In this episode, we discuss why just having a good idea is not enough. Joined by Wes Kao, a brand strategist and co-founder of Maven, we explore why merely having good ideas won't lead to their adoption, and how to effectively communicate and implement those ideas to achieve success. Wes shares her personal story of learning the difference between insights and actionable suggestions early in her career, emphasizing the importance of taking responsibility and advocating for one's ideas.

We delve into the concept of having a "spiky point of view" and its significance in standing out and driving impactful conversations. Wes also explains how translating unique ideas into actionable steps can garner the trust and support of managers and clients alike.

Finally, we highlight the inspiring story of a young musician who maintained his distinct style in the face of initial rejection, ultimately revolutionizing the music industry.

Key Learnings:

1. Creative professionals must articulate the value and process behind their work to gain recognition and trust.

2. There is a critical distinction between merely having insights and making actionable assertions.

3. Advocating for a point of view and backing it up with credible steps can significantly influence stakeholders.

4. Maintaining a "spiky point of view" helps in standing out and initiating meaningful discussions.

5. Staying true to one's unique creative abilities, even in the face of rejection, can pave the way for long-term success and impact.

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Mentioned in this episode:

NEW BOOK! The Brave Habit is available now

Rise to important moments in your life and work by developing the habit of bravery. Available in paperback, ebook, or audiobook wherever books are sold. Learn more

In today's episode, we explore the concept of how the sense of time affects our mindset with guest Oliver Burkeman, author of the book "4000 Weeks".

We delve into several traps that creative professionals often fall into due to this awareness of limited time, such as procrastination, the efficiency trap, and the fear of missing out (FOMO). Burkeman offers strategies to counter these tendencies, including embracing the joy of missing out (JOMO) and focusing on fewer but more meaningful endeavors.

Furthermore, we discuss the distinction between mapping (planning), making (doing the work), and meshing (personal development), stressing the need for balance among these three types of work to maximize our creative output.

Key Learnings:

1. Finite Time Awareness: Recognizing our limited lifespan helps us focus on what truly matters.
2. Overcome Procrastination: Beginning a project can be intimidating, but it’s essential to move past the fear of losing control.
3. Efficiency Trap: Simply making processes more efficient can lead to more tasks and overwhelm; balance is key.
4. Joy of Missing Out (JOMO): Embracing the joy of missing out can liberate us from the fear of missing out, leading to more focused and meaningful work.
5. Balanced Work Types: Balancing mapping, making, and meshing leads to effective and fulfilling creative endeavors.

Get full interviews, daily episodes, courses, and more at DailyCreative.app.

Mentioned in this episode:

NEW BOOK! The Brave Habit is available now

Rise to important moments in your life and work by developing the habit of bravery. Available in paperback, ebook, or audiobook wherever books are sold. Learn more

Why do talented, capable people fail to ask the questions that they know they should ask?

In this episode, our guest, Jeff Wetzler, author of the book Ask, shares why capable individuals often struggle to learn from others.

Throughout the conversation, we explore Jeff's five-part ASK framework, designed to systemize effective questioning and enrich our understanding of those around us.

We learn that choosing curiosity, making it safe, asking quality questions, listening to learn, and reflecting and reconnecting are key practices that lead to impactful learning and growth.

Join us as we unravel why these practices are crucial and how to integrate them into our daily lives to become more aware, thoughtful, and effective in our personal and professional interactions.

Key Learnings:

1. Choose Curiosity: We should actively choose to be curious and strive to learn from others, rather than relying on our existing assumptions.

2. Make It Safe: Creating a psychologically safe environment encourages others to share valuable insights without fear of judgment.

3. Ask Quality Questions: Good questions are those that genuinely seek to learn from others and are asked at the right moment.

4. Listen to Learn: Listening with the intention to learn, rather than to respond, leads to deeper understanding and better outcomes.

5. Reflect and Reconnect: Post-conversation reflection and subsequent connection ensure that insights are properly understood and lead to actionable steps.

Get full interviews, daily episodes, courses, and more at DailyCreative.app.