Brian Nutwell - Podcast Details

Shows

WonderTour The Dark Knight: How to Win an Unpredictable GameIn the Game Theory series finale, Brian and Drew explore how Batman navigates broken models, unpredictable villains, and moral gray zones in The Dark Knight.Themes:🔹 When strategy fails, gather intel and adjust🔹 Trust is a tactical asset—Bruce leans on Lucius, Gordon, and Alfred🔹 Batman fights chaos not with control, but with narrative and sacrifice🧠 Key Takeaways🔹 Zoom in for facts, zoom out for meaning🔹 Great leaders align actions with story

2025-05-0924 min

WonderTour Moneyball Pt. 2: How to Lead with Data and HeartBilly Beane’s leadership story in Moneyball teaches us that real transformation isn’t just about numbers — it’s about aligning people to a bold new vision. Brian Nutwell and Drew Paroz explore how leaders thrive by balancing strategy and empathy.🌟 Key Takeaways:🔹 Vision is recontextualizing the problem to find innovative strategies.🔹 Compassion builds trust to implement those strategies effectively.🔹 Leading at the edges means connecting vision with ground-level reality — without micromanaging.🧠 Memorable Quotes:🔹 "Zero percent of the time does a revolution work seamlessly from day zero."🔹 "Align the dreams top to bottom in the organizati...

2025-05-0221 min

WonderTour Moneyball Pt. 1: How to Win at Unfair Games⚾️ OverviewIn this episode of Lead Wisely by WonderTour, Brian and Drew explore Moneyball and the game theory behind Billy Beane’s strategy with the Oakland A’s. Learn how to tackle an unfair game, redefine the problem, and find hidden efficiencies.📈 Key Takeaways🔹 Define the problem clearly — don’t fight the system blindly🔹 Recognize biases and uncover undervalued assets🔹 Align your entire organization to the strategy, not just isolated decisions🔍 Leadership LensBilly Beane's leadership is about strategic flexibility, finding new ways to measure success, and aligning his team with a unified vision.

2025-04-1822 min

WonderTour Brooklyn Nine-Nine Pt. 2: Win Hearts (not Arguments)This week on WonderTour, Brian and Drew dive into Brooklyn Nine-Nine's interrogation episode “The Box” to explore leadership through the lens of game theory. As Jake and Holt face off with a smug suspect, we learn that winning isn’t about being the smartest — it’s about learning, adapting, and understanding what really motivates people.🧠 Key InsightSuccess often comes not from better facts, but from deeper insight into motivation. Jake cracks the case not by outsmarting the suspect, but by letting him feel like the smartest guy in the room.🎯 Leadership TakeawayIn negotiation a...

2025-04-1121 min

WonderTour Brooklyn Nine-Nine Pt. 1: Leadership Tool - The DojoIn this episode of WonderTour, Brian Nutwell and Drew Paroz break down the first Halloween Heist episode of Brooklyn Nine-Nine (Season 1, Episode 6) and uncover how Captain Holt’s unexpected indulgence in the shenanigans offers a masterclass in game theory, mentorship, and team development.🎯 Key Takeaways:🔹 Leadership isn’t always about winning—sometimes, it’s about setting the stage for others to grow.🔹 The “dojo” concept is introduced: a safe, playful, and challenging environment where failure is part of the learning journey.🔹 Game theory isn't just strategy—it can be a joyful framework for collaborative growth and innovation....

2025-04-0423 min

WonderTour M:I Dead Reckoning Pt. 2: Trust Overcomes Impossible OddsIn this episode of WonderTour, we continue our Game Theory series by diving into Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning and exploring how Ethan Hunt skillfully builds trust—even when it seems impossible. From his high-stakes relationship with Grace to the split-second decisions that define his leadership style, Ethan demonstrates that trust isn't blind faith—it's a strategy.🔹 What makes Ethan Hunt’s leadership different from everyone else in this world of deception?🔹 How does trust transform Grace from a lone survivor into a true teammate?🔹 Why does Ethan’s team operate with unmatched independence and purpose?Along the wa...

2025-03-2132 min

WonderTour M:I Dead Reckoning Pt. 1: Leading with Game TheoryThis week, we dive into Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning and uncover the leadership lessons hidden in the world of espionage, deception, and AI-driven chaos. Ethan Hunt’s latest mission puts him in the middle of a classic game theory scenario, where trust is in short supply and backstabbing is the norm.💡 Key Takeaways:🔹 Game Theory 101: The Prisoner’s Dilemma and the Mexican Standoff explain why world powers (and boardrooms) get trapped in cycles of mistrust.🔹 The Power of Trust: Ethan Hunt’s "weakness"—his team—turns out to be his greatest strength.🔹 Lessons from Ford’s CEO Alan Mulally...

2025-03-1427 min

WonderTour The Queen's Gambit Pt. 2: Learning to Love LosingIn this final episode on The Queen’s Gambit, we explore Beth Harmon’s ultimate transformation—not just as a chess prodigy but as a leader. We wrap up our discussion on Trusting the Process by asking a big question: How do you learn to love losing?💡 Key Takeaways:🔹 “Like everyone else, you want to learn the way to win, but never to accept the way to lose.” – Bruce Lee🔹 Failure isn’t just failure; it’s an opportunity to grow. Beth had to let go of self-limiting beliefs to reach her full potential.🔹 True leadership isn’t about...

