The Faces of Scenius — Joseph Wells

“Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown Records, intentionally used competition among his artists to bring out the best in them,” wrote Packy inhis essay, Conjuring Scenius. “He [Gordy] held weekly meetings in which the team voted to release certain artists’ songs while holding others’ back until they got it up to their friendly competitor’s level.”

Some of the most famous scenia – Motown, Benjamin Franklin’s Junto, and the Inklings – all had a place-based ritual. They met in the same location, usually at the same time, and at a regular cadence. Having a meeting place – often a bar – provides an informal setting where societal barriers break down and people collaborate regardless of profession

Packy identified eight ingredients that, when combined, have a high chance of producing a scenius. A few of the best are place based ritual, non-zero-sum competition, and network effects of success.