The definition of success can change everything. Properly defined, you have an agile organization where each team member can contribute fully. Poorly defined, you have stagnant teams and users that don’t like the products. In this episode of the Unlearn Podcast, host Barry O'Reilly sits down with Josh Seiden, a sought-after designer, strategy consultant, and coach. Together, they explore the importance of understanding user behavior, how that behavior can be translated into goals, and how company alignment on Outcomes and Key Results can drive business outcomes. Josh Seiden has collaborated with top-tier brands such as PayPal, Johnson & Johnson, and 3M. His expertise lies in launching and building innovative products and services, as well as fostering agile and entrepreneurial mindsets within organizations. He is the author of “Outcomes Over Output” and co-author of “Who Does What By How Much,” "Sense and Respond," and "Lean UX," all cementing his reputation as a thought leader in the field of user-centered design and business strategy.When User Experience Became DesignWe know now that understanding how users will experience a product is a critical part of designing a new product, but back in the 90’s when Josh began his career in the industry, it was a radical idea. "A friend told me, 'We’re hiring designers here,' and I laughed, 'Why are you telling me this? I’m not a designer.' But that thing you’re doing here, we call that design," Seiden recalls. This unconventional designation became an entire industry, and his unconventional path to it meant he brought a unique perspective to the field of user experience design. Barry notes that this is a story that gets told again and again on the Unlearn podcast; that the conventional wisdom on how to find or become an expert is often wrong.Don't Forget Why You’re Building What You’re Building Barry points out that companies often measure things like the speed of production, but forget to measure the consumer behavior change that would really demonstrate the value of the project. Josh explains that measurability is important over the life of a project, but keeping the focus on outcomes for actual people is the most important thing to track. This is the key premise of Outcomes over Output that answers the question: what is an outcome? Josh’s definition, “An Outcome is a measurable change in user behavior that creates value.” If you need to identify the outcome you should be measuring for your company, answer three questions: Who?, Does What?, and By How Much?The Evolution of OKRs in Large OrganizationsDesign thinking works at the team level very easily, and as the industry developed the question became how to do it at scale? Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) have emerged as a tool for helping  large organizations work in agile ways. Josh explains how OKRs can be used to manage outcomes at scale: “The O is an objective. What's the big audacious goal? And then the KR is the result. How do you measure it? The key result. For most people who look at the system, they understand that [...] you want those Key Results to be outcomes." This way of thinking helps large enterprises maintain focus and drive impactful results by clearly defining and measuring success as it matters to the people using the product.Read full show notes at BarryO'Reilly.comResourcesJosh Seiden on the Web, LinkedIn, X, Medium

Ben Yoskovitz, founding partner at Highline Beta and author of Lean Analytics, dives into the dynamic world of venture studios. He shares his journey from early failures to building successful startups, emphasizing the importance of community and learning from mistakes. The conversation highlights Lean Startup principles and the significance of solving real user problems. Ben also discusses team management and scaling strategies, revealing how recognizing individual strengths is crucial for success in the startup landscape.

Join host Barry O'Reilly and guest Elliott Parker, CEO of High Alpha Innovation, as they discuss unlearning traditional practices to drive growth in corporations, the importance of embracing new ways of thinking, and the value of exploring alternative paths to foster innovation. Parker shares insights on challenging metrics, evolving creativity, and achieving significant objectives through randomness to spark breakthrough innovations in both personal and professional settings.

