unSILOed with Greg LaBlanc

Rochelle Gurstein, an esteemed intellectual historian and critic, discusses the evolution of what defines a classic in art. She dives into the historical obscurity of masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and the shifting perceptions surrounding iconic works. The conversation explores how societal taste influences the appreciation of art, with highlights on the Elgin marbles and the Venus de Medici. Gurstein also reflects on the complex standards of artistic judgment and the role of critics in shaping cultural values over time.

Martin Reeves, Chairman of the BCG Henderson Institute, and Bob Goodson, founder of Quid, delve into the creation and cultural impact of the ubiquitous 'like' button. They recount the serendipitous journey behind its invention, and discuss how it transformed user-generated content and social interactions. The duo reveals how this simple piece of code shaped online behavior, influenced advertising strategies, and even affected offline socializing. Their insights challenge traditional narratives of innovation, highlighting the collaborative nature of tech advancements.

Daryl Fairweather, chief economist at Redfin and author of 'Hate the Game,' shares her insights on applying economic principles to life’s toughest decisions. She discusses how game theory can influence career choices, relationship dynamics, and real estate investments. Daryl also tackles the complexities of the housing market, including bidding wars and commission structures. Additionally, she highlights the emotional aspects of homeownership and the importance of communication in balancing love and financial stability, making economics deeply personal.

Julian Baggini, a renowned philosopher and author, discusses how to make philosophy accessible and relatable. He explores the interplay of dietary choices and philosophical thought, advocating for systemic change over individual perfection. The conversation delves into the importance of cognitive empathy and the role of attention in ethical decision-making. Baggini also introduces 'technophronesis,' a term for practical wisdom in technology use, prompting a reevaluation of our relationship with food and tech in modern society.

Marc Levinson, a prominent journalist and economist, delves into the transformative power of the humble shipping container. He shares captivating insights into how this innovation ignited globalization and reshaped global trade. Levinson recounts the labor-intensive woes of pre-container shipping and the fierce union battles that followed. He also uncovers the unexpected repercussions of global supply chains and how containerization altered economic dynamics. The discussion even touches on the evolution of trade from physical goods to digital exchanges.

David Rogers, an instructor at Columbia Business School and founder of David Rogers Group, dives into the nuances of digital transformation. He reveals that it's more about strategic imagination than just technology. The conversation touches on common pitfalls businesses face, such as cognitive blind spots and outdated management models. Rogers emphasizes the importance of storytelling in leadership and how innovative practices can foster cultural change. Finally, he discusses the evolving role of IT, advocating for it to be viewed as a strategic partner in organizations.

Join science journalist Alex Hutchinson, author of 'The Explorer's Gene', as he unpacks the fascinating human drive to explore. He discusses the delicate balance between exploration and exploitation of resources and how evolutionary traits influence our quest for novelty. Alex dives into the psychological aspects of endurance, illustrating how our minds shape performance in challenging situations. He also touches on the significance of genetic factors in novelty-seeking and the necessity of fostering resilience in education to encourage meaningful exploration.

Nir Eyal, a former Stanford marketing lecturer and author of 'Indistractable', dives into the art of mastering distraction. He explores how 90% of our distractions come from within, driven by emotional triggers like boredom and anxiety. Nir offers practical strategies for becoming indistractable, emphasizing the role of forethought and intentionality. He also shares insights into creating a focused work environment and the importance of managing technology use for healthier habits. A mix of psychology and actionable tips makes this discussion a must-listen!

Adam Kucharski, a professor at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, shares insights on the evolving nature of 'proof' in various fields, from mathematics to medicine. He discusses how simulation and probabilistic approaches have gained acceptance, especially highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Adam connects principles of epidemiology to finance and marketing, revealing how contagion theories influence decision-making in multiple domains. The conversation also touches on the ethical dilemmas of data use, cybersecurity, and the vulnerabilities in centralized digital infrastructures.

Kurt Gray, a Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience, explores the intricate ties between morality, empathy, and human understanding. He delves into how our perceptions of harm shape moral disagreements, influenced by evolutionary psychology. Kurt also highlights the 'outrage industry' and its role in polarization. Their discussion covers the dual nature of empathy, emphasizing the need for reflective moral understanding, especially in educational settings. Kurt shares insights on using storytelling as a bridge to foster empathy and transcend moral divides.