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Nowadays, big challenges are silently destroying workplaces. Employees feel unmotivated, leaders face retention challenges, and meaningful impact is lost. That's because people want more than a job, they crave purpose. Without it, work becomes a grind, teams disengage, and potential goes untapped. But conscious, purpose-driven leadership changes everything.
In this episode of the Happiness Squad Podcast, Ashish Kothari and Anil Ramjiani are joined by Raj Sisodia, co-founder of Conscious Capitalism and author of Awaken, to explore how conscious purpose-driven leadership can transform not just organizations, but lives.
Raj Sisodia is a distinguished author, speaker, and educator, recognized as a founding figure in the Conscious Capitalism movement. He serves as the FEMSA Distinguished University Professor of Conscious Enterprise and Chairman of the Conscious Enterprise Center at Tecnológico de Monterrey in Mexico.
Raj shares powerful insights into the role of conscious leadership, explaining how aligning personal and organizational purpose can foster resilience, improve outcomes, and create meaningful connections.
Things you will learn in this episode:
• Why purpose is the foundation of conscious leadership
• The connection between healing, self-awareness, and leadership effectiveness
• Aligning individual purpose with organizational goals
• Practical steps to embrace conscious leadership
Follow The Happiness Squad Podcast for weekly insights and inspiration on how to lead with purpose, joy, and authenticity.
Resources:✅• Raj Sisodia on X : https://x.com/RajSisodiaCC
• https://rajsisodia.com/
• Center for Positive Organizations - University of Michigan
Books:✅• AWAKEN: The Path to Purpose, Inner Peace, and Healing
• The Healing Organization
• Conscious Capitalism
• All Books Written by Raj Sisodia: http://rajsisodia.com/books.html
• Man's Search For Meaning
• Synchronicity: The Inner Path of Leadership
• Hardwired for Happiness: 9 Proven Practices to Overcome Stress and Live Your Best Life
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How does a company remain resilient and successful during challenging times? How can leaders steer their companies to thrive, not just survive, during times of uncertainty and change? Complex strategies or advanced technologies can help, but there’s something more impactful that can lead any company to long-term gains. According to Chris Cright, Founder, CEO and Chair of Liberty Energy, it's about prioritizing your people.
Chris Wright is a tech nerd turned entrepreneur. With a deep-rooted passion for energy in all its forms, he has journeyed through various sectors, from fusion, solar, and geothermal, to his current focus on oil and gas and next-generation geothermal.
His guiding principle is clear: the source of energy matters less than its ability to be secure, reliable, affordable, and, most importantly, its capacity to better human lives. Chris’ commitment is not just to energy itself, but to unlocking its potential to enrich communities worldwide.
In this episode of the HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast, Chris, shares with us the power of a people-first culture and how to lead one. Join us as we uncover how Chris’ passion for energy and commitment to improving lives translates into a leadership style that puts people at the forefront.
Episode highlights:
• The power of meaningful relationships
• How vulnerability creates connections
• The importance of a People-first Business Strategy
• How to Lead a People-first culture
Ready to learn from a master? Tune in to hear Chris Wright talk about building a thriving people-first culture. Listen to the episode here!
Resources:• Liberty Energy on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LibertyFrac
• Liberty Energy on linkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/libertyenergy/
• Bettering Human Lives Report - https://www.libertyenergy.com/betteringhumanlivesv2/
Books:• Hardwired for Happiness by Ashish Kothari
• Grow the Pie by Alex Edmans
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Let's face it, work can be a pressure cooker sometimes. Aside from the physical toll, it's also about mental stress and feeling isolated, making us less productive and more likely to call in sick. But what if our workplace focused on keeping us healthy in every way? We'd probably feel more motivated, stick around longer, and do better work.
In this episode, we feature Barbara Jeffery, a Partner at McKinsey & Company in the London office who leads the People and Organizational Performance practice in the UK, Ireland, and Israel. With over 15 years of experience in various sectors, including healthcare and public services, Barbara specializes in strategy development, organizational design, and driving large-scale change.
She is also deeply involved with the McKinsey Health Institute (MHI) as an Affiliate Partner, focusing on Employee Health and Wellbeing. Moreover, Barbara is a Board member for Business in the Community (BITC), a prominent organization championing responsible business in the UK.
In this episode of the HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast, Ashish Kothari and Barbara Jeffery, Partner at McKinsey & Company, discuss how addressing our holistic health could transform our work lives.
