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We’ve spent this season on the podcast exploring the beauty of an excellent life. And our listener-heroes have some difficult questions about the process of daring to excel. You asked:
What role does FEAR play in advancing our best work?
Is the rise of entrepreneurship bringing with it a destructive rise of SELF-CENTEREDNESS?
How do you protect the INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY of your brand’s frameworks?
Today, Jeffrey tackles the themes of fear, self-interest and intellectual property in the life of an entrepreneur. He explains how positive stressors can serve to deepen our insight and shares his process of inquiry when catastrophic thinking takes over. Jeffrey also reflects on the difference between self-interest and self-centeredness, discussing Adam Grant’s research around balancing self- and other-interest to have the most significant impact. Finally, he offers several current examples of egregious self-interest AND robust other-interest, addressing what we can do as entrepreneurs to keep our egos in check. Listen in for insight around how Jeffrey protects his brand language and frameworks—and learn how to approach someone who seems to be appropriating your intellectual property.
Key Takeaways[0:10] The three listener questions we’re exploring in this episode
What is the role of fear in advancing our best work? Is the rise of entrepreneurship bringing a destructive rise in self-centeredness? How do you protect the intellectual property of your brand’s frameworks?[2:58] The role of fear in advancing our best work
Can catalyze OR paralyze depending on situation Meaningful challenges necessary to excellent life Distress narrows attention, performance declines Positive emotions broaden input for insight[11:20] Questions to consider when catastrophic thinking takes over
What am I feeling? What am I afraid of? How real is that fear? What does this endeavor mean to me? How could this endeavor impact others?[14:47] The potential correlation between entrepreneurship and self-interest
Self-interest different from selfishness (not always bad) Every human motivated in part by own wellbeing[18:25] Adam Grant’s research around impact and self-interest
People with little self-interest NOT as effective People with little other-interest NOT as effective Most impactful balance self- with other-interest[20:03] Jeffrey’s examples of egregious self-interest
Uber’s sexual harassment scandal + driver protests FYRE festival organizers defrauded investors $27M Rise of expectation for job to fulfill emotional needs[26:08] Jeffrey’s examples of robust other-interest
Grunin Center for Law and Social Entrepreneurship Fast Company Impact Council David Byrne’s Reasons to Be Cheerful John Mertz’s Activate World Podcast[28:36] What we can do as entrepreneurs to hold our egos in check
Grow with integrity (mission matches policies, practices) Seek collaboration vs. cutthroat competition Cultivate healthy doses of WONDER[30:26] How Jeffrey protects phrases like patch of the planet + brand artist
Constant contact with IP lawyer, trademark many brand nuggets Team signs non-disclosure agreement and non-compete clauses[35:58] How to protect our intellectual property as entrepreneurs
Use repeatedly in public to establish legal grounding Include copyright notices on printed material[38:12] What to consider before confronting someone for use of your IP
Be sure language is truly distinct Asses how it’s being used (e.g.: casual social post vs. monetized)[40:18] How to approach someone who’s appropriating your frameworks
Contact by phone to clarity perception, discuss flow of influence Come prepared with solution and engage in open conversation[43:22] Jeffrey’s top takeaways from this season of Tracking Wonder
Essential to keep getting better at craft and processes Keep learning to heed own voice of self-reliance Keep unlearning and practice art of not knowing Turn setbacks into opportunities for new life design[43:58] The advantage of slowing down in a rapidly changing world
Open up to new possibilities, pathways to life of mastery Interrupt with wonder and see again what is real + true Connect with JeffreyTracking Wonder
Tracking Wonder on Facebook
Jeffrey on Twitter
Jeffrey on Instagram
Jeffrey on LinkedIn
ResourcesQuest 2020
Nancy Burger
Jeffrey’s Column at Psychology Today
Susan Cain’s TED Talk
Job Stressors & Innovation Study
Barbara Fredrickson’s Research on Positive Emotions
The Upside of Your Dark Side: Why Being Your Whole Self—Not Just Your ‘Good’ Self—Drives Success and Fulfillment by Todd Kashdan and Robert Biswas-Diener
Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success by Adam Grant
CNBC Story on Uber Under Travis Kalanick
Business Insider Story on Uber Driver Protests
Fyre Festival Settlement Story
Derek Thompson’s Workism Article in The Atlantic
Pew Research Center Teen Survey on Fulfilling Work
Research by Dr. Jean Twenge
Generation Me: Why Today’s Young Americans Are More Confident, Assertive, Entitled—and More Miserable Than Ever Before by Jean M. Twenge, PhD
The Narcissism Epidemic: Living in the Age of Entitlement by Jean M. Twenge and W. Keith Campbell
Grunin Center for Law and Social Entrepreneurship
Fast Company Impact Council
Reasons to Be Cheerful Magazine
Activate World Podcast
12 Principles to Do Business as Unusual
Kyle Durand
Pamela Slim
Brené Brown
Brain Pickings
The Curator’s Code of Ethics
Collective Virtuosity
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What happens when the personal and professional life we have planned comes unraveled with a series of setbacks?
Is there a way to reframe the most stressful period of our lives as an opportunity?
Marc and Angel Chernoff contend that the way we spend our days is the way we spend our lives, and when they came up against back-to-back tragedy, the couple ruthlessly examined their everyday habits.
And one by one, they started to incorporate new daily rituals. Little things that got them closer to where they wanted to be. So, how can we work through our own tornado moments and use the experience to grow? How can we learn to excel—even as our world is falling apart?
Today, Jeffrey examines the art of life design with Marc and Angel, the creators of the Marc & Angel Hack Life Blog and bestselling authors of Getting Back to Happy and 1000+ Little Things Happy Successful People Do Differently. Marc and Angel share the series of personal tragedies that led to their work in the personal development space and the challenge they faced in shifting their own daily habits. The couple discusses what they had to unlearn to build a collective personal brand and speaks to their ability to translate complex theory into actionable insight. Listen in as Marc and Angel challenge us to ask what’s worth suffering for and learn why rituals are essential in shaping our days along the journey to an excellent life.
Key Takeaways[0:02] How to turn tornado moments into opportunities
Ruthlessly examine every part of daily habits Muster courage to shape life of excellence[5:51] How Marc & Angel’s young genius informs their current work
Marc given freedom to explore spirituality at young age Angel always driven + competitive, desire to be #1[10:22] What Marc & Angel’s life was like before their tornado moment
Pursuing careers in computer engineering + business Unrestricted, relatively carefree young adult life[12:31] The series of tragedies that led Marc & Angel to personal development
Mutual best friend passed away and Angel’s brother committed suicide Angel lost job (primary source of income for couple) Turn to distraction to numb pain, avoid real conversation[17:32] The challenge Marc & Angel faced in shifting their daily habits
Difficult to acknowledge that daily habits not serving them Do one thing to break cycle (started with 45-minute walk) Add daily rituals like reading + blogging for accountability[22:50] When Marc & Angel realized their blog could be a business
Audience resonated with story, asked for one-on-one help Several articles went viral and fueled traffic to site[27:14] What Marc & Angel had to unlearn to build a collective personal brand
Define specific roles, afford each other autonomy and respect Embrace mantra ‘this is not my job’[31:48] How Marc & Angel developed the discipline to turn theory into actionable insights
Identify principles to take us from where we are to where we want to be Make ideas simple to digest, help remind us of our better judgement[35:56] The three critical actions Marc & Angel took to excel in the wake of upheaval
Get outdoors every day Habitual, honest self-reflection Recognize business opportunity[39:13] Why rituals are essential in shaping our days to help us be our best
Daily practices help us reach goals, get us closer to/farther from target Changing one ritual slowly changes entire trajectory[45:42] Marc & Angel’s take on the adage to ‘follow your passion’
Start by asking what current job allows you to do Appreciating where we are puts us in position to make better decisions[52:31] Marc & Angel’s insight around what’s worth suffering for
Progress leads to happiness Not growing until hit discomfort zone, push self to achieve[57:06] How to see the beauty in intense moments with other people
Ask if person has ever walked same path Take deep breath and remember they have own pain[1:04:32] The advice Marc & Angel have revised over time
Used to be hyper-focused on being positive Shifted to relentless acceptance + presence[1:11:48] The art of turning hardships into opportunities
Use setback to take step back, decide what matters Pursue excellent life as expert of own experience with desire to serve Connect with Marc & AngelMarc & Angel Hack Life
1000+ Little Things Happy Successful People Do Differently by Marc & Angel Chernoff
Getting Back to Happy: Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Reality, and Turn Your Trials into Triumphs by Marc & Angel Chernoff
Think Better, Live Better Conference
ResourcesA Wondrous Mind on 1440 Multiversity
Omega Institute
Dr. Wayne Dyer
Eckhart Tolle
Byron Katie
The Road Less Traveled: A New Psychology of Love, Traditional Values and Spiritual Growth by M. Scott Peck
Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
William James
The Principles of Psychology by William James
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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As humans, we yearn for artistic experiences that disrupt the day-to-day and wow us with a greater reality beyond our to-do list. That’s what draws us to the wonder of film and literature and art exhibits.
