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Bloc Thinking

Bloc Thinking

By Werner Puchert, Jonathan Gall

Let's explore ideas and concepts that make designers and entrepreneurs like us tick. Join us as we feed our insatiable curiosity seeking answers to the questions relevant to our listeners from inside and outside Central Europe.
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Friends, Romans, Machines listen to my voice!

Bloc ThinkingJun 25, 2018

00:00
52:38
Breaking through - Making the transition from Designer to CEO - German Leon
Mar 15, 202248:54
Let your next opportunity find you, Forever employable - Jeff Gothelf
Mar 01, 202258:01
Building bridges between ideas and action - Bill Sherman
Feb 15, 202250:03
Reignite your Curiosity: There is always something new to learn - Anthony Rocco
Feb 01, 202253:17
Find your voice: How to Tell a Story that Builds Trust and Converts Customers - Fei Wu
Jan 18, 202253:30
Reverse Mentorship, The New Way to Get Ahead - Joshua Nuttall
Jan 11, 202252:06
Research Rocket-fuel for Your Business - Kasia Gawlik
Dec 28, 202152:06
Can a business be disruption proof? - Dennis Geelen
Dec 14, 202140:04
How to Find Fulfilling Work - Tammy Gooler Loeb
Nov 30, 202101:30:37
Design your event: How to make your meetings matter - Anthony Vade
Nov 16, 202101:14:20
An innovation coaching session, over coffee - Jens Heitland
Nov 02, 202158:36
Burn the Sticky Notes! Ft. Tamara and Shawna Eberle
Oct 19, 202101:06:53
Remove associations with certain "objects" to consider other possibilities - Jeff Parks
Oct 05, 202152:09
Innovation Breakfast No. 02 - Leading cultural transitions
Apr 06, 202101:13:22
Innovation Breakfast No. 01 - Entrepreneurial Culture
Mar 22, 202101:07:26
The Good Place
Mar 01, 202155:42
A candid discussion about the color of our skin

A candid discussion about the color of our skin

Werner and Jonathan sat down earlier last week to catch-up and discuss the current state of the world and how it is impacting them. They didn't realize at that point the flood gate they were opening.
Jul 06, 202001:03:24
How not to run a podcast, but keep things going

How not to run a podcast, but keep things going

In this episode, Werner and Jonathan start by talking about their never-ending quest to find balance in their separate lives. In addition to an update of the status of their respective work situation, they discuss the importance of taking breaks, especially in a context where travel is not encouraged.
Jun 03, 202025:20
How to (re)design your life

How to (re)design your life

Do you feel constantly having too many things that you absolutely have to do? We feel you... So many of us could fill their entire time awake only with tasks, whether they are professional, personal, or from hobbies. The paradox of that condition is that it gets in the way of actually achieving any of those tasks. Not only because of analysis-paralysis but also because it leads us to spend a considerable amount of time balancing our focus between them all. And unfortunately, we end up disappointing ourselves by comparing what we did versus what we wanted to do. It is to talk about this subject that Werner and Jonathan joined forces this week.
Apr 27, 202029:36
How to read without forgetting key concepts

How to read without forgetting key concepts

What is not to like about reading? What other media can engulf you in the wilderness of Alaska or the mind of a world leader at a critical moment of history, all from any place you would find fit for it. However, at a time when it's never been easier to have access to written content, it's also particularly difficult to commit to long-form reading due to distractions and the lack of habits. The Internet has predisposed to fast-food reading, making long-form more difficult to digest or even ingest.
Apr 14, 202020:37
How are you doing?

How are you doing?

The world has been upside-down for some months now as COVID-19 is transfigurating whole communities and creating a dreadful sense of fear in our collective psyche. So, in that context, what could happen in the mind of two solo-entrepreneurs at the dawn of the most important sanitary crisis of the past century?

