Episodios
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We’ve been sold this idea that work and life are two separate things—one to survive, the other to enjoy. But here’s the truth: It’s all just life. The best workplaces don’t force people to "balance" their time between stress and fulfillment. They create cultures where work itself is a source of purpose, growth, and well-being.
That’s exactly what Teresa Roche, Chair of the Learning Innovation Laboratory at Harvard and CHRO at the City of Fort Collins, has helped build—an adaptive and well-being-driven organization where people don’t just work, they flourish.
Teresa Roche is a transformational HR leader with expertise in building well-being-driven workplaces. As CHRO of the City of Fort Collins, she has led innovative talent strategies, inclusion initiatives, and the Future of Work, shaping a culture where people and performance thrive. Previously, she drove leadership development at Agilent Technologies, ensuring 90% of senior roles were filled internally.
In this episode of the Happiness Squad Podcast, Ashish Kothari and Teresa Roche explore how leaders can start designing purposeful workplaces that fuel both performance and well-being.
Things you will learn in this episode:
• The myth of work-life balance
• The importance of building a workplace culture that prioritizes well-being
• Why well-being must be an organizational priority
• Why organizations need to make the systemic shift to promote wellness
• The ROI of creating flourishing organizations
• The role of leaders in driving a flourishing culture
The system needs to change! If you want to be a part of it, start by tuning into this epic episode.
Resources: ✅• City of Fort Collins Health and Wellness Programs: https://larimer.senioraccesspoints.colostate.edu/blog/2021/11/16/city-of-fort-collins-health-and-wellness-programs/
• IFTF Palo Alto: https://www.iftf.org/
• Harvard Flourishing Network: https://hfh.fas.harvard.edu/flourishing-network-HFH
• Chief Learning Officer: https://resource.chieflearningofficer.com/chief-learning-officer-resource-center
• Related episode: https://podcast.happinesssquad.com/episode/the-power-of-purpose-driven-organizations-with-alex-edmans
• Alex Edman’s research proving that employee satisfaction leads to 2–3.5% incremental shareholder returns. https://alexedmans.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Finding-the-Purpose-of-Your-Business.pdf
• McKinsey Health Institute - A holistic health approach for employees: https://www.mckinsey.com/mhi/our-insights/reframing-employee-health-moving-beyond-burnout-to-holistic-health
• Oxford Economics on prioritizing workplace well-being:
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keep up with endless demands. Trying to "just get through the day" instead of truly thriving can impact you far beyond your personal well-being. It cascades down to your teams, organizations, and long-term success. So how do you shift from just surviving to actually thriving?
That’s what we dive into in this episode of the Happiness Squad Podcast with Ashish Kothari and Renee Moorefield, CEO of Wisdom Works Group, Inc.
Renee Moorefield, PhD, is the CEO of Wisdom Works, a social enterprise she co-founded in 1999 to promote leadership and organizational cultures that empower people to thrive. With over 30 years of experience, she has coached and advised executives from Fortune 500 companies, including The Coca-Cola Company, Nike, and Hyatt.
Renee is also the author of "Driven by Wellth," a book that explores how contemporary leaders can integrate wealth with well-being. She serves on the Advisory Board of the Global Wellness Institute and is an international speaker, as well as a Master Certified Coach and Certified Health & Wellness Coach.
In the conversation, Ashish and Renee break down what it really means to thrive as a leader and why so many leaders struggle to make the shift. Renee shares a simple but powerful framework that helps leaders build resilience, stay energized, and lead with clarity—even in high-pressure environments.
Things you will learn in this episode:
• Defining thriving ang its importance in leadership
• The six-part thriving framework (Developed by Wisdom Works)
• Why thriving is a leadership responsibility
• Practical Strategies for Moving from Survival to Thriving
If you’re feeling stretched too thin, constantly reacting, or struggling to find balance, this conversation will give you the practical tools you need to take back control and lead with energy, confidence, and purpose.
Tune in now to learn how to stop leading in survival mode and start thriving!
