Chief Change Officer Podcast Summary: "Connecting the Dots: Ian Myers on Finding Brilliant Global Talent for America"

Release Date: December 20, 2024
Host: Vince Chan
Guest: Ian Myers, Founder and CEO of Oceans

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Chief Change Officer, host Vince Chan engages with Ian Myers, the dynamic founder and CEO of Oceans, a forward-thinking talent agency based in New York. Recognized as a Global Top 3% podcast on Listen Notes and ranked among the top in Careers and Business categories, Chief Change Officer delves into transformative conversations about change, growth, and human intelligence. Vince introduces Ian not just as a successful entrepreneur but as a fellow Tintin enthusiast, highlighting their shared spirit of adventure and exploration.

Notable Quote:
"What fascinates me about Ian is that like me, he is a fan of Tintin. Tintin's spirit of adventure clearly impacts Ian's own approach to work and life."
— Vince Chan [00:00-02:23]

Guest Background and Career Journey

Ian Myers begins by recounting his unconventional academic path, emphasizing the importance of following personal interests over traditional career planning. Despite skepticism around the value of higher education, he pursued literature and later international policy, driven by a passion for cross-cultural interactions. His journey from studying in Japan to working with a Japanese asset manager provided his first taste of venture capital and startups, ultimately leading him to entrepreneurship.

Notable Quote:
"I studied literature in school. I went to grad school for international policy because I loved interacting with people from all over the world."
— Ian Myers [02:51-05:29]

Ian's entrepreneurial spirit led him to found Newspix, which achieved significant growth before being acquired. Subsequent ventures included a gaming company that didn't succeed, teaching him resilience before founding Oceans.

Influence of Buddhism and Eastern Culture

Vince inquires about Ian's immersion in Buddhism and Eastern culture, exploring its impact on his leadership and business philosophy. Ian reflects on how Buddhist teachings have grounded him, fostering honesty and clarity amidst the chaos of entrepreneurship. This cultural exposure also enhanced his ability to interact with a diverse, global workforce.

Notable Quote:
"Buddhism has a lot of excellent teachings that are applicable to running a business... it helps to shape yourself as a Leader."
— Ian Myers [07:19-08:48]

Entrepreneurial Drivers and Personality Traits

When discussing the motivations behind his numerous career transitions, Ian attributes his path to innate personality traits rather than grand ambitions. His reluctance to work under others and desire for independence propelled him into entrepreneurship. Despite being an anxious person, he emphasizes trust in instincts over meticulous planning, advocating for pursuing what feels right over conventional success metrics.

Notable Quote:
"I have just personality traits that have pushed me in these directions. I find it incredibly difficult to work for other people... I just trust my instincts."
— Ian Myers [08:48-12:12]

The Ocean Company: Bridging Global Talent and US Businesses

Oceans specializes in connecting highly skilled global talent, primarily from Sri Lanka, with US businesses seeking cost-effective, educated professionals in roles such as operations, admin, marketing, and finance. With over 300 clients, many of whom are startups and small to medium-sized enterprises, Oceans offers embedded team members who work remotely, providing significant cost savings—up to 80%—compared to hiring domestically.

Notable Quote:
"We are opening doors on both sides and that is a great business. Everybody wins."
— Ian Myers [17:12-18:26]

Navigating AI and the Future of Work

Vince raises concerns about the rise of AI and its potential to supplant roles that Oceans currently fills. Ian responds with a cautious optimism, expressing skepticism about the rapid adoption of AI as a complete solution. He believes AI will serve as an augmentative tool for the foreseeable future, particularly among startups that are early adopters. However, he anticipates a slower integration in more traditional industries.

Notable Quote:
"I think the adoption curve is going to be much longer than people expect... AI is going to be an augmentative solution for much longer than people think."
— Ian Myers [19:52-21:04]

Addressing Ageism and Promoting Diversity

The conversation shifts to workplace trends like ageism and gender inequality. Ian shares his experiences in Japan, where hierarchical structures prioritize age over merit, leading to his frustration and eventual pivot to entrepreneurship. At Oceans, he fosters a diverse and inclusive culture, valuing talent over age or gender. When clients express biased preferences, such as gender-specific hires for stereotypical roles, Oceans maintains a strict policy against discrimination, focusing solely on capability and fit.

Notable Quote:
"We value people's abilities, not how they look, not what gender they are, not where they come from, not even how old they are."
— Ian Myers [27:14-30:46]

Advice for Young People: Navigating Education and Career Choices

In the concluding segment, Vince asks Ian to offer guidance to young listeners grappling with the relevance of traditional degrees in an AI-driven world. Ian acknowledges the privilege of pursuing interests without immediate financial concern and highlights the exorbitant cost of higher education in the US. He advises embracing uncertainty, avoiding analysis paralysis, and prioritizing personal fulfillment over rigid career paths. Ian encourages listeners to be unafraid of making "wrong" choices, as these can lead to unexpected and rewarding opportunities.

Notable Quote:
"Don't be afraid of making a wrong move... follow your instinct, follow what feels right, and constantly be adjusting."
— Ian Myers [32:57-36:27]

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with mutual appreciation between Vince and Ian. Vince praises Ian's insights and the refreshing focus on guiding lives through change rather than mere tactical advice. Ian commends the podcast for addressing the holistic human experience amidst change, emphasizing the importance of understanding and navigating personal transformations.

Notable Quote:
"It's refreshing to have a microphone to a topic that is more about how to guide people's lives through change."
— Ian Myers [37:46-38:50]

Vince concludes by reaffirming the podcast's mission to empower listeners as Chief Change Officers in their own lives.

Final Thoughts

This episode of Chief Change Officer offers a profound exploration of global talent acquisition, the interplay between technology and human intelligence, and the nuanced challenges of building inclusive, diverse teams. Ian Myers' journey underscores the importance of adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and personal authenticity in driving successful change and fostering meaningful connections in the modern workforce.

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