Intersections Podcast

How can we successfully bring our vision to life to fill the gaps we see in the world? What challenges may arise along this journey, and how can we navigate them with wisdom and grace? In our quest to change the world, how do we engage in meaningful dialogue with those holding opposing viewpoints and arrive at a deeper, collective understanding? And how might grace, gratitude, and generosity become the three central pillars to guide us in all we do?Find out from Rabbi Shai Held, exclusively in conversation with Dr. Hitendra Wadhwa on Intersections Podcast.Rabbi Shai Held is a philosopher, theologian, and a Bible scholar, and currently serves as President and Dean at the Hadar Institute, a center of Jewish life, learning, and practice that builds vibrant egalitarian communities in North America and Israel, which he co-founded in 2006. Rabbi Held has received the prestigious Covenant Award for Excellence in Jewish Education, and has been named multiple times by Newsweek as one of the fifty most influential rabbis in America and by the Jewish Daily Forward as one of the fifty most prominent Jews in the world. He has authored a number of books including Abraham Joshua Heschel: The Call of Transcendence, The Heart of Torah, and his most recent, Judaism is About Love. He is also the host of Hadar Institute's newest podcast, Answers WithHeld.In this episode, Rabbi Held reveals:- His own journey of bringing his vision for Hadar Institute to life, the challenges that ensued and how he overcame them successfully- A profound understanding of grace, gratitude and generosity, and how to cultivate these qualities in all that we do

What do we do when we find ourselves caught between the demands of making a living and the quiet yearning to pursue our passion? How can we listen more deeply to the subtle stirrings of our soul while honoring the responsibilities and realities of the world we live in? How can we create harmony between our inner and outer worlds so each of these two worlds energizes and uplifts the other? Find out from Gurcharan Das, exclusively in conversation with Dr. Hitendra Wadhwa on Intersections Podcast.Gurcharan Das is a celebrated author, thinker and former CEO of Procter & Gamble India and Managing Director, Procter & Gamble Worldwide (Strategic Planning). After four decades of working at the helm of the business world, he retired early to become a full-time writer. Some of his bestselling books include India Unbound, The Difficulty of Being Good, and Another Sort of Freedom. His writings have been featured in leading media including The Economist, Financial Times, WSJ and The Guardian. Gurcharan graduated in philosophy with honors from Harvard University, where he was inducted in 2013 into Phi Beta Kappa for ‘high attainments in liberal scholarship.' He also attended Harvard Business School where he is featured in four case studies.In this episode, Gurcharan reveals:- How to honor and pursue your soul's true calling in the messy milieu of life- A practical approach to harmonize your inner aspirations with your outer ambitions

Does high-performance require us to sacrifice our well-being? How can we make our first principles tangible and express them effortlessly in everything we do? Is there an integrative method to truth-seeking that's applicable to all pursuits, and is there a place where truth resides and reveals itself on its own? And what steps can leaders, managers and coaches take to lead their people toward transformation?Find out from Michael Gervais, a leading expert on the relationship between the mind and human performance, as he busts many 20th century myths about self-mastery through the art of craft-mastery, exclusively in conversation with Dr. Hitendra Wadhwa on Intersections Podcast.Michael Gervais is one of the world's top high performance psychologists and leading experts on the relationship between the mind and human performance. He is the founder of Finding Mastery, a high performance psychology consulting agency that works with leaders, teams, and organizations so they can thrive at the intersection of high performance and wellbeing, including Fortune 100 CEOs, Olympic athletes and gold medalists, Super Bowl winning NFL franchises and the best in the world of business, sport, arts and science. Michael's work has been featured in leading media including HBR, FOX, CNN, ESPN, The Wall Street Journal, New York Times and Outside Magazine. He's also an acclaimed keynote speaker, co-creator of the Performance Science Institute at USC Marshall School of Business, author of the national bestselling book, The First Rule of Mastery, and host of the Finding Mastery podcast.In this episode, Michael reveals:- The invisible world of our minds, thoughts, feelings and behaviors, and how they all can be attuned and pointed towards our chosen path of excellence- How leaders, managers and coaches can learn to tap into collective wisdom and lead their people toward transformation- The greatest constrictor of human potential and why high-performance doesn't demand the sacrifice of our well-being- An integrative approach to truth-seeking and where truth resides and reveals itself on its own

Can entrepreneurship lead to world peace? What possibilities for growth are hidden in our difficult moments, and how can we leverage them to advance our impact in the world? How can you cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset and build something of value for others? And what new leadership framework can we adopt to successfully implement and scale complex social change programs across the world?Find out from Asheesh Advani, as he shares a new approach to timeless lessons for aspiring leaders, entrepreneurs and changemakers, exclusively in conversation with Dr. Hitendra Wadhwa on Intersections Podcast.Asheesh Advani is the CEO of JA Worldwide, one of the largest social impact networks in the world, serving over 12 million young people in 100+ countries, delivering hands-on experiential learning programs in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship. During his leadership tenure, JA has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for three consecutive years. Asheesh is also an accomplished entrepreneur, having led two venture-backed businesses from start-up to acquisition, which have been chronicled in case studies at Harvard Business School. He is an in-demand speaker and regular contributor at major conferences, having served as a panelist or moderator at the World Economic Forum, the United Nations, the Young Presidents Organization, and Fortune 500 corporate gatherings. Asheesh has previously served as a columnist for Entrepreneur Magazine, has written two books about business finance, and his latest book is Modern Achievement, was published in August 2024.In this episode, Asheesh reveals:- The invisible connection between entrepreneurship and world peace- How to build an entrepreneurial mindset and build something of value for others- A new leadership framework to successfully implement and scale complex social change programs across the world

Why is inner work fundamental to racial justice and changemaking? What role do our thoughts, feelings and intentions play in shaping the way we live and lead change? How can we learn to embody mindfulness and exercise compassion, from the very core of our being, in our everyday words and actions? And how can we inspire and reorganize our communities that allow unity and harmony to bloom?Find out from Rhonda Magee, as she illuminates the very heart of social justice work through the lens of mindfulness, exclusively in conversation with Dr. Hitendra Wadhwa on Intersections Podcast.Rhonda Magee is a Professor of Law at the University of San Francisco, an internationally-recognized mindfulness teacher, an acclaimed author and keynote speaker. Having studied mindfulness, its underlying origins in Buddhism, and its potential benefits and applications for over 20 years, Rhonda's work has been focused on integrating mindfulness into higher education, law, activism and social change work, personal and collective healing, and leadership. She is the author of The Inner Work of Racial Justice, and has written extensively on how mindfulness supports engagement in the world in the face of multiple interlocking challenges, including climate distress, migration, war and political polarization. Along the way, she's become a sought-after keynote speaker, inspiring others to explore the integration of socially-engaged mindfulness in research and its applications inside schools, workplaces, communities and beyond.In this episode, Rhonda reveals:- Why inner work is fundamental to racial justice and changemaking- The role our thoughts, feelings and intentions play in shaping the way we live and lead change- Six ways to embody and express mindfulness in our everyday words and actions

