Podcast by Joe Smart
31 January 2024
Welcome to another episode of "The Wednesday Weekly Waffle." Today, we're diving into the fascinating world of 'The Traitors,' a reality TV show that's been grabbing attention worldwide. Let's break down the key learnings and observations I've picked up from the dynamics of the show.
Getting to Know 'The Traitors':
Water Cooler Chats and My Takeaways:
My Reflections on Conflict and Viewer Reactions:
Team Shake-ups and Fast Changes:
Exploring Civility and Kindness:
Creating Spaces for Honest Discussions:
Whether you're a fan of 'The Traitors' or not, the dynamics of the show offer unique insights into human behavior, conflict, and collaboration. I'm eager to hear your thoughts, so drop your comments on what you think of the 'Traitors'. Drop me a line at joe@smartjoseph.com Have an awesome week, and I'll catch you in the next episode. Take care!
00:00
09:26
17 January 2024
Hey there, it's Joe Smart, and welcome to another edition of the Wednesday Weekly Waffle. Today, I'm diving into a quote that caught my eye recently: "A jack of all trades is a master of none." But hold on, there's more to it than meets the eye. The full quote is, "A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one."
Here are the key takeaways:
Historical Insights: Let's rewind a bit and explore the historical context where folks needed a variety of skills, like blacksmithing or thatching, to thrive in different communities.
Shifting Career Paradigms: We'll talk about how the old-world emphasis on specialization has given way to a modern understanding of the value of being a generalist.
Adaptability in 2024: How does this quote hold up in our current age, where information is at our fingertips and AI is shaking up traditional notions of specialization?
Versatility is the Name of the Game: I'm advocating for a diverse skill set, highlighting the importance of adaptability and versatility in today's ever-changing professional landscape.
A Word for the Young Guns: If you're in your late teens or early twenties, this one's for you. I'm encouraging you to take risks, join that band, start a business—because those wild experiences now might just give you a competitive edge later on.
Breaking Stereotypes: We'll challenge stereotypes by sharing stories of individuals whose hidden talents defy their job roles.
The Power of a Portfolio Career: Ever heard of a portfolio career? We're exploring the idea of having a main job while pursuing side interests or hustles to enrich your skill set.
Risk-Taking Wisdom: Embrace the unexpected. Take those risks, invest in business ventures, because the crazy stuff you do now might just become your secret weapon down the road.
Modern Application: How does the concept of a "jack of all trades" play out in today's professional world, where a broad skill set can be your ticket to seizing new opportunities?
Your Turn to Share: I want to hear from you! What's your take on being a "jack of all trades" in your career? Drop your thoughts in the comments or shoot me an email at joe@smartjoseph.com. Let's build a community of shared experiences.
As we wrap up, remember to take care of yourself, be kind, and I'll catch you in the next episode with more insights and waffles. Until then!
00:00
08:08
09 January 2024
Hey there, it's Joe Smart, and welcome to another episode of the Wednesday Weekly Waffle. Today, we're diving into the fascinating concept of JoMo - the Joy of Missing Out. As we kick off 2024, I'm taking a moment to reflect on the ongoing journey of our OD& D podcast, fueled by the heartwarming support received over the festive season.
Let's break down the key takeaways:
FOMO Realities: We're all too familiar with FOMO, the fear of missing out. I explore how constant social media comparisons can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, as we measure our lives against the seemingly perfect narratives of others.
JoMo Unveiled: Introducing JoMo, the Joy of Missing Out, as an antidote to FOMO. It's about choosing authenticity, finding happiness on our own terms, and ditching the external validation game in favor of self-approval.
Navigating 2024: I encourage listeners to consider the evolving dynamics of the year ahead. In a world post-lockdown, should we prioritize joy, well-being, and validating ourselves over the never-ending quest for external approval?
Spotting FOMO Moments: It's time for some self-reflection. When do you feel FOMO creeping in? Identifying these moments is the first step towards making positive changes in our lives.
Embracing JoMo Choices: I advocate for consciously choosing JoMo - the joy of missing out on things that don't align with our happiness. It might mean saying no to external pressures, events, or relationships that don't contribute to our genuine well-being.
So, as we navigate the twists and turns of 2024, let's ponder the balance between chasing external validation and embracing the joyous self. Through the lens of JoMo, let's make choices that prioritize authenticity and genuine happiness in the year ahead. Thanks for tuning in, and until next time, take care!
Joe
00:00
07:12
19 December 2023
Welcome to the final installment of the Wednesday Weekly Waffle for the year! As we approach the close of 2023, let's engage in a retrospective analysis of the OD&D podcast's achievements and key moments throughout the year.
Commencing on March 15th, the podcast strategically centered on themes of leadership development, organizational dynamics, and the sharing of professional narratives. From the initiation of weekly reflections to thought-provoking interviews, the journey has proven to be both rewarding and insightful.
