Navigating Uncertainty

In this episode of Navigating Uncertainty, Dr. Mansharamani speaks with Barry Hinckley, a successful entrepreneur, former candidate for the US Senate, and a constitutional activist. Barry shares his story of growing up in Maine, working for the family boatbuilding business, and eventually founding a successful startup. Inspired by the Tea Party movement, Barry then ran for the US Senate in Rhode Island before founding another company and beginning his current mission to get 25 million signatures for the Redeclaration of Independence. The episode is filled with tidbits of wisdom that he picked up along his fascinating journey. Barry ends the conversation with timeless advice that will help us all navigate uncertainty (and life): Take care of your body and tend to your health.www.redeclaration.orglinktr.ee/mansharamanimansharamani.substack.com

In this episode of Navigating Uncertainty, Dr. Mansharamani speaks with Katrina Lantos Swett, President of the Lantos Foundation for Human Rights and Justice. Katrina shares her amazing story of growing up in California, her decision to attend Yale University, and her political experience as a successful campaign manager for her father, Congressman Tom Lantos, and her husband, Congressman Dick Swett. Katrina also shares her thoughts on the depressing state of human rights in the world today, giving special attention to what's transpiring in China, Russia, and Gaza. She ends the episode with timely and sage advice on navigating uncertainty: Figure out what's important to you and then do the work needed to live your life accordingly.linktr.ee/mansharamanimansharamani.substack.com

In this episode of Navigating Uncertainty, Dr. Mansharamani speaks with Tom Raffio, President and Chief Executive Officer of Northeast Delta Dental, the leading provider of dental insurance in New England. Tom shares the story of growing up in Weston, MA, his decision to attend Harvard College, and the career choices that led to him to the top of the dental insurance industry. Tom also talks about his love of running, the enormous impact he's had on New Hampshire, and the joys of watching Curb Your Enthusiasm. The episode concludes with Tom offering sage advice on how to navigate uncertainty: Do what makes you happy.linktr.ee/mansharamanimansharamani.substack.com

In this episode of Navigating Uncertainty, Dr. Mansharamani speaks with Gabriel Noronha, former State Department Special Advisor for Iran and current Executive Director of Polaris National Security. Gabriel shares the story of growing up in New Hampshire, pursuing his passion for running, and the career choices that led to his working for former US Senator Kelly Ayotte as well as the Senate Armed Services Committee. Gabriel also shares how others helped him navigate the uncertainty that comes along with any Washington DC career. The episode concludes with Gabriel offering great advice on how to navigate uncertainty: focus on what you can change.linktr.ee/mansharamanimansharamani.substack.com

In this episode of Navigating Uncertainty, Dr. Mansharamani speaks with Terry MacDonald, Managing Director of New England Disabled Sports (NEDS) in Lincoln, NH. Terry shares the story of growing up in Campton, attending high school in Plymouth, and deciding to start her career as a waitress before moving north to Lincoln. She describes the amazing programming that takes place at NEDS and how they are working to change lives everyday. Terry also shares lessons learned from navigating COVID and for keeping more than 700 students and 220 volunteers safe during an extremely uncertain time. She ends the episode with great advice for anyone thinking about how to made decisions: Follow your heart!linktr.ee/mansharamanimansharamani.substack.com

In this episode of Navigating Uncertainty, Dr. Mansharamani speaks with Tobias Peter, Co-Director of the American Enterprise Institute's Housing Center. Toby shares the story of growing up in Germany, participating in a exchange student program in Minnesota, and eventually heading to Washington DC after graduating from the Harvard Kennedy School. He describes the work being done at the American Enterprise Institute and the Housing Center that he helps run. In addition to providing clear thinking about how to address America's increasingly urgent housing crisis, Toby shares wonderful advice on how to navigate uncertainty: Keep an open mind, stay determined, and don't be afraid to ask for help!linktr.ee/mansharamanimansharamani.substack.com

In this episode of Navigating Uncertainty, Dr. Mansharamani speaks with Tony Sayegh, one of the country's leading public affairs professionals who is a former Assistant Secretary of the Treasury responsible for Public Affairs and current Head of Public Affairs for Susquehanna International Group. Tony shares his story of growing up in Brooklyn and Westchester, following his passion for politics and media to attend college in Washington DC, and entering the world of politics. Tony offers sage advice on how to navigate uncertainty: Don't let people label you, be true to yourself, and use failure as an opportunity to learn and grow. mansharamani.substack.comlinktr.ee/mansharamani

