loader from loading.io

The Curious Optimism of People Who Choose Impossible Quests with Mark Medley (#81)

The Non-Obvious Show

Release Date: 06/09/2026

How To Overcome the Daily Norms Holding You Back with Nilofer Merchant (#82) show art How To Overcome the Daily Norms Holding You Back with Nilofer Merchant (#82)

The Non-Obvious Show

Nilofer Merchant discusses the hidden norms shaping our work environment, how to challenge them, and reframe our approach to work for greater fulfillment and innovation.  Key  Topics Invisible rules and norms in the workplace How to ask generative questions to unlock solutions The importance of truth and perspective in leadership Challenging systemic issues in organizations The role of norms in trust and engagement Personal stories revealing systemic flaws The concept of 'crusty truth' in business stories Reframing work to benefit all and solve meaningful problems   Chapters...

info_outline
The Curious Optimism of People Who Choose Impossible Quests with Mark Medley (#81) show art The Curious Optimism of People Who Choose Impossible Quests with Mark Medley (#81)

The Non-Obvious Show

Explore the fascinating world of individuals pursuing seemingly impossible goals, the long-term mindset, and the hope and resilience that drive human endeavors. Author Mark Medley shares insights from his book Live to See the Day and stories of explorers, scientists, and dreamers.  Key  Topics The fascination with pursuing impossible goals The importance of long-term thinking and patience Stories of explorers, scientists, and dreamers The role of hope and resilience in human endeavors Chapters 00:00 The Fascination with Impossible Goals 02:49 The Journey vs. The Destination 06:01...

info_outline
Having Wild Courage To Get What You Want with Jenny Wood (#80) show art Having Wild Courage To Get What You Want with Jenny Wood (#80)

The Non-Obvious Show

Explore the unconventional traits of wild courage with Jenny Wood, a NYT best-selling author and founder of Google's Own Your Career program. Discover how embracing weirdness, selfishness, shamelessness, and other traits can propel your career and life forward.  Key Takeaways Wild courage involves embracing traits society often discourages. In-person interactions can reveal authentic personality traits that virtual can't. Being shameless and bossy can be strategic in leadership if used appropriately. Cultural context influences how wild courage traits are perceived. Living with wild...

info_outline
Why We Talk To Cats and Make Everything Why We Talk To Cats and Make Everything "Humanish" with Justin Gregg (#79)

The Non-Obvious Show

Explore the fascinating world of anthropomorphism, its impact on human behavior, AI, marketing, and the future of human-like technology with dolphin cognition researcher Justin Gregg.    Key  Topics   Anthropomorphism and its role in human behavior The influence of language and AI on human relationships The ethical and psychological implications of human-like technology Chapters   00:00 The Power of Anthropomorphism 02:04 Understanding Dolphin Cognition 04:56 The Nature of Anthropomorphism 07:50 Cultural Perspectives on Anthropomorphism 10:30 AI and Human-Like...

info_outline
Why Belief Is the Biggest Reason For Success or Failure with Nir Eyal (#78) show art Why Belief Is the Biggest Reason For Success or Failure with Nir Eyal (#78)

The Non-Obvious Show

Explore the fascinating insights into human perception, beliefs, and the power of persistence with Nir Eyal, author of Beyond Belief. Discover how our brain's predictive processing shapes reality, how beliefs influence behavior, and how anyone can unlock hidden potential.  Key  Topics   The brain's predictive processing and perception of reality How beliefs shape behavior and perception The role of persistence and how to cultivate it Self-hypnosis and unlocking hidden abilities The impact of beliefs on motivation and success Chapters   00:00 The Illusion of Reality...

info_outline
How To Manage Your Boss To Win At Work with Melody Wilding (#77) show art How To Manage Your Boss To Win At Work with Melody Wilding (#77)

