Unlearn Barry O'Reilly

They say those who don’t learn from the past are doomed to repeat it. As true a statement as it is, it’s missing one crucial element. If you never confront the reality of the present and get to the heart of why you are where you are, you won’t be able to unlearn the habits that got you there in the first place. In this episode of Unlearn, Barry O’Reilly talks with Dom Price, Work Futurist at Atlassian, who shares insights on facing the reality of the present, unlearning outdated practices, and embracing new ways of working to drive meaningful change and growth in organizations. 

Dom's early work experience started in London at Deloitte, where he spent three years as an accountant. His job left him unfulfilled and passionless, but that all changed over sushi. Don’s boss at Deloitte offered him the opportunity to work in either New York or Sydney. Despite the allure of New York's size and boldness, Dom chose Sydney for its smaller team environment, where he could have a more hands-on, full-stack experience. This decision marked the beginning of a diverse and interesting career journey that eventually led him to Atlassian.

Embracing Reality and Unlearning Past Practices

Dom highlights the importance of facing the honest reality of the current situation in organizations. When leaders truly acknowledge where they are today, they can pay homage to the past while also identifying areas that need to be unlearned or improved. Not only will this allow those leaders to eliminate what is holding an organization back, it will also shine the light on what is exceptional and should be elevated. Taking this approach will help break away from average practices and strive for continuous improvement.

Collaboration Over Silos

Barry and Dom discuss the significance of breaking down silos within organizations to foster better collaboration and communication. This begins with recognizing that the entire company runs day to day on the hundreds of small tasks that require input from every team member and department. When collaboration and breaking down silos becomes a priority, a company can enhance its efficiency, productivity, and overall effectiveness. Equally as important, this type of culture honors the diverse perspectives they bring.

Seeking Growth and Avoiding Plateaus

Over time, companies trend toward mediocrity and status quo, but Dom stands firmly against the plateaus that seem inevitable. There is always a place for growth and improvement, and it requires each person involved to challenge themselves, step out of comfort zones, and actively seek new opportunities. Instead of complacency, a mindset of continuous learning, adaptation, and growth will ensure excellence and innovation.

Practical Change Initiatives Over Theoretical Transformations

Dom discusses the pitfalls of theoretical transformations, such as Agile transformations, that lack a clear understanding of the underlying goals and realities of the organization. Instead, he advocates for practical, action-oriented change initiatives that address specific needs and challenges within the organization. By focusing on tangible outcomes and being honest about real issues, companies can drive sustainable change and meaningful progress.

Balancing Heritage and Innovation

Not all of a company’s past should be unlearned, nor should its achievements be forgotten. There is a balance to strike between an organization’s rich heritage and the need for innovation and adaptation. Dom shares how companies can find a balance between honoring the past and embracing innovation, and companies can leverage their heritage while staying relevant and competitive in a rapidly changing environment.

Resources

Dominic Price on LinkedIn | Atlassian

How well would you fare in the high-stakes world of blockchain and cryptocurrency? Could you navigate the complexities of decentralized technology and its potential to revolutionize society? In this episode of Unlearn, Barry O'Reilly sits down with Anne Connelly, a blockchain expert passionate about leveraging technology to transform lives in emerging economies.

As a faculty member at Singularity University and Boston University, who has also lectured at Oxford University, Anne teaches about how blockchain can enable us to redesign the foundations of society . She is also the author of "Bitcoin and the Future Fundraising," a guide that guides charities on how to accept crypto donations. Anne shares her journey from the nonprofit sector to the world of crypto, highlighting the importance of risk-taking and unlearning traditional structures to embrace innovation.

Embracing Risk and Making Tough Decisions

Anne's journey into the blockchain space began with a pivotal decision to forgo a promotion in the nonprofit sector for a career in an emerging industry. She reflects on the momentous choice she made, stating, "I would rather try and fail than never have tried at all." Even in the face of extreme uncertainty, there are times to take a risk and be open to new opportunities. Anne's story serves as a reminder that sometimes the path less traveled can lead to unexpected and fulfilling outcomes. As she navigated the decision-making process, Anne's willingness to embrace uncertainty and step outside her comfort zone ultimately propelled her toward a path of innovation and growth.

