Episode 082: Daniel Pink – The Science Of Motivation, Legendary Writer & TED Talk

Dan Pink is one of my all-time favorite writers and speakers.  He truly understands the importance of an intense focus on continuous improvement.  His focus and work on “Autonomy, Mastery, and Purpose” is fantastic.  We are extremely fortunate to have Dan share his knowledge with us, the loyal listeners of The Learning Leader Show.

Dan Pink is the author of five provocative books — including three long-running New York Times bestsellers, A Whole New Mind, Drive, and To Sell is Human. Dan’s books have been translated into 34 languages and have sold more than 2 million copies worldwide.   In 2013, Thinkers 50 named him one of the top 15 business thinkers in the world.

Dan’s TED Talk on the science of motivation is one of the 10 most-watched TED Talks of all time, with more than 19 million views. His RSA Animate video about the ideas in his book, Drive, has collected more than 14 million views.  Before venturing out on his own 18 years ago, Dan worked in several positions in politics and government, including serving from 1995 to 1997 as chief speechwriter to Vice President Al Gore.

Episode 082: Daniel Pink – The Science Of Motivation, Legendary Writer & TED Talk

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The Learning Leader Show

“For a sales professional, I look for: Conscientiousness, Willingness to develop expertise, and Ambiversion.”

Some Questions I Ask:

  • What are the common characteristics of high achievers?
  • What was your proves for quitting your job as a speechwriter and becoming a full time writer?
  • What was your preparation process for your legendary TED Talk?
  • What are the specific skills needed in order to remain in control of your career?
  • How does your research have an effect on the profession of sales?
  • Why do we struggle to implement and execute on what we learn from books/speeches/workshops?
  • What advice would you give to your 20 year old self?
  • What books have had the biggest influence on your life?
  • What does being a learning leader mean to you?

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

  • The critical components of sustaining excellence: Curiosity, Generosity, Hard Work
  • What it was like writing speeches for Al Gore
  • The process for starting his own business and leaving his comfort zone
  • The specific traits he looks for in a sales professional
  • His interview process to increase his odds of hiring the right people
  • The specific elements of “To Sell Is Human”
  • Focusing on one small task and doing it daily
  • Drew Brees and moving the chains… Getting first downs
  • Habit Formation and how to do it
  • Having a Growth Mindset vs. a Fixed Mindset

“Focus on moving the chains.  Can I do one small thing every single day?”

Continue Learning:

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Episode 004: How Todd Wagner (and Mark Cuban) Sold Broadcast.com To Yahoo! For $5.7 Billion

Episode 010: Shane Snow – How To Accelerate Success Using Smart Cuts

Did you enjoy the podcast?

This was a jam packed episode full of great content.  Dan Pink is leader who is constantly learning in order to help us all live a better life. Who do you know that needs to hear this?  Send them to The Learning Leader Show!

Episode edited by the great J Scott Donnell

Bio From DanPink.com  

Dan Pink is the author of five provocative books — including three long-running New York Times bestsellers, A Whole New Mind, Drive, and To Sell is Human. Dan’s books have been translated into 34 languages and have sold more than 2 million copies worldwide.   In 2013, Thinkers 50 named him one of the top 15 business thinkers in the world.

Dan’s TED Talk on the science of motivation is one of the 10 most-watched TED Talks of all time, with more than 19 million views. His RSA Animate video about the ideas in his book, Drive, has collected more than 14 million views.  Before venturing out on his own 18 years ago, Dan worked in several positions in politics and government, including serving from 1995 to 1997 as chief speechwriter to Vice President Al Gore.

He received a BA from Northwestern University, where he was a Truman Scholar and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, and a JD from Yale Law School. He has also received honorary degrees from the Pratt Institute, the Ringling College of Art and Design, and Westfield State University.