Noteworthy highlights encompass a compelling dialogue with Jane Nicholson, delving into the intricate nuances of cross-cultural work dynamics. The discourse with Lex Lang, a deputy head, provided valuable insights into the intersection of education and artificial intelligence, notably addressing the accelerated pace of the design cycle.
Explorations into topics such as distraction management, navigating beginnings and endings, recognizing mental health indicators, and the potency of authentic storytelling, as demonstrated by guests like Crina, added substantial depth to the podcast.
Throughout the year, we dissected critical themes such as leadership dynamics, the interplay between chaos and order, the significance of resilience amidst failure, and the strategic art of choosing the path laden with challenges.
Drawing inspiration from events featuring influential figures like Simon Sinek and Stephen Bartlett, we delved into the intricate dynamics of leadership and followership. The intersection of gaming concepts, such as Dungeons and Dragons, with real-world business dynamics provided unique perspectives.
Conversations on time management, organizational development consultations, navigating VUCA environments, and a philosophical exploration with Todd May contributed to the podcast's diverse and enriching content. The strategic integration of quality improvement methodologies and the deliberate introduction of decision-making friction were key focus areas.
In-depth interviews with notable figures, including Crina and Tim Keough from Kindness Into Action, added depth and diverse insights to the podcast. Themes of vulnerability, overcoming procrastination, and the transformative nature of challenges were cetnral themes of discussion.
As we approach the festive season, I extend my sincere gratitude for the unwavering support, constructive feedback, and active engagement from our esteemed listeners. Your participation has undoubtedly elevated the podcast's impact and relevance.
Wishing you all a prosperous festive season, and I eagerly anticipate our renewed engagement in 2024. Until then, take care and Happy New Year!
Joe
00:00
16:20
13 December 2023
Welcome to the Wednesday Weeky Waffle!
This week I'm thrilled to dive into the topic that has been a game-changer for me – the sigmoid curve.Now, the sigmoid curve, introduced by the brilliant Charles Handy in his 1995 book, "The Empty Raincoat," is a concept that has profoundly impacted my perspective on personal and professional growth. Handy's work, sadly not as widely discussed today, holds incredible insights that are still relevant in our rapidly changing world.
So, what is the sigmoid curve? Imagine the classic S-curve representing change – the ups and downs we all experience. As you embark on something new, you start at the bottom, clueless about what you're doing – unconsciously incompetent. Then comes the phase of conscious incompetence, where you know what you don't know, leading to a dip in performance.
But here's the fascinating part: as you persist, learn, and adapt, you climb the curve, reaching a point of conscious competence. You're good at what you do, but there's a danger here. As you peak, complacency sets in, and your performance may start to decline.
This phenomenon isn't just personal; it applies to businesses, markets, and even empires throughout history. The question arises: How do we avoid the decline? Handy suggests starting your next curve while still on the upswing of the first one.
Think of it as transitioning seamlessly from conscious competence to unconscious incompetence again. Yes, your performance may dip initially, but it ensures continuous evolution and forward movement.
A real-world example? Look no further than Amazon. It began as an online bookstore and seamlessly transitioned through multiple curves, becoming a giant in e-commerce, logistics, technology, and beyond. The key was embracing the unknown and venturing into uncharted territories.
So, here are the takeaways: If you're in the struggle of not knowing, embrace it – you're on the right track. If you're feeling too comfortable, start your second curve. Dive into courses, explore new areas, and be comfortable with being uncomfortable.
Remember, the worst that can happen is returning to where you were, but the best is discovering your next big step. So, listeners, whether you're navigating the uncertainties or contemplating your next move, think about the sigmoid curve. I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences, so drop your feedback and questions in the comments.
See you next week!
Joe
00:00
08:54
04 December 2023
Welcome to the OD&D podcast
In this episode, I am delighted to welcome Tim Keogh to the call. Tim is the co-founder of A Kind Life (https://www.akind.life/) and the published author of 'Kinder Conversations: Talk it out, without falling out.'
Tim has worked with thousands of NHS staff to develop a set of principles and tools that embed kindness into every interaction. The growing body of scientific data shows us how being kind directly affects our physical body and mental health, and how kindness enables organizations to get the best from their people while providing a brilliant place for people to work.
In this podcast, Tim talks about his journey to setting up and running A Kind Life. He discusses how a smile is a proven clinical intervention and how the BUILD model enables difficult conversations to take place without people resorting to being unkind.
We both share experiences of presenting kindness to senior consultants and nurses and the standard 'eye roll' we always get. However, once people see the science behind kindness, it moves from a 'nice to have' to a fundamental 'business essential.'
To connect with Tim, please follow him on LinkedIn and keep an eye out for his brilliant lunchtime seminars called 'Kindness Invites Culture and Strategy to Lunch…' to see him in action!
I would be really interested to hear your thoughts about kindness; please drop me an email at joe@smartjoseph.com and let me know!
To paraphrase the late Jerry Springer, 'Be kind to yourself, and be kind to each other.'
Take care, Joe
00:00
54:13