Mitch Joel's Blog: Six Pixels of Separation, page 40

Navigating The Road Not Taken By Apple

It’s not easy to start a car company… even if you’re Apple.

In the shadow of Silicon Valley’s relentless ambition, Apple’s Project Titan emerged as their moonshot to create an Apple Car.
Spanning a decade of development and absorbing $10 billion in research, Apple’s secretive car project aimed to redefine mobility.
From visions of rivaling Tesla to aspirations of pioneering autonomous vehicles akin to Google‘s Waymo, Project Titan symbolized Apple’s drive to explore uncharted territories.
It made perfect sense: If they can own your attention on mobile devices, laptops, computers, TV, home automation and headphones – the car is the next logical frontier.

The path of innovation is fraught with complexities.

Leadership changes and conflicting visions often clouded their journey.
The project’s evolution – or its deviation from their core – mirrors the challenges inherent in steering innovation outside a brand’s established domain.
It’s a narrative not just of technological ambition but also of strategic vision in the face of shifting realities and sourcing new forms of revenue that can really scale.

How would Steve Jobs have handled an Apple Car?

The influence of Jobs loomed large over Project Titan.
Jobs was known for his ability to foresee and shape the future of technology, leaving many to wonder if Project Titan’s fate might have been different under his guidance.
It’s a fair question, but there’s another truth: Apple’s revenue and market share have leaped to remarkable heights under the leadership of Tim Cook (and in the thirteen years since Jobs has passed).

So, what are the lessons from Apple’s road less traveled?

I’d argue that the project was far from a failure.
The knowledge, talent and startups acquired and cultivated throughout its development are invaluable, offering Apple a rich reservoir of insights that can fuel future innovations.
The project’s end marks a new beginning, with potential applications spanning AI, mapping, and beyond.
Apple has navigated the battle for the car dashboard (with CarPlay) emphasizing seamless integration and user experience.
And maybe (just maybe) a refocus on CarPlay and other market disruptions reflects where Apple can best influence the automotive industry and (more importantly) the drivers of tomorrow.
The tale of Project Titan will be an interesting business case study in Apple’s storied history of innovation.
It will serve as a reminder of the challenges and opportunities that accompany the pursuit of groundbreaking ideas.
The project highlights the importance of adaptability in innovation (the good and the bad), the value of learned experiences and the enduring quest for innovation at scale.

Some will (rightfully) see this as a failure.

Most of those people are not entrepreneurs.
Entrepreneurs are very confident in the reality that what they’re trying to build might not work.
That’s the risk and reality.
Apple (and entrepreneurs) can admit failure, while also understanding the power of exploration, learning, and strategic agility in the pursuit of innovation.

Ultimately, the most significant advancements (also known in the startup world as “the pivot”) stem from the roads not taken.

This is what Elias Makos and I discussed on CJAD 800 AM. Listen in right here.

Mitch Joel · Navigating The Road Not Taken By Apple – The Elias Makos Show – CJAD 800

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.

Lisen Stromberg On Shaping The Future Of Work – This Week’s Six Pixels of Separation Podcast

Episode #921 of Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast is now live and ready for you to listen to

In a transformative era for the global workplace, Lisen Stromberg guides leaders towards creating more inclusive and innovative work cultures. As the CEO and Co-founder of PrismWork, Lisen has dedicated the latter half of her career to reshaping the way businesses approach leadership and workplace dynamics. Her latest contribution to this work is her new book, Intentional Power – The 6 Essential Leadership Skills for Triple Bottom Line Impact (co-authored with Corey Jones and JeanAnn Nichols), which serves as a compass for those navigating the complexities of modern leadership. The book emphasizes the importance of empathy, inclusivity, and strategic leadership in achieving a triple bottom line impact. It also outlines six essential leadership skills crucial for navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by the future of work. From the impact of AI on various professions to the rejection of traditional educational paths, Lisen and her co-authors explore the multifaceted nature of leadership in the 21st century. Lisen’s journey from a successful career in marketing to a leader in culture innovation and leadership transformation is marked by a critical insight: The work environment matters as much as the work itself. This realization propelled her towards establishing PrismWork, where she and her team have been instrumental in fostering workplaces that not only prioritize productivity but also embrace diversity and inclusivity as core values. In this episode, Lisen (who also authored, Work Pause Thrive) breaks down the current shift in workplace culture (and what we need to do about it). She delves into the nuances of building inclusive cultures amidst the tensions of wokeism, the fragility of the economy, and the evolving nature of capitalism. With the rise of “power skills” in job descriptions and the competitive job market’s demand for deep culture, Lisen’s insights offer guidance for leaders striving for excellence in a rapidly changing world. She also deep-dives on the rise of women entrepreneurs and the impact of motherhood on career trajectories. By advocating for Intentional Power, she underscores the need for leaders to wield their influence with purpose and empathy, shaping a future where work is not just about profitability, but also about creating value for all stakeholders. Lisen’s mission is clear: To inspire leaders to use their power intentionally for the collective good. 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):  #921 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 #921 – Lisen Stromberg On Shaping The Future Of Work