In this special episode of Navigating Uncertainty, Dr. Mansharamani shares excerpts from a wide ranging conversation he had with Colby Donovan and Chris Cannon, hosts of The Investors First Podcast produced by the CFA Society of Orlando. Topics covered include energy policy, immigration and the border, the space business, polarization at Harvard, as well as highlights from my 24 Global Developments to Watch Over the Next Five Years.FULL EPISODE ON INVESTORS FIRST PODCASTmansharamani.substack.comTHE MAKING OF A GENERALISTwww.mansharamani.com

In this episode of Navigating Uncertainty, Dr. Mansharamani speaks with Brad Card, CEO of Card & Associates. Brad shares his story of growing up in a deeply engaged political famly and the strong influence his childhood had on his life and career trajectory. He talks about his invovlement in various political campaigns (including how he almost killed George Bush), his years of time working in law enforcement, and his thoughts about the January 6th. He even drizzles in some of his thinking about former President Donald Trump's influence on current members of Congress. The episode includes Brad's insightful and common sensical advice on how to navigate uncertainty: Tell the truth to yourself and others, because most realities ultimately surface.mansharamani.substack.comCLICK HERE FOR TO SEE VIKRAM'S NEW BOOK

In this special episode of Navigating Uncertainty, Dr. Mansharamani shares a speech he gave to a large agriculture conference about his annual predictions piece: "24 Global Developments to Watch Over the Next Five Years." Please also note that Vikram's new book is coming out next Monday and is available for purchase on Amazon. Links to the book, his written predictions, and an Instagram reel summarizing the predictions are available below:BOOK: https://amzn.to/3SoOYorPREDICTIONS PIECE: https://mansharamani.substack.com/p/24-global-developments-to-watch-overINSTAGRAM SUMMARY: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C12FJ6TrXjH/

In this episode of Navigating Uncertainty, Dr. Mansharamani speaks with Rob Portman, a dedicated public servant who has served America for more than three decades as a Senator, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, US Trade Representative, and Congressman. Senator Portman shares the story of working at a family business while growing up and how his love of the outdoors led him to Dartmouth (and kayaking down the Yangtze River!). He also shares his optimism (despite—or perhaps because of?—his time in Washington) that government can actually work for Americans if we restore our focus on finding common ground. The episode concludes with Senator Portman offering fabulous advice on how to navigate uncertainty: Find your North Star and don't let the cross-currents of uncertainty prevent you from making progress.mansharamani.substack.com

In the latest episode of Navigating Uncertainty, Dr. Mansharamani speaks with James Key-Wallace, Executive Director of the New Hampshire Business Finance Authority. James shares his story of growing up in Florida and in southwestern New Hampshire. He also discusses his early academic struggles and his transformation into a superstar computer science and business administration student while attending St. Mary's University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. During the conversation, James describes how he marries business principles and social benefit in the work he leads at the Business Finance Authority. He leaves us with great advice with respect to how to navigate uncertainty: Embrace uncertainty by thinking about the future in terms of scenarios.mansharamani.substack.com

In this fascinating episode of Navigating Uncertainty, Dr. Mansharamani engages in an insightful conversation with Keith Ammon, who respresents New Boston in the New Hamsphire State House of Representatives. Keith shares his story of growing up in Pennsylvania, how his libertarian values and the Free State Project drew him to New Hampshire, and his path to public service. During the conversation, he discusses the pioneering work he's led around cryptocurrency and next generation nuclear technologies. Keith ends the episode with fabulous advice around navigating uncertainty: Don't dismiss your gut instincts, trust your own thinking, and develop a good BS detector.mansharamani.substack.com

In this captivating episode of Navigating Uncertainty, Dr. Mansharamani engages in an insightful conversation with David Tice, the President of Paul Revere Films. Prepare to be transported from Independence, Missouri to the vibrant energy of Texas as David unveils his unorthodox perspective on Wall Street and offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into his illustrious journey through the movie industry. Delving into his current groundbreaking project, 'Grid Down, Power Up,' David reveals gripping insights about the vulnerabilities lurking within our electricity grid. As the episode draws to a close, he leaves us with invaluable advice: Embrace independent thinking, foster meaningful dialogues, and honor the wisdom of those who paved the way before us.mansharamani.substack.com

