Generally Curious a podcast by Generalist World

In this episode of Generally Curious, we sit down with Libby DeLana, a creative powerhouse known for integrating her passions and experiences into a multifaceted career. Libby's approach to life and work exemplifies the generalist mindset, seamlessly blending roles as a co-founder, author, and designer with her unique practice of mindful walking. We'll explore how Libby's diverse interests and insatiable curiosity have shaped her path, offering insights into the value of embracing a wide range of experiences in both personal and professional spheres. If you're interested in how diverse career experiences can enrich your life and work, and how simple daily practices like walking can inspire creativity and clarity, this conversation with Libby is for you. Join us to hear more about living intentionally, staying curious, and finding inspiration in every step.

Introduction (00:00:01)

Introducing the podcast and its purpose, setting the stage for the conversation.

Libby's Diverse Career (00:02:28)

Libby discusses her career journey, the value of diverse experiences, and the role of curiosity and creativity in her professional life.

The Beginning of Intentional Walking (00:07:23)

Libby shares the pivotal moment that led her to start her intentional walking practice and its significance in her life.

The Transformative Power of Walking (00:12:47)

Libby shares a powerful personal story of how walking helped her navigate a challenging life event and how it has become a tool for understanding emotions.

Accessibility and Democratic Nature of Walking (00:19:09)

The accessibility and universality of walking as a practice are discussed, emphasizing its democratic and inclusive nature.

The keys to walking (00:20:30)

Libby discusses the analogy of online gaming to explain the access and lessons gained from years of walking.

Influencing change in the creative industry (00:21:36)

Milly asks Libby for advice on influencing change and inclusivity in the creative industry and leadership roles.

Authenticity and bravery in the workplace (00:22:07)

Libby emphasizes the importance of showing up authentically and bravely in the workplace to influence change.

Building confidence to find your voice (00:24:44)

Libby shares advice on finding confidence and support to speak up in a professional setting.

Social responsibility and cultural impact (00:27:12)

Libby discusses the role of companies in creating cultural impact and social change through their messaging and actions.

Navigating career paths and following passion (00:30:25)

Libby shares her perspective on navigating career paths by following what excites and energizes us.

The power of storytelling and community (00:38:31)

Milly and Libby discuss the power of storytelling and community in inspiring and helping people at scale.

Defining generalists (00:39:42)

Libby defines a generalist as having broad knowledge with a splash of exquisite curiosity.

The impact of note-taking in career journey (00:40:07)

Libby shares the outsized difference note-taking has made in her career journey.

The joy of being around generalists (00:41:48)

Libby highlights the fun and resourcefulness of generalists, emphasizing their ability to connect dots and contribute to conversations.

Exploring Diverse Career Experiences (00:43:03)

Milly, Lindsey, and Libby discuss Libby's varied career experiences and the value of integrating personal passions into work.

The Transformative Power of Intentional Walking (00:43:09)

Libby shares insights from her book "Do Walk," emphasizing the transformative power of intentional walking and its impact on understanding emotions.

The future of work started yesterday, and everyone's scrambling to figure out what's next. Join Milly and Lindsey, as they build Generalist World and ask the quiet questions out loud. Generally Curious is the show where the minds shaping tomorrow's workforce gather to swap notes, learn, teach, shortcut, and predict. And now, you have a front-row seat! Each episode is no-nonsense, packed with answers to the questions you need to know to navigate an ambiguous future. Subscribe now for meaningful conversations that equip you with actionable strategies for your career.

Gear up for a no-holds-barred conversation with Lucy Wark, the force behind the inclusive sextech company, Normal, and the career-skills platform, Fuzzy. Today on Generally Curious, Lucy spills the real tea on flipping the script from traditional consulting to leading edge in the sextech world. We dive deep into her bold career leaps, dissect the strategies for fostering inclusive and dynamic workplaces, and uncover how she's crafting tools that empower today’s workforce. Whether you're plotting your next career move or just fascinated by the blend of tech and unconventional paths, Lucy’s story is a masterclass in carving out success on your own terms. Tune in to discover how to navigate the thrilling intersection of career innovation and advocacy.

