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192 afleveringen, van nieuw naar oud
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Ethical Strategies for Startup Leaders to Avoid Growth Hacking with Andy Budd
6 november 2024 · 47 min
Mastering venture capital and ethical growth is essential for startup success. Today’s guest, Andy Budd, shares insights from his journey as Founder and CEO of Clearleft, Venture Partner at SeedCamp, and Founding Member of Adobe’s Design Circle. Andy has evolved from a designer to an investor and advisor, bringing a focus on ethical growth practices and high-impact startup development. Lees meer
As the author of The Growth Equation, Andy draws on over 20 years of experience to help companies achieve product-market fit and sustainable growth. His work with SeedCamp and other startups focuses on behavioral science and ethical growth strategies to build resilient, user-centered businesses.
In this episode, host Barry O'Reilly explores Andy’s approach to venture capital, leadership, and how his design roots influence his support for founders.
Key Takeaways:
The Transition from Design to Venture Capital: Andy shares his journey from designer to venture capital partner, highlighting the unique insights that his design background brings to his work with startups.
The Importance of Humility in Leadership: Andy emphasizes the value of hiring individuals who excel in areas beyond one’s own expertise, fostering a team culture of shared growth and continuous improvement.
Supporting Startups Through Challenges: Known for working closely with startups facing obstacles, Andy describes how his collaborative approach helps companies pivot, adapt, and ultimately thrive.
Ethical Growth Over “Growth Hacking”: Andy discusses the significance of ethical growth practices, contrasting them with conventional “growth hacking,” and focusing on strategies that promote sustainable and user-centered growth.
Additional Insights:
The Influence of Behavioral Science in Product Development: Andy explains how understanding human behavior enhances product design and growth, encouraging founders to integrate behavioral science for more meaningful user engagement.
The Role of Patience and Empathy in VC…
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Building Relationships to Recruit the World’s Best Talent with Michael A. Morell
23 oktober 2024 · 38 min
Mastering executive search and building lasting business relationships are essential for successful transformations. Today’s guest, Michael A. Morell, shares insights from his journey at Riviera Partners, a top executive search firm, and as a former member of the Technology Advisory Board at Bridgewater Associates. Lees meer
Michael A. Morell is the Founder and Managing Partner of Riviera Partners, with over two decades of experience in executive search. After starting his career in technology, a poor interview experience sparked his idea to create a better approach to recruiting. Today, Michael and his team help tech companies make high-stakes hires, transforming how top talent is identified and placed in Silicon Valley and beyond. Riviera Partners continues to deliver executive search solutions for some of the most innovative companies around the world.
In this episode, host Barry O’Reilly explores Michael’s approach to executive recruitment, the importance of patience in relationship-building, and how Riviera Partners leverages technology to deliver consistent, high-quality results.
Key Takeaways:
The Power of Patience in Relationship Building: Michael shares why patience is critical in executive search and enterprise sales, where building strong, lasting relationships can lead to long-term success.
Consistent Delivery of High-Quality Experiences: Michael emphasizes how consistent, positive experiences set Riviera Partners apart, explaining how a focus on quality service helped them build a reputable brand in executive recruitment.
The Role of a Clear Vision: Michael discusses the importance of a simple and clear company mission that empowers employees to make decisions aligned with the company’s values.
Adapting to Technological Advances: As technology has evolved, so has Riviera Partners. Michael shares how the firm leverages data and technology to enhance the recruitment process and provide better insights for clients.
Additional Insights:
Learning Through Exp…
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Leading A Top 10 Transformation of the Decade at DBS Bank with David Gledhill
9 oktober 2024 · 38 min
Driving innovation in technology and business transformation demands visionary leadership, seamless integration of business and tech strategies, and a willingness to take risks. Today's guest, David Gledhill, exemplifies these qualities as he shares his experience leading DBS Bank through a remarkable digital transformation and beyond. Lees meer
David Gledhill is a seasoned technologist and business leader. As the former Group Chief Information Officer at DBS Bank for over 11 years, he spearheaded the bank’s technology and transformation efforts, building a high-performance culture and integrating technology into the core of the business strategy. Under his leadership, DBS achieved global recognition for its digital transformation, and David’s journey has been featured in Harvard Business Review as one of the top global transformations. After his time at DBS, David held a senior role at Lloyds Banking Group, further enhancing his expertise in large-scale transformation. He is now a non-executive director at companies like Singapore Airlines and serves as a senior advisor to McKinsey & Company.
In this episode, host Barry O'Reilly invites David to discuss his leadership journey, from reshaping the technology at DBS to embracing a digital-first strategy. David offers insights on making tough decisions, aligning business with technology, and leading organizations through massive change.
Key Takeaways:
Technology as a Strategic Driver: David emphasizes the shift from viewing technology as a support function to recognizing it as a core driver of business strategy. He explains how leading with a digital-first mindset can unlock new growth opportunities.
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Bold Decision-Making in Leadership: David shares the importance of making tough decisions early in leadership roles. He describes how scrapping failing projects and resetting strategies allowed DBS to pivot successfully.
Building a High-Performance Culture: David highlights the significance of creating a culture where busi…
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Bridging Tech and Healthcare with Richard Lennox- Former COO & Current Health and Senior Director at Skyscanner
25 september 2024 · 36 min
Leadership in technology and operations requires a strategic focus on scaling businesses, empowering teams, and driving innovation. Today's guest, Richard Lennox, exemplifies these qualities as he shares his journey from leading Skyscanner through rapid growth to scaling healthcare innovation at Current Health. Lees meer
Richard Lennox is an experienced technologist and business leader. As Senior Director at Skyscanner, he led the company’s engineering and operations teams through a pivotal period of scaling, focusing on high-performance teams and continuous delivery. After Skyscanner’s successful exit, Richard transitioned to COO at Current Health, where he helped scale the business, focusing on home healthcare delivery through technology. His leadership experience spans multiple industries, making him a valuable mentor and guide for those navigating startup growth and innovation.
In this episode, host Barry O'Reilly invites Richard to discuss his journey, from his early days at Skyscanner to his role at Current Health. Richard provides insights into scaling startups, the importance of data-driven decision-making, and the operational challenges of growing high-performance teams.
Key Takeaways:
Customer Value at the Core: Richard emphasizes the importance of focusing on delivering customer value in all areas of business, whether in technology or healthcare. Customer needs should drive product development and operational strategies.
Scaling High-Performance Teams: Richard discusses how growing from small teams to larger, cross-functional squads allowed for better alignment with business goals at Skyscanner. He shares the challenges and successes of implementing a squad model to foster accountability and autonomy within teams.
Rapid Decision-Making: Making fast decisions and knowing when to reverse them is critical to maintaining agility in a growing company. Richard stresses the importance of empowering teams to make decisions based on data and customer outcomes.
Holis…
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Transforming Government Procurement: Paola Santana’s Vision for G-Commerce | Founder at E-Government Innovator
11 september 2024 · 49 min
Leadership in government and technology requires not only innovative thinking but also a deep commitment to public service. Today's guest, Paola Santana, exemplifies these qualities as she shares her journey from law and politics to becoming a trailblazer in government technology. Lees meer
Paola Santana is a lawyer, public procurement expert, and serial tech entrepreneur who is revolutionizing government systems. As the founder and CEO of Glass, she is pioneering G-commerce, a new way for governments to procure goods and services. Her prior experience includes co-founding Matternet, a company leading the way in drone logistics networks. Under her leadership, Matternet worked with the White House, U.S. Congress, and NASA to establish the first U.S. drone regulations, leading to the first drone delivery platform authorized for permanent operations over a populated city.
In this episode, host Barry O'Reilly invites Paola to discuss her remarkable journey, from her early career in law and government to her groundbreaking work in technology. Paola offers insights into the challenges and opportunities of transforming public systems through entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of agility, data-driven decision-making, and the crucial role of small businesses in economic development.
Key Takeaways:
Holistic Approach to Innovation: Sustainable change in government systems requires integrating public and private sector strategies, emphasizing agility, and leveraging technology.
The Importance of Small Businesses: Small businesses are the backbone of economic development. Empowering them through government procurement can lead to more dynamic and effective public services.
Procurement as a Catalyst: Effective procurement is essential for materializing government initiatives. It's not just about contracts; it's about ensuring that public funds are spent in ways that truly reflect the needs and priorities of the community.
Embracing Technology: The future of procurement li…
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Brand Safety & Platform Integrity at Spotify, TikTok and Google with from Dave Byrne
28 augustus 2024 · 48 min
Leadership in digital ecosystems requires a commitment to safety, trust, and ethical practices. Our guest today, Dave Byrne, founder of Trust Raise and a member of the Irish Digital Board, shares his journey from major tech giants to establishing a company dedicated to improving the integrity of digital platforms. Lees meer
Dave Byrne has had an illustrious career, holding significant positions at Google, TikTok, and Spotify, where he spearheaded initiatives in brand safety and platform integrity. Now, as the founder of Trust Raise, he focuses on helping smaller companies navigate the complex landscape of digital safety. His work is driven by a deep commitment to creating ethical digital ecosystems that prioritize user needs and improve industry standards.
Host Barry O'Reilly invites Dave to discuss his career journey, the challenges of maintaining digital safety in a rapidly evolving industry, and the inspiration behind founding Trust raise. Dave shares valuable insights into the importance of adaptability, the evolving role of AI in digital safety, and how smaller companies can leverage his expertise to build safer digital platforms.
Key Takeaways:
Resilience Through Failure: Early career setbacks can teach invaluable lessons about humility, perseverance, and the importance of continuous effort.
Navigating Global Teams: Success in a fast-paced, global environment requires strong relationships, effective collaboration, and the ability to work across different time zones and cultures.
Overcoming 'Golden Handcuffs': Comfort and security in large tech companies can sometimes hinder innovation. Pushing oneself out of the comfort zone is crucial for personal and professional growth.
AI’s Potential in the Workplace: AI has the potential to enhance productivity and creativity. Those who leverage AI effectively will be at the forefront of industry innovation.
