How to Be Awesome at Your Job

Dr. Manu Kapur, a world-renowned learning expert at ETH Zurich, discusses how designing for failure can enhance learning. He shares insights on why avoiding initial explanations fosters deeper understanding and the importance of engaging with challenging tasks. Kapur explains the four A's of productive failure: Activation, Awareness, Affect, and Assembly, and how they drive motivation. He also highlights the benefits of unstructured play in education, emphasizing that embracing failure is vital for personal growth and effective learning.

Sam Bennett, author and creativity specialist, discusses her 15-minute method that revolutionizes productivity. She reveals how much can truly be accomplished in just a quarter of an hour and shares strategies for overcoming overwhelm and procrastination. Through 'grumpy magic,' Bennett emphasizes that even when you're not feeling your best, short bursts of effort can lead to fulfillment. She encourages embracing imperfections and highlights the importance of consistent, manageable tasks for personal growth.

Jeremy Utley, Director of Executive Education at Stanford’s d.school, shares insights on maximizing generative AI in the workplace. He highlights the common mistake of treating AI solely as a tool rather than a collaborative partner. Jeremy discusses the advantages of ChatGPT, emphasizing the need for user engagement and iterative dialogue to enhance creativity. He explores practical applications in negotiation and how embracing diverse ideas can foster innovation. Plus, he offers actionable tips for boosting personal and professional growth through effective AI use.

Rebecca Zung, a high conflict negotiation expert and bestselling author, shares powerful strategies for handling difficult people, especially narcissists. She discusses how to identify high-conflict personalities and the importance of self-worth in negotiations. Zung introduces her unique SLAY® Method for empowering individuals to stand up to bullies effectively. The episode also delves into the psychological complexities of dealing with narcissists, emphasizing the need for strategic boundary-setting and emotional resilience to reclaim personal power.

Ethan Bernstein, a Harvard Business School professor and expert in organizational behavior, shares insights on navigating career challenges. He identifies four key quests driving career transitions and highlights the importance of aligning roles with personal aspirations. Bernstein also discusses how to stay relevant through continuous learning and effective networking. Another fascinating point is the value of storytelling in job applications, which can significantly impact hiring decisions. This conversation is packed with practical strategies for meaningful career advancement.

Megan Hellerer, a career coach and former Google executive, shares her journey from a high-achieving but unfulfilled life to finding true meaning in her work. She discusses the importance of redefining success based on personal values and urges overachievers to embrace curiosity. Megan highlights key questions to ponder before making decisions and emphasizes the need for a flexible, experimental approach to career growth. She also addresses the low levels of workplace engagement and how an 'inner navigation system' can guide individuals towards fulfilling careers.

Rich Diviney, a former Navy SEAL and expert in human performance, discusses the essential attributes that drive optimal performance beyond mere skills. He highlights resilience, patience, and situational awareness as key qualities shaped through intense training. Diviney shares insights on how to leverage personal strengths to enhance teamwork and manage stress effectively. He also points out the transformative power of self-reflection and emphasizes that true leadership emerges from understanding oneself and embracing discomfort for growth.

Dr. Michael Breus, a double board-certified Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Sleep Specialist, uncovers the secrets to feeling energized daily. He highlights the importance of consistent wake-up times for better sleep and dives into hydration's crucial role in wellness. Breus dispels myths around breathing and shares practical techniques to boost energy. Listeners discover transformative habits that lead to significant improvements in mood and performance, making wellness feel accessible and achievable.

Seth Godin, a renowned author and founder of the altMBA, dives into the mindset that makes individuals indispensable at work. He suggests embracing the feeling of being an impostor as a catalyst for growth. The discussion includes three key questions to ask with every project to foster engagement and innovation. Godin emphasizes redefining success by viewing work as impactful projects and shares insights on the importance of personal growth through self-restraint and intentional habits, while also exploring the influence of AI on productivity.

Maria Ross, a keynote speaker and empathy advocate, shares her insights on how leaders can merge empathy with effectiveness. She discusses the necessity of empathy in engaging teams and driving performance, all while avoiding people-pleasing. Ross addresses the 'empathy dilemma' leaders face—navigating support for teams while ensuring accountability. She also explores innovative team-building methods that align skills development with service, and encourages clarity in communication across generational divides. Her approach promotes a joyful and inclusive workplace.