Resources: ✅• Wisdom Works website: http://wisdom-works.com/
• Be Well, Lead Well Pulse Assessment: https://www.wisdom-works.com/assessment/
• Be Well, Lead Well: https://www.bewellleadwellpulse.com/
• Wisdom Works Group: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wisdom-works-group/
Books: ✅• “Driven by WELLth” by Julie Maloney and Renee Moorefield: https://a.co/d/83TGDFc
• "Full Catastrophe Living" by Jon Kabat-Zinn: https://a.co/d/gIeCdCF
• "Leadership and the New Science" by Margaret Wheatley: https://a.co/d/6vWxdR6
• Hardwired for Happiness book by Ashish Kothari: https://www.amazon.com/Hardwired-Happiness-Proven-Practices-Overcome/dp/1544534655
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Episode Summary:
In this episode, we dive deep into the power of rewiring our minds and relaunching our lives with transformational coaches Hillary DeCesare and Ashish Kothari. We explore how limiting beliefs hold us back, why traditional habits don’t always stick, and how the Belief Blaster tool can help you break free from subconscious patterns. Plus, we introduce the Rewire & Relaunch program—a 40-day journey designed to help you make lasting changes in the four key domains of life: Wealth, Health, Love, and Meaning.
What You'll Learn:
• How hidden beliefs sabotage success and happiness.
• The neuroscience behind rewiring the brain (and why it takes 62-67 days!).
• Why radical life changes don’t always lead to lasting transformation.
• The 5-step process to release limiting beliefs and replace them with empowering ones.
• The role of mind, body, and spirit in creating sustainable change.
• How community, accountability, and personal networks fuel transformation.
• The importance of energy alignment and using ancient wisdom for success.
Key Takeaways:
• We don’t see the world as it is; we see it as we are.
• Success and happiness don’t happen overnight—they require intentional rewiring.
• Knowledge isn’t power—practice is power.
• To create real change, you must change from within first.
Resources & Links:
• Learn more about the Rewire & Relaunch program: Link to website
• Read Ashish Kothari’s book: Hardwired for Happiness (available on Amazon)
• Check out Hillary DeCesare’s book: Relaunch: Spark Your Heart to Ignite Your Life
Loved this episode? Share it with someone who needs a transformation! Don’t forget to
subscribe, rate, and leave a review.
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Most leaders think of creativity as something exclusive to artists, but it’s actually a skill leaders can learn to master. Just like art, leadership requires taking risks, challenging assumptions, and building what doesn’t exist yet. If you’re ready to stop playing it safe and start making a real impact, it’s time to unleash your creative edge.
In this episode of the HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast, Ashish Kothari and Will Day, Award-winning Abstract Painter-Artist, break down exactly how to turn creativity into your biggest leadership advantage.
Will Day is a Boulder-based contemporary artist known for his bold, large-scale abstract paintings that capture movement and transformation. With a background in architecture and finance, he brings a unique perspective to the art world, blending structure with expressive creativity. His work has been exhibited across the U.S., earning recognition for its emotional depth and dynamic energy. Through his art, Will inspires others to embrace risk, resilience, and the power of creative expression.
Will shares powerful lessons on why creativity is essential for leadership, how to embrace failure, and why relentless self-expression helps you lead with confidence.
Things you will learn in this episode:
• Creativity as a leadership skill
• How to apply creativity as a daily practice
• The role of vulnerability in creativity
• Creativity as a tool for resilience
• Why leaders must think like an artist
If you’ve ever doubted your creative potential, this episode will challenge you to rethink leadership as an art form—one that requires courage, curiosity, and an unshakable commitment to growth. Tune in now!
Resources:✅• Will Day Art: https://www.willdayart.com/
• Will Day on the CanvasRebel Magazine: https://canvasrebel.com/meet-will-day/
• Wil Day on Saatchi Art: https://www.saatchiart.com/willday?srsltid=AfmBOorV40nKMstu9n8hbu5rtWjgw6DWf1LN_xpso7TGQD1UkWDi8fkk
• Will Day’s Artworks: https://www.artsy.net/artist/will-day
• Will Day - TedX - Finding Creativity in the Chaos: https://www.ted.com/talks/will_day_finding_creativity_in_the_chaos
Books: ✅• Hardwired for Happiness book by Ashish Kothari: https://www.amazon.com/Hardwired-Happiness-Proven-Practices-Overcome/dp/1544534655
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The world glorifies the grind of entrepreneurship, but nobody talks about the toll it takes on your well-being. Stress, self-doubt, and a constant need to prove yourself can leave even the most driven entrepreneurs feeling stuck. Without addressing the root cause, you risk burnout and a loss of purpose. Self-discovery is the game-changer most entrepreneurs overlook.
