Today we talk to Bob London, or as I call him, "Mr. Curious." Bob is basically a professional listener. He is an expert in helping people connect and understand one another, and is the mastermind behind the concept of Radically Authentic Discovery.

The idea of curiosity is something I’m incredibly passionate about and is the core idea behind this podcast. So this conversation meant a lot to me.

I talk to Bob about chasing our curiosity in both our personal and professional lives, and he shares practical tips on building richer relationships by embracing awkward silences and simply shutting the fuck up.

Connect with Bob:
LinkedIn
Website

Key Takeaways:

1. Curiosity as a Superpower: Curiosity is often undervalued in business but is crucial for understanding customers and driving growth.
2. Customer Listening Tours: Conducting genuinely authentic, open-ended conversations with customers will reveal hidden insights you’ll never get from surveys or data.
3. Radically Authentic Discovery: Techniques to teach teams how to have strategic and revealing conversations with customers.
4. Bridging the Gap: Many companies claim to be customer-centric but fall short. Listening to understand is a unique skill set that companies need to invest in.
5. Challenges of Listening at Home vs. Work: Effective listening can be more challenging in personal relationships where we have history and emotions to contend with.

Resources:

• Radically Authentic Discovery Website
• Book: "You're Not Listening" by Kate Murphy
• Book: "Deep Listening" by Oscar Trimboli
• Podcast by Oscar Trimboli: Deep Listening Podcast

What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!

Thank you for listening today. Please take a moment to rate and subscribe to our podcast. Here is how you can connect with us at the Growth Mixtape podcast.

Connect with Bob Mathers
Website
LinkedIn

Today, we talk to Jesse Finkelstein. Jesse is a book publishing insider and co-founder of Page Two Books, where she works with authors to bring their big ideas to the page.

Have you ever said to yourself, ‘I think I might write a book? ' I have dozens of times. And if you’re wondering, no, I still haven’t written one. So I really loved Jessie's demystification of the process for me and her advice for first-time authors.

Jessie takes us through her wild entrepreneurial journey from working at the publishing house for Harry Potter, getting let go with young kids at home, and eventually starting her own company.

We talk about all the decisions that go into creating an immersive, frictionless experience for the reader and it turns out it’s a lot like designing any customer experience.

We also talk about the power of regret, harnessing creativity and how smaller publishers are giving marginalized groups a voice for the first time.

Connect with Jesse:
LinkedIn
Instagram

Key Takeaways:

1. A new way to get a book published: The shift from traditional licensing to service models in publishing offers authors more creative and strategic control.
2. You don’t have to write alone: Successful publishing relies on a meeting of minds between authors and publishers.
3. The art of making a book: Great books are the result of meticulous attention to editorial, design, and production details that enhance the reader's experience.
4. Opportunities for marginalized voices: The accessibility of publishing options today provides a platform for diverse voices and marginalized communities to share their stories.
5. Surround yourself with the right people: Hiring experienced editors or book coaches can significantly impact the quality and success of a book project.
6. What’s your why?: Understanding the 'why' behind writing a book is as important as ‘what’ you write about.

Resources:

• Learn more about Page Two Books
• Book Recommendation: Write a Must-Read by AJ Harper - AJ Harper's Book

What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!

Thank you for listening today. Please take a moment to rate and subscribe to our podcast. Here is how you can connect with us at the Growth Mixtape podcast.

Connect with Bob Mathers
Website
LinkedIn

Today we talk to Greg Bennick. He’s a punk rocker, activist, documentary filmmaker, philanthropist, keynote speaker, juggler and expert coin collector. He’s also written a new book, Reclaim the Moment: Seven Strategies to Build a Better Now.

I could have talked to Greg for an hour about any one of these parts of his life - he’s got a way of making everything that interesting. We talk about Seattle’s teen dance ordinance, a real-life Footloose law that he helped overturn. We talk about how punk music is really just love songs. And we explore the central themes that tie all of his various pursuits together.

If you ever struggle with focusing on what matters, finding your purpose or trying to figure out what makes you special in this world - this conversation is for you.

Connect with Greg:
Website
Instagram
LinkedIn

Key Takeaways:

1. Changing the system from within: Greg’s involvement in overturning Seattle’s teen dance ordinance showcases the power of grassroots advocacy and persistence when making changes from within the system.
2. Straight edge movement: Explore a subgenre of punk that emphasizes a lifestyle free of alcohol and drugs that is centered around the love of music..
3. Majestic failures: Nobody advertises their failures. But behind every best-selling book or successful keynote speech are dozens of failures that paved the way for the success everyone sees.
4. Re-inventing yourself throughout your career: Your journey is unique. You have more to offer the world than you think. Deciding what to do next in your career is not about what, but why.
5. Focus and Balance: Strategies to maintain focus and balance in a world filled with distractions, as discussed in Greg’s upcoming book, “Reclaim the Moment.”

Resources Mentioned:

• Podcast: Let the Kids Dance (KUOW & NPR) – A deep dive into the history of Seattle's teen dance ordinance.
• Books:
  • Denial of Death by Ernest Becker
  • Art and Artist by Otto Rank
  • Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
• Upcoming Book: Reclaim the Moment: Seven Strategies to Build a Better Now by Greg Bennick

What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!

Thank you for listening today. Please take a moment to rate and subscribe to our podcast. Here is how you can connect with us at the Growth Mixtape podcast.

Connect with Bob Mathers
Website
LinkedIn