Upbuilding The Self

Each of us is wired with a specific hierarchy of three core instinctual drives, shaping how we move through the world. The Instincts (sometimes referred to as Instinctual Variants) is part of the Enneagram framework and plays a powerful role in how our personalities form. One Instinct tends to dominate and demands most of our attention, a second supports it, while a third gets neglected and becomes a blind spot. In this episode, Michael, Hari, and Rasanath unpack the three Instincts—Sexual, Social, and Self-Preservation—and how they show up in our daily lives. They explore the energy behind each, how these Instincts function at their healthiest, and how they can create suffering. By understanding your “Instinctual Stack,” you can begin to shift from automatic patterns to conscious integration, creating space for real growth and movement toward the best version of yourself.Links Enneagram Certification Program (starts May 17th) Upbuild Coaching Certification Training (starts in October) Upbuild Website Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

Many of us pride ourselves on our ability to compartmentalize. We like to keep our personal and professional lives separate, push aside difficult emotions, and stay productive in the face of whatever comes our way. But what if this “skill” we value so highly is quietly cutting us off from our own hearts? In this episode, Hari Prasada, Rasanath, and Vipin examine why compartmentalization seems helpful but ultimately prevents us from being our best self. They distinguish between presence and suppression, explore how disconnection from the heart affects our relationships, and discuss what it takes to return to the emotions we've long set aside.Links Enneagram Certification Program (starts May 17th) Upbuild Coaching Certification Training (starts in October) Upbuild Website Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

Most of us are terrible at feedback. It's awkward, forced, or worse, completely ineffective. In this episode, Michael, Hari, and Vipin break down why that is and how to fix it. They draw from their own journeys at places like McKinsey, MTV, Goldman Sachs, and Upbuild to show how feedback can be an act of ego…or a gateway to growth, trust, and real connection. They unpack what makes feedback land (or fall flat), why intention matters more than anything else, and how to make feedback human again.Links Enneagram Certification Program (starts May 17th) Upbuild Coaching Certification Training (starts in October) Upbuild Website Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

Why do we blame even when we know it's harmful? It's a behavior so woven into our daily experience that most of us hardly notice it, let alone question it. In this episode, Michael and Hari Prasada unpack the inner workings of blame, exploring how it arises from the ego's desire to control and enjoy. They examine its seductive emotional appeal, the false sense of order it provides, and the ways it damages our relationships and cultures. With real-life examples and practical tools, they highlight how we can shift from reactive blame to conscious accountability.Links Enneagram Certification Program (starts in May) Upbuild Coaching Certification Training (starts in October 19th) Upbuild Website Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

Most of us spend the majority of our waking hours at work, yet so many people feel dissatisfied with their jobs. In this episode, Michael, Vipin, and Hari Prasada explore why work so often feels disconnected from meaning and how the ego plays a central role in this struggle. They break down the financial insecurities, self-limiting beliefs, and social pressures that keep us stuck in unfulfilling careers. The conversation also challenges the modern assumption that work should be our primary source of purpose.Links:Upbuild Coaching Training (six-month program, starts October 19th)Enneagram Workshop (October 4-5, 2025) Upbuild Website Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

Today, we're sharing something a little different. Michael was recently a guest on the Lovelink podcast, hosted by Brooklyn-based therapists Dr. Signe Simon and Dr. Simone Humphrey. Their show has featured many prominent guests, and in this episode, they sit down with Michael to explore the differences between coaching and therapy, Michael's journey from Goldman Sachs to Upbuild, the tension between ego and success, and the role of spirituality in coaching. We're excited to share their conversation with you.Links:Upbuild Coaching Training (six-month program, starts October 19th)Enneagram Workshop (October 4-5, 2025) Upbuild Website Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

Compliments are the currency of love and something we all crave. Yet, paradoxically, somehow receiving a compliment is so hard for most of us. In this episode, Vipin and Hari dive into the dynamics of compliments and our ego's complex response to them. They explore how our longing for validation often leads us to reject the very recognition we seek. Through personal anecdotes and philosophical insights, they unpack the hidden impact on our self-perception and relationships as we struggle with compliments. They also share practical tips for how to receive as well as give effective compliments.Links:Upbuild Coaching Training (six-month program, starts October 19th)Enneagram Workshop (October 4-5, 2025) Upbuild Website Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