In the absence of such experiences, we fall down the rabbit hole of digital distractions, scrolling Instagram for the unpredictability, the excitement of discovery we’re not getting from our physical environment.
But what if we didn’t have to go to a gallery or a theater to encounter these transformative moments? What if artful experiences were available in ordinary places? What if you yourself could design for disruption and delight on a small scale in your own business and brand?
Today, Jeffrey explores the impact of artful, transformative experiences with Vince Kadlubek, cofounder and executive advisor of Meow Wolf, an award-winning immersive arts production company out of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Vince explains how he went from struggling artist to head of a company valued at nine figures, describing how he thinks about the tension between art and commerce. He speaks to what he calls the crisis of imagination, discussing why people are hungry for imaginative analog experiences and what businesses can do artfully in response to the crisis. Listen in for insight into how the emerging experience economy is changing the way businesses engage with customers and learn the design parameters Vince uses to create the kind of reality-bending, transformational moments that make for an excellent life.
Key Takeaways[0:02] The human desire to be moved by artistic experiences
Want to be surprised, disrupt day-to-day doldrums In lieu of such experiences we seek digital distraction Potential to design artful moments in business/brand[5:17] How Vince’s creative genius expressed itself early on
Desire to serve + engage creatively (host sister’s sleepovers) See world with critical eye, ironic commentary on capitalism[8:34] What moved Vince to disrupt the mainstream Santa Fe art scene
Disconnect between gallery owners and creative energy of city Experience at Warehouse 21 inspired to uplift true creative spirit Opportunity to save economy by appealing to Gen X tourist[16:23] The early days of the Meow Wolf arts collective
Dumpster dive for materials at Salvation Army and Goodwill Build large sculptures from trash out of necessity[20:20] The turning point when Vince was arrested for shoplifting
Doing media literacy art program in Santa Fe elementary schools Caught stealing video games at Walmart to fund project Arresting officer supported in court, got into 12-step program[26:36] The mammouth growth of Meow Wolf in the last four years
Took business course in creative startups, shift to for-profit Wrote business plan and pitched to George R. R. Martin Opened House of Eternal Return ($9M revenue first year) Currently expanding art attractions to other cities[34:35] The opportunity around our shift to an experience economy
Disrupt default drive for mere efficiency or profit Use creative spirit to design memorable events for customers Engage on physical, emotional, intellectual or spiritual level[37:10] How Vince reconciles the tension between art and commerce
Used to strive for predictability, efficiency in value exchange Addicted to unpredictability again with advent of internet Gives creativity opening (billions willing to pay for experience)[43:04] Why people are hungry for memorable analog experiences
Built reality needs art + imagination to compete with phones Creative economy will transform how we think about value[46:44] Vince’s description of the House of Eternal Return
Through dark hallway to front yard of Victorian house at night Visitors have agency to go anywhere they want from there Access to portals to other worlds (e.g.: refrigerator = hallway)[52:03] The design parameters for creating transformative experiences
User must own experience Operate on gradient (blended vs. singular aesthetic) Create transformation with dimensionality, subspaces Get people out of comfort zone with movement Take from known to accessible unknown[59:17] How Vince is contending with the art of saying NO
Any idea = good idea in isolation Look at opportunities in context of defined framework[1:03:00] The questions that arise out of today’s conversation with Vince
How are you assuming creative agency of your life/business? How does your brand foster creative agency in its customers? How could your brand help people stay open to uncertainty? How could your brand design transformational moments? Connect with VinceVince on LinkedIn
Meow Wolf
Meow Wolf on Facebook
Meow Wolf on Instagram
Meow Wolf on YouTube
Meow Wolf Documentary Origin Story
ResourcesA Wondrous Mind on 1440 Multiversity
House of Eternal Return
Warehouse 21
Center for Contemporary Arts Santa Fe
Matt King
The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts
Yayoi Kusama
James Turrell
teamLab
My Project Brief
‘Welcome to the Experience Economy’ in Harvard Business Review
AREA 15
Video of the House of Eternal Return
Chip Heath & Chris Fink on Tracking Wonder S2EP02
The Power of Moments: Why Certain Experiences Have an Extraordinary Impact by Chip and Dan Heath
Exploratorium
Meow Wolf in Denver
Meow Wolf in DC
Marc and Angel Chernoff
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Corporate culture perpetuates the idea that we need to fake it ‘til we make it, pretending to have all the answers and projecting confidence in our abilities—whether we feel it or not.
But what if there are advantages to not knowing?
What if living rich, creative entrepreneurial lives requires that we let go of what we think we know, step into new territory and expand our mental map of the world?
Today, Jeffrey considers the benefit of naïveté in creativity and entrepreneurship with Sequoia Blodgett, former music video director and founder of Commas, a tech platform designed to help founders build sustainable businesses. Sequoia shares her journey from directing music videos to the tech world, explaining what she did to secure VC funding for her first company and how the failure of that venture led to the creation of Commas. She addresses the vast disparity of women of color in tech, discussing the unconscious bias prevalent on both sides of private equity and her mission to even the playing field for multicultural entrepreneurs. Listen in to understand how travel enhances creativity and learn how to navigate your own knowledge gaps in the pursuit of an excellent life.
Key Takeaways[0:02] How naïveté can work to our advantage
‘Fake it ‘til you make it’ = destructive business advice Wide-eyed not-knowing benefits pursuit of creative life Let go of what think know as step into new territory[4:44] How Sequoia’s creative genius expressed itself early on
Organize ideas + people in form of magazine, film Exposed to father’s creative work at Pixar Studied TV, dance and film at Loyola University[11:47] Sequoia’s frustration with the business of making music videos
Can’t just create what you want (write hundreds of treatments) Must prove yourself over and over again Politics means work may never be released[17:43] What inspired Sequoia to step into the tech world
Learned about VC working at tech camp for girls Crowdfunding to attend Draper University Tim Draper invested in first tech company 7AM[29:59] How the failure of 7AM informed the creation of Commas
Didn’t understand business, burned through capital Platform to help entrepreneurs build profitable business[34:46] The navigation of knowledge gaps in pursuit of excellence
Access to much info, yet rapid change renders us ignorant Learn to recover from failure savvier but not jaded[39:10] Sequoia’s mindset shift around what it means to fail
Mentor explained that failure necessary for learning Freed from weight of having to be right[40:04] The vast disparity of women of color in tech
Issue on both sides (i.e.: unconscious bias, pattern matching) Mission to even playing field for multicultural founders[46:01] Sequoia’s insight around trying to do it all yourself
Scale with systems when small, leverage automation Tech to build cashflow business and then hire team[48:06] What Sequoia is doing to foster a strong inner life
Hire coaches to make sure Commas is successful Support with business and self-development[51:20] Sequoia’s take on the necessity of wonder
Travel to experience other perspectives Creativity improves when embrace other cultures[57:27] What Sequoia is learning to say NO to
Reject opportunities not necessary for growth Left Black Enterprise to say YES to other opportunities[1:02:22] How to expand your mental map of the world
Know what you don’t know + create support pack Create nurture pack to foster inner awareness Learn from people your brand elevates Get outside yourself to shake up perspective Connect with SequoiaCommas
Commas Podcast
Sequoia’s Website
ResourcesA Wondrous Mind on 1440 Multiversity
Ray Dalio
Sequoia’s Dad’s Blog
Dave Meyers
Sequoia’s Music Video
Draper University
Alexa Café
Adobe Creative Suite
Scratch
Awesomeness TV
Tim Draper
Y Combinator
Adobe InDesign
Black Tech Mecca
Sequoia’s Article on BTM
Black Enterprise Magazine
This Movie Changed Me: Black Panther
Danielle Leslie
John Jantsch
Duct Tape Marketing
Columbia Study on Intercultural Relationships & Creativity
Airbnb Experiences
Whitney Wolfe Herd
Bumble
Srinivas Rao & Marty Neumeier on Tracking Wonder S2EP06
Meow Wolf
Vince Kadlubek
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We are barraged by digital distractions to the point where it can warp our perspective.
