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You're not lazy. You're likely overdue for a break.In this quick tip episode, Lianne Kim shares a powerful reminder that productivity doesn't come from constantly pushing harder — it comes from creating space to reset, recharge, and reconnect with yourself throughout the day.Recorded while walking through nature on one of her own micro-breaks, Lianne explores how stepping away from your desk can actually increase creativity, focus, and fulfillment in your business. She challenges the traditional “work harder” mindset many entrepreneurs inherited from corporate culture and invites you to rethink what your workweek could look like.Whether it's a 10-minute walk, a longer lunch, a quiet moment with a podcast, or a full self-care day, this episode will inspire you to stop waiting for permission and start designing a business — and a life — that feels good to live.In this episode, you'll discover:Why taking breaks throughout the workday can actually make you more productive and energizedHow micro-breaks support creativity, clarity, and a greater sense of flowThe hidden ways corporate conditioning impacts how entrepreneurs structure their timeWhy flexibility is one of the greatest gifts of entrepreneurship — and how to start using it intentionallySimple ways to begin incorporating more restorative breaks into your weekA practical exercise to help you identify the types of breaks that truly refuel youWhy your next step isn't overhauling your schedule — it's simply booking your next breakTimestamps: 00:00 – Why Lianne is recording this episode while taking a walk outside01:00 – The research behind breaks, productivity, and fulfillment02:00 – How stepping away from your desk creates more creativity and joy03:00 – What micro-breaks can actually look like during your workday04:00 – Breaking free from the corporate mindset around work hours05:00 – Redesigning your schedule to support more spaciousness and flow06:00 – Giving yourself permission to take breaks that truly refuel you07:00 – Why joyful breaks look different for everyone08:00 – Choosing restorative activities that genuinely feel good to you09:00 – Your challenge: schedule your next micro-break todayLinks mentioned:Built to Sell by John Warrillow: Built so sell bookCome explore one of my least expensive coaching programs ever. Book your discovery call at liannekim.com—Connect with me: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liannekimcoach Instagram: @liannekimcoachJoin the Mamas & Co. community to get access to valuable resources and the support of likeminded mompreneurs and mentors: https://www.mamasandco.com Instagram: @mamasandcoPodcasting support:https://theultimatecreative.com
This week's episode is with Ron Goldin who has led design at Google, Shopify, UberEats, and in my opinion... he's the perfect example of what it looks like to thrive as a design leader in an AI world.So this week's episode is a deep dive into his journey as a builder and it's full of stories:Redesigning the Shopify checkoutRon's unique research tactics for UberEatsBuilding MTCHMKR from scratch in LovableNavigating the job market as a design leadera lot more
When we deliver a harsh critique at work, we think we are touching a spreadsheet. In reality, we might be triggering the same brain circuits that register physical pain. In this episode of Brains at Work, we dissect the paralyzing mechanics of Anticipatory Anxiety and how it morphs into chronic perfectionism. For many neurodivergent individuals, this goes a step further into Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD)—an intense, overwhelming emotional response to perceived failure or rejection that can feel physically painful. We break down the neuroscience behind this phenomenon and explain why constructive feedback is an advanced leadership skill that must be trained, not an innate ability. Inside the Episode: The Perfectionism Trap: How anticipatory anxiety forces professionals to over-prepare and burn out out of fear of the "worst-case scenario." Decoding RSD (Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria): Understanding the distinct, sudden onset of emotional pain in ADHD and autistic brains when facing perceived criticism. The Shared Neural Circuitry: Exploring the neuroscience proving that physical pain and social/emotional pain share the same pathways in the human brain. Redesigning the Feedback Loop: Practical strategies for managers to deliver evaluations, course corrections, and critiques with empathy and precision, reducing defensive triggers and preservation modes. Key takeaway: Feedback is an essential business tool, but without psychological safety, it becomes an operational hazard. Learning how to deliver feedback respectfully isn't about coddling your team—it's about protecting their nervous systems so they can actually process the data and improve.
Send us Fan MailWhat does it take to redesign the outdoors for everyone? Gnara Co-Founder GG Edwards joins our Season 14 finale to share how a glacier in Alaska sparked a revolution in outdoor apparel.While guiding on the Mendenhall Glacier, GG faced a choice every woman in the backcountry knows too well: trek across crevasses and peel off layers in freezing temps, or risk dehydration. Instead, she asked a simple question — what if her fly worked like the guys'? That idea became the patented GoFly® zipper and the brand now known as Gnara (formerly SheFly).In this conversation, GG opens up about sewing prototypes in her Vermont dorm room, a Kickstarter that raised over $100K in a single day, surviving a factory collapse during the pandemic, and the bold rebrand from SheFly to Gnara.We dig into why 56% of women report a bathroom accident outdoors, the taboo Gnara is dismantling, and the customer stories that prove this is so much bigger than a zipper — from Yosemite climbing guides to a solo round-the-world sailor. Plus GG on mountain biking, ice climbing, and training for the NYC Marathon.Episode Links:Gnara on InstagramGnara's WebsiteGnara on YouTubeThis episode was Produced by Jordyn Smith, follow her on Instagram @jordyn.journeysFollow us on Instagram, @HikesandmicsThis episode's music was created by Ketsa, follow him on Instagram @Ketsamusic AllTrails+I'm excited to share that I'm now a Trailheads Ambassador for AllTrails+! If you love exploring the outdoors, AllTrails+ is your ultimate adventure companion. Get offline maps, real-time wrong-turn alerts, and trail previews to help you hike smarter and safer. Plus, with 3D maps and deeper trail insights, planning your next trek has never been easier.Try AllTrails+ free for 7 days, and when you sign up using my referral link, you'll get 30% off your AllTrails+ membership!Sign up here: AllTrails+ (promo is only redeemable via web and not the app)Ursa Minor Outfitters - Inspired by the outdoors, Created by local artists Go check them at www.ursaminoroutfitters.com and don't forget to enter the promo code HikesMics10 at checkout to receive 10% off your order.
Exploring AI's Impact on Education, Workforce, and Personal Growth with Ben Tasker Join Dr. Rod Berger in this insightful episode of Quantum Leap as he speaks with Ben Tasker, a leader in AI education and workforce transformation, about the rapid evolution of AI and its profound implications across industries. Discover how AI can amplify human potential, reshape education, and drive personal and organizational adaptation. In this episode: The personal journey of Ben Tasker from healthcare data science to AI education The emotional and practical impacts of AI on jobs and skill development How AI is changing higher education, including microcredentials and personalized learning Strategies for preparing for perpetual change in skills and career paths The concept of "panic to pivot" in upskilling and lifelong learning The importance of mindset and agility in navigating AI-driven transformation Generational differences in attitudes toward AI and education reforms How continuous learning and adaptability are key to future success Practical advice for young people and parents on navigating career uncertainty The role of literacy—AI and human skills—in shaping a resilient future Timestamps: (00:00) - Welcome and overview of AI's expanding potential (01:56) - Ben Tasker's background and journey into AI (04:23) - The human-centric origins of AI and data science (07:22) - AI's threat and opportunity in the workplace (09:06) - The rapid evolution of generative AI models (11:22) - Personal anecdotes on learning and experimentation (14:08) - The generational divide in AI understanding at graduation ceremonies (16:07) - Challenges of keeping education current with AI advancements (18:56) - How AI shifts thinking and professional skills (22:32) - The importance of human versus AI skills (26:18) - Redesigning education systems for speed and competency (29:21) - From panic to pivot—upskilling success stories (33:48) - Navigating unpredictable career paths (36:57) - Fostering adaptability in the next generation (40:36) - The importance of mindset in AI integration (44:44) - Connecting with Ben Tasker for ongoing learning and collaboration Connect with Ben Tasker: LinkedIn Website Supporters: End to End Services Light Leap AI About the hosts and further episodes: Stay tuned for more thought-provoking conversations on how AI shapes our future. Follow Dr. Rod Berger for updates and insights.
In this episode, Melissa Brule, Director of Behavioral Health and Specialty Services at Elliot Health System, shares how her team transformed outpatient behavioral health access through a “no wrong door” intake model, rapid clinical assessments, and patient navigation support. She discusses the importance of matching patients to the right level of care, reducing barriers to treatment, and building a more coordinated, patient-centered behavioral health experience.
Fred tells Jason about a new design idea for mens bathrooms!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, Melissa Brule, Director of Behavioral Health and Specialty Services at Elliot Health System, shares how her team transformed outpatient behavioral health access through a “no wrong door” intake model, rapid clinical assessments, and patient navigation support. She discusses the importance of matching patients to the right level of care, reducing barriers to treatment, and building a more coordinated, patient-centered behavioral health experience.
Explore how top supply chain trends - regionalization, footprint redesign, and AI-enabled operating models may impact your tax and financial outcomes.
Forward-thinking British architect Jayden Ali joins to detail his new galleries at V&A East in London. Then: unpicking Icelandic design stereotypes at DesignMarch 2026. Plus: highlights at this year’s NYCxDesign. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"If you focus on stakeholders' needs and add value, the savings will always follow." - Brad DeHart, Senior Vice President, Customer Growth, Continuum Procurement leaders have always been expected to deliver value under pressure, but when resources are thin, the old playbook just doesn't cut it. What does it take to truly become a trusted partner to the business and move beyond savings-only conversations? Art of Procurement host Philip Ideson welcomes Brad DeHart, a seasoned leader who's helped shape marketing procurement functions across industries. Brad's experience spans both the buy and sell sides, giving him a front-row seat to what works, and what might set your team back. In this candid discussion, Brad challenges common assumptions about where procurement should focus their efforts, why some models falter, and how the right mindset (and soft skills) open real doors to influence. He shares memorable stories and actionable advice for CPOs and category leads navigating complexity and stakeholder fatigue. In this episode, Brad covers: - Redesigning relationships with marketing to move beyond 'just savings' - Recognizing why the 'strategic vs. tactical spend' debate misses the point - Structuring teams for trust, influence, and long-term results - Building soft skills that matter as much as procurement expertise Links: Brad DeHart on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/braddehart/ Subscribe to the AOP Newsletter: https://resources.artofprocurement.com/art-of-procurement-podcast-subscribe Subscribe to Art of Procurement on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ArtofProcurement
In this episode I discuss the excitement and fulfilment I'm getting out of redesigning my life spaces.
