Thinking Differently

I was talking to someone recently and the conversation was about some seemingly counteracting aspects of myself. When you think of a technical geek, you probably have this picture of someone who doesn’t like to be around people. Someone who prefers working on things by themselves - the “leave me alone so I can knock out this project” type. I am a technical geek, however, I love working on a team. Sometimes I want to just zero in and knock out the project, but for me to get to that point, I need to spend time with people to bring together the ideas and know how to serve them the best.

In a lot of ways, I have found that I exist in the midst of opposing tensions. Perhaps a lot of us do. For example, I describe myself as a social introvert. I do like being alone when it’s time to rest, but I prefer to be with people when working, ideating, creating, etc. I have a good gauge of when I need time alone and when I need time with people. It is in the intersection of these opposing thoughts that I find myself.

Even more than that, I believe many of us also exist in the midst of many stereotypes. Think about a nerd. The stereotype is a scrawny little kid, wears glasses, horrible sense of style, incredibly awkward, spends the entire day playing video games, etc. Do any of these things expressly make you a nerd? And does being a nerd mean you can’t be anything else? Obviously not. Marvel movies have become a part of mainstream media. Everyone loves superhero movies. So is everyone a comic book nerd? No. Do you know how many athletes now reference their favorite anime? Are they just a bunch of geeks then? Are you familiar with Henry Cavill? The guy who played in Man of Steel, The Witcher, whatever movie that was where he ‘reloaded’ his fists.

Yeah, that guy. He’s a nerd who paints figures to play Warhammer 40K with his buddies at home. He also built his first gaming PC during the pandemic since he was just at home.

Pfft, keep up, Henry. I’ve already built 4-5 gaming PCs.

What’s my point in saying all of this and apparently calling out Henry Cavill? Identities are complex. We don’t just fall into a stereotype and then that’s all you ever will be. We all learn and grow and find new interests, hobbies, passions, things that expand who we are as people. You are never just a particular thing. Don’t let people box you in. Instead, show them how complex you really are. It’s the intersection of all your favorite things that creates who you are.

Watch History

You Are More Like Jacob Collier Than You Think

History shows that true innovation sparks at the intersection of diverse disciplines—a concept known as the Medici Effect. Named after the Renaissance-era Medici family who brought together artists, scientists, and thinkers from various fields, this phenomenon reveals how combining different perspectives can ignite creative breakthroughs. Today, the same principle holds true: when biology meets technology, or art collides with engineering, the result is often a revelation that transforms entire industries. So, what does a business or leadership coach have to do with a grammy-winning musical artist? Creativity.

Do you consider yourself to be creative? By my experience, not many do. Some even have a stigma about creatives being these hippie-type butterfly free-spirit emotionally driven individuals (since we’re talking about stereotypes). And while some are that way, I believe the reality to be somewhere more in the middle. All kinds of people can be creative. As Simon Sinek says “I think everyone’s an artist. You just have to find your medium.” That line really made me want to find a creative accountant - someone who is an artist when it comes to managing financial documents. Maybe it’s just me, but that sounds so dope.

I loved listening to this episode because it’s the intersection of such geniuses but it very different spaces. Jacob Collier is a young musical artist who’s work is just mind-blowing. He’s an absolute genius when it comes to music. Simon Sinek is an incredible business coach with a profound view of leadership - profound only because of how businesses have been run in the last few decades. But here, Simon and Jacob sit as creatives. They share experiences that molded them to become who they are today, what the most impactful points in their lives or careers were, and how they go about their creative process. They dissect the definition of creativity and being an artist. They share fond memories and the lessons or values that came from those instances.

What is there to learn from someone I don’t have anything in common with? Well, I would say that the title of the YouTube video is true. You probably have a lot more in common with Jacob Collier than you think. What if you are that accountant I mentioned earlier? What could you take away? Perhaps reflecting on instances in your path that instilled in you the values and skills needed to do your line of work. Maybe you look at managing paperwork and financials for a company as playing a sort of instrument. Could you create such an environment in your office that people feel inspired in their finances?

I chose accounting because I think to so many it’s the most boring job ever. But I have had conversations with some really passionate accountants and you should see how they light up when talking about building a spreadsheet and a system for a company’s financials. They jump when they’re able to share best practices and equip people to manage what they do. In those ways, I see a lot of Simon Sinek’s leader empowerment. I see Jacob Collier’s passion for their work. No matter what line of work you are in, I believe we can all be artists in our own right.

That’s where the Medici Effect comes in. The Medici family pulled together people from all professions and practices so that they could learn from each other and inspire one another. Through these intersections, we all came to the era known as the Renaissance, an era entirely defined by learning, growth, and expansion of thought. For us today, it means that we should be willing to explore areas that are not our expertise. It may be within a completely new context that you find inspiration for solving a problem in your career. It may be by listening to a musician talk about how he commands thousands of people in his audience to become his choir that you learn how to inspire the team you work with. It may be that by learning how a business coach relates to his employees, you can see how you can relate to customers calling in on a help line.

I work at a church. However, I was told that, when we’re looking to see how we can grow, don’t look at other churches - look at other industries. By seeing what the best companies in the world do, we can learn lessons that apply to our context - we draw the lines to connect those practices. You, my beloved reader, see firsthand how I jump around to learning from different people. I learn from so many because I believe there’s lessons to be had - lessons that, even if they don’t apply to me today, may apply to me in the future. I encourage you to do the same. Continue pursuit of all the things that interest you. It builds character. Your character.

Add to Watch Later:

• How to Generate Your Best Ideas

• How Great Leaders Inspire Personal Growth

• Jacob Collier & Tori Kelly recording Bridge Over Troubled Water

Psst. I made a Playlist on YouTube for the videos I’ve mentioned here so that you can always refer back to it!

Reading List

Crucial Conversations by Grenny, Patterson, McMillan, Switzler, and Gregory

I am just a few chapters into the book and the whole time we have been talking about things to do before a Crucial Conversation. They even make it a point to say, ‘we’ve gone this far and we haven’t even opened our mouths yet.’ However, the lesson there is that so much of the Crucial Conversation depends on your mental state as you enter it. The first couple points summarize the importance of 1. Identifying the ONE topic to discuss in the conversation - even if there are multiple frustrations, only one topic can be addressed - and 2. Start with the Heart, namely, your heart. Are you in a calm state of mind to have a conversation? What is it that your heart really wants from the conversation? What’s the best outcome for both you and the other person in the conversation? All of this has been really interesting and the next chapter is about Mastering the Story. I’m really excited for that chapter!

The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek

Finished the audiobook this week. I’m considering picking up the book just so I can go back and take some notes on things. It really helped me reframe my mind to thinking with the big picture in mind, the infinite game in mind. I don’t want to be a leader that focuses only on short term goals. I want to lead people with a grander purpose.

The Growth Log Library

I’ve compiled a list of the books that I mention in case you want to pick any of it up. Full disclosure, these are affiliate links. Doesn’t cost anything extra on your end, I just get a kickback if you use my link to make a purchase.