Michael, Rasanath, and Hari Prasada dive into guilt—an emotion we all encounter but often misunderstand. Through engaging examples—from battling inner critics to avoiding plastic bottles—they reveal how guilt is a reflection of our conscience, the interplay between guilt and shame, and why it's essential to understand what guilt is truly pointing to. They unpack common reactions to guilt—suppressing, avoiding, or wallowing—and guide you on how to channel this feeling into an opportunity for personal growth.Links:Upbuild Coaching Training (six-month program, starts October 19th)Enneagram Workshop (October 4-5, 2025) Upbuild Website Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

Moral superiority is a trap that almost everyone falls into, often without realizing it. In this episode, Michael, Hari Prasada, and Rasanath unpack the ways in which the ego drives us to feel “better” than others—even in the name of values and virtue. They share personal anecdotes and insights to explore how moral superiority can mask unresolved emotions, hinder relationships, and alienate us from others. With vulnerability and depth, they reveal how to distinguish genuine values from ego-driven behavior and discuss the path toward transcending this subtle, yet powerful, egoic tendency. If you've ever struggled with the need to be “right” or “good,” this conversation will challenge and inspire you to reflect more deeply.Links:Upbuild Coaching Training (six-month program, starts October 19th)Enneagram Workshop (October 4-5, 2025) Upbuild Website Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

One-on-one meetings are an unavoidable cornerstone of work life, yet many of us find it challenging to lead or engage in them effectively. In this episode, Michael, Rasanath, and Vipin share insights on transforming these meetings from transactional encounters into opportunities for authentic connection and enhanced productivity. They examine the transformative role of psychological safety and ego-awareness, showing how these elements lay the groundwork for strong, effective workplace relationships. Covering practical essentials, common pitfalls, and the often-overlooked power of alignment and clarity, this episode offers actionable strategies for leaders and employees to elevate their one-on-ones—and, ultimately, their workplace culture.Links:Upbuild Coaching Training (six-month program, starts October 19th)Enneagram Workshop (October 4-5, 2025) Upbuild Website Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

My ego drives me to achieve, and if I were to give up my ego, wouldn't I also be giving up that drive and all my future successes? With this prompt as the starting point, Vipin, Rasanath, and Michael dive into the nuanced relationship between the ego and ambition, exploring whether our quest for success is truly driven by the ego – or if there's a deeper force at play. Drawing on timeless teachings from Eastern wisdom, particularly the Bhagavad-gita, the hosts examine how the ego shapes our desires, motivations, and definitions of success. Through candid personal stories, philosophical insights, and practical reflections, they challenge the idea that surrendering the ego means surrendering ambition. Instead, they offer fresh perspectives on how aligning with the true self can lead to more authentic, fulfilling achievements.Links:Upbuild Coaching Training (six-month program, starts October 19th)Enneagram Workshop (October 4-5, 2025) Upbuild Website Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

Time is the most valuable resource in the world. And yet, most of us are not so great at managing it.In this episode, Michael, Hari and Vipin delve into the relationship between time management and the ego. They share the principles on which they base their philosophies for time management, along with tips and tricks for productivity. They emphasize how effective time management is deeply tied to understanding one's core values and how the ultimate goal of these practices is to facilitate the journey towards becoming one's most authentic self.Links:www.upbuild.comEnneagram Workshop (October 5-6) Upbuild Coaching Training (six-month program, starts in October) Coaching Skills for Work and Life Workshop (September 25) Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