Get ready to have your perspectives shattered. Peter Laughter, a visionary in leadership and organizational strategy, dives deep into why traditional command-and-control models are crumbling and what leaders, especially in HR must do to adapt. This isn't just theory, it's a call to action, a blueprint for survival in the chaos of modern business. In this episode: The fundamental flaws of command and control leadership in today's complexity How HR can measure and diagnose organizational failures before they explode The transformative power of distributed leadership and democratized decision-making Why modern technology can be the key to faster, smarter, more human organizations The importance of listening to frontline voices and creating a culture of challenge Timestamps:. 00:33 - Introduction to Peter Laughter's perspective on leadership 01:18 - Peter's background in entrepreneurship and social impact focus 02:03 - The failure of command and control in complex environments 02:46 - HR's role in creating new leadership pathways 03:18 - Fun facts: Peter's brief career as an anthropologist 04:06 - Organizations hiring anthropologists to make tech more human 06:34 - Why current HR data metrics might be missing the mark 07:13 - Redesigning data measurement for complex systems 09:24 - The importance of tracking decision-making and response times 10:36 - The concept of Hubers Syndrome and organizational blindness 11:00 - Fail-safes and organizational feedback loops 12:14 - The impact of hierarchy on information flow and decision quality 13:17 - The challenges of speaking truth to power in leadership 14:36 - Military's command flexibility vs corporate rigidity 15:04 - How frameworks and decentralization empower in decision-making 16:12 - Democratizing data and challenging old hierarchies 17:11 - The power of honesty and courage in leadership meetings 19:45 - The rise of entrepreneurial spirit sparked by workplace constraints 20:47 - When command and control fails in top organizations and why leaders are slow to react 24:10 - The changing cultural landscape and the craving for authentic leadership 27:22 - How distributed leadership models accelerate change 29:02 - Success stories of flat, autonomous organizations like Valve 33:00 - Measuring cultural shift and ethos through data 34:38 - Frontline engagement as a predictive metric for organizational health 36:25 - The critical role HR plays in shaping adaptive, resilient organizations 36:40 - Final thoughts: The urgency for HR to lead disruption and innovation Resources & Links: Valve's Handbook – Flat organization & manager-free culture Greg Sattel - Cascades – Principles of distributed leadership Turn the Ship Around by David Marquette – Leading from the point of decision Total Quality Management & Deming – Foundations for organizational excellence Jenny's Ice Cream & Zoe Schweitzer – Frontline leadership in HR Connect with Peter Laughter: LinkedIn Twitter Ready to shake up your leadership and HR strategy? It's time we move from fear-based hierarchies to trust-based, innovative organizations. The future is calling, will you answer?
These episodes of #thePOZcast, live from Transform 2026 in Las Vegas, are proudly brought to you by our friends at PIN. AI recruiting tools that automate candidate sourcing, screening, and scheduling across 850M+ profiles. Built for recruiters, agencies, and hiring teams. Learn more and check out a demo: https://www.pin.com/book-a-demo?via=adam-posner Thanks for listening, and please follow us on Insta @NHPTalent and www.youtube.com/thePOZcast For all episodes, please check out www.thePOZcast.com TAKEAWAYS: 1. Full Disconnection on Leave Is a Culture Signal, Not a Personal Choice Ariana's ability to fully disconnect during five months of maternity leave wasn't just personal discipline — it was enabled by a company culture that explicitly supports and expects it. Greenhouse has a caregiver community, respects the whole person, and understands that genuine recovery and presence during leave leads to a better return. Companies that say they support leave but create implicit pressure to stay connected are signaling something important about how they see their employees. 2. Institutional Knowledge Is the Best Return-to-Work Advantage What made Ariana's return from leave smooth wasn't a structured onboarding plan — it was nearly 11 years of context. She knew the Q4 rhythms, the relationships, the unwritten rules. For companies managing returning employees, this is a reminder that the investment in long tenure pays dividends at the most vulnerable moments. 3. The Candidate Experience Has to Be Half the Product Greenhouse's mission — make hiring work for everyone — isn't just a brand statement. It's a product design imperative that extends to the job seeker experience, not just the recruiter experience. In a market that is genuinely brutal for candidates right now, companies and platforms that design for both sides of the hiring equation will win trust from both. 4. Dream Job Signals Cut Through AI-Generated Noise Greenhouse's My Greenhouse platform — which lets candidates designate companies as dream job targets and signal genuine intent once a month — is a direct response to the noise problem created by AI mass-application tools. In a world where volume no longer equals signal, deliberate intent becomes the most valuable data point in the funnel. 5. The Market Is Shifting Toward Behavioral Hiring Over Background Matching Greenhouse is redesigning its own interview architecture around specific defined behaviors — 'make good decisions fast,' 'invent the future,' 'be entrepreneurial' — rather than experience checkboxes. The implication for candidates: the ability to demonstrate how you think and decide is becoming more important than where you've worked. Portfolio career holders take note. 6. The STAR Method Is Fully Gameable — and Everyone Knows It Traditional structured behavioral interviewing was built for a world where candidates had to recall and articulate their own experiences. AI second-screen tools have made that world obsolete. Real-time answer coaching during live interviews is happening right now, at scale, and the recruiting teams that haven't redesigned their interview approach for this reality are operating on outdated assumptions. 7. AI Offense and AI Defense Is the Most Useful Interview Framework in This Series Ariana's team ran a workshop that split into two tracks: AI defense (how do we design questions that are more AI-resistant and require genuine human judgment to answer?) and AI offense (how do we explicitly screen for AI mindset, curiosity, and capability as a positive qualification?). Both are necessary. Neither alone is sufficient. This framework is immediately replicable. 8. 'How Do You Use AI Personally?' Is One of the Most Revealing Interview Questions Right Now Asking candidates how they use AI in their personal or professional lives — not to catch them using it wrong, but to surface genuine curiosity and self-direction — is becoming one of the sharpest signals available in an interview. The candidates who have been experimenting, iterating, and developing their own AI workflows are showing you something important about how they'll operate in roles that don't yet have defined playbooks. 9. Portfolio Careers Need Behavioral Framing to Land Adam's candid share about feeling 'unhirable' after 10 years running his own business is a common experience for independent professionals re-entering corporate environments. Ariana's coaching: the shift toward behavioral hiring is actually an advantage for portfolio career holders — because the behaviors that make someone successful in an entrepreneurial context (making decisions fast, inventing solutions, operating without consensus) are exactly the behaviors companies are now explicitly hiring for. 10. The Best Conference Value Is the Hallway Conversation, Not the Session Ariana didn't attend a single formal session at Transform and still left with more actionable intelligence than most attendees. The real value — for her and for the industry — is in the one- to-one conversations between practitioners comparing notes on what they're actually building and experimenting with. Conference organizers should design more space for that. Attendees should prioritize it. CHAPTERS: 00:00 – Welcome Back: Motherhood & the Return Adam reunites with Ariana Moon — last seen 8 months pregnant — and gets the update on baby Leo, sleep training, and how a strong support village made the first year survivable. 02:30 – Taking 5 Months of Leave — Fully Disconnected What it looks like to actually step away: Greenhouse's culture of respecting leave, why full disconnection is both supported and expected, and why Ariana has zero guilt about it. 05:30 – The Timing Was Right: Checking Out During the AI Gold Rush Her leave coincided with peak AI hype saturation. Stepping away while the market worked itself out turned out to be exactly the right call. 07:30 – Coming Back After Leave: The Real Reimmersion Story How 11 years of institutional knowledge, strong internal relationships, and knowing exactly what Q4 looks like made the return smoother than it would have been for anyone else. 10:00 – What It Means to Recruit at a Recruiting Platform The unusual dual role: running a great recruiting team while also serving as a live feedback loop for the product and staying connected to how the market is evolving. 13:00 – The Candidate Experience Nobody Talks About Enough Greenhouse's mission — make hiring work for everyone — and why it has to extend beyond the recruiter to the candidate side. The market is brutal for job seekers right now. 15:30 – My Greenhouse: The Dream Job Feature How Greenhouse's B2C platform lets candidates designate dream job companies, signal genuine intent once a month, and give recruiters a quality signal in a market flooded with AI-generated noise. 18:30 – Portfolio Careers & How to Position Them Adam gets personal about feeling 'unhirable' after 10 years of entrepreneurship — and Ariana's coaching on positioning portfolio skills in a behavioral hiring market. 21:30 – Behavioral Hiring: The Shift Toward Interpersonal Skills How Greenhouse designs interviews around defined behaviors — 'make good decisions fast,' 'invent the future' — and why the shift toward behaviors over background may be the biggest structural change in recruiting right now. 24:30 – AI Killed the STAR Method. Now What? Traditional structured interviewing is fully gameable by AI second-screen tools. Ariana's team ran a workshop to directly confront this — and built something new. 27:00 – AI Offense and AI Defense: The Framework The two-part workshop: AI defense (questions that require genuine human judgment) and AI offense (explicitly testing for AI mindset and capability as a positive qualification). 30:00 – Testing for Curiosity as a Hiring Signal Why "how do you use AI personally?" is becoming one of the most revealing interview questions — surfacing genuine curiosity and self-direction rather than catching people out. 32:30 – What's Lighting Ariana Up at Transform 2026 Ariana didn't attend a single session — and that's the point. The value of Transform is the one-to-one conversations about what people are actually doing, building, and experimenting with right now. 35:00 – Connect With Ariana & the Vegas Advocate Where to find Ariana on LinkedIn — and her unexpectedly enthusiastic case for why Las Vegas is actually a great place to live.
Professor Tara Renton OBE brings four generations of dental history — and a career built on curiosity rather than ambition — to her conversation with Payman. From navigating undiagnosed dyslexia and a father who begged her not to follow him into dentistry, to becoming the first female chair of oral surgery at King's College London, her story is one of serendipity, resilience, and an almost obsessive interest in the patient behind the pain. She shares remarkable insights into orofacial pain — nerve injuries, psychosocial histories, patients whose chronic pain only begins to shift when someone finally takes the time to ask the right question — and makes a compelling case for multidisciplinary thinking in a profession she feels has been far too siloed for far too long. Sharp reflections on surgical safety, local anaesthetic technique, and the state of dental education sit alongside something warmer: a life philosophy that's disarmingly simple. Stay curious.In This Episode00:02:50 - Four generations of dentists00:06:05 - Child dental health crisis00:07:20 - New grandmother00:10:00 - Choosing dentistry00:17:05 - Serendipity over ambition00:37:15 - The juggle: three kids and a PhD00:41:00 - Bullying and misogyny in surgery00:44:45 - King's: first chair in oral surgery00:47:35 - Multidisciplinary pain clinic00:49:25 - The Iranian patient00:56:00 - Trust underpins consent01:00:00 - Classifying orofacial pain01:07:05 - When grief resolves chronic pain01:12:15 - Blackbox thinking01:17:00 - Local anaesthetic tips01:22:00 - Wrong site surgery01:25:30 - Dental student selection01:27:15 - Redesigning the dental course01:47:50 - Bruxism: rethinking the evidence01:50:15 - Fantasy dinner party01:53:45 - Last days and legacyAbout Professor Tara Renton OBEProfessor Tara Renton OBE is Emeritus Professor of Oral Surgery at King's College London Dental Institute, where she became the first female chair of oral surgery — and one of the world's leading authorities on orofacial pain and nerve injury. Over a career spanning more than 40 years, she has authored over 250 research papers, completed a PhD centred on morbidity following third molar surgery, established a pioneering multidisciplinary pain clinic at King's, and carried out extensive medico-legal work in surgical safety. She is the co-founder of the patient resource orofacialpain.org.uk.