What is the true purpose of religion? How can we find peace within our own faith when some of what has been institutionalized appears to be incongruent with 21st century values? How do we engage with and reform rigid cultural boundaries that prevent us from living a life of our choosing? And what habits can we cultivate that help bring congruence to our own beliefs, emotions, intellect, and faith?Find out from former Wall Street Journal reporter, Asra Nomani, as she recounts her struggle-filled yet inspiring journey of finding hope in the midst of tragedy, in conversation with Dr. Hitendra Wadhwa on Intersections Podcast.Asra Nomani is an acclaimed journalist, researcher, author, speaker, civil rights leader and an award-winning educator in journalism. She has taught journalism at Georgetown University, reported for the Wall Street Journal, and currently serves as Senior Contributor for The Federalist, and as Senior Fellow in the Practice of Journalism for the Independent Women's Network. An expert in investigative reporting, writing, editing and storytelling, Asra has written several books including Standing Alone: An American Woman's Struggle for the Soul of Islam, Tantrika: Traveling the Road of Divine Love, and Woke Army, the Red-Green Alliance that is Destroying America's Freedom. She is the co-founder of the Muslim Reform Movement, a global coalition of Muslim reformers, dedicated to peace, human rights and secular governance. Her work has been featured on both national and international media outlets including The Washington Post, New York Times, TIME, PBS, CNN, BBC and Fox.In this episode, Asra reveals:The true purpose of religionA habit that can help bring congruence in our own beliefs, emotions, intellect, and faithHow to address and reform rigid cultural boundaries that prevent us from living a life of our own choosing

How can we nurture hope in the face of deep loss and convert our pain into meaningful purpose? What wisdom can we gain about our own lives, purpose and happiness when we perform an audit of our own values? How can leaders light a fire in the hearts of people across the enterprise, and create a virtuous cycle of excellence, both at the individual and collective level? Find out from Niren Chaudhary, Chairman of Panera Brands, exclusively in conversation with Dr. Hitendra Wadhwa on Intersections Podcast.Niren Chaudhary is the Chairman of the Board of Panera Brands, one of the world's largest fast casual restaurant companies with nearly 4,000 locations in 10 countries. In his previous roles, Niren has served as CEO of Panera Brands and Panera Bread, COO and President of Krispy Kreme, and spent 23 years at Yum! Brands serving in global leadership positions including Global President of KFC and President of Yum! India. Niren is guided by his deep passion for serving others and building future leaders. He spends his personal time sharing his personal and professional journey with students and professionals, often wielding a guitar to sing about his life or even a new Panera menu item; serves on the Tufts Medical Centre Board and as an advocate for DKMS, a leading non-profit with the world's largest stem cell donor registry. Niren also holds a black belt in Shotokan karate and is an avid golfer, tennis player and musician with his own rock band.In this episode, Niren reveals:- The wisdom we can gain about our own lives, purpose and happiness when we perform an audit of our own values- How to create a virtuous cycle of excellence at the individual and collective level- Three values that can inspire us to live fully and meaningfully, even through our most difficult times

How can leaders better track their people's well-being, and foster a culture that supports open discussions about mental health? As the cultivation of their people's well-being emerges as a crucial requirement for organizations, how can we equip managers to support their teams' well-being? What scientific methods can we adopt to transcend our personal circumstances and become stewards of our own well-being? And how can we become agents of inspiration and support those around us on their well-being journey?Find out from Jen Fisher, a leading voice on the intersection of work, well-being, and purpose, exclusively in conversation with Dr. Hitendra Wadhwa on Intersections Podcast.Jen Fisher is a sought-after speaker, bestselling author, podcast host, and serves as Human Sustainability Leader for Deloitte US. She has previously served as the first-ever Chief Well-being Officer for Deloitte, and has built and led the creation and execution of a pioneering holistic and inclusive well-being strategy that has received wide acclaim. Jen frequently writes on issues impacting the workplace today, including mental health, social connection, resilience, happiness and productivity, and has been featured in leading media including CNN, CNBC, Fast Company, Fortune and HBR. She's the co-author of the bestselling book, Work Better Together: How to Cultivate Strong Relationships to Maximize Well-Being and Boost Bottom Lines, a TEDx speaker, Editor-at-large for Thrive Global, Host of the “WorkWell” podcast series, and has just started a brand new Substack Newsletter called Thoughts on Being Well.In this episode, Jen reveals:- Three tangible ways to scale well-being in the workplace- Science-proven methods we can adopt to become stewards of our own well-being- How leaders can learn to better evaluate their people's well-being, and foster a culture that supports open discussions about mental health

How can we turn polarizing conversations into beautiful moments of self-discovery, mutual kinship and deep connection? What changes in us and in our relationships when we stop labeling others? Can our ego manipulate and stop us from being open to new perspectives, and how do we overcome it? What are the five skills of moral courage, and how can we use them to win hearts and minds?Find out from the recipient of Oprah's “Chutzpah Award” for boldness, Irshad Manji, in conversation with Dr. Hitendra Wadhwa on Intersections Podcast.Irshad Manji is the founder of Moral Courage College, which equips people to turn polarizing issues into productive conversations and solutions-driven teamwork. The recipient of Oprah's "Chutzpah Award" for boldness, Irshad is also a New York Times bestselling author. Her first book, an international blockbuster, is The Trouble with Islam Today: A Muslim's Call for Reform in Her Faith. Irshad's latest is Don't Label Me: How to Do Diversity Without Inflaming the Culture Wars. (Fun fact: the entertainer Chris Rock calls this book “genius.”) A professor of leadership at New York University for many years, Irshad now teaches with the Oxford Initiative for Global Ethics and Human Rights.In this episode, Irshad reveals:- The five skills of moral courage, and how we can use them to win hearts and minds- The opportunities we miss when we label others and put them into buckets- The truth about human nature, how our ego can stop us from gaining new perspectives and how to overcome it

Is it possible to reform those that fell wayward? Can gang members, if treated with dignity and tenderness over punishment and incarceration, be transformed into loving human beings? And what fundamental principles can we adopt to move society, from a culture of judgment and denunciation, to mutual kinship and appreciation?Find out from Father Gregory Boyle SJ, a Jesuit priest and founder of Homeboy Industries, as he reveals his extraordinary journey of mass human transformation and why serving at the margins is powerful and replenishing, exclusively in conversation with Dr. Hitendra Wadhwa on Intersections Podcast.Father Gregory Boyle SJ is a Jesuit priest and the founder of Homeboy Industries, the largest and most successful gang rehabilitation and re-entry program in the world, offering an “exit ramp” for those stuck in a cycle of violence and incarceration. In the early 1990s, Father Boyle served as the pastor of Dolores Mission Church in Boyle Heights, then the poorest Catholic parish in Los Angeles that also had the highest concentration of gang activity in the city. Having witnessed the devastating impact of gang violence on his community, Father Boyle and parish and community members adopted what was a radical approach at the time: treat gang members as human beings. For his service to humanity, Father Boyle has received the California Peace Prize and has been inducted into the California Hall of Fame. In 2014, President Obama named Father Boyle a Champion of Change. Father Boyle is also the author of several books including Barking to the Choir: The Power of Radical Kinship, and the New York Times-bestseller Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion.In this episode, Father Boyle reveals:- Why our quest for morality only fuels division and polarization- A radical approach to transforming anyone, even gang members, into loving human beings- Two fundamental principles for moving society from a culture of judgment and denunciation to mutual kinship and appreciation