In this Happiness Squad Podcast episode, Ashish Kothari and Alex Raymond, Founder of AMplify, Board at Kapta, and Host of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast, explore how self-discovery empowers entrepreneurs to face their toughest challenges, find clarity, and sustain long-term success in their ventures.
Things you will learn in this episode:
• Overcoming imposter syndrome in entrepreneurship
• The importance of self-discovery for resilience
• Reframing success as a journey, not a destination
• How to operate in your zone of genius
• Preventing burnout through alignment and relationships
If you want proven, actionable tips to address the most pressing challenges in entrepreneurship, this is an episode you wouldn’t want to miss.
Resources: ✅• The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast by Alex Raymond: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-conscious-entrepreneur/id1708478000
• The Conscious Entrepreneur Summit by Alex Raymond: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/
• The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI): https://www.mindgarden.com/117-maslach-burnout-inventory-mbi
• Well-being in the Workplace by McKinsey & Co.: https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/well-being-in-the-workplace
• Related Episode with Dr. Srikumar Rao: https://podcast.happinesssquad.com/episode/living-in-pure-awareness-with-professor-srikumar-rao
Books: ✅• "10X Is Easier Than 2X" by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy: https://a.co/d/2OCtzHs
• "How Will You Measure Your Life?" by Clayton Christensen: https://a.co/d/eZaR7pn
• "Finite and Infinite Games" by James Carse: "Finite and Infinite Games" by James Carse
• Hardwired for Happiness book by Ashish Kothari: https://www.amazon.com/Hardwired-Happiness-Proven-Practices-Overcome/dp/1544534655
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We live in a world where success often leads to burnout, anxiety, and loneliness instead of fulfillment. Ashish Kothari, Founder and CEO of Happiness Squad, faced this firsthand, realizing that titles and achievements alone weren’t enough. His journey from relentless striving to meaningful happiness led him to uncover truths about well-being that many miss.
In our latest episode, Ashish shares how he founded Happiness Squad to help people find purpose, resilience, and true joy in life.
Things you will learn in this episode:
How burnout, stress, and anxiety have become widespread challenges across industriesThe science behind individual and organizational flourishingUsing data and continuous insights to build effective well-being programsWhy community support and continuous practice are essential for real change
Resources:✅• Sadhguru, Isha Foundation: https://isha.sadhguru.org/sg/en
• The Art of Living by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: https://www.artofliving.org/in-en
• Vipassana Meditation: https://www.dhamma.org/
• Rewire Program: https://happinesssquad.com/rewire-program/
• Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-happiness-squad/id1663683864
• Website: https://happinesssquad.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
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Uncertainty has become the new normal, and as a leader, it can feel like the ground beneath you is constantly shifting. How do you inspire confidence when you're struggling to find it yourself? Without a strong foundation in your leadership, it can be difficult to respond to challenges and your team could feel it too.
In this episode of the Happiness Squad Podcast, Ashish Kothari and Jason Hanson show you how to change the game with grounded leadership and lead with strength, clarity, and conviction—no matter what comes your way.
Jason Hanson is the Director of the President's Leadership Class at the University of Colorado Boulder, specializing in mentoring future leaders. A former Senior Manager of Enterprise Learning at Charles Schwab, he is a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach with expertise in leadership development and talent strategy. Jason holds a Master’s in Higher Education Administration from Northwestern University and a Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of Illinois Chicago.
Things you will learn in this episode:
• Understanding the importance of grounded leadership in times of change
• How to build grounded leadership by leveraging your values and strengths
• The role of strengths-based development in unlocking individual and team potential
• Practical leadership tools for building high-performing teams
• Why meaningful relationships are critical for leadership success
• Navigating career transitions with self-awareness and intentionality
Tune in now to learn how to lead with clarity and resilience in the most volatile of times.
