Magic in the Room #134: We Contain Multitudes

December 27, 2022

We all have a hidden layer underneath our observable behavior called mental models. The majority of what drives our behavior is hidden in these mental models. In this episode of Magic in the Room, Luke reflects on how we can bring our hidden mental models to make intentional choices about how we act. 

Listen now on your favorite platform!

 

Research in this Episode 

 

Spiral Dynamics by Don Edward Beck and Christopher C. Cowan 

The Fifth Discipline: The Art & Practice of The Learning Organization by Peter M. Senge 

 

Song of Myself by Walt Whitman 

 

The past and present wilt—I have fill'd them, emptied them.
And proceed to fill my next fold of the future. 

 

Listener up there! what have you to confide to me?
Look in my face while I snuff the sidle of evening,
(Talk honestly, no one else hears you, and I stay only a minute longer.) 

 

Do I contradict myself?
Very well then I contradict myself,
(I am large, I contain multitudes.) 

 

I concentrate toward them that are nigh, I wait on the door-slab. 

 

Who has done his day's work? who will soonest be through with his supper? 

Who wishes to walk with me? 

 

Will you speak before I am gone? will you prove already too late? 

------------------------------------------------- 

Music by evangrimmusic.com 

Support from techblogwriter.co.uk 

By Sarah Whitfield December 3, 2025
In this episode of "Magic in the Room," Luke, Hannah, and Chris unpack the difference between being busy and being truly impactful, exploring why organizations often get stuck in high-activity, low-impact cycles. They identify five common contributors: compliance-heavy environments, resistance to change, disconnected decision-makers, fear-driven “CYA” cultures, and firefighting systems that reward heroics over long-term strategy. From there, they highlight what creates real impact: clarity of purpose, agency, curiosity, intentionality, and the discipline to question assumptions and align action with a meaningful “why.” The conversation encourages leaders to build awareness of their strengths, design systems that support healthy impact, maintain congruence between their public and private influence, and cultivate the kind of presence that can genuinely move a room. 
November 4, 2025
In this episode of "Magic in the Room," Chris interviews board members from the National Native American Human Resources Association (NNAHRA) discussing the power of purpose-driven leadership within tribal organizations. Recorded at the NNAHRA annual conference, they explore themes like courage, vulnerability, accountability, community service, and fostering environments where all employees feel valued and able to contribute. They share how NNAHRA builds a supportive professional network for tribal HR leaders, encourages alignment between individual roles and tribal purpose, and creates space for courageous conversations across governance and enterprise structures. They also discuss future initiatives, including new certifications and the 2026 conference at the Hilton Village in Hawaii. The overarching message: lead with purpose, support one another, and build cultures rooted in respect, courage, and shared responsibility.
Show More