Bloc Thinking

Join me for a live interview with Jens Mühlstedt, the creative mind behind Inspiration Wild Cards. We delve into the world of design thinking and creativity… as related to design tool geekery, of course. Tune in for an insightful discussion exploring Jens' journey in creating this innovative tool. ** Creative Coffee Break is a Bloc Thinking Production

Running a business is not for everyone - but designers face an even steeper uphill battle. So why are some of us so ill-equipped when it comes to transitioning into business leadership roles? German Leon is the Founder and Chief Experience Officer at GESTOOS, where they enable cameras and sensors to see, understand and respond to human movement and behaviour using Artificial Intelligence. With roots in interaction and user experience design, German has embraced his new role as a business leader. We will be discussing how he was able to make this transition and get an inside look into his company's history and vision for the future of AI technology. You can find me, Werner Puchert, on LinkedIn and Twitter. Catch my design tool reviews on YouTube and keep up with my latest live streams at the Creative Coffee Break.

What if you could stop looking for work and let your next job find you? Jeff Gothelf is a recognized Lean thinking and design evangelist and a global Lean UX movement founder. Now, imagine you could repurpose the principles Jeff has been championing and apply them to your career? That's exactly what he has done in his time in the corporate world and the businesses he established. In his new book, Forever Employable, he demonstrates how to create your content, use it to develop your expertise, and then scale it to build a continuous stream of income, interaction, and community. You can find me, Werner Puchert, on LinkedIn and Twitter. Catch my design tool reviews on YouTube and keep up with my latest live streams at the Creative Coffee Break.

Thought leadership is a phrase used to describe any number of activities, but few have been able to master its potential. These pursuits can build bridges between ideas and action, driving business results, according to Bill Sherman. Bill is the COO at Thought Leadership Leverage and co-host of the podcast "Leveraging Thought Leadership". He and his team develop strategies to rescue innovative business ideas often suffocating beneath layers of ambiguity. Explore how you can build a bridge between your ideas and action to drive measurable results on this week's Creative Coffee Break with special guest, Bill Sherman. You can find me, Werner Puchert, on LinkedIn and Twitter. Catch my design tool reviews on YouTube and keep up with my latest live streams at the Creative Coffee Break.

Curiosity is one of our innate superpowers. It powers the human race and fuels innovation. It's what drives us to create new things and explore the world around us. More than often, Curiosity can be less present or move to the background. Anthony Rocco, an Experience Designer & Strategist, joins me this week to talk about Curiosity and how to go about re-igniting it. You can find me, Werner Puchert, on LinkedIn and Twitter. Catch my design tool reviews on YouTube and keep up with my latest live streams at the Creative Coffee Break.

A story is a way for people to talk about what they know and what they care about. It's a way to connect with an audience. And it's a way to build trust. Fei Wu is a content creator and digital marketer who helps small businesses and creative entrepreneurs tell better stories, find more customers and create new revenue streams. Join the conversation this Thursday the 20th at 1 pm ET to hear her story and ask questions about how you can find your story and share it in a way that connects with your audience. You can find me, Werner Puchert, on LinkedIn and Twitter. Catch my design tool reviews on YouTube and keep up with my latest live streams at the Creative Coffee Break.

Shifting the traditional concept of mentorship into reverse to gain forward momentum. Reverse mentorship is a new concept in the workplace that will change the way we do things. According to this week's guest on the Creative Coffee Break, this approach allows senior team members to learn from junior ones and vice versa. How can you leverage the unique strategic and cultural perspective of junior team members to stay relevant? Come drink at the fountain of youthful insights with my guest, social Entrepreneur, Joshua Nuttall. You can find me, Werner Puchert, on LinkedIn and Twitter. Catch my design tool reviews on YouTube and keep up with my latest live streams at the Creative Coffee Break.

One of the best ways to improve your business is to research your customers and prospects. Research can be a huge time suck, complicated, and sometimes expensive. Research is rocket-fuel, not a phase, according to, Kasia Gawlik a seasoned strategist, experience design leader, and guest on this week's Creative Coffee Break. Kasia shares her tips on how you can do research with even a small investment, and if you make it wisely it can lead to some really great results. You can find me, Werner Puchert, on LinkedIn and Twitter. Catch my design tool reviews on YouTube and keep up with my latest live streams at the Creative Coffee Break.

Are you interested in building a more sustainable business? Join us this week for a discussion with Dennis Geelen, author of the 'The Zero In Formula' and Customer Experience & Innovation Consultant. We discussed what it takes to build a more effective and sustainable business, along with some practical principles from Dennis to guide the discussion. You will leave this session with a better understanding of how you can apply the Zero In Formula in your own business and create an experience that is truly disruptive! You can find me, Werner Puchert, on LinkedIn and Twitter. Catch my design tool reviews on YouTube and keep up with my latest live streams at the Creative Coffee Break.