Resources:✅• Gallup StrengthsFinder: https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/254033/strengthsfinder.aspx
• VIA Character Strengths: https://www.viacharacter.org/
• Harvard Business School Net Promoter Score Case Study: https://www.hbsp.harvard.edu/product/8573BC-PDF-ENG
• The ADKAR Model: https://www.prosci.com/methodology/adkar
• Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: https://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html
• Job Crafting by Jane Dutton: https://positivepsychology.com/job-crafting/
• https://positiveorgs.bus.umich.edu/wp-content/uploads/Glance-Leading-Positively.pdf
Books:✅• A Model for Change in Business, Government, and Our Community: https://a.co/d/9kSsCqw
• Hardwired for Happiness by Ashish Kothari: https://a.co/d/iXGAjje
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Leadership often feels like navigating a high-stakes game where every decision could make or break the outcome. Yet, the best leaders aren’t the ones who power through with toughness alone—they are the ones who master the ability to stay calm under pressure.
In this episode of the Happiness Squad Podcast, Ashish Kothari and Brent Lang explore how mental calmness helps leaders build resilience, maintain optimism, and inspire teams to thrive under pressure.
Brent Lang is an Olympic gold medalist and accomplished business leader. As the former CEO of Vocera Communications and current Chair of the Board at Eko Health and Movella, Brent combines his athletic discipline with strategic leadership to inspire resilience, mental calmness, and innovation in the organizations he serves.
Things you will learn in this episode:
• The power of persistence and resilience
• The importance of coaching, mentorship, and empathy
• Staying present and cultivating mental calmness
• Building strong foundations for well-being
• The value of positive thinking and openness
Don’t miss this inspiring episode! Hear Olympic gold medalist Brent Lang share his secrets to staying composed under pressure and building habits for success.
Resources:✅• Brent Lang’s website: http://www.brentdlang.com/
• Brent Lang’s appointment to Chair of the Board of Directors at Eko Health https://www.ekohealth.com/blogs/newsroom/brent-lang-joins-eko-board-of-directors?srsltid=AfmBOorgkQ3U3t_WX0sRAzzGyppxGseEpfrPgvNnFwccQCb9y7EO84hg
• Brent Lang as Chairman of the Board at Movella: https://www.movella.com/investors/governance
Books:✅• Hardwired for Happiness by Ashish Kothari: https://a.co/d/iXGAjje
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Social media was supposed to connect us, but instead, it’s become a source of stress, manipulation, and mental health challenges. From endless scrolling to harmful algorithms, the negative effects are clear. In this episode of the Happiness Squad Podcast, we uncover the truth about social media’s negative impact on our minds and explore practical ways to take back control with Mark Weinstein.
Mark Weinstein is a social media pioneer and privacy advocate. He founded early social media platforms (Superfamily.com, Superfriends.com) and MeWe, a privacy-focused social network. He is also an author (Restoring Our Sanity Online) and a leading expert on privacy and ethical digital practices.
Mark shares actionable strategies to reduce social media dependency, set healthy boundaries between our personal and virtual lives, and restore our overall mental well-being in a digital age.
Things you will learn in this episode:
• The mental health crisis driven by social media
• Social media’s negative impact on the youth and on adults
• How to restore your sanity online
• Parenting in the digital age
• Ethical digital practices to protect your privacy
Being social media savvy doesn’t have to mean losing your sanity. Discover Mark’s actionable strategies to protect your mental well-being and restore your balance in today’s hyperconnected world.
Resources:✅• Mark Weinstein’s website: https://www.markweinsteininventor.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabV2aoowooKGM7uNIHm5bNth2caBCCgv8Fpwpdf-_7gUmGGMcDQ4ve01NA_aem_opeSAO_sU2svv-sgBUAkWg
• Mark Weinstein TEDx Talks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AoYC4ogezE4
• Jonathan Haidt on The Effects of Social Media on Teen Mental Health: https://jonathanhaidt.com/social-media/
Books:✅• Restoring Our Sanity Online by Mark Weinstein: https://www.amazon.com/Restoring-Our-Sanity-Online-Revolutionary/dp/1394273967
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Stress and burnout aren’t inevitable—they’re symptoms of how we’ve been working. Habits like juggling too many tasks, always staying connected, and back-to-back meetings have become so routine that we hardly question them anymore. But these habits are taking a toll on our happiness and well-being.