2025-03-0729 min

WonderTour The Queen's Gambit Pt. 1: The Difference Between a Hero and a LeaderThis week on WonderTour, we dive into The Queen’s Gambit to explore how success, structure, and flexibility intersect in leadership. Beth Harmon’s journey from orphan to chess prodigy teaches us about hyper-specialization, the failure mode of prodigies, and what it takes to truly lead, not just win.🔹 Breaking Out of the System – When you're at the bottom of a system that deems you unimportant, how do you climb your way up? Beth doesn’t succeed by playing by the system’s rules—she finds one thing she can control and masters it.🔹 The Focus Trap – Specializat...

2025-02-2830 min

WonderTour The Mandalorian Pt. 2: How to Lead When You Don't Have AuthorityIn this episode of WonderTour, we dive into The Mandalorian Season 2, Episode 7, The Believer, and explore the challenges of leading without authority. How does Din Djarin inspire loyalty from a ragtag team of misfits? Why do people follow him when they have no obligation to? And what can we learn about leadership from his actions?🔥 Key Takeaways🔹 Leading Without Authority: Din doesn’t lead with rank—he leads with character, purpose, and consistency. In our own careers, we often need to rally people to a cause without having direct authority.🔹 The Power of Shared Meaning: The Mandalori...

2025-02-2133 min

WonderTour The Mandalorian Pt. 1: How to Courageously Break Free from a Sinking SystemIn this episode of WonderTour, Brian and Drew dive into The Mandalorian, season 1, episode 3, where Din Djarin faces a profound ethical dilemma. Tasked with delivering Grogu to the Imperials, he must decide between following the bounty hunter code or breaking the rules to protect a defenseless child. This episode is about navigating rules, systems, and principles to achieve flourishing leadership.💡 Key Takeaways:🔹 The Purpose of Rules: Rules exist to guide us, not to limit us. They are the means, not the end. Great leaders recognize when rules are keeping them from achieving the mission.🔹 Zooming Out for Pe...

2025-02-1430 min

WonderTour Million Dollar Baby Pt. 2: How to Overcome Risk-Aversion That's Holding You BackIn this episode of WonderTour, Brian and Drew dive deep into Clint Eastwood’s Million Dollar Baby, exploring its raw portrayal of leadership, vulnerability, and the emotional cost of guiding others through life’s toughest battles. This isn’t your typical heroic tale—it’s a reflective journey into embracing the conflict inherent in leadership and risk-taking.💡 Key Takeaways🔹 You Can’t Always Protect Yourself or Others: Frankie’s mantra of “always protect yourself” fails when juxtaposed against real growth and greatness. Leaders must accept that striving for something meaningful inevitably comes with risks.🔹 Risk vs. Opportunity: Over-prote...

2025-02-0727 min

WonderTour Million Dollar Baby Pt. 1: Maggie's Leadership SuperpowerJoin Brian Nutwell and Drew Paroz as they step into the emotionally charged world of Million Dollar Baby. This episode of Lead Wisely by WonderTour explores coaching and mentoring styles of leadership through the lens of Maggie Fitzgerald’s inspiring journey. What does it mean to trust the process when extraordinary goals seem out of reach?💡 Key Takeaways🔍 Mindset as a Superpower🔹 Maggie’s relentless effort highlights the importance of developing a growth mindset, rooted in the belief that skills can be cultivated through consistent effort.🔹 “It’s not about wanting it more—it’s about putting in the w...

2025-01-3126 min

WonderTour The Martian Pt. 2: Accomplish More By Surrendering ResponsibilitiesIn this episode of WonderTour, Brian and Drew dive into The Martian to explore the nuanced balance of personal responsibility and surrendering responsibility to others. What does it take to lead effectively when everything is on the line? How do leaders build trust and empower their teams in high-stakes situations?⭐ Key Takeaways:-Mark Watney's Approach to Problem-Solving: Leadership starts with personal responsibility. As Watney faces Mars' harsh reality, he solves problems sequentially, reframing challenges into opportunities.-Surrendering Responsibility Wisely: NASA Director Teddy Sanders exemplifies delegating tasks to specialists while maintaining responsibility for outcomes. Leaders mu...

2025-01-2427 min

WonderTour The Martian Pt. 1: Lead Better by Taking the Road Less TravelledIn this episode, Brian Nutwell and Drew Paroz explore The Martian, the Ridley Scott film starring Matt Damon, as a lens for understanding personal responsibility in leadership. Through the story of Mark Watney's fight for survival on Mars, they delve into the nuances of owning challenges, solving problems, and navigating the fine line between over- and under-responsibility.⭐ Key Takeaways:-Personal Responsibility Spectrum: Drawing from Scott Peck's The Road Less Traveled, they discuss the balance between neurosis ("everything is my fault") and deflection ("nothing is my fault"). Both extremes can paralyze us in leadership.-Micro-Moments of Re...

2025-01-1731 min

WonderTour Kung Fu Panda Pt. 2: How to Adapt When You Aren't Delivering OutcomesIn this episode of WonderTour, hosts Brian Nutwell and Drew Paroz dive into the legendary world of Kung Fu Panda, shifting the spotlight from Po to Master Shifu. What does Shifu’s journey teach us about leadership, mastery, and adaptability? 🤔🚀 Key Themes:-The double-edged sword of mastery: When expertise creates blind spots.-How Shifu's failures and frustrations mirror real-life leadership challenges.-The critical importance of adapting processes when outcomes fall short.-Finding intrinsic motivation in your team (and maybe even a dumpling or two).-The power of vulnerability in leadership—admitting "I don’t know...

