. And it's also an issue that intersects with frustrations with the way all of us work. To find out how, you've got to trust me—and listen.Footnotes:Information on the federal tipped minimum wage'Tip baiting' Instacart drivers via CNN"The Economic Logic Behind the 'No Tax on Tips' Policy" by Jadrian WootenTipping: An American Social History of Gratuities by Kerry Segrave"'It's the Legacy of Slavery': Here's the Troubling History Behind Tipping Practices in the U.S." via Time"Tipping is a racist relic and a modern tool of economic oppression in the South" via the Economic Policy Institute"Errand Runners of Digital Platform Capitalism" by İsa Demir"Defending Hierarchy: The Conservative Impulse" by Matthew McManusThe Society of the Spectacle by Guy Debord"The problem is proletarianization, not capitalism" by Solange Manche (about Bernard Steigler)Capitalism is Dead: Is This Something Worse? by McKenzie Wark"The Practical Utopian's Guide to the Coming Collapse" by David GraeberFind essay versions of every new episode at whatworks.fyi! ★ Support this podcast ★

If a chatbot writes your novel, did you really complete NaNoWriMo?Two niche internet panics caught my eye over the last couple of weeks: a bungled AI policy by the organization that promotes National Novel Writing Month and a viral story about people hiring Strava surrogates to run for them so they can claim the kudos. And those two stories got me thinking about the ways that we delegate away the intrinsic value of other activities.So with the help of a 1935 essay by Walter Benjamin, let's unpack the cult value of novel writing, running, and social media.Footnotes:"NaNoWriMo Says Condemning AI is 'Classist and Ableist'" via 404 Media"Some Thoughts on NaNoWriMo" by Sarah GaileyChannel News Asia on the Indonesian Strava jockey trend"People are paying 'Strava mules' to do their runs for them, but why?" via Women's HealthVelljko's Strava mule confession on TikTokLeigh Stein on the internet's difficult with satire on TikTok"The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction" by Walter Benjamin"Unpacking the Attention Fetish" on What Works"In Defense of Inefficiency" on What Works"Why AI Isn't Going to Make Art" by Ted Chiang via The New YorkerEssay versions of every episode are posted at whatworks.fyi, where you can also become a premium subscriber and support What Works for just $7 per month. ★ Support this podcast ★

Dive into the fascinating world of values, where traditional notions are turned on their head. Discover how values like freedom and justice can empower rather than constrain. Explore the idea that values should foster creativity and curiosity, promoting individuality instead of dogma. This discussion encourages a flexible, inclusive understanding of personal and societal values, with an emphasis on their transformative potential in our lives.

Discover how our voices shape our identities and perceptions of power. The conversation dives into societal pressures that compel marginalized groups to adjust their vocal expression. Embrace the idea of vocal authenticity and the emotional challenges tied to societal norms. Learn how joy and playfulness can enhance public speaking skills. With insights from a Hollywood dialect coach, the discussion encourages a broader acceptance of diverse voices in personal and professional contexts, highlighting the journey towards true self-expression.

Sara Petersen, author of 'Momfluenced,' dives into the intricate ways influencers shape our views on motherhood and well-being. She contrasts the authentic experiences of past generations with the curated images on social media that create unrealistic standards. The conversation touches on trust dynamics, the unique challenges faced by marginalized mothers, and the generational shift seen in Gen Z as they navigate social media’s pressures. Petersen emphasizes the longing for deeper connections and a more meaningful existence in today's influencer-driven world.

This is the 4th part of my series Self-Help, LLC, which I'm replaying over the summer! Enjoy!If your Instagram feed or Explore page looks anything like mine, then you likely see a preponderance of posts about personality types, conditions, or other self-knowledge. We’re hooked on learning about ourselves! And perhaps even more hooked on sharing what we’ve learned—which means that the Instagram algorithm (as well as TikTok’s and Pinterest’s algorithms) has learned to love this kind of content, too.In this episode, I explore discovering ourselves versus making ourselves, why self-knowledge is big business on Instagram, and how creating viral personality content can wreak havoc on the creator’s psyche. To dig into this with me, I invited @ninetypesco creator, Steph Barron Hall, onto the show.Footnotes:Find Steph Barron Hall on Instagram (@ninetypesco)Learn more about working with StephHow to be Authentic by Skye ClearyLearn more about the Enneagram and find your typeThe Nine Types of RestSelf-Help, INC by Micki McGee“Double consciousness”“Looking glass self”Essay versions of each episode are posted at whatworks.fyi every Thursday.  ★ Support this podcast ★

Patrick Sheehan, a sociologist specializing in self-help and consumer trust, explores the intricate dynamics of seeking guidance in an uncertain world. He discusses the paradox of trusting strangers over institutions in personal development. The conversation dives into the roles of credentialed experts vs. experiential coaches, the emotional labor they face, and the influence of social media on self-knowledge. Sheehan highlights the narratives used by coaches to build trust and the implications of relying on them amid job market anxieties.