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Sam is a barista who has autism, and to help him focus, he dances his way through the workday. After a video of his dance moves went viral, Ellen had to meet this inspirational individual and his incredible boss in person.
And (I think) the orginal video below.
I am not a fan of the usefulness of interviews. The research on job type interviews (unstructured) suggests they do not work as intended. The research on structured interviews is modestly positive if very well structured. This was struck home to me as I sat through a semi-structured selection process for a networking group. All 8 of us in the group were fascinating (and vouched for by someone in the network), but in practise the group interview only assessed how well we could present ourselves in a narrow, artificial way with bias to those good at presenting, and with some extravert factors. (I say that as someone who does have presenting skills)
I believe it would have been better (or at least equal and less hassle) to use a random process. This was further reinforced in the pub later where the natural flow of conversation between the 8 of us was an order of magnitude better.
Still, the unstructured interview is not going away any time soon, but – gentle reader – if you take one message from this, is to realise interviews very limited effectiveness in judging any thing to do with a job. See below for the academic study on it, plus NY times article:
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/08/opinion/sunday/the-utter-uselessness-of-job-interviews.html
http://journal.sjdm.org/12/121130a/jdm121130a.pdf
(Note, from my reading one of the more effective ways of testing someone in a job, is to give them that job for a trial period – although this is impractical in many instances, it’s one of the driver for the value of internships and one of the problems of how to give internships)
Speed and size of immigration has real world social integration impacts in Sweden. A story I was told: after one refugee crisis, some refugees ended up in Sweden, some in Minneapolis, US.
(From chatting to a handful of Swedes)
The narrative I heard was that the refugees in Minneapolis (on average) have integrated better (in a shorter time) as more of them had to seek jobs and employment helps social integration (although given time, integration and jobs can be achieved in Sweden). Whereas the refugees in Sweden didn't find / weren't forced to seek jobs under the same type of pressure - This recalls to me psycho-social studies that show working together in increases harmony (esp re: race) - a whole set of studies and questions found here at the Oxford Centre for Intergroup Conflict.
It is also anecdotal evidence in support of a job guarantee policy idea as suggested in a paper by James Montier (see GMO site) and by the left libertarian mmt economist Bill Mitchell (see Bill’s blog, with comprehensive left libertarian economic thinking, an advocate of Modern Monetary Theory).
This idea is potentially stronger than universal basic income because a job gives you skills (both intangible, and measurable) and experiences plus can promote social harmony. Still, there did seem to be broad hope that given time, the new Swedish immigrants will also integrate. The newly arrived need to learn the skills, language etc. to help them find jobs - there are seemingly many who arrive unable to read/write well and that’s a problem.
The anecdotes I heard were not studies. I found a study here and an in depth reporting here on the issues, the two pieces did seem to align broadly with what I heard, suggesting some Swedes at least are abreast of the issues.
If you'd like to feel inspired by commencement addresses and life lessons try: Ursula K Le Guin on literature as an operating manual for life; Neil Gaiman on making wonderful, fabulous, brilliant mistakes; or Nassim Taleb's commencement address; or JK Rowling on the benefits of failure. Or Charlie Munger on always inverting.
Cross fertilise. On investing try a thought on stock valuations. Or Ray Dalio on populism and risk. You can also click on the Carbon tag below.
Quick hit jobs that have caught my eye. Job links of interest in sustainability / finance / art / healthcare.
CAS - Chinese Arts Space - looking for a new Artistic Director.
GSK - new pension fund manager -
Anglia Ruskin / Global Sustainability Institute (GSI) are looking for a new research fellow https://www24.i-grasp.com/fe/tpl_angliaruskin01.asp?newms=jj&id=68960&aid=14138
Barclays - Diversity https://barclays.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobdetail.ftl?job=90130511&lang=en_GB&src=JB-14940
Towers Watson - ESG/RI sustainable investment consultant
https://careers.willistowerswatson.com/en-US/job/sustainable-investment-analyst-consultant/J3K65L6PTJ5Q8QM86SH
Goldman Sachs - Sustainable supply chain
https://careers-goldmansachs.icims.com/jobs/39679/sustainable-supply-chain-associate---london/job?hub=7&mobile=false&needsRedirect=false&bid=9993932
Unicorn theatre - Stage manager Xmas show
Natural History Museum - dinosaur brain imaging! http://www.artsjobs.org.uk/arts-job/post/postdoctoral-researcher-dinosaur-cranial-imaging/
Asst Curator - design museum (30 Oct) - http://www.artsjobs.org.uk/arts-job/post/assistant-curator-66/
Couple senior leadership positions at Arts Council - including Head of Museums, http://gs12.globalsuccessor.com/fe/tpl_arts_council01.asp?newms=jj&id=88234&aid=16034
IntoArt looking for Assistant Artist Facilitator is a new and exciting role for someone with a visual arts background looking to work in an inclusive art studio setting working with people with learning disabilities. (Initial 12 weekly studio based art workshops, January – March 2018) Intoart is an art and design studio based in London working inclusively with people with learning disabilities.
(from 14 Oct, deadlines may have passed)
Albany Theatre (Deptford/London) looking for creative programmer.
Tate are looking for an Information Manager
Photographer, filmmaker Briony Campbellis looking for multi-talented assistants. She wants superwomen if you ask me, but might suit some freelancers.
Eclipse/Slate: If you’re a BAME artist working in any form or medium, currently based in the North of England, and you have an idea or a project you’re ready to get off the ground – this is for you.