Summary

Geoff Colvin is an award-winning thinker, author, broadcaster, and speaker on today’s most significant trends in business. As a longtime editor and columnist for FORTUNE, he has become one of America’s sharpest and most respected commentators on leadership, globalization, wealth creation, the infotech revolution, and related issues.

In this episode we discuss two of Geoff’s popular books including his newest book, Humans Are Underrated: What High Achievers Know That Brilliant Machines Never Will. Amid rising anxiety over the advance of technology and its effects on human workers, we discuss the future of humans and how we can remain valuable.

Our conversation begins with his former bestseller, Talent Is Overrated: What Really Separates World-Class Performers From Everybody Else, discussing the truths behind peak performance, ironing out the myths of innate talent, and sharing insights in how we can all develop peak performance by understanding the deliberate practice. An amazing interview and well worth a listen.

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Discussion Topics 

• What is talent and how to develop it by the process of deliberate practice?
• What is deliberate practice, insights to develop self-mastery?
• The limitations and future of peak performance.
• Why humans are underrated and how we remain valuable

Quick round questions

Do you have any routines and rituals that you believe contribute to your success?

My morning routine. 5 mile run followed by a good breakfast.

What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?

Listen to the inner voice more. Be willing to try new and more different things.

What is the meaning of success?

Satisfying myself that I am doing some good in the world.

What is your number one productivity advice?

To focus and choose not to do certain things in favour of those which you really wish to pursue.

What advice would you give someone that needing/wanting to make a change?

Get the perspective of others.

Favourite Food

Steal cut oats

Favourite Leisure Activity

Hiking

Favourite Book

Iliad and Odyssey by Homer

Humans Are Underrated: What High Achievers Know That Brilliant Machines Never Will by Geoff Colvin

Talent is Overrated: What Really Separates World-Class Performers from Everybody Else by Geoff Colvin

Favourite Quote

“Better is a handful with quietness both the hands full with travail and vexation.”

Do we all have a why?

Yes and I believe we spend most of our lives finding it.

What does living with passion and purpose mean?

It means fulfilment. Acknowledging your passion, finding it and pursuing it. People can accomplish anything when they feel they have a purpose.

The Underlying Motivation. 

A deep inner drive to understand and explain. To find meaning through helping other people.

Connect with Geoff 

Visit and connect with Geoff via his Website Geoff Colvin. 

Further Reading and Resources 

TED Talks: Ideas worth spreading

Psychology Today: Psychology Today is devoted exclusively to everybody’s favourite subject – Ourselves

Life Hack: Tips for Life

Elite Daily: The Voice of Generation Y

Four Hour Work Week: How to escape the 9-5, live anywhere and join the new rich.

The Minimalists: How to pursue a minimalist lifestyle and be happier.

Mind Hacks: Tips and Tricks for Using Your Brain

Rich Roll: Plantpowered Wellness Advocate

The Art of Charm: Build confidence, feel comfortable and networking differently.

American Psychological Association: The largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United State

The Art of Manliness: Encouraging men to be better husbands, fathers, brothers, citizens.

Tiny Buddha: Simple wisdom for complex lives.

Brain Pickings: An inventory of cross-disciplinary interestingness, spanning art, science, design, history, philosophy, and more.

Mind Body Green: Lifestyle media brand dedicated to inspiring you to live your best life.

Zen Habits: Find simplicity and mindfulness in life.

Creative NonFiction: “true stories well told.” 

Addicted 2 Success: Motivation & Inspiration Website full of quotes and inspiring articles for entrepreneurs.

Barking Up the Wrong Tree: science-based answers and expert insight on how to be awesome at life.

The Positivity Blog: Practical articles on happiness, self-esteem, productivity and social skills.

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