The conversion problem is not in your ad account. It's in the gaps between your ads, landing pages, data, and unit economics.Sign up for our free CRO audit and close the gaps today: https://www.tiereleven.com/croIf your CRO agency is leading with design opinions instead of data, you're not optimizing. You're guessing. There's a critical difference between CRO that looks smart and CRO that actually moves revenue, and most businesses have never seen the real thing.In this episode, I sit down with Ned MacPherson, the Director of CRO at Tier 11. Ned built and scaled his CRO and analytics agency to 30+ people before a successful private equity acquisition in late 2023, working with brands from early-stage DTC all the way up to Fortune 50 companies. He breaks down exactly why the industry's default CRO approach is not just ineffective but can actively hurt your conversion rate.By the end of this three-part series, you'll know what the "metric on fire" framework looks like and why checkout funnel drop-off data means completely different things depending on where it happens. You'll also discover how improving your on-site conversion rate creates a compounding halo effect in your Meta and Google ad performance.In this Episode:- How to identify the right funnel metrics to drive change and maximize ROI- Real-world examples of how CRO strategies lead to huge revenue growth- Why testing different approaches is critical to uncovering what's driving conversions- Practical tips on conducting a CRO audit and interpreting website data- Incremental vs. giant leaps with CRO strategies- How integrating CRO with media buying improves ad performance- The power of qualitative direct feedback from customersListen to This Episode on Your Favorite Podcast Channel:Follow and listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/perpetual-traffic/id1022441491Follow and listen on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/59lhtIWHw1XXsRmT5HBAuKSubscribe and watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@perpetual_traffic?sub_confirmation=1We Appreciate Your Support!Visit our website: https://perpetualtraffic.com/Follow us on X: https://x.com/perpetualtrafConnect with Ned MacPherson:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nedmacpherson/Connect with Ralph Burns: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ralphburnsInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/ralphhburns/Hire Tier11 - https://www.tiereleven.com/apply-nowMentioned in this episode:We're opening up sponsorship spots for Q1 and Q2! https://perpetualtraffic.com/advertise-with-us/https://perpetualtraffic.com/advertise-with-us/https://perpetualtraffic.com/advertise-with-us/Apply for an ad spot on Perpetual Traffic for Q1 or Q2. Visit www.perpetualtraffic.com today to secure your spot!
This episode recorded live at the Becker's 16th Annual Meeting features Jeremy Stephens, Chief Human Resources Officer and Executive Vice President, Tidelands Health. He discusses workforce flexibility, predictive workforce planning, AI in HR, and how strong communication and adaptable leadership are helping Tidelands Health meet the demands of a rapidly growing region.In collaboration with Insight Global.
City leaders want to innovate, but most are stuck solving yesterday's problems with yesterday's tools. Real breakthroughs come from fundamentally changing how governments listen to communities. Host Stephen Goldsmith speaks with Dr. Francisca Rojas, executive director of the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins, about how technology and design are helping cities understand what residents actually need—and why legacy systems are the real barrier to change. In this episode, you'll learn: How Savannah used digital mapping to uncover flooding problems FEMA data missed by listening to residents Why the Maryland Community Business Compass uses AI to democratize information for small businesses How digital twins help communities imagine and approve projects like affordable housing before they're built What Baltimore learned by reframing vacant housing as both a rehabilitation problem and a prevention problem Listener Survey: bit.ly/datasmartpod Music credit: Summer-Man by Ketsa About Data-Smart City Solutions Data-Smart City Solutions, housed at the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University, is working to catalyze the adoption of data projects on the local government level by serving as a central resource for cities interested in this emerging field. We highlight best practices, top innovators, and promising case studies while also connecting leading industry, academic, and government officials. Our research focus is the intersection of government and data, ranging from open data and predictive analytics to civic engagement technology. We seek to promote the combination of integrated, cross-agency data with community data to better discover and preemptively address civic problems. To learn more visit us online and follow us on LinkedIn.
How can design education bridge the gap between global digital collaboration and local physical making? In this episode of the AIGA Design Podcast, we sit down with Bryan Clark, Head of Graphic Design at Falmouth University, to discuss why online learning is a deliberate "feature" for the modern designer, and not just a fallback.In this episode, we explore:- The Global Studio Concept: How Falmouth leverages a global cohort to create a "hybridized" professional practice environment that mirrors the modern design industry. - Geo-Tagged Making: How students build a "collective map" of physical making facilities, like bookbinding shops and 3D printing labs, in their own local cities. - Intercultural Problem Solving: Why having a student in New York solve a design challenge for someone in Mumbai is a critical skill for the 21st-century designer. - AI & Creative Curiosity: Bryan's perspective on navigating the "hot topic" of AI with a balance of healthy skepticism and fascinated curiosity. - Interdisciplinary "Surprise": A look at unique collaborations, including a project that turned typographic systems into musical compositions. About Our Guest:Bryan Clark leads Graphic Design at Falmouth University in the UK. With a career split between high-level industry practice (Pentagram spin-offs, Lewis Moberly) and design education, he is uniquely positioned to discuss where design is headed. Timestamps:0:00 – Intro to the AIGA Design Podcast & "Eyes on Design" 1:40 – Bryan's journey: From Pentagram spin-offs to Falmouth University 5:33 – Why online design education is "a feature, not a fallback." 10:45 – Designing for the 21st Century: "Design can save the world." 23:12 – The Geo-Tagged Map: Connecting global students to local making 31:11 – Interdisciplinary projects: Turning typography into music 38:07 – Facing the AI question: Curiosity over fear 50:17 – Redesigning the status quo: Food, health, and legislation Discount for AIGA members:AIGA members can receive a £1,000 GBP (approx. $1,346 USD) tuition discount on any part-time, online master's degree from Falmouth University, including their MA Graphic Design (Online). This would make total tuition over two years £11,150 (approx. $15,186).*Terms and conditions apply, contact Falmouth University for more details. MA Graphic Design (Online): online.study@falmouth.ac.uk*USD-GBP conversion accurate May 2026. Tuition fees applicable for 2026 entry.https://www.falmouth.ac.uk/study/online/postgraduate/graphic-design?utm_source=aiga&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=onlinestudy&utm_term=podcast&utm_content=newsletterThumbnail graphics by Falmouth students Dalal Elsamannoudi (center) and Tove Martens (right)This video is part of our "Eyes on Design" season, inspired by the legacy of the Eye on Design magazine. We are exploring the critical, connecting, and future lenses of design practice. Subscribe to AIGA Design for more conversations with design leaders.Leave a review or get in touch at podcast@aiga.orgWatch and subscribe to the video versions of the AIGA Design Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBsiKvJPy6IFH0oasM3T0KsGrnnLoKhSK
Rebecca Hinds, researcher, organizational designer, and author of Your Best Meeting Ever joins the Alan Briggs for a conversation that is long overdue in most, if not all organizations. Alan has threatened to write a book about meetings for years. He no longer has to. Why? Rebecca wrote it. After 15 years studying how humans communicate and coordinate at work, Rebecca brings both the research and the practical frameworks to help leaders stop letting meetings kill their culture — and start designing them as the powerful, expensive tool they actually are. If you've ever sat in a meeting wondering why you're there, or felt the creeping guilt of a calendar so packed with meetings that the real work gets squeezed into the margins, this one is for you. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why we keep having bad meetings even when we know they're not working — and the visibility bias that drives the cycle What "calendar carnage" is and why it's not just a scheduling problem — it's a fundamental communication problem Meeting Doomsday — the 48-hour calendar cleanse that forces every recurring meeting to earn its spot back Why AI is making meetings worse, not better — and the specific behaviors Rebecca is watching with alarm The danger of sending your AI bot to a meeting instead of showing up yourself — and what it signals to your team Why brainstorming is one of the most overrated meeting types — and what the research says actually produces better ideas The four dimensions of meeting minimalism: length, cadence, attendees, and agenda items Parkinson's Law and why your 30-minute meeting will always take 30 minutes — and how the rule of halves fixes it How to convert every agenda item into a verb and noun combination — and why it changes everything The one meeting most organizations are cutting that they absolutely should not be: the manager one-on-one The question great leaders are asking about AI right now — and why it's not "what can I automate?" What Rebecca hopes meetings look like five years from now — and the mindset shift that gets us there Reflection Questions: If every recurring meeting on your calendar had to earn its spot back tomorrow, which ones would survive? Are you designing your meetings for yourself as the organizer — or for the people in the room? What would you do with your time if your meetings were cut in half — and is that answer worth fighting for? Resources Mentioned: Your Best Meeting Ever — Rebecca Hinds (available wherever books are sold) Working Genius Assessment — Patrick Lencioni and The Table Group (referenced by Alan) Marco Polo — async video tool used by the H2 team H2 Leadership Coaching — h2leadership.com Want more? Visit h2leadership.com for coaching, resources, and tools to help you lead well.
Jonathan Ornelas from Success Print Shop has been in the industry long enough to have big revenue years — and still wonder where the money went. In this honest, wide-open conversation, Jonathan walks us through a brutal March 2026, what he's doing differently in April, and the mental toll of riding the shop roller coaster while balancing a young family.