Things you will learn from this episode:
• Holistic health in the workplace
• The 4 dimensions of holistic health
• How organizations can foster holistic health
• Understanding burnout
Resources:• Addressing Employee Burnout: https://www.mckinsey.com/mhi/our-insights/addressing-employee-burnout-are-you-solving-the-right-problem
• Barbara Jeffery: https://www.mckinsey.com/our-people/barbara-jeffery
• Working Nine to Thrive: https://www.mckinsey.com/mhi/our-insights/working-nine-to-thrive
• Reframing employee health: Moving beyond burnout to holistic health: https://www.mckinsey.com/mhi/our-insights/reframing-employee-health-moving-beyond-burnout-to-holistic-health
• Present company included: Prioritizing mental health and well-being for all: https://www.mckinsey.com/mhi/our-insights/present-company-included-prioritizing-mental-health-and-well-being-for-all
Books:• Hardwired for Happiness: 9 Proven Practices to Overcome Stress and Live Your Best Life.https://www.amazon.com/Hardwired-Happiness-Proven-Practices-Overcome/dp/1544534655
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As pressure in today’s work environments rises, teams are increasingly seeking a sense of purpose and genuine connection. Traditional leadership might keep things on track, but it often misses the core of what truly inspires people to thrive. That’s why now, more than ever, we need positive leadership.
In this second part of our two-part episode, Ashish Kothari and Kim Cameron, Professor and Co-founder of the Center for Positive Organizational Scholarship at The University of Michigan, dig deeper into the impact of positive leadership and how small, intentional actions can drive real results by showing people they matter.
Things you will learn in this episode:
• How positive leadership boosts morale, productivity, and even physical well-being
• Simple practices that create a positive shift in team culture
• Moving from task-driven to purpose-driven leadership
• Why kindness, trust, and compassion are essential leadership skills
• The ripple effect that positive leadership can have across an organization
Without a sense of purpose and meaning, even the best teams can lose their drive. Don't let that happen! Listen to this episode now.
Resources:✅• https://www.kimscameron.com/
• Center for Positive Organizations: https://positiveorgs.bus.umich.edu/people/kim-s-cameron/
• https://michiganross.umich.edu/faculty-research/faculty/kim-cameron
Books:✅• Positive Leadership: Strategies for Extraordinary Performance by Kim Cameron: https://a.co/d/giji6pC
• Positively Energizing Leadership: Virtuous Actions and Relationships That Create High Performance by Kim Cameron: https://a.co/d/4ZakMBi
• Hardwired for Happiness by Ashish Kothari: https://a.co/d/beRWWsN
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Studies show that people naturally thrive when they feel a sense of purpose and positive energy at work. So why not make that same energy a core strategy in leadership? In this episode of the Happiness Squad Podcast, Ashish Kothari and Kim Cameron, Professor and Co-founder of the Center for Positive Organizational Scholarship at The University of Michigan, reveal how positive leadership can generate extraordinary organizational outcomes.
Kim Cameron is the William Russell Kelly Professor of Management and Organizations at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business and a pioneering scholar in positive organizational scholarship. As co-founder of the Center for Positive Organizational Scholarship, his influential research on organizational virtuousness, culture, and leadership excellence has shaped the field, with his work among the most downloaded in organizational sciences. With over 130 published articles and 15 books, Kim’s insights on achieving extraordinary outcomes guide leaders across sectors worldwide.
Things you will learn in this episode:
• Understanding positive leadership and virtuousness
• The Heliotropic Effect in organizations
• The power of meaning and purpose in work
• Case Study: Rocky Flats Nuclear Arsenal Cleanup
If you’re still underestimating the impact of a positive leader, here’s a quick refresher: Positive leadership fuels REAL business results. Check out our full episode and see for yourself.
Resources:✅
• https://www.kimscameron.com/
• Center for Positive Organizations: https://positiveorgs.bus.umich.edu/people/kim-s-cameron/
• https://michiganross.umich.edu/faculty-research/faculty/kim-cameron
Books:✅
• Positive Leadership: Strategies for Extraordinary Performance by Kim Cameron: https://a.co/d/giji6pC
• Positively Energizing Leadership: Virtuous Actions and Relationships That Create High Performance by Kim Cameron: https://a.co/d/4ZakMBi
• Hardwired for Happiness by Ashish Kothari: https://a.co/d/beRWWsN
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Despite countless self-help resources, workplace perks, and wellness programs, why are we still struggling to find real happiness?
In this milestone 100th episode of The Happiness Squad Podcast, Ashish Kothari, Founder and CEO of Happiness Squad, digs into the hard truth: happiness can’t be bought or chased—it must be cultivated from within.
Drawing on insights from top experts and 100 episodes of transformative conversations, Ashish reveals the four essential ingredients to lasting happiness and how to embed them in your core strategies.
