Hope Gurion is a seasoned professional with a background in product management, business development, and coaching within the tech industry. As the founder of Fearless Product, she plays a pivotal role in advising and supporting product leaders and teams. Hope's career traces back to the early stages of the internet, where she contributed to shaping digital experiences. She held positions at AOL, Jobster, CareerBuilder, and Beachbody, and she brings a wealth of experience in dealing with various challenges in product development, business growth, and leadership. In this episode of the Unlearn Podcast, Hope joins Barry O’Reilly to discuss her career journey, emphasizing the importance of persistence, adaptability, and shared vision within product teams.The Reach of Shared VisionHope reflects on her experience at AOL, particularly in AOL Shopping. Despite creating a detailed Product Requirements Document (PRD), the disconnect between her vision and the final designs revealed the necessity for shared understanding among team members. This disconnect eventually led to a breakdown in trust. Hope emphasizes that everyone should comprehend the business context and constraints. “It was just a learning moment for me in terms of, do you really have [a] shared vision?” she tells Barry. “Does everybody on the team really understand the business context of what we're trying to do?” This situation was common in the early 2000s tech landscape, Barry says. “There's still plenty of companies living in that world of siloed teams, lack of cross-functional groups.”Jack of Many TradesHope shares a key moment from her professional evolution, recounting a significant turning point when Matt Ferguson, the CEO of CareerBuilder, offered her a position. Hope initially turned down the role due to personal reasons, but Matt persisted, expressing a genuine belief in her potential and leaving the door open for future collaboration. This persistence became a catalyst for Hope's subsequent transition to CareerBuilder. It demonstrates how a leader’s perseverance can reshape an individual's career trajectory. Hope's career evolution also highlights her adaptability. She navigated various roles, from AOL to CareerBuilder. Her eagerness to find ways to grow the business and diversify revenue streams led to her role as Chief Product Officer.From Chief to CoachHope’s transition from being a leader in various companies to becoming a coach and advisor wasn't a predetermined career move, she shares. Barry prompts Hope to reflect on this shift, asking about the triggers and the unlearning process required. Hope’s career shift was triggered by certain constraints she experienced in her role as CPO. At CareerBuilder, she faced the challenge of training and developing individuals from diverse backgrounds into product-related roles due to certain constraints. This experience became foundational for her belief in the coachability and trainability of product leader roles. Her coaching venture was a result of requests for interim consulting, leading to her collaboration with Teresa Torres. Reflecting on her coaching transition, Hope shares, “Knowing what types of skills I think are coachable and trainable, and knowing that was something that I got a lot of satisfaction doing and had seen a lot of different scenarios [of], is what gave me confidence that I could do this to a certain segment of people."Looking AheadHope advises listeners to focus on fundamental questions such as understanding the customer, evaluating alternatives, and articulating the unique value proposition, emphasizing the importance of alignment and shared understanding within product teams to drive forward progression.ResourcesHope Gurion on LinkedIn | X(Twitter)Fearless Product

Peter Walker is a data-driven content marketer known for his expertise in using data and analytics to create insightful and engaging content. In his role as Head of Insights at Carta, Peter's work often revolves around visualizing data in a way that makes it accessible to a broad audience, helping people understand complex topics and trends. He has contributed significantly to the field of data-driven content marketing and is known for his ability to provide valuable insights through his work. In this episode of the Unlearn Podcast, Peter joins Barry O’Reilly to discuss the use of data and analytics in content marketing. He shares insights into his experiences in transitioning from a data analyst to a data-driven content marketer and offers valuable advice for those looking to embark on a similar journey in data-driven marketing.The Data’s in the DetailsWhen building a business, you may come across instances where you feel like you’ve hit a wall - especially in the budding stages, when you’re doing the job of three people. “There's always the chance that you're going to hit it big, but in practice I think the responsibility and adaptability that you need to survive in a startup is [often] more important than the equity you receive,” Peter says. Being adaptable and open to exploring new skills takes you far. For example, Peter's career shift from data analyst to product marketer helped him discover his passion for data visualization and design. This shift allowed him to bridge the gap between data and communication effectively.Carta’s Magna CartaThere are two main approaches to data analysis at Carta, Peter explains. The first approach is to create reports that answer clear questions by presenting data in a clear and concise manner. The goal of this approach is to provide readers with a straightforward understanding of key metrics, such as valuations and funding rounds. This approach is not about creating flashy graphics, but rather about delivering clarity and answers to specific questions. The