Chelsea Turgeon (aka Coach Chels, MD) is a business mentor and marketing strategist for clinicians. She dropped out of OBGYN residency in 2019 and built a six figure coaching business from cafes around the world. Her expertise is designing coaching offers for clinicians who refuse to be limited by the healthcare system. As host of The $100K Healer podcast, she shares weekly trainings to help you build an offer that makes selling feel like service.Some of the topics we discussed were:Turning coaching as a fulfilling hobby to a sustainable careerThe inner journey Dr. Turgeon had to go on to have success in her businessLearning to separate self-worth from the success of your businessHow to build an offer that made selling feel like serviceThe pathway to purpose process Dr. Turgeon createdGetting past the barrier of requesting money for your servicesAnd more!Interested in learning more about my telehealth direct specialty care practice? At AmazVita MD, I help patients optimize weight and metabolic health, harmonize hormones in peri/menopause, and enhance wellness and vitality. Accepting new patients now: email amazvitamd@gmail.comLearn more about me or schedule a FREE coaching call:https://www.joyfulsuccessliving.com/ Join the Voices of Women Physicians Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/190596326343825/Connect with Dr. Turgeon:Substack Trainings:https://100khealer.substack.com/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/coachchelsmd/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ChelseaTurgeonMD/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachchelsmd
This episode recorded live at the Becker's Spring 2026 Payer Issues Roundtable features Dr. Saria Saccocio, Chief Medical Officer, Essence Healthcare discusses how clinicians are overwhelmed and how payer-provider collaboration, simplified care navigation, and AI-enabled workflows are helping improve quality, reduce costs, and strengthen member experience in Medicare Advantage.In collaboration with Hippocratic AI.
What happens when the job you moved your family for turns out to be the wrong fit? In this episode, Dr. Amy Vertrees sits down with urologist and entrepreneur Dr. Joe Pazona, founder and CEO of VirtuCare, to discuss the unexpected path from being fired to building a new model of healthcare delivery. After experiencing broken promises, loss of autonomy, and ethical conflicts inside traditional employment models, Dr. Pazona realized something many physicians quietly suspect:
Send us Fan MailWhat does leadership look like when the future of work is changing faster than schools can adapt?In this episode, Dr. Mel sits down with Dr. Albert P. DuPont, Founder and CEO of TraxMethod Consulting Group, to discuss how principals and district leaders can prepare students for an AI-driven future while leading schools with clarity and purpose. With more than 35 years in public education and district leadership, Dr. DuPont helps schools redesign learning around durable skills, career pathways, and student agency while coaching leaders to navigate change with confidence.Together, they unpack leadership in the AI era, future-ready schools, innovation, student readiness, and the importance of building capacity over dependency, coherence over complexity, and purpose over position.If you're a new principal or aspiring school leader trying to lead through uncertainty while creating meaningful opportunities for students, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to think differently about leadership and the future of education.Dr. DuPont shares practical insights on: Preparing students with durable, future-ready skills Why student agency matters more than ever Using AI tools to support leadership and decision-making Building coherence instead of overwhelming staff with complexity Redesigning high schools around career pathways and real-world readiness The mindset shifts new principals need to lead with confidence If you're a new principal, aspiring administrator, or district leader trying to balance innovation with everyday leadership demands, this episode will help you think bigger about what's possible for your school community.
Eric Collins co-founded Impact X Capital to back the founders traditional venture capital overlooks. Inspired by the "original investors" in his own life, Eric's work is driven by his belief that while talent is distributed equally, opportunity is not.In this episode - our season finale - Eric discusses his move from technology executive to investor and why he sees the racial wealth gap as a problem that can be solved through intentional capital. He reflects on the journey of Impact X portfolio company Marshmallow to unicorn status and shares the logic behind investing in the animated series Iyanu.You'll learn:- Why Impact X invests where other VC firms don't - and the data that backs its strategy- Why good ideas are distributed equally across populations, but venture capital remains stubbornly concentrated- How Marshmallow helped bridge the insurance gap for immigrants, reaching a $1.2B valuation in 18 months.---*** Help us shape the future of Made For Us! Take our 4-minute listener survey for the chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card and get instant access to our curated reading list of every book ever recommended on the show: https://forms.gle/pNyrCooa23oYsaVk7---About Eric CollinsEric Collins is a serial entrepreneur, investor, technology executive, host of award-winning Channel 4 business show, The Money Maker. In 2018 he co-founded Impact X Capital Partners, a UK domiciled VC fund that has closed 2 funds with 49 investments including Europe's 2nd Black unicorn, insurtech innovator, Marshmallow. In his award-winning book, We Don't Need Permission: How Black Business Can Change Our World (Penguin), Eric argues investing in Black and underrepresented entrepreneurs is the surest, fastest socio-economic game changer there is.Follow Eric Collins on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericdcollinsba/Learn more about Impact X: www.impactxcapital.comRead We Don't Need Permission: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/446046/we-dont-need-permission-by-collins-eric/9780552178648Learn more about the Black Literary Club: https://www.theblackliteraryclub.com/---Connect with Made for UsShow notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/madeforuspodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeforuspodcast/Newsletter: https://madeforuspodcast.beehiiv.com/Season 3 credits:Creator, producer & host: Tosin SulaimanAudio engineering: Justin Orive | Graphic design: Judith RaynaultSocial media: Shilton Freeman | Cover art: Valentin Grimoux
These episodes of #thePOZcast, live from Transform 2026 in Las Vegas, are proudly brought to you by our friends at Overalls What if your employees had one central hub to handle real life? Meet Overalls. A smarter way to support your team, combining expert human LifeConcierges™ with AI to solve everyday challenges across healthcare, caregiving, benefits, insurance, finances, life admin, and more. From start to finish, Overalls handles the details — using existing benefits where they fit, and filling in the gaps where they don't. So employees save time, reduce stress, and stay focused at work, while employers boost engagement and get more value from their benefits. Overalls is redefining how work supports life, helping employee teams from Reddit, Patreon, BeatBox, and more cross pesky to-dos off their lists every day. Learn more at https://getoveralls.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=pozcast Thanks for listening, and please follow us on Insta @NHPTalent and www.youtube.com/thePOZcast For all episodes, please check out www.thePOZcast.com TANYA E. MOORE As Chief People Officer, Tanya drives initiatives that empower West Monroe's employees and foster a high-performing, supportive culture. Tanya partners with leadership to develop the next generation of leaders, ensuring our people are fulfilled and our employee experience remains a key differentiator. Before joining West Monroe in 2023, Tanya was Chief People Officer at M.C. Dean and spent two decades with IBM, where she led award-winning programs that shaped the company's transformation. She holds an MBA in organizational development from the College of William and Mary. Outside of work, she serves on several advisory boards, including The Conference Board's CHRO Council, the William and Mary Consulting Board of Directors, and the She-Suite Board of Advisors. She is also a sought-after speaker on topics such as workforce transformation, the evolving role of HR, and leveraging AI to advance people and organizational transformation. Key Takeaways 1. Senior Candidates Should Run a Due Diligence Process, Not Just an Interview Tanya's 18-interview process wasn't excessive — it was intelligence gathering. She was evaluating CEO relationship dynamics, board influence, team readiness, and organizational appetite for change. Candidates at any level should approach interviews as a two-way assessment. 2. Know What You're Actually Looking For Before You Start As Tanya put it: smart, kind, humble people. Work she enjoys. Some fun. The clearer you are about your non-negotiables before you start a job search, the better your decision-making will be when offers come in. 3. Employee Ownership Changes the Employment Relationship With 74% of West Monroe employees holding equity in the company, the ownership mindset isn't a metaphor — it's structural. This is a genuine differentiator in total rewards and shapes how employees engage with the business and with clients. 4. Benefits Signal Culture, Not Just Compensation Tanya's view: the specific benefits matter less than what they reveal about a company's values. Organizations that invest in comprehensive, thoughtful benefits are signaling that they see employees as whole people — and that signal is what candidates are actually responding to. 5. COVID Permanently Raised the Floor on Benefits Expectations The pandemic gave people permission to stop and ask what actually matters. Flexibility, mental health support, and personalized benefits have moved from nice-to-have to expected — and companies that haven't caught up are losing candidates to those that have. 6. Open Roles Are a Hidden Employee Retention Risk Every unfilled position means someone else on the team is absorbing that work. The longer a role stays open, the more likely you are to lose another employee as a result. Time to fill is a culture and retention metric, not just a talent acquisition metric. 7. AI in Recruiting Should Eliminate Low-Value Steps, Not Human Connection West Monroe's approach to AI was surgical: identify every step in the recruiting process where technology could add value, and use it there — so recruiters can spend more time on the high- touch, high-judgment work that actually moves candidates. Automated scheduling and AI- assisted interview feedback are the easy wins. 8. Feedback Loops Are the Biggest Bottleneck in Consulting Firm Hiring Getting busy managers to interview isn't the hard part — it's getting their structured feedback afterward. Tools like BrightHire that record interviews (with consent) and auto-generate notes and scoring against the job description are solving a real, expensive problem. 9. Burnout Needs Programmatic Solutions, Not Just Resources Pointing employees to an EAP or mental health benefit isn't enough when burnout is systemic. West Monroe is exploring more customized, structured support for employees who are struggling — moving from reactive to proactive people care. 10. AI Is the Internet — Embrace It or Fall Behind Tanya's optimism about AI isn't naive — it's grounded in historical perspective. Just as nobody predicted what the internet would become, nobody fully knows where AI is going. Her advice: use it, test it, let it make you smarter. "F around and find out." 00:00 – Introduction Adam introduces Tanya Moore, CPO at West Monroe, and sets up a conversation about benefits, candidate experience, and the modern people function. 01:30 – Meet West Monroe & Tanya Tanya describes West Monroe's differentiators — quality, speed to value, client NPS — and traces her career from 20 years at IBM to her current CPO role. 04:00 – Being the Candidate: 18 Interviews Tanya shares what it was like to go through 18 interviews as a senior exec, why she didn't quit, and what she was actually evaluating along the way. 07:00 – What Senior Candidates Should Really Ask The questions Tanya asked that most candidates don't: CEO relationship dynamics, board influence and hands-on vs. hands-off style, team readiness, and what really happens when things go wrong. 10:00 – Modernizing People Ops at West Monroe, walking into an org with no succession planning and no workforce planning, and the systematic approach Tanya took to rebuild people functions from the ground up. 13:00 – Redesigning the Candidate Experience How West Monroe overhauled its recruiting workflows after adopting Greenhouse, dramatically improving time to hire, reducing cost, and elevating both candidate and manager experience. 16:00 – Time to Fill as an Employee Retention Metric Why open roles aren't just a talent problem — they're a burnout and satisfaction risk for the employees left picking up the slack. 18:30 – Employee Ownership as a Total Rewards Differentiator How West Monroe's half employee-owned model and 74% equity participation rate changes how people show up — and how it's positioned as a benefit in the recruiting process. 21:00 – Benefits Beyond the Basics From childcare and dog walking to expanded mental health support, Tanya breaks down what West Monroe offers and why COVID permanently shifted candidate expectations around benefits. 24:00 – Flex Benefits & the Future of Personalization Tanya's vision for benefits that let employees choose what matters to them — gym memberships, yoga, wellness stipends — rather than a one-size-fits-all package. 26:30 – Tackling Burnout Proactively West Monroe's evolving approach to burnout: moving beyond standard mental health appointments toward more customized, programmatic support for employees who need it most. 29:00 – AI in Recruiting: Where It's Actually Working From automated interview scheduling to BrightHire's AI-powered feedback tools, Tanya walks through specific efficiency gains that are giving recruiters more time for high-value human work. 32:00 – Getting Feedback from Busy Hiring Managers The real bottleneck in consulting firm recruiting isn't getting managers to show up — it's getting their feedback afterward. How BrightHire is solving that. 34:30 – An Optimist's Take on AI & the Future of Work Tanya closes with her big-picture view on AI — likening it to the early internet — and her direct advice to anyone still on the fence: "F around and find out."