2025-01-1027 min

WonderTour Kung Fu Panda Pt. 1: Everyone Can Achieve GreatnessThis week, Brian and Drew kick off the Trust the Process series by exploring the unlikely yet powerful leadership lessons from the beloved movie Kung Fu Panda. Can anyone really be great? This episode dives deep into what it means to achieve greatness—not as a grand destination, but as an everyday process of growth, sacrifice, and service. Using Po's journey from noodle boy to Dragon Warrior, Brian and Drew explore:Why greatness begins with persistence and humility.How "non-traditional candidates" can achieve extraordinary success.The role of structure and process in unlocking pot...

2025-01-0324 min

WonderTour Limit Break Framework: Leadership Lessons from Star Wars, LOTR, and MoreJoin Brian Nutwell and Drew Paroz on a transformative journey to discover the principles of magnanimous leadership, inspired by iconic stories and legendary characters. In this special episode of Lead Wisely by WonderTour, we synthesize the lessons from 100+ podcast episodes into the Limit Break Framework—a powerful tool to help leaders and teams achieve extraordinary goals.💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:1️⃣ Leadership vs. Management: Why true leadership involves transformation, not just maintaining the status quo.2️⃣ The Limit Break Framework: How dissatisfaction, realization, alignment, and sacrifice unlock team potential.3️⃣ Icons of Leadership:Luke Skywalker and...

2024-12-2732 min

WonderTour The Rings of Power Pt. 2: How to Lead Without Manipulation🎥 Episode Overview:In this riveting conclusion to our villain series, we return to The Rings of Power to explore the complex leadership lessons embodied by Sauron. From his cunning disguises as Halbrand and Annatar to his masterful use of influence and deception, we uncover the critical mistakes of characters like Celebrimbor and Galadriel. Most importantly, we discuss how leaders can avoid falling into the traps laid by those who manipulate for personal gain.💡 Key Themes & Takeaways:✅ Sauron’s Leadership Tactics: How his ability to twist reality reveals the dangers of unchecked ambition.✅ The Power of Sel...

2024-12-0633 min

WonderTour Rings of Power Pt. 1: Sauron's Secrets to Influencing EffectivelyIn this week’s episode of WonderTour, Brian Nutwell and Drew Paroz conclude the Villain Series with an in-depth look at the titular villain Sauron, focusing on his portrayal in The Rings of Power Seasons 1 and 2. 💡 How does Sauron masterfully leverage influence to achieve his ends? And what can leaders learn from his strategy—without succumbing to his darker tendencies?Explore Sauron’s ability to:✅ Forge deep, seemingly genuine connections with characters like Galadriel and Celebrimbor.✅ Listen intently and align with others’ intrinsic motivations to achieve mutual (and selfish) goals.✅ Leverage patience, adaptability, and a long-term visio...

2024-11-2930 min

WonderTour Skyfall Pt. 2: How to Lead Wisely When You Feel Betrayed or AbandonedWelcome to WonderTour! In this riveting episode, Brian Nutwell and Drew Paroz continue their exploration of leadership qualities through the lens of iconic villains, focusing on Raoul Silva from 007: Skyfall.Silva and Bond represent two sides of the same coin—leaders shaped by betrayal and trauma. While Bond transforms his pain into purpose, Silva spirals into vengeance, revealing the catastrophic consequences of a self-serving mission. Through Silva’s failure modes and Bond’s resolve, we uncover critical lessons about character, trust, and the necessity of facing life’s toughest challenges head-on.💡 Key Takeaways:-Higher Mis...

2024-11-2231 min

WonderTour Skyfall Pt. 1: Simplicity is the Best StrategyIn this episode of Lead Wisely, hosts Brian Nutwell and Drew Paroz dive into the layered leadership lessons we can learn from Raoul Silva, the antagonist in Skyfall (2012), pitted against Daniel Craig's James Bond. With an insider’s understanding of MI6, Silva exhibits both formidable strengths and critical flaws as a leader. Join us as we dissect his character, analyzing how his deep-seated vendetta against MI6, intricate plotting, and disregard for human agency reveal fascinating insights about systems, leadership, and purpose.Why does Silva’s insider knowledge make him a dangerous adversary? And where does his belief in t...

2024-11-1527 min

WonderTour The Batman Pt. 2: The Riddler and the Superpower of SacrificeWelcome to WonderTour! In episode 116, hosts Brian Nutwell and Drew Paroz dive into the dark, nuanced world of The Batman (2022), focusing on the enigmatic villain, The Riddler. Continuing our villain series, we explore the duality between Batman and The Riddler and the leadership lessons that emerge from their contrasting arcs.In this episode, we uncover:-Batman’s Journey from Vigilante to Leader: How Batman transitions from spreading fear to becoming a symbol of hope and leadership.-The Riddler’s Drive for Vengeance: What his motivations reveal about leadership without purpose and the dangers of seek...

2024-11-0830 min

WonderTour The Batman Pt. 1: Carmine Falcone and the True Cost of ControlIn this episode of WonderTour, Brian and Drew continue their exploration of leadership through the lens of villains. Focusing on Carmine Falcone from The Batman, they dive deep into the consequences of self-serving leadership and how it contrasts with magnanimous leadership.Falcone, a mob boss entangled in control and fear, offers a powerful example of how prioritizing personal gain over others leads to isolation, manipulation, and, ultimately, downfall. Unlike other villains such as Hans Gruber or Darth Vader, Falcone demonstrates little redeeming value. His leadership style revolves around coercion, fear, and moral justification, as he manipulates everyone...

