“One of the most salient features of our culture is that there is so much bullshit. Everyone knows this. Each of us contributes his share.” – Harry Frankfurt (1986)
This salon took place on Wednesday 30th November 2022.
You can purchase the recording of the live session to stream.
🤷♂️ What the hell is a salon?!
The salons of 17th and 18th century France were a centre of intellectual conversation.
As well as a stage for lively debate, they were a place that brought curious people together to share and discuss contemporary ideas and interesting topics.
We're reviving that spirit with a modern twist.
🔎 What's this Salon about?
Sport, Business, and Education are all largely unpredictable and highly complex environments, with knowledge frequently uncertain and truths often contradictory.
As such, there are rarely black or white answers. Indeed, sport and business must, almost by definition, sit on the edge of knowledge as they push the envelope in a search for competitive advantage.
This means they could be a breeding ground for bullshit!
In this online salon, John Stoszkowski lead a discussion on bullshit,with particular attention to the question of how prevalent it is, how receptive people are to it, and how we might inhibit its spread.
We discussed:
The social practice of bullshitting, its relationship with truth, and the different types of bullshit and bullshitter.
How the French philosopher Jean Paul Sartre and his concept of "Bad Faith" might offer us some insights into why we bullshit.
Why critical self-awareness and developing a “bullshit detector” is a vital modern day skill.
🤔 Who's this salon for?
This salon is for anyone who works in sport, business, or education at any level.
It’s for people who are intellectually curious and enjoy thinking deeply about what they do, how they do it, and why.
Put simply, it's for people who are passionate about being the best person they can be and doing the best job possible.
😀 Who delivers it?
Dr John Stoszkowski lectured in sports coaching at the University of Central Lancashire from 2010-2021. Prior to that he was a coach development manager at The Professional Golfers’ Association. He was awarded his PhD in 2015, which focuses on coach learning and the development of critical reflection. John has published over 30 research papers and is forever trying to improve his golf game.
This online salon is a 2 hour session with a fun, relaxed, and non-pressured vibe.
You’ll be presented with some core ideas that we'll explore and discuss in relation to your own experiences and applied professional context.
You'll deepen your understanding of an influential concept and acquire practical strategies to implement in your day-to-day life and applied work.
You'll understand yourself better, have fun with the growing science of "bullshitology," and enjoy wielding your new found knowledge with those you work with.
🧑💻 Salon structure
The session was live and interactive. It's also participant-centered with active learning a key feature.
You’ll get peer accountability, challenge, and real-time feedback to deepen your knowledge.
This salon was limited to 12 places to ensure a high level of interaction and personalised feedback, care, and support.
The session is conducted in English and will be recorded and available forever.
Salon Price: £20
ℹ️ Important information
You don't need any prior academic knowledge to participate.
PLEASE NOTE:
Although priced in GBP (£), Gumroad will charge you in US dollars ($) at checkout. If you are outside the US, this means your bank may add a foreign transaction fee.
If you would prefer to pay in GBP (£) via direct bank transfer or PayPal, or if you require an invoice for your employer, please email: john@thinkspace.academy
🤩 Testimonials
"John constantly challenged my thinking and got me to reflect and think again on many tightly held beliefs. I came away from sessions with new ways of thinking and viewing the world. His encouragement has had a major impact on how I now view my profession. In fact, I gain greater pleasure from my coaching daily thanks to the guiding hand much of his teaching has provided."
— Nick Davey, Director of Hockey, Sedbergh School (@nkdvy)
"John has been one of, if not the most influential person in my academic journey. He helped me become a better learner, which in turn has resulted in me being a better practitioner and a better person. All great teachers inspire, and John has inspired me to want to learn more everyday to be the most knowledgeable, and best version of myself I can be."
— Daniel Reece, Lead Youth Development Coach, Shrewsbury Town (@DanielR29650955)
“Throughout my time taught by John, I was continually challenged on any beliefs and definitives, realising for myself the shades of grey which learning and life entails. I’m grateful to John for his role in changing how I perceive learning, which I have carried through my career to date."
— Sarah Nickless, The Football Association (@SarahNickless)