Can you find fulfilment in your career? What does the word "career" mean to an entrepreneur? Or, if you're getting a little grey like me, how can I go about looking for new challenges after so many years in the market? What's even worse. We only start thinking about these things when we're looking to make a change - leaving us frustrated and overwhelmed. I know someone with the answers and some guidance! Executive and Career Coach Tammy Gooler Loeb is on a quest to inspire you to engage in fulfilling, meaningful, and satisfying work. Sounds good, right? Tammy is the host of the weekly podcast Work From The Inside Out. She is also the author of "Work From The Inside Out: Break Through The Obstacles and Define a Career That Fulfills You", due for publication in soon. You can find me, Werner Puchert, on LinkedIn and Twitter. Catch my design tool reviews on YouTube and keep up with my latest live streams at the Creative Coffee Break.

Have you booked that meeting recently? Two or more people on the invite? Guess what, you are an event owner. However, event design is more than agendas and aesthetics – they need to drive meaningful change and deliver measurable results. Anthony Vade, North America Director of the Event Design Collective, sharing thoughts on how to design events that drive meaningful change. Design your event: How to make your meetings matter ft. Antony Vade. #eventdesign #experiencedesign #eventprofs #virtualevents #eventstrategy You can find me, Werner Puchert, on LinkedIn and Twitter. Catch my design tool reviews on YouTube and keep up with my latest live streams at the Creative Coffee Break.

My guest is on a mission to help 1 Million people to innovate. It's brave. It's bold. It's Jens Heitland! Jens is a former global head of Innovation at IKEA, has taken on this ambitious goal as a consultant, coach and entrepreneur. I'll be twisting his arm this Friday at 1 PM CET to teach me a few innovation tricks and how he aims to reach the audacious goal by the end of the year. Important Links from the session, https://www.onemillioninnovateurs.com https://www.heitlandinnovation.com https://heitlandclothing.com https://thejensheitlandshow.buzzsprou... (podcast) #innovation #innovationcoach #strategy #businessinnovation #designthinking You can find me, Werner Puchert, on LinkedIn and Twitter. Catch my design tool reviews on YouTube and keep up with my latest live streams at the Creative Coffee Break.

Have you noticed how we have become so used to equating walls of sticky notes with innovation and design-related activities? Tamara and Shawna say it's time to burn those walls of sticky notes and focus on outcomes by unlocking your team's creative potential. Shawna and Tamara Eberle are Partners at Traction Strategy as well as co-founders of the Traction Toolbox. You can find me, Werner Puchert, on LinkedIn and Twitter. Catch my design tool reviews on YouTube and keep up with my latest live streams at the Creative Coffee Break.

According to Jeff Parks, we should remove our associations and experiences with certain "objects" to consider other possibilities. Jeff Parks is a User Experience and Product Design Leader and one of the OG's of Information Architecture and User Experience Design. We explore what it means to move your "Thinking Beyond the Factory" #creativecoffeebreak #design #designleadership #innovation You can find me, Werner Puchert, on LinkedIn and Twitter. Catch my design tool reviews on YouTube and keep up with my latest live streams at the Creative Coffee Break.

This is a shared episode from the Jens Heitland Podcast. The "Innovation breakfast" format, where Jens meets with previous guests to explore specific topics related to entrepreneurship and innovation. Today's topic is leading cultural transitions Jens Heitland: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jens-heitland-2b309a44/ Dennis Luijer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennislui... Joshua Nuttall: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-nu... Werner Puchert: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wernerpuc... Jump into my personal mailing list for updates, especially when I go LIVE on YouTube and LinkedIn - http://www.creativecoffeebreak.live

This is a shared episode from the Jens Heitland Podcast. The "Innovation breakfast" format, where Jens meets with previous guests to explore specific topics related to entrepreneurship and innovation. Today's topic is Entrepreneurial Culture Jens Heitland: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jens-heitland-2b309a44/ Dennis Luijer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennislui...​ Joshua Nuttall: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-nu...​ Werner Puchert: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wernerpuc...​

We're catching up with a quick update as we navigate the pandemic. A lot has changed, but just as many things have changed, some even for the better. Important Links: Werner's side project Podcast - https://www.findingfrequency.show Wall Street: https://www.wsj.com/articles/shipping-container-shortage-gives-commodity-prices-extra-boost-11613648648 Talk: https://youtu.be/yvsudnk_nlU Prof G: https://www.section4.com Peter Thiel: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18050143-zero-to-one Educated: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35133922-educated