Philip welcomes Clive Grinyer, author of Redesigning Thinking: How Service Design is Solving Our 21st Century Challenges. In their conversation they reflect on how thinking itself can be framed as a design issue, how we build care into our processes and what constitutes “doing the right thing?” The Drop – The segment of the show where Philip and his guest share tasty morsels of intellectual goodness and creative musings. Philip's Drop: Library of America Clive's Drop: Designing Hope: Visions to Shape Our Future – Sarah Housley Special Guest: Clive Grinyer.
What if the way we move is shaping the way we live — but not for the better? Join us with the authors of the new national bestselling book, Life After Cars: Freeing Ourselves from the Tyranny of the Automobile, and the hosts of the acclaimed podcast "The War on Cars" for a bold conversation about how automobiles have transformed cities, communities, and the climate — and what it might take to imagine a future beyond car dependency. Drawing on decades of advocacy, journalism, and urbanist insight, Sarah Goodyear and Doug Gordon unpack the costs of car culture — from divided neighborhoods and environmental impacts to public health and social inequity. We'll explore how transportation reform is central to building a more connected and livable society, and share stories of communities already leading the way. Featuring: Sarah Goodyear and Doug Gordon, Co-Hosts, "The War on Cars" Podcast and Co-Authors, Life After Cars: Freeing Ourselves from the Tyranny of the Automobile (Published 2025 by Thesis, An Imprint of Penguin Random House) Devayani Puranik, Mobility Development Program Director, Central Ohio Transit Authority The host is D'Laveance Bert-Sims, Board Member, Transit Columbus. This forum was sponsored by Burgess and Niple, COSI, COTA, Ian Alexander Photography, and REALM Collaborative. CMC's forum partners were The Center for Urban and Regional Analysis at The Ohio State University, Columbus Underground, and the 2026 COSI Science Festival. The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. CMC's livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was also supported by Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum. If you finish Sarah and Doug's book Life After Cars, and you'd like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our fantastic partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library also recommend reading Paved Paradise: How Parking Explains the World, by Henry Grabar (2023). This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on April 29, 2026.
Mohit Jiwnani is the Director of Talent Development at Okta. In this episode, he shares how AI is reshaping leadership development and why traditional programs may no longer be enough as the nature of work changes. During this conversation, Mohit explores how organizations can shift from teaching leadership in classrooms to enabling leaders in the flow of work by redesigning workflows, clarifying what work humans should own versus AI, and helping teams operate differently. Mohit also discusses practical approaches to AI adoption and empowering internal champions to drive change. Finally, he reflects on how leaders can embed AI into everyday moments like decision-making, coaching, and performance conversations.LinksMohit's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohitjiwnani/
Tom Duncan and Sara Shea continue their journey through Season 1 of The West Wing, this time with episodes 1.19-1.21, exploring key episodes, character relationships, and real-world issues like drug policy and political ethics. Join us as we analyze the final episodes of season one, explore character developments, plot resolutions, and predictions for season two. We also dive into personal preferences for the White House decor and reflect on presidential history.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to First Watch Rewatch02:49 Exploring Episode 19: Let Bartlett Be Bartlett05:35 Character Dynamics and Emotional Tension08:35 The Role of Leadership and Mandates11:32 Thematic Elements of Growth and Confrontation14:22 Character Development: Mandy and the Memo17:28 Political Themes: Gays in the Military and Dark Money20:07 Episode 20: Mandatory Minimums Overview23:02 Character Relationships: Toby and Andy25:42 Romantic Tensions: Josh and Joey28:22 Conclusion and Future Implications31:54 Evolving Perspectives on Drug Use37:23 The Impact of the Opioid Crisis43:06 Rehabilitation vs. Punishment49:12 The Power Dynamics of Criminalization53:33 Cognitive Dissonance in Drug Perception01:04:20 Character Development and Dynamics01:06:25 CJ's Crossroads and Character Growth01:10:09 Cohesion in Storytelling01:11:27 Setting Up for Season Two01:14:35 Guest Appearance and Future Predictions01:22:32 Driving Dynamics and Family Interactions01:23:39 Season Finale Anticipation and Rankings01:24:10 Redesigning the Oval Office01:26:47 Presidential History and Leadership Qualities01:28:38 Chester A. Arthur and Civil Service Reform01:29:58 Personalizing the Presidential Office01:31:54 Memorable Sports Moments and Their ImpactKeywords:The West Wing, political drama, drug policy, campaign finance, character analysis, TV review TV show analysis, season finale, character development, season two predictions, White House decor, presidential history
Episode Summary In this episode, we dive into a critical paradox: AI is not failing organizations—leadership systems are. While companies are using AI to produce faster outputs, many are finding that their decision-making and coordination cannot keep pace, leading to a "coordination ceiling" where more technology actually creates more friction. We explore why AI often acts as a complexity amplifier rather than a productivity tool and how high-performing leaders are redesigning their "Leadership Operating System" to turn AI into a true force multiplier. Key Discussion Points The Bottleneck of Decision Latency: AI provides insights instantly, but action is often stalled by unclear ownership, layered approvals, and risk hesitation. Organizations are slow not because they lack data, but because they lack the decision infrastructure to act on it. Escaping the "Pilot Trap": Many companies struggle because AI initiatives are fragmented and tested in isolation. Without end-to-end workflow ownership and cross-functional alignment, these pilots fail to integrate into how the business actually runs. The Hidden Shift in Employee Burnout: Modern burnout is no longer driven solely by workload; it is now fueled by ambiguity and cognitive strain. Employees face "always-on judgment" and decision fatigue as they navigate unclear accountability while reviewing AI outputs. Systemic Leadership Failures: We break down the three recurring failures in modern organizations: a lack of clear decision architecture, fragmented ownership across IT and business units, and the extreme overload placed on middle management. Redesigning for Performance: High-performing organizations focus on optimizing decision flow over workflows. They define clear escalation paths, assign end-to-end process ownership, and proactively reduce cognitive load by simplifying reporting structures. Key Takeaways for CEOs Speed of Aligned Decisions: The modern competitive advantage is no longer just speed of execution, but the speed at which aligned decisions can be made. Clarity vs. Chaos: Speed without clarity creates chaos; clarity is what creates scalable performance. AI as a Stress Test: AI is not the transformation itself; it is a stress test that reveals whether a leadership system can handle speed, complexity, and scale. Operational Discipline: The winners in the AI era won't necessarily be the most technologically advanced, but the most operationally disciplined. Final Thought A functional Leadership Operating System provides the decision clarity and operational rhythm necessary to prevent AI from amplifying dysfunction. Without it, AI will likely increase burnout and stall performance; with it, AI becomes a powerful catalyst for growth. Schedule your Leadership Operating System Diagnostic: https://BreakfastLeadership.com/LeadershipOS
The Khan Academy founder and HBS grad returns to discuss AI disruption—preparing for The Great Reskilling and challenging the status quo in instruction, assessment, and credentials.
ReDesigning Your Creative Career After 50with Philip VanDusenIf you're a creative professional over 50, redesigning your creative career after 50 isn't about starting over, it's about building resilience, relevance, and long-term leverage. In this episode, I walk you through a practical framework for career reinvention, income diversification, and staying professionally valuable in an AI-accelerated world.The Workbook Prompts:"If traditional employment became unreliable tomorrow, how else could I create value with what I know?""Which parts of my work still challenge my thinking, and which parts simply consume my energy?""What would it look like to make that guidance explicit, structured, and an 'intellectual deliverable' that I could be paid for?""List five potential, or existing income streams you could realistically develop over the next few years.""Where in my work does human context matter more than speed?""Write down the names of three people you would want in the room as you rethink, and redesign, the next phase of your career."Many experienced designers, creatives, and agency professionals discover that traditional employment becomes less reliable later in their careers. Ageism, shifting business models, global competition, and AI-driven automation are reshaping the creative industry. Instead of chasing employability, I'll show you how to build resilience, intellectual deliverables, multiple income streams, and a network that actually supports your next chapter.This is a guided workshop for experienced creative professionals who want clarity, stability, and long-term career insurance.If you're serious about redesigning your career with intention, explore BONFIRE, my mastermind community for experienced creatives navigating this exact transition.BONFIRE: Mastermind Community for Creative Proshttps://philipvandusen.com/bonfire________________________________WEBSITEhttps://www.philipvandusen.comBRAND•MUSE NEWSLETTER https://www.philipvandusen.com/museCREATIVE PROFESSIONAL COACHINGhttps://philipvandusen.com/oneononeYOUTUBEhttps://www.youtube.com/philipvandusenBRAND DESIGN MASTERS PODCAST https://podcast.branddesignmasters.com/subscribeBRAND STRATEGY 101 COURSEhttps://philipvandusen.com/bs101LINKEDINhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/philipvandusen/THREADShttps://www.threads.net/@philipvandusen FACEBOOKhttps://www.facebook.com/philipvandusen.agency/____________________________Philip VanDusen is a branding consultant based in New York. A highly accomplished creative executive and expert in brand strategy, graphic design, marketing and creative management, Philip provides design, branding, marketing, career and business advice to creative professionals, entrepreneurs and companies on building successful brands for themselves and the clients and customers they serve.
The head of a social service provider is nervous about what might happen once its contract moves under the Social Investment Agency.
