• SPOS #955 – Michael Morris On Tribes And Togetherness
    Oct 27 2024

    Welcome to episode #955 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast.

    Michael Morris is a renowned cultural psychologist at Columbia University, where he teaches in both the Graduate School of Business and the Psychology Department. With previous teaching stints at Stanford University and a rich educational background from the University of Michigan and Brown University, Michael has dedicated his career to exploring how culture shapes the way we think, communicate, and collaborate. His research delves into the idea that while our genetic programming primes us to learn from our communities, the actual content of what we learn is deeply influenced by the cultural environments we're immersed in. In our conversation, Michael discusses his book, Tribal - How The Cultural Instincts That Divide Us Can Bring Us Together. He challenges the often negative connotations associated with tribalism, aiming to reclaim the term by highlighting its positive aspects. Michael explains that tribal psychology is an inherent part of human nature, encompassing instincts for solidarity, imitation, and the perpetuation of traditions. While tribalism can lead to division and conflict, he argues that these same instincts can also foster unity and collective action when harnessed constructively. We delve into real-world examples, including recent tribal conflicts and protests at institutions like Columbia Business School. Michael sheds light on why individuals engage passionately in such issues and how tradition and nostalgia play significant roles in tribal dynamics. He emphasizes that technology and social media aren't solely to blame for societal divisions - rather, these platforms amplify existing human tendencies rooted in our psychology. If you're curious about how our cultural instincts shape our interactions and how we can leverage them to bring people together, Michael's perspective provides a thoughtful and hopeful outlook. Enjoy the conversation...

    • Running time: 1:01:13.
    • Hello from beautiful Montreal.
    • Subscribe over at Apple Podcasts.
    • Please visit and leave comments on the blog - Six Pixels of Separation.
    • Feel free to connect to me directly on Facebook here: Mitch Joel on Facebook.
    • Check out ThinkersOne.
    • or you can connect on LinkedIn.
    • ...or on Twitter.
    • Here is my conversation with Michael Morris.
    • Tribal - How The Cultural Instincts That Divide Us Can Bring Us Together.
    • Columbia University.
    • Follow Michael on X.
    • Follow Michael on LinkedIn.
    • This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'.

    Chapters:

    • (00:00) - Introduction and Background.
    • (03:38) - Understanding Tribal Psychology.
    • (06:01) - The Constructive and Destructive Aspects of Tribalism.
    • (08:59) - Reclaiming the Word ‘Tribal'.
    • (21:05) - The Role of Technology in Tribalism.
    • (27:28) - The Potential for Collective Action and Solutions.
    • (30:30) - Tribal Conflicts at Columbia Business School.
    • (36:18) - The Role of Tradition and Nostalgia in Tribalism.
    • (41:45) - Distinguishing Cults from Religions.
    • (52:34) - The Power of Nostalgia and Conformity.
    • (58:54) - Harnessing Tribal Psychology for Positive Outcomes.
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • SPOS #954 – Dax Dasilva On Business, Balance And The Big Picture
    Oct 20 2024
    Welcome to episode #954 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast. I’ve know Dax Dasilva for close to twenty years. Dax is the creative force behind Lightspeed Commerce, a company he founded in 2005 that has grown into a leading unified POS and payments platform for ambitious entrepreneurs worldwide. Lightspeed powers some of the world's best businesses across over 100 countries, helping them accelerate growth, enhance customer experiences, and become go-to destinations in their markets. With a team of over 3,000 employees, Lightspeed has made significant strides under Dax's leadership, including going public on both the Toronto Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange. After serving as Executive Chair of Lightspeed's board for two years, Dax returned as CEO in February 2024, bringing with him a renewed vision for the company's future. During our conversation, Dax delves into the evolving landscape of retail and hospitality, emphasizing how these industries are increasingly focusing on providing experiential elements that cater to people's desire for unique experiences and social interaction. He believes that while technology plays a crucial role in modern commerce, the human touch remains indispensable. Beyond his entrepreneurial pursuits, Dax is deeply passionate about environmental conservation. He founded the Age of Union project, an initiative aimed at reconnecting people with nature and spirituality. Through this project, Dax has traveled to various parts of the world, immersing himself in different cultures and gaining a deeper understanding of social and environmental issues. He reflects on the challenges of balancing technological advancement and consumerism with sustainability and emphasizes the importance of supporting local, community-driven businesses. Our conversation also explores the current polarization in society and the impact of social media on politics. Dax expresses concern over the divisive nature of online platforms and the need for more balanced, nuanced conversations. Dax highlights the often-overlooked value of the "middle journey" in business - the day-to-day efforts and experiences that constitute the core of what companies do. He believes that true fulfillment comes from engaging in this journey rather than just focusing on the end goals. Throughout our conversation, Dax emerges as a leader who is not only focused on driving business success but also deeply committed to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and fostering meaningful human connections. His insights offer a thoughtful perspective on how businesses can navigate the complexities of today's world while remaining grounded in values that promote sustainability and community. Enjoy the conversation... Running time: 54:38.Hello from beautiful Montreal.Subscribe over at Apple Podcasts.Please visit and leave comments on the blog - Six Pixels of Separation.Feel free to connect to me directly on Facebook here: Mitch Joel on Facebook.Check out ThinkersOne.or you can connect on LinkedIn....or on Twitter.Here is my conversation with Dax Dasilva.Lightspeed Commerce.Age of Union.Follow Dax on Instagram.Follow Dax on LinkedIn.This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'. Chapters: (00:00) - Introduction and Background.(03:45) - The Future of Retail and Hospitality.(05:40) - The Importance of In-Person Interactions in the Workplace.(11:12) - Reconnecting with Nature and Spirituality.(16:31) - Balancing Technology and Consumerism with Sustainability.(26:40) - The Challenges of Polarization in Society.(30:32) - The Impact of Social Media on Politics.(37:31) - The Role of AI in Business.(43:36) - The Potential Societal Impact of AI.(51:07) - The Value of the Middle Journey in Business.(54:53) - Traveling and Immersion in Local Context.
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    55 mins
  • SPOS #953 – Erin Clark On Activating The Soul, Heart, And Mind Of Leadership
    Oct 13 2024
    Welcome to episode #953 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast. Erin Clark is a managing director with Deloitte Consulting's Human Capital practice, where she specializes in helping clients improve performance, drive change, and create sustainable advantages through people. With a deep commitment to unlocking human potential within organizations, Erin has dedicated her career to transforming workplaces into environments where individuals and teams can thrive. In her new book, Leading Through - Activating The Soul, Heart, And Mind Of Leadership (co-authored with her father, former Harvard Business School dean Kim Clark, and her brother Jonathan Clark), Erin explores the dynamic shift needed in leadership for today's rapidly changing world. The book delves into the struggle between traditional leadership paradigms - rooted in control, hierarchy, and bureaucracy - and a new model that emphasizes empowerment, trust, and collaboration. During our conversation, Erin discusses how the pandemic and technological advancements like generative AI have accelerated the need for this leadership transformation. She emphasizes that while we're living in a digital, transparent, and complex era, many organizations are still clinging to outdated methods that stifle innovation and suppress human potential. Erin introduces the concept of "leading through," which focuses on activating the soul, heart, and mind of leadership to create a culture where people are motivated to solve tough problems and make meaningful contributions. We explore the importance of leaders embracing a more human-centric approach, one that not only cares for people but also consciously seeks to do good and make things better. Erin highlights that leadership is both deeply personal and systemic - it requires individual growth as well as organizational support to foster an environment where employees can excel. She also touches on the challenges of short-termism and the pressure to meet market expectations, which often hinder long-term development and human sustainability. Erin's insights shed light on the necessity of preserving humanity in the face of rapid technological change. She advocates for leveraging technology as a tool for value creation while ensuring that it doesn't overshadow the human element that is crucial for innovation and organizational success. Enjoy the conversation... Running time: 57:08.Hello from beautiful Montreal.Subscribe over at Apple Podcasts.Please visit and leave comments on the blog - Six Pixels of Separation.Feel free to connect to me directly on Facebook here: Mitch Joel on Facebook.Check out ThinkersOne.or you can connect on LinkedIn....or on Twitter.Here is my conversation with Erin Clark.Leading Through - Activating The Soul, Heart, And Mind Of Leadership.The Leading Through Institute. Deloitte Consulting's Human Capital practice.Follow Erin on LinkedIn.This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'. Chapters: (00:00) - Collaborating with Family: Writing a Book on Leadership.(03:06) - Challenges and Potential in Leadership.(12:03) - The Impact of the Pandemic on Work.(18:26) - The Role of Leadership in Supporting Human Potential.(22:05) - Systemic Factors that Hinder or Enable Human Potential.(26:11) - Work as a Means vs Work as Community and Fulfillment.(29:42) - The Mass Revolt Against Traditional Management Approaches.(33:09) - Shifting from Coercive Control to Leading Through.(36:36) - Balancing Freedom of Action and Agency.(39:06) - The Challenges of Personalized Management.(47:36) - Creating Value through Leading Through.(53:47) - Preserving Humanity in the Face of Technological Advancements.
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    57 mins
  • SPOS #952 – Karthik Ramanna On Outrage And Our Polarized World
    Oct 6 2024

