Best Studying Pixels Podcasts (2024)

1
How to Coach an Employee Who’s Struggling to Perform 37:04

2h ago37:04

37:04

Do you have a difficult employee on your team— someone who might be underperforming or resistant to taking feedback? Do you know how to help them? Melvin Smith says that coaching can be harder than you realize. First you must figure out which approach will work well for that specific employee. But you also need to know how to measure the success of…

1
How to Embrace Ambiguity When Making Decisions 27:30

2h ago27:30

27:30

Making business decisions often means choosing one path over another—but that doesn’t always need to be the case. Wendy Smith and Marianne Lewis argue that leaders should move beyond “either/or” choices and try to come up with solutions that embrace ambiguity and paradox. In this episode, you’ll learn how to reframe the question you’re asking in or…

1
What Is Psychological Safety, Really? 9:59

3d ago9:59

9:59

You’re probably familiar with the term “psychological safety.” But do you know what it really means? HBR contributing editor and workplace conflict expert Amy Gallo says both the idea and the value of psychological safety are commonly misunderstood. Gallo cohosts HBR’s Women at Work podcast, and her most recent book is Getting Along: How to Work wi…

1
Getting Project Management Right 36:08

10d ago36:08

36:08

Many of us manage projects—even if “project manager” isn’t in our official job title. We try to learn the basics as we go: how to manage multiple stakeholders, adapt as circumstances change, and set realistic deadlines. It’s not easy, and it’s no wonder that people get certified in project management: it’s a discipline that’s surprisingly deep, fro…

1
Leadership Lessons from Adventurer and Environmentalist Rick Ridgeway 16:04

17d ago16:04

16:04

Mountains are often used as metaphors for the challenges that arise in business and leadership. But when Rick Ridgeway compares mountaineering to risk management, he’s speaking from deep experience navigating both the boardroom and some of the world’s highest slopes. Ridgeway is an outdoor adventurer, writer, and advocate for sustainability and con…

1
How to Solve Your Company’s Toughest Problems 32:35

1M ago32:35

32:35

You’ve likely heard the phrase, “Move fast and break things.” But Harvard Business School professor Frances Frei says speed and experimentation are not enough on their own. Instead, she argues that you should move fast and fix things. (That’s also the topic and title of the book she coauthored with Anne Morriss.) In this episode, Frei explains how …

1
How GitLab Leads Its Fully Remote Workforce 30:25

2M ago30:25

30:25

GitLab, which builds and manages an open-source software development application, started off with employees fully dispersed and has stayed that way. Now with more than 1,300 people spread across more than 60 countries, it’s said to be the world’s largest all-remote company. In this episode, the company’s CEO Sid Sijbrandij shares the lessons he’s …

1
The Fallout Series: From Pixels to TV Screens 41:49

1M ago41:49

41:49

How do video game adaptations shape our identities and serve as modern-day myths? Join Dr. Gameology and Jenny LeBron on the Gaming Persona Podcast as we unravel the impact of gaming on who we become. This episode kicks off with updates from our recent gaming escapades. Jenny dives deep into her thrilling adventures with "Legends of Runeterra" and …

1
Deloitte’s Pixel: A Case Study on How to Innovate from Within 24:13

2M ago24:13

24:13

In 2014, Deloitte launched Pixel to facilitate open talent and crowdsourcing for client engagements that need specific expertise — like machine learning or digital production. But uptake across the organization was slow, and some internal stakeholders resisted outsourcing consulting work to freelance talent. In this episode, Harvard Business School…

1
How to Make Your Leadership Potential More Visible 23:55

2M ago23:55

23:55

Do people see your leadership potential? Suzanne Peterson says many talented professionals miss out on leadership roles for relatively intangible reasons. But she argues that aspiring leaders can learn to alter their everyday interactions in small ways to have a big influence on their professional reputation. Peterson is an associate professor of l…

1
Is Your Team Keeping You Up at Night? 30:33

2M ago30:33

30:33

Managing difficult personalities, stalled productivity, and conflict are inevitable parts of leading a team. But how do you know if your leadership is part of the problem? Melanie Parish says that many leaders see problems on their team as external without considering the impact of their own behavior on team dynamics. As she says, “There are so man…

1
What It Takes to Build Influence at Work 26:47

2M ago26:47

26:47

Do you know how to influence people who don’t report to you? That might include your boss, clients, or even your peers. Nashater Deu Solheim argues that there are proven techniques to help you understand your colleagues’ thinking and win their respect—even in virtual work settings. Solheim is a forensic psychologist and a leadership coach who studi…

1
Powering Through Life's Quests with Lessons from the Gaming Universe 25:24

2M ago25:24

25:24

Life's a game, and we're all players—sometimes leveling up, sometimes facing the final boss in the form of daily challenges. That's the essence we're exploring today, as I recount the rollercoaster of moving into a new home, creating a sanctuary for my gaming passion, and grappling with the bittersweet symphony of Final Fantasy VII's legacy and its…

