Unlearn

When it comes to product positioning, clarity isn’t just a communication tool—it’s a strategic advantage. In this episode, I sit down with Anthony Pierri, co-founder of FletchPMM, a product marketing consultancy that’s helped over 400 B2B software startups discover and sharpen their positioning. We explore how founders can unlearn generic marketing advice, clarify their message, and activate their strategy through one often-overlooked asset: their homepage.Anthony brings practical frameworks, real-world stories, and a refreshing candor to a space that’s often muddled with jargon. This is a must-listen for any founder, PMM, or GTM leader tired of being misunderstood—and ready to focus.FletchPMM is a product marketing consultancy that helps B2B tech startups nail their positioning and bring it to life through a purpose-built homepage. Alongside co-founder Rob Kaminski, he’s helped more than 400 companies craft focused, champion-centered messaging that converts.Key TakeawaysClarity wins: Positioning isn’t about vision—it’s about specificity, segmentation, and telling your champion’s story.Unlearn the fluff: Ditch the vague benefits and generic promises. Customers need to know what you do and how it helps them.Focus = traction: Trying to be everything to everyone dilutes your impact. Specialization creates memorability and repeatability.Your homepage is your positioning: It’s the one asset every stakeholder sees—customers, investors, your team. Make it count.Position for the champion, not the budget holder: Focus your messaging on the person closest to the problem—not the executive who cuts the check.Additional InsightsPositioning is pattern recognition: Anthony shares how lessons from church leadership and freelancing helped him recognize early signs of positioning misalignment—even before he had the language for it.Inbound scale comes from consistency, not creativity: With over 500 companies served, Fletch’s success has come from delivering one service, the same way, every time—not by chasing new ideas or tactics.Founders often confuse luck with repeatability: Anthony reveals how many early startup wins come from personal networks—and how this masks the real need for scalable positioning and segment focus.Mispositioning starts with the homepage: Anthony critiques vague, benefits-only messaging like “Make Yes Work”—demonstrating how the lack of a clear product reference point derails understanding and action.Repositioning is an organizational act: Referencing Klaviyo and Meta, Anthony shows how homepage messaging isn’t just about marketing—it forces internal alignment by making strategic bets visible to every team member.Episode Highlights00:00 – Episode RecapAnthony Pierri shares how a seemingly minor contradiction in a church’s mission statement became his first exposure to a positioning problem—planting the seed for a career built around clarity.01:30 – Guest Introduction: Anthony PierriBarry introduces Anthony, co-founder of FletchPMM, a consultancy that’s helped 400+ B2B software startups craft focused, conversion-driving homepages.05:09 – The Real Cost of Doing EverythingWhy trying to serve every persona or use case is the quickest way to stall traction—and how narrowing your focus builds momentum.07:14 – Specialization is a Strategic AdvantageAnthony explains how one service, delivered one way, to one segment unlocked a scalable, inbound engine for Fletch.11:42 – Sales...

In today’s hyper-connected world, many of us are experiencing a paradox—more digital interactions, but deeper loneliness. In this episode of Unlearn, I sit down with Dr. Ben Rein, neuroscientist and author of Why Brains Need Friends, to unpack why human connection isn’t just emotional—it’s biological. From the neuroscience of loneliness to surprising acts of generosity in mice and minnows, we explore how your brain interprets social disconnection as a threat, and why a full calendar of Zoom calls doesn’t satisfy your social diet.As someone who experienced this firsthand—working remotely, starting over in a new country—I share my own journey to unlearning the myth of self-sufficiency and redesigning my life to engineer real connection. This conversation is a call to rethink how we connect, show up for each other, and take our social health as seriously as sleep, diet, or exercise.Key TakeawaysLoneliness Is a Biological Threat: Your brain interprets social disconnection like hunger or pain—not just a mood, but a warning signal.Small In-Person Moments Matter: Even brief, face-to-face interactions boost mood and cognitive function more than digital ones.Isolation Damages the Brain: Chronic loneliness raises cortisol, shrinks memory centers, and can shorten your lifespan.Introverts Still Need People: Social time benefits everyone—introverts just hit their saturation point sooner.Generosity Is Hardwired: From rats to dolphins, the impulse to connect and give is deeply embedded in our biology.Connection Requires Unlearning: Independence and solitude aren't always virtues—sometimes they’re survival myths in disguise.Additional InsightsSocial prediction systems in the brain were scrambled by COVID—and many people still haven’t recalibrated.Most people think they’re worse-than-average at socializing, which fuels avoidance and false self-judgment.Digital tools remove the social cues—tone, expression, touch—that our brains need to feel emotionally nourished.Empathy is not automatic—it’s biased and trainable, shaped by exposure to difference and intention.Rebuilding community isn’t just good for you—it’s essential for physical, mental, and societal health.Episode Highlights00:00 – Episode RecapBen Rein discusses the importance of socializing, likening it to sleep, diet, and exercise, and emphasizing its role in overall well-being.02:07 – Guest Introduction: Ben ReinBarry introduces Dr. Ben Rein, neuroscientist and author, and outlines the episode’s focus on the biological necessity of human connection.03:43 – How COVID Broke Our Social PredictionsBen shares his neuroscience background and explores how societal shifts and the pandemic disrupted the brain’s expectations for everyday interaction.08:23 – Barry’s Story: “You Sound Lonely”Barry recounts a personal moment of realization and how a friend’s observation pushed him to rebuild his social life with intention.11:29 – Why We Miss the Signs of LonelinessBen explains why loneliness often goes undetected, how it manifests as stress, and why virtual connection isn’t enough.16:44 – The Hard Work of Making FriendsBarry reflects on the discomfort of building new friendships as an adult—and why it’s worth the effort for mental and emotional health.21:10 – The Neuroscience of Social FearBen breaks down why we underestimate the value of interaction, how fear...