    Welcome to episode #952 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast.

    We are beyond polarized. Karthik Ramanna has spent his career helping leaders make sense of a world that’s constantly changing. As a Professor of Business & Public Policy at Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government, Karthik's work explores the difficult intersections of business, politics, and society. With a keen eye on trust-building, corporate responsibility, and the complex dynamics between organizations and their stakeholders, Ramanna has earned a reputation as one of today’s foremost thinkers on leadership in challenging times. In his latest book, The Age Of Outrage - How To Lead In A Polarized World, Karthik delves into a growing issue that leaders everywhere are facing: navigating outrage. And it’s not just the occasional outburst we’re talking about. As companies like Disney, United, and Meta have learned, outrage has become an ever-present force — fueled by societal anxieties and a growing expectation for companies to act as agents of social change. Karthik’s take is that outrage - whether justified or not - has shifted from being an occasional PR crisis to a core leadership challenge. Leaders are now expected to handle these emotional, high-stakes situations with the same rigor as strategic planning or financial management. And if you’re a leader in today’s world, you’ve likely felt the pressure. Drawing on years of experience and case studies ranging from the Vatican to Nestlé, Ramanna doesn’t offer quick fixes or hollow calls for “staying neutral.” Instead, The Age of Outrage offers a practical, mission-driven framework for leaders to cool tensions, engage meaningfully with stakeholders, and make decisions that are both effective and consistent with their organization’s core values. If you’re wondering how to navigate an increasingly polarized landscape, Karthik’s book offers more than just insight — it’s a guide for how to emerge stronger from the very challenges that threaten to tear organizations apart. Enjoy the conversation…

    • Running time: 58:12.
    • Hello from beautiful Montreal.
    • Subscribe over at Apple Podcasts.
    • Please visit and leave comments on the blog - Six Pixels of Separation.
    • Feel free to connect to me directly on Facebook here: Mitch Joel on Facebook.
    • Check out ThinkersOne.
    • or you can connect on LinkedIn.
    • ...or on Twitter.
    • Here is my conversation with Karthik Ramanna.
    • The Age Of Outrage - How To Lead In A Polarized World.
    • Blavatnik School of Government.
    • Follow Karthik on LinkedIn.
    • Follow Karthik on Instagram.
    • Follow Karthik on YouTube.
    • This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'.

