Good Work with Barrett Brooks Barrett Brooks
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- Business
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Good Work is a show about what it really takes to make impact at scale. These are long-form interviews with founders, scientists, authors, adventurers, and other talented people using their careers to build a more beautiful future.
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Technology, Optimism, and Embracing Bold Ideas with Packy McCormick
Packy McCormick is known for his unique insights into technology and startups. As the founder of Not Boring, he’s built a passionate audience of more than 200,000 people through his knack for deep analysis and genuine storytelling. Packy is a vibe-setter with a career spanning writing, investing, and podcasting (to name a few). Over the past four years, Packy has built Not Boring into one of the most trusted, hilarious, and unique publications covering the bleeding edge of deep tech startups working to solve hard but important problems.
This week, Barrett talks with Packy about everything from the complexities of creating content that remains true to its roots while expanding to new audiences, to the personal growth that comes from never giving up. They discuss the financial and societal implications of investing in futuristic ideas, the significance of intellectual honesty in storytelling, particularly with contentious topics like nuclear energy, and the importance of optimism despite market downturns and societal challenges. Packy shares his optimistic vision for the future, fueled by technology and innovation, and his dedication to contributing to a world where work not only shapes individuals but drives prosperity for everyone.
In this episode:
00:00 - Intro
02:12 - Packy’s take on Not Boring’s strategy
09:15 - The personal side of professional growth
15:11 - Embracing change and reflecting on success and the journey ahead
33:48 - An optimistic outlook in a downturn
36:32 - Reflecting on missed opportunities and fundraising challenges
38:20 - Rethinking venture capital
41:43 - VC vs charity for societal impact
47:05 - Imagining the future evolution of Not Boring
53:45 - Building an audience today
01:01:40 - The roots of optimism and its impact on entrepreneurship
01:10:43 - The state of journalism and public perception
01:13:57 - Exploring nuclear energy through podcasting
01:20:46 - Financial and creative dynamics of podcasting
01:24:53 - Reflections on nuclear energy and public sentiment
01:35:40 - Personal growth through creative work
Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com.
Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks. -
Building Resilience, Embracing Optimism, and Revolutionizing Climate Tech with Sophie Purdom
Sophie Purdom has built her career in the climate tech industry, helping to bridge the gap between environmentalism and business. As the co-founder of CTVC and the founder and managing partner of Planeteer Capital, Sophie’s work focuses on educating, enabling, and orchestrating significant change within the world of venture capital and companies tackling the climate crisis.
This week, Barrett talks with Sophie about a wide range of topics from the personal to the professional. They dive into the desire to make an impact with their careers, the importance of establishing meaningful relationships and partnerships, and the evolution of climate tech. Sophie shares her perspective on the various sectors influenced by the climate crisis and the importance of the right skillset for founders in the industry. Emphasizing the compounding effects of incremental actions and the significance of aiming for long-term relevance, Barrett and Sohpie explore the intersection between personal values, the journey of entrepreneurship, and the collective endeavor to move toward a sustainable future.
In this episode:
00:00 - Intro
02:19 - Sophie's unique path to climate tech
04:56 - The intersection of business and environmentalism
05:35 - The power of curiosity and diverse interests
09:45 - Aligning capitalism with environmental goals
12:17 - Sophie's approach to building a sustainable future
17:05 - Navigating challenges and opportunities in climate tech
37:26 - Community building and the value of networks
42:39 - Reflecting on personal wellbeing and professional goals
49:49 - The personal cost of sacrifice and finding balance
52:00 - The early days of CTVC
54:20 - Exploring business, leadership, and impact
01:07:02 - Navigating the climate tech landscape
01:18:32 - Envisioning the future and personal growth
Connect with Sophie
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiepurdom
X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/SophiePurdom
Planeteer Capital: https://planeteercapital.com
Connect with Barrett
Barrett’s newsletter: https://BarrettBrooks.com
X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/barrettabrooks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barrettabrooks
Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com.
Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks. -
Self-Discovery and the Power of Inner Transformation with Anne-Laure Le Cunff
Anne-Laure Le Cunff is a neuroscientist, writer, and founder of Ness Labs, a platform dedicated to exploring the intersection of neuroscience and personal development. Not only has she cultivated a thriving online community, she also has a remarkable track record of academic achievements coupled with a deep passion for making scientific research accessible to all. Anne-Laure's journey is one of impressive breadth — from leaving Google to pursue her Ph.D., to embracing her Algerian roots, she embodies the spirit of intentional living and learning. Anne-Laure
This week, Barrett talks with Anne-Laure about a wide range of subjects revolving around personal growth, intellectual curiosity, and authentic living. They discuss the value of maintaining an anti-library, highlighting the perpetual journey of learning, as well as share their unique approaches to reading and book collection. They also touch on pivotal career decisions, intuitive business partnerships, and the transformative effects of openly sharing knowledge. Anne-Laure also shares her insights on the importance of intuition, acknowledging emotions in decision-making, and embracing one’s cultural identity while navigating the intricate webs of relationships and community building.
In this episode:
[00:00] - Intro
[01:59] - Liminal moments and navigating life's crossroads
[05:41] - Lessons from neuroscience on embracing the in-between
[10:44] - The power of intuition in decision making
[30:07] - Cultural roots and identity
[40:03] - Learning from failure
[46:38] - Ness Labs
[48:34] - The journey of learning and growth
[49:22] - The power of authenticity and community
[50:07] - Embracing personal evolution
[51:35] - The impact of public learning and mistakes
[53:00] - Exploring inner growth through psychedelics
[54:47] - Ayahuasca experiences
[57:42] - The significance of ancestral pain and healing
[01:09:41] - Creative process and the virtue of writing in public
[01:15:44] - Navigating between academic research and public engagement
[01:19:30] - The personal content diet and the anti-library concept
[01:27:53] - Envisioning the future and reflecting on personal growth
Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com.
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks. -
Leading with Empathy and Cultivating Connection in Leadership with Jerry Colonna
Jerry Colonna is a coach and facilitator known for integrating the principles of self-awareness and mindfulness into entrepreneurial leadership. He is the CEO of Reboot and the author of the influential books Reboot and Reunion. Through his work, Jerry has established himself as a guiding force in the world of leadership, advocating for a harmonious balance between personal well-being and professional excellence. His influence continues to grow as he teaches others to look within themselves to lead with integrity, compassion, and authenticity.
This week, Barrett talks with Jerry about the complex landscape of leadership and the significance of fostering deep connections and a sense of belonging within the business world. They discuss Jerry's belief in merging profitability with social responsibility in business, the value of emotional intelligence and vulnerability in leadership, the challenges and opportunities of coaching, and the importance of looking inward for personal and professional development. They also explore how business leaders can encourage positive systemic change and create environments that prioritize human connection and empathy, paving the way for a stronger sense of community.
In this episode:
[02:46] - Jerry's journey from executive to holder of stories
[03:09] - The power of presence and emotional rapport
[06:53] - Exploring inner work and radical self-inquiry
[09:48] - Learning to hold space for others
[13:57] - The impact of coaching and psychoanalysis on leadership
[20:22] - Embracing pain and grief for personal growth
[26:33] - The journey of healing and letting go
[32:05] - The importance of community and belonging
[39:00] - Confronting social issues and embracing humanity
[46:00] - Reflecting on economic prosperity and its purpose
[46:53] - The role of business in society
[48:17] - Personal stories of business and social responsibility
[49:58] - Why climate change is a global emergency
[50:30] - The human cost of conflict and separation
[53:30] - Leadership, belonging, and the CEO's role
[01:01:31] - The power of ancestral stories and belonging
[01:15:35] - Embracing leadership and creating belonging
[01:16:58] - Tools and insights for effective coaching
[01:25:03] - Envisioning an unbearably beautiful future
Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com.
Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks.
Connect with Jerry
Jerry on Twitter
Jerry on LinkedIn
Reboot
Connect with Barrett
GoodWorkShow.com
BarrettBrooks.com
Twitter
Instagram
Subscribe and stay in touch
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
YouTube -
Navigating Our Future: Data, Optimism, and Sustainability with Hannah Ritchie
Hannah Ritchie is the deputy editor at Our World in Data and the author of Not the End of the World, a data-driven guide to solving the climate crisis. A seasoned scientist and a passionate advocate for environmental issues, Hannah brings to the table a wealth of knowledge drawn from her experiences, including her involvement in the Paris Climate Agreement. Her work is deeply rooted in her early awareness of climate change and her subsequent journey through fear, frustration, and ultimately, a resolve to seek out data-driven solutions.