Transformational Experiences at Singularity University

Anne's experience at Singularity University's Global Solutions Program marked a turning point in her understanding of the potential of technology to address global challenges. She discusses the fusion of her passion for social impact with the innovative solutions offered by technology. Anne believes in rethinking the traditional approaches to problem-solving, stating, "We could make this a little bit better, but why? If we completely transformed it, we could make such a difference." Anne is a champion for using the power of technology to drive meaningful change on a global scale through a holistic and impactful approach to addressing societal issues.

Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs)

Decentralized Autonomous Organizations have an incredible disruptive potential in reshaping how we govern ourselves as a society. Anne explains how DAOs enable groups to collaborate without traditional hierarchies, leveraging blockchain technology for transparent decision-making processes. She highlights a real-world example of Constitution DAO, where a collective effort raised funds to purchase a copy of the US Constitution. These decentralized systems offer unique possibilities by democratizing decision-making, which allows for meaningful innovation in traditional governance models.

Onboarding and Adoption of Crypto Technology

Anne shares the challenges of onboarding newcomers into the crypto and blockchain space, especially when it comes to accessible entry points. She shares a story about introducing a group of skeptics to Bitcoin. Their resistance held firm until they had a true, hands-on experience, which shifted their perceptions entirely. There’s a disparity in crypto adoption rates across different groups and regions, and Anne highlights how crypto often resonates with populations facing financial instability or limited access to traditional banking. If we want to encourage broader participation in the crypto ecosystem, we must focus on creating more inclusive strategies.

Read full show notes at BarryO'Reilly.com

Resources

Anne Connelly on the Web | LinkedIn | X(Twitter)

Would you be willing to take on mission critical, make or break projects as your career? How would you handle the challenges that arise from situations like bankruptcies and mergers while managing the extreme pressure that comes from such high stakes?

Daniel Henry doesn’t just take on high stakes projects as they arise. He actively seeks them out. Daniel’s fascinating career has spanned EDS, American Airlines, and most recently, CIO at McDonald’s. He has gained invaluable insight in building teams, developing leadership, and taking on hard things to help you grow. And one of the best insights he offers is how to make big problems small.

Embracing Simplicity in Problem-Solving at Large Companies

In the realm of large corporations, the ability to simplify complex problems is a crucial skill. Daniel emphasizes the significance of breaking down overwhelming challenges into smaller, more manageable tasks, so that teams can navigate the complexities of technology and business transformation. His advice to "make the problems really small" serves as a valuable strategy for initiating progress and innovation within large organizations.

The Importance of Working on Mission-Critical Projects

Engaging with mission-critical projects can be a defining factor in one's career growth and development. Daniel reflects tackling projects that have the potential to make or break a company, which helped him resilience and leadership skills. His advice to focus on the most critical tasks resonates with the idea of continuous learning and self-improvement.

Building and Leading High-Performance Teams

High-performance teams are a cornerstone of success in any organization. Daniel highlights the importance of aligning team members with a clear purpose to drive collaboration and goal achievement, and the type of leadership that will get them there. When you embrace the critical role of purpose-driven leadership and foster a shared understanding of objectives and strategies, you’re able to develop strong, innovative teams within any organization.

The Role of Storytelling in Attracting Top Talent

Storytelling plays a pivotal role in attracting top talent to organizations, especially in the technology sector. A powerful narrative that includes the journey of technological transformation and the challenges that were overcome, companies can more easily attract top talent who are seeking meaningful and impactful work. Daniel also underscores the importance of transparency in the narrative and the workplace culture it builds.

Scaling Technology Innovations Globally

Daniel discusses the importance of starting small and learning fast when expanding technology solutions across global, diverse markets. Sweeping changes, especially with technology, require a strategic and iterative approach. Daniel’s approach begins with running ‘experiments’ in smaller regions, analyzing the data, and basing the wider implementation on those data-driven insights to ensure smoother transitions for companies and their customers.

Resources:

Daniel Henry on LinkedIn | X(Twitter)

What was your biggest personal transformation? More importantly, who helped you achieve it? Read this blog and episode of the Unlearn Podcast for top leadership transformation mindset advice from a world-class leadership coach.

Sabrina Braham is an executive coach, mastermind group leader, author, and leadership and career development expert with almost three decades of experience, but she nearly walked away from that journey before it ever began. What kept her going? A teacher who was more like a coach. He encouraged and believed in her, which helped her completely transform what she thought about herself and her future. And now, Sabrina does that for others.