    Chapters:

    • (00:00) - Introduction and Background.
    • (04:11) - Challenges for Corporations.
    • (14:08) - The Importance of Humility and Perspective.
    • (27:30) - Navigating the Changing Dynamics of Work and Business.
    • (29:52) - The Diversification of Society and the Binary View of Oppressor and Oppressed.
    • (34:39) - Getting the Rules of the Game Right for Capitalism.
    • (36:46) - The Role of Culture in Managing Outrage.
    • (53:02) - The Challenges and Opportunities of AI.
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    58 mins
  • SPOS #951 – Nick Bostrom On Life And Meaning In An AI World
    Sep 29 2024
    Welcome to episode #951 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast. Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast - Episode #951. When it comes to thinking big about artificial intelligence, I think about what Nick Bostrom is thinking. A philosopher widely known for his thought leadership in AI and existential risk, Nick has spent much of his career asking the kinds of questions most of us avoid. As the founding Director of Oxford’s Future of Humanity Institute and a researcher who has dabbled in everything from computational neuroscience to philosophy, Nick’s intellectual curiosity knows no bounds. His 2014 book, Superintelligence (a must-read), became a New York Times bestseller, framing global discussions about the potential dangers of artificial intelligence. But now, with his latest book, Deep Utopia - Life and Meaning in a Solved World, Nick shifts the conversation to a more optimistic angle - what happens if everything goes right? Deep Utopia tackles a question that feels almost paradoxical: If we solve all of our technological problems, what’s left for humanity to do? Nick presents a future where superintelligence has safely arrived, governing a world where human labor is no longer required, and technological advancements have freed us from life’s practical necessities. This isn’t just a hypothetical playground for futurists... it’s a challenge to our understanding of meaning and purpose in a post-work, post-instrumental society. In this conversation, Nick explores the philosophical implications of a world where human nature becomes fully malleable. With AI handling all instrumental tasks, and near-magical technologies at our disposal, the question shifts from "How do we survive?" to "How do we live well?" It’s no longer about the technology itself but about our values, our purpose, and how we define meaning when there are no more problems left to solve. Nick’s book is not just a call to prepare for the future; it’s an invitation to rethink what life could look like when all of humanity’s traditional struggles are behind us. As he dives into themes of happiness, pleasure, and the complexities of human nature, Nick encourages us to reimagine the future - not as a dystopia to fear, but as a deep utopia, where we must rediscover what it means to be truly human in a solved world. This stuff bakes my noodle. Enjoy the conversation… Running time: 49:48.Hello from beautiful Montreal.Subscribe over at Apple Podcasts.Please visit and leave comments on the blog - Six Pixels of Separation.Feel free to connect to me directly on Facebook here: Mitch Joel on Facebook.Check out ThinkersOne.or you can connect on LinkedIn....or on Twitter.Here is my conversation with Nick Bostrom. Deep Utopia - Life and Meaning in a Solved World. Superintelligence.Future of Humanity Institute.This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'. Chapters: (00:00) - Introduction and Background.(01:17) - The Debate: Accelerating AI Development vs. Delaying It.(06:08) - Exploring the Big Picture Questions for Humanity.(08:44) - The Redefinition of Human Intelligence.(13:12) - The Role of Creativity in AI.(19:41) - Towards a Post-Work Society.(23:53) - Philosophical Questions and the Value of Humanity.(27:36) - The Complex Relationship Between Pleasure and Pain.(30:03) - The Impact of Large Language Models and the Transformer Architecture.(33:03) - Challenges in Developing Artificial General Intelligence.(35:49) - The Risks and Importance of Values in AGI Development.(45:19) - Exploring the Concept of Deep Utopia.
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    50 mins
  • SPOS #950 – Stephen Shapiro On How To Pivot In An Uncertain World
    Sep 22 2024
    Welcome to episode #950 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast. Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast - Episode #950. My good friend, Stephen Shapiro, is not one to take the standard approach to anything. As the former leader of Accenture’s business process reengineering practice, he realized that optimizing business efficiency was leading to layoffs - a direction he didn't want to pursue. So, instead of continuing on that path, Stephen pivoted. He built Accenture’s 20,000-person innovation practice and refocused his efforts on growth and job creation. From there, Stephen became a full-time speaker and author, helping organizations from 3M to Nike rethink how they tackle innovation. In our latest conversation (he has been on the show multiple times), Stephen shares insights from his new book, Pivotal - Creating Stability In An Uncertain World. It’s all about anchoring yourself in what shouldn’t change, even as everything else spins around. He likens it to a basketball pivot - one foot stays planted while the other moves, creating both stability and flexibility. Stephen argues that, too often, businesses are caught chasing the next shiny thing, while what truly matters gets neglected. Instead of scattering resources, Stephen suggests that organizations focus on deepening their core strengths and identifying their differentiators. It’s the planted foot - the foundation - that holds the key to long-term success. We also discuss the importance of creating a culture that supports slow, thoughtful innovation, rather than the kind of chaotic sprinting that leaves teams burned out. Companies like Apple are great examples, doubling down on services and ecosystems that reinforce their unique strengths. Stephen emphasized that the best innovation isn’t always fast - it’s about having the patience to focus on the right direction. He is also the author of many other books (here are two other that I love: Invisible Solutions, Best Practices Are Stupid) and his game, Personality Poker. Enjoy the conversation... Running time: 1:01:44.Hello from beautiful Montreal.Subscribe over at Apple Podcasts.Please visit and leave comments on the blog - Six Pixels of Separation.Feel free to connect to me directly on Facebook here: Mitch Joel on Facebook.Check out ThinkersOne.or you can connect on LinkedIn....or on Twitter.Here is my conversation with Stephen Shapiro.Pivotal - Creating Stability In An Uncertain World.Invisible Solutions.Best Practices Are Stupid.Personality Poker.Follow Stephen on LinkedIn.Follow Stephen on YouTube.This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'. Chapters: (00:00) - Introduction.(02:44) - Innovate Where You Differentiate.(05:29) - The Four Ds of Innovation.(10:37) - Navigating Trends and Placing Bets.(36:36) - The Role of Culture in Driving Innovation.(38:52) - The Importance of Slow Innovation.(49:49) - Embracing Distinctive, Desirable, and Durable Qualities.(52:29) - Creating Value and Delivering Memorable Experiences.
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • SPOS #949 – Stephanie Harrison On The New Happy
    Sep 15 2024