It's November 2010 on the Goldman Sachs trading floor in New York City. Just two years removed from the depths of the Global Financial Crisis, but you would never know it. The stock market has nearly doubled in the last 18 months, the Federal Reserve has freshly announced its second round of Quantitative Easing, and it feels like one big party on Wall Street. [from the opening paragraph of the article, Trading Derivatives and the Shame-Based Fear of Being Ordinary]. In this episode, Hari interviews Michael on the reflection Michael wrote sharing his experiences on the trading floor. They discuss the insatiable need for admiration, shame as a fuel, our loss of freedom, how to be humble, the movement toward authenticity, and how to overcome the shame-based fear of being ordinary.Links:www.upbuild.comEnneagram Workshop (October 5-6) Upbuild Coaching Training (six-month program, starts in October) Coaching Skills for Work and Life Workshop (September 25) Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

As Rasanath shares in this episode, “Walking through our shame is the deepest experience of authenticity.” But what does it really mean to “walk through our shame” and how does one actually do that? In this episode, Michael and Rasanath do a deep dive into the emotion of shame and how it is impacting all of our lives in both big and subtle ways. They explore the nature of shame, its origins, and its complex role in our daily lives and relationships. They shed light on how shame fuels our actions, the internal struggle it creates, and the transformative journey from shame to humility. They also share strategies to confront and carry shame—an essential step towards achieving authenticity and higher consciousness.Send us a Text Message.Links:www.upbuild.comEnneagram Workshop (October 5-6) Upbuild Coaching Training (six-month program, starts in October) Coaching Skills for Work and Life Workshop (September 25) Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

Do you like being held accountable? Do you like holding others accountable? In this episode, Vipin, Hari Prasada, and Rasanath delve into different aspects of accountability. They explore the often anxiety-inducing way that accountability is viewed, how it can be misapplied,  what makes for a more empowering approach, and the need for partnership in the process. This episode will help increase your desire for accountability and counter the strong tendency toward its avoidance.Send us a Text Message.Links:www.upbuild.comEnneagram Workshop (October 5-6) Upbuild Coaching Training (six-month program, starts in October) Coaching Skills for Work and Life Workshop (September 25) Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

Whether we are writing birthday cards, telling somebody how we feel about them, or giving a speech at a funeral, most of us find ourselves trying to say the “right” thing,” rather than what we actually feel. In this episode, Michael, Hari Prasada, and Rasanath discuss the importance of genuinely connecting with our emotions, the cost of saying the right things without feeling them, and the tendency to prioritize efficiency over authentic emotional expression. Through personal anecdotes and practical frameworks, they explore how to reconnect with our heart and its emotions, providing actionable steps to lead a more fulfilling and empathic life.Send us a Text Message.Links:www.upbuild.comEnneagram Workshop (October 5-6) Upbuild Coaching Training (six-month program, starts in October) Coaching Skills for Work and Life Workshop (September 25) Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

At Upbuild, mantra meditation is the centerpiece of our meditation practice. In this episode, Hari Prasada leads a mantra meditation using a very simple and sacred syllable: Ram. This syllable is very absorbing, has a strong resonance in the body, and brings a deep connection to ourselves and to our source. As yogis and sages have been doing for ages, when we ground the mind with a mantra, it's incredible the treasure that can be attained. Send us a Text Message.Links:www.upbuild.comwww.upbuild.com/enneagram101 Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

At Upbuild, meditation is our core practice to help us move away from the ego and toward the self. In this episode, Hari Prasada leads a 20-minute guided meditation to help you become present with your breath and the three centers of intelligence: the head, the heart, and the body.Send us a Text Message.Links:www.upbuild.comwww.upbuild.com/enneagram101 Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

With 50 years and more than 35,000 hours of meditation experience among them, Hari Prasada, Rasanath, and Vipin, dive into the topic of meditation. They discuss the definition of meditation, why it's so important to control the mind, why it's becoming more popular these days, and the numerous non-spiritual benefits of meditation, including calmness, focus, clarity, and productivity. They also look at how meditation has been misappropriated and share the deepest purpose of meditation, which explains all of the other health benefits for which people are using.Send us a Text Message.Links:www.upbuild.comwww.upbuild.com/enneagram101 Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