second, more interesting approach is the discovery and exploration phase. Peter mentions the value of tools like Tableau, which allow him to dive into data without a predetermined goal. He often starts with scatter plots to understand data distributions, and then applies filters to investigate various dimensions such as time, stage, or industry. The key is to find the most compelling and distinct visual representation of the data.Looking AheadPeter's primary piece of advice is to start by collecting questions from the audience. By listening to what their target audience is wondering about and collecting those inquiries, aspiring data marketers can identify valuable topics to explore. He emphasizes the importance of addressing questions that genuinely matter to the audience.Read full show notes at BarryO'Reilly.comResourcesPeter Walker on LinkedIn Join Carta’s data newsletter

With a strong emphasis on rapid development and accelerating ideas into tangible products, Adam Bragg believes in the ethos of "launching". He introduced the concept of "activity networks," a fresh take on community-building, where people congregate based on shared activities rather than just online interactions. He has been involved in several projects that unite diverse groups of enthusiasts, giving Adam rare insight into the evolving landscape of tech and human connection. In this episode of Unlearn, Adam joins Barry O’Reilly to discuss the transformative power of launching ideas and products into the world and the lessons that come from confronting the fears and vulnerabilities tied to this process.From Vaulting to VenturesAdam’s Ukrainian coach, Nikolai Doroshenko, emphasized the importance of visualizing routines multiple times before executing them. This technique, which he has since integrated into various aspects of his life, is not only applicable in pole vaulting but transcends into business. “I've been applying that same kind of [visualization] of the future moment and [trying] to work [my] way backwards into constructing it,” he explains. Picturing a business's potential impact before its inception is essential, he points out. Barry reinforces this perspective by drawing parallels between the mental preparedness demanded by high-stakes sporting events and the uncertainties of launching a business. “It's a muscle that you can build and improve as you become more familiar,” he tells Adam. Certain principles are universal - whether in the athletic realm, the healthcare sector, or in business launches across diverse sectors, the process remains consistent: visualize, appreciate, execute, and then learn from the outcome.Betterment is in the Eye of the BeholderVisualization is also important for senior executives. Barry asks, "What will success look like in one to two years? How will stakeholders be different?" It is all about creating a detailed mental picture of success in order to better navigate the steps to achieve it. Adam highlights the importance of visualization in his career, from his early days in engineering and history to his ventures in creating tech solutions for education and community building. He discusses his exploration of AI and large learning models, notably the GPT models. His development of "Cat GPT," a personality-driven AI bot that responds like a sassy cat, is a testament to how AI can be made approachable and fun. It is a unique juxtaposition of technology and human-like personality traits. Adam underscores the potential of AI, not just as a functional tool but as an entity that can facilitate relationship-building. The future of AI interaction will likely be more character-driven, he predicts.Looking AheadAdam is deeply excited about the evolution and potential of technology, especially in the context of human creativity and the swift pace of development. He touches on the ongoing projects at his studio, particularly emphasizing their work on the "ThoughtForma," an intelligent no-code platform that is empowering individuals, regardless of their tech background, to create and deploy technology products. This platform can help anyone, from a local library to vast audiences on social networks, bring their ideas to life. Furthermore, Adam expresses enthusiasm about the "activity network" concept, introduced to him by their CTO. Unlike typical social networks, activity networks center around groups of individuals engaging in similar activities or sharing interests. He sees these networks as a way to consolidate tightly-knit communities that can seamlessly merge physical and digital interactions.Read full show notes at BarryO'Reilly.comResourcesAdam Bragg on the Web | LinkedIn

Marcos Fernandez is a visionary in the fintech sector, characterized by his profound understanding of its evolving dynamics and the importance of strategic collaborations across industries. His vast network, ranging from prominent banks to venture capital, underlines his dedication to fostering strategic partnerships and ensuring financial inclusivity. He champions the creation of innovative ways to finance the future startups of tomorrow.  