Things you will learn in this episode:
• Debunking myths about happiness
• The 4 Key Ingredients to Real Happiness
• Minfulness as a practical tool for leaders and teams
• The Problem with Workplace Wellness Programs
For a truly happy, healthy work environment, it’s time to rethink happiness from within.
Resources:✅• Rewire Program: https://happinesssquad.com/rewire-program/
• Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-happiness-squad/id1663683864
• Check out all Happiness Squad Episodes here: https://podcast.happinesssquad.com/?_gl=1*18szv5y*_ga*MTY3NDAwMTI1Mi4xNzI4NzA0NjYw*_ga_79YFEDB29K*MTczMTMwMjk3OC4yLjAuMTczMTMwMjk3OC42MC4wLjA
Books:✅• Hardwired for Happiness: 9 Proven Practices to Overcome Stress and Live Your Best Life.https://www.amazon.com/Hardwired-Happiness-Proven-Practices-Overcome/dp/1544534655
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Triggers are a part of the job—but constant reactions don’t have to be. It’s easy to get stuck in that reactive mode, but it’s exhausting and distracting from what matters. In this episode of the HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast, Ashish Kothari and Renelle Everett Darr, Founder and CEO at InSight Coaching & Consulting LLC, dive into the tools you need to take back control from your triggers and learn how to respond, not react to them.
Renelle Everett Darr specializes in conscious leadership and organizational transformation, with 25+ years of experience. Certified in The Leadership Circle Profile and holding ICF’s PCC credential, she works with CEOs and Fortune 500 clients to foster impactful, human-centered growth. Renelle’s insights are shaped by her roles at EY and Deloitte, and she regularly speaks on emotional intelligence and leadership. Based in Golden, Colorado, she also mentors emerging leaders and founders.
Things you will learn in this episode:
• Responding vs. Reacting to your inner triggers
• Trigger awareness and self-reflection techniques
• How our values and past experiences shape our triggers
• Knowing your triggers and practicing intentional responses
In today’s challenging world, thoughtful responses can set you apart. Tune in to his epic episode now!
Resources: ✅• Insight Coaching and Consulting: https://insight-cc.com/about/
• https://insight-cc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Renelle_Everett_Darr_Speaker_2024vf-3.pdf
• Life’s Vital Chapters with Jen and Ren (podcast): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lifes-vital-chapters-with-jen-and-ren/id1731203686
Books: ✅• Hardwired for Happiness: 9 Proven Practices to Overcome Stress and Live Your Best Life https://a.co/d/eFX8VMx
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More than 50% of employees don’t feel heard at work. This disconnect can cost companies more than just morale—it’s affecting productivity, retention, and ultimately, profits. If your company is still relying on surveys and feedback forms as your main tools for "listening" to employees, it might be time to rethink your approach.
In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Ashish Kothari and Dr. Angela Jackson, Founder of Future Forward Strategies and Author, dig into the Win-Win Workplace Framework, a paradigm-shifting strategy that uses employee voices to drive organizational success.
Dr. Angela Jackson is a professor at Harvard University and an expert in organizational development and employee engagement, with a focus on creating thriving workplaces where employees drive bottom-line success. With over five years of research and interviews with 1,200 companies, Dr. Jackson has developed the Win-Win Workplace Framework, which helps organizations operationalize employee voice and reimagine workplace culture. She is also the author of the upcoming book The Win-Win Workplace: How Thriving Employees Drive Bottom Line Success.
If you’re serious about lowering turnover and creating a thriving workplace, don’t miss this episode!
Things you will learn in this episode:
• How investing in employees is generating more revenue
• The Win-Win Workplace Framework and its nine practices
• The importance of your employees’ voice
• Changing the traditional parent-child dynamic in the workplace to a peer-to-peer relationship
• Barriers to creating a win-win workplace
Resources: ✅• Dr. Angela Jackson website: https://www.drangelajackson.com/
• Future Forward Strategies: https://www.futureforwardstrategies.com/about#:~:text=Our%20Founder%20and%20CEO,initiatives%20that%20create%20career%20pathways.
• Also mentioned in this episode:
• What Got You Here Won’t Get You There book by Marshall Goldsmith https://www.amazon.com/What-Got-Here-Wont-There/dp/1401301304
• A Layman’s Guide to Separating Causation from Correlation … and Noticing When Claims of Causality are Invalid https://alexedmans.com/correlation/
• Alex Edmans episode at HAPPINESS SQUAD: https://happinesssquad.com/captivate-podcast/the-power-of-purpose-driven-organizations-with-alex-edmans/
• Positively Making Organizations and the World Better by Kim Cameron https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1548051821997414?icid=int.sj-abstract.similar-articles.8
Books:✅• The Win-Win Workplace: How Thriving Employees Drive Bottom-Line Success https://www.amazon.com/Win-Win-Workplace-Thriving-Employees-Bottom-Line/dp/B0D6V6B4TN
https://www.readwinwinworkplace.com/
• Hardwired for Happiness: 9...