In a world teeming with division and discord, can emotional and social intelligence, sown early in the fertile minds of children, grow into a force strong enough to unite the world while dismantling past prejudices? Is it possible that our greatest teachers could be the youngest among us, those whose innocence and capacity for love remain pure? What drove a celebrated filmmaker to abandon a successful career, take on a fresh new challenge of pioneering reform in global education, and seek to create positive life outcomes for all future generations?This episode of Intersections Podcast invites you on a journey with Leslee Udwin, from the depths of suffering and personal adversity, sparking global movements through powerful, cinematic storytelling, to the forefront of a movement aimed at transforming early childhood education on a global scale, exclusively in conversation with Dr. Hitendra Wadhwa.Leslee Udwin is a BAFTA and multi-award winning filmmaker, actress, director, producer and a human rights activist. Her documentary India's Daughter has been critically acclaimed around the globe, winning 32 awards (including the Peabody Award and the Amnesty International Media Award) and sparked a global movement to end violence against women and girls. The searing insights yielded by the two and a half year journey of making this film led Leslee to shift her focus from filmmaking and devote herself to Think Equal, a non-profit organization she has founded to introduce social and emotional intelligence learning to children between the ages of 3–6 years. For her humanitarian work, Leslee has received many prestigious awards including Activism in Arts and Education award from the UN Women for Peace Association, The Gandhi Foundation International Peace Award, and was voted by the New York Times the. No 2 Most Impactful Woman of 2015, second to Hillary Clinton.In this episode, Leslee reveals:- One fundamental competency that sticks like glue with all others to co-create a more unified and compassionate world- Stories that illuminate how the youngest among us can become agents of positive change and transform outcomes for adults- Pivotal experiences that compelled her to abandon a successful career in filmmaking and take on the challenge of pioneering reform in global education

How can we translate life's worst setbacks into miraculous comebacks? Can prison inmates and the formerly incarcerated be role models for those on the outside? How can we cultivate a single-pointed focus for personal growth despite the cards we have been dealt with in life, and the choices we may have made in the past? And what can someone's twenty years in prison teach us about life's possibilities?Find out from Jason Bryant's incredible story of redemption and societal transformation, as recounted in conversation with Dr. Hitendra Wadhwa on Intersections Podcast.Jason Bryant is the Director of Programs at CROP (Creating Restorative Opportunities & Programs), a non-profit dedicated to reforming California's criminal justice landscape. With 20 years of lived experience within the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation center, Jason has dedicated his term of incarceration to higher education and serving other people through thoughtful conversations and coaching about new possibilities for people's lives. While incarcerated, Jason earned a master's degree, two bachelor's degrees, an associate degree, a paralegal certificate, became a certified alcohol and drug counselor and has participated in extensive self-help programming. In 2020, Jason's sentence was commuted along with his immediate release from prison due to his remarkable contributions in transformative and rehabilitative work while incarcerated. He has also co-authored, Men Built for Others: Life Lessons from Those Serving Life Sentences, a powerful book that shows how one can transform life's worst setbacks into miraculous comebacks and be happy regardless of where they are.In this episode, Jason reveals:- What 20 years of prison time can teach us about life's possibilities- How we can translate life's worst setbacks into miraculous comebacks- How to create a virtuous cycle of paying our gratitude forward

How can we create a group of selfless teammates that works purposefully towards a collective, positive goal? What conditions allow an individual and team to perform extraordinarily? What power do our thoughts hold in the unfolding of our own legacy, and how can we mindfully work with our mind to unlock the masterpiece within us?Find out from “The Performance Whisperer,” George Mumford, in conversation with Dr. Hitendra Wadhwa, on Intersections Podcast.George Mumford, also known as “The Performance Whisperer,” is a globally recognized speaker, sports psychologist, mindfulness coach and an influential author. For the last three decades, he has taught the art of performance and mindfulness to people from every walk of life—from CEOs, Olympians and NBA superstars to the chronically underrepresented. George has helped many of his champion clients transform their careers and leadership, including Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal; and has presented to some of the world's top brands including Nike, Google, PayPal, American Express and Lululemon. His books include The Mindful Athlete: Secrets to Pure Performance and Unlocked: Embrace Your Greatness, Find the Flow, Discover Success, published recently in May 2023. With a passion for teaching, and helping others learn about resilience, social responsibility, and navigating uncertainty, George conducts weekly classes through his YouTube channel, and created several Master Classes including "The Mindful Athlete Course" for his online community, and "Playing The Inner Game" for high-school and college students. George has been featured in leading media including 60 Minutes, ABC News, The Huffington Post, and The Boston Globe, and was included on Good Morning America's "Inspiration List" for Black History Month in 2021.In this episode, George reveals:- Why we need to forget ourselves before we can begin to find our true selves- The difference between peak performance and pure performance- How our thoughts determine what we become and what actions we take, and a profound parable on how to course-correct

How do we live a life that is aligned with our highest values? What transformative power does the role of service hold in our lives? When we feel a deep concern for humanitarian issues, how can we move from inaction to action and make a meaningful, positive contribution towards building a healthier and happier society? And how can we mobilize resources, intelligence and support networks, not just for individual and organizational success, but for humanity's success?Find out from pioneering changemaker and public health leader, Ellen Agler, in conversation with Dr. Hitendra Wadhwa, on Intersections Podcast.Named as one of Fortune Magazine's “World's 50 Greatest Leaders” in 2019, Ellen Agler is a renowned changemaker and public health leader who has worked in the global health and humanitarian response for over 25 years in more than 70 countries, for organizations including Operation Smile and International Medical Corps. She is the CEO of The END Fund, a private philanthropic initiative set-up to control and eliminate the five most commonly Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in the world, affecting about 1.5 billion people. During her tenure at Operation Smile, Ellen managed international programs across 4 continents; worked on “health as a bridge to peace” initiatives bringing together Israeli and Palestinian surgeons; and organized medical programs in partnership with the government, civil society and guerilla groups in conflict zones in Colombia. She has also led international operations for International Medical Corps, with a focus on international disaster response and delivery of medical care in complex humanitarian emergencies in over 20 countries. Ellen serves on the board of The Legatum Institute, a London-based think tank that promotes policies that lift people from poverty to prosperity, and the World Economic Forum's Global Health Security Advisory Board. She is also the co-author of Under the Big Tree: Extraordinary Stories from the Movement to End Neglected Tropical Diseases, through which she has managed to make these overwhelming and complex health problems understandable to everyone.In this episode, Ellen reveals:- The role of service to others in our own lives, and how to move from inaction to action in our current spheres of influence- Why solving complex global problems requires the use of a systems leadership mindset- How to live a life that is aligned with our highest values and do the greatest good for the greatest number of people

