Mitch Joel's Blog: Six Pixels of Separation, page 30

David De Cremer On AI Savvy Leadership – This Week’s Six Pixels of Separation Podcast

Episode #944 of Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast is now live and ready for you to listen to:

David De Cremer, the Dunton Family Dean at the D’Amore-McKim School of Business at Northeastern University, is passionate about the intersection of technology and leadership. With a rich background in psychology and behavioral economics, David has dedicated his career to understanding how emerging technologies, especially AI, can transform businesses while keeping people at the heart of it all. He’s worked across the globe, guiding leaders on how to effectively and responsibly integrate AI into their organizations. David’s journey is rooted in a deep curiosity about human behavior and a passion for leadership. He’s held prestigious positions at places like the National University of Singapore and the University of Cambridge, where he founded the Centre on AI Technology for Humankind. This wealth of experience has given him unique insights into the challenges and opportunities that AI presents. In our conversation, we dive into his latest book, The AI Savvy Leader – Nine Ways To Take Back Control And Make AI Work. David addresses a critical issue: Many leaders today are handing over control of AI strategy to their tech teams, which can lead to a disconnect between AI initiatives and overall business strategy. His book offers a practical guide for leaders to reclaim their role in the AI transformation. It’s not about becoming a tech lead… it’s about applying timeless leadership skills — like creating a vision, effective communication, and strategic execution — in the context of AI. David emphasizes that AI should be a tool to enhance decision-making and efficiency, not a replacement for human judgment. He shares stories from his work, highlighting both the successes and pitfalls of early AI adoption. The core message is clear: Leaders need to stay engaged and proactive, ensuring that AI aligns with their organization’s values and goals. David’s approachable and insightful perspective makes complex topics accessible. He reminds us that while technology evolves rapidly, the fundamental principles of good leadership remain constant. If you’re a business leader looking to understand how to leverage AI effectively and responsibly, David De Cremer’s insights are invaluable. Enjoy the conversation…

You can grab the latest episode of Six Pixels of Separation here (or feel free to subscribe via Apple Podcast or whatever platform you may choose):  #944 of Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Before you go… ThinkersOne  is a new way for organizations to buy bite-sized and personalized thought leadership video content (live and recorded) from the best Thinkers in the world. If you’re looking to add excitement  and big smarts to your meetings, corporate events, company off-sites, “lunch & learns” and beyond, check it out.

SPOS #944 – David De Cremer On AI Savvy Leadership

Welcome to episode #944 of Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast – Episode #944. David De Cremer, the Dunton Family Dean at the D’Amore-McKim School of Business at Northeastern University, is passionate about the intersection of technology and leadership. With a rich background in psychology and behavioral economics, David has dedicated his career to understanding how emerging technologies, especially AI, can transform businesses while keeping people at the heart of it all. He’s worked across the globe, guiding leaders on how to effectively and responsibly integrate AI into their organizations. David’s journey is rooted in a deep curiosity about human behavior and a passion for leadership. He’s held prestigious positions at places like the National University of Singapore and the University of Cambridge, where he founded the Centre on AI Technology for Humankind. This wealth of experience has given him unique insights into the challenges and opportunities that AI presents. In our conversation, we dive into his latest book, The AI Savvy Leader – Nine Ways To Take Back Control And Make AI Work. David addresses a critical issue: Many leaders today are handing over control of AI strategy to their tech teams, which can lead to a disconnect between AI initiatives and overall business strategy. His book offers a practical guide for leaders to reclaim their role in the AI transformation. It’s not about becoming a tech lead… it’s about applying timeless leadership skills — like creating a vision, effective communication, and strategic execution — in the context of AI. David emphasizes that AI should be a tool to enhance decision-making and efficiency, not a replacement for human judgment. He shares stories from his work, highlighting both the successes and pitfalls of early AI adoption. The core message is clear: Leaders need to stay engaged and proactive, ensuring that AI aligns with their organization’s values and goals. David’s approachable and insightful perspective makes complex topics accessible. He reminds us that while technology evolves rapidly, the fundamental principles of good leadership remain constant. If you’re a business leader looking to understand how to leverage AI effectively and responsibly, David De Cremer’s insights are invaluable. Enjoy the conversation…

Running time: 1:08:55.Hello from beautiful Montreal.Subscribe over at Apple Podcasts.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.Check out ThinkersOne.or you can connect on LinkedIn.…or on Twitter.Here is my conversation with David De Cremer.The AI Savvy Leader – Nine Ways To Take Back Control And Make AI Work.D’Amore-McKim School of Business at Northeastern University.Centre on AI Technology for Humankind.Follow David on LinkedIn.This week’s music: David Usher ‘St. Lawrence River’.