There’s a reason that 97% of all CEOs in the United States have coaches for leadership transformation mindset advice. Asking for feedback is a powerful tool for personal growth and development. Embracing the discomfort of asking questions can lead to valuable insights, accelerated learning, and improved decision-making.


Embracing Growth Mindset and Overcoming Self-Doubt

We all have moments that transform us. For Sabrina, it was when her psychology teacher refused to let her quit and had her enroll in the most difficult classes. "He totally believed in me," she reflects. This experience sparked a shift from self-doubt to a growth mindset, and the encouragement helped her see and embrace her full potential. Often, a big part of transformation is identifying the self-imposed limitations we have created, and Sabrina’s journey from uncertainty to academic excellence is an inspiring example of how a single act of faith from another can catalyze our growth and help us transcend our perceived barriers.

The Power of Asking for Feedback

Many of us live in a precarious balancing act every day: personal turmoil, parenthood, entrepreneurship, partnership. Sometimes we need the voice of clarity to help us make sense of it all. But first, we need to ask that voice to speak. Asking for feedback is not a sign of weakness, but a brave step towards self-betterment, and it’s not about uncovering flaws alone. It’s all about acknowledging and harnessing our inherent strengths. When we embrace vulnerability, we can actively seek out the insights that will propel us forward.

Building Relationships and Political Savvy

Workplace dynamics are an intricate dance, and it’s critical to nurture relationships and develop political acumen. Sabrina challenges the notion that career advancements are merely the result of nepotism, suggesting that the key lies in "deepening your relationships with people." The subtleties of professional success include both genuine connection and strategic navigation of organizational landscapes, which lead to recognition and advancement. In other words, how we interact with others will significantly influence our career trajectory.

The Role of Mastermind Groups in Accelerating Growth

Sabrina is passionate about leading executive mastermind groups, describing them as a collective committed to mutual growth, where "everybody in the group helping the person that's talking." These groups act as a powerful catalyst for personal and professional development, offering a space where shared experiences and diverse viewpoints can lead to unexpected insights and breakthroughs. A well-run mastermind group is the ideal community for leadership transformation mindset advice. They become your own personal “board of directors”. Mastermind groups harness collaborative intelligence, allowing each member to contribute to and benefit from the collective wisdom. It's a testament to the idea that by coming together, we can amplify our learning and accelerate our journey towards our goals.

Resources
For full show notes, go to BarryO'Reilly.com

Sabrina Braham MA MFT PCC  on the web | LinkedIn | Leadership Podcast

What if success isn't about being the best but about continuous improvement? 

Global executive James Williams shares his journey from leading Olympic campaigns to empowering startups and teaching MBA students. Discover how his focus on performance, purpose, partnerships, and people has shaped his career and why he believes that embracing discomfort is the key to personal and professional growth.

Now, as an advisor at Nobody Studios and a mentor to the next generation of marketers, James shares his insights on personal growth and the art of embracing new challenges with purpose and performance in mind. 

Success isn't a straight climb to the top; it's about the courage to be imperfect and the grit to improve, even if it means stepping off the peak to explore new paths.

Embracing Improvement Over Winning

James emphasizes the importance of focusing on personal and professional improvement. "Fundamentally, it's not about winning. It's about improving. And that's what I mean by performance." The conversation delves into the concept of continuous learning and the mindset of always striving to get better. 

James shares his personal experience of realizing that success isn't always about being the best but rather about making incremental improvements. By embracing improvement as the ultimate goal, individuals can foster a growth mindset and continuously push themselves to reach new heights.

The Power of Teamwork and Overcoming Personal Challenges

Dyslexia was a major challenge for James, especially since he grew up in a hypercritical environment. He highlights the value of teamwork and collaboration: "If I work with a bunch of people, there are certain things I'm not very good at. And there are some things I'm very good at. And if I can build those balances, then it doesn't mean I'm constantly trying to hide that I can't spell or say things like that."

Embracing strengths and weaknesses is transformational, and by recognizing and honoring the strengths of each team member, individuals can create a collaborative environment that fosters growth and success.