Most of us think we have a pretty good idea about what love is. After all, we have all been seeking it our entire lives. And yet, the reality is that most of us don't really understand it at all. Inspired by recent insights from the Upbuild weekly program Remembering Who We Are, Vipin, Rasanath, and Hari Prasada delve into the concept of love as the highest form of motivation. They shed light on why most of us misunderstand love, how we tend to reduce or dismiss love, what we use as our substitutes for real love, and the conditions that need to be present for the experience of real love.Send us a Text Message.Links:www.upbuild.comwww.upbuild.com/enneagram101 Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

Most of us keep death at arm's length. We might discuss it in a casual way or we might even joke about it, but how many of us are really introspective about death and all of the implications that come with it? In this episode, Michael, Rasanath and Hari Prasada delve into the importance of contemplating death in order to have a good life. They examine how death can help us reevaluate how we spend our time, discover the inconsistencies in our life, and challenge our existing paradigms. They conclude by discussing what we can learn from near death experiences and how facing death can help the ego die before the body diesLinks:www.upbuild.comwww.upbuild.com/enneagram101 Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

Relationships often operate on unspoken assumptions and implicit agreements. And this is one of the reasons our relationships are so dysfunctional. In this episode, Mary, Michael, and Vipin teach the skill of “Creating Conscious Relationship,” to help you turn the implicit into the explicit, and in the process, to help you build trust in your relationships. They share the key components of the skill, their personal experiences of using it, and a step by step process to use it for maximum impact.Links:www.upbuild.comwww.upbuild.com/enneagram101 Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

Conversations can be triggering. How we deal with those triggers determines everything about how effective and meaningful those conversations (and by extension, our relationships) end up being. In this episode, Michael, Rasanath, and Vipin explore the tool of “Pinch Moments” as a way to be able to recognize, call out, and address conversations that trigger us… without triggering ourselves.Links:www.upbuild.comwww.upbuild.com/enneagram101 Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

Are you growing or are you contracting? In this episode, Vipin and Michael introduce the framework of the comfort, stretch, and panic zones. They discuss what differentiates each zone from the others and how having awareness of these zones can help us grow towards the best version of ourselves. They share how they have used this framework on themselves and with their coaching clients, why most people spend time in either the comfort or panic zones, how the ego fits into the picture, and they provide effective strategies so that we can consciously spend more time in the stretch zone.Links:www.upbuild.comwww.upbuild.com/enneagram101 Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

Don't ask: Do you have faith? Ask: Where do you put your faith?In this episode, Hari Prasada, Rasanath, and Vipin discuss how faith is foundational to our daily lives and the intrinsic relationship between faith, knowledge, and experience. They analyze why faith is often associated with “blind faith,” how faith is not just a religious construct, and the role of faith in science. And finally, they unpack how faith is pivotal to being able to answer the question, “Who am I?”Links:www.upbuild.comwww.upbuild.com/enneagram101 Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

Atomic Habits has become one of the bibles of habit formation. One of the key ideas from that book is how to use an identity (e.g., I'm a runner) to positively influence our habits (i.e., to run consistently). However, at Upbuild, we talk a lot about how identities get in the way of being our best selves. In this episode, Michael, Hari Prasada, and Vipin explore how to reconcile these two ideas. While weaving in personal tales and anecdotes from their own lives, they discuss the potency of using identity to become the type of person we want to become, but address what we need to look out for so that we don't overly identify with something that we are not. Links:www.upbuild.comwww.upbuild.com/enneagram101 Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

Feedback. We want it and we don't want it. In this episode, Michael, Vipin and Rasanath dive deep into the power of the 360 Degree Review. They demystify how the 360 process works, share real life examples from their work with individuals and organizations, and unpack many of the tips and landmines that are beneficial to be aware of when giving and receiving feedback. As Rasanath shares in the episode, “Feedback is a very sensitive thing.” This episode will help you navigate that sensitivity and perhaps inspire you to seek more truth about your impact on the people in your life. Links:www.upbuild.comwww.upbuild.com/enneagram101 Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

In the fourth and final episode of the Nonviolent Communication miniseries, Michael, Hari Prasada, and Rasanath explore why the NVC framework will only take us so far. They discuss how our needs are never really satisfied, our yearning for eternity, the common way that people misuse gratitude as a practice, the need for spiritual practice, and steps we can take to help us on the path toward meeting the deepest need that we have.  Links:www.upbuild.comwww.upbuild.com/enneagram101 Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