2024-10-2523 min

WonderTour Die Hard Pt. 2: Why Plans Fail and How to AdaptIn Episode 114 of WonderTour, hosts Brian Nutwell and Drew Paroz dive into leadership lessons from the iconic villain Hans Gruber in the classic action film Die Hard. Continuing their "villains" series, they explore how Gruber’s cool demeanor, strategic thinking, and ability to empower his team make him a formidable antagonist—yet ultimately lead to his downfall.Key takeaways from this episode include:Strategic Vision: Gruber is excellent at creating a strong plan and motivating a skilled, diverse team. His ability to stay calm under pressure is key to his leadership presence.Failure to Adapt: Despite Grube...

2024-10-1830 min

WonderTour Die Hard Pt. 1: Why Hans Gruber is a Great LeaderIn this episode of WonderTour, hosts Brian Nutwell and Drew Paroz dive into leadership lessons from an unexpected source: Hans Gruber, the iconic villain from Die Hard. They explore why Gruber, despite his moral flaws, demonstrates remarkable leadership qualities that can teach us valuable lessons.Gruber's ability to assemble a diverse team of highly competent specialists and lead with a clear, long-term mission offers insights into strategic leadership. The hosts highlight his skill in delegating responsibilities, anticipating challenges, and staying focused on the bigger picture, all while keeping his team aligned with the ultimate goal....

2024-10-1125 min

WonderTour Darth Vader Pt. 2: How to Navigate Vaders in your LifeIn this episode of WonderTour, we dive deep into leadership lessons from the ultimate villain, Darth Vader. What if the Dark Lord of the Sith was your middle manager? 🤔 Join us as we explore the cautionary tale of how toxic leadership can manifest in our organizations and why understanding the "anti-patterns" of leadership is essential for growth and magnanimous leadership.💡 Key Topics Discussed:-The contrast between magnanimous leadership and Darth Vader's tyrannical style-The dangers of fear-based management and why loyalty isn't built through intimidation-How to navigate working with a "Darth Vader" in you...

2024-10-0433 min

WonderTour Darth Vader Pt. 1: How Anger and Fear Destroy Good LeadersIn this episode of WonderTour, Brian Nutwell and Drew Paroz take a deep dive into a brand new series focusing on leadership lessons from some of our favorite villains. After exploring leadership through heroes for over 110 episodes, they pivot to uncover what we can learn from those who made disastrous choices, starting with none other than Star Wars' iconic antagonist, Darth Vader.Beginning with the tragic journey of Anakin Skywalker, they unravel the decisions that transformed a promising hero into one of cinema’s greatest villains. What drives leaders to double down on their mistakes, and how ca...

2024-09-2736 min

WonderTour Iron Man Pt. 2: Leadership in the Age of AIIn this episode of *Lead Wisely by Wondertour*, Brian Nutwell and Drew Paroz dive into the Marvel classic *Iron Man* (2008) to explore leadership lessons in an age dominated by technology and AI. Using Tony Stark’s journey from egocentric playboy to responsible hero, the hosts discuss the critical balance between using technology to augment human abilities versus replacing humans altogether.The conversation contrasts Stark’s innovative approach to the Iron Man suit, which evolves through experimentation and adaptation, with Obadiah Stane’s brute-force mindset. They delve into key leadership questions: How do we use technology responsibly? When should...

2024-09-2030 min

WonderTour Iron Man Pt. 1: Is Tony Stark a Leader?Hosts Brian Nutwell and Drew Paroz dissect Tony’s journey from a self-centered genius to a self-sacrificing hero, questioning if and when he truly becomes a leader.Key Takeaways:Evaluate Your Leadership TraitsTony Stark’s journey highlights the need to critically assess your own leadership qualities. True leadership is more than innovation—it's about aligning actions with a purpose that benefits others.The Power of MentorshipThe influence of a mentor like Yinsen is vital. Mentors can guide us to see beyond our own ambitions and help us grow into leaders who impact the wo...

2024-09-1328 min

WonderTour Oppenheimer Pt. 2: Designing Purpose-Driven OrganizationsIn this episode of WonderTour, dive deep into the leadership lessons from Christopher Nolan's film, Oppenheimer. Join hosts Brian Nutwell and Drew Paroz, along with guest David Beltran del Rio, as they explore how to design and lead purpose-driven organizations.Key Discussion Points:Leading Technically Skilled Teams: How do you gain respect and lead effectively when your team members are more technically skilled than you? We draw parallels from the movie Oppenheimer, highlighting the challenges and strategies in managing brilliant minds.The Role of Clarity and Competency: Inspired by David Marquet's leadership principles, we discuss the i...

2024-09-0643 min

WonderTour Oppenheimer Pt. 1: The Fallout of InnovationIn this episode, Brian Nutwell and Drew Paroz, along with special guest nuclear buff David Beltran del Rio, explore leadership lessons from Christopher Nolan's film Oppenheimer. They tackle the profound question, "What do you do after you change the world?" and delve into the complexities leaders face when their innovations reshape society.Key Takeaways:Responsibility After Innovation: The discussion highlights that creating something groundbreaking, like the atomic bomb, is only the beginning. Leaders must grapple with how their innovations will be used and the consequences that follow.Loss of Control: Once a creation is out in...