What happens when you stop treating HR as a back-office function and start designing it as a competitive advantage?Theresa Cantwell, Strategic HR Consultant and Director at GSD HR Consulting, believes scaling a company shouldn't mean burning out your team—or yourself. With nearly two decades leading people strategy at companies like Microsoft, ThoughtWorks, and Equal Experts, Theresa has helped organizations across Europe and Asia grow not just fast, but gracefully.In this episode, we dive into the most overlooked challenges founders face when they scale: losing visibility, clinging to control, and skipping the crucial step of designing people and culture systems that can actually support growth. From shadow planning and succession strategies to why success itself can be terrifying, Theresa shares powerful tools and real talk every startup leader needs to hear.If you're moving past 20 employees and want to build a company that lasts—without losing what made it special—this conversation is your playbook.Key TakeawaysStart HR Strategy Early: Don’t wait for burnout or lawsuits—build people ops into your scaling strategy from day one.Shadow Planning Is Essential: Prepare for the worst by confronting your team’s shadow behaviors and stress reactions before they sabotage growth.Succession Planning Isn’t Personal: It's about scalability. Delegate early, document processes, and regularly revisit org design.Growth Changes Everything: Founders need to let go to level up. What got you here won’t get you there.AI in HR Is a Tool, Not a Fix: Automate the repetitive, but double down on building trust and strategic visibility.Additional InsightsHR should be the connective tissue of an organization—not the "issues and tissues" team.Scaling gracefully requires confronting the emotional toll of growth, including fear of success.Theresa shares how early experiences at Microsoft and ThoughtWorks shaped her belief in high-trust, high-agency cultures.Executive coaching and intentional design can prevent burnout and boost retention.Episode Highlights00:00 – Episode Recap Theresa Cantwell unpacks the emotional complexity of growth—from the fear of success to the need for intentional HR design. With experience scaling organizations across continents, she shares how founders can build people-first cultures that thrive under pressure.01:54 – Guest Introduction: Theresa Cantwell Theresa is a strategic HR consultant and founder of GSD HR Consulting, with nearly two decades of experience building and scaling agile-aligned cultures in the tech and digital sectors.04:43 – Pivotal Moment at Microsoft Seeing a team she’d hired bonding over lunch sparked her transition from recruitment to building cultures that last.06:28 – ThoughtWorks and Radical Culture Design Barry reflects on his own onboarding experience and how Theresa helped him understand the unique culture of ThoughtWorks from day one.09:33 – From Recruiter to Culture Architect Theresa shares why she shifted from acquisition to engagement, building full lifecycle HR strategies rooted in trust and clarity.15:29 – When to Start Thinking About People Strategy At 20 people, you need to get intentional—mission, values, cofounder conflict prep, and hiring bar must be aligned.18:51 – Shadow Planning Explained Why leaders must confront their own stress behaviors and prepare for the worst—before it happens.22:39 – Handling...

What happens when you stop chasing returns and start investing in purpose?Ron Diamond, Founder and Chairman of Diamond Wealth, believes the future of finance isn’t just about building wealth—it’s about what that wealth can do. As a trusted advisor to over 100 family offices ranging from $250 million to $30 billion, Ron has spent more than two decades helping ultra-wealthy families align their capital with causes that matter.In this episode, Ron shares how the collapse of Drexel Burnham shaped his perspective on loyalty, legacy, and leadership—and why “patient capital” is poised to disrupt the short-termism of private equity. We explore how purpose-driven investing is solving real-world challenges, from cancer to climate, and what it takes to build sustainable family office infrastructure in an era of unprecedented generational wealth transfer.And the timing couldn’t be more relevant: family offices are no longer niche players. The number of single-family offices has surged 31% since 2019, with projections reaching over 10,700 globally by 2030. As trillions of dollars transition to the next generation, Ron offers a front-row seat to the values, strategies, and systems needed to steward that wealth wisely.Ron is also the Founder, Host, and CEO of Family Office World Media, and helped establish the Family Office Program for TIGER 21, where he chairs a national peer group. He lectures at Oxford, Stanford, Harvard, and the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and was recently appointed Editor-in-Chief of The National Law Review’s first Family Office newsletter. A LinkedIn Top Voice, TEDx speaker, and former hedge fund founder, Ron began his career on Wall Street at Bear Stearns and Drexel Burnham.Key TakeawaysPeople Over Companies: Ron’s experience during Drexel’s collapse taught him that relationships—not institutions—are what endure.Patient Capital Is a Game-Changer: Family offices can think in decades, not quarters, offering strategic advantage over traditional funds.Purpose Before Profit: Legacy and social impact must anchor investment decisions.Professionalization Is Essential: Governance, infrastructure, and talent are what turn capital into capability.The Ego Barrier: Great wealth doesn’t guarantee great management—humility is crucial for longevity.Five Core Principles from Ron Diamond1. Guiding North Star: Profit with PurposeAnchor investments in something bigger than financial return—personal mission, legacy, or societal impact. → Tip: Define your North Star early and align capital accordingly.2. Trust & Relationships FirstBack character over credentials. Trust and personal integrity build more resilient partnerships than models or metrics. → Tip: Focus on people, not pitch decks.3. Patient, Long-Term CapitalThink in decades, not exit cycles. Family offices can outperform by holding steady and avoiding short-termism. → Tip: Let compounding do the heavy lifting.4. Professionalizing Family OfficesFamily offices must evolve beyond legacy systems—invest in governance, talent, and infrastructure like any top-tier fund. → Tip: Treat talent as a profit center, not a cost.5. Entrepreneurial PhilanthropyDeploy strategic, venture-style capital into social challenges. Purpose and profit can—and should—coexist. → Tip: Apply the same rigor to social impact as you do to your investments.Episode Highlights00:00 – Episode...

What if networking wasn’t about schmoozing but about being seen? David Homan joins me to unlearn the myths of traditional networking and share how vulnerability, deep listening, and small group connection can foster truly meaningful relationships. As a master connector, classical composer, and co-author of Orchestrating Connection, David breaks down the silent skills that build trust, activate communities, and transform the way we gather.David Homan is the founder and CEO of Orchestrated Connecting, a global community of connectors; Orchestrated Opportunities, an impact-focused advisory firm; and SOAR CONNECT, a start-up focused on the strength of authentic relationships. He hosts the Orchestrated Relationships podcast on developing relationship value, is an active classical composer, and a proud father of two. From middle-class beginnings as the son of a college professor and nonprofit-focused mother, he has built a network that reaches into the most private and powerful circles globally, all while honoring a code of purposeful community building.Key TakeawaysSmall Groups Create Big Impact: Starting events with curated small groups breaks social barriers and sets the stage for authentic connection.Vulnerability Builds Real Relationships: Opening up—even subtly—invites empathy and depth that surface-level networking can't achieve.Help Without Keeping Score: Giving without expecting reciprocity strengthens your reputation and extends your reach.Design Moments That Resonate: Successful events don’t depend on cocktails or keynote speeches—they’re built on meaningful first impressions.Asking Is a Skill, Not a Weakness: Givers often struggle to ask for support—David’s Impact Ask framework helps mission-driven people share their needs with clarity.Additional InsightsMost Networking Events Are Designed to Fail: Traditional formats emphasize aesthetics over connection—David redesigns them to foster immediate, meaningful dialogue.Shared Vulnerability Activates Group Trust: Structured conversations with depth-based prompts unlock faster bonding and community-building.Music as a Metaphor for Human Connection: David draws from his training as a classical composer to illustrate how relationships, like instruments, must resonate and harmonize.Clarity Makes Asking Easier: The “Impact Ask” framework simplifies how to articulate passion, purpose, and the kind of help you need.Your Reputation Travels Faster Than You Do: David’s work shows that investing in authentic relationships amplifies your presence—even when you're not in the room.Episode Highlights00:00 – Episode RecapDavid Homan reveals how he had to unlearn everything he thought he knew about networking—discovering instead that vulnerability, deep listening, and structured intimacy were the keys to building purposeful community.01:50 – Guest Introduction: David HomanBarry introduces David Homan, master connector, startup founder, and co-author of Orchestrating Connection, whose work helps leaders create impact-driven relationships through authentic connection.02:52 – Why Most Events Miss the MarkDavid shares why traditional networking events feel awkward—and how his approach to curated small groups flips the script to create meaningful experiences.04:49 – Start Small, Go DeepBarry reflects on the power of small group interactions and how vulnerability accelerates meaningful connections.08:01 – Sharing Real, Not PolishedDavid explains the importance