In this episode of Unlearn, Marcos joins Barry O’Reilly to discuss the evolving dynamics of venture capital, funding startups and how to differentiate from traditional venture investing.Fiat VenturesMarcos joined Fiat Ventures with the goal of helping founders and brands make a big difference in the financial services industry. After recognizing his talents lay more in finding visionaries rather than bringing their visions to life, he realized that he didn't have to wait to transition into the venture capital world. He contrasts his previous roles as an “operator” with his current position as an investor, highlighting the differences between the two roles: “In startup mode, you break things, see what works and what doesn't, and then move on. But as an investor, you can't go around breaking things.” This shift required Marcos to develop more robust processes and ensure due diligence in his investment practices, noting the importance of building sustainable investment models.A New ApproachUnlike traditional venture capitals, Barry states, Fiat Ventures doesn’t jump straight into investment; their approach prioritizes working alongside startups, understanding their market, considering the idea of investment, and only then taking the plunge. Being an amalgamation of venture capital, incubator, and accelerator, they employ a structured five-stage process in developing startups. This process starts with ideation, where the primary focus is on understanding the team dynamics rather than the idea itself. Marcos mentions the value of prolonged collaboration, saying, “It's a long time to be on these journeys together and you need to derisk that somehow.” Barry agrees, noting the importance of having the right team and advisers, stating, “It's the founders who try to keep everything close to their chest and not bring on advisors... they would rather have a smaller slice of a much bigger pie.”Being Involved ParticipantsMarcos emphasizes the hands-on, engaged approach that his firm takes when sponsoring deals or taking board positions. He mentions their efforts to systematize the process, making insights and networks more accessible through a repository. Barry acknowledges the value of such a method, noting that businesses now look beyond just capital—they are keen on the full package offered by partners. He cites growth marketing expertise as a pivotal point for assessment and collaboration. Fiat Ventures is committed to supporting startups by providing them with funding and using their connections to help them build relationships in the fintech community and with corporate partners. Marcos elaborates on their extensive networks in the fintech space, which are instrumental in forging partnerships with a wide range of organizations, from large banks to regional credit unions. These relationships, he explains, have become a valuable flywheel for their operations, further boosting their brand's stature. Marcos has a unique perspective on the evolution of fintech. He emphasizes that while the initial wave of fintech involved disrupting financial services, the next phase will be more low-key, operating behind the scenes to offer seamless financial solutions across various industries.Looking AheadMarcos invites founders who are looking to be the next fintech or consumer-focused B2B business to consider partnering with Fiat Ventures.Read full show notes at BarryO'Reilly.comResourcesMarcos Fernandez on LinkedInFiat Growth | Ventures

Casey Ebro is a veteran editor who has significantly contributed to the publishing world. She formerly served as an Executive Editor with the Business Group at McGraw Hill Professional. In this role, she was responsible for acquiring, editing, and publishing business books in various subjects such as leadership, workplace culture, entrepreneurship, and innovation. She has been responsible for bestsellers and notable titles, including “Madoff Talks” by Jim Campbell, which inspired a Netflix documentary series, and the Wall Street Journal bestsellers “Connect First” by Melanie Katzman and “Zero to IPO” by Frederic Kerrest. Casey played a pivotal role at McGraw Hill in establishing the healthcare category into a robust multi-million dollar program, which featured prominent titles like the New York Times Science bestseller “The Digital Doctor” and “The Cleveland Clinic Way”.Starting Up and Striking OutCasey’s journey into the world of editing began in her formative years as a passionate bookworm. In high school, she took a significant step toward her publishing dreams by becoming the English editor for her school’s literary publication called “Facets”. She reveled in the collaborative process with other editors and took pleasure in discovering the literary talents of her peers. Her passion further intensified in university, where she joined the literary publication named “Heights”, participating in deeper, more advanced discussions about submitted works. These university experiences exposed her to diverse opinions and debates, making the editing environment incredibly stimulating and enriching for her.A Book is a Business“Writing a book is like starting a business,” according to Casey. Authors are entrepreneurs introducing a unique product to the market. In essence, the book is a reflection of the author’s ideas and beliefs, and its promotion doesn’t end post-publication. Some successful books keep selling years or even decades after their release, and this continued success comes from the author’s dedication to the ideas and ensuring they reach as many readers as possible. Publishing a book is a long-term commitment that requires careful execution, planning, and motivation. “A lot of people think about it in terms of the first three months or the first six months or first year or first three years after a book is published. I think that’s really short sighted because if the ideas are good, they’re good from now till kingdom come,” Casey shares. A book, like a product, needs to find its audience, establish product-market fit, and receive investment for growth, Barry agrees. “It never ends.”Investing in IdeasBarry and Casey discuss the challenges of book publishing. Barry remarks that the journey isn’t just about having a great idea; it’s about putting in the necessary work to present the idea, penning an entire chapter about it, and then devising a plan on how to maximize its potential. Likening this to the startup experience, Barry notes, “It’s almost like I had to have a pitch deck. What’s the problem I’m solving? Who’s the target customer? What’s my go-to-market plan? How am I going to generate sales and then also write a chapter to exemplify the idea?” Casey comments that selecting a manuscript is similar to venture capitalists choosing a startup to invest in.Looking AheadCasey wants authors to confidently claim their space, believing they are uniquely positioned to address a topic due to their specific experiences, inventions, or groundbreaking insights. This individuality becomes crucial when competing against established names in the industry, given that readers will be investing both money and time in their book.Read full show notes at BarryOReilly.comResourcesCasey Ebro on LinkedIn