2024-08-3042 min

WonderTour Ford v Ferrari Pt. 2: Empowering Radical InnovationIn this episode of Lead Wisely by WonderTour, Brian Nutwell and Drew Paroz continue their deep dive into leadership lessons from Ford vs. Ferrari. In this second part of their discussion, they explore the necessity of having radical innovators like Carroll Shelby and Ken Miles on your team when attempting to drive transformation and innovation within an organization.The conversation kicks off with a critical question: "Do you need a radical innovator on your team to achieve transformation?" Drew and Brian draw parallels between the movie's characters and real-world leadership roles, discussing how leaders can identify and...

2024-08-2333 min

WonderTour Ford v Ferrari Pt. 1: Creating Business AgilityWelcome to another episode of LeadWisely by WonderTour! This week, hosts Brian Nutwell and Drew Paros delve into the fascinating dynamics of human-machine interactions, using the thrilling story of Ford v Ferrari as a backdrop. Join us as we explore leadership lessons and the intricacies of innovation within large organizations.Episode Highlights:The Innovation Challenge: Why do large organizations often struggle with innovation? Drawing from Ford v Ferrari, we see Ford Motor Company transform from a manufacturing giant to a competitive racing entity, highlighting the inherent challenges of such a shift.Leadership Insights: Discover how Henry...

2024-08-1633 min

WonderTour Ready Player One Pt. 2: Ending Toxic ProductivityWelcome to LeadWisely by Wondertour, where we delve into leadership lessons from our favorite stories. In this episode, we explore the world of "Ready Player One" and tackle the pressing question: How can technology create opportunities instead of inequality?Join Brian and Drew as they discuss the natural inclination to focus on empowering top performers with new technology, often at the expense of those less visible in an organization. They highlight the importance of distributing decision-making power and using agile methodologies to ensure everyone, from leaders to entry-level employees, benefits from technological advancements.Key themes...

2024-08-0935 min

WonderTour Ready Player One Pt. 1: The Trap of EscapismLet's delve into the intriguing world of "Ready Player One." They explore why virtual escapism is so appealing and the leadership lessons we can extract from this dystopian adventure.Highlights:The Appeal of Escapism: Why do we choose to escape to virtual worlds instead of addressing real-life challenges? Character Analysis: Examination of Iroq's character and how a lack of ethics in the virtual world allows him to excel.Real vs. Virtual Worlds: Brian and Drew reflect on the contrast between the glamorous, fast-paced virtual world and the often mundane reality, using Wade Watts' transformation into Parzival a...

2024-08-0234 min

WonderTour Interstellar Pt. 2: Are Emotions More Important Than Logic?Join Brian and Drew this week as we once again return to a WonderTour favorite, Interstellar. In this episode we talk through the importance of emotions to drive us to accomplish difficult missions, how to overcome seemingly intractable forces, and how to lead like Cooper as opposed to Dr. Mann.This week's practical application is a story about Zillow which teaches us how humans can intelligently implement AI to drive decision-making.

2024-07-2633 min

WonderTour Interstellar Pt. 1: How to Harness Technology to Change Your WorldWelcome back to WonderTour. Brian and Drew have been on a hiatus while preparing for the next adventure, but it's finally time to announce LeadWisely by WonderTour. Starting with episode 101 we will begin posting videos on YouTube as well as your favorite podcast services. It's the same great WonderTour content, but available to enjoy in new and exciting ways.For our return from hiatus, we decided to do a return journey to one of our favorite movies, Interstellar. Join us this week as we discuss if technology is here to ruin or save humanity, what Cooper teaches us a...

2024-04-1233 min

WonderTour Top Ten Magnanimous Leaders Pt. 2: #5-#1In WonderTour Episodes 1-99 we explored so many fictional worlds and incredible leaders. Its time for Brian, Derrick, and Drew to rank their Top 10 most magnanimous leaders that demonstrate what it looks like to lead well for the good of others.TOP TENPersonal Selections (10-8):Brian: The Ancient One - Doctor StrangeDrew: Saito - InceptionDerrick: Michael Scott?!?! - The Office7. Andy Dufresne - The Shawshank Redemption6. Obi-Wan Kenobi - Star Wars5. Morpheus - The Matrix4. Belle - Beauty and the Beast3. Dom Toretto - Fast & Furi...

2023-06-0429 min

WonderTour Top Ten Magnanimous Leaders Pt. 1: #10-#6In WonderTour Episodes 1-99 we explored so many fictional worlds and incredible leaders. Its time for Brian, Derrick, and Drew to rank their Top 10 most magnanimous leaders that demonstrate what it looks like to lead well for the good of others.TOP TENPersonal Selections (10-8):Brian: The Ancient One - Doctor StrangeDrew: Saito - InceptionDerrick: Michael Scott?!?! - The Office 7. Andy Dufresne - The Shawshank Redemption6. Obi-Wan Kenobi - Star Wars

2023-05-2822 min

WonderTour Episode 100 Pt. 3: How to Break Limits and Unleash Flourishing into the WorldDo you ever feel discouraged from running up against the same problems in the world over and over again with seeing much success in finding a solution? We see our favorite movie characters overcoming immense challenges to leave a lasting impact on the world, and yet, its easy to believe that only happens in the movies. If you are feeling inspired to break through systematic constraints to unlock a new state of flourishing in the world, then it might be time for a Limit-Break!In other words, how might we break through from our current state of di...

2023-05-2122 min

WonderTour Episode 100 Pt. 1: How to Boldly Set Off into the Unknown and Change the WorldIn our first episode of our WonderTour 100 celebration Derrick, and Drew synthesize learnings from stories like Beauty and the Beast (see ep 67) and Fast & Furious (see ep 64) to develop a recipe for how to set off on a journey that can leave a legacy. The world is a large place and it might seem like the systems are so rigid that even a magnanimous leader can hardly have an impact. And yet, history and our favorite stories tell us that despite the inertia, transformation can be achieved and lives can be touched. If we desire to change the...

