Status... Humanity’s Most Powerful Invisible Force With Toby Stuart - TWMJ #1001
Thinking With Mitch Joel
Welcome to episode #1001 of Thinking With Mitch Joel (formerly Six Pixels of Separation). is a Distinguished Professor of Business Administration at the , , where he directs the and the . Over his career, he has also taught at , , and , and he is recognized globally as one of the leading thinkers on entrepreneurship, networks and organizational strategy. Beyond academia, Toby sits on the boards of multiple technology companies, cofounded the , and serves as the founding Chairman of . His latest book, , examines the invisible hierarchies that govern so much of human life and why small...
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SPOS #1000 – Patrick Tanguay On Paths To Better Thinking
Thinking With Mitch Joel
Welcome to episode #1000 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast. is a self-described generalist, synthesist and curator whose lifelong curiosity and love of reading have led him across multiple careers, and now shape one of the most thoughtful newsletters in the futures-thinking space. As the creator of , a weekly “futures thinking observatory” (and one of my most favorite reads), Patrick spotlights signals of change across technology, society, and culture. He helps readers trace emergent paths instead of prescribing them. Alongside his writing, he designed and launched...
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SPOS #999 – Noah Giansiracusa On The Algorithms That Run Your Life
Thinking With Mitch Joel
Welcome to episode #999 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast. is an associate professor of mathematics at and a visiting scholar at who has built a reputation for translating the hidden power of algorithms into plain language that empowers individuals. With a PhD in algebraic geometry from Brown, he’s always bringing a mathematician’s eye to the cultural and social impact of technology. His earlier book, , was praised by Nobel Prize–winning economist as “the best guide to the strategies and stakes of this battle for the future.” In his latest book, , Noah shows...
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SPOS #998 – Annie Wilson On The Growth Dilemma
Thinking With Mitch Joel
Welcome to episode #998 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast. is a marketing professor at the and co-author, with , of . Her work examines the deep interplay between consumer behavior, culture and brand identity, helping leaders understand why growth often creates as many risks as it does opportunities. In The Growth Dilemma, Annie unpacks how efforts to reach new customer segments can clash with the values of loyal buyers, sometimes threatening the very meaning of a brand. Drawing from real-world examples (from ’s software missteps to ’s unintended association with...
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SPOS #997 – Adam Brotman On Being AI First
Thinking With Mitch Joel
Welcome to episode #997 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast. What happens when nearly everything a marketer or strategist does today becomes instant, automatic… and nearly free? That’s the premise of , the new book from (my guest this week) and his co-author , which confronts the existential shift that AI is bringing to brand strategy, customer experience and creative work. Adam, the former Chief Digital Officer at and co-founder of the strategic consultancy , brings firsthand experience building digital platforms that changed how global businesses operate. In this...
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SPOS #996 – Christie Smith On Distributed Teams, Generative AI And Global Shifts
Thinking With Mitch Joel
Welcome to episode #996 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast. is a former senior executive at , and with over three decades of leadership experience across industries including life sciences, consumer goods and finance. She holds a doctorate in Social Work and Organizational Psychology and now leads , a leadership advisory firm focused on redefining the future of work. In her new book, (along with her co-author ), Christie outlines a bold new framework for leaders navigating a post-pandemic, AI-driven, decentralized world. This episode explores the urgent need for...
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SPOS #995 – Nelson Repenning On Delivering Real Results At Work
Thinking With Mitch Joel
Welcome to episode #995 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast. has built his career at and by asking a simple but haunting question: why do so many smart, capable organizations fail to get the right work done? In his new book, , Nelson (along with his co-author, ) introduces dynamic work design: a practical framework that helps leaders move beyond broken systems and toward better execution. In this conversation, we explore the five principles behind this approach: solving the right problem, structuring for discovery, connecting the human chain, regulating for flow and...
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SPOS #994 – Vicki Tan On Life's Big And Little Decisions
Thinking With Mitch Joel
Welcome to episode #994 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast. has designed experiences for some of the most influential companies in the world (, , , , ) and her work has always focused on helping people make better choices in complex environments. Her new book, , continues that mission in a radically creative form. This isn’t your typical self-help guide. It’s an interactive journey through the beautiful mess of human decision-making, shaped by the science of cognitive bias, the power of storytelling and the playfulness of visual design. Vicki explores how our mental...