In this episode, Werner and Jonathan start by talking about their never-ending quest to find balance in their separate lives. In addition to an update of the status of their respective work situation, they discuss the importance of taking breaks, especially in a context where travel is not encouraged.They also touch two other subjects. First, they talk about the disrupting effect of the overexposure to work video-calls, as it is now part of the confined-worker experience. Four to six hours facing our webcams are hard to swallow.They finish with Werner's video production activity, as he is pushing out content on YouTube and facing a new set of challenges.Stay safe.Important linksWerner's YouTube Channel[Werner LinkedIn account]Werner's Twitter account: @weenerdawgJonathan's Twitter account: @odajay

What will happen if you did a podcast a day for 366 days? Finding Frequency is a one man's journey to dial back into life to see the extraordinary in the ordinary one day at a time. This is episode #63, Big rig driver, and a salute to an uncle who died earlier this year. I could not be with my family during this time and created this episode for him. Rest in peace sir. Werner Puchert is a South African ex-pat living in Warsaw Poland. Music, from Artlist.io and cover photo by Robson Hatsukami Morgan on Unsplash.

Do you feel constantly having too many things that you absolutely have to do? We feel you... So many of us could fill their entire time awake only with tasks, whether they are professional, personal, or from hobbies. The paradox of that condition is that it gets in the way of actually achieving any of those tasks. Not only because of analysis-paralysis but also because it leads us to spend a considerable amount of time balancing our focus between them all. And unfortunately, we end up disappointing ourselves by comparing what we did versus what we wanted to do. It is to talk about this subject that Werner and Jonathan joined forces this week.Werner talks about weighting and prioritizing his business activities while Jonathan explains the process he built to choose a single "serious" hobby that he will focus his energy on. They discuss the actions they took and the methodologies they adopted in order to do so.At the end of the episode, they also talk about the defining work from Bill Burnett and Dave Evans on that topic and explain why people having similar needs should get hold of their book or attend their workshop.Stay safe and stay inside.Important linksHow to work out what to prioritise: The Effort Impact MatrixDesigning Your Life: Build a Life that Works for YouDesign Your Life WorkshopDrive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates UsWerner's Twitter account: @weenerdawgJonathan's Twitter account: @odajay

What is not to like about reading? What other media can engulf you in the wilderness of Alaska or the mind of a world leader at a critical moment of history, all from any place you would find fit for it. However, at a time when it's never been easier to have access to written content, it's also particularly difficult to commit to long-form reading due to distractions and the lack of habits. The Internet has predisposed to fast-food reading, making long-form more difficult to digest or even ingest.It's this topic that reunites Werner & Jonathan during this episode. They both enjoy books. They both despaired in the past about, first, not reading enough and, second, not retaining over time enough information from what they read. They both created strategies to fix those issues and avoid the dreadful feeling that comes when you read something great, then realize that you already read it in the past and simply forgot about it.Their reflection revolves around two axes: adapting our modern rhythm of life to read a book, despite the constant interruption and other constraints that emerge, and, focusing on strategies to retain the important information that you have been reading.Stay safe and stay inside.Important linksHow to Read a Book: The Classic Guide to Intelligent ReadingGoodreadsAudibleThe Zettelkasten MethodWerner's Twitter account: @weenerdawgJonathan's Twitter account: @odajay

The world has been upside-down for some months now as COVID-19 is transfigurating whole communities and creating a dreadful sense of fear in our collective psyche. So, in that context, what could happen in the mind of two solo-entrepreneurs at the dawn of the most important sanitary crisis of the past century?Hey there, how are you doing? It's the question that Werner and Jonathan ask each other after a few were both were amending their own lives and businesses. This is what this episode is about, an episode about love and goals, about work and friends.Jonathan and Werner discuss and, yes, rant a little, on the impact that this catastrophe had and the possible grim outlook that protrudes front of them. However, hope is not lost. They also talk about their strategies to not only cope but also to grow from that episode.Among other topics, Jonathan talks about his heightened avoidance of social media and Werner explains his strategy of "Seeking & Showing Up", helping and proving himself to others in this time of need. They both talk about caring for their families and how they started to reach out more to their friends and love ones. A lot more is shared during that episode.Stay safe and stay inside.Important linksHow to turn distraction into action?How to cope with remote work without losing your mind?Werner's Twitter account: @weenerdawgJonathan's Twitter account: @odajay