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Did you know? Our brains make instant, unconscious judgments about who’s “safe” or “like us.” This hardwired survival instinct can make it tough to create inclusive workplaces! But the good news is there are crucial steps to overcoming it, and we’ll explore just that in this episode of the HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast.
Ashish Kothari sits down with Shannon Murphy, Co-founder of BrainSkills@Work and Co-Author of the Neuroscience of Inclusion, to dive into brain states, empathy circuits, and ways to build a culture where inclusivity is natural, not forced.
Shannon Murphy, M.A., is a sought-after consultant, executive coach, where she applies neuroscience to diversity and inclusion. For over 15 years, she’s led large-scale D&I initiatives for major clients like Deloitte and AT&T, impacting over 20,000 employees. Harvard-certified in NeuroBusiness coaching, Shannon co-authored The Neuroscience of Inclusion, offering leaders tools to address unconscious bias and foster inclusivity across cultures.
Learn how to shape a brain-friendly work environment that breaks barriers and builds meaningful relationships.
Things you will learn in this episode:
• How the “us versus them” mentality impacts inclusivity
• How leaders can recognize and reduce biases within their teams
• Creating a brain-friendly work environment
• Why self-awareness if important in inclusivity
• The role of appreciation in inclusivity
Resources:✅• The HeartMath Institute: https://www.heartmath.org/
• The Welltory App: https://welltory.com/
• Sadhguru’s Isha Kriya Meditation: https://isha.sadhguru.org/sg/en/yoga-meditation/yoga-program-for-beginners/isha-kriya-meditation
Books:✅• Neuroscience of Inclusion by Mary E. Casey and Shannon Murphy Robinson: https://www.amazon.com/Neuroscience-Inclusion-New-Skills-Times/dp/1432787225
• The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World by Dalai Lama
• Hardwired for Happiness by Ashish Kothari: https://www.amazon.com/Hardwired-Happiness-Proven-Practices-Overcome/dp/1544534655
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Do you want to know how to achieve peak leadership performance? A lof of people don't realize that athletes and corporate leaders share similar requirements to perform at their peak. The key difference is that athletes understand that peak performance requires nurturing the mind, body, and soul, while many leaders don’t. Today’s fast-paced corporate world often pushes leaders to the edge. How can leaders perform well without compromising their well-being?
In our latest episode of the HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast, Jeff Salzenstein, Former Professional Tennis Player, Keynote Speaker, and Success Coach, shares how leaders can achieve their Zone of Excellence by aligning mind, body, and soul to unlock peak performance.
Jeff Salzenstein is a former Top 100 ATP professional tennis player and two-time All-American at Stanford. Now a renowned keynote speaker and high-performance coach, Jeff empowers leaders and executives to reach their "Zone of Excellence" through principles inspired by elite athletic performance, focusing on holistic strategies for sustained success.
Things you will learn in thie episode:
• The concept of leading like an athlete
• Understanding the zone of excellence
• Mind, body, and soul connection in leadership
• Practical tips for incorporating athlete strategies in leadership
• Applying the athlete’s approach to the workplace
Learn how to lead like an elite athlete and tune in to the full episode now!
Resources:• Jeff Salzenstein website: https://www.jeffsalzenstein.com/
• Tennis Evolution: https://tennisevolution.com/about-jeff/
• Tennis Evolution on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPHbNsR8QmVSED8yRARf9Ww
• ITF Tennis Profile of Jeff Salzenstein: https://www.itftennis.com/en/players/jeff-salzenstein/800183334/usa/mt/S/overview/
• Jeff Salzenstein on ATP Tour: https://www.atptour.com/en/players/jeff-salzenstein/s564/overview
Books:• Hardwired for Happiness by Ashish Kothari: https://www.amazon.com/Hardwired-Happiness-Proven-Practices-Overcome/dp/1544534655
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We all have that little voice in our heads. The one that says, “You’re not good enough,” or “Why even bother?” Instead of letting it boss you around, what if you could turn that nagging voice into a helpful guide?
Rosi Greenberg, Artist, CEO & Leadership Development Facilitator at Drawn to Lead, calls her inner critic Sam, and in our latest episode at HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast, she’s teaching us how to meet, greet, and tame that inner critic.