Hey there, how are you doing? It's the question that Werner and Jonathan ask each other after a few were both were amending their own lives and businesses. This is what this episode is about, an episode about love and goals, about work and friends.
Mar 30, 202029:14
How to write a winning proposal without anxiety and stress?

How to write a winning proposal without anxiety and stress?

As an independent, either solo-entrepreneur, freelance or consultant, you constantly have to negotiate and prove your value to your (potential) clients. It is a painful exercise that very few are prepared to face at the start of their adventure. Unfortunately, this quickly can become the main culprit for the anxiety and stress that characterize too often the solo experience.
Mar 16, 202033:05
How to cope with remote work without losing your mind?

How to cope with remote work without losing your mind?

This week, we all discovered that the simple detail that was missing for companies around the world to suddenly discover the wonderful advantages of remote working was... a global pandemic. Now, millions of workers are supposed to become immediately productive in an environment that they, often, never associated with work.
Mar 14, 202033:05
How to turn distraction into action?

How to turn distraction into action?

Every single January, most of us go through the same ritual: full of hope, we set up ambitious goals for ourselves for the new year. Then comes the installation of new productivity apps encouraged by pervasive App stores, persuading us that this is the solution. We all know what happens too often next. A few months later, we wither in disappointment and self-doubt.
Mar 02, 202030:43
How to avoid a painful start to your solo-entrepreneurship adventure?

How to avoid a painful start to your solo-entrepreneurship adventure?

Ah, the freedom of freelancing, of being your own boss! The concept of running your own business is enthralling, however, very few take the steps towards self-employment. And of those, a good amount drops out of the adventure after just a few months. Are you wondering if you had what it takes to become a successful solo-entrepreneur? Then, this episode is for you. Werner and Jonathan discuss the lessons they learned during their entrepreneurship journey, reflecting on both their successes and failures. And let's be real, especially the failures, so you folks don't make the same. From understanding the crude realities of being a solo-entrepreneur to learning how to sell your skills, you will learn at least one or two useful pieces of information in this episode.
Feb 17, 202028:25
How to create a winning podcast?

How to create a winning podcast?

And we’re back! 2020, new year and new iteration for our beloved show Bloc Thinking. Starting today, during each episode, we will focus on a question that you asked us, during more focused shows that will last less than 30 minutes. Short, focused, efficient but with the same energy that characterised our duo.
Feb 03, 202028:36
Wait for us!

Wait for us!

Wishing our listeners a prosperous 2020. Keep an ear out for us, Jono and Werner will be in your feed soon.
Jan 20, 202000:58
2020 a new decade full of promise!

2020 a new decade full of promise!

It's the end of the year and the traditional time for assessments. Both Werner and Jonathan reflect on what went well in 2019 and what they need to work on and improve in 2020. Werner talks about his desire to focus his efforts on structure and process while Jonathan shares how 2019 went well for him and how he wants to continue to do more of what he did during that year. They then talk about the future format they want Bloc Thinking and how they want it to tie better into their professional lives. The show ends with Jonathan sharing a piece of important personal news with the Happiest Place on Earth as the background for that story.
Dec 23, 201928:10
Do you have any Business in Africa?

Do you have any Business in Africa?

Werner and Jono just got back from Berlin and Amsterdam respectively. Jonathan was invited to speak about a project he's doing in West Africa, and Werner attended the inaugural Event Design Collective Mastermind. Both events provided them with an opportunity to reflect on business in Africa and at home.
Dec 02, 201943:33
We have a [business] dream to share

We have a [business] dream to share

Jono and I want to create something else with this platform. Maybe it's time to do something real, something that could gather our listeners around a topic we all care about. Let's face it; we are tired about talking about senior, junior, UX vs UI ... maybe we should be talking about creating sustainable businesses and how we can avoid getting screwed over by the man.
Nov 19, 201941:58
Guerilla-gear for research and content creation

Guerilla-gear for research and content creation

Buying the right gear and software for your business can cause headaches and unnecessary strain on your budget. Yet, sometimes you have to take the plunge, and we don't blame you if you get excited about that new piece of kit. Werner's excitement about a recent purchase, to support an upcoming project, takes us on an unplanned detour into the world of AV hardware and the software.
Nov 04, 201954:52
What's going on in Jono's head?