It’s profoundly challenging to hear ourselves think, let along carve out an identity of our own. So, how can we step out of this Matrix-like web of endless bombardment and live our own version of an excellent life?
How can we learn to listen to and rely upon our own point of view? What does that take? Are there skills of self-reliance we can practice?
Today, Jeffrey explores the art of mastering the entrepreneurial self with John Jantsch, the founder of Duct Tape Marketing and author of the forthcoming book, The Self-Reliant Entrepreneur: 366 Daily Meditations to Feed Your Soul and Grow Your Business. John explains how his curiosity informed his early days in business, discussing what living a life of excellence meant to him then and what it means now. He describes how the ideas of great mid-nineteenth century American thinkers like Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau and Margaret Fuller apply to contemporary entrepreneurs, challenging us to foster the self-trust necessary to uncover our personal passion and purpose. Listen in for John’s insight around the characteristics of a self-reliant entrepreneur and learn to listen to your own authority, nurture a sense of empathy and openness to growth, and evolve to become even more of yourself.
Key Takeaways[0:02] Our addiction to information and digital distractions
Challenge to hear self think, carve out own identity Learn to listen to + rely on distinct point of view[5:35] The portrait of a young John
7 of 10 children, freedom of time spent in woods Characterized by curiosity (attention-getting device)[8:57] How John’s curiosity informed his early days in business
Confident in staying one step ahead of client Served in emerging digital marketing space[11:17] How John built and scaled his marketing firm
Sell system to small businesses (traditional agency model) Back to working alone after 9/11, create online course Speaking, writing and building network of consultants[15:45] What a life of excellence meant to John early on
Help clients develop strategy first, then tactics Explore link between curiosity and creativity[18:19] What inspired The Self-Reliant Entrepreneur
Affection for mid-nineteenth century American thought Apply ideas to life of contemporary entrepreneur Need for self-trust and empathy to see connections[28:49] How John’s writing voice has evolved over time
Write as member of audience (no first person) Hone art form of writing short passages[36:08] The relationship between self-trust and purpose
Stop letting others control, trying to control outcomes Self-trust necessary for purpose to find YOU[38:19] The tension between the values and practice of self-reliance
Technology + capitalism denies us pride of workmanship Disrupt digital matrix programming view of what’s true Foster wonder and appreciation of beauty as antidote[41:45] John’s practices for listening to our own authority
Quiet the noise and seek solitude Seek opportunities to experience new things Get outside in nature, foster spiritual connection[45:36] How self-reliant entrepreneurs will change the world
Goal to work much deeper on fewer things Nurture sense of empathy and openness to growth Give self break from judgement, need to compete[55:00] The evolution of a self-reliant entrepreneur
Shift focus from passion to success to impact Continue to embrace change and growth Prioritize mentorship, most important work[1:03:14] The value of change by evolution vs. revolution
Make profound change without crisis or drama Progression toward depth and richness Become more of self, able to engage and serve Slow down long enough to hear own voice Connect with JohnSelf-Reliant Entrepreneur
Duct Tape Marketing
Email [email protected]
ResourcesA Wondrous Mind on 1440 Multiversity
The Self-Reliant Entrepreneur: Daily Meditations to Feed Your Soul and Grow Your Business by John Jantsch
Duct Tape Marketing: The World’s Most Practical Small Business Marketing Guide by John Jantsch
“I Used to Be a Human Being” by Andrew Sullivan
Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder by Richard Louv
Walden by Henry David Thoreau
“Self-Reliance” by Ralph Waldo Emerson
My Ántonia by Willa Cather
Margaret Fuller
Jay Baer
Todd Henry
The Daily Drucker: 366 Days of Insight and Motivation for Getting the Right Things Done by Peter F. Drucker
The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman
Sequoia Blodgett
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Do you have an abundance of ideas for potential projects? But never enough time to reach the finish line?
What holds you back? Is it really that there aren’t enough hours in the day? And what’s the cost of not finishing the projects that matter?
What if you could take steps today to act on your most essential ideas—and get closer to your vision for an excellent life?
Today, Jeffrey explores the idea of finishing our most important work with Charlie Gilkey, the Business Growth Strategist behind Productive Flourishing and author of Start Finishing: How to Go from Idea to Done. Charlie shares his strategies for deciding what projects really matter, explaining how finishing important work bridges the gap between where we are and where we want to be. He also weighs in on the pursuit of self-mastery to embolden our courage, discussing actionable practices for expanding our comfort zone and making meaningful progress in the age of distraction. Listen in to understand how Charlie navigates unbidden surprises without abandoning his most important work and learn how to excel at finishing what matters.
Key Takeaways[4:16] How Charlie’s young genius informs his work as a writer
Use what’s available to get things done Joy in building and creating in community[11:00] What pushed Charlie’s personal limits in writing Start Finishing
Comparison to others (something valuable to say) Expand productivity to tie purpose with action[17:16] Charlie’s take on living a life of excellence
Start with self-mastery, channel resources in best way Inspire others to become best version of themselves[22:45] Charlie’s advice for deciding what projects to pursue
Heart-space to push forward (painful if left undone) Someone you know will benefit from undertaking[3:08] Why courage is crucial in achieving our vision of an excellent life
Allows us to claim space and bet on ourselves Expand comfort zone by working through fear[45:03] Charlie’s top practices for self-mastery
Reframe I am … to I feel … Move body to achieve calm Learn to ‘go back in’[53:45] Charlie’s insight on technology and distractions
Anchor device to specific task Limit entry points (no door, no distraction)[59:38] How Charlie navigates unbidden surprises
Treat situation as emergent project Reallocate in alignment with values[1:12:28] How Charlie is celebrating the launch of his book
Share success with friends and enjoy seat at table Finishing important work detangles ‘faulty wiring’ Connect with CharlieProductive Flourishing
Start Finishing: How to Go from Idea to Done by Charlie Gilkey
ResourcesA Wondrous Mind
Dao De Jing by Laozi
“Self-Mastery” by Henrietta Cordelia Ray
Nilofer Merchant
Michele Woodward
Seth Godin
Sounds True
Elizabeth Gilbert
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert
Creativity: Flow and the Psychology of Discovery and Invention by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
Duct Tape Marketing
The Self-Reliant Entrepreneur: Daily Meditations to Feed Your Soul and Grow Your Business by John Jantsch
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Have you spent years building your one business or brand, honing your craft, refining your core skill set to build out a set of services around your distinct expertise?
Or do you experiment with multiple fields, crossing boundaries to pursue excellence with your diverse background? Fearlessly shifting shapes and testing your versatility in new spaces?
Is your motivation to excel at your work born from a need to be the best? Or are you driven by something deeper?
Today, Jeffrey introduces us to the focus of Season 3, an exploration of the beauty of pursuing a life of excellence. He shares two different approaches to excellence, comparing the song of a wood thrush with that of a lyrebird and offering examples of legendary creatives who fit into each category. Jeffrey also reflects on what motivates us to excel, challenging the idea that we’re driven solely by the desire to compete and survive. Listen in for insight around how we’re motivated by our admiration for others and learn how the beauty and sorrow of the human condition inspires us to “sing” —and create exceptional experiences for each other.
Are you a wood thrush or a lyrebird?