What are climate issues actually trying to teach us? Are these purely external changes in weather patterns, or are they more deeply connected with our values and lifestyles? How can one frame this in a way that is highly meaningful to every individual's life choices? Find out from one of the environmental movement's leading voices, Paul Hawken, in conversation with Dr. Hitendra Wadhwa on Intersections Podcast. Paul discusses the mindset that is critical to transforming how we live and work today to ensure that our planet's ecosystem thrives tomorrow – and the mindset that is at the root of all strife, division and polarization in the world.Paul Hawken is a renowned environmentalist, entrepreneur, author, speaker and activist who has dedicated his life to environmental sustainability and changing the relationship between business and the environment. He is one of the environmental movement's leading voices, and a pioneering architect of corporate reform with respect to ecological practices. His work includes founding successful, ecologically conscious businesses, writing about the impacts of commerce on living systems, and consulting with heads of state and CEOs on economic development, industrial ecology, and environmental policy. Paul is the founder of Project Drawdown, a non-profit dedicated to researching when and how global warming can be reversed. The organization maps and models the scaling of one hundred substantive technological, social, and ecological solutions to global warming. He authors articles, op-eds, and peer-reviewed papers, and has written eight books including five national bestsellers. His most recent book, Regeneration: Ending the Climate Crisis in One Generation, was a New York Times and Washington Post bestseller. Paul has appeared in leading media including the Today Show, Bill Maher, Larry King, and has been profiled or featured in hundreds of articles including Esquire, the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post and Business Week.In this episode, Paul reveals:- The source of all strife, division, and polarization in the world- What the climate emergency is actually trying to teach us, and its intricate connection with our our values, feelings, thoughts, beliefs and intentions- The wisdom in moving from an extraction mindset to a regenerative mindset, and how to place life at the center of our every action and decision- How the business ecosystem today needs to be reformed for the planet's ecosystem to thrive tomorrow

What is the source of Mahatma Gandhi's enduring appeal? What kind of inner and outer practices did he cultivate that have made him such a revered figure in history? How can we, like Gandhi, successfully create a daily pathway to our Inner Core? And how can we, in our own spheres of influence, learn to quell people's passions, bring them together, and move humanity forward in a unified way even in the divisive social conditions we are confronted with today?Find out from Gandhi's own grandson, Rajmohan Gandhi, in conversation with Dr. Hitendra Wadhwa on Intersections Podcast.Following in the footsteps of his illustrious paternal grandfather, Mahatma Gandhi, and maternal grandfather, Chakravarthi Rajagopalachari (the last Governor-General of India), Rajmohan Gandhi is an internationally renowned peace activist, acclaimed historian, biographer, journalist and educator. He currently serves as Research Professor at the College of Education, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Through writing, speaking, public interventions and dialogues, Gandhi has been engaged for sixty years in efforts for peace-building, reconciliation and democratic rights across the world. He founded the Indian branch of Initiatives of Change (formerly known as Moral Re-Armament) and is the former president of Initiatives of Change International. A distinguished journalist, Gandhi also founded the weekly journal, Himmat, through which he fought for democratic rights during the 1975-77 Emergency in India. A former politician, Gandhi has also served in the upper house of the Indian Parliament. An award-winning author, Gandhi has written more than a dozen books, including Mohandas: A True Story of a Man, His People and an Empire, and Rajaji: A Life.In this episode, Rajmohan Gandhi reveals:- The source of Mahatma Gandhi's mystique, and what made an entire nation listen to him and ultimately follow him- How to create a pathway to our inner core and cultivate a practice of both inner and outer listening- Three effective practices to quell people's passions, bring people together and move humanity forward

At a time when the power to dictate the rules at work is no longer retained by the C-suite or boardroom, what metrics can leaders bank on to build trust with their people, inspire well-being and retain talent? How can we get key stakeholders to commit to our cause and co-lead systemic changes in our organizations and in our communities? And what can business leaders do to set the stage for ‘Diversity, Equity and Inclusion' training to actually work, and bring real, measurable impact?Find out from Erika Irish Brown, Global Head of Talent and Chief DEI Officer at Citi, in conversation with Dr. Hitendra Wadhwa on Intersections Podcast.Erika Irish Brown is Citi's Global Head of Talent and Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, responsible for driving Citi's agenda on talent planning, succession planning and leadership development and developing its global DEI strategy. Prior to joining Citi, Erika served as Chief Diversity Officer at Goldman Sachs; Global Head of Diversity and Inclusion at Bloomberg; and led executive and diversity hiring efforts at Bank of America and Lehman Brothers. Erika's background also includes a range of banking and finance roles, including Head of Business Development for Black Entertainment Television, Senior Associate in High Yield Capital Markets at Morgan Stanley, and Senior Policy Analyst for Domestic Finance for the United States Department of the Treasury. Erika is Vice Chair of the Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation, a community development corporation based in Brooklyn, New York; and serves on the Boards of Columbia Business School and Riverside Hawks, a youth basketball program in Harlem, New York City.In this episode, Erika reveals:- Five key metrics for selecting, developing, supporting and growing talent to enable the employer-employee relationship to thrive in these fast-changing times- Powerful techniques for influencing key stakeholders and getting their buy-in for leading systemic, scalable change across organizations and communities- What leaders need to do to make ‘Diversity, Equity and Inclusion' training to actually work, and bring real, measurable impact

How can leaders in today's environment pioneer new forms of workplace interaction, mentoring, performance management, and role-modeling in order to create inspired, high-performing, connected teams across the organization? What lessons can we draw from nature and apply it to the way we deal with human nature? What kind of organization might we create if we integrate work, life and play, to both live happier lives and get closer to our peak potential? Find out from industry-recognized leader of People and Culture, Dean Carter, ex-CHRO Patagonia, in conversation with Dr. Hitendra Wadhwa on Intersections Podcast.Dean Carter has been an innovative and industry-recognized leader of People and Culture for over two decades across Fortune 50, hot growth, and culture-driven organizations. He currently serves as the Chief People and Purpose Officer at GUILD Education, a career opportunity platform that enables forward-thinking employers to invest in their employees, unlocking life-changing opportunities for personal and professional growth through learning programs, career development, and one-on-one coaching; and also serves as an Independent Director for Griffith Foods, a high-growth sustainable food company. A former CHRO of Patagonia, Sears Holdings and Fossil Inc., Dean has also previously served in HR and management roles at Pier 1 Imports, Pearle Vision and Procter & Gamble. Dean's innovative perspectives on HR, go-big cultures, and employee experiences have been featured in leading media including The Economist, Harvard Business Review, NPR, The Wall Street Journal, and various other books and national publications.In this episode, Dean reveals:- A seminal lesson we can draw from nature and apply it to the way we treat people to create inspired, high-performing, connected teams across the organization- How to create experiences at work and in life that leads to joy and fulfillment instead of stress and exhaustion- A proven approach to get everyone to show up as their authentic selves at work, and bring out their best selves in both epic and everyday situations

How do we build bridges with our fiercest adversaries—those that it would seem impossible for us to sit down and have a conversation with—change their hearts and minds, and turn them into lifelong friends? What causes some people to develop radically racist beliefs, behaviors and attitudes, and how can we, in our current capacities, seek to inspire and transform them? What kind of discipline do we need to build to successfully lead sustained, positive reform in our communities? Find out from renowned activist and race relations expert, Daryl Davis, in conversation with Dr. Hitendra Wadhwa on Intersections Podcast. Daryl Davis is an award-winning musician, a renowned activist and race relations expert, actor, lecturer and author. He is the leader of The Daryl Davis Band and has played with many acclaimed musicians including Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis and B. B. King. Often called The Rock'n'Roll Race Reconciliator, for the past 40 years, Daryl has spent time befriending members of the Ku Klux Klan, has convinced many of them to deradicalize, and have been directly or indirectly responsible for over 200 members leaving the Klan. He is the first Black author to write a book on the Ku Klux Klan, Klan-Destine Relationships, by conducting in-person interviews with them. Daryl has received numerous awards including the Elliott-Black Award, the Bridge Builder Award and the MLK Award; has acted on stage, film and television, including HBO's television series The Wire, and is the subject of the award-winning documentary Accidental Courtesy detailing his real life encounters with the Ku Klux Klan.In this episode, Daryl reveals:- Five core human values that can help us foster harmony in all situations- What causes some people to develop radically racist beliefs, behaviors and attitudes, and how to inspire and transform them- The art and science of building bridges, even with our strongest adversaries, and how to turn them into lifelong friends