What's going on in Jono's head?

Jono's hit a downer this week. I'm sure you've had the same in your business or freelancing practice. We share some honest thoughts and cheer each other up as we continue to be grateful for this adventure of 'self-determination' that we're on. We also have a small reading challenge - if you're like to join us.
Oct 21, 201956:10
Finding truth between Zero and One

Finding truth between Zero and One

We gave each other a homework assignment, read 'Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future' by Peter Thiel. We share what we gained from this reading this book (and how it might benefit you).
Oct 07, 201939:41
Getting Loupe

Getting Loupe

Running your own business has its ups, downs and challenges. Jonathan and I share what we've been doing the last few week's wrapping up with Jono's review of the recent Framer Loupe 2019 event he attended in Amsterdam.
Sep 23, 201950:26
Variety is the spice of life, including your career

Variety is the spice of life, including your career

Ahmad Kadhim Head of Design @mytimesaved (Canada) joined us as a special co-host. Together we explore what it means to work remote and to leverage the freedom in a meaningful way. We ask whether formal studies still makes sense. What about having a varied background with a diverse set of skills? Is it an asset, or might it weigh you down?
Sep 02, 201901:01:07
Ship fast break things

Ship fast break things

Jono is on his way to Framer Loupe, and I still love Omnigraffle. Figma, Sketch, Framer and Jonathan's awesome new business cards - yes he is a product manager. What do all this mean? We huddle together in a room to discuss all this and bid each other safe journeys.
Aug 12, 201901:03:14
Bootstrapping a business, and crossing boundaries

Bootstrapping a business, and crossing boundaries

Starting your own 'sideshow' requires some structure and planning, especially if you have to do it with limited additional investment. We dedicate the bulk of the show discussing a tool we created to help you structure your ideas and bootstrap your gig. We also spend a few minutes, at the start to reflect and pay tribute to a South African legend and what his work meant to Werner and Jono.
Jul 23, 201951:55
Work, Health, Love, Play

Work, Health, Love, Play

Listen to your body; keep track of what you are eating and how you are keeping yourself busy. In the episode, Jonathan sign's up for a gym membership, and Werner explores the world of intermittent fasting and tightening the belt on email and interruptions from Donald Trump. Design your life, your work, your health, ​and love.​
Jul 08, 201901:01:10
Staying productive when you're the Boss

Staying productive when you're the Boss

Productivity. A topic covered by a serial procrastinator and a man who takes his focus to the next level. Jonathan and I chat about our strategies and the software we use to keep ourselves focused and on track. Well, mostly.
Jun 25, 201901:04:28
Reflections from Product Camp Gdynia 2019

Reflections from Product Camp Gdynia 2019

We reflect on some of the topics the speakers at Product Camp Gdynia sparked this year. Fads, methods, product development, foreign accents and Werner's awesome new pencil are just some of the topics covered in this episode.
Jun 11, 201947:31
Life beyond the cubicle

Life beyond the cubicle

Sometimes you just hit the record button to catch up with an old friend. Jonathan Gall and I reflect on our respective professional journeys since becoming self-employed here in Poland. The pitfalls and insights after beyond the safety of our former cubicles.
May 07, 201956:31
In the business of product  (Feat. Maciej Saganowski)

In the business of product (Feat. Maciej Saganowski)

Maciej Saganowski is the mastermind behind Ultimo Studio a boutique consultancy located in the North of Poland. His experience in Sales and Marketing has given him a strong business understanding which he believes will be a crucial skill as designers move from general UX roles into Product Design and Development.
Apr 15, 201953:22
Inspired by an interesting relationship with Loneliness (Feat. Experience Architect Damian Madray).