Key Takeaways[1:38] Season 3’s focus on the beauty of an excellent life
Transcend cultural ideals of success Excel at what we do AND how we do it[3:43] The wood thrush’s approach to the pursuit of excellence
Learns core phrase, builds out three-part song Create variations to develop 50 distinct pieces[5:18] What drives the lyrebird’s pursuit of excellence
Biological need to outdo rivals and protect legacy Beauty of yearning + sorrow of human condition (Legend of Three Sisters)[9:22] Examples of celebrated wood thrushes and lyrebirds
Lyrebirds Lady Gaga, David Bowie, Pharrell Williams Wood thrushes Frank Sinatra and Billie Holiday[11:24] What motivates us to excel
Desire to compete and survive Ability to admire other people Capacity to appreciate beauty[15:40] What to expect in upcoming episodes
Dialogue with Charlie Gilkey on Start Finishing Excel at finishing best work despite challenges Connect with JeffreyTracking Wonder
Tracking Wonder on Facebook
Jeffrey on Twitter
Jeffrey on Instagram
Jeffrey on LinkedIn
ResourcesLittle Drummer Boy with David Bowie & Bing Crosby, produced by David Bowie
Lady Gaga’s Tribute to David Bowie
Simone Biles at 2016 Olympics
Haidt & Keltner Motivation Study
Productive Flourishing
Start Finishing: How to Go from Idea to Done by Charlie Gilkey
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Some social critics argue that the Internet Age has ushered in a culture of mediocrity and amateurism. But maybe there’s another story. Maybe these bewildering times prompt in us a new kind of drive.
Almost all of us want to get better at something, whether it is being a better business owner or painter, prototyper or parent. Inherent in this desire to improve is the drive to excel: A daring to flourish in our work, our creativity, and our humanity. Is it possible that if we dared to excel together – guided by qualities such as wonder, beauty, and compassion – we could enhance our lives and elevate the world around us?
Is it possible that qualities such as ambition, openness, curiosity, and an appreciation of beauty can fuel our pursuit of excellence?
To dare to excel is to venture into the unknown, to test our limits, to go beyond the bounds of our comfort zone. But this is a risk worth taking for our own benefit and for the sake of making the world a more beautiful place.
Join us each Tuesday to discover how beauty, wonder, and mastery can shape a fulfilling and fruitful life. -
This season on the podcast, we explored the idea of designing our lives and work for more curiosity, more purpose, more openness… More WONDER. We went behind-the-scenes of wonder-making in films, video games and art exhibitions and studied experience architecture in our families and our brand communities.
But have you ever wondered how Jeffrey and his team design the podcast itself or the business of Tracking Wonder as a whole?
Today, Tracking Wonder team members Jeffrey Davis, Erin Haworth, Britt Bravo and Laine Nickl pull back the curtain on their own work. Jeffrey reveals how he conceived of the idea for the business, discussing the watershed moments that led to his commitment to be a wonder tracker in his own life. They go on to share their top takeaways from this season of the podcast and the nuts and bolts of putting together an episode. Jeffrey walks us through his role in developing the premise, Erin offers insight around the necessary systems and Laine describes the evolution of the imagery that complements the podcast episodes.
Jeffrey also explains the need for wonder in the current moment of divisiveness, advocating for businesses to raise their expectations and bring diverse people together in a culture of openness. Finally, they address the idea of working well and breaking better, developing a strong work ethos in conjunction with a strong wonder ethos. Listen in as Britt shares the power of Tracking Wonder’s Brand Artistry Labs program and learn about the organization’s other offerings, including Quest 2019, the Tracking Wonder journal and the upcoming 1440 Multiversity Wonder Interventions Course.
Key Takeaways[2:17] The origins of Tracking Wonder
Book research led to focus on wonder and surprise Baudelaire & Maslow’s concepts of genius, peak experience Launch consultancy around productivity + meaning[6:20] Jeffrey’s watershed moments
Lightning storm caused fire that destroyed home Commitment to practices of tracking wonder[11:07] Jeffrey’s small moments of derailment
Ongoing questions (wonder involves unknowing) Uncertainty of how ideas would resonate w/ public[13:22] How Jeffrey’s daughters inform his business
Teach nuances of wonder, human consciousness Deepen appreciation for complexity of wonder Natural makers of worlds, engaged w/ surroundings[16:27] The team’s key takeaways from this season
Scope of behind-the-scenes struggle Motivated to withstand by love for work[20:23] Jeffrey’s role in creating a podcast episode
Development of theme and gather guests Entry point for reflections (hours to record)[23:28] Erin’s insight on the podcast systems, team
Remote team in five different time zones Requires transparency, flexibility and communication[26:10] The design experience of Tracking Wonder
Artist in residence concept for Season 2 Abstract images pique interest on social[27:46] The need for wonder in this moment in time
Digital era creates problem of isolation Add rise of authoritarianism, divisiveness Wonder dissolves biases, creates openness[33:25] How Brand Artistry Labs brings people together
See impact of transformative work firsthand Propels forward to advance skills, plan[37:46] The Tracking Wonder Quest Experience
Envision next best year w/ wonder and meaning Exceeded expectations, created global community[43:03] The benefits of Tracking Wonder’s ArtMark
Develop foundation of brand story Small groups to bounce ideas off of[46:08] The new Wonder Interventions tool
Seven practices to integrate wonder into days TW Journal + 1440 Multiversity Course Connect with Jeffrey & the Tracking Wonder TeamTracking Wonder
Email [email protected]
Tracking Wonder on Twitter
Tracking Wonder on Facebook
Tracking Wonder on Instagram
Jeffrey on Instagram
Brand Artistry Labs
Quest 2019
ArtMark
1440 Multiversity Tracking Wonder Course
ResourcesThe Journey from the Center to the Page: Yoga Philosophies and Practices as a Muse for Authentic Writing by Jeff Davis
‘The Painter of Modern Life’ by Charles Baudelaire
Dr. Martin Seligman & Positive Psychology
The Little Prince Film
Walden, A Game
Zen Habits: Handbook for Life by Leo Babauta
Zen Habits
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We long to belong.
The desire to be a part of a community is a fundamental human yearning, yet broad swaths of Americans have never felt more isolated. In fact, four out of ten report regularly feeling lonely, and very few have more than two people they consider confidants. Why is this happening? What can we do about it? Is there an opportunity for businesses and organizations to fill the void? And if so, how do we design for belonging in brand communities?
Today, Jeffrey takes a deep dive into the concept of belonging with executive consultant Charles Vogl, author of The Art of Community: Seven Principles for Belonging. Charles describes his personal feelings around being an outsider and discusses the top three trends contributing to the loneliness epidemic in the US. He shares his experience at Yale Divinity School, explaining the pervasive ‘crisis of belonging’ on campus and how that phenomenon informs his current work.
Charles also offers his definition of community as shared mutual concern and discusses how brands might foster genuine connection among a customer base. Jeffrey asks why leaders and event planners miss the mark, and Charles uncovers the necessity of facilitating shared experiences and investing in the growth of diverse groups. Listen in for insight on the value of story in revealing what a business values and learn how you can build a brand for belonging.
Key Takeaways[4:34] Young Charles at his most free
‘Paradise and play’ on Hawaii beach More outgoing, social than siblings[6:11] Charles’ feeling of being an outsider
Multiethnic (Chinese American + Austrian surname) Lack of representation in media taught not welcome[10:51] The rise of loneliness in the US
3 in 4 don’t have friends they want 1 in 2 experience anxiety as result[14:05] The causes of this loneliness epidemic
Move more than past generations Leaving home faith traditions Digital lives (more screen time = less happy) Decline of public institutions[19:09] Charles’ experience at Yale Divinity School
‘Crisis of belonging’ in campus culture Inspired to help people feel connected[25:09] Charles’ definition of community
Share mutual concern for one another Opportunity to feel connected, trusting[28:11] How Charles describes the structure of community
Includes full members, novices and visitors Leaders facilitate growth of mutual concern Must feel safe to reveal things about self[39:21] How to foster mutual care among a customer base
Provide temple for meaningful rituals Symbol represents values (e.g.: Harley Davidson)[43:56] How to foster diverse communities
Help members be who want to be Enrich rather than just ‘hang out’[47:55] How leaders can create moments of openness
Shared experience requisite to mutual concern Opportunity for intimacy (see each other)[57:06] How story fosters a shared experience
Stories reveal values (not website) Must be REAL, accessible[1:01:26] What Charles is pursuing in the next year
Inspire leaders to foster community Combat loneliness and isolation Connect with CharlesCharles’ Website
The Art of Community: Seven Principles for Belonging by Charles Vogl
Resources‘Work and the Loneliness Epidemic’ in Harvard Business Review
Palaces for the People: How Social Infrastructure Can Help Fight Inequality, Polarization, and the Decline of Civic Life by Eric Klinenberg
Carrie Melissa Jones
Jayzen Patria
Robin Zander
Responsive Conference
‘Loneliness … An American Malady’ by Carson McCullers
The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers
Quest 2019
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We have spent the last several weeks exploring how to design memorable moments for our customers and communities, our audiences and even our families. But how do we design a life of wonder for ourselves? How do we juggle our own creative calling with the needs of our clients and communities? Is there a way to approach marketing as a craft, making it part of our path to mastery? How do we realize our best creative selves, pursuing mastery and meaning in every aspect of our lives?