Join us on Generally Curious as we sit down with Grace Miller, the trailblazing Failure and Experimentation Manager at The Diary of a CEO podcast. In this episode, Grace shares her unique role and revolutionary approach to fostering a culture where failure is not just accepted but encouraged as a means to drive innovation and growth. Discover how Grace has helped reshape the mindset around failure, turning potential setbacks into powerful lessons and strategic wins. She'll reveal practical strategies for implementing a successful experimentation framework in any organization, aiming to enhance creativity and adaptability. Whether you're a leader seeking to inspire your team or an individual learning to navigate personal and professional challenges, Grace's insights will equip you with the tools to turn failure into a stepping stone for success. Tune in to transform your approach to challenges and start winning by learning.

In this episode of Generally Curious, we welcome Nikita Khandwala, a dynamic generalist with a rich tapestry of experiences ranging from data analytics at LinkedIn to pioneering in the startup world. Nikita opens up about her journey, highlighting the pivotal decisions, challenges, and learnings that have shaped her career.

We dive deep into the concept of 'squiggly' career paths, exploring how embracing non-linearity and interdisciplinary approaches can lead to profound personal and professional growth. Nikita shares her insights on the intersection of AI and work, advocating for a blend of human intuition and technological advancement.

Our conversation also touches on the themes of self-worth, decision-making, and the evolving landscape of work. Nikita's experiences bring to light the importance of adaptability and resilience in today's fast-paced world.

As we explore the future of work, Nikita offers her predictions, emphasizing the role of generalists in an increasingly complex and AI-driven work environment. Her perspective on portfolio careers, fractional work, and the project-based economy provides valuable insights for anyone navigating the fluidity of modern careers.

Join us for this enlightening episode as Nikita Khandwala shares her wisdom, experiences, and vision for a more inclusive and dynamic future of work.

Introduction (00:00:01)

Nikita's Early Career Experiences (00:02:20)

Nikita discusses the value of diverse early career experiences and treating one's career as a science lab.

Wayfinding in Career Decisions (00:03:27)

Nikita discusses the concept of wayfinding and intentional decision-making in her career.

Pivotal Career Moments (00:05:09)

Nikita shares pivotal moments in her career, including decisions to leave opportunities and the learnings from those experiences.

Embracing Failure and Learning (00:07:37)

The conversation delves into the value of learning from failures and celebrating the learning journey.

Evaluating Career Crossroads (00:09:14)

How to evaluate career paths at crossroads and the importance of following one's intuition.

Self-Worth and Decision Making (00:11:11)

Nikita reflects on decisions influenced by self-worth and the impact on career choices.

Transitioning from Founder to Employee (00:15:54)

Nikita shares insights and challenges related to transitioning from being a founder to becoming an employee.

Challenging Career Taboos (00:19:08)

The conversation addresses societal expectations and taboos related to age, expertise, and career longevity.

The stigma of non-linear careers (00:19:24)

Discussion about the stigma and curiosity surrounding non-linear career paths.

Crafting a personal narrative as a generalist (00:20:25)

The difficulty and importance of crafting a personal narrative as a generalist to combat self-doubt and societal norms.

Reflecting on decisions and societal definitions of success (00:21:27)

Reflecting on decisions, societal definitions of success, and embracing a non-linear career path.

Defining the future of work (00:24:43)

Discussion about the impact of COVID-19, technological advancements, and the changing landscape of work, leading to a redefinition of the future of work.

Trends in the future of work (00:28:33)

Insights into the evolving trends in the future of work, including the impact of AI and technology, non-linear career paths, and a shift towards a project-based economy.

The rise of generalist talent in the workforce (00:34:40)

Anticipation of a rise in demand for generalist talent due to their timeless skills and ability to connect diverse perspectives and knowledge.

The power of collaboration between generalists and specialists (00:35:44)

Emphasizing the importance of collaboration and synergy between generalists and specialists for innovation and problem-solving.

The value of generalists in the workforce (00:38:04)

Highlighting the significance of generalists and the strength they bring to collaboration and progress in the workforce.