Mitch Joel's Blog: Six Pixels of Separation, page 121

Six Links Worthy of Your Attention #520

Is there one link, story, picture or thought that you saw online this week that you think somebody you know must see?

My friends: Alistair Croll (Solve for Interesting, Tilt the Windmill, Interesting Bits, HBS, chair of Strata, Startupfest, FWD50, and Scaletechconf; author of Lean Analytics and some other books), Hugh McGuire (Rebus Foundation, PressBooks, LibriVox) and I decided that every week the three of us are going to share one link for one another (for a total of six links) that each individual feels the other person “must see.”

Check out these six links that we’re recommending to one another: 

Black Death, COVID, and Why We Keep Telling the Myth of a Renaissance Golden Age and Bad Middle Ages – Ex Urbe . “This is a very long read. And absolutely worth it. We think the Renaissance was wonderful, and that the middle ages were bad. The reality is, the Renaissance was a period of tremendous upheaval and social injustice. New technologies flourished, alongside pandemics and wars. Maybe current times are another Renaissance—filled with invention, and horror, and injustice, and art. And, maybe, we can do better by looking at the past.” (Alistair for Hugh).
Michael Jordan: A history of flight – ESPN . “I’m not a sports guy, as should be abundantly clear from the links I suggest and my sheer lack of coordination (I’m the dunce who broke his leg, needing surgery, while getting a glass of water. No surprises here). But this story sort of makes me wish I were. It’s about Michael Jordan, and Nike, and North Carolina. It’s also a long piece, but also worth it. ‘Tinker Hatfield—yes, of those Hatfields—created the Air Jordan III in 1987, in time for MJ’s fourth NBA season. Thirty-three years later, Nike’s Jordan brand sells $3 billion per year in merchandise.’ Jordan is hard to put in a box, and clearly that’s how he likes it.” (Alistair for Mitch).
Rockhead’s Paradise – The Canadian Encyclopedia . “If there’s a better name for a Jazz club than Rockhead’s Paradise (opened in Montreal ~1930), or a better name for a jazz club owner than Rufus Rockhead, I don’t know what they would be. During the prohibition era, Montreal became sin city, where the liquor still flowed and music was loud, and Rockhead’s Paradise hosted musicians including Louis Armstrong, Cab Calloway and Billie Holiday to black and white crowds.” (Hugh for Alistair).
Show Girls – Meilan Lam – NFB . “A National Film Board of Canada documentary, about three dancers, Bernice, Tina and Olga, from Montreal’s swinging Black jazz scene from the 1920s to the 1960s.” (Hugh for Mitch). 
The Looming Bank Collapse – The Atlantic . “My first reaction is: What else have you got for us in 2020? My second reaction is: What do you do? Do you get out of the market? Do you sit tight? Do you think this is wrong? Do you think this is more than probable? Do you stuff everything that you have in a mattress (if you even have anything)? If ever you wanted proof that we – as individuals – can only control how we feel about our situation, then this won’t unnerve you. If you’re someone who likes to think that you have control over more things… Well…” (Mitch for Alistair). 
Brené with Ibram X. Kendi on How to Be an Antiracist – Unlocking Us – Brene Brown’s Podcast . “Like many of us, I am now on journey of self-discovery. I used to think that I wasn’t racist, then I watched the documentary, 13th on Netflix (if you don’t have Netflix, don’t worry. Just click the link or look below, it’s showing for free on YouTube), starting reading Ibram’s excellent book, How To Be Antiracist, and started to no longer attach the idea of ‘racism’ with hoods and burning crosses. I have been non-racist… and that’s a problem, not a solution. It’s hard to see, admit and figure out (that’s what privilege does). So… new journeys… new conversations… new listening… new paying attention… new thinking… new attitude… and more. I’m not sharing this to pat myself on the back. I’m only at the starting gate of learning and (trying) to grow. I am hopeful that others will take a listen to this conversation between Ibram X. Kendi and Brene Brown, and just listen. Just listen… then think deeply…then… act.” (Mitch for Hugh).

Feel free to share these links and add your picks on Twitter, Facebook, in the comments below or wherever you play.

