Incredibly lucky to have my friend Rick Rubin spend time with us earlier this year. He taught the whole X4 group a master class about listening - whether in business or out. Listening isn’t just about hearing words. It’s about connecting with the person in front of you: The most meaningful connections happen when we set aside our agendas and truly engage with someone’s ideas, their concerns. But deep listening requires deep vulnerability. It means being willing to let go of the urge to respond immediately. Think about the moments when someone really listened to you —the validation, the sense of being understood. That’s what we should aspire to create for others — in business, in life. When you approach someone with an open mind and an open heart, something incredible happens. Ideas begin to flow, fears dissipate, and creativity blossoms. Let’s suspend disbelief and strive to understand—not just for the sake of responding, but for the sake of connection. In the end, it’s these authentic conversations that lead us to growth. Is this applicable to Qualtrics and Experience Management? Of course. But it’s even more applicable to a life well lived. Thank you Rick for sharing.
That is fantastic, Zig. Rick Rubin is a genius. Every artist he works with comes out of the experience with a better product.
This part 👉 "Let go of the urge to respond" — how many leaders are actually trained in that? Big implications for team trust and culture.
Yes! Big Rick Rubin fan, what a great master class
This photo is amazing and what an experience to be in the room for this. Goosebumps!
Kudos to you, Zig Serafin, and Qualtrics for elevating Rick Rubin’s incredible insight for the benefit of so many. “The Creative Act: A Way of Being” is required reading for leading self (and others) in my view.
One of my favorite sessions from X4 this year!
What an awesome opportunity to learn from a innovator in hip hop … deeply rooted in telling stories and became a genre that inspired the world through it’s raw vulnerability and truth!❤️
Product and technology leader. SVP and GM at Axon, Ex - Microsoft, Skype, Amazon
2wWell said. This is something I always appreciated about our conversations Zig Serafin. You listened with an open mind and were quick to adapt to new perspectives!