As an independent, either solo-entrepreneur, freelance or consultant, you constantly have to negotiate and prove your value to your (potential) clients. It is a painful exercise that very few are prepared to face at the start of their adventure. Unfortunately, this quickly can become the main culprit for the anxiety and stress that characterize too often the solo experience.It doesn't have to be this way.Having worked for the past decades first for a world-class ad agency, then one of the Big 4 Consulting company, Werner shares in this episode a wealth of knowledge on the process that will lead you to write proposals of exceptional quality. Jonathan and Werner also exchange on how every worker, whatever their background, could use some of these techniques to improve their career and increase their salary.Past failures can also become a valued guide to your future success. It's from taking risks, thus putting yourself in a position of growth, that we gain valuable experience.During this episode, Werner and Jonathan will share with you the lessons they learned from their failures and successes, thus creating a practical tool that you will be able to use during your own negotiations and proposals. A podcast episode that you will need to save and listen at the right time.As always, we would love to hear your feedback! Please don't hesitate to share with us by reaching out directly on Twitter.Important linksNever Split the DifferenceThe Power of Preeminence: High performance principles to accelerate your business and careerWerner's Twitter account: @weenerdawgJonathan's Twitter account: @odajay

This week, we all discovered that the simple detail that was missing for companies around the world to suddenly discover the wonderful advantages of remote working was... a global pandemic. Now, millions of workers are supposed to become immediately productive in an environment that they, often, never associated with work.Having conjointly six years of practice working remotely in different roles, from management to execution, Werner and Jonathan decided to share their best tips on the subject. The content they share in this episode is not only addressed to the people that are struggling with the very concept of working remotely. It is also an episode that those of you who already happen to work remotely, but have a love-hate relationship with the situation, will enjoy. Four key points are addressed during this episode:SpaceAttitudeHardware & SoftwareTone and voiceImportant linksTech against CoronavirusWerner's Twitter account: @weenerdawgJonathan's Twitter account: @odajay

Every single January, most of us go through the same ritual: full of hope, we set up ambitious goals for ourselves for the new year. Then comes the installation of new productivity apps encouraged by pervasive App stores, persuading us that this is the solution. We all know what happens too often next. A few months later, we wither in disappointment and self-doubt.This is why to start March, Werner and Jonathan decided to share with you the tips and insights that they gathered throughout their career to consistently reach their goals. They will help you build the foundations that will allow you to reach your own objectives. To do so, they focus during this episode on three main axes:Managing your time and avoid interruption at all costsLearning to listen and manage your main productivity tool: your bodyCreating the right habits that will help you succeedIn bonus, attached is an exhaustive list of books that will help you navigate those topics.Important linksBooksGetting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free ProductivityThe 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal ChangeThe Willpower Instinct: How Self-Control Works, Why It Matters, and What You Can Do to Get More of ItTiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your LifeHooked: How to Build Habit-Forming ProductsPodcastsFinding Frequency: Werner's new podcast ✨The Happiness LabArticlesBiphasic and polyphasic sleep – WikipediaSocial MediaWerner's Twitter account: @weenerdawgJonathan's Twitter account: @odajay

Ah, the freedom of freelancing, of being your own boss! The concept of running your own business is enthralling, however, very few take the steps towards self-employment. And of those, a good amount drops out of the adventure after just a few months. Are you wondering if you had what it takes to become a successful solo-entrepreneur? Then, this episode is for you. Werner and Jonathan discuss the lessons they learned during their entrepreneurship journey, reflecting on both their successes and failures. And let's be real, especially the failures, so you folks don't make the same. From understanding the crude realities of being a solo-entrepreneur to learning how to sell your skills, you will learn at least one or two useful pieces of information in this episode.Important linksInfluence: The Psychology of PersuasionNever Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On ItBuilding A StorybrandWerner's Twitter account: @weenerdawgJonathan's Twitter account: @odajay

And we’re back! 2020, new year and new iteration for our beloved show Bloc Thinking. Starting today, during each episode, we will focus on a question that you asked us, during more focused shows that will last less than 30 minutes.Short, focused, efficient but with the same energy that characterised our duo.We are opening this week with the most common question we had so far: How to create a winning podcast?We focused our discussion around several points, from selecting your podcast audience to more technical aspects like microphone and publishing.Two other important news to share with you. As of today, we are now featuring full transcripts of our podcast, yup. So if there is a part you listened to that you want to save, no need to scramble notes on a post-it, you can simply access those on www.blocthinking.comLastly, do you have a comment, a question or a request for us? An idea for a new episode? If yes, we have a new way for you to directly left us an audio message from your browser, head here to www.speakpipe.com/blocthinking.Important LinksBlue YetiRode PodcasterRode NT-USBAudacityReaperAdobe AuditionLogic Pro XGarage BandLibsynSimplecastGet hold of us through www.blockthinking.com, or send us a message through Speakpipe.  You can also find both Jonathan and Werner on Twitter.

Wishing our listeners a prosperous 2020. Keep an ear out for us, Jono and Werner will be in your feed soon. 