1
When Your Star Employee Leaves 29:02

3M ago29:02

29:02

If you’ve invested in someone you manage, it’s natural to feel hurt when that person tells you they’re leaving—especially if they’re a strong contributor. The classic management advice is: Don’t take it personally. Be professional. But it’s important to acknowledge your feelings and work through them—for yourself and with your team. In this episode…

1
Sharing Personal Information Can Build Trust on Your Team — If You Do It Right 14:33

3M ago14:33

14:33

Some leaders are too comfortable talking about themselves — and others — at work. Their teams may struggle to trust them because they have no boundaries. Other leaders are reluctant to share anything at all, and risk coming across as remote and inaccessible. But Lisa Rosh says that when you get self-disclosure just right, it can build greater trust…

1
Managing Your Emotions During an Argument at Work 9:13

3M ago9:13

9:13

When you’re in the middle of a conflict, it’s common to automatically enter fight-or-flight mode. But HBR contributing editor and workplace conflict expert Amy Gallo says it’s possible to interrupt this response, stay calm, and find a path towards a more productive discussion. In this episode, you’ll learn some simple techniques that will help you …

1
Crisis Leadership Lessons from Polar Explorer Ernest Shackleton 32:02

3M ago32:02

32:02

In early 1915, polar explorer Ernest Shackleton’s ship became trapped in ice, north of Antarctica. For almost two years, he and his crew braved those frozen expanses. Then, in December 1916, Shackleton led them all to safety. Not a single life was lost, and Shackleton’s leadership has become one of the most famous case studies of all time. In this …

1
More Final Fantasy Talk (part 3) 49:18

3M ago49:18

49:18

Ever wondered how the virtual worlds we immerse ourselves in can shape our minds and behaviors? Join us this as week while we navigate the labyrinthine connections between psychology and gaming. We're returning from a hiatus with renewed vigor, and despite a few production snags, we're here to unpack the psychological intricacies that make MMOs lik…

1
How to Make Tough Decisions as a Manager 15:56

4M ago15:56

15:56

Imagine you’re a new manager, and one of your team members consistently underperforms. But there’s a catch: your struggling employee is a personal friend of your CEO. When performance review time rolls around, should you be honest and give them a low rating? There are no simple answers for the tough decisions that managers face. Harvard Business Sc…

1
Do You Understand the Problem You’re Trying to Solve? 23:19

4M ago23:19

23:19

Problem solving skills are invaluable in any job. But all too often, we jump to find solutions to a problem without taking time to really understand the dilemma we face, according to Thomas Wedell-Wedellsborg, an expert in innovation and the author of the book, What's Your Problem?: To Solve Your Toughest Problems, Change the Problems You Solve. In…

1
When a Top Performer Is Treating Colleagues Badly 25:39

4M ago25:39

25:39

Notes (iTunes) Would you promote an employee who’s a top performer, but mistreats their colleagues and disregards company values? It’s a dilemma that many managers face in their careers. In this episode, the former dean of Harvard Business School Nitin Nohria discusses the classic case study, “Rob Parson at Morgan Stanley.” He breaks down the issue…

1
When You Make the Leap to Manager 37:14

4M ago37:14

37:14

What should you do when you become the boss? Many of us are promoted into people manager roles without any preparation for the complexities involved in that work. But Harvard Business School professor Alison Wood Brooks says there are some basics that will help you get started as a first-time boss. Brooks is an expert in organizational behavior and…

1
Final Fantasy VII: Why This Game Matters So Much 58:40

4M ago58:40

58:40

Discover the profound legacy of Final Fantasy VII as we journey into the heart of its groundbreaking narrative and innovations that shaped the gaming industry. This week on the Gaming Persona podcast, we dissect the complex themes and emotional depth of a game that goes beyond entertainment, exploring the moral dilemmas faced by its characters and …

1
How to Become More Persuasive at Work 34:21

5M ago34:21

34:21

If you’re a leader, you need to know how to influence people. Maybe you’re trying to get clients to buy into your idea, trust your expertise, or sign on with your company. Or perhaps you want to convince colleagues to start a new initiative or kill one you think is doomed to fail. In this episode, Vanessa Bohns, a professor of organizational behavi…

1
How to Lead Great Conversations with Your Team 17:25

5M ago17:25

17:25

Some leaders spend their careers honing their relationships with employees. But Harvard Business School professor Boris Groysberg and corporate communications expert Michael Slind argue that leaders are at their best when they simply talk with their teams. In this episode, you’ll learn how to be more intentional about your conversations with employ…