Today, Jeffrey explores the creative process with Srinivas Rao, the founder and host of The Unmistakable Creative Podcast and author of the recently released Audience of One: Reclaiming Creativity for Its Own Sake, and Marty Neumeier, Director of CEO Branding at Liquid Agency and author of several books, including the forthcoming business thriller SCRAMBLE: How Agile Strategy Can Build Epic Brands in Record Time.
Srinivas and Marty explain how they make decisions about which projects to take on, discussing the tension between what they have been called to create and market demands. They address the significance of ongoing reflection and self-awareness in carving a path of personal and professional mastery and offer insight around putting your imprint or signature on any project you take on, learning best practices—and then challenging them. Srinivas and Marty also describe how they measure the value of their own work, seeking self-mastery rather than obsessing over marketing metrics. Jeffrey asks them how they work through doubt in the writing process, what surprised them in the creation of their latest works, and how they foster openness in creative collaboration. Listen in for advice on leveraging a support system to navigate crises and learn how to design a fulfilling life and business with an eye to creative mastery and meaning.
Key Takeaways[5:01] Young Srini and Marty at their best
Srini listening to Thriller on repeat Marty learning to draw from mom[9:51] Marty’s transition to an audience of one
Career of being creative on behalf of other people Sold company to Liquid Agency ‘to do own art’[13:05] Srini’s transition to an audience of one
Making money helping others execute vision AJ Leon encouraged to ‘create own stuff’ Aim for mastery rather than metrics[19:55] Marty’s insight on mastery and metrics
Always focused on mastery, fell short on metrics Not about gaming system but getting word out[22:40] The difference between mimicry and modeling
Danger in replicating formula Rule to not be like anyone else[31:20] The role of environment in the creative process
Introduced to idea by The Ultimate Game of Life All things have energy that inspires OR expires Upgrade space to ‘pull into best version of self’[32:40] How to reinvent yourself with each new project
Explore other’s work, save what you love about it Can’t know what’s new unless experience world[43:12] Srini’s insight around creativity and the internet
Creative pursuits in search of external reward Tools designed to trigger envy and comparison Conflates attention with value, prevents creative work[50:54] The impetus for Marty’s new book SCRAMBLE
Business book won’t give experience of agile strategy Suggestion to deliver principles through story[53:14] The surprises Marty & Srini experienced in the writing process
Characters take on life of own Learn to write in rhythmic cadence[59:13] How Marty & Srini work through doubt when writing
Email from writing coach when Srini stuck Marty wrote in full view of advisor/audience[1:06:00] How Srini navigates crises in business
Support system of friends, family who care Therapy and self-care (exercise, eat well)[1:12:00] Marty’s approach to crises in SCRAMBLE
Character of CEO must involve team to fix problems Similar to own journey in realizing can’t do it alone[1:18:09] How to foster openness in creative collaboration
Eliminate ego and envy to do something great Project more important than who has ideas[1:20:55] What Srini & Marty are pursuing in the next year
Srini leveraging platform to highlight social issues Marty founding Level C (branding as profession) Connect with SrinivasThe Unmistakable Creative
The Unmistakable Creative Podcast
The Art of Being Unmistakable: A Collection of Essays About Making a Dent in the Universe by Srinivas Rao
An Audience of One: Reclaiming Creativity for Its Own Sake by Srinivas Rao
‘If You Want to Build an Audience, Focus on Mastery Instead of Metrics’ by Srinivas Rao
‘The Wasted Potential of the Internet’ by Srinivas Rao
Connect with MartyMarty’s Website
Liquid Agency
The Brand Gap: How to Bridge the Distance Between Business Strategy and Design by Marty Neumeier
SCRAMBLE: How Agile Strategy Can Build Epic Brands in Record Time by Marty Neumeier
Zag: The Number One Strategy of High-Performance Brands by Marty Neumeier
ResourcesTracking Wonder S1EP11
AJ Leon
The Brand Gap on SlideShare
Misfit Incorporated
Creative Live with Danielle LaPorte & Srinivas Rao
Danielle LaPorte
Leap First: Creating Work That Matters by Seth Godin
The Brand Gap on SlideShare
The Ultimate Game of Life
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondō
Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
Charles Baxter
Steven Pressfield
Mastery by Robert Greene
Books by Anders Ericsson
Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain by John J. Ratey with Eric Hagerman
The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand
Tracking Wonder S1EP04
BB Suárez
Kim Marie Coaching
Gentle Warriors Kitchen
Charles Vogl
The Art of Community: Seven Principles for Belonging by Charles Vogl
Quest 2019
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Perhaps you want to bring more magic into the world in the form of an animated film or video game. Inevitably, such a significant undertaking will face big challenges. What gives filmmakers and game designers the drive to persist over the years it takes to complete such substantial projects—when there is no guarantee or reward or recognition?
Today, Jeffrey goes behind-the-scenes of wonder-making with filmmaker, animator, director and producer Mark Osborne, whose film The Little Prince received France’s prestigious César Award for Best Animated Film, and game designer, educator and Game Design Workshop author Tracy Fullerton, who serves as Director of the USC Games Program and Professor and Chair of the Interactive Media & Games Division of the USC School of Cinematic Arts.
Mark and Tracy explore the collaborative nature of the work they do, explaining how their respective teams foster curiosity and generate unexpected ideas via play, affording special attention to craft and detail along the way. Mark describes his commitment to doing justice to The Little Prince, and Tracy offers insight around the personal connection her ‘book club’ developed with the award-winning Walden, a game. Tracy and Mark share their favorite elements of wonder in The Little Prince and Walden, discussing the painstaking effort involved in taking our breath away. Listen in to understand how their work brings Thoreau and Saint-Exupéry’s themes into the 21st century and learn how to keep your own team inspired and agile by way of an open, inclusive work culture.
Key Takeaways[6:14] Young Mark and Tracy at their best
Mark living in Star Wars fantasy world, exploring arts Tracy making contraptions/clubhouses in dad’s workshop[9:33] How Tracy’s young genius informs her work now
Put together teams, ‘free to be ourselves’ Curiosity of kids pushing new frontiers[13:44] The collaborative nature of animation
Work in arts requires ability to think and act like kids Unexpected ideas emerge from working in teams[16:52] Mark’s inspiration for the frame story in The Little Prince
Creative riddle to celebrate power of book Idea to use stop-motion for book, CG for larger story[22:05] The concept behind the Walden video game
Translation of book (i.e.: activities Thoreau experienced) Virtual simulation of woods becomes character in itself Parallels between issues of Thoreau’s time and today[27:24] The personal connection Tracy’s team had to Walden
Started as ‘book club’ with no prospect of funding Met weekly, paper prototypes early on[30:10] The challenges Mark faced in creating The Little Prince
Pressure to do justice to book, team had to care Daily crises and decisions based on guesswork[42:18] The universal themes of The Little Prince
Parenting as balance between aviator, mother ‘Life raft in poisonous world’[46:25] How Walden applies in the 21st century
Care and concern for environment, climate change Thoreau as activist with concern for issues of time Divisive conflict baked into daily experience[48:56] Mark’s favorite element of wonder in The Little Prince
Called on colleague for hand-made techniques Discover right ‘chemistry of elements’ for stop-motion[52:33] Tracy’s favorite element of wonder in Walden
Dynamic system (light, wind, colors change with seasons) Shift of colors and music based on relationship with nature[57:06] How to create openness and inclusiveness on teams
Reason to care about what making (i.e.: believe again) Afford ownership of portion of process[1:02:14] What Tracy and Mark are pursuing in the coming year
Tracy taking Walden to classrooms Mark devoting focus to new project Connect with MarkHappy Product, Inc.