Show Girls, Meilan Lam, provided by the National Film Board of Canada

Is Work From Home Working Out? + More On CHOM 97.7 FM

Every Monday morning at 7:10 am, I am on air at CHOM 97.7 FM radio out of Montreal (home base). It’s not a long segment – about 10 minutes every week – about everything that is happening in the world of technology, digital media and culture. The good folks at CHOM 97.7 FM are posting these segments weekly on i Heart Radio, if you’re interested in hearing more of me blathering on about what’s happening in our digital world. I’m really excited about these weekly hits, because this is the radio station that I grew up listening to, and it really is a fun treat to be invited to the Mornings Rock with Terry DiMonte morning show. The segment is called, CTRL ALT Delete with Mitch Joel.

This week we discussed:

Have we changed how we see our work, our place in the organization, and how we work together?
How is remote work really going? Some like it. I find it challenging. It is challenging, because it’s very different. A true expert on that subject is Cal Newport (who wrote both Digital Minimalism and Deep Work). Newport wrote an amazing (and long) article for The New Yorker titled, Why Remote Work Is So Hard – And How It Can Be fixed.
Another interesting perspective on the WFH (work from home) movement is this piece from Medium titled, The Five Levels of Remote Work — and why you’re probably at Level 2, by Steve Glaveski.
App of the Week: Photopea – a free and online photo editor.

You can also listen in via I Heart Radio.

Mitch Joel · Is Work From Home Working Out? And More On CHOM 97.7 FM

Mike Walsh On Rethinking How And Where We Work – This Week’s Six Pixels of Separation Podcast

Episode #726 of Six Pixels of Separation is now live and ready for you to listen to.

For over a decade, I have been a fan of everything that Mike Walsh has created. From the genuine and beautiful aesthetic of his brand, style and design, to how his brain thinks so rapidly about our rapidly changing work space. He moves so quickly (and fast) that whenever I was at the airport (remember airports?), I would wonder if I would run into him. Mike used to travel over 300 days a year, researching trends, collecting case studies and presenting on the future of business and leadership. Now, we both sit and wait for the stages, conferences and associations to come back to life. With that change comes opportunity. Mike is the CEO of Tomorrow, a consultancy on designing companies for the 21st century. The Futurist and author recently published, The Algorithmic Leader, which digs into digital transformation, disruptive innovation and machine intelligence. Mike’s other books include Futuretainment (winner of the design award by the Art Director’s Club in New York), published by Phaidon, and The Dictionary of Dangerous Ideas. Most recently, he has been sharing his thoughts on YouTube with his highly visual and instructive vignettes, New Rules For A New World. Enjoy the conversation…

You can grab the latest episode of Six Pixels of Separation here (or feel free to subscribe via iTunes): Six Pixels of Separation #726.

Before you go… if you enjoyed this, please subscribe (all new content arrives in your inbox). It’s easy, it’s free and it’s right here.

SPOS #726 – Mike Walsh On Rethinking How And Where We Work

Welcome to episode #726 of Six Pixels of Separation.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation – Episode #726 – Host: Mitch Joel. For over a decade, I have been a fan of everything that Mike Walsh has created. From the genuine and beautiful aesthetic of his brand, style and design, to how his brain thinks so rapidly about our rapidly changing work space. He moves so quickly (and fast) that whenever I was at the airport (remember airports?), I would wonder if I would run into him. Mike used to travel over 300 days a year, researching trends, collecting case studies and presenting on the future of business and leadership. Now, we both sit and wait for the stages, conferences and associations to come back to life. With that change comes opportunity. Mike is the CEO of Tomorrow, a consultancy on designing companies for the 21st century. The Futurist and author recently published, The Algorithmic Leader, which digs into digital transformation, disruptive innovation and machine intelligence. Mike’s other books include Futuretainment (winner of the design award by the Art Director’s Club in New York), published by Phaidon, and The Dictionary of Dangerous Ideas. Most recently, he has been sharing his thoughts on YouTube with his highly visual and instructive vignettes, New Rules For A New World. Enjoy the conversation…

Running time: 52:27.
Hello from beautiful Montreal.
Subscribe over at iTunes.
Please visit and leave comments on the blog – Six Pixels of Separation.
Feel free to connect to me directly on Facebook here: Mitch Joel on Facebook.
or you can connect on LinkedIn.
…or on Twitter.
Here is my conversation with Mike Walsh.
The Algorithmic Leader.
Futuretainment.
The Dictionary of Dangerous Ideas.
New Rules For A New World.
Follow Mike on Instagram.
Follow Mike on Twitter.
This week’s music: David Usher ‘St. Lawrence River’.

