All Episodes

May 28, 2025 15 mins

Can one word change your life? Bruce thinks so. In this solo episode he unpacks a deceptively simple but transformative idea. Drawing from personal insight, academic influence, and examples from previous episodes, Bruce challenges listeners to step away from the comfort of binary choices and embrace the complexity of the real world.


Key Takeaways

  • "And" vs. "But":
  • The word “but” often shuts down possibilities. Replacing it with “and” fosters openness, creativity, and more constructive dialogue.
  • The Binary Trap:
  • We instinctively seek simplicity — growth or security, tradition or innovation — but this limits our ability to navigate real-world complexity.
  • Embracing Complexity:
  • Success in today’s world belongs to those who can hold opposing truths, navigate ambiguity, and resist the pressure to simplify.
  • The Unreasonable Advantage:
  • Progress is driven by those willing to defy convention. As George Bernard Shaw said, "All progress depends on the unreasonable man."
  • Examples in Action:
  • Companies like Patagonia, LEGO, and Tony’s Chocolonely show that it’s possible to be profitable and purposeful, legacy-honouring and innovative.
  • Decision-Making in Practice:
  • Real-world decisions don’t follow linear logic. Leaders must think more like jazz musicians — adaptive, improvisational, and collaborative.


Notable Quotes

"Every time you want to use the word 'but', use 'and' instead."

— Professor Chris Dalton (as quoted by Bruce)

"Comfort isn’t a metric of a good decision. Discomfort is often required."

— Bruce Whitfield

"The real world isn’t an either/or world. It’s messy. It’s uncertain. It’s full of conflicting data, competing priorities, and impossible expectations. It is the world of 'and'."

— Bruce Whitfield

"All progress depends on the unreasonable man."

— George Bernard Shaw (quoted by Bruce)

 

References & Mentions

  • Chris Dalton – Henley Business School professor whose advice on conjunctions inspired this episode’s theme.
  • George Bernard Shaw – Quoted for his insight on the nature of progress and unreasonableness.
  • Past Guests Referenced:
  • Lord Karan Bilimoria – On serendipity and seeing differently.
  • Noula Walsh – On pausing before action.
  • Lee Child – On betting on oneself and the cost of timidity.
  • Companies & Examples:
  • Patagonia – Profitable and fighting climate change.
  • Tony’s Chocolonely – Expanding and ethical.
  • LEGO – Rooted in tradition and digitally transforming.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce

New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce

Football’s funniest family duo — Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs — team up to provide next-level access to life in the league as it unfolds. The two brothers and Super Bowl champions drop weekly insights about the weekly slate of games and share their INSIDE perspectives on trending NFL news and sports headlines. They also endlessly rag on each other as brothers do, chat the latest in pop culture and welcome some very popular and well-known friends to chat with them. Check out new episodes every Wednesday. Follow New Heights on the Wondery App, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to new episodes early and ad-free, and get exclusive content on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And join our new membership for a unique fan experience by going to the New Heights YouTube channel now!

Dateline NBC

Dateline NBC

Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.