Paul Hutchinson’s life story reads like a thriller, but his mission is deeply real and urgent. Once a multi-billion dollar fund manager, Paul transformed his life to become an undercover operative, leading more than 70 rescue missions across 15 countries to free thousands of children trapped in sex trafficking. He is the true-life inspiration behind the Sound of Freedom movie and the author of The Sound of Freedom: True Stories That Inspired the Film, offering a raw, unfiltered look at what it takes to confront humanity’s darkest realities and bring hope to the most vulnerable.This episode goes far beyond heroism. We explore the complexities and personal costs of Paul’s work—from how his background in private equity uniquely positioned him to negotiate with traffickers, to the emotional and psychological toll of seeing trauma up close. Paul also shares vital lessons on protecting your children, what really works in combating trafficking, and why healing—beyond extraction—is the ultimate rescue.Some stories are tough to face but impossible to turn away from. Paul’s journey is a powerful reminder of resilience, transformation, and what true leadership means when you dare to engage with the hardest truths.Key TakeawaysTrauma Often Hides in Plain Sight: Early exposure to peer counseling revealed the silent prevalence of abuse and shaped Paul’s lifelong compassion.Leverage Unique Skills for Impact: Paul’s financial expertise uniquely positioned him to negotiate with traffickers and execute high-stakes rescue missions.Healing Requires Vulnerability: Emerging therapies like psilocybin can accelerate breakthroughs when used intentionally and safely.Meditation and Gratitude as Daily Practices: Far from clichés, these tools quiet the mind and strengthen authentic connection.Impact Extends Beyond Rescue: True change is about rehabilitation, restoring humanity, and creating ripple effects of hope.Material Success Without Meaning is Hollow: Relationships, purpose, and self-awareness are the real measures of a life well lived.Additional InsightsRedefine Success on Your Own Terms: Society pushes for more—money, power, status—but real fulfillment comes from understanding what truly matters to you.Embrace Compassion as a Leadership Skill: Genuine empathy transforms how you influence and inspire others.Healing is a Collective Journey: Trauma and recovery ripple beyond the individual to impact families and communities.Courage Requires Vulnerability: Facing your own shadows opens the door to deeper connection and transformation.Episode Highlights00:18 – Episode RecapPaul Hutchinson’s journey from multi-billion dollar fund manager to undercover operative rescuing trafficked children reveals a profound transformation—one fueled by confronting trauma, embracing empathy, and discovering the healing power of vulnerability and plant-based therapies.02:06 – Guest Introduction: Paul HutchinsonBarry introduces Paul Hutchinson, former private equity executive turned human trafficking rescuer and author of The Sound of Freedom, sharing raw stories behind one of the largest rescue missions and the personal toll it took.03:53 – Early Compassion & Peer LeadershipPaul reflects on how his early role as a peer counselor exposed him to hidden childhood traumas, planting the seeds of compassion that would later define his mission.14:34 – First Undercover Mission & The...

What if generosity—not hustle—is your greatest competitive advantage?Brad Feld—co-founder of Foundry Group, Mobius Venture Capital, and startup accelerator Techstars—joins Barry to explore the transformative philosophy of “Give First,” a mindset that’s reshaped how founders, investors, and mentors build lasting companies and vibrant startup ecosystems. Brad has spent over three decades cultivating startup communities by putting people before profit and helping others without expecting anything in return.In this episode, he shares the mindset shifts that fueled Techstars’ global influence, how mentorship evolves from hierarchy to peer learning, and why sustainable success stems from playing the long game. A conversation full of clarity, candor, and challenge—for anyone rethinking what it means to lead, contribute, and create.Key TakeawaysGenerosity Fuels Growth: Giving without expectation of return builds stronger relationships, ecosystems, and companies.Mentorship is a Two-Way Street: The most impactful mentoring happens when both sides learn, grow, and give.Play the Long Game: Positive-sum, multi-turn thinking creates more meaningful and lasting impact than transactional wins.Know Yourself First: Deep self-awareness—not external success metrics—is the foundation of better leadership.Additional InsightsRedefine Success on Your Own Terms: Society pushes for more—money, power, status—but real fulfillment comes from understanding what truly matters to you.Build a Network of Givers: Shared values transcend geography. A global community built on generosity leads to collective resilience.Let Go of the Need for Control: Great mentors—and leaders—create space for co-creation, not dictation.Disconnect to Reconnect: Time away from constant input helps surface your clearest thinking and truest desires.Episode Highlights:00:00 – Episode RecapBrad Feld reframes mentorship as a shift from a one-way hierarchy to a peer-based relationship.01:48 – Barry Introduces Brad FeldBarry introduces Brad's influential work on startup communities and his philosophy of "Give First."03:12 – Startup Community OriginsBrad shares how the idea of startup communities became a global movement—challenging the belief that tech startups must be in Silicon Valley.12:54 – The Give First PhilosophyBrad explains why generosity, long-term thinking, and non-transactional relationships are foundational to resilient startup ecosystems.21:33 – Mentorship as Mutual GrowthA powerful story with mentor Len Fast reveals how Brad came to see mentorship as co-learning rather than knowledge transfer.27:27 – Knowing YourselfBrad emphasizes how self-awareness and personal growth are essential to leadership, especially in a world driven by reactive norms.34:48 – Creating Space for What MattersA candid discussion on disconnecting from external pressures, valuing inner reflection, and how time off helped Brad refocus on his values.41:47 – Redesigning RelationshipsBrad shares how he and his wife created structure and rules to prioritize their relationship—offering insight into the intersection of discipline and intimacy.45:41 – Final ReflectionsBrad closes with a message on leading through generosity, not transactions—and why playing the long game builds stronger companies and communities.Episode ResourcesBrad Feld on LinkedIn: Brad...