Chapters:

00:00 – The Importance of AI in Business Education and Leadership.02:24 – Using AI as a Tool for Decision-Making and Efficiency.07:06 – Challenges of AI Adoption and Implementation.13:52 – Aligning Corporate Purpose with AI Comprehension.37:17 – Ethical Considerations in AI Implementation.39:17 – The Role of Education in Preparing AI-Savvy Leaders.49:52 – Aligning AI with Human Values.52:50 – The Need for Proactive Leadership in the AI Era.

Download the Podcast here: Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast – Episode #944.

Before you go… ThinkersOne  is a new way for organizations to buy bite-sized and personalized thought leadership video content (live and recorded) from the best Thinkers in the world. If you’re looking to add excitement  and big smarts to your meetings, corporate events, company off-sites, “lunch & learns” and beyond, check it out.

Six Links That Make You Think #737

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:

Kiasmos Live For Cercle At Citadelle De Sisteron, France – Cercle – YouTube. “Cercle is one of my favorite EDM channels, sharing live sets from amazing DJs in fantastic locations. During Covid, they recorded Ben Bohmer in a massive hot air balloon over Turkey, surrounded by people in their own balloon bubbles. Talk about social distancing. Kiasmos is Ólafur Arnalds (a former punk drummer from Iceland) and Janus Rasmussen, a producer and composer. They don’t put out much music, but when they do, it’s worth it. Here’s them playing a live set at the Sisteron Citadelle, a fortress atop a rock in France. Even if you don’t nerd out to techno like I do, this is something to watch.” (Alistair for Hugh). World Dog Surfing Championships . “There’s a time when an event goes from ‘local weird thing’ to ‘something I’d travel to’. I feel like dog surfing is at that tipping point. After I saw some coverage of this competition in Pacifica on YouTube from a local all-access station, I went down a bit of a rabbithole. Here’s something wholesome from the Internet for a change.” (Alistair for Mitch). Trekking Across Switzerland, Guided By Locals’ Hand-Drawn Maps – The New York Times . “I’ve just spent two weeks almost completely disconnected in a tent on a island in a lake in Ontario (I did read and send about eight work emails and a few coordinating texts with visiting friends). Each summer my family and I do this camping trip and I’ve have various levels of success at disconnecting. This year I really really did it. No Reddit, no news. Just sunshine, water, books and camp chores. So it was a bit daunting to find links for this week, but this one resonated. A trekker decided to walk 150 miles through the Swiss alps with no phone, no GPS, and only conversations with strangers and their hand drawn maps to guide him.” (Hugh for Alistair). ‘We’re Living In A Nightmare:’ Inside The Health Crisis Of A Texas Bitcoin Town – Time . “Bitcoin mining is so weird: Huge amount of computing power is dedicated to solving complex math problems, and are rewarded with new bitcoins and transaction fees. A town in Texas has been overtaken by a huge Bitcoin mining operation, and the noise from the cooling system is causing all manner of adverse health impacts on the residents. With AI, Bitcoin and our general thirst for bits, these data centers now account for more than 8% of US power consumption. The numbers are expected to grow and grow.” (Hugh for Mitch). How Social Media Sabotages Your Brain’s Friendship Mechanism – Arthur Brooks – Big Think . “One newsletter that continues to grow on me is IoNTELLIGENCE from an old friend (Ion Valaskakis). Ion is incredibly well-read and a true business professional who straddles executive coaching and business development. He takes powerful themes in each newsletter and not only breaks them down but gives some great references for those willing to dig deeper. And that’s where I discovered this gem from Arthur Brooks. If you think social media has helped you make friends (it might have)… but maybe it’s also what’s stopping you from keeping them (and, more importantly, making them truly meaningful).” (Mitch for Alistair). The #1 Thing That Really Brings Happiness (& Why It’s Not Money) – Tom Shadyac x Rich Roll . “I had heard of Rich Roll but never really followed his podcast. This one showed up in my feed, and I found myself captivated by the conversation… and the kindness. The Internet needs more of this…” (Mitch for Hugh),

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

Before you go… ThinkersOne  is a new way for organizations to buy bite-sized and personalized thought leadership video content (live and recorded) from the best Thinkers in the world. If you’re looking to add excitement  and big smarts to your meetings, corporate events, company off-sites, “lunch & learns” and beyond, check it out.