Additional Insights:
Personal Reflections on Failure: Dave shared how an early career setback taught him invaluable…
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Cracking The Code For A Career in Cyber Security with Former FBI Special Agent Dave Mahon
14 augustus 2024 · 43 min
Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field that requires continuous learning, adaptability, and a deep understanding of both the technological landscape and human behavior. Today’s guest, Dave Mahon, a seasoned cybersecurity expert with extensive experience in both the private and public sectors, shares his journey from the FBI to leading global cybersecurity efforts in the corporate world. Lees meer
Dave Mahon served as a Senior Advisor for Deloitte, where he was instrumental in developing and executing strategies to safeguard information, technologies, and data. Prior to Deloitte, he was the Global Chief Security Officer for CenturyLink, now Lumen Technologies, and also served as a Special Agent for the FBI, focusing on federal crimes involving cyber threats, terrorism, and more. In this episode, Dave discusses the critical thinking skills he developed over his 20-year career in the FBI and how he applied them in the private sector to tackle emerging cybersecurity challenges.
Host Barry O'Reilly invites Dave to explore his career journey, the lessons he learned, and the importance of mentorship, team building, and strategic thinking in cybersecurity. The conversation delves into the nuances of transitioning from public service to corporate leadership, the evolving nature of cyber threats, and how businesses can better prepare for future challenges.
Key Takeaways:
The Importance of Adaptability in Cybersecurity: As technology and business models evolve, so do the tactics of adversaries. Cybersecurity professionals must continuously adapt to stay ahead.
Holistic Approach to Cybersecurity: Successful cybersecurity strategies involve not just technical defenses but also understanding the motivations and methods of adversaries.
Mentorship and Leadership: Effective leadership in cybersecurity requires understanding the diverse skills and motivations of team members, providing the right guidance, and fostering a culture of continuous learning.
Corporate Culture and Cybersecur…
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How Teamwork Drives Success with Rob Smedley, Founder of Smedley Group
31 juli 2024 · 46 min
Innovation and Inclusivity in Motorsports are about breaking barriers, fostering innovation, and making the sport accessible to all. Today's guest, Rob Smedley, founder and CEO of the Smedley Group, shares his journey from Formula One engineer to entrepreneur, revolutionizing the motorsport industry. Lees meer
Rob Smedley is known for his work with top Formula One teams like Ferrari and Williams. Using data technology to drive innovation, Rob has now embarked on a new venture to create a global karting league, making motorsports accessible to a wider audience. His career is marked by his commitment to innovation and his belief in the potential of young talent.
Host Barry O'Reilly invites Rob to discuss his path from a disengaged student to a top engineer and now an entrepreneur. Rob shares valuable lessons on embracing discomfort, committing to goals, and continuously innovating. The conversation highlights the importance of inclusivity in motorsports and the exciting future of the Global Karting League.
Key Takeaways:
Embracing Discomfort: Success often involves stepping out of your comfort zone and committing to figuring things out as you go along.
Innovation Culture: True innovation requires a willingness to make mistakes and learn from them. Companies must create environments that foster this mindset.
Making Motorsports Accessible: The Global Karting League aims to democratize motorsports by significantly reducing costs and complexity, making it accessible to a wider demographic.
Building High-Functioning Teams: Success in both engineering and entrepreneurship involves surrounding yourself with high-functioning individuals and creating a synergistic team environment.
Continuous Learning: Whether in the pit or in the boardroom, continuous learning and adaptation are crucial for sustained growth and success.
Additional Insights:
Personal Journey: Rob's unconventional path from a disengaged student to a top engineer and entrepreneur highlights the importance of pe…
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Scaling The Heights of Human Performance with Annastiina Hintsa, The CEO of Hintsa Performance
17 juli 2024 · 38 min
Leadership is about embracing sustainable practices, fostering continuous improvement, and aligning personal values with professional goals. Today's guest, Annastiina Hintsa, CEO of Hintsa Performance, shares her insights on achieving peak performance in both business and sports. Lees meer
Annastiina Hintsa is the CEO of Hintsa Performance, a world-leading evidence-based coaching company that helps top athletes and business professionals achieve sustainable success. Driven by science and guided by people, their methods have been tested in some of the most challenging business and sporting environments. Annastiina's journey began with her father, Dr. Hintsa, whose pioneering work with athletes like Haile Gebrselassie laid the foundation for their holistic performance model. Annastiina has expanded this legacy, working with over 50% of Formula One drivers and Fortune 500 CEOs, ensuring they reach and maintain high performance.
Host Barry O'Reilly invites Annastiina to discuss her journey and the impact of Hintsa Performance. From her early involvement in the company to her leadership role today, Annastiina shares valuable lessons on balancing professional and personal well-being. The conversation covers the holistic nature of high performance, integrating physical activity, nutrition, mental energy, and more. Annastiina emphasizes the importance of defining personal success and maintaining perspective through life's challenges.
Key Takeaways:
Holistic Performance: Sustainable high performance involves a balance of physical activity, nutrition, sleep, mental energy, general health, and biomechanics.
Defining Success: Personal success should be clearly defined, considering who you are and what you want beyond professional achievements.
Maintaining Balance: Regularly scheduling recovery and downtime, both on a macro (yearly vacations) and micro (daily detachment rituals) level, is crucial for long-term success.
Perspective and Resilience: Building resilience through multip…
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Leading with Servant Leadership and Gratitude ft. John Marcante, Vanguard’s former CIO
3 juli 2024 · 36 min
Leadership is about embracing the process of unlearning outdated practices, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and aligning your team with visionary goals. Today's guest, with his esteemed 29-year tenure at one of the largest asset managers in the world, Vanguard, shares how he successfully navigated this journey. Lees meer
John T. Marcante is a renowned technology and business executive with expertise in digital transformation, business strategy, financial planning, and cybersecurity. He is the US CIO in Residence at Deloitte, providing strategic guidance to clients and leadership.
Previously, John was the Global CIO at Vanguard, where he led digital transformation and drove growth to $9 trillion. He modernized Vanguard's technology and promoted an inclusive workplace. He also developed Vanguard’s global advice platform, making financial planning accessible to millions.
John has contributed to the WSJ CIO Journal and Harvard Business Review. His awards include Business Insider Top 50 CIOs and ORBIE CIO of the Year. He holds degrees from The Pennsylvania State University and Saint Joseph’s University.
Host Barry O'Reilly invites John to share his journey at Vanguard and beyond in leadership, culture transformation, and gratitude. Inspired by his father's legacy in technology, John discusses how he aligned tech with business goals at Vanguard. Barry highlights John’s approach to direct client engagement and open feedback. They also explore John’s commitment to servant leadership, maintaining company values, and his future goals of mentoring new leaders and giving back to the community. This episode offers personal insights into what drives effective leadership with gratitude.
Key Takeaways:
Leadership and Transformation: Transformations should align technology initiatives with business goals, led by C-suite executives.
Servant Leadership: Building a culture of servant leadership is crucial for successful transformations.
Client Engagement: Direct client fe…
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How AI is Transforming Startup Investment Decisions with William Carbone, CEO & co-founder of Evalify
19 juni 2024 · 35 min
AI is transforming the world, and William is working on how IP is impacted in an AI world… Lees meer
William Carbone is an AI expert, former IBMer, and now a seasoned entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in aerospace, quantum computing, and AI.
At IBM, William’s main focus was to identify opportunities, driving business & technology strategies and roadmap for the industries worldwide. He led the Business Development for IBM's Global Automotive, Aerospace & Defense industries.
Currently, William is the CEO and co-founder of Evalify, a flagship venture under Nobody Studios, and the CEO and co-founder of The Adjacent Possible. He also serves as the Program Director for the Master in AI at the Rome Business School (RBS) and advises the European Commission as a senior consultant. From creating an innovation studio to developing cutting-edge tools for intellectual property assessment, His work spans Quantum, Spacetech, AI, and various domains.
In this episode hosted by Barry O’Reilly, William discusses his journey, including his transition from corporate life and the transformative experiences that shaped his entrepreneurial path. He delves into the practical aspects of innovation and intellectual property, offering advice on navigating these complex areas. This episode is packed with insights for anyone looking to improve their approach to entrepreneurship and understand the value of mental health in the process.
Key Takeaways from the episode include:
Entrepreneurial Journey: The transition from corporate life to entrepreneurship involves significant rewiring of the brain and requires navigating uncharted territories with curiosity and resilience.
Parallels with Music: William's self-taught journey as a pianist highlights the importance of playfulness and self-expression, which he parallels with the creative process in entrepreneurship.
Innovation and IP Assessment: William discusses the development of a tool that evaluates the patentability and intellectual …
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Who Does What By How Much with Josh Seiden
5 juni 2024 · 38 min
The definition of success can change everything. Properly defined, you have an agile organization where each team member can contribute fully. Poorly defined, you have stagnant teams and users that don’t like the products. In this episode of the Unlearn Podcast, host Barry O'Reilly sits down with Josh Seiden, a sought-after designer, strategy consultant, and coach. Together, they explore the importance of understanding user behavior, how that behavior can be translated into goals, and how company alignment on Outcomes and Key Results can drive business outcomes. Lees meer
Josh Seiden has collaborated with top-tier brands such as PayPal, Johnson & Johnson, and 3M. His expertise lies in launching and building innovative products and services, as well as fostering agile and entrepreneurial mindsets within organizations. He is the author of “Outcomes Over Output” and co-author of “Who Does What By How Much,” "Sense and Respond," and "Lean UX," all cementing his reputation as a thought leader in the field of user-centered design and business strategy.
When User Experience Became Design
We know now that understanding how users will experience a product is a critical part of designing a new product, but back in the 90’s when Josh began his career in the industry, it was a radical idea. "A friend told me, 'We’re hiring designers here,' and I laughed, 'Why are you telling me this? I’m not a designer.' But that thing you’re doing here, we call that design," Seiden recalls. This unconventional designation became an entire industry, and his unconventional path to it meant he brought a unique perspective to the field of user experience design. Barry notes that this is a story that gets told again and again on the Unlearn podcast; that the conventional wisdom on how to find or become an expert is often wrong.
Don't Forget Why You’re Building What You’re Building
Barry points out that companies often measure things like the speed of production, but forget to measure the consumer behav…
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How to Build a Venture Studio with Ben Yoskovitz, Founding Partner at Highline Beta
22 mei 2024 · 40 min
Accelerator, Incubator, Venture Capital, Venture Studio? There are a lot of ways to get a new startup off the ground. Ben Yoskovitz, founding partner at Highline Beta, joins Barry O'Reilly on this episode of the Unlearn Podcast to talk about exactly that, and Ben shares insights into the world of venture studios, discussing his journey from founding Year One Labs, a venture studio before there were venture studios, to establishing Highline Beta. Ben's expertise in creating and scaling startups provides a unique perspective on the dynamics of venture studios and the strategies for success in the startup ecosystem. Lees meer
Trend Towards More Startups
You always learn the most from failure, and in sharing the difficulties he had with Standout Jobs in the late 2000’s, Ben highlights the importance of building things that people actually want. By applying Lean Startup principles and working with some incredible entrepreneurs, what he was really doing was learning how to build products and companies more effectively. Failure after failure isn’t fun, but being willing to share what you learn can help you create something incredible. “Founders do need to hear from other founders. you know, sometimes you need a shoulder to lean on,” Ben says, “and that might not be a blog post, or a podcast, that might be actually talking to another human.”
Understanding the Inflection Points
How do you make an entrepreneur panic? Tell them they’re locked into a single idea for 25 years. Barry notes that “this idea of pursuing multiple ideas in different domains, but doing it in parallel…” lets the multi-passionate and the multi-skilled create value. Ben talks about the difficulty in working with corporate partners and investors when building startups, because they’re not speaking the same language, and the same challenges keep happening again and again - this was the impetus to find a better way to create new companies. The same challenges kept happening at the same inflection points, which me…
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Overcoming the Illusion of Innovation with Elliott Parker, CEO of High Alpha Innovation
8 mei 2024 · 39 min
The innovative spirit of startups is one of their strengths, something that seems to disappear as a company matures. Does it have to be that way? In this episode of Unlearn, host Barry O’Reilly is joined by Elliott Parker, CEO of High Alpha Innovation, who is an expert in corporate innovation and entrepreneurship. Together, they explore how corporations can regain the innovative spirit of startups to drive growth and transformation, and it begins with changing how they think about traditional metrics and strategies. Lees meer
Elliott Parker is a seasoned entrepreneur with a deep-rooted passion for innovation and problem-solving. With a background in working for large corporations and witnessing firsthand the power of entrepreneurship in his family, he brings a unique perspective on the intersection of startups and established companies.
Unlearning to Achieve Big Objectives
In a rapidly evolving business landscape, the ability to unlearn traditional practices and embrace new ways of thinking is crucial for fostering innovation and staying ahead of the curve. Elliott's experience with disruptive events like the collapse of a well-established company highlighted the importance of taking control of fate and exploring alternative paths, even if they involve risks. Elliott seeks to challenge conventional wisdom and to be open to new approaches, so that organizations can adapt to change, drive growth, and seize opportunities that may not have been apparent before.
Nature's Innovation Process vs. Corporate Innovation
What can organizations learn from the Amazon jungle? Resilience and innovation. Elliott shares how companies can draw inspiration from nature to drive creativity and problem-solving. By emulating the decentralized, bottom-up approach to innovation seen in natural ecosystems, businesses can encourage experimentation, embrace uncertainty, and uncover novel solutions to complex challenges. Just as diverse organisms in the jungle adapt and thrive in response to constra…
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The Power of Fractional Leadership with Renee Hawkins
24 april 2024 · 37 min
What problem are you trying to solve? Is it even the right one? In this episode of Unlearn, host Barry O’Reilly is joined by Renee Hawkins, a skilled technology and transformation practitioner. Together, they discuss problem solving, aligning business strategies with purpose, and how to pivot your organization successfully. With practical tips on networking, market research, and seeking advice, Renee offers a roadmap for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact in the business world. Lees meer
Renee Hawkins, a technology and transformational practitioner with over 25 years of experience, brings a wealth of knowledge from her time at Thoughtworks and her current role as a fractional COO. Renee's approach of asking for help, networking, and continuous learning serves as an inspiration for aspiring fractional leaders.
The Influence of Thoughtworks and Roy Singham
During his time at Thoughtworks, Roy Singham was a visionary leader who influenced Renee’s entire approach to business. Roy led with purpose and kept social justice and inclusivity top of mind, which made Thoughtworks an incredible organization, internally and externally. When you take time to study the impact of influential leaders like Roy, you can gain insights into creating a culture that drives innovation and fosters a sense of purpose among your team.
Transforming Business Models
To deal with the challenges and leverage the opportunities of changing a business model, you need to ensure that your team, operations, and value stream are consistent with the new goals of your business. When you divide the transformation process into achievable steps and concentrate on urgent needs, you can manage complicated changes and prepare your company for success.
Building Effective Communication Strategies
Communication is essential for keeping teams on the same page and achieving business outcomes. Renee values storytelling, honesty, and frequent updates as ways to keep everyone updated and involved. By using effectiv…
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The Thriving Team Playbook with Dom Price, Work Futurist at Atlassian
10 april 2024 · 45 min
They say those who don’t learn from the past are doomed to repeat it. As true a statement as it is, it’s missing one crucial element. If you never confront the reality of the present and get to the heart of why you are where you are, you won’t be able to unlearn the habits that got you there in the first place. In this episode of Unlearn, Barry O’Reilly talks with Dom Price, Work Futurist at Atlassian, who shares insights on facing the reality of the present, unlearning outdated practices, and embracing new ways of working to drive meaningful change and growth in organizations. Lees meer
Dom's early work experience started in London at Deloitte, where he spent three years as an accountant. His job left him unfulfilled and passionless, but that all changed over sushi. Don’s boss at Deloitte offered him the opportunity to work in either New York or Sydney. Despite the allure of New York's size and boldness, Dom chose Sydney for its smaller team environment, where he could have a more hands-on, full-stack experience. This decision marked the beginning of a diverse and interesting career journey that eventually led him to Atlassian.
Embracing Reality and Unlearning Past Practices
Dom highlights the importance of facing the honest reality of the current situation in organizations. When leaders truly acknowledge where they are today, they can pay homage to the past while also identifying areas that need to be unlearned or improved. Not only will this allow those leaders to eliminate what is holding an organization back, it will also shine the light on what is exceptional and should be elevated. Taking this approach will help break away from average practices and strive for continuous improvement.
Collaboration Over Silos
Barry and Dom discuss the significance of breaking down silos within organizations to foster better collaboration and communication. This begins with recognizing that the entire company runs day to day on the hundreds of small tasks that require input from ev…
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Blockchain and the Future of Decentralized Societies with Anne Connelly, Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Expert
27 maart 2024 · 35 min
How well would you fare in the high-stakes world of blockchain and cryptocurrency? Could you navigate the complexities of decentralized technology and its potential to revolutionize society? In this episode of Unlearn, Barry O'Reilly sits down with Anne Connelly, a blockchain expert passionate about leveraging technology to transform lives in emerging economies. Lees meer
As a faculty member at Singularity University and Boston University, who has also lectured at Oxford University, Anne teaches about how blockchain can enable us to redesign the foundations of society . She is also the author of "Bitcoin and the Future Fundraising," a guide that guides charities on how to accept crypto donations. Anne shares her journey from the nonprofit sector to the world of crypto, highlighting the importance of risk-taking and unlearning traditional structures to embrace innovation.
Embracing Risk and Making Tough Decisions
Anne's journey into the blockchain space began with a pivotal decision to forgo a promotion in the nonprofit sector for a career in an emerging industry. She reflects on the momentous choice she made, stating, "I would rather try and fail than never have tried at all." Even in the face of extreme uncertainty, there are times to take a risk and be open to new opportunities. Anne's story serves as a reminder that sometimes the path less traveled can lead to unexpected and fulfilling outcomes. As she navigated the decision-making process, Anne's willingness to embrace uncertainty and step outside her comfort zone ultimately propelled her toward a path of innovation and growth.
Transformational Experiences at Singularity University
Anne's experience at Singularity University's Global Solutions Program marked a turning point in her understanding of the potential of technology to address global challenges. She discusses the fusion of her passion for social impact with the innovative solutions offered by technology. Anne believes in rethinking the traditional approache…
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Tech Nuggets with Daniel Henry, former Global CTO at McDonald's
13 maart 2024 · 35 min
Would you be willing to take on mission critical, make or break projects as your career? How would you handle the challenges that arise from situations like bankruptcies and mergers while managing the extreme pressure that comes from such high stakes? Lees meer
Daniel Henry doesn’t just take on high stakes projects as they arise. He actively seeks them out. Daniel’s fascinating career has spanned EDS, American Airlines, and most recently, CIO at McDonald’s. He has gained invaluable insight in building teams, developing leadership, and taking on hard things to help you grow. And one of the best insights he offers is how to make big problems small.
Embracing Simplicity in Problem-Solving at Large Companies
In the realm of large corporations, the ability to simplify complex problems is a crucial skill. Daniel emphasizes the significance of breaking down overwhelming challenges into smaller, more manageable tasks, so that teams can navigate the complexities of technology and business transformation. His advice to "make the problems really small" serves as a valuable strategy for initiating progress and innovation within large organizations.
The Importance of Working on Mission-Critical Projects
Engaging with mission-critical projects can be a defining factor in one's career growth and development. Daniel reflects tackling projects that have the potential to make or break a company, which helped him resilience and leadership skills. His advice to focus on the most critical tasks resonates with the idea of continuous learning and self-improvement.
Building and Leading High-Performance Teams
High-performance teams are a cornerstone of success in any organization. Daniel highlights the importance of aligning team members with a clear purpose to drive collaboration and goal achievement, and the type of leadership that will get them there. When you embrace the critical role of purpose-driven leadership and foster a shared understanding of objectives and strategies, you’re able …
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Leadership Transformation Mindset Advice with Sabrina Braham
28 februari 2024 · 42 min
What was your biggest personal transformation? More importantly, who helped you achieve it? Read this blog and episode of the Unlearn Podcast for top leadership transformation mindset advice from a world-class leadership coach. Lees meer
Sabrina Braham is an executive coach, mastermind group leader, author, and leadership and career development expert with almost three decades of experience, but she nearly walked away from that journey before it ever began. What kept her going? A teacher who was more like a coach. He encouraged and believed in her, which helped her completely transform what she thought about herself and her future. And now, Sabrina does that for others.
There’s a reason that 97% of all CEOs in the United States have coaches for leadership transformation mindset advice. Asking for feedback is a powerful tool for personal growth and development. Embracing the discomfort of asking questions can lead to valuable insights, accelerated learning, and improved decision-making.
Embracing Growth Mindset and Overcoming Self-Doubt
We all have moments that transform us. For Sabrina, it was when her psychology teacher refused to let her quit and had her enroll in the most difficult classes. "He totally believed in me," she reflects. This experience sparked a shift from self-doubt to a growth mindset, and the encouragement helped her see and embrace her full potential. Often, a big part of transformation is identifying the self-imposed limitations we have created, and Sabrina’s journey from uncertainty to academic excellence is an inspiring example of how a single act of faith from another can catalyze our growth and help us transcend our perceived barriers.
The Power of Asking for Feedback
Many of us live in a precarious balancing act every day: personal turmoil, parenthood, entrepreneurship, partnership. Sometimes we need the voice of clarity to help us make sense of it all. But first, we need to ask that voice to speak. Asking for feedback is not a sign of weaknes…
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Purpose, People, Performance, Partnership with James Williams
14 februari 2024 · 33 min
What if success isn't about being the best but about continuous improvement? Lees meer
Global executive James Williams shares his journey from leading Olympic campaigns to empowering startups and teaching MBA students. Discover how his focus on performance, purpose, partnerships, and people has shaped his career and why he believes that embracing discomfort is the key to personal and professional growth.
Now, as an advisor at Nobody Studios and a mentor to the next generation of marketers, James shares his insights on personal growth and the art of embracing new challenges with purpose and performance in mind.
Success isn't a straight climb to the top; it's about the courage to be imperfect and the grit to improve, even if it means stepping off the peak to explore new paths.
Embracing Improvement Over Winning
James emphasizes the importance of focusing on personal and professional improvement. "Fundamentally, it's not about winning. It's about improving. And that's what I mean by performance." The conversation delves into the concept of continuous learning and the mindset of always striving to get better.
James shares his personal experience of realizing that success isn't always about being the best but rather about making incremental improvements. By embracing improvement as the ultimate goal, individuals can foster a growth mindset and continuously push themselves to reach new heights.
The Power of Teamwork and Overcoming Personal Challenges
Dyslexia was a major challenge for James, especially since he grew up in a hypercritical environment. He highlights the value of teamwork and collaboration: "If I work with a bunch of people, there are certain things I'm not very good at. And there are some things I'm very good at. And if I can build those balances, then it doesn't mean I'm constantly trying to hide that I can't spell or say things like that."
Embracing strengths and weaknesses is transformational, and by recognizing and honoring the strengths of each team me…
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From Code to Climate with Adrian Cockcroft
31 januari 2024 · 55 min
How can the lessons learned from a childhood of tinkering and a career influenced by tech visionaries like Bill Joy and Andy Bechtolsheim guide us toward a more sustainable future for technology? Lees meer
We’re joined today by Adrian Cockcroft, a trailblazer in cloud architecture at Netflix and a proponent of open source at Amazon Web Services, who is now channeling his expertise into the vital cause of sustainability in cloud computing.
Adrian shares his journey from the early days of building computers to his influential roles in shaping the tech industry and how these experiences have informed his current focus on sustainability.
Together, we can build a future that is not only technologically advanced but also environmentally responsible.
Early Career Experiences and Influence
Adrian shares the experiences that shaped his professional life, especially his time at Sun Microsystems, and the influence of visionaries like Bill Joy and Andy Bechtolsheim. He discusses the power of thinking into the future and anticipating trends.
"It was clear [Bill] lived five years in the future... that was one of those inspiring moments." This experience alone highlighted the significance of forward-thinking and the impact it can have on shaping one's career trajectory. It serves as a reminder to embrace curiosity and explore emerging technologies and trends, as they can lead to groundbreaking opportunities and shape the future of industries.
The Power of Putting Ideas Out There
Sharing ideas can be transformational. Adrian and Barry, both authors, discuss the importance of writing and publishing, which goes beyond the unique experience of writing a book or the influence it has on the readers. It also shapes and influences their own organizations. Being open and vulnerable might be difficult, but the rewards are priceless.
“Everyone should write a book. It's 10 times harder than you think." Putting your ideas out there helps you overcome self-doubt and fear of judgment and embrace…
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The Provocative Power of Imperfection with Connie Kwan
17 januari 2024 · 28 min
Connie Kwan is a seasoned product and marketing expert with over two decades of experience in a variety of fields. During her time at Microsoft and Atlassian, she honed her skills in simplifying complex concepts and navigating ambiguous situations with powerful questions. She’s currently putting those skills to work as the Chief Product Officer at Nobody Studios. Connie joins Barry O’Reilly to delve into the concept of unlearning perfectionism in the professional world, how to balance perfection and practicality, and how letting go of the former can lead to more authentic and effective communication on all fronts. Lees meer
Embracing Imperfection and Building Connections
In a world obsessed with perfection, Connie illuminates the paradoxical beauty of imperfection. She shares, "being ‘not perfect’ builds connections," highlighting a profound unlearning process. The pursuit of flawlessness often leads to isolation, whereas embracing our raw, unpolished selves can foster genuine connections. Connie's journey from a perfectionist mindset to one that values authenticity serves as a powerful testament to the humanizing effect of imperfection in both personal growth and professional collaboration.
The Importance of Learning What to Ignore
Connie recounts a pivotal piece of advice from her mentor at Atlassian: "You'll learn what to ignore." This new perspective on setting priorities helped Connie transition from absorbing every detail to mastering the art of strategic ignorance. This shift is not about negligence but about honing the ability to sift through the deluge of data and focus on what matters. Connie and Barry underscore the significance of discernment in leadership and the power of letting go to achieve greater impact.
Transitioning to Open Collaboration
Connie shares her vastly different experiences at Microsoft, a traditional ‘buttoned up’ company, and at Atlassian, who valued transparency at every stage. She had to adjust to sharing her works in progress publi…
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The Future of Education with Sahra-Josephine Hjorth
3 januari 2024 · 39 min
Sahra-Josephine Hjorth, co-founder and CEO of CanopyLab, joins Barry O'Reilly on this episode of the Unlearn Podcast to explore the interconnectedness of different skills, fields and interests. Sahra’s career has spanned diplomacy, startups, creating social learning experiences and inventing the first AI course authoring tool, and she has been recognized for her innovative contributions to education, including being selected for Barack Obama's Leaders in Europe program in 2022. Sarah and Barry talk about redefining success, the intersection of technology and education, the importance of adaptability in both personal growth and business development, and what kind of environments we create for students - and for entrepreneurs. Lees meer
The Evolution of Learning Experiences
Sahra-Josephine’s work revolves around the concept of 'empowerment through diversity' - the belief that embracing varied talents and perspectives leads to greater collective success. This insight first dawned on her in 2009, when she returned to Denmark and began volunteering for the United World College. Tasked with selecting scholarship students, Sahra's role extended beyond academic assessment to fostering resilience and multifaceted growth. Her approach challenged conventional wisdom, and that while "we really want to put humans in a box,"- we can’t and should be designing systems that don’t try to.
Entrepreneurial Unlearning and Financial Independence
“Money is not important for the sake of money, but the freedom it gives you.” Sahra-Josephine states, emphasizing the empowerment that comes from financial independence and self-direction. This can be a challenge when you discover that you don’t like or can’t use elements of the path you started on. Sahra-Josephine experienced this when she decided that a life of diplomacy was not for her and that while learning a language is always valuable, mediocre Russian is not exactly useful. These shifts, however much they felt like failure, opened doors to a u…
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Negotiation Made Simple with Dr John Lowry
6 december 2023 · 35 min
Dr. John Lowry, CEO of Thrivence, a management consulting firm based in Nashville, TN, joins Barry O'Reilly on this episode of the Unlearn Podcast to talk about John's journey from being a lawyer to teaching negotiation skills worldwide. John uses his diverse background in law, consulting, entrepreneurship, coaching, and university administration to bring a unique perspective to negotiation. He currently serves as the President of the Lowry Group and teaches at Pepperdine University's Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution. In this week’s show, John shares insights from his bestselling book, Negotiation Made Simple. He emphasizes the importance of understanding human motivations in negotiation and highlights that decisions are often influenced more by emotion and ego than reason. By focusing on interest-based negotiation and avoiding positional debates, negotiators can create win-win deals in both business and personal situations. Lees meer
From Lawyer to Negotiation Specialist
98% of John’s work as a lawyer centered around negotiating settlements. “What I learned was, … most of the problems started as human problems, then they became legal problems,” John tells Barry. “And then the really sophisticated negotiators, they got them resolved as human problems again. And the litigation process didn't allow for the human element to come back in. It was only the negotiation process that allowed for that.” He became passionate about developing expertise in interest-based negotiation focused on the human problems underlying legal conflicts. He eventually started training others in these skills to facilitate deals and restore relationships earlier in disputes. He tells Barry that he focuses on negotiation more than litigation because "that was the process that brought healing to the injured party. That was the process that brought peace."
Understanding Emotional Triggers in Decision-Making
A study by Harvard Business School showed that only 30% of business investment decisions a…
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Tapping into Human Potential with Technology with Nichol Bradford
22 november 2023 · 35 min
What if we have barely scratched the surface of human potential? According to Nichol Bradford, a pioneer in technology and human transformation, we need to challenge the assumption that machines will surpass humanity. Nichol has led operations for gaming giants like Activision Blizzard and Epic Games in China. She built communities that connected people globally through the power of shared narratives. Now she lectures at Stanford and Singularity University, while investing in startups focused on wellbeing and personal growth. In this episode of Unlearn Podcast, Nichol and host Barry O’Reilly discuss how we can use technology to unlock our emotional intelligence, creativity, and cognition. Rather than a dystopian future of humans versus machines, she proposes a human-centered path to amplify our abilities. Lees meer
A Passion for Human Transformation
While writing a book and reflecting on her life's path, Nichol realized she's always cared about the "act of transformation" - how someone becomes their best self. She first recognized this passion at age 13, when she vowed to overcome her shyness and find her place in the world. By senior year, through purposeful effort, she went from wallflower to popular student. This early experience showed Nichol the power of deciding who you want to be and taking action to become that person. Barry highlights that stepping outside your comfort zone can unlock tremendous self-learning. Some of his most formative moments were from personal choices to pursue the unknown. Though uncomfortable, these experiences expanded his worldview and self-knowledge.
Unlearning Limiting Beliefs that Restrict Human Potential
“What I'm interested in is human potential realized,” Nichol tells Barry. “And then how do we use technology to amplify that?” Our long-held assumptions place artificial limits on how we envision human potential. In reality, we have barely begun to tap the capabilities of the human body and mind, she remarks. Neuroscience research rev…
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Turning Emotion into Strategy with Drewe Broughton
15 november 2023 · 37 min
Drewe Broughton - “The Fear Coach” - is a former professional footballer who now helps athletes and executives overcome obstacles and unlock their potential. His approach involves guiding his clients to explore their true selves and confront difficult emotions like fear and shame. He believes that people can find genuine, lasting success through self-awareness and personal fulfillment. In this episode of Unlearn, Drewe joins Barry O’Reilly to share thoughtful perspectives on fear, vulnerability, and being your authentic self - even in high-pressure environments. Lees meer
Seeking Truth
Drewe reflects on a pivotal moment in his life when he was in rehab, facing the truth about his struggles. He describes the moment of surrender and a sense of peace that washed over him as he acknowledged how unmanageable his life had become. “It was the first time I probably sat with that level of truth. And I remember an overwhelming sense of peace washed through me,” he shares. Barry adds, “A huge part of the entrepreneurial journey is seeking the truth. A lot of people don't want to seek the truth. They want people to tell them their product's beautiful... but it sucks. And just like people, …we create a facade of who we are and how perfect our life is, and yet we all know the truth: there's a lot of tough moments lurking there.” Drewe emphasizes the importance of seeking one's truth and the challenges of ego collapse. His own self-discovery during the 30-day rehab period, unraveled that he was lost in his career and personal life. “It was never the external pressure, it was never the fans... It was me, ” he tells Barry.
The Art of Unlearning
“I talk a lot about unlearning [because] there [are] some behaviors that actually can lead to massive success, but they also can limit us, too,” Barry says. Drewe shares his perspective on unlearning, drawing parallels with religious stories, such as the Buddha's enlightenment under a tree. You need to collapse your ego and strip away external inf…
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Unlearning through Cultural Context with Sophie Wade
25 oktober 2023 · 38 min
Sophie Wade is a thought leader in workforce innovation, flexible working, and the future of work. With an enviable background in strategic development, financing, and entrepreneurship, Sophie has become a sought-after speaker, author, and consultant, helping organizations navigate the ever-changing landscape of work. She is particularly known for her insights into how businesses can adapt to the changing nature of work, embracing flexibility, and leveraging technology, including AI. Sophie is the author of Embracing Progress: Next Steps for the Future of Work, and Empathy Works: The Key to Competitive Advantage in the New Era of Work, in which she explores the intersection of technology, culture, and the modern workplace. In this episode of the Unlearn Podcast, Sophie joins Barry O’Reilly to share insights on the modern workplace, discussing generational gaps, cultural awareness, the impact of AI, and the anticipated cultural shift in the coming years. Lees meer
Culture Chameleon
Cultural awareness plays a pivotal role in shaping your professional life, influencing your interactions, decision-making, and overall success in the work environment. Having lived in various countries, Sophie emphasizes the importance of adapting to the climate around you, flexibility, and cross-cultural communication. She shares how in Hong Kong, work consumed a significant part of daily life, in contrast to Germany, where a clear separation existed between work and personal life.
The Gen Z Problem
Sophie's awareness of generational differences did not stop with millennials. She also tried to understand Gen Z, recognizing the distinct perspectives and relationships they have with technology. Millennials, and subsequently Gen Z, grew up with technology as an integral part of their lives, she recognized. This helped her appreciate how technology influences their communication styles, preferences, and worldview. It’s important to stay current to adapt to the dynamics of the workforce, she points…
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Product Chronicles: Tales of Transformation with Hope Gurion
13 oktober 2023 · 30 min
Hope Gurion is a seasoned professional with a background in product management, business development, and coaching within the tech industry. As the founder of Fearless Product, she plays a pivotal role in advising and supporting product leaders and teams. Hope's career traces back to the early stages of the internet, where she contributed to shaping digital experiences. She held positions at AOL, Jobster, CareerBuilder, and Beachbody, and she brings a wealth of experience in dealing with various challenges in product development, business growth, and leadership. In this episode of the Unlearn Podcast, Hope joins Barry O’Reilly to discuss her career journey, emphasizing the importance of persistence, adaptability, and shared vision within product teams. Lees meer
The Reach of Shared Vision
Hope reflects on her experience at AOL, particularly in AOL Shopping. Despite creating a detailed Product Requirements Document (PRD), the disconnect between her vision and the final designs revealed the necessity for shared understanding among team members. This disconnect eventually led to a breakdown in trust. Hope emphasizes that everyone should comprehend the business context and constraints. “It was just a learning moment for me in terms of, do you really have [a] shared vision?” she tells Barry. “Does everybody on the team really understand the business context of what we're trying to do?” This situation was common in the early 2000s tech landscape, Barry says. “There's still plenty of companies living in that world of siloed teams, lack of cross-functional groups.”
Jack of Many Trades
Hope shares a key moment from her professional evolution, recounting a significant turning point when Matt Ferguson, the CEO of CareerBuilder, offered her a position. Hope initially turned down the role due to personal reasons, but Matt persisted, expressing a genuine belief in her potential and leaving the door open for future collaboration. This persistence became a catalyst for Hope's subsequent…
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Mastering Data Visualization for Marketing with Peter Walker
27 september 2023 · 33 min
Peter Walker is a data-driven content marketer known for his expertise in using data and analytics to create insightful and engaging content. In his role as Head of Insights at Carta, Peter's work often revolves around visualizing data in a way that makes it accessible to a broad audience, helping people understand complex topics and trends. He has contributed significantly to the field of data-driven content marketing and is known for his ability to provide valuable insights through his work. In this episode of the Unlearn Podcast, Peter joins Barry O’Reilly to discuss the use of data and analytics in content marketing. He shares insights into his experiences in transitioning from a data analyst to a data-driven content marketer and offers valuable advice for those looking to embark on a similar journey in data-driven marketing. Lees meer
The Data’s in the Details
When building a business, you may come across instances where you feel like you’ve hit a wall - especially in the budding stages, when you’re doing the job of three people. “There's always the chance that you're going to hit it big, but in practice I think the responsibility and adaptability that you need to survive in a startup is [often] more important than the equity you receive,” Peter says. Being adaptable and open to exploring new skills takes you far. For example, Peter's career shift from data analyst to product marketer helped him discover his passion for data visualization and design. This shift allowed him to bridge the gap between data and communication effectively.
Carta’s Magna Carta
There are two main approaches to data analysis at Carta, Peter explains. The first approach is to create reports that answer clear questions by presenting data in a clear and concise manner. The goal of this approach is to provide readers with a straightforward understanding of key metrics, such as valuations and funding rounds. This approach is not about creating flashy graphics, but rather about delivering clarity …
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Launching Ideas at Lightning Speed with Adam Bragg
13 september 2023 · 34 min
With a strong emphasis on rapid development and accelerating ideas into tangible products, Adam Bragg believes in the ethos of "launching". He introduced the concept of "activity networks," a fresh take on community-building, where people congregate based on shared activities rather than just online interactions. He has been involved in several projects that unite diverse groups of enthusiasts, giving Adam rare insight into the evolving landscape of tech and human connection. In this episode of Unlearn, Adam joins Barry O’Reilly to discuss the transformative power of launching ideas and products into the world and the lessons that come from confronting the fears and vulnerabilities tied to this process. Lees meer
From Vaulting to Ventures
Adam’s Ukrainian coach, Nikolai Doroshenko, emphasized the importance of visualizing routines multiple times before executing them. This technique, which he has since integrated into various aspects of his life, is not only applicable in pole vaulting but transcends into business. “I've been applying that same kind of [visualization] of the future moment and [trying] to work [my] way backwards into constructing it,” he explains. Picturing a business's potential impact before its inception is essential, he points out. Barry reinforces this perspective by drawing parallels between the mental preparedness demanded by high-stakes sporting events and the uncertainties of launching a business. “It's a muscle that you can build and improve as you become more familiar,” he tells Adam. Certain principles are universal - whether in the athletic realm, the healthcare sector, or in business launches across diverse sectors, the process remains consistent: visualize, appreciate, execute, and then learn from the outcome.
Betterment is in the Eye of the Beholder
Visualization is also important for senior executives. Barry asks, "What will success look like in one to two years? How will stakeholders be different?" It is all about creating a detailed men…
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Fintech Frontiers: Beyond Banking with Marcos Fernandez
30 augustus 2023 · 30 min
Marcos Fernandez is a visionary in the fintech sector, characterized by his profound understanding of its evolving dynamics and the importance of strategic collaborations across industries. His vast network, ranging from prominent banks to venture capital, underlines his dedication to fostering strategic partnerships and ensuring financial inclusivity. He champions the creation of innovative ways to finance the future startups of tomorrow. In this episode of Unlearn, Marcos joins Barry O’Reilly to discuss the evolving dynamics of venture capital, funding startups and how to differentiate from traditional venture investing. Lees meer
Fiat Ventures
Marcos joined Fiat Ventures with the goal of helping founders and brands make a big difference in the financial services industry. After recognizing his talents lay more in finding visionaries rather than bringing their visions to life, he realized that he didn't have to wait to transition into the venture capital world. He contrasts his previous roles as an “operator” with his current position as an investor, highlighting the differences between the two roles: “In startup mode, you break things, see what works and what doesn't, and then move on. But as an investor, you can't go around breaking things.” This shift required Marcos to develop more robust processes and ensure due diligence in his investment practices, noting the importance of building sustainable investment models.
A New Approach
Unlike traditional venture capitals, Barry states, Fiat Ventures doesn’t jump straight into investment; their approach prioritizes working alongside startups, understanding their market, considering the idea of investment, and only then taking the plunge. Being an amalgamation of venture capital, incubator, and accelerator, they employ a structured five-stage process in developing startups. This process starts with ideation, where the primary focus is on understanding the team dynamics rather than the idea itself. Marcos mentions the value…
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The Business of Books with Casey Ebro
16 augustus 2023 · 34 min
Casey Ebro is a veteran editor who has significantly contributed to the publishing world. She formerly served as an Executive Editor with the Business Group at McGraw Hill Professional. In this role, she was responsible for acquiring, editing, and publishing business books in various subjects such as leadership, workplace culture, entrepreneurship, and innovation. She has been responsible for bestsellers and notable titles, including “Madoff Talks” by Jim Campbell, which inspired a Netflix documentary series, and the Wall Street Journal bestsellers “Connect First” by Melanie Katzman and “Zero to IPO” by Frederic Kerrest. Casey played a pivotal role at McGraw Hill in establishing the healthcare category into a robust multi-million dollar program, which featured prominent titles like the New York Times Science bestseller “The Digital Doctor” and “The Cleveland Clinic Way”. Lees meer
Starting Up and Striking Out
Casey’s journey into the world of editing began in her formative years as a passionate bookworm. In high school, she took a significant step toward her publishing dreams by becoming the English editor for her school’s literary publication called “Facets”. She reveled in the collaborative process with other editors and took pleasure in discovering the literary talents of her peers. Her passion further intensified in university, where she joined the literary publication named “Heights”, participating in deeper, more advanced discussions about submitted works. These university experiences exposed her to diverse opinions and debates, making the editing environment incredibly stimulating and enriching for her.
A Book is a Business
“Writing a book is like starting a business,” according to Casey. Authors are entrepreneurs introducing a unique product to the market. In essence, the book is a reflection of the author’s ideas and beliefs, and its promotion doesn’t end post-publication. Some successful books keep selling years or even decades after their release, and this con…
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Unlearning Fear: Out with the Old, In with the Bold with Kyle Hermans
2 augustus 2023 · 40 min
Kyle Hermans is the CEO and co-founder of Be Courageous, a globally recognized business consultancy that helps ambitious leaders and brands grow and transform. They do this through improving company culture, strategy, innovation, technology, research, and ESG/SDG. Kyle has led transformation initiatives for hundreds of Fortune 1000 companies and startups throughout his distinguished career. He is a faculty member at Singularity University and a guest lecturer at several prestigious institutions such as Berkeley, USC, and UCLA. Kyle joins Barry O’Reilly to explore the concept of courage, the necessity of unlearning and relearning, and how these ideas have shaped his personal and professional life. Lees meer
A Long Way From Home
Kyle's father bought him a one-way ticket from his native South Africa to the Netherlands, where he experienced a big culture shock. This was his first encounter with the idea of courage and unlearning. In the Netherlands, everything was different and he had to forget his old ideas about the world. He said, "Everything I ever thought about my reality [was] just gone.” After adjusting to his new life, Kyle got different jobs in business, including consulting and being an executive at design agencies. But he found out that his energetic personality and quick ambition didn't match the usual corporate way of working. This led to his decision to make his own way to fully reach his potential, which he calls his “Schiphol Moment”. This decision led him to his current job at Be Courageous. There, he explores courage, creativity, and transformative leadership in professional situations.
Courage is Creativity
Kyle’s connection to the notion of courage began while working at an innovation agency called Synectics, which heavily influenced the origins of design thinking. He used the quote, “Another word for creativity is courage” in hundreds of workshops around the world. This quote resonated with Kyle, encouraging him to seek out his 'Schiphol moments'—intenti…
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The Art of Decision Making: Unpacking the Uncertainty Project with Kyle Byrd
19 juli 2023 · 35 min
Kyle Byrd is a seasoned product strategy and uncertainty leader with a background in industrial design. He was the former Head of Product at Atlassian, where he led the product strategy for Jira Align, a leading enterprise agile planning software. He is also the founder of the Uncertainty Project, a community initiative aimed at exploring decision-making models to manage uncertainty. In this episode of the Unlearn Podcast, Kyle joins Barry O’Reilly to share his unique perspective on embracing uncertainty and problem-solving, drawing from his experiences in transitioning from hardware to software products. He discusses the importance of deep domain expertise and the value of diverse perspectives in decision-making processes. Lees meer
An Unconventional Foundation
Kyle shares his journey from industrial design to software product management "I'm forever thankful that I got an art degree in college, which was industrial design. It really forces you to unlearn that there is a right answer in a very uncomfortable way," he says. Kyle's unique perspective on problem-solving has shaped his career, leading him to view the world from a "problem to problem perspective" rather than an "answer to answer perspective." This mindset has been instrumental in his work, particularly in his transition from hardware to software, where he found the flexibility to match solutions to problems. His passion for customer engagement and problem-solving was evident during his time at Agile Craft, a startup that was later acquired by Atlassian and transformed into Jira Align, Atlassian's fastest-selling product. "Product management is one of those worlds where it is all about finding problems, finding fixes, unlocking the next problem,” Barry adds, “and it’s an endless iteration of that.”
The Art of Business, Choices, and War
Being deeply invested in a problem is crucial to find its solution, Kyle shares. During his transition from a hardware-focused role to a software-focused one, Kyle found himself…
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Impact100: Empowering Women to Create Transformational Change with Wendy Steele
5 juli 2023 · 34 min
Wendy Steele is a changemaker and has the honor of being recognized on Forbes’ 50 over 50. She is the founder and CEO of Impact100, a global network of chapters that each raise $100,000 to fund grants for local nonprofits. In the past 20 years, Impact100 has awarded more than $123 million in grants, making it one of the largest women-led philanthropic organizations in the world. In this episode of the Unlearn Podcast, Wendy joins Barry O’Reilly to share her story of how she founded Impact100 and the impact the organization has had on communities around the world. She also discusses the importance of women's leadership and the power of collective action. Lees meer
The Power of Empathy
The power of empathy and problem-solving is often the driving force behind meaningful innovation. “When you're bothered by a problem and you can't really get it out of your head, I believe that's because you've got some part in solving it,” she tells Barry. Wendy started Impact100 from a place of empathy and a strong urge to address a problem she noticed in her community. As a banker she noticed that many women felt they didn't have enough resources to make a difference in their communities. After documenting these barriers, she started brainstorming solutions, leading to the birth of Impact100, a global nonprofit organization that empowers women to create transformative impacts in their communities. Barry resonates with Wendy's approach, drawing parallels with his own entrepreneurial journey and emphasizing the importance of customer discovery and understanding obstacles to unlock unmet needs.
The Impact100 Model
The innovative, democratic model of Impact100 brings together 100 women from various backgrounds to make significant contributions to their communities. This democratizes the philanthropic experience, Wendy explains. By setting a standard donation amount, each woman, regardless of her economic standing, contributes equally, empowering her with a sense of agency in the decision-maki…
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Beyond the Words: Crafting Effective Conversations with Daniel Stillman
21 juni 2023 · 35 min
Daniel Stillman, an executive coach, and facilitator, is an authority in the field of conversational leadership. With a wealth of experience as a conversation designer and an author, Daniel has dedicated his career to enhancing the way we communicate. His book, Good Talk: How to Design Conversations That Matter, is recognized for its impactful insights into communication dynamics and strategies. In this episode of the Unlearn Podcast, Daniel joins Barry O’Reilly to explore the importance of collaboration and how to create an environment conducive to productive dialogue, particularly in the context of leadership. Lees meer
Conversational Leadership
Conversational leadership, as defined by Daniel, refers to an approach to leadership that emphasizes the importance of effective communication and dialogue. It relies on the power of conversation to inspire, motivate, and engage individuals or teams in a meaningful and productive manner.
“You cannot have a divergent, emergent and convergent conversation truly all in one go,” Daniel quotes from Chris Ertel’s book, Moments of Impact. “Everybody wants to be in the conversation, and it's not effective if everyone's in the conversation, because everyone can't talk all the time and there's only so much time we can have together.” He explores the mechanics of designing productive meetings, especially in a remote work landscape. He explains that strategic collaboration, hinged on appropriate tools and methods, is integral to making meaningful progress. Barry comments, “This idea of opening, exploring, and closing - it gives people a framework [to have conversations with].”
The Nine P Model
Daniel introduces his holistic Nine P Model of Conversation Design. This includes:
Purpose (the reason or aim of the conversation),
Principles (the agreed norms and values to be adhered to),
Process (the methods or steps to be followed),
Place (the physical or virtual space where the conversation occurs),
Pitfalls (potential risks or problems),…
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How to be Memorable with Diana Kander
8 juni 2023 · 28 min
Diana Kander is a keynote speaker, bestselling author, and a vanguard when it comes to memorable pitches. She is the author of Go Big or Go Home, a book that teaches readers the art and science of making impactful pitches for film, sports, business, and philanthropy. Her pioneering research reveals the direct correlation between emotion and memory, offering insights into enhancing audience engagement and recall. In this episode of the Unlearn Podcast, Diana joins Barry O’Reilly in a thought-provoking conversation about making presentations more engaging and memorable. They unpack the concept of co-creation in presentations and provide real-world examples of successful pitches that involve audience participation. Lees meer
Go Big or Go Home
Diana shares the genesis of her book Go Big or Go Home, shedding light on her journey into the world of memorable pitches. "I was approached by the CEO of a company who was struggling to keep his audience engaged during presentations. This triggered my exploration," she recalls. The CEO's predicament posed a compelling challenge for Diana, propelling her investigative journey into what makes pitches memorable. This challenge was a catalyst for her bestselling book. She researched the real-life struggles of professionals to create an impact with their pitches. The result was a book that unveiled the secrets behind delivering pitches that are not just heard, but remembered.
Creating Emotional Resonance
"Connecting emotionally helps the audience remember your message long after the presentation is over," Diana tells Barry. Her research unveiled five tools needed to create emotional resonance in presentations:
The element of surprise keeps the audience engaged and alert.
Analysis helps the audience to understand and connect with the data or information being presented.
The pitch order, or how the information is arranged, can evoke different emotional responses.
Using 3D objects during presentations provides a tangible element that can …
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Unleashing Human Connection in Tech with Etienne de Bruin
24 mei 2023 · 39 min
Etienne de Bruin is a visionary community builder, successful startup founder, and accomplished author. Overcoming personal struggles and adversity, he has channeled his experience into creating an emotionally intelligent community for CTOs called 7CTOs, now with 300 members globally. In addition to leading this thriving community, Etienne penned the impactful book, CTO Excellence in 100 Days, where he articulates the essence of heart-centered leadership and empathetic networking. With his sights set firmly on the future, Etienne - along with host Barry O’Reilly - is also co-founder of Nobody Studios, an innovative venture studio with the audacious ambition of launching 100 companies over the next five years. In this episode of the Unlearn Podcast, Etienne joins Barry to share his journey of self-discovery and discuss the importance of having a compelling 'why', the challenges and opportunities of building a successful startup, as well as insights from his book. Lees meer
From Suffering to Service
Etienne opens up about his early struggles, touching on a particularly dark phase of depression. He was able to find the “seed of a greater purpose” in the “crucible of suffering.” He shares an anecdote, saying, “I was sitting in a hot tub, looking at the mountains, and I had a sudden realization of privilege… It motivated me to find ways to solve inequality issues creatively." This realization prompted him to establish an emotionally intelligent community for CTOs.Behind the Scene of CTO Excellence in 100 Days
Etienne's journey didn't stop there. He recounts his experience writing the book CTO Excellence in 100 Days, a practical guide focusing on heart-centered leadership and empathetic networking. In it, he aims to support new and existing CTOs to better integrate within their organization and form stronger relationships. It is a blueprint for leaders who want to effect meaningful change in their organizations. Quoting from his book, Etienne emphasizes, "In the first 100 days,… -
Making Tough Decisions and Bright Futures with Chris Butler
10 mei 2023 · 36 min
Chris Butler is a seasoned technology leader with a proven ability to lead teams, drive innovation, and deliver results in a fast-paced and dynamic industry. He is a highly accomplished executive with over 20 years of experience in the industry. Prior to his current role at Google, Chris held several leadership positions at companies like Microsoft, Facebook Reality Labs, Kayak, and Waze, where he gained extensive experience in the areas of product management, engineering, and business development. In this episode of Unlearn Podcast, Chris joins Barry O’Reilly to discuss his career journey. He emphasizes the importance of challenging mental models and learning from user research and data analysis to shift perspectives toward new technologies. Lees meer
Where Novelty Leads
Chris talks about his passion for novelty and his interest in exploring new things since his youth. He mentions his early interest in technology, having created "red boxes" to make payphone calls. Chris credits his father, who was an art director, for introducing him to the transition from traditional typesetting to digital typesetting using programs like QuarkXPress, Adobe Illustrator, and hand-coded HTML.User Research and Industry Shifts
You need to be adaptable and open to change in the technology industry, Chris and Barry agree. With new innovations emerging all the time, you need to be willing to question assumptions and try new approaches. By doing so, you can stay ahead of the curve and continue to make a positive impact in your organization. Chris and Barry discuss the challenges of transitioning from desktop web experiences to mobile ones. Chris recounts how difficult it was to convince executives to invest in mobile, even though it was clear that more people were using their mobile devices to browse for travel options. He had to help them understand that mobile was not just another channel, but rather a new type of omnichannel experience that required a different approach. Barry shares his own … -
Designing a Career That Works for You with Sarah Doody
26 april 2023 · 45 min
Have you ever wondered why so many people fail to land their dream job after attending a boot camp or taking an online course? In this episode of Unlearn Podcast, Barry O'Reilly chats with Sarah Doody, a UX researcher and designer, and the founder and CEO of the Career Strategy Lab, a program that helps UX and product professionals at all career stages navigate the job search and articulate their skills and experience to help them grow. Sarah talks about her journey of designing her career and helping others do the same. She and Barry discuss the need for ongoing career development, the importance of setting boundaries, and why systems and design thinking is important in building a successful business and career. Lees meer
Designing Your Career
“When I think back, I realized that I've always been designing my career,” Sarah remarks. She describes herself as a systems thinker who can spot problems and opportunities in sales, marketing, product, and engineering. However, her multi-talented nature often meant people didn't know what to do with her, and she had to design her own roles at different startups. Barry recalls how when he joined ThoughtWorks in 2010, only engineers were considered essential, and designers were struggling to find a place. He comments that the talent to design from experience to prototype is a core skill, and one of the main reasons his former colleague went on to become CEO of Thoughtworks. “When I think of design, it's not like just designing products, it's designing processes,” Barry comments. “It's designing onboarding experiences for people, …to know what the needs are, and then to create a solution that creates this great experience.”The Career Strategy Lab
Sarah shares her journey from UX consulting to building her education business, Career Strategy Lab, which helps job seekers and professionals find purpose, reward, and recognition in their careers. She describes the evolution of the lab, from creating online classes and in-person workshops … -
Building Reliable and Resilient Systems with Anurag Gupta
12 april 2023 · 30 min
On this episode of Unlearn Podcast, Barry O'Reilly hosts Anurag Gupta, founder and CEO of Shoreline, a product that helps reliability engineers reduce the “heavy lifting of dealing with incidents” so they can focus on improving their systems. Anurag is a notable leader in the reliability space: his experience includes joining Oracle in its infancy, and over seven years at AWS, where he ran their analytics and relational database services. In this episode, he explores the importance of embracing failure, creating a blameless culture, and sharing knowledge to build more reliable and resilient systems. Lees meer
The power of a clear vision
There is power in having a clear vision of what you want to become in life, Anurag believes. He shares how he sat down and imagined what people would say about him after he died, which helped him define his personal story arc. He knew he wanted to start his own company but recognized he needed to learn how to do it first. He joined a startup, traded his skills at Oracle, and eventually landed at AWS, where he helped build successful products like Aurora and Redshift. Barry remarks, "If you want something to come to life and create it, you have to envisage it." Anurag adds, “I believe that if you really know what you want, the universe kind of bends its way to help you get it. …If I want something real, I think the world will bend in my favor.”A community for engineers
Innovators who are exploring novel ideas often create communities of like-minded persons. Barry asks Anurag about Reliability.org, the community Anurag created. Reliability.org is a nonprofit community for engineers who want to learn how to build and operate highly reliable systems, Anurag responds. Unlearning is about getting past your own experience and biases to learn from others who have walked different paths from yourself but have shared goals, he says. Thus, Reliability.org is a community created for engineers who want to learn from and debate with one another. Anurag … -
Reimagining Accountability: A New Model for High-Performing Teams with Kate Tarling
29 maart 2023 · 31 min
Accountability is a buzzword in business, but is the traditional notion of assigning ownership to a single individual the most effective approach? In this episode of the Unlearn Podcast, Barry O'Reilly is joined by Kate Tarling, author of The Service Organization: How To Deliver and Lead Successful Services, Sustainably. Kate is the founder of a services company and a service leader and designer who has made a significant impact in public and private organizations, especially in the UK Government. Kate shares her experiences in creating high-performing services and teams and establishing accountability in large organizations. Kate and Barry discuss the challenges of getting different teams to work together effectively and the importance of intentional effort and investment to create end-to-end services and improve the customer experience. Lees meer
Great customer experiences
Creating great services is a better way to market products than relying on promotions and discounts. Kate says of the pivotal moment she realized this: “... if we just design this to work really well, if people love using it, then I feel like that is a way into marketing rather than having to offer promotions.” Her varied career experiences - in roles from operations to marketing to product - led her to realize the connecting thread in her work was a focus on service ownership and design. She tells Barry that she was working in service ownership before she even knew it was a thing.Lessons learned from Lean Startup Weekend
Kate shares her experiences from a Lean Startup Weekend over a decade ago, where she worked on designing a solution for care homes. This was an example of a high-performing team coming together to iterate toward success using a user-centered design process. While this process is useful for designing products and services from scratch, Kate found that scaling this process to larger organizations presented a different set of challenges. She began to capture the questions and challenges… -
Lessons Learned from Building our Venture Studio, Nobody Studios with Mark McNally
15 maart 2023 · 27 min
“Joining a startup is irrational for most people. Launching a venture studio to build a hundred startups is totally irrational to pretty much everybody,” Barry O’Reilly remarks. “You've got two sticks, you rubbed them together, and you're telling people that this is going to turn into a 500-story skyscraper." Lees meer
On this show, Barry celebrates this 100th episode of the Unlearn Podcast with Mark McNally, co-founder of Nobody Studios. Mark, who has started 14 companies in his career, shares that what sets Nobody Studios apart is its purpose-driven Why, which is to give people agency and create something bigger than themselves that will outlast them.
Together, they reflect on the last two years of building their venture studio, Nobody Studios, the importance of diversity, and how this journey has been a transformational personal development experience. This shows dives into their vision for creating a vehicle that brings together ideas, resources, and dreams to impact the world beyond their own lifetimes.
Absorb Everything
It’s important to be open to learning and stretching yourself. With Nobody Studios' board set of ventures, Barry and Mark have been exposed to different perspectives, which has helped them learn and grow. “I can say without a doubt I've learned more in the last three years than I have in my entire career and my entire life. It's just the diversity and the creativity and people who join a call… I come out of that 1-hour call, and it's like I got a piece of their brilliance, a piece of their perspective, and it's stretching me,” Mark comments. Barry says that he has been transformed by listening to the stories and experiences of different entrepreneurs. They encourage listeners to be like a sponge and absorb everything that is exposed to them. "While you have a strategy and you have plans, at the same time, we're a learning, breathing thing. You just want to be a sponge, and you want to just inherit and absorb the things that you’re exposed to," Mark s… -
Organized Chaos with Pascal Finette
1 maart 2023 · 31 min
Pascal Finette is a well-respected entrepreneur and innovation expert with a wealth of knowledge and insights to share about achieving success in the business world. Having led entrepreneurship and open innovation tracks at Singularity University, Pascal is an experienced mentor and coach with a focus on amplifying positive change in the world. He is an advocate for finding companies with a greater purpose and mission, and emphasizes the importance of taking risks and being open to new opportunities. Pascal has also recently released a book, Disruption: How to Decode the Future, Disrupt Your Industry, and Transform Your Business, which shares his insights on innovation and navigating disruption in the business world. Lees meer
Pascal provides insights into the mindset and experiences of a successful entrepreneur and innovator. In this episode of the Unlearn Podcast, host Barry O’Reilly converses with Pascal Finette about the importance of purpose, community, and an innovative, risk-taking spirit. He shares his story as he encourages listeners to follow their intuition and take action.
Following Your Intellectual Curiosity
Rather than being guided by a clear plan or strategy, Pascal relied on his gut feeling to guide him towards interesting opportunities. While his resume looks impressive in hindsight, he acknowledges that in the moment, his decisions never seemed to make any sense. By being willing to say yes to opportunities that presented themselves, he was able to forge a unique path that ultimately led to success. This eagerness to take risks and try new things is an important trait for anyone looking to innovate and create change in their personal or professional life. As Pascal puts it, "if it doesn't work out, it's fine.”Open Innovation
Open innovation is about creating a community of people, including customers and collaborators, for the purpose of building something together. This is based on the principles of how communities work together, such as how the Amish… -
Personal Board of Directors with Melissa Perri and Gibson Biddle
15 februari 2023 · 53 min
In this episode of Unlearn Podcast, host Barry O'Reilly and two experienced tech executives, Melissa Perri and Gibson Biddle, meet for a Personal Board of Directors meeting. Melissa Perri is the founder and CEO of Produx Labs, a product management consultancy, and author of Escaping the Build Trap. She is also a Senior Lecturer at Harvard Business School. Gibson Biddle is a former Chief Product Officer at Netflix and renowned product leader and speaker. Using the CAMPS Model (community, autonomy, mastery, purpose, scale), they share personal insights on the importance of building relationships, continuous learning, work-life balance, and feedback. Throughout the episode, they provide practical tips and advice for personal and professional growth, including valuable lessons and takeaways for listeners seeking to succeed in their own careers and personal lives. Lees meer
Building a Community
People who surround themselves with a strong network of friends, colleagues, and mentors tend to be more successful in their personal and professional lives. Your community can also provide emotional support and accountability, which are important for achieving goals and personal growth. Gibson shares that he has been engaged with the community of product leaders all over the world but feels like he hasn't done enough to mechanize it. He admits that his community score is his lowest. He acknowledges that Lenny Bruchitski is a great role model for building a community. Gibson likes to teach through talks and workshops; he is still very much a one-person company, which limits his leverage in creating a community. [Listen from 6:20]Retiring Gracefully
Barry asks Gibson what flexibility would look like for him now that he is retiring. Gibson responds that he has optimized for flexibility by deciding what he chooses to do or not do every week. For him, autonomy and flexibility are almost the same. Talking to people who are presently or soon-to-be retired has also been helpful in providing in… -
The Intersection of AI and the Human Mind with Michael Wu
1 februari 2023 · 40 min
On this episode of the Unlearn podcast, host Barry O'Reilly is joined by Michael Wu, Chief AI Strategist at PROS. Michael is a seasoned expert in the field of AI, with over 25 years of experience and a background in math, physics, and molecular biology. Michael shares his journey from studying nonlinear dynamics and the brain to working in the tech industry and how his diverse education has helped him approach problems from multiple angles. He and Barry also talk about how influence spreads, and how AI is impacting our lives now and into the future. Lees meer
A Strong Desire to Understand
“The conviction is just a strong desire to understand something,” Michael tells Barry. “At the bottom of my heart, I think even right now, in my current role, I still try to understand a lot of things fundamentally.” Barry asks Michael about his decision to change his approach to studying the brain. Michael explains that his decision was driven by a strong desire to understand how the brain works, and he felt that using a physics-based approach would be impractical. He was fascinated by the biology-based approach and felt that taking this approach, along with a top-down approach, would provide a deeper understanding of social media platforms and why people use them. He explains that combining both approaches allowed him to reach a deeper understanding than either approach alone would have.How Influence Propagates
One area Michael has been studying deeply over the years is the idea of how influence spreads. We all influence others and we’re also always being influenced. Barry asks Michael, “What were some of the interesting surprises that you found as you were trying to model this idea of what influence is?” Michael responds that he identified six factors that were necessary for influence to propagate. By understanding how people shared, how frequently they shared, who they shared with, the timeliness of their responses, and other behavioral profiles, he was able to identify influencers b… -
Knowledge (and Diversity) is Power with Gisela Martinez
18 januari 2023 · 25 min
Gisela Martinez is the Executive Director for Clinical Research at Merck, an organization who has brought important medicines and vaccines to the world through intensive biopharmaceutical research for more than 130 years. Working at Merck for over 20 years, Gisela has done it all in various roles. She is a proud mom, a passionate, inclusive, and people-oriented leader, and DE&I ally. In this episode of Unlearn, Gisela joins Barry O'Reilly to share how she found success by diversifying her skills and knowledge. She encourages listeners to pay it forward by helping others learn and grow. Lees meer
Turning ‘Difference’ into ‘Drive’
Realizing the power in her diversity was a turning point for Gisela. All her life, she had viewed being different as a hindrance rather than something to be celebrated or appreciated. “I thought [it] had created roadblocks for me in opportunities because I [wasn’t part of] the norm,” she tells Barry. She believed her identity and way of thinking were obstacles to success, as she didn’t feel like she belonged anywhere or that anyone understood her. When her lightbulb moment came, however, it flipped that belief upside down. Trying to fit in was working against her. Why not just be herself? “The difference I have - that was the power that I had to actually change things… to give me that confidence to become who I needed. I was suppressing myself… I just need to be who I am, because that’s my strength.”Defining Success
Contrary to popular corporate belief, success isn’t about being promoted to higher levels of authority and accountability. Rather, success is built from diversity in experience and thoroughly understanding the business you’re in, Gisela explains. Instead of only looking up the chain, Gisela looked sideways, behind, and in front; she then used that knowledge to add value to her work. “When I reflect on my 22-year-long career, I’ve only been promoted 4 times,” she shares. This would seem strange in the corporate world, which is so used t… -
Year-End Wrap Up
7 december 2022 · 20 min
Barry O’Reilly wraps up 2022 in this solo episode of the Unlearn Podcast. He shares five unlearning stories from listeners across the globe. He recaps how Nobody Studios has evolved ahead of the equity crowdfunding campaign launch and shares their plans for 2023. Lees meer
Rewind
Despite its young age, Nobody Studios has been recognized as one of the Top 10 Venture Studios of 2022. Barry comments that this accolade is humbling and motivates Nobody to prove that it’s deserved by building themselves over time.Nobody Studios plans to launch 4 new companies this month, with 8 more in incubation. They are also going to be the first-ever venture studio to offer equity crowdfunding to the world when it goes live at the end of the year.
As for the Unlearn Podcast, it continues to grow from strength to strength. At 150,000 downloads with 5,000 downloads a month, the Unlearn Podcast is in the top 5% of podcasts listened to worldwide.
Unlearning Stories
Albert Einstein once said, “You can’t solve a problem with the same mindset that created it.”
Listeners from across the globe share their unlearning stories as they grow closer to the persons they want to become:Fred from Barcelona describes unlearning the fear of failure, and how it held him back.
Jane in New York talks about relearning confidence as a young person, rejecting the societal notion that age is the determining factor for the value of someone’s contribution.
Sonya from Rio De Janeiro renounces softening her authority and diminishing her voice as a woman, encouraging other women to speak out and stand up against the societal conditioning of women to be passive.
Stephen in Melbourne shares how he challenged his belief about his daughter, deciding to investigate the reason behind her behavior, and how it changed their relationship for the better.
Veronica from Singapore explains unlearning her preconceived idea of happiness, and the importance of making your happiness a priority.
Barry’s biggest unlearning of 2022 …
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A Journey of Continuous Learning with Victor Chima and Boina Babu
23 november 2022 · 34 min
Victor Chima and Boina Babu are the founders of LearnCrunch, business partners, and former co-workers at Spotify. LearnCrunch is a live cohort-based interactive learning platform that helps tech professionals learn business-critical skills they can apply on the job to increase their impact. Both Boina and Victor are continuous learners, working in data and other industries to build the best learning experience for tech professionals. In this episode of Unlearn, Boina and Victor discuss upskilling with Barry O’Reilly, sharing the importance of learning and why companies need to actively facilitate it on the job. Lees meer
LearnCrunch: Origins
Victor shares how LearnCrunch came to be. After realizing he felt the most fulfilled helping other people grow on the job, he ventured into management to continue doing it at a larger scale. Empowering people was something he was good at and loved doing, so he considered how to maximize this skill and passion. Over drinks, Victor and Boina commiserated over the difficulty of transferring knowledge from one person to another, and thus MentorColor was born. This platform allowed them to connect professionals with mentors from top companies. But that only solved part of the problem, Victor says. The resources for learning were accessible, but that didn’t make the learning experience magically easy. The next challenge was knowing what resources to use, where to find them, and which ones to trust. “We decided to help people get through the noise and focus on the things that actually matter,” Victor explains.Building MentorColor
Barry asks Victor and Boina to share some things they unlearned while transitioning from Spotify to MentorColor, and then to LearnCrunch. “For a lot of the things we did at MentorColor, we had already done them at Spotify,” Victor replies. One such thing involved hiring. When it comes to getting access to opportunities and knowledge, people are often penalized by being in the “wrong” geography. This is something Vic… -
Following Your Intellectual Curiosity with Sharena Rice
9 november 2022 · 32 min
Sharena Rice is a neuroscientist, cybernetician, and storyteller. As an advisor and consultant to startups, she works at the intersection of artificial intelligence and natural intelligence, and health and wellness. Her life’s goal is to take as much suffering in as she can in this lifetime and invert it. Focused on her health and wellness domain, Sharena helps Nobody Studios through her background knowledge of biomedicine and startup skills. In this episode of Unlearn, Sharena shares her experience as a systems neuroscientist and how it has helped her in life. She and Barry O’Reilly discuss the importance and benefits of trying hard things, and debunk some misconceptions about cybernetics. Lees meer
Getting Good at Failing
Doing hard things forces you to get out of your comfort zone. As a self-described former high school band geek, Sharena shares that music, especially jazz, teaches you a lot about experimentation and improvisation. In trying things that are initially hard, you put yourself in the position to be uncomfortable. By consistently doing this, you slowly get acclimated to practice and failing, which progressively grows your capabilities. It also has the added benefit of reducing your levels of self-consciousness. “Success and failure are just feedback mechanisms,” Sharena claims. They tell you if you’re going in the right direction or if you need course-correcting. “You have to keep attempting as you go through that process, rather than getting caught up in how successful you are, or how you failed.”The Career Crossroads
Barry asks Sharena about her diverse career and how she got started. Sharena majored in biochemistry and double minored in philosophy and psychology in undergrad, but she didn’t feel as if she belonged in just one of those three boxes. There were elements of all fields that spoke to her, and she found herself conflicted on what path she should take. After linking them all together, she realized the common thread they all shared had something …