Setting Personal and Professional Goals

Personal and professional goals drive growth and progress, and James sets his goals at the beginning of each year. He shares his approach to goal-setting and the importance of feedback and continuous learning. "Each time, I would then sit down and look at those and say, 'How am I doing?'" 

Whether the goals you set are short- or long-term, they will enable you to have a clear direction and purpose in your personal and professional life. As you regularly reflect and evaluate, you can stay focused and motivated and will continuously improve yourself.

The Importance of Partnerships in Business

Partnerships are more than just transactional. "Partnership is where you find the added value in that relationship." James stresses the importance of long-term partnerships that drive society's impact. When you align your partnerships with your goals and values, you can maximize both your own personal growth and the impact you can have.

James believes that businesses need to integrate partnerships into their strategies. Much like team members relying on one another’s strengths, businesses can build partnerships with other organizations that will drive innovation, growth, and positive change.

The Intersection of ESG and Marketing

When companies integrate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, that integration needs to reach their marketing teams. "You can still drive commercial impact, consumer engagement, but also have a positive impact rather than a negative one."

When companies fully embrace ESG principles as part of their core marketing strategies, they can build trust, engage consumers, and contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive future.

Resources
James Williams on LinkedIn 
Nobody Studios

How can the lessons learned from a childhood of tinkering and a career influenced by tech visionaries like Bill Joy and Andy Bechtolsheim guide us toward a more sustainable future for technology? 

We’re joined today by Adrian Cockcroft, a trailblazer in cloud architecture at Netflix and a proponent of open source at Amazon Web Services, who is now channeling his expertise into the vital cause of sustainability in cloud computing. 

Adrian shares his journey from the early days of building computers to his influential roles in shaping the tech industry and how these experiences have informed his current focus on sustainability. 

Together, we can build a future that is not only technologically advanced but also environmentally responsible.

Early Career Experiences and Influence
Adrian shares the experiences that shaped his professional life, especially his time at Sun Microsystems, and the influence of visionaries like Bill Joy and Andy Bechtolsheim. He discusses the power of thinking into the future and anticipating trends. 

"It was clear [Bill] lived five years in the future... that was one of those inspiring moments." This experience alone highlighted the significance of forward-thinking and the impact it can have on shaping one's career trajectory. It serves as a reminder to embrace curiosity and explore emerging technologies and trends, as they can lead to groundbreaking opportunities and shape the future of industries.

The Power of Putting Ideas Out There
Sharing ideas can be transformational. Adrian and Barry, both authors, discuss the importance of writing and publishing, which goes beyond the unique experience of writing a book or the influence it has on the readers. It also shapes and influences their own organizations. Being open and vulnerable might be difficult, but the rewards are priceless. 

“Everyone should write a book. It's 10 times harder than you think." Putting your ideas out there helps you overcome self-doubt and fear of judgment and embrace the opportunity to contribute your unique perspectives and insights to the broader discourse.

Transitioning to a Focus on Sustainability
Adrian doesn’t just preach sustainability; he lives it. In addition to his current work, Adrian was also an early adopter of solar panels and electric cars. Professionally, Adrian shares his experience championing these values within AWS and helping his peers understand the importance of transparency and accountability in addressing environmental impact. 

Companies need to do more than give lip service to a better future. They must also align their actions to those values and actively seek ways to reduce their environmental footprint. Sustainability is not just a buzzword but a fundamental responsibility that requires commitment and action.

Challenges in Achieving Sustainability in the Cloud
Barry and Adrian delve into the challenges faced by companies in achieving sustainability in their technology infrastructure. It’s not enough to have accurate measurements and proper reporting of carbon emissions. Organizations must also ensure their supply chain adheres to the same standards and values. 

Allocation and attribution of carbon emissions on a global scale can be incredibly complex, so if we hope to address emerging climate risks and create a sustainable future, complying with regulations and being transparent is key.

The Need for Measurement, Reporting, and Action
Organizations need to go beyond measurement and reporting. Instead, the actions a company takes to ensure sustainability should be used as a measure of a company’s quality and care. 

Consumers can take an active role in encouraging companies to be sustainable and holding them accountable when they aren’t. The mix of regulations, reporting, market demands, and social pressure will cause companies to think about the future of the environment and take action, not just internally but also in their supply chains.

Resources

Adrian Cockcroft on