It's the end of the year and the traditional time for assessments. Both Werner and Jonathan reflect on what went well in 2019 and what they need to work on and improve in 2020. Werner talks about his desire to focus his efforts on structure and process while Jonathan shares how 2019 went well for him and how he wants to continue to do more of what he did during that year. They then talk about the future format they want Bloc Thinking and how they want it to tie better into their professional lives. The show ends with Jonathan sharing a piece of important personal news with the Happiest Place on Earth as the background for that story.Important LinksHappiest Place on Earth: https://www.disneylandparis.com/Jono's Twitter account @odajayWerner's Twitter account @weenerdawg Thank you for listening to us in 2019, we can't wait to come back to you in February 2020!

Werner and Jono just got back from Berlin and Amsterdam respectively. Jonathan was invited to speak about a project he's doing in West Africa, and Werner attended the inaugural Event Design Collective Mastermind. Both events provided them with an opportunity to reflect on business in Africa and at home.Important LinksHelp us by filling in this surveyJono's Twitter account @odajayWerner's Twitter account @weenerdawgBook: AI Superpowers: China, Silicon Valley, and the New World OrderJono's Project - Yoonema.comEvent Design CollectiveFei's World - Check out her Podcast and learning about ChinaThanks for listening - we appreciate you.

Jono and I want to create something else with this platform. Maybe it's time to do something real, something that could gather our listeners around a topic we all care about. Let's face it; we are tired about talking about senior, junior, UX vs UI ... maybe we should be talking about creating sustainable businesses and how we can avoid getting screwed over by the man. Important LinksHelp us by filling in this surveyJono's Twitter account @odajayWerner's Twitter account @weenerdawgBook: AI Superpowers: China, Silicon Valley, and the New World Order

Buying the right gear and software for your business can cause headaches and unnecessary strain on your budget. Yet, sometimes you have to take the plunge, and we don't blame you if you get excited about that new piece of kit. Werner's excitement about a recent purchase, to support an upcoming project,  takes us on an unplanned detour into the world of AV hardware and the software. Important linksJono's Twitter account @odajayWerner's Twitter account @weenerdawgBook: AI Superpowers: China, Silicon Valley, and the New World OrderHardware:Zoom H6 (Werner loves this one) - Audio RecorderZoom F1 (A small interesting alternative) - Audio RecorderZoom H4 - Audio RecorderRODE Wireless Go - Wireless Microphone Blackmagic UltraStudio Mini Recorder (using your GoPro or DSLR to stream video)SoftwareZoom.Us - Our favourite communication softwareTemi - One of many AI transcription servicesHeadliner.app - Great web base solution to promotional content creation tool.Reaper - Audio editing beastLoopback - user testing applicationThen finally a great little article we found on setting up a user testing lab, especially if you wanted to pipe in external observers. Create your own Mac-based usability testing lab with viewing room and you might also find this one useful Build your own usability lab on a budget

Jono's hit a downer this week. I'm sure you've had the same in your business or freelancing practice. We share some honest thoughts and cheer each other up as we continue to be grateful for this adventure of 'self-determination' that we're on. We also have a small reading challenge - if you're like to join us.Important linksJono's Twitter account @odajayWerner's Twitter account @weenerdawgInktober actionBook: AI Superpowers: China, Silicon Valley, and the New World Order

We gave each other a homework assignment, read 'Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future' by Peter Thiel. We share what we gained from this reading this book (and how it might benefit you). Important LinksImportant linksJono's Twitter account @odajayWerner's Twitter account @weenerdawgBook: Zero to OneBook: eMyth RevisitedBook: Bad bloodBook Review: Zero to OneBook Review: Ask Gary Vee

Running your own business has its ups, downs and challenges. Jonathan and I share what we've been doing the last few week's wrapping up with Jono's review of the recent Framer Loupe 2019 event he attended in Amsterdam.Important linksJono's Twitter account @odajayWerner's Twitter account @weenerdawgBook: Company of OneBook Review: Ask Gary VeeEvent: Framer Loupe 2019Jono's Loupe 2019 Twitter reviewSoftware: Framer   

Ahmad Kadhim Head of Design @mytimesaved (Canada) joined us as a special co-host. Together we explore what it means to work remote and to leverage the freedom in a meaningful way. We ask whether formal studies still makes sense. What about having a varied background with a diverse set of skills? Is it an asset, or might it weigh you down? Jono's Twitter account @odajay Werner's Twitter account @weenerdawg Ahmad's Twitter Account @AhmadKadhim Ahmad's Webisite - ww.wahmadkadhim.com Blog: Stratechery Book: Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future Book: Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst TimeSaved

Jono is on his way to Framer Loupe, and I still love Omnigraffle. Figma, Sketch, Framer and Jonathan's awesome new business cards - yes he is a product manager. What do all this mean? We huddle together in a room to discuss all this and bid each other safe journeys.