Kyle Hermans is the CEO and co-founder of Be Courageous, a globally recognized business consultancy that helps ambitious leaders and brands grow and transform. They do this through improving company culture, strategy, innovation, technology, research, and ESG/SDG. Kyle has led transformation initiatives for hundreds of Fortune 1000 companies and startups throughout his distinguished career. He is a faculty member at Singularity University and a guest lecturer at several prestigious institutions such as Berkeley, USC, and UCLA. Kyle joins Barry O’Reilly to explore the concept of courage, the necessity of unlearning and relearning, and how these ideas have shaped his personal and professional life.A Long Way From HomeKyle's father bought him a one-way ticket from his native South Africa to the Netherlands, where he experienced a big culture shock. This was his first encounter with the idea of courage and unlearning. In the Netherlands, everything was different and he had to forget his old ideas about the world. He said, "Everything I ever thought about my reality [was] just gone.” After adjusting to his new life, Kyle got different jobs in business, including consulting and being an executive at design agencies. But he found out that his energetic personality and quick ambition didn't match the usual corporate way of working. This led to his decision to make his own way to fully reach his potential, which he calls his “Schiphol Moment”. This decision led him to his current job at Be Courageous. There, he explores courage, creativity, and transformative leadership in professional situations.Courage is CreativityKyle’s connection to the notion of courage began while working at an innovation agency called Synectics, which heavily influenced the origins of design thinking. He used the quote, “Another word for creativity is courage” in hundreds of workshops around the world. This quote resonated with Kyle, encouraging him to seek out his 'Schiphol moments'—intentionally placing himself in unfamiliar environments to shock the system and trigger growth. “The pursuit of courage is staying humble,” he shares, “I'm not going to get too trapped by the things I've done or be too defined by where I've been.” Kyle believes that everyone harbors an unexpressed idea or dream within them, the pursuit of which demands a great deal of courage, particularly in hostile, difficult, and vulnerable conditions. Showing up to transformative experiences and attempting to effect change within successful organizations is an act of courage in itself, according to Barry, given the immense pressure to conform to pre-existing systems. “Creation is actual courageousness,” he remarks.Courage Is Not the Absence of FearKyle believes that courage is a quality that everyone can choose to have, not just a mental trait. He says, "Where there is fear, there is courage, and where there is courage, there is fear." He emphasizes that fear and courage are linked, and people often forget that courage can be found when facing fear and self-doubt. He asks, "What's the courage needed in this moment?" Recognizing the courage needed to beat fear is often the start of becoming brave. Kyle talks about being intentional, having a purpose, being curious and open, taking risks, and being selfless. He emphasizes that these qualities come out when people decide to confront their fears and tackle challenges directly. These traits enable people to take responsibility, direct their actions, and embrace the unknown. Most notably, he mentions, "The fastest way to bring courage into your world is to accept what is."Looking AheadKyle reminds listeners of the bridge between courage and unlearning. “We must unlearn that fear is the only way to design our lives,” and choose to see life through a lens of courage instead, he shares.ResourcesKyle Hermans on the Web | LinkedIn | Twitter

Kyle Byrd is a seasoned product strategy and uncertainty leader with a background in industrial design. He was the former Head of Product at Atlassian, where he led the product strategy for Jira Align, a leading enterprise agile planning software. He is also the founder of the Uncertainty Project, a community initiative aimed at exploring decision-making models to manage uncertainty. In this episode of the Unlearn Podcast, Kyle joins Barry O’Reilly to share his unique perspective on embracing uncertainty and problem-solving, drawing from his experiences in transitioning from hardware to software products. He discusses the importance of deep domain expertise and the value of diverse perspectives in decision-making processes.An Unconventional FoundationKyle shares his journey from industrial design to software product management "I'm forever thankful that I got an art degree in college, which was industrial design. It really forces you to unlearn that there is a right answer in a very uncomfortable way," he says. Kyle's unique perspective on problem-solving has shaped his career, leading him to view the world from a "problem to problem perspective" rather