Happy Product on Vimeo
Happy Product on YouTube
The Little Prince
Connect with TracyTracy Fullerton
USC Game Innovation Lab
Walden, a game
Game Design Workshop: A Playcentric Approach to Creating Innovative Games by Tracy Fullerton
ResourcesThe Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Walden by Henry David Thoreau
Walden for Educators
Tracking Wonder S1EP06
Tracking Wonder S2EP03
“How ‘The Little Prince’ Director Pitched Investors with His Magic Suitcase” in The Frame
Jamie Caliri on Vimeo
The Unmistakable Creative Podcast
An Audience of One: Reclaiming Creativity for Its Own Sake by Srinivas Rao
SCRAMBLE: How Agile Strategy Can Build Epic Brands in Record Time by Marty Neumeier
Brand Artistry Labs
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In a cultural moment characterized by divisiveness, we ache for community.
We go through our days surrounded by people, but we have forgotten how to connect.
Does art have the capacity to foster the kind of openness and connection we need right now? Is it possible that a provocative experience of unfamiliarity or disorientation might help us engage with each other? What if we could learn to follow the artist’s example and explode every day with wonder?
Today, Jeffrey studies art as a conduit of wonder with Denise Markonish, curator of MASS MoCA and author of Oh, Canada: Contemporary Art from North North America, and award-winning artist Julianne Swartz, whose work has appeared at premier museums including MASS MoCA and The Whitney. Julianne and Denise trace the origins of their wonder and curiosity, exploring how their childhood investigations inform the work they do now. Julianne describes the intent of her work to provoke an experience of unfamiliarity and facilitate the exchange of wonder, and Denise shares her role as an experience architect, working with artists to generate deeply personal exhibitions. Listen in for insight around the promise of art to create an openness between communities—and learn how to think like an artist, fostering wonder in your own life and work.
Key Takeaways[4:34] Young Julianne and Denise at their best
Julianne conducting material investigations in the desert Denise organizing and building systems for rock collection[8:28] How Denise & Julianne’s young genius inform their work now
Lifelong pursuit of wonder and curiosity Fueled by desire to ‘materialize the invisible’ Beyond inquiry to prodding of things[13:45] Julianne’s reputation for ‘soft explosions of love’
Example in 2006 work Affirmation Asked people what most deeply wanted to hear Recorded affirmations in building fixtures[18:25] Denise’s role as an architect of experiences
Work with artists to create new work Create new experiences for audience AND artists[21:06] MASS MoCA’s Explode Everyday exhibition
Explore difference between wonder and curiosity Ask artists how activate wonder in lives, studio practice[27:23] The emotional quality of Julianne’s work
Provoke experience of unfamiliarity/disorientation Opens us up emotionally, brings into not knowing[30:08] How Julianne fosters wonder in her life and work
Magic of materials/sounds/situations translate to art experience Find in conversation and connection with another person[35:00] The exchange of wonder in Julianne’s work
Pour depth of emotion into object, becomes transmitter Art object = conduit to transmit energy to audience[42:04] Denise’s insight on fostering wonder for yourself
Provoke own pause, be alive to world around you Pursue what interests you to keep brain inquiring[45:11] The capacity of art to create openness between communities
Can You Hear Me? as conduit between social groups We Complete requires physical connection to activate sound[53:08] The promise of art in our current cultural moment
Shift in conversation from anger to tenderness Love has become political term[55:57] What Julianne is pursuing in the coming year
Joy, still. at Grace Farms Link between joy and sorrow, suffering[58:42] What Denise is pursuing in the coming year
Suffering from Realness opens in April Mind of the Mound opens in March Connect with JulianneJulianne Swartz
Affirmation
Blue Sky with Rainbow
In Harmonicity, The Tonal Walkway
Can You Hear Me?
We Complete
Link/Line
Joy, still. at Grace Farms
Connect with DeniseMASS MoCA
Suffering from Realness
Mind of the Mound: Critical Mass
ResourcesThe Autobiography of Charles Darwin by Charles Darwin
Sebastian Smee
MASS MoCA’s Explode Every Day
The Explode Every Day Catalog
Sean Foley
Mark Osborne
Tracy Fullerton
Charles LaBelle
Grace Farms
Trenton Doyle Hancock
Oh, Canada: Contemporary Art from North North America by Denise Markonish
Diana’s Dragons
Mary Ellen Beads
Inside Knowledge
Brand Artistry Labs
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We live in a culture of busy, wearing our overwork like a badge of honor. We complain that there aren’t enough hours in the day—and blame our jobs and our kids for the fact that we can’t enjoy life. We even feel guilty when we make time for fun.
Busy is a virtue. Idleness is irresponsible.
But what if we have a greater responsibility to be our best selves for the people around us? Is it true that we don’t have time to pursue activities that bring us joy? Or is that simply the story we’re telling ourselves? What if we could design our days, our families and our businesses for more off-time, delight and openness to surprise?
Today, Jeffrey challenges our culture of busy with Laura Vanderkam, author of Off the Clock and cohost of the Best of Both Worlds podcast, and Tom Hodgkinson, editor of The Idler magazine and author of Business for Bohemians. Tom and Laura discuss the origin of ‘busy’ as a virtue, the idea of working less as ‘irresponsible’ and the tension between our desires to work hard AND enjoy life. Laura shares the results of her time tracking experiment, explaining how adventure stretches time, and Tom describes his Idle Parenting philosophy, discussing the benefits of ignoring your kids once in a while. Listen in for insight around planning for leisure time—even in the midst of raising small children—and learn how to create a business vision that expresses the essence of who you are.
Key Takeaways[5:08] Young Laura and Tom at their best
Laura creating stories and poems Tom editing magazines, organizing events[8:37] The origin of ‘busy’ as a virtue
18th century Dr. Johnson lazy but productive Idleness important part of creative process Guilt around pleasure, idleness w/ Reformation[14:18] The tension between working hard and enjoying life
Value to open space for thinking, new ideas Not either/or (ideal to find enjoyable work) Time diaries show much leisure time[17:39] Laura’s time tracking experiment
Leads to savored life, freedom ‘Time starts to feel more full’[23:21] The idea of working less as being ‘irresponsible’
Regrets around not spending time with children More responsible to take care of mental health[28:29] How adventure stretches time
Lunch break to explore city (active downtime) Perception of time shaped by memories[35:11] Tom’s insight on Idle Parenting
Ignoring kids leads to independence, self-sufficiency Helicopter parenting steals freedom from both Value in day of abandoning routines and rhythms[42:29] Laura’s insight around planning leisure time
Parents of small children must arrange open time More mindful of time, intentional[45:28] Tom’s take on eudaimonia in business
Not about money or status but fulfillment Task of life to build work that expresses spirit[49:56] Laura’s take on trying to do everything
Do more of what you’re best at Business grows when NOT trying to do it all alone[52:43] What Tom is pursuing in the next year
Find/retain subscribers, grow team Write book on meditation[55:28] What Laura is pursuing in the next year
Time management novella (March 2019) Shift to writing fiction Connect with LauraLaura Vanderkam
Connect with TomThe Idler
ResourcesThe Idler Subscription
Mary Oliver’s ‘The Summer Day’
What the Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast: A Short Guide to Making Over Your Mornings—and Life by Laura Vanderkam
Off the Clock: Feel Less Busy While Getting More Done by Laura Vanderkam
The Idle Parent: Why Laid-Back Parents Raise Happier and Healthier Kids by Tom Hodgkinson
Idler Academy
Business for Bohemians: Live Well, Make Money by Tom Hodgkinson
‘The Busy Person’s Lies’ in The New York Times
How to Be Idle: A Loafer’s Manifesto by Tom Hodgkinson
Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less by Alex Soojung-Kim Pang
168 Hours Time Tracking Challenge
Laura’s 168 Hours Time Tracking Template
Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
Juliet’s School of Possibilities: A Little Story About the Power of Priorities by Laura Vanderkam
The Sacred Healing Well
Gentle Warrior’s Wellness
MASS MoCA
Julianne Swartz
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The #2 hotel in Los Angeles cannot compete with the Hyatts or the Hiltons of the world when it comes to expensive amenities. What makes the Magic Castle special is the staff’s ability to design surprising experiences, like a red phone by the pool coined Popsicle Hotline. By breaking the script, the Magic Castle inspires delight in their guests—and consistently ranks higher than high-end, luxury hotels in the city.