A/B testing your landing page with 12 visitors. Building a custom e-commerce platform when you haven't made your first sale. Redesigning your app three times before launch because it doesn't look like Apple. If any of this sounds familiar, Justin Abrams and Mike Rispoli, co-founders of Cause of a Kind, have some hard truths for you. Join hosts Nick Paladino and Chuck Moxley as we explore what happens when you have 12,000 visitors a month instead of 12 million. Justin and Mike introduce brilliant basics: stop trying to innovate and just play the greatest hits. Use Shopify templates, use Webflow, don't build custom solutions like you're a billion-dollar brand when you're not. They don't talk about failure, they talk about data collection. These two have been friends since they were 15, tried building software for a decade, failed a lot, before finally building an agency because their network kept asking them to do what they're actually good at. Justin's thesis: follow opportunity instead of your passions. Stop fighting the universe and listen to where opportunities come from. Mike's framework: marry the problem but date the solution. The founders who succeed stay flexible on how they solve it, not what they're solving. And they break down the maturation journey: certain businesses aren't mature enough for nuanced analytics. If you're just starting, measure session duration, page consumption, click paths and not tiny conversion funnel optimizations.Key Actionable Takeaways:Play the greatest hits until you have meaningful traffic - Use Shopify templates for e-commerce or Webflow for B2B sites rather than custom builds; you can't AB test landing pages with no traffic, and trying to innovate before validation wastes time and moneyFeatures are friction for startups - Each additional feature confuses your marketing story, elevator pitch, and user flows; solve one problem extremely well before adding capabilities, and resist the urge to redesign before you have user dataManually shepherd early users and measure different metrics - With low traffic, watch screen recordings, talk to individual users, measure session duration and click paths rather than conversion funnels; find your first-dollar metric (like Facebook's seven connections) and optimize getting users there fasterWant more tips and strategies about creating frictionless digital experiences? Subscribe to our newsletter! https://www.thefrictionlessexperience.com/frictionless/Download the Five Step Site Speed Target Playbook: http://bluetriangle.com/playbookCause of a Kind: https://causeofakind.com Strictly From Nowhere Podcast: https://www.causeofakind.com/strictly-from-nowhere Justin Abrams' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cuzzinjustin/ Mike Rispoli's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-rispoli-cto/ Nick Paladino's LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/npaladino Chuck Moxley's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckmoxley/Chapters:(00:00) Introduction(03:10) Starting Cause of a Kind(05:26) Failed ventures (08:15) Failing fast(09:36) Enterprise vs. startup friction(11:20) Porsche on Toyota budget(13:14) Non-technical founder empathy(14:30) Every brand is a tech company(15:55) Marry problem date solution(17:15) Craigslist as UX example(18:16) Brilliant basics explained(22:00) Manual user validation process(24:43) When measurement matters(26:47) Onboarding flow friction(29:10) First dollar metric(30:00) Successful journeys beyond conversion(33:36) Home Depot mobile vs desktop(36:33) Attribution challenges(38:26) Vibe coding and AI tools(41:02) Discipline and resource deployment(44:15) Features are friction(46:17) Conclusion
A conversation with Kirsten Karchmer“What happens in society when we restore women to their full, embodied selves?”Kirsten Karchmer is a reproductive health expert with over 20 years of experience helping women navigate fertility challenges.Having been diagnosed with MS in her early adult life, Kirsten experienced major improvement through Chinese medicine principles - which highlighted a focus on treating the whole system, rather than the diagnosis alone.Combining the wisdom of Eastern and Western medicine philosophies with modern technology, Kirsten is using data, AI pattern matching, and holistic health principles to educate women and alleviate symptoms of PMS, PMDD, endometriosis and more.It's time to redesign women's healthcare.—We spoke about why precision medicine is all about individualized diagnosis and targeted intervention, why current policymakers are not advocating for women - they're advocating for a political agenda, how the Conceivable app combines data points with virtual care teams to uphold women's health, and why her blueprint for positive, practical menstrual education will remove shame from the equation!Follow me on Instagram and Facebook @ericfethkemd and checkout my website at www.EricFethkeMD.com. My brand new book, The Privilege of Caring, is out now on Amazon! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CP6H6QN4
What if the way we've designed our cities… is quietly making us sick, disconnected, and alone? In this deeply thought-provoking conversation, Darin sits down with Tony Cho, visionary developer and pioneer of regenerative placemaking, to explore how our built environments shape everything from our mental health to our sense of belonging. From his unconventional upbringing on a spiritual commune to transforming Miami's urban core, Tony shares a powerful perspective on what's broken in modern society, and how we can redesign it. This episode dives into the collapse of true community, the hidden dangers of suburban life, and the urgent need to move beyond sustainability into true regeneration, where nature, culture, and human connection are at the center of how we build the future. What You'll Learn Why modern cities are fueling a global loneliness epidemic The difference between sustainability and true regeneration How urban design directly impacts your mental and physical health The three pillars of regenerative placemaking: nature, community, culture Why suburbia may be the "American nightmare" How community is more important than biohacking for longevity The role of nature in healing stress, anxiety, and disconnection Why scaling cities isn't the answer: local design is How "third spaces" are disappearing and why they matter The future of cities built for human connection instead of profit Chapters 00:00:03 – Opening: creating a roadmap to a SuperLife 00:00:32 – Sponsor: Fatty15 and the importance of cellular health 00:01:03 – The discovery of C15 and why it matters for longevity 00:02:12 – How cellular health impacts energy, aging, and metabolism 00:03:16 – Why C15 may be a missing nutrient in modern diets 00:04:06 – Returning to the episode 00:04:14 – Introducing Tony Cho and regenerative placemaking 00:04:43 – Tony's origin story: growing up on a spiritual commune 00:05:09 – The three pillars: nature, community, and culture 00:05:28 – Designing cities for connection and human health 00:06:11 – Starting the conversation: shared passions and purpose 00:06:34 – Life in an interfaith ashram and communal upbringing 00:07:14 – The impact of early spiritual discipline 00:08:17 – Leaving home and rebelling against structure 00:09:21 – The psychology of restriction and rebellion 00:10:18 – Discovering identity through independence 00:11:09 – Moving to Argentina and radical life shifts 00:11:51 – Being cut off and forced into self-reliance 00:12:42 – Entering nightlife and building a new life 00:13:11 – Transition into real estate and entrepreneurship 00:13:33 – Discovering the creative class in Miami 00:14:23 – Building community through urban revitalization 00:15:16 – Wynwood's rise and global cultural impact 00:15:37 – When success destroys authenticity 00:16:06 – The birth of regenerative placemaking 00:16:44 – The design flaw of modern cities 00:17:11 – Tribal living vs modern urban life 00:18:20 – Can community be designed at scale? 00:19:15 – Why regeneration is not about scaling 00:20:10 – The importance of place-based design 00:20:56 – The 15-minute city concept 00:21:17 – How cities became optimized for cars 00:21:49 – Sponsor: non-toxic cookware and health impacts 00:23:35 – The "American nightmare" of suburbia 00:24:07 – How built environments damage health 00:24:29 – Predatory design: food deserts and systemic issues 00:24:50 – Rethinking capitalism and city design 00:25:10 – Lessons from walkable, human-centered cities 00:25:34 – Technology, AI, and increasing disconnection 00:25:57 – Loneliness as a public health crisis 00:26:25 – The disappearance of "third places" 00:26:52 – Why community is the foundation of longevity 00:27:14 – The biology of human connection 00:27:43 – Nature access and urban happiness 00:28:27 – Redesigning cities for connection 00:28:49 – Regenerative housing and future living models 00:29:14 – Innovations in materials and construction 00:29:37 – Learning from nature's intelligence 00:29:56 – The failure of modern systems 00:30:30 – Regeneration beyond politics and ideology 00:30:51 – Measuring a city by health, not profit 00:31:12 – Infrastructure that fosters community 00:31:34 – The healing power of nature 00:32:00 – Forest bathing and science-backed wellness 00:32:22 – Reconnecting with biodiversity 00:32:57 – Awareness vs destruction of ecosystems 00:33:30 – Living in harmony with nature 00:34:10 – Closing reflections on designing a better future 01:13:00 – Final thoughts and outro Thank You to Our Sponsors Our Place: Toxic-free, durable cookware that supports healthy cooking. Get 40% off sitewide at fromourplace.com/DARIN. Fatty15: Get an additional 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit by going to fatty15.com/DARIN and using code DARIN at checkout. Join the SuperLife Community Get Darin's deeper wellness breakdowns — beyond social media restrictions: Weekly voice notes Ingredient deep dives Wellness challenges Energy + consciousness tools Community accountability Extended episodes Join for $7.49/month → https://patreon.com/darinolien Find More from Tony Cho Website: tony-cho.com Discover Tony's Future of Cities Instagram: @tonycho YouTube: Watch Now Buy Tony's New Book: Generation Regeneration Find More from Darin Olien: Instagram: @darinolien Podcast: SuperLife Podcast Website: superlife.com Book: Fatal Conveniences New Show: Roadmap to Happiness Key Takeaway "We didn't just accidentally become disconnected—we designed it that way. And if we designed it, we can redesign it. The future of human health, happiness, and longevity isn't in more technology—it's in rebuilding connection: to each other, to our communities, and to nature itself."
A few years into your business, something shifts. The model that got you here starts to feel like it's holding you back - but changing it feels far riskier than building it ever did. In this episode, Anna Lundberg unpacks exactly why redesigning an established business is harder than starting one from scratch, and what to do about it. Key takeaways Past decisions become constraints - The offers and structures that built your reputation can trap you in a model that no longer fits, even when walking away feels too risky. More at stake means more resistance - The fear of disrupting income, client commitments, and a hard-won reputation isn't irrational. But letting it freeze the redesign entirely is where the real risk lies. Identity is the hidden blocker - A few years in, the business isn't just something you do - it's become part of who you are. Real redesign requires separating your identity from your business model before you can change either. Tweaking is not redesigning - Adjusting prices, redoing the website, and shifting messaging can all feel like progress without ever touching the structural issue underneath. Start with one room, not the whole house - Pick the single change that would make the biggest difference - who you work with, what you charge, or how you deliver - and work on that before touching anything else. Book a free call with Anna at onestepoutside.com/call to explore what a redesign could look like for your business.
Bill Briggs, CTO of Deloitte, shares findings and advice for Chief Information Officers (CIOs) from the 2026 TechTrends report: 93% of enterprise AI spending goes to technology and tooling, while only 7% of funding goes to culture, change management, and learning. Briggs explains why this imbalance drives failed pilots and runaway costs, and what leaders should do about it.
