Future State Project

In the Future State, what does our culture look like? In this episode, we cover the issue of missing elders in our culture. Joining me in this discussion are Dr. Loren Kerns, director the doctor of ministry program at Portland Seminary and Dr. Nick Willis, professor of mathematics at George Fox University. All three of us are in our 40s, married and with children. Nick has just recently returned from a conference about this topic and gives some really interesting insights and Loren has just reread Victor Frankel's book, Man's Search for Meaning. Nick and Loren's experiences both as academics and as fathers provide some insights into this issue and some hope for aspiring elders. Definitely worth a listen.

Latest episode of Future State Project

How good are you at planning? In the book, The Four Disciplines of Execution, it says "the more you do, the less you get done." Conversely, the more you do, the less you get done. If you try to do a bunch of things, your ability to execute goes out the window. But if you fixate on one thing, incredible things can happen. Not all things are worth getting done. So, how good are you at planning? I ask Ryan Dougherty this question and all kinds of good stuff comes out. Check it out.

We're all selling something. But how do you get people to buy what you're selling? Sound interesting? Then sit back, relax and listen to this episode.

Have you ever "burned the boats?" This is where you take away the exit strategy so that you can't go back. When is it time to burn the boats and how should it be done? Aaron Geist tells us how he did it a year ago at his former job and how it all worked out. Definitely worth a listen if you are looking to make any kind of major change in your life.

In this episode, Rob shares some insights from Stanford negotiation expert, Margaret Neale.

In this episode, Rob is sick and he takes a few minutes to share some reflections on why he hasn't put out a podcast for awhile. He also shares how he is going to take some of his own advice and get after it, as well as some thoughts on personal "blueprints" and what to do when you feel depressed and uncertain.

In this episode, Rob talks about one of the biggest mistakes we make when trying to solve a problem and what we can do to make sure we are solving the right problems for the right people.

In this episode, Rob interviews Jen Macnab who shares what it was like to take the first step toward being the creator she was designed to be.

In this episode, Rob talks about the important role of confession in the innovation journey. And he asks listeners, "Are you your best self?"

In this episode, Rob encourages you to establish your creative baseline. When were you at your most creative? As creators, it's important to know where the baseline is so that we understand what contributed to this creativity and how we can build upon it.

In this episode, Rob reveals a shortcut to understanding what branding is, why it's important and why you should develop your brand now.

In this episode, Rob talks about the process of change, what to expect and how to move forward.

In this episode, Rob answers the question, "How do I know what my 'musts' are?"

In this episode, Rob shares an important insight on what to do when you don't know what to do.

In this episode, Rob tells you the difference between reversible and irreversible decisions and how reversible decisions are great ways to learn what you don't know so you can get to a brighter future, faster

In this episode, Rob points out the importance of knowing who your audience is and what job they are hiring you or your product to do for them.

In this episode, Rob talks about the importance of the atmosphere at home and at work and how it affects innovation. He also talks about the importance of finding your tribe and what to do if you find yourself in an atmosphere of fear.

In this episode, Rob will help you avoid one of the biggest problems in innovation -- not defining the problem we're trying to solve.

In this episode, Rob is interviewed by Jacks Whitehust, editor of the Crescent, about his involvement in the creation of the Bruin Statue. Rob surprises Jacks with the idea of doing a podcast instead. Find out what happens next.

In this episode, Rob talks about the challenges of time, how we are all creators and how each of us suppresses our creative powers which prohibits us from becoming the innovation and marketing leaders we all need to be.

In this episode, Rob shares the results of his experiments in making videos and podcasts, and what can happen when you just do it.

There are only two things that produce results, innovation and marketing. In this episode, Rob will explain why these two things matter most to any organization seeking a better future state and how each of us needs to "reframe" our understanding of ourselves and embrace our inner innovation and marketing mojo.

In the very first episode of the Future State Project, Rob talks about the pitfalls of perfection when it comes to innovation, and how awesome is just fine.