In the third episode of our Nonviolent Communication miniseries, Michael, Hari Prasada, and Rasanath take us through a central teaching of the framework: O-F-N-R. This teaching allows us to separate facts from interpretation, identify our emotions, determine the “why” behind our emotion, and then healthily enroll others in helping us meet our needs. This teaching is really where the theory moves into practice. Links:www.upbuild.comwww.upbuild.com/enneagram101 Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

In the second episode of our Nonviolent Communication miniseries, Michael, Hari Prasada and Rasanath take a deep dive into the incredibly tight connection between needs and feelings, exploring how the nuances of these terms affect our conversations and interactions. They reveal how our needs are connected to feelings, how many of us mistakenly use the word “feeling,” and the importance of seeking understanding. They also discuss how acknowledging our feelings and unmet needs can open up a path to self-awareness and compassion for others. Links:www.upbuild.comwww.upbuild.com/enneagram101 Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

Welcome to the first episode of our Nonviolent Communication miniseries. Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is a method of communication developed by psychologist Marshall Rosenberg in the 1960s. Its power lies in facilitating compassionate, empathetic, and effective communication between individuals.In the first episode of this miniseries, Michael, Hari Prasada, and Rasanath explore how our everyday communication is “violent,” the difference between needs and strategies, the importance of the acronym P.L.A.T.O., and how understanding this framework can stop the “emotional slavery” that is present in our relationships.Links:www.upbuild.comwww.upbuild.com/enneagram101 Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

Promotions. Travel experiences. Schools for our kids. Cars. Food. Other people.Our lives are full of lust. And this lust is preventing us from being who we really are. Starting with this powerful realization and from the ideas present in the Bhagavad-Gita, Hari Prasada, Rasanath, and Michael help us peel back the layers of our desires. They guide us through the maze of our selfish tendencies and illuminate the ways in which our lustful impulses affect our lives. They discuss personal examples, including what happens when we attend networking events and how we objectify others just by looking at them. They close the discussion with practical takeaways to have a healthier relationship with our desires.Links:www.upbuild.comwww.upbuild.com/enneagram101 Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

“When you squeeze an orange, you'll always get orange juice to come out. What comes out is what's inside.” It was hearing this quote, by Wayne Dyer, that inspired Rasanath to really look at and feel confronted by a distastefully sarcastic comment that he had made toward someone he loves. In this episode, Rasanath and Vipin do a deep dive into the concept of tolerance, shedding light on the significance of consciously working through problems rather than hastily reacting or seeking escape. They focus on the importance of putting space between stimulus and response, responding rather than reacting, the consequences of a lack of tolerance, and how we can leverage this wisdom for healthier and happier relationships. Links:www.upbuild.comwww.upbuild.com/enneagram101 Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

Why do we gossip and what is the impact of gossip on us and the people around us?In this episode, Vipin, Michael, and Hari Prasada examine why the topic of gossip is applicable to all of us, what we “achieve” when we engage in gossip, and the subtle and not-so-subtle costs that we pay when we do it. They give us actionable next steps to help us understand what is going on inside us when we gossip and how to choose a way of communicating that will create healthier relationships. Links:www.upbuild.comwww.upbuild.com/enneagram101 Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

What happens when we take shortcuts in life? Does this lead us toward more efficiency and success, or does it ultimately lead us down a path of self-deception and erosion of character? In this episode, the entire team gets together to analyze the profound implications of cutting corners. While sharing personal anecdotes and also unpacking some of the world's most “successful” corner-cutters, they examine how this behavior manifests, the mindsets driving it, and the unexpected consequences it may unveil.Links:www.upbuild.comwww.upbuild.com/enneagram101 Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