In this episode of Navigating Uncertainty, Dr. Mansharamani speaks with Kristen Mansharamani, the Advocate for Special Education for the State of New Hampshire. Kristen tells her story of growing up in Virginia, her decision to attend Yale and Harvard Law School, and the path that took her from successful corporate attorney to education entrepreneur. She concludes with great advice for anyone seeking to overcome challenges as we navigate today's uncertainty: Ask lots of questions, be humble, and think for yourself.mansharamani.substack.com

In this episode of Navigating Uncertainty, Dr. Mansharamani speaks with Nanci Boutet, the founder and executive director of Special Surfers, an enormously successful adaptive surf program that's run during the summer in southern Maine. Nanci shares her story of growing up in Manchester, NH before spending time in California and moving to Maine. She also tells the story of hitchhiking acorss America (mlutiple times) and how it led to her study of people. Nancy also describes the challenges of starting a surf shop and her path to founding Special Surfers. She concludes with great advice for anyone seeking to overcome challenges as we navigate today's uncertainty: Don't accept "No" and instead work as hard as possible to turn doubters into believers.For more information about Nanci or Special Surfers, please visit www.specialsurfers.orgmansharamani.substack.com

In this episode of Navigating Uncertainty, Dr. Mansharamani speaks with Jason Osborne, the New Hampshire House of Representatives Majority Leader. Jason shares his story of growing up on the left coast, attending Hillsdale College, and his path from studying economics in graduate school to running a substantial call center business. He also describes how pink signs led to his career in politics before he opines on some of New Hampshire's biggest challenges. Jason concludes with good advice for all of us seeking to successfully navigate uncertainty: create as many options for yourself as possible (and also save money)!mansharamani.substack.com

In this episode of Navigating Uncertainty, Dr. Mansharamani speaks with Bill Greiner, founder of Primary Bank. Bill shares his story of attending Brandeis University, stumbling into a career in investment management, and starting a hedge fund at the age of 25. He goes on to share how 9/11 changed his outlook on life and led him to pursue a more balanced life that took him into real estate investing and development, the restaurant business, and eventually to even starting a bank. Bill offers sage advice for all of us seeking to successfully navigate uncertainty: go with your gut, and if you're not sure, ask for help!

In this episode of Navigating Uncertainty, Dr. Mansharamani speaks with Jon Spira-Savett, Rabbi of Temple Beth Abraham in Nashua, NH. Rabbi Jon shares his personal story of growing up in St. Paul, Minnesota and spending his summers in the Boston area. He also talks about education journey that took him to Harvard and then rabbinical school. After discussing his thoughts about the October 7th and its impact on the Jewish community, Rabbi Jon concludes with some sage advice for navigating uncertainty: do a good deed in times of uncertainty and be grateful to yourself for having compassion.mansharamani.substack.com

In this episode of Navigating Uncertainty, Dr. Mansharamani speaks with Charles Miller, co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Lynk Global. Charles shares his personal story of growing up in a small town in California with two younger brothers, how his fascination with science fiction drove an ambition to become an astronaut, and how he left CalTech without graduating. He also talks about his work opening up space to commercial competition and his current ambition to use space to connect everyone everywhere (and eliminate the annoyance of dropped calls!). Charles concludes with some fabulous advice for navigating uncertainty: Learn from the mistakes others made, make new mistakes, and embrace your passion as a driving force. mansharamani.substack.com

In this episode of Navigating Uncertainty, Dr. Mansharamani speaks with Matthew Bartlett, co-Founder of Darby Field Advisors. Matt shares his story of growing up in Nashua, learning about politics, and becoming a liberal activist before working in the Trump Administration. He also describes his work with U2's Bono (and the State Department) on public health which has (to date) saved more than 25 million lives. Matt's advice for navigating uncertainty: "Dreams should not be lost on pillows" so seize the opportunities you have!mansharamani.substack.com

In this episode of Navigating Uncertainty, Dr. Mansharamani speaks with Mary Steady, Director of Pupil Services at LinWood Public Schools. Mary shares her story of growing up as the youngest of four through the pursuit of a degree in nutrition from the University of New Hampshire and on to becoming on of the most accomplished education administrators in the state. She leaves us with fabulous advice for navigating uncertainty: take risk, learn from failure, get support from people around you, and be true to yourself!