than an "answer to answer perspective." This mindset has been instrumental in his work, particularly in his transition from hardware to software, where he found the flexibility to match solutions to problems. His passion for customer engagement and problem-solving was evident during his time at Agile Craft, a startup that was later acquired by Atlassian and transformed into Jira Align, Atlassian's fastest-selling product. "Product management is one of those worlds where it is all about finding problems, finding fixes, unlocking the next problem,” Barry adds, “and it’s an endless iteration of that.”The Art of Business, Choices, and WarBeing deeply invested in a problem is crucial to find its solution, Kyle shares. During his transition from a hardware-focused role to a software-focused one, Kyle found himself becoming "hyper obsessed" with understanding why organizations work the way they do. This obsession led him to spend his weekends reading and learning about organizational structures and decision-making processes. Growing up in a military town and being fascinated by the structure of large organizations like the military, he found that many models and techniques used in business have their roots in military strategies. Concepts like wargaming, scenario planning, and Commander’s Intent have found their way into business strategy and decision-making, particularly in large, complex organizations.Looking AheadKyle shares his excitement about the future of The Uncertainty Project, particularly in translating the theoretical aspects of decision-making under uncertainty into practical applications that can impact the way people work and make decisions. He encourages listeners to engage with the content on The Uncertainty Project's website and to think about how the concepts discussed can be applied within their own organizations.Read full show notes at BarryO'Reilly.comResourcesKyle Byrd on the Web | LinkedIn

Wendy Steele is a changemaker and has the honor of being recognized on Forbes’ 50 over 50. She is the founder and CEO of Impact100, a global network of chapters that each raise $100,000 to fund grants for local nonprofits. In the past 20 years, Impact100 has awarded more than $123 million in grants, making it one of the largest women-led philanthropic organizations in the world. In this episode of the Unlearn Podcast, Wendy joins Barry O’Reilly to share her story of how she founded Impact100 and the impact the organization has had on communities around the world. She also discusses the importance of women's leadership and the power of collective action.The Power of EmpathyThe power of empathy and problem-solving is often the driving force behind meaningful innovation. “When you're bothered by a problem and you can't really get it out of your head, I believe that's because you've got some part in solving it,” she tells Barry. Wendy started Impact100 from a place of empathy and a strong urge to address a problem she noticed in her community. As a banker she noticed that many women felt they didn't have enough resources to make a difference in their communities. After documenting these barriers, she started brainstorming solutions, leading to the birth of Impact100, a global nonprofit organization that empowers women to create transformative impacts in their communities. Barry resonates with Wendy's approach, drawing parallels with his own entrepreneurial journey and emphasizing the importance of customer discovery and understanding obstacles to unlock unmet needs.The Impact100 ModelThe innovative, democratic model of Impact100 brings together 100 women from various backgrounds to make significant contributions to their communities. This democratizes the philanthropic experience, Wendy explains. By setting a standard donation amount, each woman, regardless of her economic standing, contributes equally, empowering her with a sense of agency in the decision-making process. Chapters of Impact100 exist across different regions, and although the model is primarily women-centric, some chapters are gender-neutral, further underlining its inclusive nature. Barry remarks on how negative assumptions about individuals and situations can prevent us from exploring new possibilities; Wendy's model offers a refreshing departure from this mindset. The “power of the crowd” is the same approach they are taking to build Nobody Studios, he tells Wendy.Looking AheadWendy wants to grow and sustain the Impact100 movement. She aims to provide better support to existing Impact100 chapters so they can reach their highest potential, and to facilitate the launch of new chapters in underrepresented communities. She tells Barry, “Impact has always been built on diversity. Diversity of skill set, experience in every demographic definition... But if we rely on people to raise their hands, we're automatically leaving communities out. And so the best thing we can do for Impact100 to really reach its full potential is to have the ability to evangelize, to go into communities, tell the story, and then help women bring this important movement into their own backyards and watch it grow.”For full show notes, please visit BarryO'Reilly.comResourcesWendy Steele on Website | LinkedIn | Twitter | FacebookImpact100 Global