What are we far more likely to regret over the course of our lives? How can we face and evaluate our regrets, and use them to transform ourselves into better workers, problem-solvers and decision-makers? What motivations drive people's behaviors and how can we learn to perceive them with more accuracy?Daniel Pink is an award-winning author and has written 5 New York Times bestselling books on business, work, creativity, and behavior, including Drive, When, To Sell is Human, A Whole New Mind, and his most recent, The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward. He was the host and co-executive producer of “Crowd Control,” a television series about human behavior on National Geographic that aired in more than 100 countries. Before venturing out on his own 20 years ago, Daniel worked in several positions in politics and government, including serving as chief speechwriter to former US Vice President Al Gore.In this episode, Daniel reveals:How to face and evaluate our regrets, and use them to transform ourselves into better workers, problem-solvers and decision-makersWhat we are far more likely to regret over the course of our livesA powerful method for perceiving human behavior more accurately

Is there a method to achieving excellence in every chapter of our lives? How can we bypass the distractions and imperfections of the world, break away from stereotypical belief systems that may be percolating around us, and live every moment with inspiration, discipline and commitment to our chosen purpose? What actions can we take to bounce back from our biggest adversities, and build ourselves from the ground up, against all odds? And how can we best honor the gift of life, and seek to live with no limits?Listen to the extraordinary story of Leah Goldstein—a story of her indomitable will to succeed, persevere and overcome adversities repeatedly through every chapter of her life—in an exclusive conversation with Dr. Hitendra Wadhwa on Intersections Podcast.Leah Goldstein is an internationally-renowned ultra endurance athlete and professional cyclist. She is the first female in the 40-year history of Race Across America (RAAM) to win first place overall in the solo division, one of the toughest endurance sports events in the world. As a teenager, Leah became a national TaeKwonDo and World Kickboxing champion. Having a deep desire to serve in the military, Leah enlisted in the Israeli Defense Force early in her life, becoming the first female Elite Commando instructor and subsequently transitioned into a special-forces unit, combating terrorism and violent crimes. Leah is also a coach, speaker and co-founder of No Finish Line Living, which provides customizable keynotes and retreats dedicated to moving others into a healthy, purposeful life, and has also published her memoir, No Limits.In this episode, Leah reveals:The mindset of a world champion, the formula for excellence and how to break away from stereotypical belief systems that may be percolating around us and limiting usA powerful method for bouncing back from our biggest adversities, and building ourselves from the ground up, against all oddsHow to honor the gift of life and use every moment to live with inspiration, discipline and commitment to our purposeThe joy of giving, and how it activates the best in ourselves and others around us, in life and in leadership

How is ancient wisdom influencing and advancing modern science to improve public health and happiness? How are scientists being able to tell that stress accelerates the aging process, cutting short the deeply purposeful lives we were meant to live? How can we bring more grace in not just our epic moments but in our everyday moments of stress as well?Listen to some powerful insights on how to master stress and cultivate more joy in our lives, and how this impacts our present and our future, from renowned health psychologist, Elissa Epel, in an exclusive conversation with Dr. Hitendra Wadhwa on Intersections Podcast.Elissa Epel is a renowned health psychologist, and an international expert on stress, well-being, and optimal aging. She is a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences at the University of California, San Francisco, where she is Vice Chair of Psychology and directs the Aging Metabolism Emotions Center. She studies the environmental, psychological, behavioral, and social factors that impact cellular aging (such as telomeres, inflammation, and mitochondria), and how self-care practices such as meditation and positive stress can promote psychological and physiological thriving. She uses science as a north star, guiding us in the context of other sources of contemplative wisdom. Elissa co-wrote the New York Times best-seller The Telomere Effect with Nobel Laureate Elizabeth Blackburn (translated into 30 languages) and recently also released her new book, The Stress Prescription. Her research has been featured in venues such as TEDMED, 60 minutes, National Public Radio, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and science documentaries.In this episode, Elissa reveals:Some fundamental truths about joy, health and happiness, as derived from ancient wisdom and validated by modern scienceHow chronic stress leads to accelerated aging, impairing our ability to deeply connect with our own selves and the world around us and to live with meaning and purposeHow to be more graceful in not just epic moments of stress, but in everyday momentsThe relationship between joy and suffering, and the antidote to chronic stressThe capacity of the human spirit to recalibrate and renew itself in every moment of life

When we imagine a happy and successful life, the portrait that's often painted before us includes someone who is dynamic, engaged and achieves success upon success. And yet, in a time like today when lifespans continue to lengthen, there's a whole period to life that goes beyond our peak performance days, far from the limelight we once had, unnoticed and forgotten.What then is the definition of success and happiness in this second half of life? Do people get happier or unhappier as they age? What happens when our professional decline sets in earlier than expected, and what self-correcting mechanisms can we put in place to avoid its negative consequences? Does happiness take care of itself or is there a formula we can use to maximize our flourishing, in not just the second half, but in every chapter of our lives?Listen to some powerful insights from decades of happiness research and from Arthur Brook's own luminous life journey, in an exclusive conversation with Prof. Hitendra Wadhwa on Intersections Podcast.Arthur C. Brooks is the William Henry Bloomberg Professor of the Practice of Public Leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School and Professor of Management Practice at the Harvard Business School. Before joining the Harvard faculty, he served for ten years as president of the Washington, D.C.-based American Enterprise Institute, one of the world's leading think tanks. Arthur is the author of 12 books, including the #1 New York Times bestseller From Strength to Strength, and national bestsellers Love Your Enemies and The Conservative Heart. He is also a columnist for The Atlantic, host of the podcast How to Build a Happy Life with Arthur Brooks, and subject of the 2019 documentary film The Pursuit, which Variety named as one of the “Best Documentaries on Netflix” in August 2019. Arthur gives more than 100 speeches per year around the U.S., Europe, and Asia; has been selected as one of Fortune Magazine's “50 World's Greatest Leaders,” and was awarded six honorary doctorates.In this Intersections episode, Arthur reveals:Why happiness doesn't take care of itself and how to craft a 401K happiness plan for the rest of our livesTwo key reasons why our professional decline starts earlier than we think and the self-correcting mechanisms we can put in place now to avoid its negative consequencesWhy faith and reason are not mutually exclusive, and how to integrate multiple viewpoints and ideas to arrive at our own truthThe wrong and the right formula for happiness in seven wordsAnd many inspiring stories and timeless wisdom drawn from both eastern and western cultures that illustrate the human capacity for transformation