Welcome to episode #921 of Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast – Episode #921. In a transformative era for the global workplace, Lisen Stromberg guides leaders towards creating more inclusive and innovative work cultures. As the CEO and Co-founder of PrismWork, Lisen has dedicated the latter half of her career to reshaping the way businesses approach leadership and workplace dynamics. Her latest contribution to this work is her new book, Intentional Power – The 6 Essential Leadership Skills for Triple Bottom Line Impact (co-authored with Corey Jones and JeanAnn Nichols), which serves as a compass for those navigating the complexities of modern leadership. The book emphasizes the importance of empathy, inclusivity, and strategic leadership in achieving a triple bottom line impact. It also outlines six essential leadership skills crucial for navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by the future of work. From the impact of AI on various professions to the rejection of traditional educational paths, Lisen and her co-authors explore the multifaceted nature of leadership in the 21st century. Lisen’s journey from a successful career in marketing to a leader in culture innovation and leadership transformation is marked by a critical insight: The work environment matters as much as the work itself. This realization propelled her towards establishing PrismWork, where she and her team have been instrumental in fostering workplaces that not only prioritize productivity but also embrace diversity and inclusivity as core values. In this episode, Lisen (who also authored, Work Pause Thrive) breaks down the current shift in workplace culture (and what we need to do about it). She delves into the nuances of building inclusive cultures amidst the tensions of wokeism, the fragility of the economy, and the evolving nature of capitalism. With the rise of “power skills” in job descriptions and the competitive job market’s demand for deep culture, Lisen’s insights offer guidance for leaders striving for excellence in a rapidly changing world. She also deep-dives on the rise of women entrepreneurs and the impact of motherhood on career trajectories. By advocating for Intentional Power, she underscores the need for leaders to wield their influence with purpose and empathy, shaping a future where work is not just about profitability, but also about creating value for all stakeholders. Lisen’s mission is clear: To inspire leaders to use their power intentionally for the collective good. Enjoy the conversation…

Running time: 56:35.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 Lisen Stromberg.Intentional Power – The 6 Essential Leadership Skills for Triple Bottom Line Impact.Work Pause Thrive.PrismWork.Follow Lisen on LinkedIn.Follow Lisen on Instagram.This week’s music: David Usher ‘St. Lawrence River’.

Takeaways:

The meaning of work and workplace culture have dramatically changed, driven by a new generation of talent with a collaborative and inclusive approach.Building inclusive cultures requires the development of power skills such as humility, empathy, accountability, resiliency, transparency, and inclusivity.The future of capitalism lies in stakeholder capitalism, which focuses on meeting the needs of a myriad of stakeholders and creating sustainable long-term solutions.Leadership is not limited to those at the top; individuals at every level have a role and responsibility in shaping workplace culture.The impact of AI on the future of work raises concerns about job displacement and the need for continuous learning and adaptation. The “middle years” of the future of work are a critical period that requires careful navigation to avoid negative consequences.While there is a growing rejection of college education, essential careers such as plumbing, electricians, nurses, and doctors will still be in demand.Supporting humans in the future of work requires a shift towards capitalism for good, where meaningful services and support are provided to employees.Empathy is a crucial trait for leaders, and there are three types of empathy: cognitive empathy, emotional empathy, and compassion empathy.The optionality of employees and the shift in power dynamics in the workplace require a focus on ‘power with’ rather than ‘power over’.The rise of women entrepreneurs highlights the need for better support and infrastructure for freelancers and self-employed individuals.

Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction and Background01:18 – The Changing Landscape of Workplace Culture03:21 – The Shift in Identity and Meaning of Work04:48 – The Importance of Culture in the New Way of Working06:06 – The Challenges of Building Inclusive Cultures07:32 – Navigating the Tensions of Wokeism and Inclusion10:31 – The Fragility of the Economy and the Future of Capitalism12:46 – Sustainable Culture in the Face of CEO Tenure15:07 – Empowering Middle Management for Cultural Transformation16:26 – The Challenge of Building Deep Culture in a Competitive Job Market19:09 – The Rise of Power Skills in Job Descriptions20:37 – Balancing Rigor and Performance with Humanity and Empathy28:18 – Navigating Ageism and the Changing Workforce30:22 – The Impact of AI on the Future of Work39:15 – The Rejection of College and the Need for Essential Careers40:09 – Supporting Humans in the Future of Work42:22 – The Importance of Empathy in Leadership43:45 – The Nuances of Empathy and the Three Types45:47 – The Optionality of Employees and the Shift in Power47:13 – The Shift from ‘Power Over’ to ‘Power With’48:10 – The Rise of Women Entrepreneurs49:19 – The Chasm Between Entrepreneurs and Self-Employed51:33 – Difficult Conversations and the Future of Connectivity

Download the Podcast here: Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast – Episode #921.

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 Worthy of Your Attention #714

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: 

Once Melting Glaciers Shut Down The Gulf Stream, We Will See Extreme Climate Change Within Decades, Study Shows – Phys.org. “I am not a prepper. I am not a prepper. I am not a prepper. Spent the week talking with government folks on all sides of the political aisles, as well as consultants and people in civic tech and academia, in both London and Dublin. Everyone is so consumed with popularity and framing themselves against their opposition that nobody seems worried about the big things. I have to confess, I’m kind of at a loss right now.” (Alistair for Hugh). Stickers To Manage Replies By – Dan Hon – flickr . “The always-interesting Dan Hon has this flickr gallery of images you can use to manage reply threads. From DO NOT REPLY TO DENY MY LIVED EXPERIENCE to THIS IS AN OBSERVATION DO NOT ATTEMPT TO HELP to DO NOT REPLY TO TELL ME A THING I LIKE IS BAD. Signs for the modern world.” (Alistair for Mitch). Decoding The Communication Of Whales With Advanced Machine Learning And State-Of-The-Art Robotics – Project CETI – The Audacious Project . “Using AI to decode whale communication.” (Hugh for Alistair). A State Supreme Court Just Issued Another Devastating Rebuke Of The U.S. Supreme Court – Slate . “We try to avoid politics in these links but… well… interesting: If you aren’t from the USA (or even if you are) one of the strangest things about US law is the doctrine of ‘originalism’, which claims that all legal cases at the Supreme Court should refer to ‘what the founders meant when they wrote the constitution.’ They were smart guys, but it seems weird that we aren’t allowed to update our opinions a couple of hundred years later. Well the Hawaii Supreme Court is challenging this doctrine saying, not only is it weird but judges aren’t even historians.” (Hugh for Mitch). Isolated For Six Months, Scientists In Antarctica Began To Develop Their Own Accent – BBC . “In all of the current chaos of the day, let’s not forget that humans still remain a magical being that do wondrous things. Have you ever travelled somewhere and felt yourself suddenly adapting to the words and accents of the region? Well, this might be one of the more interesting turn of events in language and linguistics. Spend enough time with people and a new accent will emerge? ‘The Antarctic experiment offered a snapshot of something that has happened innumerable times throughout human history, as groups of people have become cut off from others, leading their accents, dialects and even languages to diverge from each other. On a grand scale, the researchers say it can provide insights into why American and British English has diverged in the way it has.’ Fascinating…” (Mitch for Alistair). Vice Surrenders – Cory Doctorow – Medium . “There has been a lot of news about what happened to Vice Media. The story hits a little harder for me, and is much more personal. Back in the late 80s into the 90s and beyond, I was both a music journalist and publisher of music magazines. I worked for the alternative weekly, here in Montreal, called Hour. I was ‘in the local scene’ when Vice started in the mid-nineties. First, it was very much a local street paper. Irreverent, edgy and more. Then they moved into a magazine format, and things got even crazier. I consider myself fortunate enough to have hung out with the founders (mostly Shane Smith and Suroosh Alvi) during those early days (I even did some writing for them). So, Vice’s ascent into a global media powerhouse was an amazing thing to witness. Years ago, I ran into Shane at a Google event and it felt like a High School reunion. Is the current state of Vice an indication that their content wasn’t needed? I don’t think so. Is this another instance where a lot of money got funneled in with hype and more to create what was thought to be the next big media thing? That seems more probable. In the end, I’m not sure if this acts as a cautionary tale, because if you spend any time with the archive of content, it was a format (and voice) that pushed other media formats to rethink how news and information and more can be created, curated, and discussed (especially to a younger audience). You can learn more about this in the book, Age of Vice by Deepti Kapoor. In this article from Cory, he links to a podcast that some of the better/last standing journalists recorded as the past week unfolding and the Vice empire collapsed. That link no longer works, but I’m sure with some searching you can find it. In the end, the story of Vice could be more salacious and shocking than the actual stories that the media company put out into the world.” (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.