What if becoming a better leader meant letting go of being the expert? In this Unlearn episode, I’m joined by David Tuck, Chief Executive of Waracle, for a thoughtful and human-centered conversation on the mindset shifts required to lead high-performing teams in complex, fast-changing environments.David’s leadership journey spans over 15 years of agile transformation, commercial growth, and organizational design. He’s held executive roles at Kin + Carta, The App Business, ThoughtWorks, and Scott Logic, and now leads Waracle, a strategic design and technology consultancy that builds trusted digital products for enterprise clients.Known for his calm conviction and people-first approach, David shares how curiosity, craft, and long-term client intimacy have shaped his leadership philosophy. From stepping back in his career to hone his sales skills, to becoming a CEO who leads experts by asking better questions, David reflects on what it means to grow companies—and yourself—by design. This episode explores how to lead through inquiry, build trust at scale, and why today’s leaders must become “Chief Unlearn Officers” to stay relevant in an AI-powered world.Key TakeawaysCraft First, Climb Later: David shares why stepping back from leadership to deepen his sales craft at Waracle gave him the clarity and credibility to lead more effectively.Lead Without Knowing Everything: CEOs don't need all the answers—they need to ask better questions and create space for their teams to excel.AI Starts with Literacy: Leaders must understand AI fundamentals to steer transformation and avoid becoming disconnected from how value is created.From Specialist to Generalist: The CEO role is about orchestration—shifting from doing to enabling across functions and disciplines.Human Connection Still Wins: At Waracle and beyond, trust, empathy, and meaningful relationships still drive long-term business success in an AI-powered world.Additional InsightsRedefine Leadership as Service: A CEO’s job is to help others succeed, not to control every decision or be the expert in the room.Ask Better Questions: Using frameworks like the probing pyramid can unlock better thinking and faster alignment across teams.Don’t Automate the Human: AI can accelerate delivery, but it can’t replace the emotional intelligence and trust that drive real impact.Create Space for Reflection: Strategic pauses and structured dialogue lead to more thoughtful, inclusive decisions—especially in hybrid teams.Unlearn to Move Forward: Leaders need to let go of outdated habits and create the conditions for new thinking to thrive.Useful ResourcesDavid Tuck on LinkedInWaracle on LinkedInWaracle WebsiteDavid Bowie’s 1999 interview on the future of the internetWaracle’s AI Literacy ProgramFollow the Host:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barryoreilly Personal site:

What if the biggest risk in your business isn’t building the product but realizing no one wants it? In this Unlearn episode, I’m joined by Alistair Croll, technologist, entrepreneur, and bestselling author of Lean Analytics, for a candid and clever conversation on rethinking product development, marketing, and demand generation.Alistair’s work focuses on data-driven innovation and human behavior. He co-authored Just Evil Enough: The Subversive Marketing Handbook, a playbook for bending the rules to win in the attention economy. He has chaired global tech conferences like O’Reilly’s Strata and currently leads Startupfest, where he helps founders turn clever ideas into competitive advantage.Known for blending insight with humor, Alistair unpacks why subversive creativity, not perfection, often wins. From the “fluency equation” to Burger King’s clever customer acquisition tactics, he reveals how unconventional strategies generate meaningful traction. This episode explores the science of subversive marketing, reframes how we think about product launch risk, and dives into the mindset shifts leaders need to stay relevant in the AI era.Key TakeawaysStart with Attention, Not Execution: The first job is proving demand, not building features.The Fluency Equation: Adoption is driven by desire, but also requires lowering inexperience, complexity, and perceived consequence.Redefine Product-Market Fit: Medium fit — how people find, try, and pay — is just as important as what you offer.Reverse Your GTM Strategy: Work backward from demand instead of forward from the product.Additional InsightsTest Before You Build: Demand validation should come before development or scaling.Have a Disagreement with the World: Bold startups are born from challenging norms, not just meeting expectations.Use Familiar Behaviors to Drive Adoption: Anchoring new tools to existing habits lowers friction and boosts engagement.Practice Ethical Persuasion: Subversive tactics work best when they respect users and build long-term trust.Episode Highlights:00:00 – Episode RecapAlistair reframes startup risk with a clever hand-raising test: building isn’t the danger, indifference is.03:16 – The Beach-Read Business BookWhy Just Evil Enough was built to entertain and educate, and how surprise fuels learning.07:30 – The Real Startup RiskMost teams focus on building because it feels safe. But the real risk is customer indifference.08:41 – Subversive Marketing in ActionThe Whopper Detour: How Burger King used playful tactics to achieve strategic goals.13:20 – The Fluency Equation ExplainedA new way to understand user hesitation and remove behavioral friction.19:14 – AI, Fluency, and Leadership GapsWhy executives aren’t using AI, even when they know they should.26:00 – Decision-Making Matrix for InnovationA two-by-two framework to help teams run smarter experiments with lower risk.31:01 – The Fourth MiscapitalizationWhy companies are still over-investing in engineering in an AI-native...

Today on the Unlearn podcast, we welcome Jamie Dobson, technologist, entrepreneur, and a leader known for building systems that connect innovation with purpose. He joins us to share a deeply reflective journey: spanning childhood curiosity, extreme programming, leadership challenges, and the hard truths of building a company with intention.Jamie Dobson is the co-founder and former CEO of Container Solutions, a consultancy helping organizations adopt cloud-native technologies. A self-proclaimed management nerd and lifelong learner, Jamie’s early career as a software engineer evolved into a calling to improve the world through better people management. He’s the author of Visionaries, Rebels, and Machines, a sweeping narrative on the evolution of computing and leadership. Jamie now advises executives and writes about how systems, both technological and organizational, can be redesigned for the better.Known for his systems thinking, sharp wit, and grounded view on management, Jamie has spent decades bridging the gap between technological innovation and human-centered leadership. Whether he’s decoding the transistor’s origins or dissecting what makes a high-performing executive team, Jamie is always seeking out better ways to work, grow, and lead with clarity and courage.This episode explores the mindset shifts required to lead through ambiguity, the costs of integrity in leadership, and how discipline, self-awareness, and naivety can sometimes be your greatest assets.Key TakeawaysAct on Inspiration Fast: Jamie shares why taking immediate action on a good idea is a rare but powerful leadership move.Leadership as a Moral Responsibility: Decision-making isn’t just strategic—it’s ethical, emotional, and deeply human.Naïveté as a Strength: Why approaching challenges with curiosity and a beginner’s mindset can spark unexpected breakthroughs.Letters to Self as Feedback Loops: How Jamie uses journaling to reflect, recalibrate, and lead with discipline.Psychological Safety Isn’t Optional: The timeless (and still underused) foundation of every high-performing tech team.Bullsh*t Detection 101: From recognizing deceptive behavior to building a culture of honesty, trust, and clarity.Managing Technologists is Solved: The real challenge isn’t how to manage engineers—it’s having the discipline to do what works.Episode Highlights00:00 – Episode RecapJamie reflects on how childhood curiosity and Maslow’s philosophy laid the groundwork for a career blending tech and leadership.04:27 – Acting on Inspiration ImmediatelyWhy most people hesitate—and how taking fast, decisive action can be a leadership advantage.07:42 – Leadership as a Moral WeightJamie discusses the emotional cost of doing the right thing and why real leadership isn’t always rewarded.11:14 – The Loneliness of IdealismFrom bold bets to navigating skepticism, Jamie shares what it’s like to hold the line on your values.15:31 – Shifting Systems, Building TrustWhat it really takes to lead teams through technological and cultural transformation—and why trust is the hardest part.18:41 – Spotting Bullshit in BusinessJamie breaks down how to recognize deception in the...

