Traction Heroes
Digging in to get results with Harry Max and Jorge Arango
Episodes
34 episodes
Automation Complacency
On the risks of unquestioningly delegating sense-making to technology in general (and AI in particular.)Show notes:The Glass Cage by Nichol...
Perceptions
Our perceptions of what someone else will say or do can influence what they actually end up saying or doing — leading to a dangerous vicious cycle.Show notes:
MacGuffins
Harry and Jorge discuss one of the latter's favorite means for gaining traction: the MacGuffin, a concept with a storied pedigree in cinema.Show notes:
Mindfulness
On the importance of mindfulness for gaining traction — and how you can practice to become more mindful.Show notes:Original Love<...
Jobs To Be Done
We tackle a key reading from a classic book to solve a perennial problem: how do we talk about what we do so we don't undersell our value?Show notes:
Delusion
A conversation about something that's emerging as a central theme in the podcast: how to avoid fooling yourself so you can achieve your goals by seeing more clearly.Show notes:
Going Meta
Is your business in service to the bottom line or something higher? Whichever you pick will influence the organization's culture.Show notes:Ti...
Eliciting Information
How do you get useful information from people when the very act of asking might compromise the answer? Harry offers insights from a surprising source.Show notes:
The Highest Goal
An end of year reflection on what motivates us to do what we do.The Highest Goal by Michael Ray
Having a Vision
A reading from an unexpected source leads to a discussion about the importance of having a clear vision.Show notes:Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life by Arnold Schwarzenegger...
Listening
Our running conversation goes meta after Harry reads from a book about how to listen better.You’re Not Listening: What You're Missing and W...
The Lindy Effect
Spurred by a reading from Nassim Nicholas Taleb, Jorge and Harry have a rambling conversation about building resilient businesses during times of disruptive technological change.
Thresholds of Change
Harry brings to the discussion a four-part model for skillfully navigating change.Show notes:Thresholds of Change...
Social Traps
Harry offers a taxonomy of five "social traps" that can keep us from gaining traction.Show notes:Social Traps by John Cross and Melvin Guyer
Gumption
A reading from a famous director's memoir sparks a discussion about a key trait for gaining traction: boldness coupled with the ability to get things done.Show notes:
Pruning
Harry offers a short reading from a surprising source about an important question: How do you decide when it's time to let go? Show notes:W...
Framing
Jorge and Harry discuss how to proactively shift your mental models to get unstuck.Framers by Kenneth Cukier, Vikt...
The Inner Game
Jorge and Harry discuss a classic book about how to avoid getting in your own way through overthinking.Show notes:The Inner Game ...
OODA Loops
Harry and Jorge discuss the implications of John Boyd's work beyond its original military context.Show notes:The Mind of War: John Boyd and Am...
AI for Leaders
Jorge and Harry discuss a book focused on using AI to lead better — and has underpinnings that align with the show's themes.Show notes:M...
Authentic Efforts
Harry reads a passage from a book by Robert Pirsig that raises questions about what authentic effort looks like — and the traps inherent in its trappings.
The Power of “No”
Harry gives Jorge advice on how to focus on strategically important things.Show notes:
Levels of Learning & Change
Harry explains a framework for learning and change that originated in the field of NLP (Neuro-linguistic programming) — just in time for the launch of Jorge's new consultancy.Show notes:unfinis...