In a world that celebrates specialization, what can we gain by dissolving boundaries between disciplines and exploring multitudes? What do extraordinarily creative people have in common, and what tools do they use to access breakthrough ideas and insights? What lessons can we draw from the blunders made by some of the pioneering scientists from history to pursue our own professional quests? And can these same lessons be used to reduce polarization and create a more unified world? Listen to some powerful insights on the power of dissolving boundaries from Dr. Mario Livio, in an exclusive conversation with Dr. Hitendra Wadhwa, on Intersections Podcast. Dr. Mario Livio is an internationally known astrophysicist, bestselling author, popular speaker, and a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Dr. Livio has published more than 500 scientific articles, made significant theoretical contributions to topics ranging from cosmology, supernova explosions, and black holes to extrasolar planets and the emergence of life in the universe. His popular books include The Golden Ratio, Is God A Mathematician? that inspired the NOVA program “The Great Math Mystery,” which was nominated for an EMMY in 2016, Brilliant Blunders and more recently, Galileo and the Science Deniers. Dr. Livio's work is frequently featured in leading media including The Daily Show, 60 Minutes and On Being; is the former Science Advisor to the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, and has presented science-related topics in a number of their concerts; and has also collaborated with composer Paola Prestini in the creation of the Hubble Cantata, which was inspired by Hubble images and discoveries. In this Intersections episode, Dr. Livio reveals: The power of dissolving boundaries between disciplines and exploring multitudesWhat some of the world's most extraordinarily creative people have in common, and the tools they use to access breakthrough ideas and insightsThe lessons we can draw from the blunders made by some of the pioneering scientists from history, and how we can apply them in our own professional questsThe benefits and relevance of being a polymath in a hyper specialized worldAnd the best remedy for fear in our painfully polarized society

Modern culture has influenced many of us to view the self—the seat of human experience—purely by the boundaries of the body and the mind, creating a fundamental sense of separateness from the rest of existence. And yet, the pandemic shattered the illusion of the separate solo self in many ways. Could it be that despite our best intentions, we have a misunderstanding of who we really are? And could it be that the illusion of the self may be standing in the way of us realizing our full potential? Drawing from the intersection of modern science and ancient wisdom, Dr. Dan Siegel offers some remarkable stories and insights about the true nature of the self in an exclusive conversation with Dr. Hitendra Wadhwa, on Intersections Podcast. And gain some life-changing tools you can use to integrate all facets of your identity and serve yourself, others and the world from a place of pure awareness. Dr. Dan Siegel is a clinical professor of psychiatry at the UCLA School of Medicine, founding co-director of the Mindful Awareness Research Center at UCLA, and Executive Director of the Mindsight Institute that offers online learning and in-person seminars on how the development of mindsight in individuals, families and communities can be enhanced by examining the interface of human relationships and basic biological processes. An award-winning educator, he is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and recipient of several honorary fellowships. Dr. Siegel has written six New York Times bestsellers including Mind: A Journey to the Heart of Being Human, and Aware: The Science and Practice of Presence. His most recent book, IntraConnected: MWe (Me + We) as the Integration of Self, Identity, and Belonging, is now out in bookstores and is also the topic of conversation for this episode. In this episode, Dr. Siegel reveals: Why the common understanding of the “self” is a constructed illusionTwo life-changing tools to deepen our perception of the self, break out of this illusion and take action that not only serves us, but everyone and everything around usAnd how to live joyfully even when the world rejects your vision and your ideas

Oftentimes, it is our inner voice that gives us clarity and power — or then takes it all away without notice, leading us to tumble and fall from grace, into the rabbit hole of rumination and worry.How can we master the silent conversations we have with ourselves, and turn our inner voice from a critic to a coach? Why is empathic leadership much more than just creating the space for sharing and listening with intent? What can we do to covertly support others in managing their inner voice better without taking away their agency or shining a spotlight on their vulnerabilities?Listen to some cutting-edge scientific insights from Ethan Kross on how to tame our inner world, in an exclusive conversation with Prof. Hitendra Wadhwa, on Intersections Podcast.Ethan Kross is one of the world's leading experts on controlling the conscious mind. An award-winning professor and bestselling author in the University of Michigan's top ranked Psychology Department and its Ross School of Business, he has founded the Emotion & Self Control Laboratory and studies how the conversations people have with themselves impact their health, performance, decisions and relationships. Ethan is the author of the National Bestseller CHATTER: The Voice in Our Head, Why it Matters and How to Harness It, scheduled to be translated into 35+ languages. His research has been featured in leading platforms including Science, The New England Journal of Medicine, CBS Evening News, The New Yorker, Harvard Business Review, The Economist, The Atlantic, Forbes, and Time.In this Intersections episode, Ethan reveals:How our life's three most important domains can be severely compromised by our own inner voiceTwo ways our internal chatter can lead to disastrous interpersonal outcomes, and push those away who genuinely care about usHow we can recruit our minds to solve our problems at hand without falling down the rabbit hole of rumination and worryTwo key principles of empathic leadership that can help us curate a support network of people, both at work and in lifeThree ways to offer invisible chatter support to others without taking away their agency or shining a spotlight on their vulnerabilitiesTwo powerful tools that can help us become our own chatter coach, in both everyday and high-stakes situations

What wisdom can we receive from developing deep connections with an octopus and other life forms in the marine world? Could a friendship with a member of another species teach us more about life, our relationships and our humanity, than our books, TV and other media? What if the subtle science and mysteries of nature could be discovered in our own backyard? And what life lessons could we draw from tracking wild animals?Listen to Craig Foster's deeply intimate friendship with an octopus in the wild, and how it can connect the human heart with the natural world, in an exclusive conversation with Prof. Hitendra Wadhwa, on Intersections Podcast. Craig Foster is a co-founder of the Sea Change Trust and one of the world's leading natural history filmmakers. He has dedicated himself to learning the secrets of the Great African Seaforest—the inshore kelp habitat at the South West tip of Africa, his underwater home. His film My Octopus Teacher (winner of the Academy Award and BAFTA, nominated for an Oscar) follows the story of his year with a wild octopus, at the same time honoring his pact to dive 365 times a year. Through this regular intensive immersion, he has uncovered a plethora of new animal behaviors and species, one of the species is a shrimp which has been named after him: Heteromysis fosteri. He has founded the Sea Change Project to share his love of nature with others, and has also co-authored the book, Underwater Wild: My Octopus Teacher's Extraordinary World.In this Intersections episode, Craig reveals: Why developing intimacy with wild nature and other sentient beings improves human relationships and helps us lead more conscious livesHow learning to track wild animals can advance our own work, life and leadershipThe potential for discovering the subtle science and mysteries of nature in familiar surroundings

When we face inner turmoil, some of us go on a downward spiral, shutting down all possibilities of finding inner peace, balance and happiness. Is there an alternative way, a way where we turn such moments of vulnerability into unique strength? Could a time of depression translate into our greatest creative expression, in service of ourselves and our community? How does one build a billion dollar business while struggling with existential depression for three decades? Listen to the remarkable personal transformation story of Melissa Bernstein, in an exclusive conversation with Prof. Hitendra Wadhwa on Intersections Podcast.Melissa Bernstein is an entrepreneur, creative, and working mother of 6. As co-founder of the wildly successful toy company Melissa & Doug, she has spent the last 30 years helping children discover themselves, their passions, and their purpose. In 2020, after her own personal journey of self-discovery and acceptance, Melissa founded Lifelines. Through Lifelines, she is using her creativity and imagination to reinvent well-being products and experiences to help adults strengthen their resilience, stay grounded, and unlock their full potential. Melissa has also recently published her memoir, LifeLines: An Inspirational Journey from Profound Darkness to Radiant Light.In this Intersections episode, Melissa reveals:The source of our greatest creative expression, even in times of our greatest depressionWhat brings true meaning and purpose in life, and how to channel our inner turmoil into inner strength and happinessAnd the key to forging a winning path in our entrepreneurial journey, even in the most unfavorable conditions