    Welcome to episode #949 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast.

    Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast - Episode #949. Stephanie Harrison, founder of The New Happy and author of New Happy - Getting Happiness Right In A World That's Got It Wrong, is flipping the happiness script. For years, we’ve been sold the idea that happiness comes from checking off the "big three" — wealth, fame, and power — and doing it all solo. But as Stephanie’s research shows, we’ve had it wrong. Real happiness? It’s not about the corner office or the number of zeroes in your bank account. It’s about something far more sustainable: helping others. In New Happy, Stephanie gets to the core of what’s holding us back from true fulfillment - those old myths that tell us we’re not good enough, that happiness is a prize only the elite get to win. Instead, she lays out a blueprint for living with purpose, using our unique talents to make a difference in the world. The best part? Her advice isn’t just feel-good fluff - it’s backed by a decade of research and wrapped up in beautifully designed illustrations that bring these life-changing concepts to light. Our conversation dives deep into why social media, for all its flaws, can still be a tool for connection - if we use it the right way. Stephanie’s insights on gratitude, personal gifts, and living authentically are spot on. She makes it clear: happiness isn’t a destination you reach by ticking off goals; it’s a byproduct of living in line with your values and making an impact on others. Stephanie’s message is refreshing, smart, and just the kind of advice leaders and individuals need these days. If you’ve ever wondered why happiness seems just out of reach, New Happy will show you a new way forward - one where you don’t have to sacrifice success to feel fulfilled. Enjoy the conversation...

    • Running time: 1:01:22.
    • Hello from beautiful Montreal.
    • Subscribe over at Apple Podcasts.
    • Please visit and leave comments on the blog - Six Pixels of Separation.
    • Feel free to connect to me directly on Facebook here: Mitch Joel on Facebook.
    • Check out ThinkersOne.
    • or you can connect on LinkedIn.
    • ...or on Twitter.
    • Here is my conversation with Stephanie Harrison.
    • New Happy - Getting Happiness Right In A World That's Got It Wrong.
    • The New Happy.
    • The New Happy Newsletter.
    • New Happy Podcast.
    • Follow Stephanie on Instagram.
    • Follow Stephanie on YouTube.
    • Follow Stephanie on LinkedIn.
    • This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'.