Stephen Shedletzky On Speak-Up Culture – This Week’s Six Pixels of Separation Podcast

Episode #943 of Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast is now live and ready for you to listen to:

My friend, Stephen Shedletzky (everyone calls him Shed) is on a mission to revolutionize how leaders listen and how organizations function. With a career dedicated to fostering environments where voices are heard and valued, Shed’s journey began with a jarring experience at his first corporate job, where he witnessed the devastating effects of poor leadership and a lack of psychological safety firsthand. This formative experience ignited his passion for creating workplaces where people feel safe to speak up. In his book, Speak-Up Culture – When Leaders Truly Listen, People Step Up, Shed dives deep into the nuances of building a culture that encourages open communication. He emphasizes that a speak-up culture isn’t about constantly voicing opinions but about ensuring it’s safe and worthwhile for individuals to share their ideas, feedback, and concerns. During our conversation, Shed shares insights from his extensive experience working with leaders to develop these environments. He highlighted the critical role of humility, respect, and emotional intelligence in leadership, and how these values can transform an organization’s culture. Shed’s work with Simon Sinek and his global team has equipped him with unique insights into leadership and culture. He has seen how leaders who genuinely listen and create spaces for dialogue can foster innovation, safety, and high performance. Speak-Up Culture is a practical guide for leaders at all levels, from senior executives to aspiring leaders. It offers strategies to create environments where people feel heard and valued, leading to better organizational outcomes. The book is a testament to Shed’s belief that great leadership involves more than just strategic thinking — it’s about creating a culture where every team member feels empowered to contribute to the organization’s success. In our conversation, we delved into the challenges of fostering a speak-up culture in today’s climate, where fear and anxiety can stifle open communication. Shed shares his thoughts on the importance of feedback, the delicate balance between happiness and fulfillment, and the need for leaders to remain humble and open to feedback. We also touched on the evolving nature of workplaces, particularly with the rise of remote and hybrid work, and the importance of finding new ways to maintain connection and serendipity. By embracing the principles outlined in his book, leaders can transform their organizations and create a better version of humanity. Enjoy the conversation…

You can grab the latest episode of Six Pixels of Separation here (or feel free to subscribe via Apple Podcast or whatever platform you may choose):  #943 of Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Before you go… ThinkersOne  is a new way for organizations to buy bite-sized and personalized thought leadership video content (live and recorded) from the best Thinkers in the world. If you’re looking to add excitement  and big smarts to your meetings, corporate events, company off-sites, “lunch & learns” and beyond, check it out.

SPOS #943 – Stephen Shedletzky On Speak-Up Culture

Welcome to episode #943 of Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast – Episode #943. My friend, Stephen Shedletzky (everyone calls him Shed) is on a mission to revolutionize how leaders listen and how organizations function. With a career dedicated to fostering environments where voices are heard and valued, Shed’s journey began with a jarring experience at his first corporate job, where he witnessed the devastating effects of poor leadership and a lack of psychological safety firsthand. This formative experience ignited his passion for creating workplaces where people feel safe to speak up. In his book, Speak-Up Culture – When Leaders Truly Listen, People Step Up, Shed dives deep into the nuances of building a culture that encourages open communication. He emphasizes that a speak-up culture isn’t about constantly voicing opinions but about ensuring it’s safe and worthwhile for individuals to share their ideas, feedback, and concerns. During our conversation, Shed shares insights from his extensive experience working with leaders to develop these environments. He highlighted the critical role of humility, respect, and emotional intelligence in leadership, and how these values can transform an organization’s culture. Shed’s work with Simon Sinek and his global team has equipped him with unique insights into leadership and culture. He has seen how leaders who genuinely listen and create spaces for dialogue can foster innovation, safety, and high performance. Speak-Up Culture is a practical guide for leaders at all levels, from senior executives to aspiring leaders. It offers strategies to create environments where people feel heard and valued, leading to better organizational outcomes. The book is a testament to Shed’s belief that great leadership involves more than just strategic thinking — it’s about creating a culture where every team member feels empowered to contribute to the organization’s success. In our conversation, we delved into the challenges of fostering a speak-up culture in today’s climate, where fear and anxiety can stifle open communication. Shed shares his thoughts on the importance of feedback, the delicate balance between happiness and fulfillment, and the need for leaders to remain humble and open to feedback. We also touched on the evolving nature of workplaces, particularly with the rise of remote and hybrid work, and the importance of finding new ways to maintain connection and serendipity. By embracing the principles outlined in his book, leaders can transform their organizations and create a better version of humanity. Enjoy the conversation…