This week, Barrett talks with Hannah Ritchie, diving into a range of topics including the pivotal shift in global climate targets, the emotional toll of being an environmentalist, and the importance of critical questioning in data quality control. Hannah recounts her inspirations, the importance of diverse viewpoints in her learning, and the responsibilities that come with her various public-facing projects. Together, they explore the critical intersection of emotion, logic, and activism within the context of environmental and climate issues. They underscore the significance of optimism, strategic thinking in addressing environmental challenges, and the need for incremental yet transformative progress that combines the pursuit of knowledge with tangible action.
In this episode:
[01:47] - The complexities of communicating science
[07:19] - From NPR mistakes to TED Talks: the journey of public speaking
[11:01] - A personal dive into climate reality
[16:45] - Choosing science over journalism
[21:56] - COP 21: a turning point in climate optimism
[27:42] - From childhood anxiety to global action
[35:39] - Maintaining hope amidst climate anxiety
[37:52] - Understanding context in data and news
[38:50] - Navigating social media with optimism
[39:30] - The power of optimism and solution-oriented thinking
[41:16] - Activism and engagement: a path to overcoming anxiety
[41:53] - Innovative solutions to environmental challenges
[44:06] - The importance of support systems and mentorship
[49:36] - Building a diverse team for problem solving
[57:23] - The challenges and rewards of data analysis
[01:07:32] - The impact of personal and industry viewpoints on research
[01:12:18] - The power of data in environmental solutions
[01:13:38] - The art of changing minds through data
[01:18:19] - Navigating the complexities of environmental data
[01:23:35] - The role of beauty and biodiversity in sustainability
[01:29:12] - Business opportunities in solving environmental problems
[01:34:50] - Personal reflections and future aspirations
Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com.
Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks.
Connect with Hannah
HannahRitchie.com
Hannah on Twitter
Hannah’s Substack - Sustainability By Numbers
Our World in Data
Connect with Barrett
GoodWorkShow.com
BarrettBrooks.com
Twitter
Instagram
Subscribe and stay in touch
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
YouTube -
Habits, Generosity, and Cultivating Excellence with James Clear
James Clear, best known for his game-changing book Atomic Habits, is a thought leader in the world of behavior change and personal development. His work has not only garnered a massive following but has also significantly shaped the landscape of productivity and habit formation. His expertise has helped millions of people by providing actionable insights into making small but meaningful changes that lead to lasting success.
This week, Barett talks with James about his creative process and the rigorous editing that finalized his groundbreaking book. James opens up about his values, such as maintaining high standards and preparing for life-altering results without entitlement. They discuss the personal shift that took place after James became a father, and the subsequent re-evaluation of his work-life priorities. James also shares his framework for balancing past, present, and future mindsets, and his methodology for continuously generating high-quality content. Barrett and James also explore the pursuit of excellence, understanding the role of luck and preparation, and the profound impact of life partnerships on creativity and growth.
In this episode:
[02:06] - The genesis of the 3-2-1 newsletter format
[04:30] - James Clear on personal stories and audience connection
[20:38] - Parenting insights: passing down mindsets and beliefs
[32:49] - The creative process and striving for excellence
[38:59] - Setting ambitious goals for book sales
[40:13] - The power of strategic promotion and audience engagement
[42:59] - The journey from entrepreneur to bestselling author
[44:04] - Leveraging opportunities and learning from others
[47:24] - The transition from entrepreneur to writer
[01:02:59] - Navigating success and the impact of parenthood
[01:14:41] - Choosing the right life partner for personal and professional growth
[01:18:52] - Exploring self-interest, time, money, and love
[01:20:05] - The power of love in work and life
[01:21:13] - Creative inputs and outputs: sharing the byproducts of your workflow
[01:22:31] - The transformative power of reading
[01:27:15] - The evolution of reading habits and their impact
[01:32:38] - Navigating life choices and embracing generosity
[01:38:18] - The interconnected web of creative outputs
[01:41:10] - Envisioning an unbearably beautiful future
[01:47:50] - Reflecting on personal growth and future aspirations
Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com.
Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks.
Connect with James
JamesClear.com
Atomic Habits
The 3-2-1 Newsletter
James on Twitter
James on Instagram
Connect with Barrett
GoodWorkShow.com
BarrettBrooks.com
Twitter
Instagram
Subscribe and stay in touch
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
YouTube