Videos

Philosophy slam part 1: The art of the possible

Written by Future Talent Learning | Oct 20, 2022 3:58:26 PM

Note: If you are able, we strongly encourage you to listen to the audio of this video. Transcripts and closed captions are generated using speech recognition software and may contain errors. Please check the corresponding audio before quoting in print.

 

The hugely popular philosophy slams are back for the 2021 conference. Robert Rowland Smith and Dr Mark Vernon provide a much-needed brain workout to begin the day, this time focusing on what's possible when it comes to skills and inclusion.

 

Key points

  • Transformation, involves a deep inner change. It's about looking beyond appearances to discover a deeper self and tapping into unconscious forces for personal growth.

  • Empathy involves sharing a similar experience with someone, while sympathy is about imagining what it's like to be in their situation. Both are valuable, but empathy can create a deeper connection when you've had a shared experience.

  • Energy can be frenetic or focused. The key is to combine energy with focus for productivity. Maintaining boundaries is crucial, especially in dealing with narcissistic leadership.

  • Narcissistic leaders often seek external validation due to a lack of self-love. Maintaining boundaries while showing empathy can help address this issue.

  • Sometimes, too much transparency can erode trust. "Endarkenment" suggests that not knowing everything can be humane and can build trust and human qualities.

 

More about Robert Rowland Smith

Robert Rowland Smith is a British author and philosopher. He has spoken at many Future Talent Conferences and is a firm favourite amongst audiences.

 

His books include Derrida and AutobiographyBreakfast with Socrates: The Philosophy of Everyday Life and AutoBioPhilosophy: An Intimate Story of What It Means to Be Human.

 

Alongside his literary career, Smith works as a business adviser and practitioner of Systemic Family Constellations. 

 

More about Dr Mark Vernon

As we learn through this discussion, Mark used to be a member of the clergy but is now predominantly a psychotherapist, writer and teacher, with a particular focus in ancient philosophy and how we can apply it to the modern world.

 

He has a private psychotherapy practice, including constellations-based groups, and also works at the Maudsley Hospital. He teaches at The Idler Academy and The School of Life. His latest book is The Idler Guide to Ancient Philosophy.

 

Future Talent Conference 2021 

This talk was filmed at the virtual Future Talent Conference 2021 on Transforming Skills and Inclusion. 

 

Learn how to accelerate your thinking about how we can transform the capabilities in our organisations to keep pace with the speed and scale of change. 

 

The conference explored questions including: 

  • What skills do we need to thrive?
  • How can cognitive diversity support a more creative approach to inclusion?
  • How has the talent landscape been transformed?

Our speakers included historian David Olusoga, Harvard Professor Francesca Gino and entrepreneur, CEO, writer and keynote speaker Margaret Heffernan. 

 

Watch more videos from the Future Talent Conference 2021 here.

 

 

Learners on our Transformational Leadership Programme are encouraged to explore their inner selves in order to develop the necessary skills to become better managers and leaders.