Inspired by an interesting relationship with Loneliness (Feat. Experience Architect Damian Madray).

A prolific explorer and entrepreneur Damian Madray moved to Silicon Valley where he co-founded The Glint; a collective of creators with the aim to bring people together to connect in deeply authentic ways. This paved the way to his new project, a start-up titled, Presence. It is here that he is focusing on, what he calls an 'enquiry' into how Experiences can be scaled in a sustainable way.
Apr 01, 201950:38
TEDxWarsaw 2019, designing the red circle experience

TEDxWarsaw 2019, designing the red circle experience

Iryna Oleksiuk and Adam Liwiński is part of the volunteer team designing TEDxWarsaw 2019. Iryna takes care of event-experience while Adam, a TEDx veteran, is the project owner. We peek behind the (Polish) red circle to give you a taste of what (and who) it takes to create this event along with a few handy tips for the next time you get on stage.

Psst. Listen to the clip after the end credits to find out how Adam prototyped his apartment :)
Mar 18, 201901:11:00
Face-cream or a new server, you decide

Face-cream or a new server, you decide

No one ever said that it's going to be easy starting your own business. Meet Joanna Skorupska, for a candid discussion on getting fired, discovering the maker movement and finding your calling in life (sometimes in the most remote and unexpected places).

Joanna is the founder of Radicalzz studio, where she has made it her mission to accelerate the sustainability and innovation practices in the field of products, and service design and development.
Feb 04, 201901:01:40
San Diego Sherrif's Department Special

San Diego Sherrif's Department Special

Starting the new year nice and easy with a few good books and perhaps some Tacos and a good Mexican beer. This episode was recorded in San Diego California and is a rundown of my favourite books of 2018. If you love reading about design, and topics related to becoming more aware then this would be for you. It's also a handy primer, just in case you get locked up, and you're not sure which book to choose from the prison library. Happy 2019!
Jan 21, 201947:44
Unlocking the rich harmonies of [Service] Design

Unlocking the rich harmonies of [Service] Design

Ever contemplate the similarities between Design and playing Jazz? Not only the interplay between musicians but also the courage required to get on stage to do the work. For Marina Terteryan a Service Designer and musician all the way from Los Angeles, Armenia it's an obvious analogy. We talk about a brave grandma, brave parents who moved to make a new life in America and to be bold in Design.
Dec 05, 201801:01:16
It will be underwater and upside down

It will be underwater and upside down

Paul Bulencea, is a Romanian Experience Designer, with an unquenchable need to play and explore the universe. He is the co-author of the book Gamification in Tourism and one of the founders of the College of Extraordinary Experiences a remarkable, physical interpretation of Pine and Gilmore's "Experience Economy". Paul was also recognised by Forbes in 2018's 30-under-30.
Nov 12, 201855:19
'Design through the Lens of Culture'

'Design through the Lens of Culture'

I invite you to look at design through the lens of Culture, with Olga Skoczylas. Olga is a Cultural Economist and co-owner of the Design Agency 'Cultural Design'. In this episode, we cover culture, what it means and why it's important but we don't stop there. She has this innate obsession to create domain names and attach projects of all shapes and sizes to them. To that point, the conversation takes an unexpected detour past blockchain, brutalist design, innovation and art.
Oct 17, 201856:18
Structured experience design, adult pillow forts and a dungeon bar

Structured experience design, adult pillow forts and a dungeon bar

Andrew Lacanienta is a Doctoral Candidate in Experience Design at Texas A&M University. He is a close friend who makes a yearly pilgrimage to our side of the world to attend the College of Extraordinary Experiences at Czhocha Castle, Poland. We took some time out of the College schedule to talk about his insights on Experience Desing and focused our conversation on the Theory of Structured Experience Design.
Oct 03, 201858:44