From AI Angels To Data Demons – Did Google’s Gemini Cross The Line?

Google’s generative AI is generating concerning content.

Welcome to the new world.
It’s the intricate dance between innovation and responsibility.
Google’s re-introduction of Gemini (formerly known as Bard, and their response to Open AI’s ChatGPT) made headlines this week when it’s ability to generate images met with immediate controversy.
These are the pitfalls that will always accompany AI advancements.

Here’s what happened…

Gemini’s generation of racially diverse images of historically inaccurate figures, including people of color dressed as Nazis, sparked widespread offense and forced Google to quickly shut that feature down.
Google’s CEO, Sundar Pichai, swiftly acknowledged the mishap, emphasizing a commitment to rectify the inaccuracies and biases — a move that speaks volumes about the iterative nature of AI development and the critical need for real-world testing.

Welcome to the double-edges sword of AI innovation.

Google’s rapid deployment of generative AI capabilities within Gemini serves as a potent reminder of the risks inherent in pushing technological boundaries, without fully considering societal impacts.
So the discussion is less about how did this happen but much more about cultural and ethical considerations in AI training data and algorithm design.
Sure, we need know the importance of diversity and inclusivity within AI development teams to mitigate inherent biases.
But these teams and alogrithms may only be as strong as the data it’s fed.

Is AI simply a mirror reflecting back the better (or worse) of our angels?

The training data is clearly reflecting our societal prejudices from the training data, which is (to me) the much bigger problem than simply pointing our fingers at the developers.
Technology alone cannot solve these problems.

So…

Does this impact brand and consumer trust?
What seems like a public relations rollercoaster (that led to public reaction… Google’s Gemini Headaches Spur $90 Billion Selloff), we’re now feeling the fragile nature of trust in tech giants and the potential financial consequences of AI deployment missteps.
Still, Google responded quickly and the stock price is adjusting.
This highlights the potential for recovery through transparent and responsible actions.

What’s next?

We’re going to be hearing these terms and phrases a lot in the coming weeks, months and years:

Ethical AI development. Continuous AI algorithm monitoring.Agility in development and communications in AI.Ability to address unforeseen consequences of AI usage.

There will be more (much more).

This is what Elias Makos and I discussed on CJAD 800 AM. Listen in right here.

Mitch Joel · From AI Angels To Data Demons – Did Google’s Gemini Cross The Line?

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.

Alan Eagle On Learned Excellence At Work – This Week’s Six Pixels of Separation Podcast

Episode #920 of Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast is now live and ready for you to listen to

Alan Eagle is a senior executive communications expert and co-author of the recently published book, Learned Excellence – Mental Disciplines For Leading And Winning From The World’s Top Performers. The book delves into the nuances of mental toughness, the intricate balance between nature and nurture, and the pivotal role of effective communication in fostering leadership and excellence. Alan co-wrote the book with Eric Potterat. One of Eric’s many accolades is that he served for 10 years as the psychologist for the US Navy SEALs, and was responsible for the mental assessment, selection, development, maintenance and enhancement programs for the SEALs. Alan is no slouch either. He worked for over 16 years as a Managing Director at Google, where he was also the speechwriter for influential Googlers like Eric Schmidt, Jonathan Rosenberg, Marissa Mayer, and Susan Wojcicki. Alan is also the co-author of How Google Works (with Eric Schmidt and Jonathan Rosenberg) and Trillion Dollar Coach – The Leadership Playbook of Silicon Valley’s Bill Campbell (also with Schmidt and Jonathan). In a world increasingly polarized and challenging to navigate, Alan addresses how individuals and organizations can stay true to their core values, even as they grow and evolve. He highlights the crucial role of maintaining these values, not just for personal integrity but also for organizational coherence and success. Alan also explores the idea of managing people in an outcome-focused environment. He advocates for a process-oriented approach, emphasizing the journey over the destination. This perspective, he argues, is not just applicable at the corporate level but resonates universally across various levels and types of organizations. Alan offers profound insights into the realms of leadership, communication, and personal development. His experiences and perspectives provide valuable lessons on resilience, the pursuit of excellence, and the art of effective communication, essential for anyone looking to excel in today’s dynamic world. 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):  #920 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 #920 – Alan Eagle On Learned Excellence At Work

Welcome to episode #920 of Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast – Episode #920. Alan Eagle is a senior executive communications expert and co-author of the recently published book, Learned Excellence – Mental Disciplines For Leading And Winning From The World’s Top Performers. The book delves into the nuances of mental toughness, the intricate balance between nature and nurture, and the pivotal role of effective communication in fostering leadership and excellence. Alan co-wrote the book with Eric Potterat. One of Eric’s many accolades is that he served for 10 years as the psychologist for the US Navy SEALs, and was responsible for the mental assessment, selection, development, maintenance and enhancement programs for the SEALs. Alan is no slouch either. He worked for over 16 years as a Managing Director at Google, where he was also the speechwriter for influential Googlers like Eric Schmidt, Jonathan Rosenberg, Marissa Mayer, and Susan Wojcicki. Alan is also the co-author of How Google Works (with Eric Schmidt and Jonathan Rosenberg) and Trillion Dollar Coach – The Leadership Playbook of Silicon Valley’s Bill Campbell (also with Schmidt and Jonathan). In a world increasingly polarized and challenging to navigate, Alan addresses how individuals and organizations can stay true to their core values, even as they grow and evolve. He highlights the crucial role of maintaining these values, not just for personal integrity but also for organizational coherence and success. Alan also explores the idea of managing people in an outcome-focused environment. He advocates for a process-oriented approach, emphasizing the journey over the destination. This perspective, he argues, is not just applicable at the corporate level but resonates universally across various levels and types of organizations. Alan offers profound insights into the realms of leadership, communication, and personal development. His experiences and perspectives provide valuable lessons on resilience, the pursuit of excellence, and the art of effective communication, essential for anyone looking to excel in today’s dynamic world. Enjoy the conversation…

Running time: 57:22.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 Alan Eagle.Learned Excellence – Mental Disciplines For Leading And Winning From The World’s Top Performers.Co-author Eric Potterat.Trillion Dollar Coach – The Leadership Playbook of Silicon Valley’s Bill Campbell.How Google Works.Follow Alan on LinkedIn.Follow Alan on X.This week’s music: David Usher ‘St. Lawrence River’.

Takeaways:

Mental toughness is essential for performing well under pressure, and it can be developed through practice and training.Excellence is not limited to high-stress situations. It can be achieved in everyday life.Values and identity play a crucial role in achieving excellence, both individually and within a team or organization.Leaders can create a culture of excellence by exemplifying the principles of learned excellence and fostering open communication and trust.In a polarized world, it is important to focus on shared values and create an inclusive environment that respects diverse perspectives. Core values should be upheld even as a company grows and faces new challenges.Focusing on the process rather than just the outcome leads to better results.Process is a universal truth that can be applied at any level and in any organization.Compelling communications are about understanding what the audience is interested in.

Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction and Background03:06 – The Importance of Mental Toughness08:26 – The Difference Between High-Stress Situations and Everyday Stress11:37 – The Role of Nature vs. Nurture in Developing Mental Toughness14:48 – The Connection Between Excellence and Identity18:43 – Applying the Principles of Learned Excellence in Personal Life23:33 – Creating a Culture of Excellence in the Workplace28:01 – The Role of Communication in Leadership and Excellence31:46 – Leadership and Excellence in a Changing World43:46 – Navigating Values in a Polarized World47:36 – The Value of ‘Don’t Be Evil’50:30 – Managing People in an Outcome-Focused World53:42 – The Universal Truth of Process57:08 – The Power of Compelling Communications

Download the Podcast here: Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast – Episode #920.

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 Worthy of Your Attention #713

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: 

Year Of The Challenge (Or, The Tyranny Of Friendship) – Moxie Marlinspike. “Let your friends make new years’ resolutions — and if you don’t keep them, you lose a pinkie. Extreme? Maybe, but that’s kinda Moxie Marlinspike‘s thing (he made Signal). I’ve been thinking a lot about agency lately, and how we’re ceding it to algorithms, waiting for the next red circle or notification. The machines are already prompting us. I’m far better at helping others than helping myself, so maybe abdicating novel experiences to the people I most trust makes sense.” (Alistair for Hugh). Calculus Made Easy – Silvanus P. Thompson . “‘Being myself a remarkably stupid fellow, I have had to unteach myself the difficulties, and now beg to present to my fellow fools the parts that are not hard.’ Written in the early 1900s, many consider this to be the best introductory text on calculus — and even if you understand the math, a masterclass on how to convey complex ideas easily. I’m going to try using it with my daughter as she starts studying the subject, as long as I can teach her what a farthing is.” (Alistair for Mitch). Air Canada Must Honor Refund Policy Invented By Airline’s Chatbot – Ars Technica . “I guess there is nothing exactly surprising here: Neither that a customer support chatbot made an error nor that a big company tried to avoid responsibility. Still, when Air Canada’s chatbot encouraged a bereaved client to buy a ticket and get a refund later (even though the Air Canada policy says otherwise), the airline claimed that the correct policy had been linked to in the chat and that it shouldn’t have to cough up the money. A court has found in the client’s favor, and this should remind any company: You are responsible for your chatbots behavior.” (Hugh for Alistair). And Then I Heard… Dire Straits – Sultans Of Swing (First Time Hearing!!) – Polo Reacts – YouTube . “Watching an adult for the first time listen to, and love, a favorite song from my youth is such a particular pleasure. Sit down, kiddies, while I tell you about the olden days: When I was a kid I had a friend whose father had a huge (vinyl) record collection, and much of the music I listened to was from this collection, transferred to BASF and Maxwell cassette tapes, by my friend Tim. An album I listened to over and over at age 15/16 was Alchemy by Dire Straits, and a favorite was this marathon live version of ‘Sultans of Swing‘ including two of the most sublime guitar solos I’ve ever heard. I don’t listen to Dire Straits all that often any more, so watching this, where Polo can’t stop himself from interrupting the song to express his awe was…  lots of fun.” (Hugh for Mitch). Eric Weinstein – Why Does The Modern World Make No Sense? – Chris Williamson . “I’ve shared a lot of content, thinking and conversation from Eric Weinstein. This is the latest. Don’t be intimidated by the three hours it will take for you to watch and listen to how his mind works… I’d worry much more about how his thinking will permeate your many waking hours after watching this. I am not doing his biography any justice by letting you know that he was the joint managing director for Thiel Capital or that has a PhD in mathematical physics from Harvard. Without ruining this long and winding and beautiful conversation, I will just say that how he thinks is almost as stunning as what he says. Might this sound egotistical and narcissistic to many? I’m sure it will. From my perspective, he can talk physics, music, politics, culture, education, and more with a level of expertise that will stun you. You will disagree with his perspectives. That is fine. But, my question back would be: Do you know anyone who thinks and converses like this?” (Mitch for Alistair). Bill Ackman: Investing, Financial Battles, Harvard, DEI, X & Free Speech – Lex Fridman Podcast – YouTube . “I’m fine admitting when I do not know something. And, this week, that something is ‘Bill Ackman’. Sure, I’ve seen the media headlines… donations to Harvard, activist investor, etc. but I really had no idea how he thinks, operates and contributes to our world beyond: Lots of money and lots to say about stuff. So, I decided to see if Lex Fridman’s line of questioning and conversation can get me to a place of understanding. And, clocking in at over three hours and thirty minutes, this might be one of the best ways to cut through the clickbait headlines and dig deep to understand what drives an individual. Another fascinating conversation about money, politics, technology, culture and the future.” (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.

Virtual Reality, Real Rivalry – Meta’s Quest 3 Challenges Apple’s Vision Pro

The soap operas of Silicon Valley continue as the world turns…

Look no further than virtual reality.
Last week, Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, took to his personal Instagram account to review Apple’s Vision Pro headset (recorded – naturally – on his own Quest 3 headset).
Zuck later appeared on the Morning Brew podcast and called out “Apple Fanboys” as well (it all left me wondering if he’s taken a page from one of his pastime’s favorite CEOs – Dana White from the UFC?).
It’s both bold and reminiscent of tech critiques from the past, and Zuckerberg didn’t mince words – asserting that Meta’s Quest 3 headset surpasses Apple’s offering in both value and performance.

This isn’t just a critique about who’s got the bigger product.

It’s another statement about the evolving role of CEOs and how the corporate messaging reaches the right audience (with as few filters as possible).
In an industry where innovation and competition are as much about perception as they are about technology (and reality), Zuckerberg’s direct approach re-ignites the discourse on the effectiveness and risks of CEOs critiquing competitors’ products so openly.
I’m more of a believer in the “don’t feed the trolls” communications strategy.

The more things change…

Zuckerberg’s comments hark back to a similar moment in tech history when then-Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer famously dismissed the iPhone.
It’s a cautionary tale – one that reminds us how quickly today’s certainty can become tomorrow’s sock puppet in the tech world.
But Zuckerberg’s approach differs (slightly) by going through his direct, personal and social channel than traditional media interviews.
This choice reflects and amplifies a modern, more connected leadership style, but it also blurs the lines between personal opinion and official company stance.

With that… VR headsets are no slam dunk for any of these tech behemoths.

Apple’s Vision Pro, priced at a $3499, has faced criticism over comfort, lack of apps, and its cost.
Interestingly, Apple Insider notes that despite these issues, the return rate for the Vision Pro is surprisingly low.
This could imply that Apple’s loyal customer base and brand strength are factors that Meta cannot afford to underestimate.

On the other hand…

Meta’s Quest 3, priced at a more accessible $499, positions itself as not just a value proposition but, as Zuckerberg claims, a superior product.
MarketWatch highlights Zuckerberg’s mockery of “Apple fanboys,” suggesting a strategy that involves rallying a base of Meta enthusiasts.
Bloomberg points out the challenges faced by both companies, emphasizing the need for not only technological advancement but also user experience improvements.
The inevitability of VR technology’s rise is clear (to me), but the path to its widespread adoption is still being paved by these tech giants.

Can Zuckerberg’s IG post sway markets?

This is what Elias Makos and I discussed on CJAD 800 AM. Listen in right here.

Mitch Joel · Virtual Reality, Real Rivalry – Meta’s Quest 3 Challenges Apple’s Vision Pro

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.

Todd Rogers On How To Write For Busy Readers – This Week’s Six Pixels of Separation Podcast

Episode #919 of Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast is now live and ready for you to listen to

In a world of information overload, Todd Rogers, a Professor of Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, recently published the book, Writing for Busy Readers – Communicate More Effectively in the Real World (co-authored with Jessica Lasky-Fink), as a testament to their understanding of the nuances of better writing in our text and emoji-paced world. Todd has dedicated his career to the study of efficient communication strategies, whether it’s engaging with families, students, consumers, employees, or voters. His expertise is not just academic, it is also deeply rooted in practical applications, as evidenced by his co-founding of the Analyst Institute and EveryDay Labs. These organizations reflect his commitment to using behavioral science for public good – from improving voter communications to reducing student absenteeism through better family engagement. At Harvard, Todd’s course, The Science of Behavior Change, is one of the most sought-after classes, a testament to his ability to translate complex theories into actionable knowledge. His role as the faculty chair of the executive education program Behavioral Insights and Public Policy, and his leadership of the Harvard Behavioral Insights Group, further highlight his central position in the landscape of behavioral science. In Writing for Busy Readers, Todd (alongside Jessica), dives into the challenge of writing effectively in a society that is bombarded with tasks and distractions. They champion the principles of brevity and clarity, advocating for the power of concise messages in capturing and retaining the attention of busy readers. Their book is a must-read for anyone looking for the balance between being informative and being succinct. Todd discusses the importance of standout subject lines, the pitfalls of overusing adjectives and common phrases, and the relationship between writing and persuasion. Todd addresses the impact of generative AI on writing, revealing his insights on how technology can aid in the principles of effective communication. Todd and Jessica’s work is not just about writing – it’s about understanding and engaging with the reader’s context and perspective. His insights offer a roadmap for writing in a way that resonates in a society where time is the most precious commodity. 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):  #919 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.