Starting your own 'sideshow' requires some structure and planning, especially if you have to do it with limited additional investment. We dedicate the bulk of the show discussing a tool we created to help you structure your ideas and bootstrap your gig. We also spend a few minutes, at the start to reflect and pay tribute to a South African legend and what his work meant to Werner and Jono. Jono's Twitter account @odajay Werner's Twitter account @weenerdawg The Boostrapper Design Canvas (PDF) Medium Article about the Bootstrapper's Tool. Tribute Song: Asimbonanga (Mandela), Johnny Clegg, Savuka Read more about Jonny Clegg's journey. Video: Jonny Clegg on stage with Nelson Mandela Book: Nelson Mandela's Long walk to freedom The Bootstrapper's Workshop (Seth Godin) Book: Business Model Generation Book: This is Marketing (Seth Godin) Book: Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future Sketchnote

Listen to your body, keep track of what you are eating and how you are keeping yourself busy. In the episode, Jonathan sign's up for a gym membership and Werner explores the world of intermittent fasting and tightening the belt on email and interruptions from Donald Trump. Design your life, your work, your health and love. Jono's Twitter account @odajay Werner's Twitter account @weenerdawg Event: Framer Loupe 2019 Book: Design your life Appllication: Lifesum Tracking your food Application: Zero Intermittent Fasting Application: Body Fast Intermittent Fasting Masterclass: Stack Method Email Masterclass (free) * Donald Trump Sketchnote of the Episode

Productivity. A topic covered by a serial procrastinator and a man who takes his focus to the next level. Jonathan and I chat about our strategies and the software we use to keep ourselves focused and on track. Well, mostly. Jono's Twitter account @odajay Werner's Twitter account @weenerdawg Book: Make it Stick [Omnifocus](Omnifocus Alfred Barrier Bartender 3 BetterTouchTool Focus Homebrew AmazingMarvin Jump Desktop Karabiner-Element Colemak Mechanical Keyboard(s) Mouse(s)) View our working spreadsheet list of software Alfred Barrier Bartender 3 Better Touch Tool Focus Homebrew AmazingMarvin Jump Desktop Karabiner-Element Colemak Super Memo And finally ... Cold Brew coffee. Sooooo Good!

Jono's Twitter account @odajay Werner's Twitter account @weenerdawg Werner's new Kuru Toga Pencil :) Gdynia, the Miami of Poland Event: Product Camp Gdynia 2019 Book: User Story Mapping - Jeff Patton Speaker from from Product Camp we referenced Jeff Patton Clemintine Jinhee and Vilma Sirainen (Zalando) Eik Brandsgaard and Henrik Bay (Lego) * Kara Pecknold (Frog) * Itmar Gilad (Independent Coach) Ashley Benigno (Fjord) Jane Austin (Babylon) Val Scholz (Revolut)

Sometimes you just hit the record button to catch up with an old friend. Jonathan Gall and I reflect on our respective professional journeys since becoming self-employed here in Poland. The pitfalls and insights after beyond the safety of our former cubicles.

Maciej Saganowski is the mastermind behind Ultimo Studio a boutique consultancy located in the North of Poland. His experience in Sales and Marketing has given him a strong business understanding which he believes will be a crucial skill as designers move from general UX roles into Product Design and Development. Maciej is also the founder of Product Camp, a popular annual event and platform where he brings professionals from the industry together to share and debate the future. Highlights Maciej on LinkedIn Product Camp Ultimo Studio Maciej on Twitter And, on Instagram Maciej mentioned this quote by Reid Hoffman (Founder of LinkedIn): "If you are not embarrassed by the first version of your product, you've launched too late." The rich history of the gentleman's game, Cricket Book: Sprint by Jake Knapp Book: Marcus Aurelius - Meditations Design Sprint 2.0 - the AJ&Smart Version Please connect with me, Werner on GoodReads Or Twitter (@weenerdawg) Or check out all the past episode at www.blocthinking.com OR if you’re keen to chat more.

A prolific explorer and entrepreneur Damian Madray moved to Silicon Valley where he co-founded The Glint; a collective of creators with the aim to bring people together to connect in deeply authentic ways. This paved the way to his new project, a start-up titled, Presence. It is here that he is focusing on, what he calls an 'enquiry' into how Experiences can be scaled in a sustainable way. Damian Madray, born and raised in Guyana, where he developed a unique perspective on the effects of loneliness. We discuss his various projects, Art and its connection to Experience Design and why he founded the web series Experiential by Design. Introduction The College ofExtraordinaryy Experiences De Kas Kantine Sherlocked (and the Vault Escape Room) Highlights Find Damian on LinkedIn On Twitter Experience Design Web Cast - Experiential by Design The Glint Presence Damian on Medium Book: Reflections on the Self - by Jiddu Krishnamurti, Raymond Martin (Editor) Music used in the Story Segment - A shout out to some of the forgotten Psychedelic Artist of the past (Music I found on an obscure corner of the web). Please connect with me, Werner on GoodReads Or Twitter (@weenerdawg) Or check out all the past episode at www.blocthinking.com OR if you’re keen to chat more.