How can we follow the lead of the Magic Castle and create a workplace of wonder? How do we design for extraordinary moments with our colleagues and customers?
Today, Jeffrey explores workplace wonder with Chris Flink, Executive Director of the Exploratorium Museum in San Francisco, and Chip Heath, the Thrive Foundation for Youth Professor of Organizational Behavior in the Stanford Graduate School of Business and co-author of The Power of Moments. Chip and Chris explain how designing surprising moments for customers can give you a competitive advantage and why it’s beneficial to think beyond simply fixing problems to the architecting of positive experiences. Chip describes why it’s in your best interest to focus on elevating mostly satisfied customers to truly delighted ones, and Chris shares the power of physical experiences to captivate people in a deeply personal way. Listen in for insight around designing for positive, extraordinary experiences that facilitate connection and learn how to surprise yourself, your colleagues and your customers with the exchange of wonder.
Key Takeaways[7:47] Young Chip and Chris at their best
Chip with typewriter (passages from nature books) Chris building forts and booby traps out of garbage[10:41] What makes those boyhood moments memorable
Attempt to make sense of world Agency to affect own experience[13:39] How Chris got into the area of experience design
Study product design at Stanford, work at IDEO Integrate business disciplines in design process Foster creative mindset in business collaboration[17:34] How Chip came to explore experience architecture
Discuss what makes defining moment Family as focus group (i.e.: take idea on road) Iteration as integral part of design process[23:12] Why we should consider experience design
Mind geared to fix problems vs. create potential Magic Castle #2 hotel in LA (e.g.: Popsicle Hotline) Opportunities to inspire, bring creative energy[36:59] The concept of ‘breaking the script’
Strategic surprise that captures attention Design to widen eyes, open to message[41:18] Chip and Chris’ response to resistance
Build in elevation, pride, insight and connection You ARE designing experiences (add agency)[46:49] The value of face-to-face, analog experiences
Physical experiences captivate in personal way Power in tangible experience translates to retail[49:42] How to design experiences for your organization
Museum staff conceived of Pi Day on 3/14 Playful community with common mission[59:23] The social dimension of wonder
Break script with uncommon conversation ‘45 minutes away from close friendship’ Create context for experience to unfold Connection through transformative learning[1:04:44] What Chip and Chris are pursuing in the next year
Must be inspired to be inspirational Work with social entrepreneurs Connect with ChipHeath Brothers
Stanford Social Innovation Review
Connect with ChrisExploratorium
ResourcesTD Bank YouTube Video
Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die by Chip Heath and Dan Heath
The Power of Moments: Why Certain Experiences Have Extraordinary Impact by Chip Heath and Dan Heath
Stanford d.school
IDEO
Bill Moggridge: Interaction Design
Magic Castle Hotel
Theo Jansen’s STRANDBEEST
Larry Shaw
Art Aron’s Interpersonal Closeness Experience
Laura Vanderkam
The Idler
Evelyn Asher
Fateme Banishoeb
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‘It doesn’t take long for our feet to wear a rut born of habit in our daily, default path. But if we’re fortunate, during any given day, something surprising startles our heart long enough to arrest the bustle and disrupt our rut.’
The question is, do we have to wait for that something surprising to happen spontaneously? Or can we build the experience of awe into our daily lives?
Can we design for wonder?
Today, Jeffrey introduces us to his working premise for Season 2: Wonder is not an accident and designing for wonder is not only possible but necessary in our world of deteriorating trust. He walks us through the possible dawn of awe when our ancestors developed the ‘irresistible urge to gaze’ and defines wonder as the emotional experience of surprise that dissolves our biases. Jeffrey also previews the themes of this season by way of two stories, one of a company designing for wonder NOW via Instagram hashtags and another of the philosopher Descartes discovering wonder THEN, in 17th-century Denmark through the laughter of his daughter. Listen in for insight around the role of wonder in facilitating radically new solutions and join the growing alliance of Wonder Trackers who choose wonder over cynicism.
Key Takeaways[0:04] The definition of wonder
Irresistible urge to gaze, even praise (dawn of awe) Emotional experience of surprise that dissolves biases Central to human spirit and evolution of species[4:05] Jeffrey’s working premise for Season 2
Wonder not accidental Design for wonder possible, necessary Create culture of wonder together[5:37] The significance of choosing wonder over cynicism
Rut born of ‘daily default’ breeds cynicism Startle heart long enough to disrupt status quo[8:58] What to expect this season on Tracking Wonder
Top creatives, research in design experience + time shaping Original people who seek insight from diverse sources[11:44] The story of NOW
Negative Instagram hashtags (i.e.: #sick, #mondayblues) Suja Juice shipped 6K bottles to change quality of days[12:56] The story of THEN
Descartes planning trip to France in 1640 Daughter developed scarlet fever and died Shifted focus of work to questions about being human Concluded that wonder precedes all other passions[18:06] James Baldwin’s insight on wonder
Fierce hope for human race despite prejudice faced Prove by example that ‘life is love and wonder’ Nation that penalizes citizens who wonder is doomed Connect with JeffreyTracking Wonder
Tracking Wonder on Facebook
Jeffrey on Twitter
Jeffrey on Instagram
Jeffrey on LinkedIn
ResourcesBay Area Discovery Museum
MASS MoCA
USC Annenberg Innovation Lab
Suja Juice
Cogito, Ergo Sum: The Life of Rene Descartes by Richard Watson
Descartes’ Bones: A Skeletal History of the Conflict Between Faith and Reason by Russell Shorto
Chip Heath
Chris Flink
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Welcome to season 2 of Tracking Wonder! This season we're tracking the theme of designing for wonder. Wonder is not an accident. Wonder is designable. Join us each Tuesday, and learn how innovators design work, customer experience, and life for more openness, curiosity, and surprise.
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The most fulfilled innovators and influencers who lead lives of mastery and meaning—at some point get cracked open by wonder, get cracked open to a purpose greater than themselves.
Today, Jeffrey reflects on Season 1 of Tracking Wonder, looking back at his conversations with leaders, change-makers, artists and creatives to identify the wonder switch in each of their stories, those moments when they were opened up to a greater-than-you purpose that drives the work they do today.
Jeffrey begins with Susan Piver’s experience of being cracked open in love after a serious car accident by way of a surprising connection with another person. He reminds us of Caroline Adams Miller’s inspiration—people with the grit to do extraordinary things in their ordinary lives. Jeffrey speaks to the challenge of ‘standing in love’ with your big idea, revisiting Jonathan Fields and Dorie Clarke’s discussion around the need for authentic community. He also covers the concept of conscious leadership, reflecting on Mike Erwin and Todd Henry’s respective takes on sourcing bravery from within and leading with a mindset of service. Listen in as Jeffrey highlights Marty Neumeier’s theory on doing the ‘right thing’ that leads us to beauty, cohesiveness and order and learn why wonder is the key to unlocking our compassion—and ultimately making decisions with an eye to the future.