Rosi Greenberg, a leadership development artist with 15 years of experience, empowers leaders to embrace their inner strength and creativity through bespoke workshops. Her book, Everyone Has a Sam: Meeting the Inner Critic and Re-Writing the Rules, tackles imposter syndrome with transformative strategies.
With a Master’s in Public Policy from Harvard Kennedy School and advanced leadership training, Rosi champions empathy as a crucial leadership skill, blending artistry and leadership to foster meaningful professional connections.
Things you will learn from this episode:
• Are inner critics useful?
• How our inner critic can hold us back
• The steps to befriending your inner critic
• Why everyone has an inner critic
• How the inner critic can appear in a parent-child relationship
Whether you’re leading a team or just trying to lead your life, learn how to befriend your Sam before it runs the show. Listen to the full episode now!
Resources:• Rosi Greenberg Website: https://www.rosigreenberg.com/
• Everyone Has a Sam: www.everyonehasasam.com
• Drawn to Lead: www.drawntolead.org
• Exploring the Roots of the Inner Critic: https://s3.amazonaws.com/nicabm-stealthseminar/Next_Level_Practitioner/Week103/NEXT-Week103-Day3-DanSiegel.pdf
Books:• Everyone Has a Sam by Rosi Greenberg: https://www.amazon.com/Everyone-Has-Sam-Rosi-Greenberg/dp/B0CGXR71CJ
• Truths for Turbulent Times by Rosi Greenberg: https://www.amazon.com/Truths-Turbulent-Times-Rosi-Greenberg/dp/1088274412
Hardwired for Happiness: 9 Proven Practices to Overcome Stress and Live Your Best Life.https://www.amazon.com/Hardwired-Happiness-Proven-Practices-Overcome/dp/1544534655
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Are you making happiness a daily reality? The truth is, most of us have fallen into a routine where we're just surviving, not thriving. Our brains are wired to keep us safe, not happy—and that’s where the problem begins. We settle for less, waiting for weekends, vacations, or "someday" to finally feel alive.
But in this episode of the HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast, Ashish Kothari and Brian Dubow shed light on a simple yet powerful approach designed to rewire your brain for happiness, one small step at a time.
Brian Dubow is the Founder of Hit of Happiness, where he helps individuals and organizations live more intentional and fulfilling lives through coaching, consulting, and community events. He is certified in happiness studies and passionate about health and wellbeing.
Things you will learn from this episode:
• The “magic” of happiness framework
• Building the habit of mindfulness
• How physical activity boosts happiness
• Cultivating gratitude to rewire your brain for happiness
• Bringing back your childlike sense of inspiration
• Why connections matter and how to build them
Brian’s five-step framework will help you break out of autopilot and rediscover what it feels like to truly live every day.
Resources:• Hit of Happiness: Reframe Your Reality: https://hitofhappiness.com/
• The Hit of Happiness Podcast: https://hitofhappiness.com/latest-pod-episodes
• Project Smile by Hit of Happiness: https://hitofhappiness.com/project-smile
• #66Happy Guide eBook: https://hitofhappiness.com/%2366happy-guide
• #66Happy Habit Building Program: https://hitofhappiness.com/%2366happy
Books:• Hardwired for Happiness: 9 Proven Practices to Overcome Stress and Live Your Best Life.https://www.amazon.com/Hardwired-Happiness-Proven-Practices-Overcome/dp/1544534655
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As the world's pressures pile up, many of us struggle to bounce back in life and at work. How do you keep performing at your best without losing your mental edge? Just like we can train our bodies to handle physical demands, we can also improve our mindsets to stay resilient under pressure.
In this episode of the HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast, Ashish Kothari and Dr. Karen Doll, explore the art of psychological fitness and how to build the mental muscle you need to handle stress, overcome setbacks, and thrive in any environment.
Dr. Karen Doll is a licensed psychologist, consultant, and coach specializing in workplace mental health and professional development. She has over 25 years of experience helping high-achieving professionals maximize their performance through strategic coaching and mental health initiatives.
Dr. Doll is the author of Building Psychological Fitness: How High Performers Achieve with Ease and focuses on improving mental resilience, workplace well-being, and psychological fitness. She also serves as the Chair of the Harvard University Human Flourishing Program's "Flourishing at Work" initiative, promoting mental health strategies for thriving work environments.
Things you will learn from this episode:
• What is psychological fitness?
• The leadership impact of building psychological fitness
• Why we’re not as self-aware as we think
• Biggest drivers of stress and burnout
• The importance of integrating meaning into work
Your mind is your most valuable asset—time to treat it like one. Listen to the full episode now!