In this very personal episode, Hari interviews Michael about a piece he wrote, From "It Happened TO Me to "It Happened FOR Me”, in which he discusses a challenging experience where he was cut off from someone he cares about. They discuss navigating the impulse to blame others, the value of being aware of the stories that we tell ourselves about ourselves, the link between gratitude and empathy, and most importantly, how to turn difficult experiences into lessons that can put us on the path toward being our best selves. They also share some laughs as Michael talks about his staunch opposition to his siblings buying of ice cream when they were kids, and Hari shares about an ex-girlfriend who taught him crucial things he couldn't see about himself. Links:www.upbuild.comwww.upbuild.com/enneagram101 Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

In this final episode of the Enneagram Foundations series, we explore how to use the Enneagram in our everyday lives in order to make sure that it has the profound impact on us that it is capable of having. We also discuss how the Enneagram can only take us so far and how a spiritual practice is needed to help us go beyond the limits of our personality.  Links:www.upbuild.comwww.upbuild.com/enneagram101 Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

Typing is one of the most critical aspects of the Enneagram, and yet, mistyping is rampant. In this episode, we explain why this is case and what we can do about it. We also explore the one Type that is more likely to mistype than any other Type, and give you a Type by Type run through of how each Type approaches the Enneagram. What we find is that how we approach the Enneagram is often very revealing of our Type. Links:www.upbuild.comwww.upbuild.com/enneagram101 Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

Enneagram Type 9s, nicknamed The Peace-Seeker, pride themselves in being calm, easygoing,  and unassuming people who can flow with whatever comes and don't need recognition or attention. They often don't admit to themselves their problems or work to resolve conflicts because that's really difficult and makes them feel not peaceful. Famous examples include Rosa Parks, Grace Kelly, and Jack Johnson. In this episode, we explore the essence of the Type 9 and the insecurities and motivations that drive their every action and relationship. We walk you through the story of the Type 9's life by looking at their journey through the Levels of Consciousness from their healthiest to their average to their most destructive ways of operating. We close the episode by offering a critical type-tailored practice to help 9s rise up in consciousness and be the best version of themselves.  This episode is designed to help Type 9s thrive in their personal and professional lives by fostering a deeper understanding of their insecurities and motivations. It's also an invaluable resource for friends, partners, and colleagues of Type 9s who wish to better support and relate to them.Links:www.upbuild.comwww.upbuild.com/enneagram101 Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

Enneagram Type 8s, nicknamed the The Challenger, are all about strength and showing who's in charge to reassure themselves that they don't have a weak bone in their body. They often can't admit to themselves how scared they really are of their buried weakness, and so they show up larger than life in nearly all situations hoping to leverage their power for the people they love. Famous examples include Steve Jobs, Chelsea Handler, MLK Jr, Donald Trump, Aretha Franklin, and Putin. In this episode, we explore the essence of the Type 8 and the insecurities and motivations that drive their every action and relationship. We walk you through the story of the Type 8's life by looking at their journey through the Levels of Consciousness from their healthiest to their average to their most destructive ways of operating. We close the episode by offering a critical type-tailored practice to help 8s rise up in consciousness and be the best version of themselves.  This episode is designed to help Type 8s thrive in their personal and professional lives by fostering a deeper understanding of their insecurities and motivations. It's also an invaluable resource for friends, partners, and colleagues of Type 8s who wish to better support and relate to them.Links:www.upbuild.comwww.upbuild.com/enneagram101 Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

Enneagram Type 7s, nicknamed The Enthusiast, are care-free and fun-loving with a moment-to-moment appetite for adventure and zero tolerance for boredom. They often run from their problems in life which pursue them relentlessly in spite of their intelligence and joyfulness. Famous examples include Robin Williams, the Dalai Lama, Amy Winehouse, and Russell Brand.In this episode, we explore the essence of the Type 7 and the insecurities and motivations that drive their every action and relationship. We walk you through the story of the Type 7's life by looking at their journey through the Levels of Consciousness from their healthiest to their average to their most destructive ways of operating. We close the episode by offering a critical type-tailored practice to help 7s rise up in consciousness and be the best version of themselves.  This episode is designed to help Type 7s thrive in their personal and professional lives by fostering a deeper understanding of their insecurities and motivations. It's also an invaluable resource for friends, partners, and colleagues of Type 7s who wish to better support and relate to them.Links:www.upbuild.comwww.upbuild.com/enneagram101 Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

