Field Notes

Curated reading, viewing, and listening.

A working library of the articles, videos, podcasts, and books James points to when clients ask “what should I read next?” New entries get added as they earn their place.

PodcastJun 11, 2026

AI, Commencement Speeches, and Why Human Thinking Still Matters | The Curiosity Shop

Why commencement speeches get booed, what AI work slop costs teams, and what great communication actually requires.

VideoJun 10, 2026

I've got really good hiring advice: learn to fire fast

Hiring mistakes are inevitable, but letting ego delay the firing decision compounds the damage.

PodcastJun 9, 2026

1 Hour of Business Strategy with 7 Entrepreneurs | Inside 4Ds

Seven entrepreneurs get direct, unfiltered advice on messaging, content strategy, brand building, and team management from Gary Vaynerchuk.

PodcastJun 4, 2026

What Great Teams Teach Us About Trust, Grief, and Courage | The Curiosity Shop

How the San Antonio Spurs' culture of safety, trust, and emotional honesty applies to teams, families, and workplaces.

VideoJun 2, 2026

Young men are struggling—mentors can help | Matthew Jodouin | TEDxSurrey

A recovered substance abuser makes the practical case for mentorship as a scalable, low-cost intervention for struggling young men.

VideoJun 1, 2026

Tech Whistleblower: You Only Have 3 Years Left Before It Hits! - Mo Gawdat

Mo Gawdat argues AGI has effectively arrived, 30% of certain job sectors will vanish by 2028, and the real threat is humans weaponizing AI against other humans.

VideoMay 29, 2026

How will AI impact the jobs market?

AI's effect on employment is real and uneven, with entry-level roles already shrinking while new opportunities remain hard to see.

PodcastMay 28, 2026

Exploring the Paradoxes of Human Nature | The Curiosity Shop

Two thinkers unpack the Abilene Paradox, the Stockdale Paradox, and why leaders must hold opposing truths simultaneously.

PodcastMay 14, 2026

How to Build a Remarkable Brand in the Age of AI | Seth Godin

Marketing is not about spend or noise — it is about earning trust and giving people something worth spreading.