1
How Etsy Became Profitable — Without Sacrificing Its Purpose 28:38

5M ago28:38

28:38

Etsy, the online seller of handmade and vintage goods, was founded as an alternative to mass-manufactured products. The company grew substantially in its first decade but remained unprofitable. When Etsy went public, stakeholders demanded a new level of financial returns and accountability. But the company continued to struggle to contain costs—unt…

1
Great Leaders Balance Ambition with Humility 27:16

5M ago27:16

27:16

The key to success as a leader is to strike a careful balance between ambition and humility. But how do you stay humble while also proving your worth? And how do you advance without showing too much ambition? In this episode, Amer Kaissi offers advice on how to find a better balance between our desire to achieve and the qualities that earn more res…

1
How the Best Leaders Drive Innovation 8:52

5M ago8:52

8:52

If you’re leading innovation, you need very specific leadership skills. Harvard Business School professor Linda Hill has studied leadership and innovation for decades and is the coauthor of Collective Genius: The Art and Practice of Leading Innovation. She says that leaders who shepherd innovation can’t rely on formal authority. Instead, they need …

1
From the U.S. Senate to Diplomacy—John Kerry’s Leadership Lessons 26:25

6M ago26:25

26:25

John Kerry has spent more than 40 years in public service, including several decades in the U.S. Senate, leading the U.S. Department of State from 2013 to 2017, and more recently serving as U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate. In this episode, he shares the leadership lessons he learned over many years of leadership in the public sector—fro…

1
How to Become a Better Manager 33:24

6M ago33:24

33:24

Julie Zhuo was Facebook’s first intern, and she became a manager there in her mid-twenties. Those early years as a manager at the company—now named Meta—were tough. She says she often felt like she was in over her head and she made a lot of mistakes. But Zhuo did eventually learn how to manage team dynamics. When she left Facebook in 2020, she was …

1
3 Things Great Leaders Do Differently 28:52

6M ago28:52

28:52

As the host of two successful business podcasts, Guy Raz has interviewed hundreds of entrepreneurs and leaders. His podcasts How I Built This and Wisdom From The Top offer an inside look at how visionary leaders build their careers and their companies. Raz has identified three key behaviors successful leaders have in common: They create a culture o…

1
The Art of Giving Feedback 33:29

6M ago33:29

33:29

If you’re a leader, you know how critical feedback is to your team’s success and growth. But giving the kind of feedback that motivates people to improve is harder than it may seem. In this episode, Therese Huston, a cognitive scientist at Seattle University who specializes in giving and receiving feedback, and Jessica Gomez, an elementary school p…

1
What is Final Fantasy? (Part 1): Entering Realms and Heroic Journeys 58:22

6M ago58:22

58:22

This week, we're uncovering the layers of Final Fantasy, the iconic gaming series, revealing not just its influence on the industry but also its psychological tapestry that weaves into the fabric of our daily lives. Navigating the rich history of Japanese RPGs, we stroll down memory lane with Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy, reminiscing about their …

1
Building a Culture of Respect on Your Team 24:15

7M ago24:15

24:15

Do you have a culture of respect on your team? Kristie Rogers, an associate professor of management at Marquette University, has identified two types of respect that employees value: owed and earned. She says that owed respect refers to basic workplace civility whereas earned respect is related to an employee’s achievements. In this episode, you’ll…

1
Cherishing our Virtual Companions: The Emotional Bond with In-Game Pets 35:36

6M ago35:36

35:36

The loss of a pet can pierce the heart with a sorrow as deep and raw as any we experience in our lives. Today, we dedicate our heartfelt episode to Gene's cat, Illyria, and embark on an emotional exploration of the profound connections we forge with our video game pets. We open up about our own experiences of pet loss, sharing those vulnerable mome…

1
Practice Your Active Listening Skills 10:13

7M ago10:13

10:13

When was the last time you practiced your active listening skills? HBR contributing editor Amy Gallo says it is a skill you need to practice. In this episode, you’ll learn how you can use listening skills to make other people feel heard and understood. Specifically, you’ll learn different styles of listening and how to use each one to fit your goal…

1
Epic 2023 Gaming Memories and the Road Ahead 45:35

7M ago45:35

45:35

This episode is a heartfelt journey through personal updates and gaming triumphs, as we review our "gaming persona" for a candid review of 2023. We're thanking listeners and Patreon supporters like you for your incredible support, and we're thrilled to reinvest that back into the podcast, bringing you richer and more engaging content. It's been a y…

1
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Trailer Reaction: Metaphysics and Pursuing the Right Timeline 55:22

7M ago55:22

55:22

Ever grappled with your conscience during a game? This episode sees Gene and Doc recounting our latest gaming escapades, from the moral crossroads of "Abomination" to the celebrated "Baldur's Gate 3." Discover how board games can make you question your values and witness the transformation of a video game from its humble beginnings to a Game of the…