    Chapters:

    • 00:00 - Redefining Happiness.
    • 04:33 - The Pursuit of Goals.
    • 08:04 - The Role of Social Media.
    • 12:52 - Navigating Feedback and Authenticity.
    • 15:37 - Creators and Viral Content.
    • 20:21 - Balancing Originality and Audience Expectations.
    • 22:46 - The Flawed Worldview.
    • 26:12 - The Challenge of Injustice.
    • 28:14 - The Grand Perspective of Humanity.
    • 33:25 - The Power of Gratitude.
    • 38:34 - Discovering and Cultivating Gifts.
    • 45:56 - Exploring New Paths.
    • 50:33 - The Importance of the Middle.
    • 53:45 - Balancing Autonomy and Connectedness.
    • 57:26 - Creating a Culture of Happiness.
    • 59:03 - Personal Transformation.
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • SPOS #948 – Scott Young On How To Get Better At Anything
    Sep 8 2024
    Welcome to episode #948 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast. Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast - Episode #948. Scott Young is the kind of person who doesn’t just ask, “How do I get better at this?” He asks, “How do we really learn anything?” That question led him on some fascinating paths - like the time he decided to tackle MIT’s computer science curriculum without ever setting foot in a classroom. No big deal, right? It’s this relentless curiosity that drives Scott’s work, and he’s made it his mission to break down the mystery behind learning and mastery. In this conversation, Scott digs into his latest book, Get Better at Anything - 12 Maxims for Mastery. This isn’t your standard “how-to” guide. Scott’s approach is both simple and profound: learning doesn’t have to feel like you’re banging your head against a wall. He argues that three things really matter when it comes to leveling up - seeing how others do it, putting in the right kind of practice, and getting feedback that’s actually useful. If you nail these three, progress follows. It’s that simple… but, of course, the devil is in the details. Scott’s no stranger to experimentation. From his MIT Challenge to learning four languages in a year during his Year Without English project, he’s someone who lives what he preaches. He’s constantly pushing the limits of what’s possible with learning, and his insights into how we can accelerate our progress - whether at work, in our personal lives, or even in the smallest tasks—are both practical and inspiring. We also touch on some big questions, like how AI might change the way we learn and work. Is AI the future of education? Scott’s got a way of making the complex simple, and our chat is packed with insights that make you rethink how you approach learning. If you’ve ever struggled to get better at something or wondered if there’s a more effective way to improve, Scott’s ideas are definitely worth hearing. Scott was on the show a few years back to dicuss his first book (which is another “must-read” titled, Ultralearning). Scott also has an amazing program with another one of my favorite thinkers, Cal Newport, titled Life Of Focus for you to check out. Enjoy the conversation... Running time: 1:08:40.Hello from beautiful Montreal.Subscribe over at Apple Podcasts.Please visit and leave comments on the blog - Six Pixels of Separation.Feel free to connect to me directly on Facebook here: Mitch Joel on Facebook.Check out ThinkersOne.or you can connect on LinkedIn....or on Twitter.Here is my conversation with Scott Young.Get Better at Anything - 12 Maxims for Mastery.Ultralearning.Life Of Focus.Follow Scott on Instagram.Follow Scott on X.Follow Scott on LinkedIn.This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction.00:24 - The Mystery of Learning.08:31 - The System and Agency.23:16 - The Tension Between Competence and Learning.27:14 - The Future of Learning: Human-AI Collaboration.33:00 - The Unpredictable Future of AI and Work.34:41 - Challenging Beliefs and Embracing Growth.44:32 - The Power of Practice, Feedback, and Observation.55:04 - Books: Concentrated Intellectual Force.01:06:45 - Creating a Learning Culture in Organizations.
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    1 hr and 9 mins