In this episode, Dr. Mansharamani speaks with Mike Dennehy, a political and public affairs professional who has been working in New Hampshire politics for decades. Mike shared the story of his voyage north from Massachusetts and into the world of American politics of the very highest levels. He also reflects on how politics has changed over the past few decades while lamenting the rise of a politics "industry" filled with business-minded consultants. Mike leaves us with great advice for our fast-paced world: slow down and reflect a bit on what's happening.

In this episode, Dr. Mansharamani speaks with Lori Van Dusen, founder of LVW Advisors and the author of "Running with Grace: A Wall Street Insider's Path to True Leadership, a Purposeful Life, and Joy in the Face of Adversity." Lori shares her story of growing up in Rochester and her love of music (and cooking!) and how she found herself at Harvard and selling photocopiers before making her way to Wall Street. She pioneered a new way to advise clients and eventually founded her own firm. Lori concludes with sage advice for navigating uncertainty: don't try to do it alone; find mentors, ask questions, and then listen. mansharamani.substack.com

In this episode, Dr. Mansharamani speaks with Fahim Fazli, actor, director, producer and author of "Fahim Speaks: A Warrior-Actor's Odyssey from Afghanistan to Hollywood and Back." Fahim shares the story of his personal escape from Afghanistan and his path to becoming an American citizen. He also discusses how his lifelong dream of becoming an actor came to fruition and his sense of duty and responsibility to the United States led him to become a translator with American marines in Afghanistan. Fahim concludes with thoughts about being typecast as a terrorist and reflects briefly on the current actors and writers strike underway in Hollywood.

In this episode, Dr. Mansharamani speaks with Robert Reynolds, President and Chief Executive Officer of Putnam Investments and author of "From Here to Security: How Workplace Savings Can Keep America's Promise." Bob shares how he grew up in West Virginia, contemplated a career in the military before figuring out he was a decent salesman, and his path to becoming a national evangelist promoting workplace savings. He also provides sage advice for how to navigate uncertainty: focus on what you can control and don't worry about what you can't.

In this episode, Dr. Mansharamani speaks with Dr. Benjamin Kilham, founder of the Kilham Bear Center in Lyme, NH and the author of "Among the Bears: Raising Orphaned Cubs in the Wild" and "In the Company of Bears: What Black Bears Have Taught Me about Intelligence and Intuition." Dr. Kilham shares his story of struggling with dyslexia, pursuing a career as a gunsmith, and of his earning a PhD after decades of working with bears.

In this episode, Dr. Mansharamani speaks with Ashlee Vance, author of the recently released book “When The Heavens Went on Sale: The Misfits and Geniuses Racing to Put Space Within Reach.” The book tells the stories of several entrepreneurs who have worked diligently to commercialize space. In addition to talking about the book, Ash also discusses his path from South Africa to Pomona College and into the world of journalism. His best advice for navigating uncertainty: charge forward.

In this episode, Dr. Mansharamani speaks with Darrell Hartman, author of the recently released book “Battle of Ink and Ice: A Sensational Story of News Barons, North Pole Explorers, and the Making of Modern Media.” The book is a gripping tale of a competition to discover the North Pole and pitted the New York Times and New York Herald against each other. By raising issues of populism, class structure, the power of celebrity status, and a powerful media with vested interests, the book overflows with contemporary relevance. In addition to talking about the book, Darrell also discusses his path from Maine to Yale and to the world of travel writing. mansharamani.substack.com

In this episode, Dr. Mansharamani speaks with Jim Cantrell, Founder of Phantom Space and a Co-Founder, along with Elon Musk, of SpaceX as well as the author of BREAKING ALL THE RULES: THE INSIDE STORY OF THE NEW SPACE RACE. Jim shares the story of his fascinating career from working as an auto mechanic to becoming one of the leading entrepreneurs in the private space industry. Along the way, Jim has tried to secure former Soviet ICBMs and worked to protect his businesses from Chinese espionage. His advice for navigating uncertainty: don't shy from making a tough decision and always follow your passion.mansharamani.substack.com

In this episode, Dr. Mansharamani speaks with Dean Carucci, Market President for HCA New England and CEO of the Portsmouth Regional Hospital, about his career path from an internal auditor in Nashville to the head of a major healthcare operation. Dean shares his love of ostrich and redwine as well as the Lenox Hill miniseries. And of course, he reflects on how he navigated the uncertainty of running a hospital through COVID. His advice for navigating uncertainty: slow the field of play down to gain perspective.