Iryna Oleksiuk and Adam Liwiński is part of the volunteer team designing TEDxWarsaw 2019. Iryna takes care of event-experience while Adam, a TEDx veteran, is the project owner. We peek behind the (Polish) red circle to give you a taste of what (and who) it takes to create this event along with a few handy tips for the next time you get on stage. Psst. Listen to the clip after the end credits to find out how Adam prototyped his apartment :) Highlights TEDxWarsaw TEDxWarsaw Facebook TEDxWarsaw Instagram Iryna - LinkedIn Adam - LinkedIn Iryna's Blog - Sugar.blog Book: TED Talks: The official TED guide to public speaking Book: Skin in the Game - Nassim Taleb Book: 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos Dunning-Krugera effect Adam used as an argument for speaking only about things you actually know well. Iryna refered to the, Blocks of true knowledge and Richard Feynman. BONUS! Check out Adam's unique bedroom :) Please connect with me, Werner on GoodReads Or Twitter Or www.blocthinking.com if you’re keen to chat more.

No one ever said that it's going to be easy starting your own business. Meet Joanna Skorupska, for a candid discussion on getting fired, discovering the maker movement and finding your calling in life (sometimes in the most remote and unexpected places). Joanna is the founder of Radicalzz studio, where she has made it her mission to accelerate the sustainability and innovation practices in the field of products, and service design and development. Highlights Joanna Skorupska on LinkedIn Radicalzz.studio On Instagram On Facebook Check them out on giphy Notes from the conversation; Maker Movement Manifesto Arduino Board Massimo Banzi - Founder of Arduino talking about the Maker Movement (TED) Jean-Michel Jarre and his laser harp Zdzisława Sośnicka (Polish Song) Victor Papaneck - Design for the Real World: Human Ecology and Social Change Quokka at Rottnest Island, Australia Pebbel Smart Watch Please connect with me, Werner on GoodReads, if you’re keen to chat more. - https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/65014518-werner Or Twitter Or www.blocthinking.com

Starting the new year nice and easy with a few good books and perhaps some Tacos and a good Mexican beer. This episode was recorded in San Diego California and is a rundown of my favourite books of 2018. If you love reading about design, and topics related to becoming more aware then this would be for you. It's also a handy primer, just in case you get locked up, and you're not sure which book to choose from the prison library. Happy 2019! Highlights San Diego Old Town San Diego William B Kolender Sheriff’s Museum Simon Sinek. Start with why Roberto Verganti. Meaningful innovation in a World awash with ideas - Seth Godin on Impact Theory. How to Be a Linchpin. Seth Godin’s altMBA The Bootstrapper’s Workshop Podcast Fellowship Benjamin Zander - An Introduction to ‘One-Buttock’ Playing Steven Pressfield’s Website Books Design Driven Innovation: Changing the Rules of Competition by Radically Innovating What Things Mean - by Roberto Verganti The Win Without Pitching Manifesto by Blair Enns The Coaching Habit: Say Less, Ask More & Change the Way You Lead Forever by Michael Bungay Stanier The Art of Possibility by Rosamund Stone Zander, Benjamin Zander Linchpin: Are You Indispensable? by Seth Godin The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks & Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Steven Pressfield  Event Design: Handbook to create an event that matters by Roel Frissen, Ruud Janssen, Dennis Luijer A Beautiful Constraint: How to Transform Your Limitations Into Advantages, and Why It's Everyone's Business by Adam Morgan, Mark Barden The Power of Moments: Why Certain Experiences Have Extraordinary Impact by Chip Heath, Dan Heath A More Beautiful Question: The Power of Inquiry to Spark Breakthrough Ideas by Warren Berger Bonus Books Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life by Bill Burnett, David J. Evans This is Marketing: You Can't Be Seen Until You Learn To See by Seth Godin Thanks for the Feedback: The Science and Art of Receiving Feedback Well by Douglas Stone, Sheila Heen Thinking in Bets: Making Smarter Decisions When You Don't Have All the Facts by Annie Duke  Wait, What?: And Life's Other Essential Questions by James E. Ryan Difference: The one-page method for reimagining your business and reinventing your marketing by Bernadette Jiwa Please connect with me, Werner on GoodReads, if you’re keen to chat more. - https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/65014518-werner Or Twitter Or www.blocthinking.com