Key Takeaways[7:50] Susan Piver’s experience being cracked open in love
Boyfriend served as lifeline after serious car accident ‘Surprised to have someone reach through haze—and reach back’[11:50] The kind of grit that inspires Caroline Adams Miller
Uplifted by people doing extraordinary things in ordinary lives Awed by those who do what’s necessary without fuss, fanfare[15:48] The challenge of ‘standing in love’ with your big idea
Requires deep drive to survive challenges Impact assumes different forms[18:36] Why the world needs brands to build authentic community
Sense of belonging impacts cognitive ability, health Movements bring people together around shared set of values[23:30] The concept of conscious leadership
Bravery comes from within Lead with mindset of service, elevate people around you[27:06] Why we have an ethical responsibility to lead with our ideals
Short-term, selfish good vs. long-term, broadly beneficial good Make choices that further human evolution to beauty, coherence and order[38:30] The role of wonder in evoking empathy and compassion for others
Need each other’s perspectives to open heart Look beyond cubicle-sized view to impact on future ResourcesThe Heart of Altruism by Kristen Monroe
‘Blessing the Boats’ by Lucille Clifton
The Art of Loving by Erich Fromm
Getting Grit: The Evidence-Based Approach to Cultivating Passion, Perseverance, and Purpose by Caroline Adams Miller
Stand Out: How to Find Your Breakthrough Idea and Build a Following Around It by Dorie Clark
Good Life Project
The Positivity Project
Accidental Creative
Herding Tigers: Be the Leader That Creative People Need by Todd Henry
Liquid Agency
Upheavals of Thought: The Intelligence of Emotions by Martha C. Nussbaum
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You have to have a purpose bigger than profits.
The landscape of branding has changed over time, and with the advent of two-way communication via the internet, a mission statement that prioritizes a financial responsibility to shareholders simply won’t cut it anymore. People want to support—and be a part of—the companies that aspire to a higher purpose and align with their own personal values.
How does a brand go about identifying its purpose? How do you do good AND do good business at the same time?
Today, Jeffrey sits down with Marty Neumeier, the Director of CEO Branding and de-facto thought leader at Liquid Agency. Marty is also a bestselling author, speaker and facilitator in the realm of helping people and organizations uncover their creative genius. Marty describes growing up with a mother who taught him the magic of art and a love of learning. He speaks to his time in Silicon Valley, learning to translate tech into English and pictures, and the history of branding from the agricultural age through the current consumer-led movement. Marty explains the concept of ludic learning, the difference between a brand and branding, and the business advantage of identifying a purpose beyond simply making money. Listen in for Marty’s insight around the nature of sin as the choice for a short-term, selfish good and learn the value in a brand driven by purpose for the benefit of society.
Key Takeaways[3:15] Marty’s young genius
Learned magic of drawing from mom Wanted to be commercial artist at 8[5:58] The adults who nurtured Marty’s love of learning
Creative pursuits (e.g.: weaving) from mom Grandfather interested in how things worked[9:05] Marty’s experience in Silicon Valley
Worked with Apple, met Steve Jobs Learned to translate tech into English[18:55] The difference between a brand and branding
Brand = customer’s gut feeling Branding = company’s efforts to influence perception[20:31] How the landscape of branding has changed
1930—Naming, packaging, corporate identity 1970—Trout and Ries codify positioning 1990—Aaker creates strategy framework 2000—Design, strategy become partners 2020—Customer-led companies[28:11] The shift to a customer focus
Internet opens up two-way conversation Goodwill impacts balance sheet (brand value)[30:15] How to hone your branding
Identify purpose beyond profits Ride trends (e.g.: authenticity, surprise)[32:49] The brand advantage of being driven by purpose
People want to join companies doing something bigger Examples include Method, Apple and Amazon[39:32] Marty’s take on campaigns like REI’s #OptOutside
Possible to do good while doing good business Statements must align with who you are as brand[43:43] Marty’s insight on the nature of sin
Chose short-term, selfish good over long-term, broadly beneficial good Brand might lie about dangers of product, reputation suffers long-term Human evolution slowly moving toward beauty, coherence and order[51:50] The definition of ludic learning
Learn through play in state of flow Purposeful learning by caring[54:29] Marty’s advice around unlearning
Take on new challenges to keep curiosity alive Consider how someone might disrupt your business[57:30] What Marty is pursuing moving forward
Continue to reinvent self, reach people in new ways Writing thriller based on fictional business case Connect with MartyLiquid Agency
Marty’s Website
Marty on Twitter
ResourcesThe Third Wave by Alvin Toffler
The Brand Gap: How to Bridge the Distance Between Business Strategy and Design by Marty Neumeier
Books by Al Ries and Jack Trout
Books by David Aaker
The Brand Flip: Why Customers Now Run Companies and How to Profit from It by Marty Neumeier
Metaskills: Five Talents for the Robotic Age by Marty Neumeier
Method
The 46 Rules of Genius: An Innovator’s Guide to Creativity by Marty Neumeier
Brand Artistry Labs
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As entrepreneurs and creatives, we know the feeling of pouring our whole heart into our work. Of devoting all our attention to the project at hand in pursuit of something greater than ourselves. How do we balance that quest for our best work with the desire to nurture our long-term, loving relationships? How do we make room for the people we love—and love us back?
What if the qualities necessary to sustain our long-term, loving relationships are the very same qualities we use to sustain our commitment to the creative path?
On this episode of Tracking Wonder, Jeffrey is joined by Susan Piver, renowned Shambhala Buddhist teacher, New York Times bestselling author, and founder of the world’s largest virtual mindfulness community, the Open Heart Project. Susan shares the significance of bringing a constant curiosity to our loving relationships, explaining how the practice of love demands an attention not on the extraordinary, but on the familiar and ordinary. She offers insight around the four noble truths of love, the challenges of standing in love versus falling in love, and the idea of meeting instability together. Listen in to understand why long-term love doesn’t have to be in battle with one or both partners’ devotion to creative work and learn and learn how mindfulness is the practice of love.
Key Takeaways[3:19] Susan’s young genius
At best when at worst Desire to connect through reading, music[7:04] Susan’s experience being hit by a drunk driver
Working at Blues bar in Austin Accident caused sense of unreality Felt ‘between worlds’ Then-boyfriend infused with life force[15:36] How Susan came to practice Buddhism
Moved back east after breakup Extensive reading about heartbreak Resonated with wisdom of strong emotion Extraordinary meditation training[21:59] Why Susan is fascinated with love
Confounded by way people treat each other Born with sensitivity to way taken in/not[26:28] The four noble truths of love
Life is suffering, relationships never stabilize Grasping causes suffering Cessation of suffering (offers sense of cure) Path to liberate from cycle, meet instability together[34:04] The tension between familiarity and mystery
Knowing of each other IS love Romance ends, intimacy lives on[45:29] The practice of conversation in long-term relationships
Set aside 20 minutes to ask, ‘How are you?’ Really listen and really answer[51:22] The challenge of long-term relationships and creative work
Problem arises when want other to be different One pulls for togetherness, one for individuation Both important to healthy relationship, tension is useful[1:02:20] Susan’s insight on negotiating attention
‘Attention is most basic form of love’ Take mind out of self, place in partner’s experience[1:03:58] The noble truths of love through music
“I’d Rather Go Blind” by Etta James “Blue Gardenia” by Dinah Washington John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman[1:09:21] What Susan is pursuing moving forward
Meditation as path to love (not life hack) Genuine quest for inclusiveness Connect with SusanOpen Heart Project
ResourcesCredit: “To You Again” is from Incarnadine by MarySzybist, . Copyright © 2012 byMarySzybist. Used with the permission of the publisher, Graywolf Press, Minneapolis, Minnesota, www.graywolfpress.org.
The Four Noble Truths of Love: Buddhist Wisdom for Modern Relationships by Susan Piver
The Hard Questions: 100 Essential Questions to Ask Before You Say ‘I Do’ by Susan Piver
The Wisdom of a Broken Heart: An Uncommon Guide to Healing, Insight, and Love by Susan Piver
The Art of Loving by Erich Fromm
All About Love: New Visions by Bell Hooks
Incarnadine: Poems by Mary Szybist
Start Here Now: An Open-Hearted Guide to the Path and Practice of Meditation by Susan Piver
“Big Red Sun Blues” by Lucinda Williams
“I Felt the Chill” by Elvis Costello and Loretta Lynn
“I’d Rather Go Blind” by Etta James
“Blue Gardenia” by Dinah Washington
John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman
Brand Artistry Labs
- Visa fler
