Today, we explore the world through phrases.

Not just any phrases, but aphorisms – those short sentences with the power to stop us in our tracks, cause us to rethink how we see things, and even make better decisions.

I'm joined by James Geary, author of the newly re-released book, The World in a Phrase: A Brief History of the Aphorism. James is a lecturer at Harvard's Kennedy School. James is also a self-confessed 'aphorism addict', and he studied the history of what he calls the world's oldest written art form.

As you will hear, aphorisms transcend culture and historical periods. And James's work and this conversation refer to the likes of Lao Tzu, the ancient Greeks, through to Mark Twain, and modern figures like Wynton Marsalis and Brian Eno. From a decision-making lens, aphorisms have potency as heuristics. When we think about modern challenges, James explains that they can help us so very much, particularly as AI is taking over the written word and threatening to reduce our cognitive load to zero.

Show notes:

James' website

The World in a Phrase: A Brief History of the Aphorism

James on Instagram

James on Blue Sky

Stanisław Lec

Yogi Berra

The I Ching

G.K Chesteron

Cyril Connolly

Brian Eno

Wynton Marsalis

Clet Abraham

Steven Wright

Brian Wilson

Josh Billings

Eric Jarosinski

Joseph Joubert

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Like what you heard? Check out:

The Decision-Making Studio: https://thedecisionmaking.studio/

The Decision-Making Studio Podcast: https://thedecisionmaking.studio/podcast

The world does not seem to be doing particularly well at the moment. Much needs to change. Most conversations focus on what should change and how. This episode asks a different, and more refreshing, question:

👉 What can we do every day to help make change happen?

To explore this, I am joined by Adam Kahane, a leading organiser, designer and facilitator of processes that bring business, government and civil society together to address seemingly intractable problems. Adam was formerly Head of Social, Political, Economic and Technological Scenarios at Shell, and later co-founded the social enterprise Reos Partners.

His latest book, Everyday Habits for Transforming Systems: The Catalytic Power of Radical Engagement, offers a practical guide to creating meaningful change. In this conversation, we discuss what these habits are, how to practise them, and why they matter.

It is a refreshing, empowering and enjoyable discussion about the everyday actions that can transform the systems around us.

Show notes:

Adam Kahane – www.adamkahane.com

Everyday Habits For Transforming Systems – The Catalytic Power of Radical Engagement - https://reospartners.com/everyday-habits-for-transforming-systems

Reos Partners - https://reospartners.com/

Trevor Manuel - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trevor_Manuel

Donella Meadows - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donella_Meadows

Dave Snowden - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dave_Snowden

Dave Snowden on The Decision-Making Studio Podcast: https://youtu.be/hSMHFeV54iM?si=BR_DRZZX6t0DeQMN

Christiana Figueres - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christiana_Figueres

Juan Manuel Santos - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juan_Manuel_Santos

Dan Davies on The Decision-Making Studio Podcast - https://youtu.be/3pm8_ssLtdQ?si=ZJ5cP3eEqBwDY9pk

Robert Capa - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Capa

Báyò Akómoláfé - https://www.bayoakomolafe.net/

Leonard Cohen's Anthem ("ring the bells that still can ring, forget your perfect offering): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8-BT6y_wYg

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Like what you heard? Check out:

The Decision-Making Studio: https://thedecisionmaking.studio/

The Decision-Making Studio Podcast: https://thedecisionmaking.studio/podcast

This episode is a fun one – and covers a topic we most certainly have not covered before: the strategic decision-making of Taylor Swift, the most famous pop singer in the world. Taylor Swift may recognised as a pop star, but as you'll hear, her decision-making is pure punk rock.

My guest today is Kevin Evers, who wrote as a senior editor at The Harvard Business Review and the author of There's Nothing Like This - The Strategic Genius of Taylor Swift.

Kevin breaks down exactly why Taylor has been able to scale her success, why she's been able to reinvent herself time and again, and how she's been able to both manage disruption and be a driving force herself.

We'll hear all about that, as well as Taylor's authenticity, her relationship with her fans, and the way in which she makes decisions.

Whether or not you're a Swiftie, this one is a fun and fascinating conversation.

Show notes:

There's Nothing Like This - The Strategic Genius of Taylor Swift - https://www.nothinglikethisbook.com/

Kevin on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-evers1/

Taylor Swift's discography

Olivia Rodrigo

Billie Eilish

LeAnn Rimes' impact on Taylor Swift

Newton's laws of motion (and 3rd law)

Max Martin

Nathan Chapman

Drake-Kendrick Lamar Feud

Scott Borchetta

Prince's contractual disputes

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Learn more about The Decision-Making Studio: https://thedecisionmaking.studio/

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