Running time: 1:02:38.Hello from beautiful Montreal.Subscribe over at Apple Podcasts.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.Check out ThinkersOne.or you can connect on LinkedIn.…or on Twitter.Here is my conversation with Stephen Shedletzky.Speak-Up Culture – When Leaders Truly Listen, People Step Up.Follow Shed on LinkedIn.Follow Shed on Instagram.Follow Shed on X.This week’s music: David Usher ‘St. Lawrence River’.

Takeaways:

Creating a speak up culture is about making it safe and worth it for people to share their ideas, feedback, concerns, and mistakes.A speak up culture is not about speaking up all the time, but about creating an environment where it is safe and encouraged to speak up.In the current cultural climate, it is important to have more humility, forgiveness, and space for dialogue.Cultures can change based on who is leading them, and it is important for leaders to create an environment where respectful disagreement and debate are encouraged.The shift towards remote and hybrid work requires finding new ways to create moments of serendipity and connection.Encouraging people to speak up and rewarding them for doing so are key actions in creating a speak up culture.Whistleblowing is often a last resort when internal speak up attempts fail, and it requires courageous leadership.The pursuit of fulfillment, rather than happiness, should be the goal in the workplace.Visionary leaders may not always possess the qualities of effective leadership, such as compassion, empathy, and accountability.Humility is a crucial attribute for leaders, as it allows them to acknowledge their strengths and limitations and be open to feedback.

Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction and Background.03:12 – The Nuances of a Speak Up Culture.06:08 – The Impact of the Current Cultural Climate on Speaking Up.10:39 – Shifting the Paradigm of Leadership and Business.29:58 – Navigating the Challenges of Remote and Hybrid Work.31:50 – Creating a Speak Up Culture.36:27 – Whistleblowing: A Last Resort.40:33 – From Happiness to Fulfillment.52:31 – Visionary Leaders.56:22 – The Importance of Humility.

Download the Podcast here: Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast – Episode #943.

Before you go… ThinkersOne  is a new way for organizations to buy bite-sized and personalized thought leadership video content (live and recorded) from the best Thinkers in the world. If you’re looking to add excitement  and big smarts to your meetings, corporate events, company off-sites, “lunch & learns” and beyond, check it out.

Six Links That Make You Think #736

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: 