In a culture that views death only as a biological and morbid end to life, what can we learn from someone who has spent more than 50 years in end-of-life care? What inspiration can we draw from such a luminous life on how to best be of service to our loved ones in their final chapter of life, how to awaken our natural compassion, and on how to reframe our own relationship with death? Listen to some powerful insights on how death can be our greatest teacher from Roshi Joan Halifax, in an exclusive conversation with Prof. Hitendra Wadhwa, on Intersections Podcast. Roshi Joan Halifax is a Buddhist teacher, founder and head teacher of Upaya Zen Center in Santa Fe, New Mexico, a social activist and author. She is a pioneer in the field of end-of-life care, has lectured on the subject of death and dying at many academic institutions and medical centers around the world, and has received many awards and honors from institutions around the world for her work as a social and environmental activist, and in the end-of-life care field. Roshi Joan has continued to work with dying people and their families, and to teach health care professionals and family caregivers the psycho-social, ethical and spiritual aspects of care of the dying. She is Director of the project, Being With Dying; Founder of the Upaya Prison Project that develops programs on meditation for prisoners; has been involved with the Mind and Life Institute since its inception; and is founder of the Varela International Symposium. Her books include The Fruitful Darkness: A Journey Through Buddhist Practice and Tribal Wisdom, Being with Dying: Cultivating Compassion and Wisdom in the Presence of Death, and Standing at the Edge: Finding Freedom Where Fear and Courage Meet. In this Intersections episode, Roshi Joan reveals: How our attitude towards death can help us find freedom in the present moment, and enable us to live a life true to ourselvesThree simple tenets of living that can radically improve our inner and outer perception, and how the world perceives usHow to awaken the natural compassion within us, and use our spheres of influence to make it contagious in the worldHow to best be of service to our loved ones in their final chapter of lifeAnd many compelling stories that illustrate our innate capacity for transcendence from our material, mental and physical conditions

What is the true nature of our identity, and how does it shape our thoughts, beliefs and actions? What do we gain from dissolving the boundaries created by our social identities? How can today's managers, leaders, and changemakers use the language of identity to eliminate negative stereotypes, false beliefs and deep-seated racial biases in their teams, organizations and communities—and also create the potential for more cohesion, collaboration and peak performance? Listen to some powerful scientific insights and real-life stories on how to harness our shared identities for personal and collective success from Jay Van Bavel, in an exclusive conversation with Prof. Hitendra Wadhwa, on Intersections Podcast.Jay Van Bavel is an Associate Professor of Psychology & Neural Science at New York University, an affiliate at the Stern School of Business, and Director of the Social Identity & Morality Lab. He is the co-author of The Power of Us: Harnessing Our Shared Identities for Personal and Collective Success. From neurons to social networks, Jay's research examines how collective concerns—group identities, moral values, and political beliefs—shape the mind, brain, and behavior. His work addresses issues of group identity, social motivation, cooperation, implicit bias, moral judgment, decision-making, and social media. An award-winning researcher, Jay's work has been featured in leading platforms including the New York Times, BBC, Scientific American, Wall Street Journal, US Supreme Court and Senate, TEDx, United Nations, European Union, and the World Health Organization. In this Intersections episode, Jay reveals: The true nature of our identity, how it governs our thoughts, beliefs and actions, and what role our life's experiences and external forces play in shaping itHow to eliminate negative stereotypes, false beliefs and deep-seated racial biases, and create the potential for more cohesion, collaboration and peak performanceA compelling story of how ‘identity' divided an entire town based on the shoes the townsfolk wore [Hint: It involves two of the biggest sportswear brands]Why identity is a double-edged sword that serves to manifest not just our best, but also our worst And a powerful form of identity that can enable us to transcend its limitations, foster inclusivity, and help us express our best in service of humanity

In this Intersections episode, Prof. Hitendra Wadhwa and Dr. Raghu Krishnamoorthy offer critical insights on:How we're moving from a “find it out” world to a “figure it out” worldWhat it takes to advance leadership from being business-centered to human-centeredMoving beyond outer metrics to ground leadership in inner metricsHow empathy and compassion can drive organizational performanceMoving from “getting the most out” to “bringing the best out” of employeesIn the post-pandemic era, trends such as the “Great Resignation,” hybrid work and employee well-being are creating a paradigm shift in organizational culture. These trends require us to go back to the basics to redefine the model of what it means to be an exceptional leader. The way we lead today needs to evolve to embrace the new future of work, workers and the workplace.Based on Dr. Wadhwa's recently published book, Inner Mastery, Outer Impact, we will examine how Inner Mastery could provide the foundation on which leaders can tackle these shifts for their organizations — as they manage people and drive performance, equip their managers with new skills and tools to tackle the accompanying challenges, and help employees operate in an ever-changing landscape of continued disruption.Raghu Krishnamoorthy is a seasoned global executive with 35+ years of experience in driving business outcomes as a Human Resources professional. He retired from General Electric (GE) as the CHRO in early 2019, after 25 years with the company — doing work that spanned three continents, several multi-billion-dollar lines of business, and exciting corporate leadership roles. At Mentora, Raghu serves as an Executive Director and Senior Faculty, driving pragmatic, application-oriented solutions for Mentora clients in learning and transformational change.Raghu is often sought out to share his expertise at leading universities and forums including Harvard, MIT, Yale, Columbia, the Economist and the Milken Institute. He has recently taken on the role of Director of the “Chief Learning Officer Executive Doctoral Program” at the University of Pennsylvania. His research has won the best paper award at the Academy of Business Research August conference. He was also named one of the top 50 Asian Americans in the world of business in 2009.

What can we learn from the powerful journey of a healthcare changemaker to bring reform and reinvention to our own professions?What cultural and systemic flaws exist in America's healthcare system today? Why are physicians fast burning out, and how is it impacting the lives of patients and their treatment? What key lessons can the culture of medicine draw from business? And how can physicians be empowered to take full control of their own destinies, and serve their patients with greater impact?Listen to some powerful stories and insights, and actionable ideas from Dr. Robert Pearl in a stimulating conversation with Prof. Hitendra Wadhwa, exclusively on Intersections.

What fundamental differences separate high-performance cultures from the rest? What molds and keeps such groups together, even through the most unfavorable conditions? Where does trust building really start, and how can teams be harmonized and kept fully aligned with their core purpose at every step? Listen to some powerful, actionable ideas from celebrated author Daniel Coyle in a stimulating conversation with Prof. Hitendra Wadhwa, exclusively on Intersections.

What are the most important elements of living a life well lived? What is America's higher education system getting right, and where does it need reform? How do we become adults who can advance to our full potential and live our best life? And what lessons do these reflections have for how we raise our children? Listen to some thought-provoking ideas from Julie Lythcott-Haims, renowned speaker and bestselling author, in a stimulating conversation with Prof. Hitendra Wadhwa, exclusively on Intersections.

Rebels are an integral part of our society, for they are committed to challenging conventional wisdom and improving on it. Rebellion is a tactful art form that needs to be honed, practiced and mastered before we set out to change the world for the better. How can we effectively communicate with peers and audiences that hold divergent viewpoints, values and beliefs? What are some science-proven techniques to gain early positive momentum in our conversations with adversaries? How do we build mighty alliances even when we are in the minority? And what approaches can we adopt to arrive at fairness and truth in all that we do in life, at work and in leadership? Find out from Todd Kashdan, one of the world's top experts on the psychology of well-being, psychological strengths, mental agility, and social relationships, in a stimulating conversation with Prof. Hitendra Wadhwa, exclusively on Intersections.

We are made to believe that joy must be earned, that it is to be experienced only in certain conditions, and that it comes from inner strivings. But what if joy were the very basis of our being, and what if there were simple things in our outer environment that we could tap to infuse our everyday moments with joy? Is joy a very personal pursuit, or are there universal principles across humanity for how we can activate joy? How can we transform our institutions, workplaces and public spaces to maximize the joy we experience from being part of them? Find out from Ingrid Fetell Lee, designer, author and leading researcher on the subject of joy, in a stimulating conversation with Prof. Hitendra Wadhwa, exclusively on Intersections.

Listen to Rabbi Jevin Eagle, University Chaplain, and Executive Director at Boston University Hillel, and Former McKinsey Partner, in an inspiring conversation with Prof. Hitendra Wadhwa, exclusively on Intersections. They discuss compelling stories from his life—from boardroom to bimah—and how he integrated his inner and outer callings to eventually fulfill his lifelong desire to serve the Jewish community; how to balance the head and the heart; have a major and a minor in life; embrace the universal and the particular; how leaders can maximize their impact by not just getting others to do their best work, but also to live their best lives; and how to create peak experiences in life's everyday moments.

Listen to this episode of Intersections with Prof. Hitendra Wadhwa where he discusses the power of storytelling and shows how you can take the raw material of your experiences and turn them into gold - into powerful narratives that win people's hearts and minds in the service of your purpose.

Listen to Scott Barry Kaufman, one of “50 groundbreaking scientists who are changing the way we see the world” [Business Insider], in conversation with Prof. Hitendra Wadhwa, exclusively on Intersections. The discuss what makes us flourish, as human beings and share the new understanding of human nature discovered by science since the days we were taught Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs in school.

Listen to Melanie Joy, psychologist and author of Getting Relationships Right: How to Build Resilience and Thrive in Life, Love, and Work, Relationships, in conversation with Prof. Hitendra Wadhwa, exclusively on Intersections. They discuss Melanie's model of "relational literacy", offer guidance on how to nurture healthy relationships, and what we can do to stay connected from a distance. As the boundaries between home and work continue to blur, our relationship skills get put to the test.

Listen to Matthew Stevenson, whose remarkable act of social transformation has inspired many—to bridge divides, bring families and communities together, and transform people from the inside-out, in conversation with Prof. Hitendra Wadhwa, exclusively on Intersections. Through love, respect and understanding, Matthew, an Orthodox Jew, was able to transform the white supremacist views of Derek Black, the heir apparent to the white nationalist movement and godson of David Duke, the former grand wizard of the KKK.

Listen to Dr. David Burns, a luminary in the field of mental health, in conversation with Prof. Hitendra Wadhwa, exclusively on Intersections. They have a discussion on the vast potential that we all have within us to transcend anxiety and depression and infuse greater joy in our life by taking small, practical steps to strengthen our inner world. You will learn about how we can bring about dramatic improvements in our emotional and mental health by changing our thoughts and behaviors.

Listen to this episode of Intersections with Prof. Hitendra Wadhwa for a reflective, soul-searching discussion on how this harshest card in life's deck may also hold in it the seeds of personal transformation and growth. Our modern lives are designed to keep death out of our sight. We do not actively think about or discuss this subject, except when death claims someone in our community. But what if we stepped back from life to consciously reflect on death and our attitude toward it? What if we were to make a friend out of this foe?

Listen to Geoffrey Canada, President of the Harlem Children's Zone (HCZ) and Promise Academy Boards, in conversation with Prof. Hitendra Wadhwa, exclusively on Intersections. They explore how the recent wave of global protests against racism has shaken up societies around the world as people realize that our goal to create a more equal, just and fair world is far from accomplished. You will learn about the present state of race relations in America, what is required to create a more equal society, and how we can heal and grow as a nation and a planet.

Listen to Amy Edmondson, Novartis Professor of Leadership and Management at Harvard Business School, in conversation with Prof. Hitendra Wadhwa, exclusively on Intersections.They explore her pioneering work on teaming, psychological safety and organizational learning. Amy's research sheds fresh light on how organizations can become wiser cultures through the adoption of her concepts on psychological safety and cross-boundary teaming within and between organizations—by enabling leaders to maximize learning and collaboration for high-performance, and driving organizational agility as needed to thrive in fast-paced, challenging, uncertain contexts.

Listen to Brother Satyananda, a senior monk with Self-Realization Fellowship and minister-in-charge of SRF Lake Shrine, in conversation with Prof. Hitendra Wadhwa, exclusively on Intersections. Brother Satyananda reflects on his own quest to seek answers to these hard questions in life, and offers insight and inspiration, drawn from the timeless universal science of Yoga, on how we can all tap our personal experience to grow in our understanding in these areas.

Listen to Dr. Bruce Greyson, one of the world's leading medical experts of NDEs and Professor Emeritus Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences at the University of Virginia, in conversation with Prof. Hitendra Wadhwa, exclusively on Intersections. His research over nearly half a century has reported remarkable consistencies across NDE accounts and accuracy of events that unfolded while these individuals were unconscious, leading to the publication of his latest book, After: A Doctor Explores What Near-Death Experiences Reveal About Life and Beyond.

Listen to Srinivas Rao (‘Srini'), a renowned storyteller and host of The Unmistakable Creative podcast, in conversation with Prof. Hitendra Wadhwa, exclusively on Intersections. Over the last decade, Srini has interviewed over 500 individuals, ranging from bank robbers, happiness researchers, famous cartoonists, billionaire entrepreneurs, bestselling authors, and more, and decoded the craft of making your most ambitious creative projects happen.

Listen to Fred Dust, a world-renowned expert of designing conversations that matter, and author of Making Conversation, in conversation with Prof. Hitendra Wadhwa, exclusively on Intersections. You will learn how to translate moments of conflict into collaborative, win-win exchanges, fuel your everyday conversations with intention and purpose, and accelerate the process of bridging differences and forging meaningful relationships.

Listen to Angela Duckworth, a pioneering psychologist, professor and bestselling author, in conversation with Prof. Hitendra Wadhwa, exclusively on Intersections. They discuss new findings on the true qualities that lead to outstanding achievement, science-proven strategies to bring out the best in yourself and your people, and the limits of grit and how to overcome them as an individual and an organization.

Listen to Arthur Brooks, a luminary in the field of happiness research, in conversation with Prof. Hitendra Wadhwa, exclusively on Intersections. They discuss the building blocks of happiness, and how to balance and nurture your happiness portfolio, the role of our present circumstances, and how to transcend its limitations, and the secret to satisfaction derived from thousands of academic studies and ancient wisdom.