Resources:• Dr. Karen Doll’s Website: https://www.drkarendoll.com/
• The Johari Window - Building Self-awareness and Trust: https://www.mindtools.com/au7v71d/the-johari-window
• Reflected Best Self Exercise: https://reflectedbestselfexercise.com/about
Books:• Building Psychological Fitness: How High Performers Achieve with Ease (Psychological Fitness (for individuals, professionals, organizations) by Dr. Karen Doll: https://www.amazon.com/Building-Psychological-Fitness-professionals-organizations-ebook/dp/B09GJ6MSVF
• Hardwired for Happiness: 9 Proven Practices to Overcome Stress and Live Your Best Life.https://www.amazon.com/Hardwired-Happiness-Proven-Practices-Overcome/dp/1544534655
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Are you tired of waking up every morning, dragging yourself to the office, and counting the hours until you can clock out? If you feel your job is just a series of endless tasks without real meaning, you're not alone. Many professionals find themselves stuck in a cycle of monotony, feeling like they're just going through the motions. But work doesn't have to be this way.
In this episode of the HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast, Ashish Kothari, Founder of HAPPINESS SQUAD, shares how to uncover and activate your purpose to transform your work life into a happier and more fulfilling one.
Things you will learn from this episode:
• Rethinking the link between purpose and work
• The importance of purpose at work
• Strategies to activate purpose at work
• The impact of a purpose-driven culture in an organization
Finding and activating your purpose can turn any role into a rewarding adventure. Don’t settle for just a paycheck—find out how to ignite your passion at work.
Tune in to this epic episode now!
Resources:• Ikigai and subsequent health and wellbeing among Japanese older adults: Longitudinal outcome-wide analysis: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8814687/
• The Power of Purpose: How Ikigai Can Help Us Live Longer: https://www.forbes.com/sites/nelldebevoise/2023/10/06/the-power-of-purpose-how-ikigai-can-help-us-live-longer/
• Effect of a Purpose in Life on Risk of Incident Alzheimer's Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment in Community-Dwelling Older Persons by Patricia Boyle: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2897172/
• Jiro Dreams of Sushi (2011 movie)
• Rewire Program: https://happinesssquad.com/rewire-program/
• Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-happiness-squad/id1663683864
• Website: https://happinesssquad.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myhappinesssquad/
Books:• Hardwired for Happiness: 9 Proven Practices to Overcome Stress and Live Your Best Life.https://www.amazon.com/Hardwired-Happiness-Proven-Practices-Overcome/dp/1544534655
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Life’s challenges are inevitable. The stress and setbacks are part of the deal. But while you can’t always control what happens to you, you can always control how you respond; you can always CHOOSE HAPPINESS!
However, choosing happiness isn’t always easy. It takes effort, intention, and courage, especially when the going gets tough. But making that choice can help you reclaim your life and find peace amidst the chaos.
In this episode of the HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast, Ashish Kothari and Dr. Elia Gourgouris, America’s Happiness Doctor, dive deep into what choosing happiness every day means.
Dr. Elia Gourgouris is an acclaimed psychologist, author, and keynote speaker specializing in happiness and well-being. With over 30 years of experience, he helps individuals and organizations achieve lasting happiness through practical strategies and self-care practices. Dr. Elia is the author of Seven Paths to Lasting Happiness and Seven Keys to Navigating a Crisis and is dedicated to spreading joy and positivity worldwide.
In the conversation, they share practical tips and insights on cultivating lasting happiness through simple, daily habits.
Things you will learn from this episode:
• The seven paths to lasting happiness
• What it means to “feed your soul”
• Why self-forgiveness is hard
• How to choose happiness every day
• The power of kindness
Ready to take back control and start living your best life? Let’s get into it.
Tune in to the full episode now!
Resources:• Websites:
• https://www.dreliagourgouris.com/
• https://www.thehappinesscenter.com/
Books:• 7 Paths to Lasting Happiness: Happiness the Ultimate Success in Life: https://www.amazon.com/Paths-Lasting-Happiness-Ultimate-Success/dp/0996229000
• 7 Keys to Navigating a Crisis: A Practical Guide to Emotionally Dealing with Pandemics & Other Disasters: https://www.amazon.com/Keys-Navigating-Crisis-Practical-Emotionally/dp/1734943815
• Hardwired for Happiness: 9 Proven Practices to Overcome Stress and Live Your Best Life.https://www.amazon.com/Hardwired-Happiness-Proven-Practices-Overcome/dp/1544534655
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The relentless demands of modern life are drowning us in noise, leaving us anxious and burned out. The digital age has us constantly plugged in, leaving little room for the quiet we desperately need. How do we find peace and unlock our inner clarity?