Reality Is Just A Game Now – The New Atlantis. “Gamification was once a buzzword in startup culture. Make users feel like they’re playing a game, and they’ll get addicted to the behaviors you reinforce. Now that everything has a like, share, or upvote – and a generation has been weaned on quests and grinding and combos – is it any wonder we see the world as a zero-sum game, a fight to be won rather than a future to be built together? Jon Askonas lays out this position, not just as an article, but a sort of workshop, inviting the reader to take a quiz, do some digging, and find their own facts. ‘To play an alternate reality game is to be drawn into a collaborative project of explaining the world.’ We are in a war of explanations.” (Alistair for Hugh). Olympic Opening Ceremony Hidden Camera – With Performers In Ear Monitor – OlympicHiddenCamera – YouTube . “The opening ceremonies of the Olympics in Paris were pretty good. But for me, nothing’s going to beat Danny Boyle’s opener. I may be biased – Underworld did the music, and I’m a Brit. Hearing ‘And I Will Kiss’ brings tears to my eyes every time. Turns out that one of the hundreds of cast members snuck a GoPro into the ceremonies, and recorded the in-ear instructions being sent to the actors and dancers. If you haven’t seen the original, you may want to watch it first – then see behind the scenes for how they coordinated everyone.” (Alistair for Mitch). How Memorizing Poetry Can Expand Your Life – The Washington Post . “I have a good mind for concepts, not so much for memorization and mechanics. I am good at math, but not arithmetic. My university degree is in Mathematics and Engineering, but to this day if you ask me to multiply 8 by 7, I’ll probably have to work it out in my head. Similarly, we can talk all night about books I’ve loved, but I can barely quote a line from any of them. A couple of years ago, I took up the ukulele and despaired ever of being able to play music without the chords in front of me. And yet, music forces you to do both – a kind of concept along with memory – and eventually I started being able to play, to remember how to play, songs without the music in front of me. It was wonderful. I feel the same way about poems: There are a handful that I love and have read dozens of times, but I can’t recite more than a line. Still with effort, like with my ukulele, I’m sure I can memorize some poems, and maybe that would be a very good thing to do.” (Hugh for Alistair). Why Americans Suddenly Stopped Hanging Out – The Atlantic . “I just spent two days away with a four other friends who I lived with in university. One I see often, another I am regularly in touch with, the two others I have not stayed in touch with at all. But I was happy to spend time with them. We’re all 50-ish year old dads now with kids ranging from 6 to 23 and everything in between, and have all had our various successes, disappointments and tragedies. There have been divorces and mental health problems and career challenges and the angst of the world unfolding for our kids, and ourselves. We talked about all of this and much more over two days. I’m not sure what an ideal life looks like, but one absent of these kinds of friendships seems very sad. Yet, it seems these kinds of friendships are increasingly rare. Surely, it can’t be a good thing. This is why I am grateful to Mitch for keeping these links going, and for all of the people in my life who make efforts to find ways to keep connections strong. They take work. So, I am making a pledge to do a tiny bit more this year to keep my friendships alive. It doesn’t take much.” (Hugh for Mitch).  Why Discount Chain Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Is Growing While Big Lots & Others Are Sinking – Modern Retail . “If you want to see me go down a rabbit hole, just ask me about YouTube videos and comic book collectors (which led me to toy collectors… which led me to Ollie’s). We have one Ollie’s in Plattsburgh, New York (Montreal’s famed cross border shopping destination), but I’ve never uncovered much of the glory that some of these YouTubers find. Ollie’s knows how to buy (and sell) closeouts at scale. And they have massive toy/collectible/book sections. Couple that with my marketing/retail brain and this is a gem of a read. Why? Because these are the stories that you would think don’t make any retail sense… lease rando locations and fill it with cheap/cheaper treasures for people to dig through. There’s no real ‘brand’ here and it’s hard to go back to Ollie’s and find the same thing twice. Still… it works… and it also flies in the face of any retail or marketing thought leader who would argue that most of what Ollie’s does no longer works in modern retail… and… well… they would be wrong.” (Mitch for Alistair). Did You Know That Poetry Used To Be An Actual Olympic Sport? – Literary Hub . “I don’t normally look at Alistair and Hugh’s links first before choosing mine. I like to just see what happens when we all make our picks. I cheated (only a little) this week, because I had this article saved, but reading Hugh’s link above about poetry above… and while we’re still watching the Olympics, I simply could not resist. Now… are poets athletes?” (Mitch for Hugh)..

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

Before you go… ThinkersOne  is a new way for organizations to buy bite-sized and personalized thought leadership video content (live and recorded) from the best Thinkers in the world. If you’re looking to add excitement  and big smarts to your meetings, corporate events, company off-sites, “lunch & learns” and beyond, check it out.

Marcus Miller On This Month’s Groove – The No Treble Podcast

“Wait… did I miss something? Why is there an article about a bass podcast on Six Pixels of Separation?”

Here’s why:
In the late nineties my first job was as a music journalist (actually, my first interview was with Tommy Lee from Motley Crue right before the band released Dr. Feelgood).
I spent many years interviewing musicians and artists for local weekly alternative newspapers, national and international magazines (and even published three music magazines – before we had the Internet).
I also studied and played the electric bass (in high school and post-secondary) and always felt like bass players never really had a chance to tell their stories.
So, about ten years ago, Seth Godin introduced me to Corey Brown (founder of No Treble – one of the world’s biggest bass platforms – and he also worked on Squidoo with Seth).
From there, Corey and I decided to try this monthly podcast where I would interview bass players and talk about their music, art, creativity and more.
I’m hopeful that these conversations will inspire your work, creativity and innovation as much as they do for me…

Marcus Miller 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 #116 – Marcus Miller.