Today on the podcast, we welcome Jeremy Shankle, full-stack engineer, AI strategist, and early adopter of automation tools across work and life at Nobody Studios. With decades of experience in web development, startup leadership, and product strategy, Jeremy shares how going all-in on artificial intelligence has transformed how he works, lives, and thinks.From debugging code to managing projects and planning weekends with his son, Jeremy has embraced AI as a true co-pilot. His story isn’t about replacing people—it’s about unlearning old work patterns, reducing context switching, and building smarter systems for productivity and purpose.In this episode, we talk about Jeremy’s journey from web design and blockchain to AI-first development, and how adopting a multithreaded mindset helped him balance leadership, creativity, and everyday life in a more focused, high-leverage way.Jeremy Shankle has worked across large tech organizations, startups, and now contributes to a fast-moving venture studio, helping teams use AI to build better products with fewer people. His thinking blends engineering discipline with human-centered innovation—exploring how tools like GPT-4 and Codex are reshaping the future of work.Key Takeaways:Going All-In on AI: Jeremy shares what happened when he decided to run everything through GPT tools—from coding to shopping.Unlearning Multitasking: Why AI helps him focus more by batching work, parallelizing tasks, and context switching less.Human First, Tech Forward: How AI frees up space for better thinking, parenting, and problem-solving.Changing How We Work: Smaller teams, higher output, fewer blockers.Life OS Upgrade: From weekend planning to debugging code, AI is now part of Jeremy’s daily operating system.Episode Highlights:01:50 – Guest Introduction: Jeremy ShankleBarry introduces Jeremy as a product thinker and engineer at the intersection of AI, software, and strategy.03:20 – Why Jeremy Went All-In on AIIn December, Jeremy dove deep into agents that search the web and modify code—and he hasn’t looked back.04:02 – From Tandy 1000 to Tech TrailblazerAt age 5, Jeremy started coding on a Tandy 1000. That early start shaped his approach to learning and tech.07:49 – Strategic Thinking Without the Switch CostsAI helps Jeremy stay focused—no more jumping between roles or work personas all day.10:32 – Fixing Bugs and Finding Basketball ClubsJeremy shows how he uses AI to squash code bugs and research activities for his son—at the same time.15:23 – Smarter Task Management with AIJeremy explains how AI-infused project management tools let him create and assign tasks with ease.22:11 – AI as an Anxiety ReducerWhether prepping for embassy visits or crafting emails in another language, AI gives Jeremy a calm confidence.32:31 – Confidence Without the Code DependencyBarry shares how AI helped him stop second-guessing and start building—without always calling in an expert.37:48 – AI Made Me Smarter, Not DumberBy automating the grunt work, Jeremy has more time to understand the why behind every technical decision.42:35 – What’s Next? Agent-to-Agent CollaborationJeremy’s most exciting frontier: AI tools that talk to each other—and get things done without constant prompts.ResourcesJeremy Shankle

Tap into a network of bold thinkers and industry leaders by sponsoring the Unlearn Podcast.Contact here: https://bit.ly/contact-barryoreilly____________________________________________________________Welcome to UNLEARN, the podcast where we talk about bold ideas, fresh thinking, and the mindset shifts needed for real change. Today, I’m excited to welcome John Avrett, former U.S. diplomat, aerospace and electrical engineer, and now Founder and CEO of Hive Modular. With past roles in the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, and Department of State, John is leading a new wave of modular home building in the Philippines, tackling the global housing crisis with factory-made homes and smart design.John isn’t just a builder; he also loves solving big problems and making homes better for everyone. His journey from engineering and diplomacy to modular homes shows how thinking differently can help fix housing issues in new ways, especially by building smarter and faster in places that need it most.John has worked across engineering and global trade before starting his company to build homes in a new way. At his factory in the Philippines, his team makes modular houses using a process like a car factory, helping build faster and cheaper. He focuses on smart design and shipping, bringing homes to places that need them, while using skills from aerospace and diplomacy to guide his work.Key Takeaways:Fixing Housing Problems: John shares how factory-made homes can help more people.Starting a Business: What he learned from taking a big risk to follow his dream.Thinking Differently: Why new ways of thinking are key to solving old problems.Global Experience: How living and working abroad shaped his big ideas.Smart Building: How using a car-like factory process makes building homes faster.Additional Insights:Mixing Tech and Building: John shows how factory skills can improve home building.Working in New Markets: What it takes to build homes in places with big needs.Learning from the Past: How John’s old jobs help him find smart new ways to build.Solving Real Problems: How he uses design to make homes faster and cheaper.Adapting to Change: Why being open to new ideas helped grow his company.Join John Avrett as he shares how bold ideas, smart building, and global thinking can help solve housing needs and spark new ways to grow in today’s world.Episode Highlights:[00:10] - Episode Recap"John Avrett joins to talk about solving housing issues with modular homes and lessons from past careers."[01:38] - Guest Introduction: John Avrett"John is an ex-aerospace engineer and U.S. diplomat now building smart, factory-made homes in the Philippines."[04:48] - Museum Visit Sparks a Big Idea"A prefab home exhibit opened John’s eyes to a better way of building and inspired his mission."[07:25] - From Engineer to Diplomat to Builder"John shares how his global work helped him spot the housing crisis as a real problem to fix."[10:09] - Why Housing Innovation Fell Behind"Homes take longer and cost more today than in the 1960s, John...