John Finkelde led a Perth church through three decades of growth before handing over the reins at 58, not because he was done, but because he'd been planning well ahead. In this warm and wide-ranging conversation, John shares how a moment behind the wheel watching a sunset shifted his entire perspective on ageing, and why he's traded the word "retirement" for something far more life-giving: redesign. From taking 72 flights in his first year of consultancy to inviting pastors to sit with him for a beachside sunset, John's journey is a masterclass in pivoting with purpose and grace. Whether you're in your 30s and haven't given your latter decades a second thought, or you're already navigating the go-slow season and wondering what's next, this episode is for you. John talks candidly about building a multi-book series on healthy church leadership, launching a YouTube channel, the unexpected gift of a serious illness, and why he believes the wisdom accumulated over a lifetime is far too valuable to be parked in a fishing chair. His faith, his humour, and his hard-won insights make this one of those conversations that stays with you long after you've finished listening. WEBLINKS Grow a Healthy Church Die with Zero by Bill Perkins
I. The Crisis of Brittle Workflows The Pilot Problem A 2025 MIT study found that 95% of generative AI pilot projects fail to produce measurable bottom-line impact. Workflow Misalignment Most failures are not technical. They happen because organizations try to bolt AI onto fragile, outdated workflows that were never designed for machine collaboration. The Success Factor Companies that successfully implement AI are three times more likely to redesign their workflows instead of simply adding tools. Intentional Design Meaningful business impact comes from intentionally redesigning work, not installing another plugin. II. The Rise of Agentic AI: From Tool to Collaborator What is Agentic AI? Agentic AI moves beyond simple assistants. These systems have memory, reasoning capability, and a degree of autonomy. The Observe-Plan-Act Model Agentic systems operate through three capabilities: Observe – gather context and signals Plan – evaluate options and determine actions Act – execute tasks across systems and platforms A Shift in Mindset The real opportunity appears when organizations stop treating AI as a tool and start treating it as a collaborator inside workflows. The Strategic Blueprint Instead of automating broken processes, organizations must rethink workflows from first principles and redesign them for human-AI collaboration. III. The Leadership and Culture Mandate AI and Burnout Prevention Used correctly, AI should reduce friction and cognitive overload, not simply increase expectations for productivity. Restoring Cognitive Bandwidth When AI handles administrative triage and repetitive tasks, leaders and teams regain bandwidth for: judgment creativity relationship building strategic thinking Culture as Infrastructure AI transformation fails when culture is ignored. Leaders must treat culture as core infrastructure, or they create what can be called culture debt, where technology outpaces trust and alignment. Support vs Surveillance AI itself is neutral. Leadership intent determines whether AI becomes: a support system that enables better work, or a surveillance system that erodes trust. IV. New Roles and Human-AI Complementarity Emerging Roles The AI era is already creating new positions, including: AI Workflow Architects Human-AI Collaboration Coaches Algorithmic Ethics Officers Human-AI Complementarity The strongest teams combine human judgment and values with machine precision and scalability. Cognitive Augmentation AI enhances core cognitive functions: Reasoning – consistency engines that reduce decision bias Memory – institutional knowledge repositories Attention – anomaly detection across massive datasets V. Real-World Case Studies JPMorgan Chase Their COiN AI system analyzes commercial loan agreements and saves an estimated 360,000 hours of legal review annually. PwC Using coordinated teams of AI agents, PwC reports productivity gains of: 40% in finance functions 50% in IT operations Mayo Clinic AI tools now automate laboratory processes, improving quality and helping labs handle rising testing volumes amid workforce shortages. Executive Takeaways Leadership effectiveness drives AI success. Research suggests 47% of AI transformation outcomes depend on leadership, not technology. AI must create margin, not simply increase demand on employees. Organizations that redesign workflows for human-AI collaboration unlock the real value of AI. By 2027, twice as many executives expect AI agents to make autonomous decisions within workflows compared to today. Schedule your Executive Diagnostic here: https://www.breakfastleadership.com/executivediagnostic
#270: Chris and Amy discuss lessons from three ski trips with kids, using AI to redesign rooms on a budget, their favorite new gadgets, navigating high-deductible health plans, and more. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/ski-trips-ai-home-design-health-finances-amy Partner Deals NetSuite: Free KPI checklist to upgrade your business performance Gelt: Skip the waitlist on personalized tax guidance to maximize your wealth Trust & Will: Get 20% off personalized, legally binding estate plans DeleteMe: 20% off removing your personal info from the web Upwork: Free job posting to find, hire, and pay top freelance talent For all deals, discounts, and promo codes from our partners, visit:chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Ski & Travel Epic Pass Woodward Vrbo Kirkwood Etekcity Luggage Scale AI Tools Gemini Claude ChatGPT Nano Banana Google Sites Bee Limitless Pendant Wispr Flow Deep Personality Home Gadgets Skylight Aura Frames Paprika Ratio Eight Series 2 Baratza Forté™ BG Health & Wearables Oura Ring WHOOP (← 1 month free) One Medical Blueberry Pediatrics (← $100) Money & Finance Mercury Copilot Money (free 2 months access with code HACKS2) ATH Podcast Ask Chris Anything! Newsletter #237: How to Design a Rich Life at Any Income with Ramit Sethi #268: Stop Planning, Start Experimenting: A Science-Backed Approach to a Better Life with Anne-Laure Le Cunff Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@allthehacks.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (00:55) The Lost Clothes Disaster and A Surprisingly Good Outcome (14:30) What Ski Trips Are Really Like With Kids (15:06) This Ski Season vs. Last Ski Season (18:14) Smarter Ways To Book Houses for Ski Travel (19:03) How To Save Money on Checked Bags for Ski Trips (19:37) A Shoutout to the New Delta Sky Club in Terminal 2 (20:07) When It's Better To Drive Instead of Fly (21:42) How Amy Has Been Redesigning Rooms in the House (23:22) Why AI Is Such a Powerful Tool for Home Design (23:54) Amy's Step-by-Step Process for Redesigning a Room With AI (25:02) The AI Tools Amy Used and What Each One Did Best (29:51) Using AI To Find Better Furniture Ideas (32:38) How Much Money AI Saved vs. Hiring a Designer (34:18) New House Gadget: The Skylight Calendar (36:25) Why We Love the Ratio Coffee Machine Gen 2 and the Baratza Grinder (39:50) Oura Ring vs. WHOOP Band (42:53) Bee, Wearable AI, and the Future of Personal Memory (50:30) What It Looks Like To Integrate AI Deeply Into Daily Life (54:22) What We Learned Switching to a High-Deductible Health Plan (01:03:11) Best Practices for Combining Finances as a Couple Connect with Chris Newsletter | Membership | X | Instagram | LinkedIn Editor's Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of "Scouting for Growth," Sabine VanderLinden welcomes Florian Graillot, founding partner at Astorya VC, for an in-depth conversation about the evolving landscape of risk management and insurance innovation. The discussion explores how risk management is shifting from static predictions to adaptive strategies designed for tomorrow's uncertainties, emphasizing the rise of the “frontier firm”—organizations that continuously learn, adapt, and act in real time. Florian Graillot shares insights from his experience investing across insurtech, cyber, climate risk, and financial fraud, highlighting the increasing importance of technology, data, and AI. Together, Sabine VanderLinden and Florian Graillot discuss the structural advantages Europe may hold in building AI-native, trust-driven business models and the critical role of agent-human collaboration in future risk management. They address the challenges faced by incumbents—including talent acquisition, cost efficiency, and profitable growth—and consider what distinguishes great founders in the frontier firm era. KEY TAKEAWAYS This episode underlines that risk management is no longer about controlling yesterday's uncertainties but engineering resilience for tomorrow. I was struck by Florian Graillot's argument that insurance leaders must rethink the entire risk value chain—not just the insurance segment—but encompassing prevention, risk assessment, capital efficiency, and claims. Simply layering AI onto legacy workflows isn't enough; true transformation requires intention, an openness to external partnerships, and a clear ROI focus. It's clear to me that embracing AI isn't “optional practice"—it's existential. Organizations that experiment vigorously and collaborate with tech-first ventures gain a competitive edge, especially as emerging risks outpace traditional data models. Europe's more measured regulatory approach, sometimes critiqued as cautious, actually presents an opportunity to build trust-by-design, ensuring AI is explainable and aligned with both ethics and end-customer value. Ultimately, the essence of any successful frontier firm lies in clarity of vision, a readiness for real change, and a focus on trust between leaders, employees, and customers. As the industry shifts, those who can articulate and measure technology's value, while empowering agent-human teams, will undoubtedly shape the risk landscape of the future. BEST MOMENTS "Risk management is no longer about predicting yesterday's risk. It is about designing for tomorrow's uncertainty." "Either you consider emerging risks as a threat and retreat from the market, or you leverage technology to build resilience. That resilience is the optimistic side of the challenge." "The perfect founding team is a blend of technology expertise and deep industry knowledge—you need both to create real value in insurance." "If you expect big figures tomorrow morning, it will not work... But if you are ready to take more time and invest accordingly, innovation can deliver real and very nice results." "In the end, technology doesn't remove risk. It actually reveals our choices." ABOUT THE GUEST Florian Graillot is the co-founder and founding partner at Astorya VC, one of Europe's most influential venture capital firms focused on early-stage insurtech, risk, and regulatory technology. With 15 years of tech investing experience—ten of them specializing in insurtech—Florian Graillot has an unparalleled vantage point on the evolution of the insurance and risk landscape. He is passionate about backing founders who are redefining resilience, tackling climate, cyber, and financial fraud with cutting-edge data and algorithms, and reshaping how risk is owned and governed across enterprises. ABOUT THE HOST Sabine VanderLinden is a corporate strategist turned entrepreneur and the CEO of Alchemy Crew Ventures. She leads venture-client labs that help Fortune 500 companies adopt and scale cutting-edge technologies from global tech ventures. A builder of accelerators, investor, and co-editor of the bestseller The INSURTECH Book, Sabine is known for asking the uncomfortable questions—about AI governance, risk, and trust. On Scouting for Growth, she decodes how real growth happens—where capital, collaboration, and courage meet. If this episode sparked your thinking, follow Sabine VanderLinden on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram for more insights. And if you're interested in sponsoring the podcast, reach out to the team at hello@alchemycrew.ventures
In this episode, Emily sits down with education leader, school founder, and author Chris Balme to completely reframe how we view the middle school years. Rather than treating early adolescence as a miserable phase to simply muddle through, it's a period of profound neurological transformation and peak human potential. Redesigning educational environments for neurodivergent students, by prioritizing smaller, consistent advisory cohorts and scaffolding executive function, creates a safer, more engaging culture for everyone. Other topics include the activation of the "social brain," why a baseline of belonging must be established before academic achievement can occur, and how traditional middle school structures often inadvertently fight against a student's natural developmental drives. TAKEAWAYS Middle school is a period of rapid cognitive and social development that requires specific developmental maps, not lowered expectations. A balanced and healthy social brain provides a secure sense of belonging, which is a biological imperative. Structuring middle schools to support neurodivergent learners enhances psychological safety and improves the educational baseline for the entire student body. Middle schoolers possess a highly attuned radar for authenticity and are skeptical of artificial relevance, like busywork. Objective, real-world responsibilities massively boost a middle schooler's maturity and self-efficacy. Mental health professionals, join us for our next live 90-minute CE training, Inherited Neurodivergence: Supporting Parents' Identity Journeys, featuring presenter, Dr. Amy Marschall. The event is Friday, March 6 at 2:00 pm Eastern/11:00 am Pacific. It's approved for continuing education through the American Psychological Association and the National Board of Certified Counselors. If you can't make it live, you can still register for the self-study version. Chris Balme is an education leader, writer, and school founder dedicated to helping young people unlock their human potential. He currently serves as Co-Principal at Hakuba International School and is the Founder and Director of Argonaut, an online advisory program supporting middle schoolers around the world. Chris is an Ashoka Fellow, recognized for his leadership as a changemaker in education. He is the author of two books: Finding the Magic in Middle School, written for parents and teachers, and Challenge Accepted, written directly for middle school students. Through his work, writing, and international speaking and training, Chris continues to inspire more human-centered, transformative approaches to education. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife and three children. BACKGROUND READING Chris's website, Instagram The Neurodiversity Podcast is on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, and you're invited to join our Facebook Group. For more information go to www.NeurodiversityPodcast.com. If you'd like members of your organization, school district, or company to know more about the subjects discussed on our podcast, Emily Kircher-Morris provides keynote addresses, workshops, and training sessions worldwide, in-person or virtually. You can choose from a list of established presentations, or work with Emily to develop a custom talk to fit your unique situation. To learn more, visit our website.