Daniel Stillman, an executive coach, and facilitator, is an authority in the field of conversational leadership. With a wealth of experience as a conversation designer and an author, Daniel has dedicated his career to enhancing the way we communicate. His book, Good Talk: How to Design Conversations That Matter, is recognized for its impactful insights into communication dynamics and strategies. In this episode of the Unlearn Podcast, Daniel joins Barry O’Reilly to explore the importance of collaboration and how to create an environment conducive to productive dialogue, particularly in the context of leadership.Conversational LeadershipConversational leadership, as defined by Daniel, refers to an approach to leadership that emphasizes the importance of effective communication and dialogue. It relies on the power of conversation to inspire, motivate, and engage individuals or teams in a meaningful and productive manner.“You cannot have a divergent, emergent and convergent conversation truly all in one go,” Daniel quotes from Chris Ertel’s book, Moments of Impact. “Everybody wants to be in the conversation, and it's not effective if everyone's in the conversation, because everyone can't talk all the time and there's only so much time we can have together.” He explores the mechanics of designing productive meetings, especially in a remote work landscape. He explains that strategic collaboration, hinged on appropriate tools and methods, is integral to making meaningful progress. Barry comments, “This idea of opening, exploring, and closing - it gives people a framework [to have conversations with].”The Nine P ModelDaniel introduces his holistic Nine P Model of Conversation Design. This includes:Purpose (the reason or aim of the conversation), Principles (the agreed norms and values to be adhered to), Process (the methods or steps to be followed), Place (the physical or virtual space where the conversation occurs), Pitfalls (potential risks or problems), Progress markers (indicators of progress), Product or outcome desired (the tangible or intangible results expected from the conversation), andPeople involved (the participants in the conversation), and Potential outcomes (the possible consequences of the conversation).Link to learn more about the Model is here.Looking AheadDaniel is looking forward to the way collaboration, conversation and AI will intersect to foster more effective communication and goal achievement. He emphasizes the significance of adapting our thought processes, referencing the "Ask/Tell" two by two matrix (more on that here) and 'triple loop learning' (more on that here) as valuable tools for changing how we approach problem-solving and action. Daniel views AI as an assistive component that can enhance our conversations and relationships.ResourcesDaniel Stillman on the Web | LinkedIn | TwitterRead full show notes at BarryO'Reilly.com

Diana Kander is a keynote speaker, bestselling author, and a vanguard when it comes to memorable pitches. She is the author of Go Big or Go Home, a book that teaches readers the art and science of making impactful pitches for film, sports, business, and philanthropy. Her pioneering research reveals the direct correlation between emotion and memory, offering insights into enhancing audience engagement and recall. In this episode of the Unlearn Podcast, Diana joins Barry O’Reilly in a thought-provoking conversation about making presentations more engaging and memorable. They unpack the concept of co-creation in presentations and provide real-world examples of successful pitches that involve audience participation. Go Big or Go HomeDiana shares the genesis of her book Go Big or Go Home, shedding light on her journey into the world of memorable pitches. "I was approached by the CEO of a company who was struggling to keep his audience engaged during presentations. This triggered my exploration," she recalls. The CEO's predicament posed a compelling challenge for Diana, propelling her investigative journey into what makes pitches memorable. This challenge was a catalyst for her bestselling book. She researched the real-life struggles of professionals to create an impact with their pitches. The result was a book that unveiled the secrets behind delivering pitches that are not just heard, but remembered.Creating Emotional Resonance"Connecting emotionally helps the audience remember your message long after the presentation is over," Diana tells Barry. Her research unveiled five tools needed to create emotional resonance in presentations: The element of surprise keeps the audience engaged and alert. Analysis helps the audience to understand and connect with the data or information being presented. The pitch order, or how the information is arranged, can evoke different emotional responses. Using 3D objects during presentations provides a tangible element that can make the pitch more memorable. Co-creation involves the audience in the presentation or problem-solving process, creating a sense of ownership and engagement among them. By using these tools, Diana believes presenters can create a deep emotional resonance with their audience that outlasts the presentation itself.Co-creation: Including the AudienceCo-creation is a strategic tool in presentations where the presenter involves the audience in the process of problem-solving or idea generation. Rather than being passive recipients of information, the audience actively participates in the creation process. Diana views co-creation as a pivotal tool in the success of a presentation. She states, "Co-creation is not just about soliciting input from the audience; it's about immersing them in the process. This participatory approach creates a sense of ownership among the audience, enhancing their connection with the material and, ultimately, the presenter." Co-creation transforms the conventional presentation dynamic into a shared journey. "Involving the audience in problem-solving can create a mutual sense of accomplishment. This shared ownership is an essential part of engagement and retention," Barry remarks.Looking AheadDiana also announces a free digital copy of her book to anyone who reaches out via email.Read full show notes at BarryO'Reilly.comResourcesDiana Kander on the Web | LinkedIn | TwitterGo Big or Go Home