2023-05-0725 min

WonderTour Hamilton Pt. 2: How to Build a Legacy

2023-04-3034 min

WonderTour Hamilton Pt. 1: How to Lead in a Time of Revolution

2023-04-2331 min

WonderTour Rogue One Pt. 2: Why Do We Have to Sacrifice So That We Can Transform?

2023-04-1630 min

WonderTour Rogue One Pt. 1: How to Choose Joy in the Most Difficult Moments of our Lives

2023-04-0928 min

WonderTour Big Hero 6 Pt. 2: Is Character Really Destiny?

2023-04-0233 min

WonderTour Big Hero 6 Pt. 1: How Creating Brings Us Joy

2023-03-2627 min

WonderTour The Office Pt. 2: How Reframing Unlocks Joy

2023-03-1924 min

WonderTour The Office Pt. 1: How to Choose Joy and Overcome Selfishness

2023-03-1224 min

WonderTour Blues Brothers Pt. 2: How to Spread Joy and Inspire People

2023-03-0523 min

WonderTour Blues Brothers Pt. 1: How to Be Joyful Despite Your Circumstances

2023-02-2624 min

WonderTour The Shawshank Redemption Pt. 2: Why You Should Be a Magnanimous Leader and Change the World

2023-02-1931 min

WonderTour The Shawshank Redemption Pt. 1: How to Break out of an Institutional Mindset

2023-02-1226 min

WonderTour Skyfall Pt. 2: How to Break Away from the Past and Play from Ahead

2023-02-0533 min

WonderTour Skyfall Pt. 1: How to Change the Game When Your Organization Reaches a Limit

2023-01-2931 min

WonderTour Inside Out Pt. 2: How to Lead Your Team Through a Limit-Break

2023-01-2231 min

WonderTour Inside Out Pt. 1: How to Prepare Yourself Emotionally for a Limit-Break

2023-01-1534 min

WonderTour Andor Pt. 2: The Recipe for a Limit-Break

2023-01-0831 min

WonderTour Andor Pt. 1: The Recipe for a Limit-Break

2023-01-0130 min

WonderTour Avengers Pt. 2: Why Demonstrating Good Character Leads to Transformative Moments

2022-12-2527 min

WonderTour Avengers Pt. 1: The Danger of Pursuing Purpose Over Promoting People

2022-12-1829 min

WonderTour Princess Mononoke Pt. 2: Can We Really Break Through Challenges By Holding Back?

2022-12-1125 min

WonderTour Princess Mononoke Pt. 1: How to See Clearly (with Eyes Unclouded By Hate)

2022-12-0425 min

WonderTour The Dark Knight Rises Pt. 2: How to Start a Revolution Through Servant Leadership

2022-11-2729 min

WonderTour The Dark Knight Rises Pt. 1: How To Climb Out of a Deep PitAt points in each of our lives we have our own dark nights where we feel trapped in the proverbial pit without the ability to escape. In The Dark Knight Rises, each of the characters must climb from the physical, mental, and spiritual pits they find themselves in starting with Bruce. Alfred, as the magnanimous mentor, leads by example. Alfred makes a personal sacrifice (his relationship with Bruce) in order to help Bruce's façade of hope give way to something real. Along the way Alfred and Bruce teach us that to climb out of the pit we mu...

2022-11-2024 min

WonderTour The Hobbit Pt. 2: Does Building Up Belief Require Pain and Discomfort?As much as we would all love to be Aragorn, Legolas, or Gandalf in LOTR, if we are being honest with ourselves, we are probably more like Bilbo. We love to find a comfortable spot and make a life for ourselves in it for as long as the world will allow. Enter the Unexpected Journey. Like Bilbo, we all need a journey to draw us into the discomfort that's required for growth.Even then, starting out on a journey does not immediately give us a strong hope and belief. We can get a dose of hope through a Ga...

2022-11-1335 min

WonderTour The Hobbit Pt. 1: How to Lead Like GandalfWe all wish we could lead like Gandalf, but how could we ever become that magnanimous and how do we contribute to a better world when there aren't orcs and dragons to fight? Gandalf's style of servant leadership is perfectly encapsulated in this quote, "Saruman believes it is only great power that can hold evil in check, but that is not what I have found. It is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love. Why Bilbo Baggins? Perhaps because I am afraid, and he gives m...

2022-11-0629 min

WonderTour Nightmare Before Christmas Pt. 2: How to Approach Change with HumilityRegardless of who you are, we at WonderTour believe that you are a leader. Whether you run your own business, lead a team of problem solvers, serve as mother or father to a family, or are just growing up with big aspirations of making an impact in the world. One of the reasons we need everyone to be leaders is because change is inevitable and good leadership is required to navigate the waters of uncertainty and come out better on the other side. In The Nightmare Before Christmas, Jack Skellington attempts to instigate a monumental shift in his...

2022-10-3029 min

WonderTour Nightmare Before Christmas Pt. 1: How to Break Out of a Mundane LoopWhether its a stagnant job or a repetitive personal life, we can find ourselves lacking joy and hope, trapped in a closed loop without meaningful disruptions. Like Jack Skellington in A Nightmare Before Christmas, we could be the Pumpkin King of Halloween but without hope for the future, it all feels empty. We want to take the reigns and run out of our own closed loop Halloweentown, looking for something bright and shiny that brings us joy again, but that proposition can be scary. Will others follow? Will I end up leading them astray?Taking the initiative to b...

2022-10-2323 min

WonderTour Casablanca Pt. 2: Why You Have to Sacrifice to Build HopeIn part 1 of Casablanca we worked out how to identify a Casablanca, aka a closed loop insulated environment where hope goes to die. In part 2 we look to the examples of magnanimous leaders to see how they engineer an escape from Casablanca and in doing so break the closed loop for the good of those around them. When we find ourselves in a Casablanca-esque downward spiral of hope in our lives, it can seem impossible to reverse, yet through the examples of Victor, Ilsa, and even Rick, we can come to understand that sacrifice is the key to...

2022-10-1628 min

WonderTour Casablanca Pt. 1: How to Spread Hope in a Worried WorldYou don't have to look much further than your immediate group of friends or acquaintances each day to find people who are lacking in hope, without a cause to believe in. In Casablanca, we find a microcosm of humanity, a battle for hope. Just because we aren't in WWII, like the characters in Casablanca, doesn't mean that there isn't a palpable lack of hope in the air. It could be your department at work, your extended family, or even you yourself that are perpetuating a proverbial Casablanca environment where hope is throttled through something like an exit vis...

2022-10-0929 min

WonderTour The Force Awakens Pt. 2: How to Follow the Invisible MapAs we transition into a new series called "Hope and Belief" we return to a beloved franchise and character to guide our learning. When we first find Rey she is capable and intelligent, but she is trapped in the past. She's holding onto a feint hope that her parents will one day return to Jakku with little to believe in. And don't we all find ourselves stuck in the past at points in our lives. If we are to be magnanimous we must, like Rey, rise up, turning our heads and our hearts to the present and the...

2022-10-0233 min

WonderTour The Force Awakens Pt. 1: Why Do We Run Away But Hide the Map So We Can Still Be Found??Do you ever get tired of trying, tired of not achieving expectations, and tempted to give up and away from your problems? People and expectations can be tough to deal with and even Jedi Master Luke Skywalker gives into those feelings, running away to a hidden island to escape his past and the pain it brings. And yet, he hides a map so that others might find him. In our finale to the Map Making series, we pull apart Star Wars VII: The Force Awakens and seek to understand why we as humans might recede away from our...

2022-09-2526 min

WonderTour Beauty and the Beast Pt. 2: Expanding our Influence by giving Up ControlWhether we find ourselves just starting out in a new role, as new parents, or on another journey, the scope of the world that we understand is never enough for our liking. Like Belle reading her books, we are always dreaming of understanding the world better and making an impact on it. But what if we aren't just like Belle, we are also like Beast and Gaston?Beast comes from influence and control, but he's trapped in a small world, searching for a way to break out through his own abilities. Through Belle's magnanimous character, she teaches Bea...

2022-09-1832 min

WonderTour Beauty and the Beast Pt. 1: Preparing to Lead in a Big World When Your Current World is SmallOne of the reasons we love Beauty and the Beast is because we can relate to Belle. We all want to be a part of something bigger than "this provincial life". Like most of us, Belle yearns for an adventure that makes her life meaningful. While Belle wouldn't call herself a leader when we find her early in the story, she practices magnanimous character within the small world she lives in. By curating her character when the stakes are small, she is able to pass the test and break the curse when the stakes scale up, unlocking life...

2022-09-1130 min

WonderTour Fast Five Pt. 2: How to Build a Team That's Ride or DieSalute mi Familia - the most recognizable line in the Fast and Furious franchise. We all want to be part of the familia that Dom Toretto is building when we watch these movies, but how do we create those types of teams and moments in real life?Despite his calloused exterior and checkered past, Dom Toretto is one of the most magnanimous leaders we've seen on WonderTour, a true Gandalf-type. Dom's leadership superpower that boosts his teams to greater heights is his emotional integration. Dom isn't afraid to show his own emotions and he's always studying the hea...

2022-09-0426 min

WonderTour Fast Five Pt. 1: Overcoming Unbeatable Odds By Flipping the Map Upside-downJust like in Fast Five when Dom, Brian, and the team are trapped in Rio and on the run from both Hobbs and Reyes, it can sometimes feel like our lives are out of our control. Someone else makes the map and we just have to stay within their lines. But as magnanimous leaders, we believe that the current map of reality isn't all there is to the story. When our known maps seem incompatible with our objectives, it's time to flip the map upside-down. Flipping the Map allows us to 1) gain information about the other parties in t...

2022-08-2827 min

WonderTour Avatar Pt. 2: How and When to Reset Our MapsWhen we enter a new ecosystem, like Pandora, with new rules, players, functions, etc. It can be a rude awakening that our maps of reality are utterly insufficient to navigate this new terrain. Un-writing maps of reality can be a painful and energy-intensive process, just ask Jake or Trudy. Both come to Pandora with a hunan-centric view of the universe and struggle to accept what they see and what the Na'vi are trying to tell them about the world around them, because their maps are already too fixed, their cups are already full. Over the course of our...

2022-08-2134 min

WonderTour Avatar Pt. 1: What to Do When the Map in Your Head Doesn't Align with RealityWhen Jake Sully reaches Pandora in Avatar, he comes pre-loafed with a series of mental maps that he uses to navigate reality: his maps of reality. Jake's maps include all kinds of useful tools that he's learned on earth from how to navigate the world without the use of his legs to how to respond to combat situations. We all have our own maps of reality that we use to navigate and become reliant on, but we're all flawed, so what happens when those models prove ineffective in a new situation? When Jake is failing to adapt his...

2022-08-1429 min

WonderTour Indiana Jones Pt. 2: How to Integrate Conflicting SkillsetsLike Indiana Jones at the end of The Last Crusade, we all want to be the type of hero that can pass the trials when they inevitably come and save the day. But Indy can't pass those tests without his father Henry's wisdom and we as magnanimous leaders we know that it's not about us, it's about others. So how might we equip our team to pass the trials when it's hard to know when the trials will come or what trials we might face? To navigate that sort of uncertainty and challenge requires both generalist and specialist skill set...

2022-08-0724 min

WonderTour Indiana Jones Pt. 1: What to Do When You Only Have Half a MapIt's time to begin a new series on WonderTour. This time we are talking about Map-making and what better place to start than Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Navigating a complicated world takes all kinds of skills but one of the most under-rated is Map-making. While few maps are 100% accurate, many are useful. There are a plethora of different types of maps that we can make and use depending on the type of situation we find ourselves in, but one thing is clear, without a map it's hard to progress the story. In The Last Crusade, Indy...

2022-07-3125 min

WonderTour Stranger Things Pt. 2: How to Have Compassion On Those Above and Below YouIt's hard enough to have Compassion on our peers, but how do we have Compassion on those above us and below us in the organization chart? All too often we hear blaming and conjecturing but rarely, for example, does an executive take action and have Compassion on the grassroots or does a citizen have compassion on their public servants. To put it in Stranger Things terms, it takes a lot of energy to create a gate between the layers of an organization and most often, people aren't willing to put that much energy in. By looking at how in St...

2022-07-2427 min

WonderTour Stranger Things Pt. 1: How to Have Compassion on Someone We Don't Agree WithWe would all probably say that we want to be compassionate people. But what do you do when you don't agree with the person you are trying to have compassion on? In Stranger Things S1E5, the Flea and the Acrobat, the children learn a lesson in compassion as they search for the Hawkins Lab. El manipulates the compass to try to keep them safe but Lucas uncovers her secret and and calls her out causing a fight. Having compassion on each other breaks through the personal conflicts and allows the team to eventually save Will and accomplish their mis...

2022-07-1730 min

WonderTour Thor Ragnarok Pt. 2: How to be the Leader the People Need (Instead of the Leader You Want)In the MCU oftentimes what we remember most about our favorite heroes is their overcoming moment or how they vanquished the bad guy in the final fight. Yet, in our daily lives we rarely come across events of that magnitude. So how can we still be leaders like Thor in our daily struggles?Thor Ragnarok turns the superhero genre on its head, providing a character-driven buddy cop story where the heroes learn more from getting beat up than they do from winning. Odin's advice that Thor is the "god of thunder" not the "god of hammers" can on...

2022-06-2728 min

WonderTour Thor Ragnarok Pt. 1: How to Find the Balance Between Compassion and WisdomChoosing to act compassionately can feel like it drains our energy levels. On top of that the world is full of people in need and our time and resources our finite so how could we be compassionate to everyone all the time? Like many of us, Thor has some complicated relationships to work through, namely his brother Loki. Thor's love for his brother is clear but sometimes his actions feel like they're enabling Loki. How might we, like Thor, find the balance of compassion and wisdom that empower those we care about to become the best they can...

2022-06-2024 min

WonderTour The Batman Pt. 2: How to Inspire Hope When All Seems LostAs humans, it seems like hope is a currency that we are always short on. As leaders we seek to inspire hope in those around us, but without a formula to execute, it's certainly daunting. Hope just isn't always logical. Enter compassion, an illogical maneuver that completely forgets what someone can do for us, inverting the focus from who we are in the story to who they are. This week we learn from The Batman embodies this shift as he goes from portraying vengeance with his fists to inspiring hope by cleaning up rubble.w/ Brian Nutwell

2022-05-2928 min

WonderTour The Batman Pt. 1: Why Subverting Expectations Changes EverythingNormally it's considered a negative to subvert expectations. When it comes to compassion, if we wish to see lives transformed then we must look for opportunities to unexpectedly turn the narrative upside down. Changing a city or a culture is challenging work and it's often complicated. Like the Batman, how might we learn to have Compassion in the face of overwhelming pain rather than crusade for our own narrative of vengeance? Working definition: Compassion is about being there in the moment, seeing the world from someone else's viewpoint, and envisioning the future not getting caught up in the...

2022-05-2329 min

WonderTour Dune Pt. 2: Character is DestinyIn today's world, it almost seems impossible to maintain integrity in all we do. To consistently take the long view, making decisions that prioritize the good of others, is seemingly a lost art. But if the ancient words of Heraclitus ring true and our character determines our destiny then integrity must be the unbreakable bonds that hold our character model intact over the course of our lives. By following the character arcs of Paul and Yueh we can see how our integrity either gives way to magnanimous character or leads to death.

2022-03-2030 min

WonderTour Dune Pt. 1: How to Achieve Team Goals By Acting With IntegrityThis week's Tour brings a new guest, but a veteran of living out the Wonder Tour, Brian. As leaders it can be a struggle to get everyone rowing in the same direction. We all have a vision to cast, a story to tell of how the team gets there, but how do we get people so bought into that narrative that they will push the story forward even when we aren't around? By looking to Duke Leto's guidance we can see how his superpower of integrity allows the team to keep pressing forwards despite the obstacles.

2022-03-1324 min