In Swagger Magazine’s interview, Aaron Bare reflects on the experiences behind Exponential Theory: The Power of Thinking BIG. The conversation follows a recurring idea in his work: changing how you see a situation can change what you do next.
From problems to possibilities
Bare describes his work with leaders as a shift in perspective. Rather than stopping at a problem, he looks for the opportunity inside it. When the pandemic interrupted his facilitation work, he used the time to finish his book.
That approach reaches beyond the boardroom. The feature connects his professional work with community involvement, showing how the same interest in change can shape both a business and the people around it.
A wider view of the world
A college Semester at Sea experience was a turning point. Encountering unfamiliar cultures made Bare want to keep learning and move beyond the life he already knew. The interview traces that curiosity into his work at Accenture and his entrepreneurial career.
He calls the long-term ability to thrive personally, professionally and within an organization “thrivability.” In the feature, thinking big is less about having every answer and more about staying open to a different perspective.
Putting the mindset to work
Asked about partnerships, Bare emphasizes transparency, shared goals and growing the opportunity together. His reading recommendations—Collective Illusions, Against Empathy and The Art of the Impossible—reflect his interest in questioning assumptions and understanding how people make decisions.
His practical advice starts with writing down everything occupying your attention. Then decide what matters, what can wait and what you will not do. Schedule the priorities that align with your purpose. The point is not to do everything; it is to make room for the work that matters.