What problem are you trying to solve? Is it even the right one? In this episode of Unlearn, host Barry O’Reilly is joined by Renee Hawkins, a skilled technology and transformation practitioner. Together, they discuss problem solving, aligning business strategies with purpose, and how to pivot your organization successfully. With practical tips on networking, market research, and seeking advice, Renee offers a roadmap for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact in the business world.Renee Hawkins, a technology and transformational practitioner with over 25 years of experience, brings a wealth of knowledge from her time at Thoughtworks and her current role as a fractional COO. Renee's approach of asking for help, networking, and continuous learning serves as an inspiration for aspiring fractional leaders.The Influence of Thoughtworks and Roy SinghamDuring his time at Thoughtworks, Roy Singham was a visionary leader who influenced Renee’s entire approach to business. Roy led with purpose and kept social justice and inclusivity top of mind, which made Thoughtworks an incredible organization, internally and externally. When you take time to study the impact of influential leaders like Roy, you can gain insights into creating a culture that drives innovation and fosters a sense of purpose among your team.Transforming Business ModelsTo deal with the challenges and leverage the opportunities of changing a business model, you need to ensure that your team, operations, and value stream are consistent with the new goals of your business. When you divide the transformation process into achievable steps and concentrate on urgent needs, you can manage complicated changes and prepare your company for success.Building Effective Communication StrategiesCommunication is essential for keeping teams on the same page and achieving business outcomes. Renee values storytelling, honesty, and frequent updates as ways to keep everyone updated and involved. By using effective communication methods, such as weekly reports or town hall meetings, you can make sure that your team remains in sync, inspired, and oriented towards common objectives.Embracing Fractional Work and Portfolio CareersWorking fractionally and having a portfolio career can be very advantageous in the changing world of business today. Renee tells us how she went from conventional roles to providing fractional assistance to various companies. By being flexible, learning constantly, and exploring different opportunities, you can use your skills in different projects and sectors while keeping a good balance between work and life.ResourcesRenee Hawkins on LinkedIn

They say those who don’t learn from the past are doomed to repeat it. As true a statement as it is, it’s missing one crucial element. If you never confront the reality of the present and get to the heart of why you are where you are, you won’t be able to unlearn the habits that got you there in the first place. In this episode of Unlearn, Barry O’Reilly talks with Dom Price, Work Futurist at Atlassian, who shares insights on facing the reality of the present, unlearning outdated practices, and embracing new ways of working to drive meaningful change and growth in organizations. Dom's early work experience started in London at Deloitte, where he spent three years as an accountant. His job left him unfulfilled and passionless, but that all changed over sushi. Don’s boss at Deloitte offered him the opportunity to work in either New York or Sydney. Despite the allure of New York's size and boldness, Dom chose Sydney for its smaller team environment, where he could have a more hands-on, full-stack experience. This decision marked the beginning of a diverse and interesting career journey that eventually led him to Atlassian.Embracing Reality and Unlearning Past PracticesDom highlights the importance of facing the honest reality of the current situation in organizations. When leaders truly acknowledge where they are today, they can pay homage to the past while also identifying areas that need to be unlearned or improved. Not only will this allow those leaders to eliminate what is holding an organization back, it will also shine the light on what is exceptional and should be elevated. Taking this approach will help break away from average practices and strive for continuous improvement.Collaboration Over SilosBarry and Dom discuss the significance of breaking down silos within organizations to foster better collaboration and communication. This begins with recognizing that the entire company runs day to day on the hundreds of small tasks that require input from every team member and department. When collaboration and breaking down silos becomes a priority, a company can enhance its efficiency, productivity, and overall effectiveness. Equally as important, this type of culture honors the diverse perspectives they bring.Seeking Growth and Avoiding PlateausOver time, companies trend toward mediocrity and status quo, but Dom stands firmly against the plateaus that seem inevitable. There is always a place for growth and improvement, and it requires each person involved to challenge themselves, step out of comfort zones, and actively seek new opportunities. Instead of complacency, a mindset of continuous learning, adaptation, and growth will ensure excellence and innovation.Practical Change Initiatives Over Theoretical TransformationsDom discusses the pitfalls of theoretical transformations, such as Agile transformations, that lack a clear understanding of the underlying goals and realities of the organization. Instead, he advocates for practical, action-oriented change initiatives that address specific needs and challenges within the organization. By focusing on tangible outcomes and being honest about real issues, companies can drive sustainable change and meaningful progress.Balancing Heritage and InnovationNot all of a company’s past should be unlearned, nor should its achievements be forgotten. There is a balance to strike between an organization’s rich heritage and the need for innovation and adaptation. Dom shares how companies can find a balance between honoring the past and embracing innovation, and companies can leverage their heritage while staying relevant and competitive in a rapidly changing environment.ResourcesDominic Price on LinkedIn | Atlassian

Anne Connelly, blockchain expert, discusses transitioning from nonprofit to blockchain, embracing risk for innovation. She highlights the transformative power of blockchain in redesigning society, encouraging risk-taking for personal growth. Topics include decentralized governance, DAOs, and starting small in cryptocurrencies.

