Leading with Joy

Welcome back to the Leading with Joy podcast!We conclude our series dedicated to Joy and Hope, diving into the creative and reflective world of Ben Wakeman, an accomplished author, musician, and innovator whose work reawakens the forgotten joys of life. Ben's artistry spans nearly 200 songs, five albums, and several novels, with performances alongside legends like John Mayer, Jennifer Nettles, and Gillian Welch.In today's episode, Ben Wakeman illumines on: ⓵ Joy as Our Natural State: Ben shares why he believes we are born with a capacity for joy, a state vividly reminded by his interactions with his children. ② The Impact of Youthful Awareness: Reflecting on his teenage years, Ben explores how growing self-awareness and societal pressures can dim our innate joy, offering insights into navigating these transformative years. ③ Storytelling and Human Connection: Ben discusses how personal experiences and societal issues intertwine in his compelling storytelling, particularly in his novel, The Memory of My Shadow available on Substack  ④ Technology's Role in Modern Storytelling: We discuss the evolving potential for AI and technological innovation to bridge traditional storytelling gaps. ⑤ Art of Parenthood in the Digital Age: Ben discusses the challenges and rewards of fostering a love for reading and storytelling in his children amidst the digital revolution.

As we navigate the end of the year's first quarter, I invite you all to a moment of Pause, to Connect with the deeper currents of life, and to Reflect on the journey thus far. It's a sacred time acknowledged by numerous world cultures through celebrations steeped in spirituality.Joining us in today's episode is Hannah Joy Graves, a luminary in the sphere of spiritual connection, whose very name—Joy—encapsulates the essence of her being. Hannah Joy, a revered Tarot Card Master, shares her quest for Hope, a quest that's fortified by Courage, a profound connection with the Higher Self, and unwavering Authenticity. Her story resonates with this moment of introspection, echoing the collective call to look within and seek out the light of understanding.In this enriching episode, Hannah Joy illumines:⓵ The Essence of Joy: Discovering joy as a genuine state of being that illuminates even our darkest moments.② Self-Knowledge as Leadership's Foundation: The imperative of deep self-awareness as the cornerstone for guiding others, where joy becomes a magnetic force.③ A Tribute to Sobriety: A heartfelt celebration of her path to sobriety, marked by a profound need for spirituality on this transformative journey.④ Tarot's Role in Self-Discovery: How Tarot and spirituality served as conduits to her truest self, prompting my own reflections on the awakening to mindfulness.⑤ Passion Fuelled Entrepreneurship: The inspiring tale of transforming a heartfelt passion into a thriving business.I hope this dialogue brings a smile to your face and sparks a joyous flame within, just as it did for me.

Welcome back to our enlightening journey with Marcin and Aleksandra Petrykowski, Poland's paragons of progress and unity. Celebrated by Forbes Women, Aleksandra's humanitarian efforts, combined with Marcin's pioneering leadership in business and technology, carve the path toward a future steeped in human values, joy, and hope.Last month's trip to Poland unveiled the first act of our two-part special podcast.In Part I, we focused on:1️⃣ The harmony of joy with human rights and economic freedom2️⃣ Joy's presence amidst conflict3️⃣ The transformative potential of joy in fostering social change Missed the conversation? – Catch up on previous episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or watch on YouTube.In today's Part II, we dive deeper to:1️⃣ How women swayed the vote in General Elections with a 74% turnout!2️⃣ Navigate the joys and challenges of parenting3️⃣ Hear Marcin's rendition of 'Ode to Joy' and its resonance 239 years post Schiller, in the dawn of the Web3 era So settle in, tune in, and let the wisdom of these narratives inspire you to Lead with Joy!

From front-lining Ukraine war relief to drafting new chapters in history with the power of the female vote, to forging paths in social entrepreneurship, their deeds resonate with impactful echoes. I travelled to Poland to meet the country's own dynamic duo, Marcin and Aleksandra Petrykowski. This formidable husband-and-wife team are national treasures of the new generation, steadfast in their vision of transforming their homeland through the power of human values, harnessed by Joy and Hope. With Aleksandra's recognition as a Forbes' Top 25 Lawyers and Marcin's visionary leadership in Business and Technology, they unite in their quest for societal progress. Join us for a heartfelt two-part episode that goes deep into the entwined essence of this season's central theme. In today's Part I, we: 1️⃣ Examine the intersection of joy with human rights and pursuit of economic freedom 2️⃣ Explore the role of Joy at time of conflict 3️⃣ Probe whether Joy can be a catalyst for social empowerment and change

WELCOME TO SEASON 2Welcome to Season 2 of the "Leading with Joy" podcast, themed around the nexus of Joy and Hope, exploring how each fuels and fortifies the other. Before we get started, a heartfelt thank you ❤️ for tuning in each week — all of you are not only extraordinary entrepreneurs, but also heroes in the truest sense, and pioneers of immense value creation for humanity through wisdom and action. Your tuning in each week quickly elevated our show to a must-listen globally