On today's episode, Andy travels to Austin to visit with Ways2Well founder Brigham Buhler at his Longevity Lab lab to discuss the search for the genetics secrets to eliminating chronic disease and how some species seem to live forever. They dig into why how the field is practiced today often leave patients without real answers, and why Buhler believes a more preventative, patient-focused approach could change that. Change Agents is an IRONCLAD Original Chapters: (00:00) Intro (02:08) Redesigning the Clinic: Making Healthcare Fun (07:10) How Insurance & PBMs Broke the Medical System (14:42) Big Pharma's War on Compounding & Telemedicine (18:22) Why Your Doctor Is Trapped in a Broken System (21:18) Ways2Well Tour: 80s Nostalgia & UV Murals (30:52) The Opioid Crisis & Brigham's Origin Story (38:25) Fighting the FDA & The Illusion of Surgical Safety (43:47) What Are Peptides & Why Pharma Wants Them (48:22) ALLEN: The Ways2Well AI Health Assistant (52:14) Debunking Medical Myths: Testosterone & HRT (58:16) Wearables & The Future of Proactive Health (01:10:57) Inside the Lab: Stem Cells, Red Light, & Hyperbaric Oxygen (01:17:48) Next-Level Detox: Blood Filtration (IBU) & Ozone Saunas (01:20:25) Gene Editing & The Future of Human Evolution Sponsors: Firecracker Farm Use code IRONCLAD to get 15% off your first order at https://firecracker.farm/ GHOSTBED: Go to https://www.GhostBed.com/IRONCLAD and use code IRONCLAD for an extra 15% off sitewide. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/change-agents-with-andy-stumpf/id1677415740 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3SKmtN55V2AGbzHDo34DHI?si=5aefbba9abc844ed Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Robinhood's co-founder reveals the brutal reality of surviving an 80% market crash, going "founder mode" to cut corporate bloat, and what actually happened during GameStop. Vlad Tenev is the co-founder and CEO of Robinhood. Not only did he navigate the unprecedented GameStop crisis, but he completely re-engineered the fintech giant to thrive. He breaks down the brutal transition from bloated hyper-growth to a lean machine, why a "juicy falsehood is more powerful than a boring truth", and the 3 distinct phases of AI integration separating the winners from the dead. Believe it or not, GameStop was not his hardest moment. ----- Approximate Timestamps: (00:00) The Unprecedented Crisis (00:33) The Truth About GameStop (09:30) Why False Narratives Win (10:39) Surviving an 80% Market Crash (16:02) Firing the Nice Founder & Going Founder Mode (24:25) Rules for High Performance (28:50) The Young Talent Advantage (35:13) First Principles Storytelling (39:07) 3 Phases of AI Integration (50:03) Building AI That Reasons (01:02:59) Fixing Private Market Access (01:20:04) Deciding What to Build Next (01:22:05) Surviving 1800% Inflation (01:31:22) How Robinhood Makes Money (01:39:51) Redesigning the Modern Bank (01:47:47) The Definition of Success ----- Check out Vlad: https://investors.robinhood.com/management/vlad-tenev https://www.linkedin.com/in/vlad-tenev-7037591b/ ------ Newsletter: The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it's completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter ------ Follow Shane Parrish: X: https://x.com/shaneparrish Insta: https://www.instagram.com/farnamstreet/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-parrish-050a2183/ ------ Thank you to the sponsors for this episode: +Granola AI, The AI notepad for people in back-to-back meetings: https://www.granola.ai/shane Check out the Granola Notes +Download The League App today and find your perfect match! https://click.theleague.com/qmhm/0vdzsmj5 +Shopify: https://shopify.com/knowledgeproject +.tech domains: Nothing says tech like being on .tech https://get.tech/ And a Big shout out to Wouter Teunissen who prepared a book on Robinhood that helped me prepare! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What happens when AI moves from a standalone tool to a teammate that works inside the flow of your organization? In this episode, I'm joined by Mick Hodgins, General Manager for EMEA at Notion, to explore how the idea of a connected AI workspace is reshaping the way teams collaborate, make decisions, and measure productivity. With a career that includes more than a decade at Google scaling growth across multiple countries, Mick brings a unique perspective on what it takes to build technology businesses across diverse markets and why this moment in AI feels fundamentally different from previous waves of innovation. We talk about Notion's journey from a flexible, block-based collaboration platform to an AI-native workspace where context is the real differentiator. Mick explains why AI performs better when it understands how work actually happens, and how embedding agents directly into shared workflows allows teams to move from prompting tools to orchestrating outcomes. From automated reporting and knowledge management to self-improving agent loops that learn from their own performance, the conversation brings to life how organizations are already using AI to remove the "work around the work" and focus on higher-value thinking. A major theme throughout the discussion is return on investment. In a world where many companies are still stuck in pilot mode, Mick shares how leaders can reframe ROI around productivity, speed, and the elimination of repetitive tasks rather than treating AI as a single project with a fixed payback period. We also explore how roles, org structures, and hiring priorities are beginning to shift as agents become extensions of team capability rather than experimental add-ons. Because Mick leads the EMEA region, we also dive into the differences in adoption between the US and Europe, from regulatory considerations and cultural attitudes to the growing strength of the European startup ecosystem. It's a balanced view that recognizes both the caution and the creativity emerging across the region. This is ultimately a conversation about friction. What happens to an organization when coordination overhead disappears, when reporting builds itself, and when knowledge stays current without human intervention? So as AI agents move from novelty to infrastructure, are businesses ready to redesign how work gets done, and what becomes possible when teams stop managing tasks and start compounding impact?
In this episode of Scouting for Growth, Sabine VanderLinden welcomes Gil Arazi—a serial entrepreneur, executive, and leading insurtech investor—to explore the urgent transformation taking place in insurance. Gil Arazi argues that the industry's traditional role of simply paying claims post-loss is outdated and that prevention is the new north star for sustainable growth. Their conversation dives into why insurance must shift from risk transfer to risk mitigation, what the future holds as data, AI, and even quantum computing disrupt business models, and how prevention can actually drive profit—not just avoid cost. Gil Arazi introduces The Spark, a not-for-profit initiative designed to help insurers decrease systemic risk and increase societal resilience through practical collaboration, not empty innovation theater. KEY TAKEAWAYS Reflecting on my conversation with Gil Arazi, several themes truly stood out, affirming both the urgency and opportunity for true transformation across insurance. First, it's clear that insurance cannot remain content with its legacy of paying claims post-loss. We are entering an era where prevention, not just remediation, is imperative—technological advancements, from AI to quantum computing, now offer insurers the tools to anticipate and prevent systemic risks, fundamentally altering their value to customers and society. The model must evolve from chasing losses to proactively reducing risk, and this shift is not just about cost efficiency, but empowering profitable growth through enhanced customer retention and relevance. In building The Spark as a nonprofit prevention lab, Gil Arazi emphasized a collective responsibility: by leveraging data, domain expertise, and increasingly mature technology, we—insurers, partners, and innovators—can bridge the protection gap and act as genuine “protection architects.” This vision requires us to move beyond innovation theater and toward real operational enablement, where execution trumps experimentation. The challenge, however, is not just technological—it is cultural and emotional. Building trust across competitors demands we fall in love with solving the problem, not just owning the solution. Clear boundaries and shared vulnerabilities create the foundation for meaningful collaboration on the risks no single entity can control alone. BEST MOMENTS “The insurance industry needs to move from reacting to the claim ... to proactive prevention of this damage or systemic risk.” “The only way insurance can be actually successful and sustainably profitable is by being biased.” “Technology will predict risk, but humans will decide what to do with it. Algorithms are very good at probability, but they're terrible at responsibility.” “Do something good for humanity and for yourself. If you can't measure your impact by the loss that never happened, you're just optimizing the decline.” “The real revolution isn't technological anymore. It is emotional, it is behavioral, and it is strategic.” ABOUT THE GUEST Gil Arazi is recognized as an insurance industry disruptor and visionary. He's the founder and managing partner of Fintlv Venture Capital—a top insurtech VC fund with close to $1 billion invested globally—and the founder of The Spark, a purpose-driven, not-for-profit global prevention lab. With a career spanning nearly 30 years, including executive leadership, board roles, and serial entrepreneurship in insurance, Gil Arazi has first-hand insight into the industry's pain points and future opportunities. His work focuses on shifting insurance from loss-payout to loss-prevention, leveraging technology and collaboration to build resilience and drive growth. LinkedIn ABOUT THE HOST Sabine VanderLinden is a corporate strategist turned entrepreneur and the CEO of Alchemy Crew Ventures. She leads venture-client labs that help Fortune 500 companies adopt and scale cutting-edge technologies from global tech ventures. A builder of accelerators, investor, and co-editor of the bestseller The INSURTECH Book, Sabine is known for asking the uncomfortable questions—about AI governance, risk, and trust. On Scouting for Growth, she decodes how real growth happens—where capital, collaboration, and courage meet. If this episode sparked your thinking, follow Sabine VanderLinden on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram for more insights. And if you're interested in sponsoring the podcast, reach out to the team at hello@alchemycrew.ventures