This is the first interview I’ve done that was recorded on video, with Nicholas McCay on his podcast Eclectic Spacewalk. Originally published on their Substack newsletter, you can also read the full transcript.
Here’s the show notes:
- How growing up in a diverse cultural household shaped his worldview. (03:02)
- Reading and books were always a huge influence on Tiago (04:37)
- Especially the works of James Michener (06:14)
- Studying abroad in Brazil, working in microfinance in Colombia, and serving in the Peace Corps in Ukraine (09:10)
- Leaving the Peace Corps and coming back to the US (16:32)
- The principle of doing more with less (Ephemeralization) and the beginning of Forte Labs (25:02)
- “Think of your brain as a pipeline of ideas.” (28:01)
- “My recommendation is to focus on the system for generating insights rather than any one particular insight. This comes back to the principles not prescriptions.” (32:59)
- Creative principles to try and help minimize the incessant grabbing of your attention (38:31)
- 10 principles of building a second brain (41:17)
- Writing influences & history (53:10)
- A Manifesto on Human Centered Work (56:31)
- Personal growth is a privilege (01:00:06)
- Personal growth is REAL work that isn’t just going to happen (01:07:10)
- Imagination is crucially important for the future of work (01:11:09)
- The experience of moving from San Fransisco to Mexico City (01:16:03)
- What would you say to the entire world if everyone on Earth was looking back at you? (01:18:55)
More on Eclectic Spacewalk:
- Watch all video interviews on YouTube
- Follow Eclectic Spacewalk on Twitter
- Visit the Eclectic Spacewalk Website
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