Would you be willing to take on mission critical, make or break projects as your career? How would you handle the challenges that arise from situations like bankruptcies and mergers while managing the extreme pressure that comes from such high stakes?Daniel Henry doesn’t just take on high stakes projects as they arise. He actively seeks them out. Daniel’s fascinating career has spanned EDS, American Airlines, and most recently, CIO at McDonald’s. He has gained invaluable insight in building teams, developing leadership, and taking on hard things to help you grow. And one of the best insights he offers is how to make big problems small.Embracing Simplicity in Problem-Solving at Large CompaniesIn the realm of large corporations, the ability to simplify complex problems is a crucial skill. Daniel emphasizes the significance of breaking down overwhelming challenges into smaller, more manageable tasks, so that teams can navigate the complexities of technology and business transformation. His advice to "make the problems really small" serves as a valuable strategy for initiating progress and innovation within large organizations.The Importance of Working on Mission-Critical ProjectsEngaging with mission-critical projects can be a defining factor in one's career growth and development. Daniel reflects tackling projects that have the potential to make or break a company, which helped him resilience and leadership skills. His advice to focus on the most critical tasks resonates with the idea of continuous learning and self-improvement.Building and Leading High-Performance TeamsHigh-performance teams are a cornerstone of success in any organization. Daniel highlights the importance of aligning team members with a clear purpose to drive collaboration and goal achievement, and the type of leadership that will get them there. When you embrace the critical role of purpose-driven leadership and foster a shared understanding of objectives and strategies, you’re able to develop strong, innovative teams within any organization.The Role of Storytelling in Attracting Top TalentStorytelling plays a pivotal role in attracting top talent to organizations, especially in the technology sector. A powerful narrative that includes the journey of technological transformation and the challenges that were overcome, companies can more easily attract top talent who are seeking meaningful and impactful work. Daniel also underscores the importance of transparency in the narrative and the workplace culture it builds.Scaling Technology Innovations GloballyDaniel discusses the importance of starting small and learning fast when expanding technology solutions across global, diverse markets. Sweeping changes, especially with technology, require a strategic and iterative approach. Daniel’s approach begins with running ‘experiments’ in smaller regions, analyzing the data, and basing the wider implementation on those data-driven insights to ensure smoother transitions for companies and their customers.Resources:Daniel Henry on LinkedIn | X(Twitter)

What was your biggest personal transformation? More importantly, who helped you achieve it? Read this blog and episode of the Unlearn Podcast for top leadership transformation mindset advice from a world-class leadership coach.Sabrina Braham is an executive coach, mastermind group leader, author, and leadership and career development expert with almost three decades of experience, but she nearly walked away from that journey before it ever began. What kept her going? A teacher who was more like a coach. He encouraged and believed in her, which helped her completely transform what she thought about herself and her future. And now, Sabrina does that for others.There’s a reason that 97% of all CEOs in the United States have coaches for leadership transformation mindset advice. Asking for feedback is a powerful tool for personal growth and development. Embracing the discomfort of asking questions can lead to valuable insights, accelerated learning, and improved decision-making.Embracing Growth Mindset and Overcoming Self-DoubtWe all have moments that transform us. For Sabrina, it was when her psychology teacher refused to let her quit and had her enroll in the most difficult classes. "He totally believed in me," she reflects. This experience sparked a shift from self-doubt to a growth mindset, and the encouragement helped her see and embrace her full potential. Often, a big part of transformation is identifying the self-imposed limitations we have created, and Sabrina’s journey from uncertainty to academic excellence is an inspiring example of how a single act of faith from another can catalyze our growth and help us transcend our perceived barriers.The Power of Asking for FeedbackMany of us live in a precarious balancing act every day: personal turmoil, parenthood, entrepreneurship, partnership. Sometimes we need the voice of clarity to help us make sense of it all. But first, we need to ask that voice to speak. Asking for feedback is not a sign of weakness, but a brave step towards self-betterment, and it’s not about uncovering flaws alone. It’s all about acknowledging and harnessing our inherent strengths. When we embrace vulnerability, we can actively seek out the insights that will propel us forward.Building Relationships and Political SavvyWorkplace dynamics are an intricate dance, and it’s critical to nurture relationships and develop political acumen. Sabrina challenges the notion that career advancements are merely the result of nepotism, suggesting that the key lies in "deepening your relationships with people." The subtleties of professional success include both genuine connection and strategic navigation of organizational landscapes, which lead to recognition and advancement. In other words, how we interact with others will significantly influence our career trajectory. The Role of Mastermind Groups in Accelerating GrowthSabrina is passionate about leading executive mastermind groups, describing them as a collective committed to mutual growth, where "everybody in the group helping the person that's talking." These groups act as a powerful catalyst for personal and professional development, offering a space where shared experiences and diverse viewpoints can lead to unexpected insights and breakthroughs. A well-run mastermind group is the ideal community for leadership transformation mindset advice. They become your own personal “board of directors”. Mastermind groups harness collaborative intelligence, allowing each member to contribute to and benefit from the collective wisdom. It's a testament to the idea that by coming together, we can amplify our learning and accelerate our journey towards our goals.ResourcesFor full show notes, go to BarryO'Reilly.comSabrina Braham MA MFT PCC  on the web | LinkedIn | Leadership Podcast