Welcome back, Joy Seekers to another fascinating episode of Leading with Joy, your go-to podcast for creating, experiencing, and Leading with Joy!Today, we are graced by the presence of Professor Hoda Alkhzaimi, a luminary forging pathways of progress for humanity. Her remarkable strides in international relations and digital diplomacy render her an architect of a world pulsating with joy and human connectivity.Hoda's voice resonates through the halls of the World Economic Forum as the co-chair of the Global Cyber Security Council, and echoes in the heartbeats of every woman she empowers through her leadership in the Emirates Digital Association for Women and Women in Artificial Intelligence.Hoda illuminates the role of feminine energy in reshaping the tech industry. She answers Cathrine's probing question from our community and shares sources of her inspiration, like "The Athena Doctrine" and "The Economics of Inequality," which provoke thought and inspire action towards a world built on the economy of well-being.We explore her mantra "Bring Your Full Human to Work," unravelling the layers of holistic engagement it inspires. It's more than a principle; it's a revolution in the professional realm, one that sows seeds of authenticity and humanity in our collective garden of innovation.For those eager to dive deeper into Hoda's work or explore the inspirational material we've discussed: Professional Insights: LinkedIn, NYU Profile, World Economic ForumPersonal Musings: InstagramEmpowering Reads: "The Athena Doctrine", "The Economics of Inequality"Advocacy for Well-being: OECD Economy of Well-being, IMF Economics of Health and Well-being

Welcome back, Joy seekers! This week's episode is a digital tapestry of wonder that we're unravelling together. I'm beyond thrilled to share this conversation with Paul Dowling—tech maestro, AI artist, and an absolute wizard at finding the fun in fun-ctionality.Paul is a well-known and respected voice in the London start-up and Deep Tech. The heart and mind behind Mindstream AI and Dreamblocks, Paul is that rare soul who dances along the bleeding edge of technology without missing a beat in the rhythm of life. Whether he's crafting the next wave of Web3 innovation or donning his FLUX persona to splash the canvas of AI artistry, he's a testament to the joy that technology can unfold.In a candid chat that's as enlightening as it is heart-warming, Paul reveals how joy isn't just a fleeting feeling but a powerful engine that drives his journey through the tech world. He shares his thoughtful musings on the whirlwind of AI regulation—likening it to a 'gene out of the bottle'—and touches upon the profound transformation it heralds for our collective future.And get this, he's taking AI where few dare to tread—into the realms of artistic subversion, challenging norms, and painting new possibilities. His call to approach tech with a playful spirit isn't just charming, it's downright revolutionary, offering us a way to stitch together the disparate threads of the digital divide.Buckle up for 20 minutes that promise not just smiles, but sparks of inspiration to bring a bit more joy into your own dance with technology.Catch all the delightful details of Paul's vision across his social platforms and join the joyous tech revolution: LinkedinFLUX art Instagram @flux__artMindstream AIDreamblocks

Have you ever experienced that exhilarating spark of creativity that elevates your mood instantaneously? – In today's episode we explore this fascinating interplay between creativity and the pursuit of Joy with our esteemed guest, Catia Fonseca. An incredible human and a global design leader, Catia embodies the essence of human-centered design, always seeking ways in which creativity can help craft solutions that prioritize well-being. Her remarkable contributions, especially at F. Hoffmann-La Roche, a Swiss pharmaceutical leader, stand testament to her unwavering commitment to this cause.Lots of practical wisdom today! Arts and Design have played a pivotal role in unlocking my creativity too, to help me arrive at a place of Joy, tap into parts of the brain to find innovative ways to solve big challenges, cultivate empathetic leadership, and just relish the beauty of life with an ever-present sense of curiosity and playfulness. It's my earnest hope that today's discussion illuminates a similar path for you.In our heartfelt conversation we're exploring:·      What sets Joy apart from Happiness? How the two emotions compare and contrast.·      We journey back in time, drawing inspiration from the iconic Matisse, understanding his masterpieces in the light of joy.·      We fast-forward to the present to demystify the process of designing for joy in the fast-paced landscape of the Web3 era across personal and professional spheres.·      We explore the delicate balance of joy and vulnerability, shedding light on the importance of emotional authenticity.·      Then, recognizing that not every day can be joyous, what can you do to navigate days marked by low energy.As always, if the message resonates with you, please hit the subscribe button, share, and rate our podcast. We'd also love to hear about your personal moments of joy and creativity. Connect and share your stories in comments or online / social:The Mindful Eye InstagramThe Mindful Eye Website (sign up for Leading with Joy newsletter and book updates)ThreadsThank you for sharing your gift of time with us ❤️

Episode 1 is where the journey begins with a comprehensive exploration of the five phases of designing for 'Leading with Joy'. This foundational episode sets the stage for upcoming, gripping conversations with guests who embody and bring these principles to life. Their real-life experiences aim to offer you a wealth of actionable insights from achieving joy at work to joyous dating to everyday little joys.Designed over a seven-year journey, these phases represent the application of Design Thinking—a human-centric methodology—to research and experimentation from both personal and professional spheres, further enriched by the realms of science, arts, and spirituality. I start by recognizing our feelings and the obstacles in manifesting them. I then move towards understanding the transformative essence of Compassionate Self-Acceptance, crucial for our evolution and transition to a fulfilling state of being. Moreover, the episode elucidates the "Six Principles of Mindfulness" and presents actionable ways to integrate them into our daily lives.