Groove – Episode #116: Marcus Miller by No Treble

Who is Marcus Miller?

When word got out that Marcus Miller would be a featured artist at this year’s Montreal International Jazz Festival, I pounced at the chance to (finally) corner him for a conversation for this podcast. The good news is that this interview happened. Originally, it was slated for only 15 minutes (beggars can’t be choosers), but we managed to snag a little over thirty minutes with the bass legend. Marcus is undeniably one of the most influential artists (and bass players) of our time, with a career that spans almost four decades. His distinctive bass sound has graced countless jazz and pop hits, making him a household name among music geeks. From classic tracks like Bill Withers’ ‘Just The Two Of Us’ to Luther Vandross‘ ‘Never Too Much’, Marcus’ contributions continue to leave an indelible mark on the music industry. During this conversation, Marcus reflected on his illustrious career, his influences, and his continuous passion for music. Growing up in Brooklyn, Marcus was surrounded by music, thanks to his father, a church organist and choir director. Initially trained as a clarinetist, he later mastered keyboards, saxophone, and guitar before ultimately finding his true calling with the bass. Marcus’ professional journey took off in the 1970s, working as a session musician in New York City. His collaborations with legends like Miles Davis, Luther Vandross, and Herbie Hancock are well-documented, with Marcus playing a crucial role in shaping the sound of contemporary jazz and R&B. His partnership with Miles Davis resulted in the critically acclaimed albums Tutu, Music From Siesta, and Amandla, cementing his status as a groundbreaking composer and producer. In our chat, Marcus shared insights into his creative process and the evolution of the bass guitar. He discussed the changing role of bass players, noting how the instrument has evolved from a supporting role to taking center stage in many contemporary genres. Marcus’ innovative approach to the bass, incorporating elements of funk, groove, and soul, has influenced a generation of musicians and redefined what the instrument can do. Marcus also talked about his experience with Sire basses, an endeavor that began with the goal of creating high-quality, affordable instruments for students. The success of Sire basses, known for their exceptional playability and sound, has exceeded expectations, becoming a favorite among both beginners and professional musicians. Despite his numerous achievements, Marcus remains grounded and passionate about his craft. He continues to explore new musical territories, collaborating with talented young musicians and experimenting with different sounds and styles. His recent work includes composing for films and hosting his own radio show on satellite radio, showcasing his versatility and love for music. One of the highlights of our conversation was Marcus’s reflection on his live performances and the energy he brings to the stage. He emphasized the importance of connecting with the audience and the joy he finds in playing music live. Whether performing with his band or as a solo artist, Marcus’ powerful bass lines and engaging stage presence never fail to captivate audiences. Marcus Miller’s story is a testament to his extraordinary talent and dedication. His journey from a young musician in Brooklyn to a world-renowned bassist and composer is inspiring, highlighting the impact one can have through passion and perseverance. As Marcus continues to push the boundaries of music, his legacy as a pioneer in jazz, R&B, and fusion remains firmly intact. This was cemented right after our conversation when the Montreal Jazz Festival awarded Marcus with the prestigious, Miles Davis Award created for the Festival’s 15th anniversary in 1994 to honor a great international jazz musician for the entire body of his or her work and influence in regenerating the genre of jazz. 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 #116 – Marcus Miller.

Are you interested in what’s next? How to decode the future? I publish between 2-3 times per week and then the Six Pixels of Separation Podcast comes out every Sunday. Feel free to subscribe (and tell your friends). 

Michael Norton On Rituals And Habits – This Week’s Six Pixels of Separation Podcast

Episode #942 of Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast is now live and ready for you to listen to:

