My Next Big Move...

Jonathan Essary & Tom Warson
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My Next Big Move...

Where do we go from here? Jonathan and Tom are on a mission to figure out what it takes to make the Next Big Move. The nuance of someone's journey is filled with micro-decisions, internal struggles, and behavioral changes that eventually guide them to accomplish their goals. Each episode features Jon and Tom discussing various topics related to career development, product delivery, and navigating the business conditions we find ourselves in. We examine these areas through multiple viewpoints, paradigms, and frameworks to better understand the path ahead and determine the best leap for where we and our guests want to go. Join us twice a month as we journey through the forest of uncertainty in search of how to crack the code together to make My Next Big Move.

Episodes

  1. Ep. 7 – The Mountain Range of Possibility

    MAR 27

    Ep. 7 – The Mountain Range of Possibility

    Jon and Tom reflect on the evolving journey of professional identity, exploring how curiosity, creativity, and adaptability shape the next big move. Jon unpacks his own process of figuring out where he fits within a corporate merger and a changing industry, focusing on how to apply cutting-edge knowledge—like quantum computing or AI—through a lens of product engineering and creative systems thinking. They explore the tension between research, engineering, and operations as value-creation modes, using vivid analogies like hiking through a mountain range of opportunity and navigating trade-offs between discovery and delivery. The episode also tackles the challenge of communicating intangible value, packaging innovation into something marketable, and how storytelling shapes impact in careers and consulting. This episode is a deep dive for anyone reflecting on connecting their strengths, curiosity, and experience into meaningful work that drives both personal fulfillment and professional contribution.

    56 min
  2. Ep. 6 – Defining Value and Navigating Change

    MAR 13

    Ep. 6 – Defining Value and Navigating Change

    Jon and Tom get nerdy and explore the evolving nature of professional value, discussing how intangible assets—like relationships, knowledge, and adaptability—play a crucial role in career progression. Tom shares insights from his experience navigating a corporate merger with IBM, reflecting on how organizations assess and place talent in shifting landscapes. They dive into the challenges of self-assessment, especially when individual contributions blend into team efforts. How do you identify the impact you've made? How do you translate those experiences into future career opportunities? Jon and Tom unpack the hidden dynamics of strategic decision-making, staffing, and systems thinking, emphasizing the importance of understanding value cycles in personal careers and business operations. For anyone looking to clarify their impact, position themselves for new opportunities, or better understand how organizations measure success, this episode offers valuable perspectives on defining and communicating value in an ever-changing workplace.

    1h 5m
  3. Ep. 5 – Burnout, Motivation, & Consistency

    FEB 27

    Ep. 5 – Burnout, Motivation, & Consistency

    Jon and Tom dive into the realities of burnout, motivation, and the challenge of staying consistent when building something meaningful. They explore how the initial excitement of a new project often fades, making way for the real work of sustaining momentum. Jon shares his struggle balancing deep thinking and execution, while Tom reflects on how external accountability can drive long-term success. This conversation unpacks the psychology behind persistence, explaining how personal ambition, feedback loops, and understanding one's "why" can determine whether a project thrives or fades. The participants also discuss the hidden costs of creative work, the role of adaptability, and strategies for building habits that outlast the highs and lows of motivation. For anyone navigating personal growth, side projects, or career pivots, this episode offers insights on how to stay committed, overcome burnout, and play the long game toward success.

    58 min
  4. Ep. 4 – Managing Unknowns and Collaboration

    FEB 13

    Ep. 4 – Managing Unknowns and Collaboration

    Jon and Tom discuss the intersection of program management, product design, and creative problem-solving in tackling complex challenges. Drawing from real-world experiences, they explore how program management orchestrates large-scale projects, highlighting the importance of breaking silos, aligning goals, and fostering communication among diverse teams. The conversation delves into the adaptability required to balance predictive planning with the unpredictable realities of modern systems. Jon shares insights on working with intricate logistics and infrastructure projects, emphasizing the necessity of flexible thinking and structured coordination. Tom reflects on how internal processes and mental models shape organizational and personal success, advocating for creative approaches to problem-solving and adaptability. This episode offers valuable takeaways for professionals navigating large-scale challenges and seeking innovative ways to collaborate effectively.

    46 min
  5. Ep. 3 – Unlocking Clarity and Confidence

    JAN 30

    Ep. 3 – Unlocking Clarity and Confidence

    Jon and Tom explore the intersection of organization, systems, and professional success, sharing personal insights on how structure fuels confidence and adaptability. They discuss practical tools like Google Maps and Edge workspaces for organizing workflows, emphasizing the importance of clarity in navigating both personal and professional landscapes. The conversation dives into the value of aligning individual contributions with broader business objectives, tying personal systems of organization to the larger goals of a team or company. Jon and Tom also reflect on the power of influence in career growth, the importance of being intentional with personal branding, and the role of clarity in digital platforms like LinkedIn. Join The Fusionist newsletter for more: https://thefusionist.beehiiv.com/subscribe.

    39 min
  6. Ep. 2 – Simplifying Complexity and Sparking Innovation

    12/02/2024

    Ep. 2 – Simplifying Complexity and Sparking Innovation

    Jon and Tom continue their journey of launching a podcast by experimenting with new tools and discussing the balance between planning and spontaneity in creative endeavors. This episode dives into their brainstorming process, exploring how notebooks, frameworks, and collaborative tools like Figma and Miro fuel their creativity. They reflect on the evolving importance of agile and product mindsets, highlighting the role of adaptability in a fast-changing world. Jon shares his discovery of being a "fusionist"—someone who integrates diverse fields like design, technology, and systems thinking to simplify complexity and inspire innovation. They also touch on the power of visuals for learning and retention, emphasizing frameworks as tools for clarity and action. Stay tuned as Jon and Tom navigate personal growth and professional insights, setting the stage for future deep dives into complexity theory and their "next big move." Join The Fusionist newsletter for more: https://thefusionist.beehiiv.com/subscribe.

    47 min
  7. Ep. 1 (Pilot) – Defining Your Personal Brand and Navigating Complexity

    08/02/2024

    Ep. 1 (Pilot) – Defining Your Personal Brand and Navigating Complexity

    Jon and Tom discuss self-discovery and personal branding, sharing challenges in defining their unique value and contributions. This episode sets the stage for future discussions on personal and professional development, offering insights and inspiration through candid conversations and relatable experiences. They reflect on how their Midwestern and evangelical Protestant upbringings instilled humility and a strong work ethic, complicating self-promotion. Emphasizing career intentionality, they share personal anecdotes, like Jon's early art award and Tom's proactive strategies. They explore complexity theory, illustrating how simple rules lead to emergent behaviors, and discuss ethical considerations in influencing behavior through design and marketing. Using a hiking analogy, they emphasize adaptability in career paths, advocating for designing one's career with adaptable rules for emergent opportunities. Join The Fusionist newsletter for more: https://thefusionist.beehiiv.com/subscribe.

    1 hr
  • 7 Episodes

About

Where do we go from here? Jonathan and Tom are on a mission to figure out what it takes to make the Next Big Move. The nuance of someone's journey is filled with micro-decisions, internal struggles, and behavioral changes that eventually guide them to accomplish their goals. Each episode features Jon and Tom discussing various topics related to career development, product delivery, and navigating the business conditions we find ourselves in. We examine these areas through multiple viewpoints, paradigms, and frameworks to better understand the path ahead and determine the best leap for where we and our guests want to go. Join us twice a month as we journey through the forest of uncertainty in search of how to crack the code together to make My Next Big Move.

Information

  • Creator
    Jonathan Essary & Tom Warson
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    My Next Big Move...

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