In this episode, Dr. Mansharamani speaks with Doug Burgum, Governor of North Dakota and current US presidential candidate. He shares how growing up on a farm and working as chimney sweep instilled a set of values in him that led to his graduation from Stanford with an MBA, successful tenure building a major software company that he eventually sold to Microsoft, and his eventual election as Governor. He also describes his vision for the country and shares how the economy, energy, and our national security are connected.Please visit https://mansharamani.substack.com to see a video of this interview!

In this episode of Navigating Uncertainty, Dr. Vikram Mansharamani speaks with Jack Heath, host of the Good Morning New Hampshire show. Jack shares lessons learned along the way from a sports-focused kid in Massachusetts to studying economics and politics at the University of Vermont and through his phenomenal career in journalism. In addition to being a TV anchorman and a radio show host, he's also a published novelist, accomplished entrepreneur, and former candidate for the US House of Representatives. Jack discusses how adversity and failure helped him grow and how uncertainty is an unavoidable aspect of life. His simple advice for navigating uncertainty: plan for the unexpected.

In this episode, Dr. Mansharamani speaks with John Formella, Attorney General for the State of New Hampshire. John shares lessons learned along his path from a sports and music foused kid in Jacksonville to becoming one of the country's youngest attorney generals. He concludes with simple advice: embrace uncertainty, stay nimble, and remain open to opportunities.

In this episode, Dr. Mansharamani speaks with Dean Kamen, founder and President of DEKA Research and founder of FIRST, the world's leading nonprofit advancing STEM education. He shares his story from basement creator to a self-taught engineer solving some of the world's toughest problems. Dean also describes how and why he purchased buildings from Warren Buffett as well as how he modeled FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) around the logic of sports, creating role models in science and technology. He concludes with simple advice for navigating uncertainty: work hard and don't be afraid to take a risk.

In this episode, Dr. Mansharamani speaks with Donald Kreis, the Consumer Advocate for the State of New Hampshire, about his path from journalism through the legal profession to his current role. Don shares how persistence and grit, in the face of setbacks, can often open the door to new opportunities. He also explains the role of the Consumer Advocate and uses his (actual) crystal ball to look into the future of energy production and the outlook for electricity prices.

In this episode, Dr. Mansharamani speaks with Jeremy Hitchcock, a New Hampshire entrepreneur who has built several very successful businesses. Jeremy shares his insights from building Dyn into a leading cloud computing company (before anyone knew what cloud computing was!), his adventures as a private pilot, and even some of his lessons learned as a venture capitalist. Jeremy also reminds us to focus on how much we all have in common, rather than how little we differ.

In this episode, Dr. Mansharamani speaks with Phil Taub, partner at the law firm of Nixon Peabody and co-founder, along with his wife Julie, of SWIM WITH A MISSION. Phil describes what it was like growing up in Africa, his first impressions of the United States, and how he ended up pursuing a career in law. He also shares lessons learned along the way to becoming one of New Hampshire's more influential civic leaders and one of America's leading mergers and acquisitions lawyers.

In this episode, Dr. Mansharamani speaks with Morgan Ortagus, founder of POLARIS National Security and former Spokesperson for the US Department of State. Morgan shares what it was like growing up with an identical twin in central Florida and how the events of 9/11 changed her academic and professional pursuits. She discusses the Abraham Accords, threats emerging from Iran, the Uyghur genocide in Xinjiang, and the coordinated efforts (led by China) to undermine the US dollar. Along the way, Morgan also reflects on country music, her reading list, and the existential risks produced by a divided America.