1
It’s Time to Talk to Your Team About Mental Health 30:59

7M ago30:59

30:59

The business world is beginning to recognize the importance of mental health. That’s why writer, entrepreneur, and podcast host Morra Aarons-Mele says that the more we understand and talk about our own mental health, the better we are as managers and colleagues. In this episode, you’ll get tips on how to work with—and through—your anxiety. If you’r…

1
Me or the PS5: Gaming, Relationships, and the Quest for Harmony 44:27

7M ago44:27

44:27

When the world of gaming collides with the delicate dance of relationships, where do you stand? That's the question Jenny Lebron and Dr. Gameology tackle as we dissect the "Me or the PS5" trend sweeping through TikTok in 2023. This episode isn't just about the memes; it's an eye-opener on how gaming fits into our lives and relationships. We'll shar…

1
NVIDIA’s CEO on Leading Through the A.I. Revolution 24:49

7M ago24:49

24:49

With the explosive growth of generative AI, businesses are beginning to integrate artificial intelligence into all aspects of their operations, products, and services. This shift is posing a particularly difficult challenge for leaders, who must quickly learn enough about this new technology to make sound decisions for their companies, in the short…

1
The Hidden Costs of Layoffs 30:57

8M ago30:57

30:57

From Microsoft to Google to Meta, many of the world’s biggest tech companies announced layoffs in 2023. But Harvard Business School professor Sandra Sucher, who has been studying layoffs for years, says that companies often overlook their hidden costs: lost institutional knowledge, weakened employee engagement, higher turnover, and lower innovation…

1
Unveiling the Impact of Call of Duty and Video Game Violence on Society 52:15

7M ago52:15

52:15

Is violence in video games, especially Call of Duty, instigating aggression in real life? Your hosts Dr. Gameology, Jenny Lebron, and Gene Wong unwrap this age-old debate in an absolutely thrilling episode of The Gaming Persona podcast. We'll be sharing our personal encounters with not just Call of Duty, but also our gaming adventures with Alan Wak…

1
How to Embrace Your New Identity as a Manager 41:00

8M ago41:00

41:00

Becoming a manager for the first time comes with many common challenges: balancing your time, managing team conflicts, and delegating work to direct reports. But leadership coach Jen Dary says there are also subtler challenges—like learning to actually see yourself as a leader. Assuming responsibility for other people’s professional development and…

1
Exploring the Power of Three in the Gaming Universe: 3rd Anniversary Celebration 57:57

7M ago57:57

57:57

The magic number is three, as we explore the significance of threes in the gaming universe! Join us, your hosts Dr. Gameology, Jenny Lebron, and Gene Wong, as we mark our triumphant third anniversary with a vibrant discussion about our gaming journeys, the power of the number three in video games, and our top picks for the third installments in pop…

1
Seeing Yourself as a Leader 25:56

8M ago25:56

25:56

Are leaders born or made? University of Michigan Ross School of Business professor Sue Ashford has studied leadership for decades—what makes people see themselves as leaders and how groups choose leaders among them. She says that leadership does come more easily to some than others, but that leadership is dynamic and only as real as a group decides…

1
How to Build Trust at Work 36:31

8M ago36:31

36:31

Do you trust the people you work with? Without trust, organizational psychologist Liane Davey says it’s hard to have the two key ingredients for any healthy team: effective communication and productive conflict. Davey takes questions from listeners who are struggling to build trust at work. She offers advice for what to do when your new boss doesn’…

1
The Power of Selfless Leadership 21:35

9M ago21:35

21:35

When you think of good leadership, what comes to mind? Rasmus Hougaard and Jacqueline Carter argue that good leadership isn’t rooted in power or public speaking skills. They say that, in fact, mindfulness, selflessness, and compassion are the key components. “If [you are] focused on things that are going to feed [your] ego, [you’re] not necessarily…

1
Exploring the Modern Gaming Landscape: AI, eSports, and Mental Health 45:46

8M ago45:46

45:46

Are you ready to venture into the hero's journey of the modern gamer? This week, Dr. Gameology is joined by both cohosts, Jenny Lebron and Gene Wong, as they navigate through the exhilarating world of gaming. We tackle the fascinating role of AI in creating immersive gaming experiences and the concept of decision fatigue in gaming. Not forgetting a…

1
Cream Studios: Taking Stage Fright To The MAX 32:36

9M ago32:36

32:36

Impostor syndrome, fear of the blank page, and the rush of adrenaline (and fear) that comes with stage fright? Amanda Russell and Ruth Newberry of Cream Studios have been there, done that. Amanda unpacks her struggle with imposter syndrome and the anxiety of public speaking, while Ruth talks about being her behind-the-scenes support system. In this…

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