The Non-Obvious Show

Melody Wilding, a human behavior expert and author, shares insights on managing up, understanding human psychology in the workplace, and navigating complex workplace dynamics. This episode explores practical strategies for influence, communication, and career growth.    Key  Topics   Managing up and influence strategies Understanding human psychology in the workplace The role of sensitivity and emotional intelligence in leadership Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Managing Up and Workplace Psychology 02:13 Melody Wilding's Background: From Emotions Research to Human Behavior...

info_outline
The Hidden Secrets of How Stuff Gets Made with Tim Minshall (#76) show art The Hidden Secrets of How Stuff Gets Made with Tim Minshall (#76)

The Non-Obvious Show

Explore the fascinating world of manufacturing with Tim Minchel, author of 'How Things Are Made'. Discover how manufacturing shapes our lives, the importance of factory visits, and the future role of humans in an automated world.  Key  topics The importance of manufacturing in community and economy How manufacturing systems are complex and fragile The role of factory visits in understanding manufacturing Innovation and iterative design in manufacturing Environmental impact and sustainable practices in manufacturing The future role of humans in automated manufacturing Personalized...

info_outline
How Under Armour Is Rediscovering Their Identity With Kevin Plank (#75) show art How Under Armour Is Rediscovering Their Identity With Kevin Plank (#75)

The Non-Obvious Show

Kevin Plank, founder of Under Armour, shares his journey from humble beginnings to building a global sports apparel brand. He discusses leadership lessons, brand identity, innovation, and the importance of resilience and purpose.  Key  Topics Kevin Plank's entrepreneurial journey Brand identity and storytelling Innovation in sports apparel Leadership and team building Resilience and overcoming challenges Chapters 00:00 The Power of Focus and Intensity 01:54 Kevin Plank's Journey with Under Armour 08:18 Rebuilding Under Armour's Identity 10:17 The Hustle of Entrepreneurship 12:48 The...

info_outline
Why Your Ambition Is Working Against You with Amina AlTai (#74) show art Why Your Ambition Is Working Against You with Amina AlTai (#74)

The Non-Obvious Show

In this conversation, Amina AlTai discusses her book 'The Ambition Trap,' exploring the duality of ambition as both a natural drive and a potential source of pain. She introduces the concepts of purposeful and painful ambition, emphasizing the importance of awareness in navigating these dynamics. AlTai also delves into the intersection of identity and ambition, particularly for historically excluded groups, and highlights the significance of core wounds in shaping our ambitions. The discussion touches on generational perspectives on ambition, the role of culture, and practical steps for...

info_outline
The Difference Between Mentors and Sponsors with Dr. Rosalind Chow (#73) show art The Difference Between Mentors and Sponsors with Dr. Rosalind Chow (#73)

The Non-Obvious Show

In this episode, Dr. Rosalind Chow discusses the crucial differences between mentorship and sponsorship, how trust and power dynamics influence professional relationships, and practical ways to become a sponsor regardless of your position. She shares insights from her research and book, 'The Doors You Can Open,' offering actionable advice for career growth and networking. Key  Topics Difference between mentorship and sponsorship How trust influences sponsorship Power dynamics in professional relationships Identify opportunities to sponsor others in your network Reframe networking as...

info_outline
 
More Episodes

Explore the fascinating world of individuals pursuing seemingly impossible goals, the long-term mindset, and the hope and resilience that drive human endeavors. Author Mark Medley shares insights from his book Live to See the Day and stories of explorers, scientists, and dreamers.



 Key  Topics

The fascination with pursuing impossible goals
The importance of long-term thinking and patience
Stories of explorers, scientists, and dreamers
The role of hope and resilience in human endeavors

Chapters

00:00 The Fascination with Impossible Goals
02:49 The Journey vs. The Destination
06:01 The Long Road to Completion
07:02 The Nature of Quitting
08:24 The Influence of Background on Writing
11:12 The Role of Optimism in Pursuit
14:13 Stories of Hope and Long-Term Thinking
17:13 The Impact of Parenting on Perspective
20:10 The Challenge of Instant Gratification
23:10 The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence
26:21 The Quest for Lost Treasures
29:23 Finding Hope in Futile Pursuits