Harvard Business School professor, Michael Norton, knows a thing or two about human behavior. His research dives deep into behavioral economics and well-being, covering everything from happiness and spending to the fascinating world of rituals. Michael’s work has been spotlighted in major media outlets and his TED Talk, How To Buy Happiness, has racked up close to 5 million views. He’s also known for his co-authored book, Happy Money – The Science of Happier Spending. Now, he’s back with his latest book, The Ritual Effect. In our conversation, Michael explores the impact of rituals in our daily lives and the broader implications for businesses and society. Michael explains that while habits are the repetitive tasks we perform automatically, rituals are those same tasks imbued with intention and meaning. This shift from a “habitual” mindset to a “ritual” mindset can transform mundane activities into something much more significant. We touch on the distinction between habits and rituals, and how rituals, unlike habits, add depth and color to our lives. Michael shares insights from The Ritual Effect, where he uncovers how rituals help heal communities, mark life’s major transitions, and even drive sports fans to a frenzy. Michael emphasizes the importance of understanding different perspectives and the role of rituals in creating a sense of purpose and connection. We also discuss the practical aspects of rituals and how they can be used to enhance both personal and professional lives. Michael’s research shows that rituals, whether they’re as simple as the way we savor a beverage or as complex as family traditions during holidays, bring surprising satisfaction and enjoyment. The Ritual Effect is a compelling reminder of the power of intention-filled acts and their impact on human behavior and our business. Whether you’re looking to add more meaning to your daily routines or understand the deeper significance of rituals and how they impact your work, Michael’s insights offer a fresh perspective on how we can live and work more purposefully. Enjoy the conversation…

You can grab the latest episode of Six Pixels of Separation here (or feel free to subscribe via Apple Podcast or whatever platform you may choose):  #942 of Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Before you go… ThinkersOne  is a new way for organizations to buy bite-sized and personalized thought leadership video content (live and recorded) from the best Thinkers in the world. If you’re looking to add excitement  and big smarts to your meetings, corporate events, company off-sites, “lunch & learns” and beyond, check it out.

SPOS #942 – Michael Norton On Rituals And Habits

Welcome to episode #942 of Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast – Episode #942. Harvard Business School professor, Michael Norton, knows a thing or two about human behavior. His research dives deep into behavioral economics and well-being, covering everything from happiness and spending to the fascinating world of rituals. Michael’s work has been spotlighted in major media outlets and his TED Talk, How To Buy Happiness, has racked up close to 5 million views. He’s also known for his co-authored book, Happy Money – The Science of Happier Spending. Now, he’s back with his latest book, The Ritual Effect. In our conversation, Michael explores the impact of rituals in our daily lives and the broader implications for businesses and society. Michael explains that while habits are the repetitive tasks we perform automatically, rituals are those same tasks imbued with intention and meaning. This shift from a “habitual” mindset to a “ritual” mindset can transform mundane activities into something much more significant. We touch on the distinction between habits and rituals, and how rituals, unlike habits, add depth and color to our lives. Michael shares insights from The Ritual Effect, where he uncovers how rituals help heal communities, mark life’s major transitions, and even drive sports fans to a frenzy. Michael emphasizes the importance of understanding different perspectives and the role of rituals in creating a sense of purpose and connection. We also discuss the practical aspects of rituals and how they can be used to enhance both personal and professional lives. Michael’s research shows that rituals, whether they’re as simple as the way we savor a beverage or as complex as family traditions during holidays, bring surprising satisfaction and enjoyment. The Ritual Effect is a compelling reminder of the power of intention-filled acts and their impact on human behavior and our business. Whether you’re looking to add more meaning to your daily routines or understand the deeper significance of rituals and how they impact your work, Michael’s insights offer a fresh perspective on how we can live and work more purposefully. Enjoy the conversation…

Running time: 1:09:20.Hello from beautiful Montreal.Subscribe over at Apple Podcasts.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.Check out ThinkersOne.or you can connect on LinkedIn.…or on Twitter.Here is my conversation with Michael Norton.The Ritual Effect.Happy Money – The Science of Happier Spending.Michael’s TED Talk: How To Buy Happiness.Follow Michael on LinkedIn.Follow Michael on X.This week’s music: David Usher ‘St. Lawrence River’.

Takeaways

Rituals are different from habits in that they involve a deeper level of thought and meaning.Rituals can be found in various domains of life, from religious ceremonies to everyday activities like drinking coffee.Rituals can enhance our emotional experiences and add richness to our lives.Superstitions are a subset of rituals and are often associated with avoiding something bad.Rituals can be both unifying and divisive, depending on how they are perceived and practiced.Taking an inventory of our rituals can help us recognize their presence in our lives and potentially add more meaning and emotion to them.Rituals have the power to create meaning, build connections, and shape our behavior.Organizations should deliver on their promises and create meaningful experiences to build loyalty and engagement.Rituals play a significant role in relationships and family dynamics, helping to create a sense of connection and shared meaning.The science behind rituals shows that they can have psychological effects and change how we think and feel.Designing rituals with intentionality can enhance their impact and create more meaningful experiences.

Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction and Background.03:00 – The Difference Between Habits and Rituals.09:04 – The Role of Rituals in Religion and Spirituality.13:10 – The Potential Dangers of Rituals Becoming Superstitions.20:47 – Taking an Inventory of Our Rituals.36:51 – The Impact of Rituals on Individuals and Organizations.41:28 – The Role of Rituals in Leadership and Organizational Culture.44:12 – Rituals in Relationships and Family Dynamics.46:49 – The Science Behind Rituals.49:30 – The Marketing Power of Rituals.52:44 – Ethics and the Impact of Rituals.56:12 – The Universal Significance of Breaking Bread.58:14 – The Ritual Effect of the Diamond Ring.01:00:29 – The IKEA Effect and its Business Implications.01:03:26 – Designing Rituals with Intentionality.

Download the Podcast here: Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast – Episode #942.

Before you go… ThinkersOne  is a new way for organizations to buy bite-sized and personalized thought leadership video content (live and recorded) from the best Thinkers in the world. If you’re looking to add excitement  and big smarts to your meetings, corporate events, company off-sites, “lunch & learns” and beyond, check it out.

Six Links That Make You Think #735

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: 

Disappearing Polymorph – Wikipedia. “Having read The Three Body Problem I’m really enjoying the Netflix adaptation. Without spoiling it too much, it’s fair to say that ‘science stops working’ is a pretty big plot point. Turns out that’s sort of happening: We are no longer able to synthesize certain things we once were. Basically, when a manufacturing process can make two substances, even a tiny ‘seed crystal’ of one substance traps the process into making that substance. In one case a substance called paroxetine anhydrate contaminated the entire world; attempts to make paroxetine hemihydrate failed worldwide. Gotta be honest: The idea that we’re unable to make stuff we once could freaks me out at an existential level.” (Alistair for Hugh). The Serbia Thread – Pamplemousse And Circumstances – Threads . “I don’t usually post threads from social platforms, but this is one hell of a story.” (Alistair for Mitch). The Odds That Aliens Exist Just Got Worse – Nautilus . “The Drake equation (‘calculating’ how many advanced alien civilizations should be out there) gets an update. If you need plate tectonics for life to emerge, the numbers say things get dicey for the enthusiasts of the extraterrestrial life.” (Hugh for Alistair). A Reality Check on Superhuman AI – Nautilus . “Sabine Hossenfelder, physicist and skeptic, is warm on huge AI advances but cold on how we’ll get there. The cost in data and energy to achieve this will be so high as to require a wholesale rearrangement in human civilization, and that hurdle, she thinks will be too high.” (Hugh for Mitch). Long Bets . “In a world of short-termism, I love the concept of Long Bets. I’m all abut long-term thinking and I feel like the world of Futurists and ‘what’s going to happen next’ has devolved into more hype and hyperbole than critical thinking and smart perspectives. So, take a look at the bets and predictions and know that the actual ‘betting’ part of this platform is really just another way to fund some great charitable causes. Think you know what’s going to happen next in the world? Wanna bet?” (Mitch for Alistair). How Walt Disney World Is Trying To Make Amends With Unhappy Guests – Bloomberg . “Books and case studies have been written and studied about the brand that is Disney. They have done so well in propagating the value of their brand  (which includes their own campus to teach executives from other companies how to both innovate and get better at their work). Well, what’s happening now? Sure, it’s not easy to maintain a brand culture over decades, but what’s harder is keeping customers happy when the global economics and shifting nature of work land hard. Going to Disney is not cheap and consumer expectations have – for the most part – become unreasonable (this is a full-throated statement that in a digital, live and instant world, it is impossible for most businesses to live up to these newly created expectations). Can Disney turn this around?” (Mitch for Hugh).

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

Before you go… ThinkersOne  is a new way for organizations to buy bite-sized and personalized thought leadership video content (live and recorded) from the best Thinkers in the world. If you’re looking to add excitement  and big smarts to your meetings, corporate events, company off-sites, “lunch & learns” and beyond, check it out.