The Next Big Idea Daily

Join Paul Leonardi, a Professor of Technology Management at UC Santa Barbara and author of 'Digital Exhaustion,' as he explores the draining effects of our always-on digital world. He defines digital exhaustion and illustrates how simple morning routines can lead to cognitive depletion. Leonardi discusses the chaos caused by tool proliferation and shares an inspiring case of decluttering tech tools that significantly reduced exhaustion. He also highlights the need for boundaries and offers practical rules for reestablishing a healthier relationship with technology.

Zelana Montminy, a behavioral scientist and author of 'Finding Focus,' shares insights on reclaiming our attention in a distracted world. She explains that real focus isn't about willpower, but rather creating the right conditions, likening it to shaking a snow globe. Zelana highlights how we often use our phones to escape discomfort and emphasizes the importance of embracing those feelings. She introduces practices to help reconnect with clarity and discusses how slowing down can surface unresolved grief, ultimately leading to a gentler rhythm of attention.

In this enlightening discussion, Eric Becker, founder of Cresset and author of The Long Game, shares his insights on building enduring companies. He defines 'moments of truth' and stresses their importance for long-term success. Eric busts myths about century-old firms, highlighting their agility and resilience. He discusses the concept of stewardship over individual leadership and the necessity of ethical succession planning. Finally, he reflects on creating a centurion culture from day one, emphasizing employee ownership and a long-term vision.

Laura Martin, writer and founder of Women Who Write, delves into her groundbreaking five-year mood experiment. She shares insights on how recognizing personal triggers can prolong bad moods and discusses the surprising benefits of treating yourself to boost willpower. Martin also reveals the power of reframing stress as excitement for better performance. Discover how family roles can explain recurring conflicts and why paying attention to emotional contagion can enhance relationships. Her findings offer a fresh perspective on navigating the complexities of moods.

Scott D. Anthony, a clinical professor at Dartmouth and author of Epic Disruptions, dives into the tumultuous world of technological upheavals. He explores how disruptive innovations, from the printing press to AI, create both winners and losers. Anthony emphasizes the human cost of disruption, revealing how multiple parties often propel major breakthroughs. He also highlights predictable patterns in chaos, urging patience and a long-term perspective for navigating change. His insights offer invaluable guidance on thriving through transformation.

Dr. Tom Frieden, former director of the CDC and a key player in public health, offers actionable insights on living a longer, healthier life. He reveals that many health crises like heart attacks and strokes are preventable. Frieden emphasizes the importance of early detection of hidden risks through personal health monitoring. He introduces six habits that can extend both lifespan and well-being, underscoring the power of simple solutions in public health initiatives. Tune in to discover how to take control of your health!

Robert Glazer, author and executive coach, delves into actionable personal core values in this captivating discussion. He argues that one-word values are often too vague, urging listeners to adopt specific phrases that guide behavior. Glazer showcases how these values influence major life choices, from relationships to careers, promoting alignment. He also highlights their importance in authentic leadership, emphasizing transparency to build trust. Lastly, he shares a quick exercise to help clarify your core values, making this a must-listen for anyone seeking direction.

Rachel Barr, a neuroscientist and author of How to Make Your Brain Your Best Friend, shares insights on harnessing your brain's potential. She emphasizes that fighting your brain backfires, advocating instead for single-tasking to boost clarity. Barr introduces the concept of micro-doses of delight to reduce stress and highlights how pre-sleep thoughts can shape tomorrow's memory. She also discusses combating loneliness by curating positive media inputs to rebuild connections. Tune in for actionable strategies to make your brain an ally!

Melissa Clark, an associate professor of industrial and organizational psychology and author of Never Not Working, dives into the troubling world of workaholism. She dissects its four components and clarifies how it differs from genuine work engagement. Melissa reveals that overwork decreases both recovery and productivity, despite common assumptions. She highlights the pressures of an always-on culture, exacerbated by technology, and explains how leadership can unintentionally foster a toxic work environment, urging organizations to rethink their practices.

Marc Brackett, the founding director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and author, dives into the intricacies of our emotions. He emphasizes the importance of granting ourselves permission to feel and highlights the dangers of emotional suppression. Brackett reveals that emotional regulation can be learned, featuring practical strategies for better management. He also discusses the power of positive self-talk and how supporting others emotionally can enhance our own well-being. A fascinating exploration of transforming emotional confusion into clarity!