In this episode, Dr. Mansharamani speaks with David Jordan, founder and President of Seven Hills Foundation, about his path from working in construction in Rhode Island to a wildly successful career as a social entrepreneur who today employs over 5000 people in three states and eight nations. David shares lessons learned from his leadership of the iconic Crotched Mountain School in the 1980s as well as his thoughts on returning to take over the school last year. He also reflects on some of the challenges of our day and his thoughts on how we can all make the world a bit better.

In this episode, Dr. Mansharamani speaks with John Avlon, Senior Political Analyst at CNN and author fo the recently released LINCOLN AND THE FIGHT FOR PEACE. John shares lessons learned from his study of American political history and his thoughts on how we can move beyond today's political polarization. He also reflects on Lincoln's recipe for peace (unconditional surrender followed by a magnanimous peace) and how it has remained an influential factor in American foreign policy for more than a century.

In this episode, Dr. Mansharamani speaks with Derek Leathers, Chairman & CEO of Werner Enterprises, about his path to the corner office at one of America's largest trucking companies. He shares lessons learned at Princeton and in Mexico, as well as his philosophy of focusing on what is controllable. Derek also reflects on the accomplishments of founder CL Werner and how he and his team have navigated uncertainty due to evolving government regulations, shifting US energy policy, challenging conditions at the US-Mexico border, and dynamic social pressures facing businesses today.

In this episode, Dr. Mansharamani speaks with Rudy Glocker, founder of Burgeon Outdoor, about his path from a Penn State football player to a small business owner. He shares lessons learned from his time at Harvard Business School as well as a decade on Wall Street and how those lessons led him to found a clothing business in Lincoln, NH. Rudy also reflects on challenges facing the country, New Hampshire, and small business owners trying to navgiate today's political and economic uncertainty.

Former US Senator Kelly Ayotte joins Dr. Mansharamani in this episode to discuss her journey from Nashua to Washington DC and back to New Hampshire. They discuss her time in the courtroom (both as a litigator at McLane Middleton and later as NH's attorney general) and her path into elected politics. She shares her love of ice cream (particularly chocolate chip), ski racing, and her thinking about the greatest challenges facing New Hampshire and the United States.

In this episode, Dr. Mansharamani speaks with Kyle Hauptman, Vice Chairman of the National Credit Union Administration. Kyle shares what it was like growing up with a father in the National Parks Service, his front row seat to the Wall Street chaos that took place in September 2008, and his path into the political arena. They discuss how Kyle navigated his career decisions and his love of movies and film.

In this episode, Dr. Mansharamani speaks with Francis Suarez, Mayor of the City of Miami. Mayor Suarez shares what it was like growing up as the oldest of four children and his path to being elected with 86% of the vote. They discuss how the Mayor navigated his career decisions, his approach to governance, and his love of New Hampshire (yes, New Hampshire!) barbecue.

In this episode, Dr. Mansharamani speaks with Chris Sununu, Governor of the State of New Hampshire. Governor Sununu shares what it was like growing up as the seventh of eight children as well as a bit about his time at MIT. They discuss how the Governor navigated his early career decisions, the three ingredients he believes are responsible for New Hampshire's successes, and why he now prefers french toast to pancakes.

In this episode, Dr. Mansharamani speaks with Frank Edelblut, Commissioner of the State of New Hampshire's Department of Education. An accountant turned successful businessman, Commissioner Edelblut shared how he has navigated uncertainty in his personal life as well as his thinking around several important education topics!

In this episode, Dr. Mansharamani speaks with Commissioner Taylor Caswell, head of the Department of Business and Economic Affairs for the State of New Hampshire. A native of Littleton, Commissioner Caswell shared his philosophy around navigating a career in the public and private sectors, as well as his love of cookies!

In this episode, Dr. Mansahramani speaks with entrepreneur, one-time stand up comic, and prolific author Vivek Ramaswamy about the American dream and what it was like growing up in Ohio. They discuss the key decisions that took Vivek from the Ivy League to a very successful biotech company...and his recent announcement to enter the US Presidential contest.

Lori Robinson - In this episode, Dr. Mansharamani speaks with General Lori Robinson, USAF (Ret), former Commander of NORAD and Northern Command. General Robinson shares how she navigated a wildly successful career in the Air Force over three decades before retiring as a four-star general who served as the first female combatant commander in US military history.