Why do we do this?
We interview great leaders, review the books they read, and speak with highly influential authors who study them.
How we do this?
#1 We interview great leaders.
#2 We review the books great leaders read and write.
#3 We have fun!
Jul 25, 2018
In this episode, Jim and Jan take it full circle and start with their takeaways on responsibility from a recent episode with Patagonia’s Chief Storyteller & Director of Philosophy, Vincent Stanley. Then, they both share stories of early in their career where they could have benefitted from a little more forethought, and follow up with some great news about the podcast and friends surrounding it.
Key Takeaways
[2:24] Jim and Jan discuss their admiration of both Patagonia as a company, and Chief Storyteller as a leader. The episode demonstrated how respect and responsibility merge when a leader steps up to take the time, slow down, and do things right. Jim’s takeaway from the episode was the manner in which Vincent’s reasoned and rational approach lends Patagonia to implement and change hearts and minds. Vincent’s book, The Responsible Company, provides a guide for those at any level of business to operate more responsibly, thoughtfully and self-aware.
[8:35] Patagonia puts people in line with the cause, whereas many passionate people tend to put the cause in front of the people. They maintain their responsibility to the cause and the outcome while still serving the traditional stakeholders, customers and vendors.
[12:22] Patagonia is trying to plan ahead for the next 40 years, while many businesses are planning for the next quarter. The tendency for short sightedness may lead to missed opportunities.
[14:04] Jim and Jan share their personal “bonehead” moments. Jim’s starts with a job interview in Detroit that leads him accidentally on a plane headed to White Plains, New York. Jan’s is a dinner party at the Colonel’s house where he accidentally missed the mark on the formal part of semi-formal.
Quotable Quotes
- “Too many times people are so passionate about a cause that they are over-passionate, it makes it seem like an insurmountable goal.”
- “What is your impact on other people?”
- “ A short sighted mentality can blind you from opportunities.”
- “A leader’s job is to have a long horizon, and look out for a bright future ahead.”
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Episode 107: On Responsibility: Patagonia’s Chief Storyteller & Director of Philosophy