Enneagram Type 6s, nicknamed The Loyalist, live in a zone of constant questioning as they strive to be dependable for those they care about. They often wish that they had a cause to dedicate their life to which they could completely trust and that they had the support of others whom they could completely trust. Famous examples include Woody Allen, Adolf Hitler, Jason Alexander, and Larry David. In this episode, we explore the essence of the Type 6 and the insecurities and motivations that drive their every action and relationship. We walk you through the story of the Type 6's life by looking at their journey through the Levels of Consciousness from their healthiest to their average to their most destructive ways of operating. We close the episode by offering a critical type-tailored practice to help 6s rise up in consciousness and be the best version of themselves.  This episode is designed to help Type 6s thrive in their personal and professional lives by fostering a deeper understanding of their insecurities and motivations. It's also an invaluable resource for friends, partners, and colleagues of Type 6s who wish to better support and relate to them.Links:www.upbuild.comwww.upbuild.com/enneagram101 Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

Enneagram Type 5s, nicknamed The Investigator, are exceptionally cerebral, technical, and keep to themselves in their pursuit of knowledge to understand how things work. They often have trouble relating to people. Famous examples include Albert Einstein, Bill Gates, Eckhart Tolle, Tim Burton, and JRR Tolkein.In this episode, we explore the essence of the Type 5 and the insecurities and motivations that drive their every action and relationship. We walk you through the story of the Type 5's life by looking at their journey through the Levels of Consciousness from their healthiest to their average to their most destructive ways of operating. We close the episode by offering a critical type-tailored practice to help 5s rise up in consciousness and be the best version of themselves.  This episode is designed to help Type 5s thrive in their personal and professional lives by fostering a deeper understanding of their insecurities and motivations. It's also an invaluable resource for friends, partners, and colleagues of Type 5s who wish to better support and relate to them.Links:www.upbuild.comwww.upbuild.com/enneagram101 Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

Enneagram Type 4s, nicknamed The Individualist, try to be authentic with every fiber of their being, but it's so hard for them to know who they really are deep down. They often feel overwhelmed trying to do justice to their talents, all the while feeling misunderstood by people who move too fast, are too shallow, and act too harshly to understand their full heart. Famous examples include Bob Dylan, Johnny Depp, Prince, Michael Jackson, and Frida Kahlo.In this episode, we explore the essence of the Type 4 and the insecurities and motivations that drive their every action and relationship. We walk you through the story of the Type 4's life by looking at their journey through the Levels of Consciousness from their healthiest to their average to their most destructive ways of operating. We close the episode by offering a critical type-tailored practice to help 4s rise up in consciousness and be the best version of themselves.  This episode is designed to help Type 4s thrive in their personal and professional lives by fostering a deeper understanding of their insecurities and motivations. It's also an invaluable resource for friends, partners, and colleagues of Type 4s who wish to better support and relate to them.Links:www.upbuild.comwww.upbuild.com/enneagram101 Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

Enneagram Type 3s, nicknamed The Achiever, are smooth and success-driven, endeavoring to show with their life  that the sky's the limit for what can be accomplished. They are also often concerned that others can see through their image. Famous examples include Elon Musk, Oprah Winfrey, Michael Jordan, Barack Obama, Taylor Swift, and Lady Gaga. In this episode, we explore the essence of the Type 3 and the insecurities and motivations that drive their every action and relationship. We walk you through the story of the Type 3's life by looking at their journey through the Levels of Consciousness from their healthiest to their average to their most destructive ways of operating. We close the episode by offering a critical type-tailored practice to help 3s rise up in consciousness and be the best version of themselves.  This episode is designed to help Type 3s thrive in their personal and professional lives by fostering a deeper understanding of their insecurities and motivations. It's also an invaluable resource for friends, partners, and colleagues of Type 3s who wish to better support and relate to them.Links:www.upbuild.comwww.upbuild.com/enneagram101 Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