Download the Podcast here: Six Pixels of Separation – Episode #726 – Host: Mitch Joel.

Before you go… if you enjoyed this, please subscribe (all new content arrives in your inbox). It’s easy, it’s free and it’s right here.

Six Links Worthy of Your Attention #519

Is there one link, story, picture or thought that you saw online this week that you think somebody you know must see?

My friends: Alistair Croll (Solve for Interesting, Tilt the Windmill, Interesting Bits, HBS, chair of Strata, Startupfest, FWD50, and Scaletechconf; author of Lean Analytics and some other books), Hugh McGuire (Rebus Foundation, PressBooks, LibriVox) and I decided that every week the three of us are going to share one link for one another (for a total of six links) that each individual feels the other person “must see.”

Check out these six links that we’re recommending to one another: 

Simple Sabotage Field Manual . “This since-unclassified document from the US Government’s Office of Strategic Services is intended to help citizens fight oppressive governments. Written in 1963, it is packed with details on everything from how to overheat transformers, to instructions as simple as ‘act stupid.’ A short overview of how to mess with systems, written from a time when destabilizing foreign governments was policy.” (Alistair for Hugh).
The Turrets of New York — and the People Who Inhabit Them – New York Magazine . “It doesn’t get more privileged than this. Every time I’m in the Big Apple, I gaze from my hotel room at the strange abutments and turrets that adorn the skyline. Turns out people live there!” (Alistair for Mitch).
Linton Kwesi Johnson – Chiemsee Reggae 1999 – Royal Roots Channel – YouTube . “Linton Kwesi Johnson‘s ‘Sonny’s Letter.’” (Hugh for Alistair). 
Why the octopus brain is so extraordinary – Cláudio L. Guerra – TED . “An ongoing mini-leitmotif of my links is the amazing world of octopuses. It feels like we could all use a bit of octopus intelligence right now.” (Hugh for Mitch).
The Pentagon’s Hand-Me-Downs Helped Militarize Police. Here’s How – Wired . “If the role of the police is to protect and serve, why do we have police forces that look and feel much more like armies. Maybe it’s the Canadian in me, but a militarized police force doesn’t sound like it’s on the side of the community and our most vulnerable/most neglected. In a world where we’re not sure how to solve these big problems, we may want to start here…” (Mitch for Alistair).
How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi . “It seems like every post and article turns into one of politics and social justice. I’m mad. You’re mad. We’re all mad. There are no sides here. There’s only so much our society can take. With that, I am learning much more about myself (my privilege and my prejudices) than I could have ever imagined. It’s time to quiet myself, listen, observe, watch my reactions, my thoughts and think (deeply) about what equality, justice and peace truly means. A friend told me about this book. I’m deep into it.” (Mitch for Hugh). 

Feel free to share these links and add your picks on Twitter, Facebook, in the comments below or wherever you play.

The Moment That Changed Everything At Work

What was your professional moment that changed everything?

It seems like a neutered question to ask in this moment.
This moment.
It feels like this is the moment that changed everything.
Or, at least, in this moment we are considering changing everything.

When it comes to work, what was your moment that changed everything?

It wasn’t just one for me.
It was when I decided that I wanted to work for myself.
It was when I decided that stress and anxiety are not worth any job.
It was when I was fired from a company that I really loved.
It was when I decided to hold on, see it through and not let go.
It was when I decided that owning a part of something was better than trying to do it all alone.
It was when I had the courage to be more “me.”
There are others.

I had the chance to share to share my thoughts on yesterday, today and tomorrow on the podcast, The Moment That Changed Everything, this week.

Here’s how the show is described:

“We all have a defining moment in our career that altered our course forever. This series explores stories from notable people across a number of different creative fields as they share the defining moments that shaped who they’ve ultimately become. The Moment serves as inspiration for young creatives looking to break into communication fields, while providing valuable insights for senior marketing/communication executives.”

Here’s how it turned out:

Before you go… if you enjoyed this, please subscribe (all new content arrives in your inbox). It’s easy, it’s free and it’s right here.

Paolo Gregoletto On This Month’s Groove – The No Treble Podcast

Paolo Gregoletto is this month’s conversation on Groove – The No Treble Podcast.

You can listen the new episode right here: Groove – The No Treble Podcast – Episode #66 – Paolo Gregoletto.

Who is Paolo Gregoletto ?

At the edge of heavy music lies Trivium. I remember first hearing about this band around 2000. They were “on the streets” as an indie band trying to make noise – on the stage and with the fans. They were hard working and would take on all comers. Paolo Gregoletto joined the band in 2004, when the band was in the studio working on what would become Ascendary (their debut album in 2005). That first tour took the band out on the road with Machine Head and they’ve been true road warriors ever since. Paolo is not just the low-end bass player for Trivium, but has been a songwriter and featured soloist on their tracks. His guitar-like tone on solos and his use of effects (wah pedal) add texture and power in a world where the bass plays such a dramatic role in how the metal music rumbles. Trivium most recently released their eight full-length album, What The Dead Men Say, as the music world continues to be ravaged by Covid 19. The band – known for their live performances and unending tours – is now facing the same fate as their peers: a time when live music is silenced. Paolo remains active with Trivium’s fan online, and since 2013 has written a column for the UK’s Bass Guitar Magazine. Enjoy the conversation…

What is Groove – The No Treble Podcast?

This is an ambitious effort. This will be a fascinating conversation. Our goal at Groove is to build the largest oral history of bass players. Why Groove? Most of the content about the bass revolves around gear, playing techniques, and more technical chatter. For us, bassists are creative artists with stories to tell. They are a force to be reckon with. These are the stories and conversation that we will capture. To create this oral history of why these artists chose the bass, what their creative lives are like, and where inspiration can be found.

Listen in:  Groove – The No Treble Podcast – Episode #66 – Paolo Gregoletto.

Groove – Episode #66: Paolo Gregoletto by No Treble

Hunting Creativity

Don’t just sit at your desk.

Get out into the world.
There are no blank pages staring back at you out in the wild.
The canvases out in the world are filled with inspiration and imagery.

Ideas come from the unexpected.
Ideas come from the mundane.

Do things that you find interesting.

Do things that you find unexpected.
Do things that you find mundane.

Wandering is the path.

Bring a pen.
Bring a notebook.
Bring a willingness to be a detective.
Leave the compass back home.

Take notes about everything.

Everything that is said.
Everything that the senses capture.
Everything that you think.
Everything that you feel.
Document it all.

Recognize what makes you uncomfortable in the work.

You can avoid it.
You can ignore it.
You can document it.
The uncomfortable is probably not the heart of what you’re trying to do.
The uncomfortable may be exactly what you’re searching for.

Look for a structure.

Dig for the outline.
Work that first draft.
Once there’s a structure, you build on that.
Then start on in with a firm end date in mind.

Put on the pressure.

The pressure becomes your driving force.
The pressure of the date.
The pressure to get it all out.
The pressure to get it all down.
The pressure that you put on the idea.
The pressure to get to the heart of the matter.
Pressure matters.

Pressure is good.

For some, working without a script gives you maximum creative freedom.
For some, working with a script gives you every detail for maximum creative freedom.

Work towards maximum creative freedom.

Creating is like dropping a fishing line into your brain.
Be comfortable with the calm and peace of you, the water, the boat and no fish in sight.
Be comfortable with the need to catch something before sunset or everybody starves.
The seas of your brain are bountiful.

Don’t be interested in conventional stories.

Structure for a story is good.
Conventional stories are everywhere.

Work in a constant cloud of doubt and anxiety.

That’s how most creative people live.
That’s how most creative people love.
That’s how most creative work comes out.
That’s how most creative people find the heart.
That’s how most creative people suffer.
That’s how most creative people create.
It’s not always healthy.

Mind your health.

Speak to someone.
Ask for help.

Get back to it.

How can the story grab the audience from the beginning?
If it’s interesting to you, it works.
If it’s interesting to the audience, it makes them question.
If it’s interesting to the audience, it gives them closure.
Make the story grapple with something new.
Make the story grapple with those questions.
Let it all roll around together on the mat.

Be true to your craft without pretension.

Be an idealistic realist.
Be someone who pushes the envelope of imagination.
Be someone who creates, curates and documents.
Get there.

Then go away.

Have a period of isolation.
By the sea.
By the forest.
By the garden.
Bye the city.
Bye the apartment.
Bye the studio.
Travel. Even when you can’t go anywhere.
Change your surroundings.
Get lost in your own thoughts.
Hunt with a view.

Stay grumpy.

Inspiration is often found in the grumpy.
Push creativity to the limit.
Push it further.
Make things that won’t shame you.
Makes things that will save you.

This is for you.
This is for me.

Before you go… if you enjoyed this, please subscribe (all new content arrives in your inbox). It’s easy, it’s free and it’s right here.

Questions of the Day…

How do we start fresh?
How do we fix the broken?
How do we success when we are scared?
How do we show and tell?
How do we love and protect?
How do we stay in each other’s lives?
How do we be equals?
How do we find love?
How do we write free?
How do we breathe and stretch?
How do we keep playing games?
How do we build with care?
How do we stop the stress?
How do we move to new?
How do we with listen and observe?
How do we family?
How do we find our space?
How do we stop to start?
How do we not hide?
How do we sleep tight?
How do we stay together?
How do we put up with this?
How do we be better friends?
How do we keep it going?
How do we give it away?
How do we do this without you?
How do we focus our attention?
How do we sunrise sunset sunrise?
How do we embrace the awkward?
How do we get on the same page?
How do we be here now?
How do we find the right middle?
How do we sing in the rain?
How do we keep it so hardcore?
How do we make up?
How do we make it up?
How do we feel the quiet of the earth?
How do we keep the spirit alive?
How do we listen to more music?
How do we create motion?
How do we create more emotion?
How do we create more art?
How do we empathy?
How do we not assume?
How do we stop letting someone down?
How do we stop the needles?
How do we document?
How do we make the moon smile?
How do we constantly amaze?
How do we choose optimally?
How do we find the right?
How do we coffee?
How do we write a story?
How do we write more in pen?
How do we write page one?
How do we see each other’s words?
How do we remember old photos?
How do we face our morality?
How do we face our mortality?
How do we see us?
How do we see more completely?
How do we not life without each other?
How do we find what matters?
How do we not do fake?
How do we happily ever after?

Mike Michalowicz On Mastering Entrepreneurship – This Week’s Six Pixels of Separation Podcast

Episode #725 of Six Pixels of Separation is now live and ready for you to listen to.

It’s hard to grow a business. It’s hard to build a business. I wrote about the struggles (and the glory) this past week (The Heart of The Entrepreneur). When I speak to those who are starting up, there is always a book. A secret weapon. I can’t tell you how many times, I’ve heard an entrepreneur or small business owner say: “Have you read Profit First?” The author of that book is Mike Michalowicz, and many people consider him the horse whisperer for startups and small businesses. As we all grapple through this pandemic, Mike’s work couldn’t be more profound. Over half a million people have read Mike’s books (other gems include: Surge, Clockwork, The Pumpkin Plan and The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur). Mike’s mission is clear: “Eradicate entrepreneurial poverty. I have devoted my life to fixing those struggles for you, for myself, and for every entrepreneur I have the privilege to connect with. Successful entrepreneurship is not easy, but it can be a whole lot simpler. That is what I am here to do with you, right now.” His latest book is titled, Fix This Next – Make The Vital Change That Will Level Up Your Business. Mike has built and sold many businesses – in good times and in tougher times. Thinking about what’s next for you? Your business? Enjoy the conversation…

You can grab the latest episode of Six Pixels of Separation here (or feel free to subscribe via iTunes): Six Pixels of Separation #725.

Before you go… if you enjoyed this, please subscribe (all new content arrives in your inbox). It’s easy, it’s free and it’s right here.