In this episode of the HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast, Ashish Kothari and Justin Zorn, an Author at HarperCollins, explain the science of silence and offer practical tips on how to find quiet in this noisy world.
Justin Zorn is an author, adviser, and former Congressional Legislative Director. He has written on climate, economics, and international affairs for top publications like Harvard Business Review and The Atlantic.
His book, published by HarperCollins and Penguin, was translated into 14 languages and became a bestseller on Audible. Justin co-founded a Congressional staff talent pipeline and launched a mindfulness program in the US House. He holds graduate degrees from Oxford and Harvard and lives in Santa Fe, NM, with his wife and three children.
Discover how to tune out the distractions and tune into yourself.
Things you will learn from this episode:
• Understanding your moments of deepest silence
• Silence as a leadership tool
• How leaders can cultivate pristine attention
• Silence as a pathway to wisdom
Explore practical strategies for embracing silence, reclaiming your focus, and connecting more deeply with yourself and others. Tune in to the full episode now!
Resources:• Justin Zorn website: https://justinzorn.com/
• Justin Zorn on X: https://x.com/j_talbot_zorn
• CEPR: https://www.cepr.net/staff-member/justin-talbot-zorn/
Recent articles by Justin Zorn:
• https://www.santafenewmexican.com/opinion/my_view/new-mexico-must-become-a-catcher-of-rain/article_cfdb9974-38f9-11ef-924f-53f5f86eaee8.html
• https://thehill.com/opinion/finance/4516318-corporate-america-must-step-up-to-save-the-child-tax-credit/
• https://www.vox.com/the-highlight/23178783/the-power-of-silence-in-a-deafening-world
• https://hbr.org/2022/05/how-to-build-a-culture-that-honors-quiet-time
• https://prospect.org/power/reverse-trump-era-brain-drain/
• https://hbr.org/2018/10/how-the-u-s-can-rebuild-its-capacity-to-innovate
• https://www.newsweek.com/green-new-deal-red-state-farmers-1444678
• https://hbr.org/2021/02/a-better-way-to-measure-gdp
•
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Our world revolves around constant hustle and achieving more, often at the expense of rest. But if we only knew how immeasurable the rewards of quality sleep are, we wouldn't take rest for granted. In this HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast episode, Ashish Kothari and Sleep Neuroscientist Dr. Els van der Helm discusses how better sleep management can boost our overall productivity.
Dr. Els van der Helm is a distinguished sleep neuroscientist, adjunct professor at IE Business School, and lecturer at St. Gallen and IMD Business Schools. Named one of the top five sleep experts by Thrive Global, she consults globally on sleep, performance, and well-being, helping leaders and organizations enhance productivity and health.
The conversation covers the detrimental effects of sleep deprivation, the common myths about sleep (like catching up on sleep over the weekend or using substances like alcohol or sleeping pills to improve sleep), and practical advice for improving sleep habits.
Things you will learn from this episode:
• The importance of sleep
• Emotional and physical damages of sleep deprivation
• The ripple effects of sleep deprivation on workplace dynamics
• How sleep management boost productivity and well-being
Quality sleep shouldn’t be optional. Tune into our full episode now!
Resources:• Dr. Els van der Helm newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/elsvanderhelm/newsletter
• Shleep by Dr. Els van der Helm: https://www.youtube.com/@shleep2872
• Healing your workforce thrive by sleeping better: https://www.elsvanderhelm.com/
• Alum Els van der Helm changes attitudes to sleep: https://www.mckinsey.com/alumni/news-and-events/global-news/alumni-news/success-with-a-capital-zzzz-alum-els-van-der-helm-changes-attitudes-to-sleep
• Sleepio: https://www.sleepio.com/sleepio/welcomeus/401#1/1
Books• Hardwired for Happiness: 9 Proven Practices to Overcome Stress and Live Your Best Life.https://www.amazon.com/Hardwired-Happiness-Proven-Practices-Overcome/dp/1544534655
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Unhappiness habits are guests we'd all rather evict. They can creep into our lives subtly, often masked as normal daily routines. But these seemingly harmless habits can have a profound impact on our overall well-being. It's time to identify the patterns holding you back and replace them with healthier alternatives.
In this second part of the HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast series about unhappiness habits, Ashish Kothari, Founder of HAPPINESS SQUAD, shares three detrimental habits that might be sabotaging your happiness and offers practical solutions to break free from their grip.
Things you will learn from this episode:
• 5 ways to break the unhappy habit of sitting
• What’s causing you to sleep less?