Ever contemplate the similarities between Design and playing Jazz? Not only the interplay between musicians but also the courage required to get on stage to do the work. For Marina Terteryan a Service Designer and musician all the way from Los Angeles, Armenia it's an obvious analogy. We talk about a brave grandma, brave parents who moved to make a new life in America and to be bold in Design. My research survey, if you have time to give me some information and pointers. Important Links: Marina on LinkedIn Why Service Design Thinking Podcast The Why Lab Marina's The Why Lab on Twitter Benjamin Zander - Ted Video and personal website The College of Extraordinary Experiences Quote: "The future is already here — it's just not very evenly distributed." - William Gibson Book: This is service Design Doing Book: Misfit Economy Book: Exerperience Economy Book: Misbehaving: The Making of Behavioral Economics Book: Amaze, the Art of Creating Magical Experiences (2017) Music: Mireille Mathieu Music: Ella Fitzgerald Important Links You can get hold of me, Werner on Twitter @weenerdaw Or LinkedIn: Werner Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or in your favourite podcast app with our RSS feed: https://rss.simplecast.com/podcasts/4348/rss

Paul Bulencea, is a Romanian Experience Designer, with an unquenchable need to play and explore the universe. He is the co-author of the book Gamification in Tourism and one of the founders of the College of Extraordinary Experiences a remarkable, physical interpretation of Pine and Gilmore's "Experience Economy". Paul was also recognised by Forbes in 2018's 30-under-30. Episode Details Paul on LinkedIn Paul on Instagram Paul's Experience Design Podcast Paul's Forbes 30-under-30 Book: Gamification in Tourism Experience Economy College of Extraordinary Experiences Dzobiak Larp Studios Seligman’s PERMA Model Flow Theory Jane Meconigal - Games Research Romanian sculptor Constantin Brâncuși The Wonder Book - Jeff Vandermeer Atlas Unbound - Alexa Firmenich Barnet Bain - Film Producer Jason Silva Claus Raasted IKEA Box Nightmare Case Study Facebook Page The Roadtrip Live Action Role Play Adventure College of Wizardry Yas Waterworld Experience Important Links You can get hold of me, Werner on Twitter @weenerdawg Or LinkedIn: Werner Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or in your favourite podcast app with our RSS feed: https://rss.simplecast.com/podcasts/4348/rss

I invite you to look at design through the lens of Culture, with Olga Skoczylas. Olga is a Cultural Economist and co-owner of the Design Agency 'Cultural Design'. In this episode, we cover culture, what it means and why it's important but we don't stop there. She has this innate obsession to create domain names and attach projects of all shapes and sizes to them. To that point, the conversation takes an unexpected detour past blockchain, brutalist design, innovation and art. Episode details LinkedIn - Olga Skoczylas Instagram @berlin.graphics Cultural.Design Agency - Berlin - www.cultural.design Coming Soon - Cultural.institute Douglas Hold - Theory of Cultural Brands New York Based Consultancy - Sparks & Honey Nike Advert with Colin Kaepernick, Audio from the New York Times Article Old Camel Adverts Book: Art as therapy Workshop: Tahishi Kamia - Art Interaction Design Book: Art Thinking Olga's brutalist design website - www.tadada.me Nigerian author Temanada Adichi Book: What’s Love (or Care, Intimacy, Warmth, Affection) Got to Do with It? Chris Scarlat , co-founder of the Cultural.Design Agency Important Links: Andy Woynarowski's Design Thinking Masterclass on UDEMY Seed Cards 10% discount promo - You can only use the special promo code here - www.gadzetytrenera.pl Please leave a comment about the episode on the website - Bloc Thinking Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or in your favorite podcast app with our rss feed: https://rss.simplecast.com/podcasts/4348/rss Connect with me on Twitter: Werner Or LinkedIn: Werner

Andrew Lacanienta is a Doctoral Candidate in Experience Design at Texas A&M University. He is a close friend who makes a yearly pilgrimage to our side of the world to attend the College of Extraordinary Experiences at Czhocha Castle, Poland. We took some time out of the College schedule to talk about his insights on Experience Desing and focused our conversation on the Theory of Structured Experience Design. Episode details LinkedIn - Andrew Lacanienta Paper: A theory of Structured Experience Course: Experience Design and Management Book: Experience Economy Book: The Power of Moments Book (not yet published): Designing Experiences And then, I used some copyright music. It's the actual track Andrew played during the experience - Pink Floyd. Dark side of the moon. Important Links: Andy Woynarowski's Design Thinking Masterclass on UDEMY Seed Cards 10% discount promo - You can only use the special promo code here - www.gadzetytrenera.pl Please leave a comment about the episode on the website - Bloc Thinking Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or in your favorite podcast app with our rss feed: https://rss.simplecast.com/podcasts/4348/rss Connect with me on Twitter: Werner Or LinkedIn: Werner