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The Spirit Of The Times

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That’s what the word "zeitgeist" means… the spirit of the times. What is happening now and how does it all come together?

Every year, Google puts together a year-end zeitgeist to show the words, searches, etc… that have shaped our year. What many don’t know is that Google also holds a private and very exclusive event called, Google Zeitgeist, that brings together a couple hundred business executives with some of the leading minds in media, entertainment, business, technology and science to listen, share and learn together over a two-and-a-half day period. I was lucky enough to be invited this past year (the event took place last week in Arizona). One of the most amazing sessions was a conversation between John Batelle (founder of Federated Media, one of the original founders of both Wired Magazine and The Industry Standard and the author of the best-selling business book, The Search) and will.i.am (frontman for The Black Eyed Peas). Much like the TED conference, the organizers of Google Zeitgeist have begun to publish many of the talks online. In fact, check out Zeitgeist – Great Minds Of Our Times for tons and tons of brand new video content.

But first, watch this…

5 comments

  1. Thank Joel for this amazing video.
    Will.i.am is an amazing guy, he clearly knows his field and is smart enough to know that his industry needs a rethinking and he’s taking the lead. Approaching brands to be featured in his video clips is a very wise move.
    You don’t need to be a brain to understand to whom the money goes, artists get the smallest piece of the pie. Because of his entrepreneur skills, will.i.am was able to figure out how to change it and I’m pretty sure he’ll be able to lead a new generation of singers and change the industry.
    But for me clearly what impresses me more is his engagement with the community, the opportunity he’s giving to others and he is for sure an inspiration.
    Thanks again for sharing this piece of inspiration with us.

  2. My three key takeaways:
    1. He builds great decks. He tells stories in a way that gets brands/businesses to pay attention.
    2. He focuses on who his audience is and what they’re into.
    3. He doesn’t do it based on the highest bidder. Ever. “You never do that,” as he says.
    Awesome.

  3. Great Video… EnJOYed the entire interview… What especially hit home, was how he is helping people who are struggling jobs loss, etc… He pays off there house for example, and stated “I dont want them to borrow money, because that just means more debt” This is in my view exactly why were are in the situation we are in globally…. The Debtors want us in debt, so they can control us with FEAR… NO MORE! Best to ALL, Brian-

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