• Improving your sleep quality and quantity
• 3 ways to re-engage and reconnect with nature
Tune in to discover how to break free from unhappiness.
Resources:• https://www.cnn.com/2024/01/25/health/effects-of-sitting-on-mortality-wellness/index.html
• https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/news/shortening-sleep-time-increases-diabetes-risk-women
• https://vcresearch.berkeley.edu/faculty/matthew-walker
• https://www.amazon.com/Sleep-Revolution-Transforming-Your-Night/dp/110190402X
• https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/does-exposure-green-spaces-childhood-lead-better-mental-health-180971590/#:~:text=Using%20satellite%20data%2C%20the%20researchers,mental%20health%20conditions%20in%20adulthood.
• Rewire Program: https://happinesssquad.com/rewire-program/
• The Happiness Squad on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-happiness-squad/id1663683864
• Happiness Squad Podcast: https://podcast.happinesssquad.com/
• Happiness Squad website: https://happinesssquad.com/
• Happiness Squad on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myhappinesssquad/
Books:• Hardwired for Happiness: 9 Proven Practices to Overcome Stress and Live Your Best Life.https://www.amazon.com/Hardwired-Happiness-Proven-Practices-Overcome/dp/1544534655
• Also mentioned in the episode:
The Blue Zones: Secrets for Living Longer: https://danbuettner.com/books/
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We've all got an inner critic, that pesky voice whispering doubts and insecurities. But for some, this critic morphs into a full-blown bully, undermining self-worth and happiness. Self-bullying is the silent enemy of potential, a hidden obstacle to overall well-being.
In this episode of the HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast, Anna Marie Frank, Founder of Happy Whole You, shares tips on how to overcome self-bullying to embrace your holistic health.
Anna Marie Frank is a brain health expert and holistic wellness practitioner with a PhD in Natural Medicine. Her mission is to end mental health stigma and help people optimize their brains and body through lifestyle changes and holistic approaches.
A survivor of depression, dyslexia, and ADD, she founded Happy Whole You to share her knowledge and create effective brain health solutions. Her book, "Stop Bullying Yourself!", offers practical guidance for overcoming self-doubt and achieving success.
Things you will learn from this episode:
• Viewing hardships as lessons
• Recognizing and shifting negative thoughts
• How to recognize self-bullying
• Key strategies to stop bullying yourself
Break free from the chains of self-bullying and unlock your true potential. Tune in now!
Resources:• Happy Whole You: https://happywholeyou.com/
• Blogs at Happy Whole You: https://happywholeyou.com/blogs/news
Books:• Stop Bullying Yourself Book: https://happywholeyou.com/products/stop-bullying-yourself
• Hardwired for Happiness: 9 Proven Practices to Overcome Stress and Live Your Best Life.https://www.amazon.com/Hardwired-Happiness-Proven-Practices-Overcome/dp/1544534655
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Despite advancements in efficiency, many are wrestling with being too busy. We've removed friction from tasks like travel, banking, and meetings, yet why are we busier than ever? How do we get out of it?
In this episode of the HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast, Ashish Kothari and Kate Sotsenko, Founder and Productivity & Leadership Coach at thegoodbusy.com, dig into the root causes of "bad busy," and explore how to be “good busy” and reinvent your approach to productivity.
Kate Sotsenko is a seasoned Productivity and Leadership Coach, dedicated to helping busy team leaders reclaim their time and boost productivity. With firsthand experience of the damaging effects of "bad busyness," including temporary vision loss and migraine attacks, Kate understands the toll of unproductive work on personal well-being.
She teaches the art of curiosity and organization, enabling her clients to free up time for personal and professional growth. As the founder of TheGoodBusy.com, Kate offers practical strategies to transform overwhelmed leaders into efficient and fulfilled professionals.
In the conversation, Kate shares practical tips for overcoming the common challenges of moving from "bad busy" to "good busy."
Things you will learn from this episode:
• Understanding “Bad Busy”
• The "Good Busy" Framework
• Personal Practices for Well-being
• The importance of coaching in managing productivity
Tune in now, and you’ll learn practical steps to shift from “bad busy” to “good busy,” and reclaim your time and energy!
Resources:• Check out The Good Busy by Kate Sotsenko here: https://thegoodbusy.com/
Books:• Hardwired for Happiness: 9 Proven Practices to Overcome Stress and Live Your Best Life.https://www.amazon.com/Hardwired-Happiness-Proven-Practices-Overcome/dp/1544534655
• Kate recommends “The Coaching Habit” by Michael Bungay Stanier: https://www.mbs.works/coaching-habit-book/
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