In this episode of the HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast, Ashish Kothari, Founder of Happiness Squad, explores the hidden costs of these behaviors, the drivers behind them, and how we can build a more intentional, fulfilling approach to work.
Things you will learn in this episode:
• Understanding the myth of multitasking
• Breaking free from the need to always stay connected
• How to plan and execute efficient meetings
It’s time we stop wearing busyness as a badge of honor and start building habits that make us more resilient, adaptable, and—above all—happier.
Resources:✅• 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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Leaders, here’s the wake-up call: More than half of your workforce is burned out. Ignoring it won’t make it go away, and throwing tools like mindfulness apps at the problem won’t fix it either. The solution lies in redesigning how work happens.
In this episode of the HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast, Ashish Kothari and Jen Fisher, Former Human Sustainability Leader and Chief Well-being Officer at Deloitte, uncover why workplace well-being is directly tied to your organization’s success and how you can make it a cornerstone of your strategy.
Jen Fisher is a leading expert in workplace wellbeing and human sustainability, known for her groundbreaking role as Deloitte US's first Chief Wellbeing Officer. She is the bestselling co-author of Work Better Together and host of The WorkWell Podcast. Her work has been featured in major outlets such as Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, and CNN, making her a sought-after thought leader and speaker in the field.
Things you will learn in this episode:
• Why well-being is a strategic imperative
• The real causes of burnout and how to address them
• Building a culture of permission and psychological safety
• The ROI of investing in well-being at work
• Non-negotiables for thriving leaders
Resources: ✅• Jen Fisher on Substack: https://jenfisher.substack.com/
• Work by Dr. Alex Edmans: https://alexedmans.com/correlation/
• McKinsey: Addressing Employee Burnout: https://www.mckinsey.com/mhi/our-insights/addressing-employee-burnout-are-you-solving-the-right-problem
Books: ✅• Work Better Together book co-authored by Jen Fisher: https://a.co/d/1imvQxy
• Hardwired for Happiness by Ashish Kothari: https://a.co/d/3SixHKF
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Sometimes, life and work can feel like a never-ending loop—same routines, same challenges, no real progress. If 2024 felt like a year where things didn’t quite click, you’re not alone. Many of us struggle with finding the right balance between leading effectively, making meaningful changes, and just feeling genuinely happy. But it’s time to change that.
In this episode of the Happiness Squad Podcast, we’re taking a fresh look at what it takes to thrive. As 2024 comes to a close, we’re celebrating the standout episodes that resonated with listeners worldwide. This special compilation brings you three impactful conversations packed with insights to help you thrive in life and work.
Things you will learn in this episode:
• Driving Deep Organizational Change with Robert Quinn
• Embracing Modern Leadership with Andrew White
• Building Happy Habits for Long-Term Joy with Ashish Kothari
We learned a lot this year about dealing with challenges and creating a better future. Join us as we revisit the year's most inspiring conversations on leadership, change, and happiness, and discover useful lessons for the coming year.
Resources:✅• Robert E. Quinn
∙ https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-e-quinn-57b9a9100/
∙ http://www.bob-quinn.com/
∙ https://michiganross.umich.edu/faculty-research/faculty/robert-quinn
∙ Deep Change by Robert Quinn: https://michiganross.umich.edu/faculty-research/faculty/robert-quinn
∙ More books by Robert Quinn: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001H6MQSK
• Andrew White
∙ https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-andrew-white/?originalSubdomain=uk
∙ Transcend.Space on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/transcend-space/
∙ Transcend.Space Website: https://transcend.space/who-we-are/
∙ Andrew White’s TED Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9fwC3tInlo
∙ Leadership 2050 Newsletter: https://transcend.space/leadership-2050/
• Ashish Kothari
∙ https://www.facebook.com/ashish.kothari.397
∙ https://www.instagram.com/myhappinesssquad/
∙ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashishkothari1/
∙ https://www.linkedin.com/company/happiness-squad/
Books:✅• Hardwired for Happiness by Ashish Kothari:
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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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