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SPOS #993 – Angela Chee On The Power Of Only
Thinking With Mitch Joel
Welcome to episode #993 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast. is a keynote speaker, media and communication coach, and author of , a book that challenges us to rethink the spaces we occupy and the voices we often silence… especially our own. In this conversation, Angela explores what it means to truly “own your voice” in an era defined by visibility and vulnerability, noise and nuance. Angela speaks candidly about how being the “only” in the room (whether because of race, gender, background, or perspective) is not a disadvantage but a profound source of power and...
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SPOS #992 – Dave Whorton On Building Companies That Last
Thinking With Mitch Joel
Welcome to episode #992 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast. has spent his career building, backing and reimagining companies, but not in the way Silicon Valley usually does it. As founder of and author of (which he co-authored with ), Dave champions a different breed of business: evergreen companies. These are organizations designed to last generations, rooted in purpose, resilience and profitability… not just hypergrowth and exit strategies. Before this pivot, Dave had a front-row seat to the “get-big-fast” movement as an associate partner at , and he co-founded...
info_outlineWelcome to episode #974 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast.
Rishad Tobaccowala is one of those rare thinkers who can seamlessly connect the dots between business, technology, media, and human behavior - so it’s always a pleasure to have him back on the show. A true industry veteran, Rishad has spent decades shaping the marketing and media landscape, from his time as Global Chief Strategist and Growth Officer at Publicis Groupe to becoming a sought-after author, advisor, and speaker. His latest book, Rethinking Work - Seismic Changes In The Where, When, And Why, dives deep into the fundamental shifts happening in the workforce, from the decline of the 9-to-5 model to the rise of hybrid work, decentralized careers, and leadership that prioritizes talent over corporate loyalty. Rishad’s first book is Restoring The Soul Of Business and his newsletter, The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past, and podcast, What Next?, are not to be missed. In our conversation, we explore the evolving role of leadership, the impact of AI on employment, and how brands must rethink trust in an era where consumers are more aligned with individuals than institutions. Rishad also shares his insights on how businesses can remain relevant by embracing change rather than resisting it, and why the future of work will require companies to shift from management-driven structures to ones that emphasize agility, learning, and human connection. Thoughtful, provocative, and always ahead of the curve, Rishad brings the kind of clarity we need as we navigate a world of constant disruption. If you want to stay relevant in a fast-changing business landscape, this episode is one you won’t want to miss. Enjoy the conversation...
- Running time: 1:08:19.
- Hello from beautiful Montreal.
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- or you can connect on LinkedIn.
- ...or on X.
- Here is my conversation with Rishad Tobaccowala.
- Rethinking Work - Seismic Changes In The Where, When, And Why.
- Restoring The Soul Of Business.
- The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past.
- What Next?
- Book Rishad for your next meeting on ThinkersOne.
- Follow Rishad on LinkedIn.
- Follow Rishad on Instagram.
- This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'.
Chapters:
(00:00) - Introduction to Rishad.
(03:08) - The Political Landscape of Tech and Media.
(06:06) - The Power Dynamics of Big Tech.
(09:03) - The Influence of Money in Politics.
(11:55) - The Shift in Consumer Trust.
(15:08) - The Erosion of Brand Trust.
(17:52) - The Changing Nature of Work.
(20:53) - The Crisis of Leadership in Business.
(35:15) - The Entrepreneurial Vision and Workforce Dynamics.
(36:25) - Leadership vs. Management: The New Paradigm.
(37:45) - Diversity in the Workplace: Ageism and Work Styles.
(38:44) - The Irrelevance of Traditional Business Models.
(39:57) - The Importance of In-Person Interaction.
(41:40) - The Future of Work: Hybrid and Remote Models.
(43:34) - AI's Impact on Employment and Business Structure.
(46:32) - The Transformation of Knowledge Work.
(49:50) - Reimagining Business Strategies in the Age of AI.
(52:33) - The Financial Play: Mergers and Market Relevance.
(56:18) - Aligning Talent and Corporate Goals.
(01:01:48) - The Future of Work: Companies as Talent Aggregators.