What if success isn't about being the best but about continuous improvement? Global executive James Williams shares his journey from leading Olympic campaigns to empowering startups and teaching MBA students. Discover how his focus on performance, purpose, partnerships, and people has shaped his career and why he believes that embracing discomfort is the key to personal and professional growth.Now, as an advisor at Nobody Studios and a mentor to the next generation of marketers, James shares his insights on personal growth and the art of embracing new challenges with purpose and performance in mind. Success isn't a straight climb to the top; it's about the courage to be imperfect and the grit to improve, even if it means stepping off the peak to explore new paths.Embracing Improvement Over WinningJames emphasizes the importance of focusing on personal and professional improvement. "Fundamentally, it's not about winning. It's about improving. And that's what I mean by performance." The conversation delves into the concept of continuous learning and the mindset of always striving to get better. James shares his personal experience of realizing that success isn't always about being the best but rather about making incremental improvements. By embracing improvement as the ultimate goal, individuals can foster a growth mindset and continuously push themselves to reach new heights.The Power of Teamwork and Overcoming Personal ChallengesDyslexia was a major challenge for James, especially since he grew up in a hypercritical environment. He highlights the value of teamwork and collaboration: "If I work with a bunch of people, there are certain things I'm not very good at. And there are some things I'm very good at. And if I can build those balances, then it doesn't mean I'm constantly trying to hide that I can't spell or say things like that."Embracing strengths and weaknesses is transformational, and by recognizing and honoring the strengths of each team member, individuals can create a collaborative environment that fosters growth and success.Setting Personal and Professional GoalsPersonal and professional goals drive growth and progress, and James sets his goals at the beginning of each year. He shares his approach to goal-setting and the importance of feedback and continuous learning. "Each time, I would then sit down and look at those and say, 'How am I doing?'" Whether the goals you set are short- or long-term, they will enable you to have a clear direction and purpose in your personal and professional life. As you regularly reflect and evaluate, you can stay focused and motivated and will continuously improve yourself.The Importance of Partnerships in BusinessPartnerships are more than just transactional. "Partnership is where you find the added value in that relationship." James stresses the importance of long-term partnerships that drive society's impact. When you align your partnerships with your goals and values, you can maximize both your own personal growth and the impact you can have.James believes that businesses need to integrate partnerships into their strategies. Much like team members relying on one another’s strengths, businesses can build partnerships with other organizations that will drive innovation, growth, and positive change.The Intersection of ESG and MarketingWhen companies integrate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, that integration needs to reach their marketing teams. "You can still drive commercial impact, consumer engagement, but also have a positive impact rather than a negative one."When companies fully embrace ESG principles as part of their core marketing strategies, they can build trust, engage consumers, and contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive future. ResourcesJames Williams on LinkedIn Nobody Studios

Adrian Cockcroft, a cloud architecture pioneer at Netflix and open-source advocate at AWS, shares his compelling journey from tinkering with computers to shaping sustainable tech futures. He reflects on influences from visionaries like Bill Joy, emphasizing the importance of foresight in the tech industry. Adrian discusses his advocacy for sustainability in cloud computing and the challenges of measuring carbon footprints. Listeners will be inspired by his insights on navigating climate challenges and the innovation sparked within his new venture studio.