Tap into a network of bold thinkers and industry leaders by sponsoring the Unlearn Podcast.Contact here: https://bit.ly/contact-barryoreilly____________________________________________________________Today on the podcast, we welcome Faisal Hoque, author, entrepreneur, and thinker behind Transcend. With over 10 books and years of business leadership, Faisal shares how life, purpose, and challenges have shaped his journey of learning, growth, and helping others.Known for books like Everything Connects and Transcend, Faisal blends Eastern wisdom with modern leadership. He’s worked with global firms, led startups, and speaks widely on purpose, resilience, and human-centered innovation.In this episode, we talk about Faisal’s journey of self-growth and leadership, exploring how unlearning, flow states, and personal purpose can reshape how we lead, work, and grow in today’s fast-moving world.Faisal Hoque is Founder and Managing Partner at Shadoka and NextChapter, Strategic Partner at CACI International Inc., and a Judge and Mentor at MIT. He’s also an investor, board member, and former CEO across various tech and business ventures. A contributor to Fast Company and IMD, he was shortlisted for the 2023 Thinkers50 Distinguished Achievement Award. Faisal is also a public speaker and former Chair of Research and Education at Altea Federation, as well as ex-Product Manager and CTO at GE Capital and Dun & Bradstreet.Key Takeaways:Unlearning past beliefs helps us grow and adapt in a changing world.True purpose comes from small daily actions, not big goals.Flow, gratitude, and reflection can boost personal and work life.Additional Insights:Let go of chasing success and focus on work that feels meaningful.Use reflection, meditation, and learning to stay sharp and inspired every day.Join Faisal Hoque as he shares how purpose, reflection, and human connection can guide us to grow and lead in today’s fast-changing world.Episode Highlights: [01:00] - Episode Recap"Faisal Hoque joins the show to talk about purpose, self-actualization, and how life’s challenges shape our leadership."[01:34] - Guest Introduction: Faisal Hoque"Faisal is a tech entrepreneur and author of Transcend, blending neuroscience, leadership, and personal growth."[03:13] - Early Startups and Key Life Lessons"My second startup failed despite big clients, then I bootstrapped my next one and wrote my first book."[04:30] - Eastern Roots and the Search for Meaning"Trips to Japan...

Tap into a network of bold thinkers and industry leaders by sponsoring the Unlearn Podcast.Contact here: https://bit.ly/contact-barryoreilly____________________________________________________________Today on the podcast, we welcome Ja-Naé Duane, systems thinker, innovator, and author of Super Shifts. With over 20 years as a behavioral scientist and 4-time entrepreneur, Ja-Naé has guided organizations, governments, and communities through future-focused transformation.Recognized by outlets like NPR and Businessweek, she’s passionate about reshaping how we live and work in the age of superintelligence, leveraging AR/VR, AI, and blockchain. Ja-Naé has worked with top firms like Deloitte and PWC, and is a sought-after speaker at Singularity University.In this episode, we explore her transformative frameworks for both personal and organizational growth, highlighting the power of unlearning, integrating systems thinking, and embracing change in a tech-driven world.Dr. Ja-Naé Duane is a Research Fellow at MIT, Faculty Director of Brown’s Innovation Management program, and a mentor in its Tech Leadership program. She’s also a Council Member at The Stimson Center, an Investor at CollX, and a Co-Founder of The Revolution Factory. At Singularity University, she teaches futures thinking and lectures in Information Systems at Bentley University, where she’s on the Blockchain Advisory Council. She’s the bestselling author of McGraw-Hill and an advisor at Teleportec.Key Takeaways:Stress isn’t the enemy; using it intentionally can fuel growth and resilience.To thrive in the future, we must unlearn outdated systems and develop an antifragile mindset.Superintelligence and AI are crucial tools for creativity, reflection, and decision-making.Additional Insights:Let go of outdated thinking to make room for fresh, innovative approaches.Use AI and other tools to boost productivity and enhance creativity in your work.Join Ja-Naé Duane as she discusses transformation, unlearning habits, and creating resilient systems that thrive with technology and nature.Episode Highlights:[01:00] - Episode Recap  "Today’s guest is Ja-Naé Duane, author of Super Shifts, discussing personal and organizational transformation in the age of superintelligence."[01:56] - Guest Introduction: Ja-Naé Duane  "Ja-Naé Duane is a leading behavioral scientist and author, helping individuals and organizations navigate the world of AI and technology."[03:55] - Inspiration Behind Super Shifts and the Pandemic Pivot  "During COVID-19, I was called to help restart Europe, which sparked the Super Shifts concept."[06:10] - Exploring Decentralized Systems and Resilience ...

Tap into a network of bold thinkers and industry leaders by sponsoring the Unlearn Podcast.Contact here: https://bit.ly/contact-barryoreilly____________________________________________________________Today on the Unlearn Podcast, I’m thrilled to be joined by Francesca Cortesi, CPO and Founder of Prodotto Collective, a product visionary, transformational leader, and someone who truly understands what it takes to build beloved products and high-performing teams.Francesca was the Chief Product Officer at Hemnet, Sweden’s leading property platform, where she played a pivotal role in scaling the product organization and driving the company through a successful IPO in 2021. Under her leadership, Hemnet achieved consistent double-digit growth, became one of Sweden’s most appreciated apps, and stood out as a top performer on the Swedish stock exchange.But her story goes far beyond business metrics. Francesca led cultural shifts too, transitioning the company language to English and increasing female representation in tech, proving that growth and inclusion can go hand in hand.In this episode, we explore how Francesca thinks about unlearning as a tool for personal and organizational growth, building product excellence at scale, and creating environments where diverse teams thrive.Key Takeaways:Changing careers: Francesca switched from fashion in Milan to tech in Sweden after many rejections, showing strong resilience.Product Management: Asking many questions helped her shift from project management to product management.Asking for Help: Great leaders don't need to know everything; asking for help builds stronger teams.Idea company size: Francesca thrives best in scale-up companies (40–400 people), not large corporations.Unlearning and Growth: Every new role required Francesca to "unlearn" old ways to adapt to new challenges.Additional Insights:Changing Roles: Your job changes when your company grows, so be ready for change.Know your strength: Understand clearly what you’re good at and where you fit best.Start Fresh: Always approach new tasks like you're learning for the first time.Get ready for a powerful conversation with Francesca Cortesi on embracing change, scaling with intention, and building inclusive, high-performing product teams that thrive through continuous unlearning and growth.Episode Highlights: [01:00] - Episode Recap  "Welcome to the Unlearn Podcast, Exploring career shifts, new leadership styles, and how to build strong product teams."[02:03] - Guest Introduction: Francesca Cortesi  "Francesca, former Chief Product Officer at Hemnet, helped scale the product and led the company to a successful 2021 IPO."[03:22] - From Milan Fashion to Stockholm: The First Career Pivot "I worked in fashion, got a translator job in Sweden, and decided to move."[07:10] - Facing Rejection and Redefining Identity  "I tried returning to fashion, but it wasn’t working, time to move on."[10:13] - Discovering Product Management Through Curiosity and Questioning "I kept asking questions, turns out, that curiosity led me into product management."[15:20] - What Francesca Had to Unlearn"As a product manager, I had to leave behind what worked before, it’s always contextual."[19:56] - Transition from Individual Contributor to Product Leader  "My first leadership role taught me to stop copying others and