Enneagram Type 2s, nicknamed The Helper, are all about taking care of others and having deep intimate connections so they can feel really close and loved. They also have a hard time giving others space or seeing their own needs. Famous examples include Fred Rogers, Sally Field, and Stevie Wonder.In this episode, we explore the essence of the Type 2 and the insecurities and motivations that drive their every action and relationship. We walk you through the story of the Type 2's life by looking at their journey through the Levels of Consciousness from their healthiest to their average to their most destructive ways of operating. We close the episode by offering a critical type-tailored practice to help 2s rise up in consciousness and be the best version of themselves.  This episode is designed to help Type 2s thrive in their personal and professional lives by fostering a deeper understanding of their insecurities and motivations. It's also an invaluable resource for friends, partners, and colleagues of Type 2s who wish to better support and relate to them.Links:www.upbuild.comwww.upbuild.com/enneagram101 Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

Enneagram Type 1s, nicknamed The Moralist, are detail-oriented visionaries driven by a set of principles personal that they feel in their gut and want others to align with. They also forever feel the guilt of not living up to these principles themselves. Famous examples include Nelson Mandela, George Harrison, Mahatma Gandhi, Osama Bin Laden, and Queen Elizabeth II.In this episode, we explore the essence of the Type 1 and the insecurities and motivations that drive their every action and relationship. We walk you through the story of the Type 1's life by looking at their journey through the Levels of Consciousness from their healthiest to their average to their most destructive ways of operating. We close the episode by offering a critical type-tailored practice to help 1s rise up in consciousness and be the best version of themselves.  This episode is designed to help Type 1s thrive in their personal and professional lives by fostering a deeper understanding of their insecurities and motivations. It's also an invaluable resource for friends, partners, and colleagues of Type 1s who wish to better support and relate to them.Links:www.upbuild.comwww.upbuild.com/enneagram101 Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

Typing is one of the most critical skills for any user of the Enneagram. In this episode, we dive deep into the factors that contribute to understanding how to type and talk about the two biggest obstacles to typing correctly. We discuss the impact of the ego, the influence of the Wing, and the problem with Enneagram tests. We close this episode by giving you our three most impactful tips for how to type accurately.Links:www.upbuild.comwww.upbuild.com/enneagram101 Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

How can Donald Trump be the same type as Martin Luther King, Jr? How can Nelson Mandela be the same type as Osama bin Laden? It all comes down to the Levels of Consciousness. In this episode, we explore the most important dimension of the Enneagram, the Levels of Consciousness, which is so critical because it gives us the roadmap to be the best version of ourselves. No type on the Enneagram is better than any of the other types. Each type has its gifts and challenges. So the goal of the Enneagram is not to unconsciously identify ourselves as the type that we find most attractive. Instead, the goal is to become conscious of the type that we already are, no matter how unflattering it might be, and use that awareness to become a better version of that type. The Levels of Consciousness, shows us, as we often say in our workshops, how we can shed the layers of the ego — our identity of who we think we should be — so we can be who we are. It is our key to personal growth and a jumping off point for self-realization.Links:www.upbuild.comwww.upbuild.com/enneagram101 Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

Welcome to the first episode of Upbuild's Enneagram Foundation podcast series. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this series promises to offer fresh perspectives and valuable insights for your journey into the world of the Enneagram. In 14 episodes, we'll provide a strong foundation on the nine Types as well as the most important dimension of the framework, the Levels of Consciousness. This series will bring the Types alive for you in a vivid way, help you understand the suffering that each Type experiences as a result of its ego fixations, and offer our personalized practice for each Type to move towards their best self, free from the shackles of the ego. Links:www.upbuild.comwww.upbuild.com/enneagram101 Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

The inner critic is commonly thought of as the voice in our head that negatively judges and demeans us. This is true, but it is also has another job that is rarely spoken about. In this episode, Hari Prasada, Michael, and Rasanath do a deep dive into the strategies and nuances of our inner critics. They address the damage that can be done by taking the inner critic too seriously, how our relationships with our inner critics mirror abusive relationships, and how our addictive personalities play a role. Finally, they leave us with strategies to break free of the games that our inner critics constantly get us to play.  Links:www.upbuild.com Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild