Your One Chord
This week's interview is with Marcus Collins.
Your One Chord
If you're an anglophile of a certain age, you’ll know the comedic operettas of Gilbert and Sullivan.
The Pirates of Penzance. Trial by Jury. The Mikado. All classics.
I can sing the entirety of I am the very model of a modern major general. Really.
I am the very model of a modern Major-Gineral,[a]
I've information vegetable, animal, and mineral,
I know the kings of England, and I quote the fights historical
From Marathon to Waterloo, in order categorical;[b]
I'm very well acquainted, too, with matters mathematical,
I understand equations, both the simple and quadratical,
About binomial theorem I'm teeming with a lot o' news,
With many cheerful facts about the square of the hypotenuse.
You may laugh, but I’ve won a pub quiz by being able to do that.
Gilbert and Sullivan were all about the laughs. But outside that partnership, they were hungry for more serious work. Really the only work I know is by Sullivan, and it’s called the Lost Chord. He wrote it on the deathbed of his brother. The lyrics go like this:
Seated one day at the organ,
I was weary and ill at ease,
And my fingers wandered idly
Over the noisy keys.
I know not what I was playing,
Or what I was dreaming then;
But I struck one chord of music,
Like the sound of a great Amen.
One chord. A great Amen.
It’s such a powerful way to name a moment of … insight, awareness, presence, deep familiarity, awe.
Are you listening for your one chord? Hearing it can make all the difference.
📕 My Guest: Marcus Collins
Marcus Collins, a creative at heart and a product of Detroit, brings a unique perspective to the podcast with his background in advertising, music, and academia. As a researcher and author of For the Culture, Marcus gets into the complexities of human behavior and cultural influences. His experiences as an outsider and insider have shaped his empathetic approach to understanding the forces that shape our interactions and behaviors in society.
🎧 Outside, Inside & Culture: A Conversation with Marcus Collins
Marcus Collins reads two pages from Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely.
In our conversation we discuss:
Embracing Inflection Points
Key moments that drastically alter one’s path are crucial. Seizing opportunities and remaining adaptable during these inflection points can lead to significant personal and professional growth.
The Power of Self-Discovery
Realizing knowledge gaps can lead to profound journeys of learning. Continuous self-improvement and the humility to acknowledge these gaps are essential for true growth.
Intersection of Creativity and Strategy
Leveraging creative skills in strategic business contexts can create impactful results. Understanding the underlying principles of human behavior is vital for effective marketing and communication.
Navigating Belonging and Outsiderness
Feeling like an outsider can fuel empathy and a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives. This experience enhances the ability to connect with and understand different cultural and social dynamics.
Service and Scaling Impact
Being driven by a sense of duty to serve and scale impact is a powerful motivator. Prioritizing purpose over personal achievement and using opportunities responsibly can lead to touching more lives and creating a lasting legacy.
Read the Interview
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Thanks for listening and being part of 2 Pages with MBS.
You’re awesome and you’re doing great.