Welcome back to the Unlearn podcast! Today, we're exploring neuroscience with Dr. Marcia Goddard, a top neuroscientist and high-performance expert. As the founder of Brain Matters, a LinkedIn Top Voice, TEDx speaker, and a Neuroscientist. She's known for making science practical for business success. Her work with Formula 1, where she studied behavior and culture within teams to develop comprehensive strategies that enhance performance, along with her contributions to Leiden University, and The Contentment Foundation has helped leaders and teams boost performance and teamwork. She is also the Board Advisory Member of Equalture. Tune in for an insightful talk on unlocking human abilities and building creative workplace cultures!She is a respected neuroscientist who is dedicated to guiding young professionals and bringing fresh ideas into different industries. Dr. Marcia’s work is a valuable resource for anyone aiming to make a big impact in technology and business.Dr. Marcia Goddard, a neuroscience expert with over 10+ years of experience, applies brain science to boost workplace performance and culture. She has consulted with high-performance teams, including Formula 1 and Fortune 500 companies, optimizing team dynamics. Her thought leadership focuses on psychological safety and inclusion, guiding organizations toward innovation and growth.Key Takeaways:Expanding Globally: Dr. Marcia Goddard’s strategies for international growth.  Overcoming Challenges: Solutions for fast-changing industries.  Adapting to Change: Stay flexible, ditch outdated methods.  Personal Experience: Dr. Goddard’s lessons in action.Additional Insights:Effective Strategies: Dr. Marcia Goddard on reshaping industries.  Thriving in Growth: Tips for fast-expanding businesses.  Experience to Innovation: Dr. Goddard’s journey to better solutions.Get ready for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Marcia Goddard on infusing new ideas into business strategies and fostering a culture of innovation and growth.Episode Highlights: [00:36] - Episode Precap"Welcome back to the Unlearn podcast, where we challenge conventional thinking to unlock high performance and breakthrough innovation."[01:17] - Guest Introduction: Dr. Marcia Goddard“I'm joined by Dr. Marcia Goddard, a neuroscientist, author, and keynote speaker specializing in applying brain science to workplace performance and culture.”[02:30] - Navigating Introversion, Networking Opportunities, and Career Growth"My career was once a series of what I called coincidences, but I no longer believe they were."[06:46] - Unlearning Misconceptions in Neuroscience"There are two answers to that. My favorite quote is, 'If the brain were simple enough for us to understand, we would be too simple to understand it.”[10:26] - Practical Tips for High-Performance"It's a good question, especially in individual coaching. I think that's what it's related to."[12:40] - The...

Welcome to UNLEARN, the podcast where we will discuss the transformative journeys, innovative tactics, and the pivotal mindset shifts necessary for authentic progress and development. Today, I'm thrilled to welcome Kristie Edling-Day, the current Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Advisor Technology at LPL Financial, and former Principal and Chief Information Officer at Vanguard, a pioneer in strategic development and information management.Kristie is not just a leader; she also loves helping young professionals grow and bringing new ideas to different industries. The book ‘Innovate to Elevate: Transforming Markets and Minds in Southeast Asia’ explores groundbreaking insights, offering valuable strategies for those aiming to drive change in technology and business.Kristie has worked in the Financial Services industry for over 18 years, helping improve technology and develop new products. At LPL Financial, she manages Client Works, a platform that helps over 20,000 advisors with important tools for handling accounts, investments, trading, advisory programs, and compliance. She also leads LPL’s strategy for AI, making sure the company and its advisors have access to the latest in what technology can do both for efficiency and growth.Key Takeaways:Growing Businesses Worldwide: Kristie shares how to expand companies across different countries.  Facing Challenges: Tips on handling problems in fast-growing industries.  Learning and Adapting: Why being open to change and unlearning old ways helps with innovation.  Using Personal Experience: How Kristie solves problems based on her own challenges.Additional Insights:Smart Strategies and Strong Operations: Kristie explains how these key skills can change industries.  Succeeding in Fast-Growing Markets: How to handle challenges in quickly expanding businesses.  Turning Experience into Innovation: How Kristie uses her own experiences to create better business solutions.Get ready for an insightful talk with Kristie Edling-Day on bringing fresh ideas into business strategies and building a culture of innovation and growth.Episode Highlights:[00:37] - Episode Introduction"Systems like LPL’s ClientWorks platform are so important and they help over 20,000 advisors manage their work more effectively and stay compliant. "[01:35] - Guest Introduction: Kristie Edling-Day.“I did not join Vanguard thinking I wanted to be an executive in technology."[05:20] - Turning Point in Career Growth Choices and Embracing Uncertainty.“On my first day at the new job, I realized that I didn't really know the boss or even the names of all the divisions in the company."[10:05] - Nurturing Passion and Building Effective Leadership Teams"What are the things you were doing when you chose to stay late, didn't mind, and in fact, were excited or couldn't wait to get up the next day?"[16:28] - Adjusting to New Roles and Unlearning"I think it is one of the most profound realizations that two organizations can think about roles and define them very differently."[24:05] - Discovering Aha Moments in Personal Growth"Some of the things that helped you, like those aha moments? Now that you have new clarity, what are you doing differently?"[28:54] - The Need for Unlearning in Industry...

