Getting Sh*t Done

Episode Overview

In this lively episode of the Balancing Tourism Podcast, host Ged Brown sits down with innovation expert Claus Raasted to discuss how to shift from endless planning to decisive action. Claus—author of over 40 books (including “Claus Raasted’s Little Book of Getting Shit Done”) and director of the College of Extraordinary Experiences—shares practical insights on creativity, change management, and designing memorable experiences. The conversation also touches on how these ideas can transform events and tourism, with a special focus on low season travel.

• From Planning to Action:
  Claus explains that excessive planning can hinder progress. Instead, he encourages experimenting with small, manageable steps to overcome the fear of failure.

• Innovative Event Design & Networking:
  Using a paddle event as an example, the discussion illustrates how unconventional ideas—like replacing typical seating with sofas—can foster more engaging, authentic interactions.

• Broadening the Definition of Creativity:
  Creativity isn’t confined to art and music. Both host and guest highlight that innovation can be found in everyday tasks—from reorganizing an Excel sheet to rethinking event formats—and that everyone has a creative side.

• Mindset-Shifting Techniques:
  Claus introduces the “future retrospective” method, where you envision a bold future scenario (e.g., the Swiss National Railway system partially owned by Chinese investors) and work backward to imagine the steps that led there.

• Overcoming the ‘Can’t Do’ Mentality:
  The conversation explores how fear of failure and resistance to change often stop people from experimenting. Reframing challenges from “we can’t do that” to “how would we do it?” is key to unlocking creative solutions.

• Leadership & Execution:
  Drawing from examples like Barack Obama’s advice to “learn how to get things done” and Donald Trump’s promise to “fix problems,” Claus emphasizes that effective leadership hinges on the ability to execute.

• The College of Extraordinary Experiences:
  Claus explains how his college serves as a testing ground for experimental ideas. Hosted in a Polish castle, it brings together a diverse group of participants to explore and learn from both successes and failures.

• Seasonality in Tourism:
  As tourism continues to evolve, the episode highlights the importance of rethinking seasonality. Low season travel can help alleviate overtourism, benefit local communities, and promote a more sustainable travel model.

• On Creativity:
  “Creativity isn’t just for musicians or artists—it’s about looking at everyday problems in new ways, whether you’re stacking a truck or organizing a meeting.”

• On Experimentation:
  Claus shares a tip from his daughter: “If you want to get some shit done and you don’t know how to do it, then don’t do it—but get some other shit done that will teach you new skills.”

• On Taking Risks:
  Small experimental changes, like swapping chairs for sofas, can pave the way for bigger innovations without upsetting stakeholders.

• Book:
  Dive deeper into Claus’s approach in “Claus Raasted’s Little Book of Getting Shit Done.”

• College of Extraordinary Experiences:
  Learn more about innovative experience design by visiting extraordinary.college.

• European Tourism Seasonality Summit:
  Claus will deliver his keynote “Getting Shit Done” at the upcoming summit in Seville—a must-attend event for exploring creative solutions in tourism.

• Stay Connected:
  Subscribe to the Balancing Tourism Podcast and join the conversation on LinkedIn for more insights on sustainable and innovative tourism.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to transform ideas into action. Claus’s blend of humor, practicality, and creative inspiration challenges the status quo and offers fresh strategies to overcome the “we can’t do that” mindset. Tune in and discover how getting shit done can lead to real change!