Welcome to UNLEARN, the podcast where we explore the transformative experiences, strategies, and mindset shifts essential for true innovation and growth. Today, I’m honored to host Crystal Lee Gonzalez, a trailblazer in strategic growth and innovation across Southeast Asia.Born and raised in the Philippines, Crystal has spent the last fifteen years shaping and scaling some of the region’s most prominent brands. She is the Co-Founder & CEO of NoneAway and was previously the Co-Founder of PICK.A.ROO. Her leadership has left a significant mark on multiple industries, serving as the Former CEO of Canva Philippines & Southeast Asia, Former President & Managing Director at HonestBee, and Former Regional Head of Southeast Asia at Viber. With a career spanning top-tier organizations, she also held key roles as the Group Account Director at Tribal Worldwide, Head of Branding at Lazada Group, and Marketing Head at YAHOO.Beyond launching and leading businesses, Crystal finds deep fulfillment in mentoring emerging talent and reshaping industries through innovation. Her expertise is now encapsulated in her upcoming book, Innovate to Elevate: Transforming Markets and Minds in Southeast Asia, a must-read for those looking to make a lasting impact in technology and strategic development.Key Takeaways:Scaling Global Startups: Crystal details her strategies for business expansion in Southeast Asia.Embracing Challenges: Insights into overcoming obstacles in high-growth environments.Unlearning for Growth: How adapting and unlearning fuels innovation.Leveraging Personal Experiences: Crystal's approach to creating solutions from personal pain points.Additional Insights:The NoneAway Model: Crystal demonstrates how strategic thinking and operational excellence revolutionize real estate.Adapting in High Growth Markets: Mastering the challenges of rapid expansion and market dynamics.Innovative Solutions from Personal Insights: How Crystal’s personal experiences inspire practical business innovations.Prepare for an insightful conversation with Crystal Gonzalez on Bringing fresh ideas to startup strategies and cultivating a culture of innovation and strategic growth.Episode Highlights: [00:35] - Episode Introduction"In the Philippines, there are 120,000 reported scammers in real estate. This is why, even with a legitimate broker, I felt unease and anxiety until I received the keys to my house."[01:18] - Guest Introduction: Crystal Lee Gonzalez"Welcome to the Unlearn Podcast. Today, I'm honored to host Crystal Gonzalez, a leader in strategy and growth who has developed and scaled renowned brands across Southeast Asia."[03:03] - Viber's Launch Story"It started when I met Talmon, the founder. My first question was simple: Why are you in the Philippines?"[07:50] - Nurturing Empathy and Innovation "Okay. So...

Welcome to UNLEARN, the podcast where we explore the stories, strategies, and mindset shifts that drive real innovation and growth. Today, I’m glad to be joined by Diana Stepner, a true trailblazer in the world of product management and people-centered leadership.A Silicon Valley native, Diana has spent over two decades building and leading global product teams for companies like Monster, Cheapflights (later acquired by Kayak), Salesforce, and Razorfish. As Co-Founder, at Product Gold and Former VP of Product Management at Pearson, she has honed her expertise in creating impactful solutions. Along the way, she discovered that while launching great products is exciting, helping people launch their careers is even more rewarding..Diana’s passion for fostering talent and preparing organizations for the future shines in her new book, Next-Gen Product Management: Future Proof Your Career. It’s a must-read for anyone navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, teams, and innovation.We dive into her journey, the lessons she’s learned, and the practical advice she has for product leaders looking to thrive in an ever-changing world.Check out her website at www.dianastepner.com to learn more. Key Takeaways:Product vs. Project Management: Diana explains the key differences.  Supercharging Product Managers: How top contributors maximize impact.  Winning with Teams: The power of cross-functional collaboration.  Breaking Into Product Management: Trends shaping new career moves.Additional Insights:The Product Gold Framework, Diana shows how adaptability and empathy unlock market opportunities.  Engagement in the Digital Age by mastering attention in a world full of distractions.  Thinking Differently in Business: How challenging norms drives big advancements.Prepare for an enlightening discussion with Diana Stepner on transforming traditional product strategies and fostering a culture of creativity and innovation.Episode Highlights: [00:33] -Episode Introduction "One of the trends that we're seeing in product management is this rise of a super IC. People are able to do a whole lot more because of AI than they could have done before."[01:33] - Guest Introduction "Today, we’re joined by Diana Stepner, an expert in product management and people-centered leadership. Diana has built leading global product teams at companies like Product Gold, Monster, Salesforce, and Razorfish."[03:08] - Shift from Project to Product Management "People kept saying, 'Oh, you're a project manager.' And I'm like, 'No, I'm not a project manager. I am a product manager.' Over time, people began to realize that it actually was a skill or an expertise."[10:44] - The Role of Collaboration in Product Management (corrected from 10:49) "You need all of those instruments to come together to really make the music sing, and companies still...

Welcome to the UNLEARN Podcast! Today, we’re joined by Emily Ross, co-author of Just Evil Enough and a leader in brand strategy and creativity. With a career spanning tech innovation, marketing, and even circus performance, Emily approaches challenges from unconventional angles.As Director of Brand Strategy at X (formerly Twitter) for EMEA, Emily also serves as an Advisory Board Member at SXSW and GoGreen Routes, an EU funded, pan-European research project on nature-based connectedness, as Co-founder of Resonance Festival  (Resonance-Lough Derg), and a mentor to startups across Europe.In this episode, she shares her approach to subversive marketing, reframing obstacles as opportunities and using bold tactics to achieve extraordinary results. Drawing inspiration from disruptors like Tesla, Emily reveals how creativity and curiosity can transform business outcomes. Whether you’re looking to reimagine your marketing strategies or disrupt the status quo, Emily’s expertise is an invaluable guide.Key Takeaways:Unconventional marketing tactics involve reframing challenges and using bold strategies like zero-day exploits to help brands stand out.The power of creativity lies in applying attention-grabbing skills across industries, as seen through lessons from a diverse career.Turning flaws into strengths, as seen with Tesla and Space Invaders, shows how weaknesses can become powerful advantages.Consistency over brilliance emphasizes that success stems from daily effort and experimentation, not rare moments of genius.Additional Insights:The Recon Canvas Framework uncovers market opportunities and shows the need for constant adaptability as strategies evolve.Capturing attention in the digital age requires standout marketing in a noisy, distracted world.Subversive thinking from Just Evil Enough shows how breaking rules can drive business success.Get ready for a fascinating conversation with Emily Ross on rethinking traditional approaches, embracing creativity, and crafting strategies that disrupt the status quo!Episode Highlights: 00:37 - Introducing Emily Ross"Emily is a powerhouse in brand strategy, creative leadership, and co-author of Just Evil Enough. She’s reshaping how global brands stand out in noisy markets."03:15 - Lessons from the Circus The Power of Attention"I spent years as a fire performer, and it taught me that attention is a superpower. Learning to capture and hold attention is a skill every marketer needs."05:14 - Subversive Marketing Tactics Explained"Subversive marketing is about being bold, counterintuitive, and creative. It’s not growth hacking, it’s about playing the long game to stay ahead."09:47 - Turning Bugs Into Features"The famous Space Invaders bug is a perfect example of how flaws can create differentiation. As the game progressed, it got faster, making it more exciting."15:10 - The Product-Market Fit...