Podcast appearances and mentions of ashish kothari

We often talk about strategy, technology, and profit as the engines of success. And in times of rapid change and uncertainty, it's easy to double down on those levers. But what if we're missing the most important one?In this episode of the Happiness Squad Podcast, Niren Chaudhary, former CEO of Panera Brands, joins Ashish Kothari to share a leadership philosophy rooted in something many leaders overlook: love and care for people. Because at the end of the day, companies aren't machines, they're human systems. And when we treat people like family, they show up with heart, commitment, and a desire to go above and beyond.Niren reflects on lessons from decades at Tata, Yum! Brands, and Panera, breaking down how to build cultures where values are lived, not laminated, and how leaders can turn care for people into a competitive advantage. He also opens up about how the loss of his daughter Aisha Chaudhary profoundly reshaped how he sees leadership, success, and the legacy we leave behind.What you'll also learn in this episode:• Why business is fundamentally a human-to-human experience• The leadership model that starts with love and leads to profit• How to hire for attitude and train for skill• Why success begins with the right people, doing the right things, the right way• The butterfly effect of investing in your people• Why resilience, curiosity, and generosity are non-negotiables in business and lifeThis conversation is a reminder that in business and in life, what matters most is how we show up for one another.Tune into the full episode to hear Niren's powerful stories and practical wisdom on what it really means to lead with love.Resources:• Smile A Lot by Thich Nhat Hanh: https://www.awakin.org/v2/read/view.php?tid=168 • The Sky is Pink (Aisha Chaudhary): https://youtu.be/OnBN5b48HBc?si=_FcybEn8N_yhatF9 • Black Sunshine Baby (Aisha Chaudhary): https://youtu.be/Hkf7n7m_KgY?si=THIQQMkGNUE3_-9c • The Power of Well-being at Work by Jan-Emmanuel De Neve: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4OWg12Xl5E • CORE Meditation: https://get.hyperice.com/core Books:• My Little Epiphanies by Aisha Chaudhary: https://a.co/d/2E4vtQx • Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl: https://a.co/d/2CvRJSu • How Will You Measure Your Life by Clay Chistensen: https://a.co/d/jkZPwb5 • Hardwired for Happiness by Ashish Kothari: https://a.co/d/gML83VJ

What if the success stories you believe, the leadership advice you follow, and the wellness rules you swear by are built on shaky evidence—or no evidence at all? Even well-meaning ideas like grit, purpose, and diversity can cause harm when taken at face value. So, we challenge you to think critically before embracing feel-good narratives.In today's Happiness Squad Podcast episode, Ashish Kothari and Alex Edmans expose the dangers of misinformation in the pursuit of happiness, well-being, and leadership. Alex Edmans is a British economist and Professor of Finance at London Business School, renowned for his work on responsible business and corporate governance. He authored the influential book Grow the Pie: How Great Companies Deliver Both Purpose and Profit, which argues that businesses can achieve sustainable success by creating value for all stakeholders—not just shareholders. This book was named a Financial Times Book of the Year in 2020 and has been translated into nine languages .In addition to Grow the Pie, Edmans co-authored the 14th edition of Principles of Corporate Finance and released May Contain Lies: How Stories, Statistics, and Studies Exploit Our Biases – And What We Can Do About It in 2024.In the conversation, Alex reveals how many popular beliefs are based on flawed data, biased research, and confirmation bias. Ashish and Alex discuss how critical thinking is the most underrated skill in the age of instant advice.Things you will also learn in this episode:• How confirmation bias shapes what we want to believe• The unproven hype behind Simon Sinek's “Start With Why”• The shaky science behind the 10,000-hour success rule• The confusion between correlation and causation in diversity studies• The overgeneralization of grit as a universal success factor• How to build smarter organizations through dissent and inclusionDon't let bad data shape your decisions. Learn how to think critically. Explore these lessons and more in the full episode.Resources:✅• Related episode with Alex Edmans: https://podcast.happinesssquad.com/episode/the-power-of-purpose-driven-organizations-with-alex-edmans • Alex Edmans' website: http://www.alexedmans.com/ • Growth the Pie website: http://www.growthepie.net/ • TED Talk: The Pie-Growing Mindset https://www.ted.com/talks/alex_edmans_the_pie_growing_mindset • TED Talk: The Social Responsibility of Business https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5KZhm19EO0 Books:✅• Grow the Pie: How Great Companies Deliver Both Purpose and Profit• May Contain Lies: How Stories, Statistics, and Studies Exploit Our Biases – And What We Can Do About It: https://a.co/d/4ZSp6Up • Principles of Corporate Finance ISE by Alex Edmans: https://a.co/d/aglrrnu • Hardwired for Happiness by Ashish...

Ever walked into a conversation with the best intentions…only to walk out with a broken relationship? The cost of emotional avoidance in the workplace is massive, and invisible. Most people don't fail at communication because they're cruel. They fail because they never learned how to do it without causing damage.In today's Happiness Squad Podcast episode, Ashish Kothari and Dr. Carole Robin, co-author of Connect and co-founder of Leaders in Tech, explore how small changes in how we communicate can lead to big breakthroughs in how we connect and make exceptional relationships, both at work and in life. Drawing from decades of experience teaching Stanford's legendary Interpersonal Dynamics course, Dr. Carole shares practical tools that help individuals move beyond surface-level interactions to build deep, meaningful, and resilient connections.And let's just say, what Dr. Carole shared might make you rethink every “We need to talk” you've ever had.Things you will also learn from this episode:• What separates exceptional relationships from average ones• How to give feedback that connects instead of divides• The power of “If you really knew me…” for team connection• Why 15% outside your comfort zone is the sweet spot for growth• The OILs model: a better way to structure tough conversationsIt's time to move from knowledge to practice. Tune into our full episode and spark real connections, one courageous, vulnerable conversation at a time.Resources:• Leaders in Tech (Co-founded by Carole Robin): https://leadersintech.org/• Connect - Building Exceptional Relationships: https://connectandrelate.com/ • Interpersonal Dynamics Course: https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/experience/learning/leadership/interpersonal-dynamics • Transforming Through T-Groups by National Training Laboratories (NTL) Institute for Applied Behavioral Science: https://www.ntl.org/transforming-through-t-groups-tttg/ • Film Reference: Inside Out (Pixar)Books:• Connect: Building Exceptional Relationships with Family, Friends, and Colleagues (Co-authored by Carole Robin): https://a.co/d/67ZqL3B • Hardwired for Happiness by Ashish Kothari: https://a.co/d/5aGRDgh

We live in a world that glorifies hustle, high performance, and constant doing. We rarely pause to ask what truly drives us or what it might cost to keep going without pause. Success demands work, but what if it's not always about pushing harder? While it might not sound like it, slowing down, looking inward, and rediscovering your purpose can redefine your performance and growth.In this powerful episode of The Happiness Squad Podcast, Ashish Kothari sits down with Alison Tetrick to explore what it really means to find joy, purpose, and performance—on and off the bike.Alison Tetrick is the President and Co-Founder of Saga Ventures, an entrepreneur and former professional cyclist and World Championship medalist known for her bold leadership and storytelling. With a background in science and a master's in psychology, she brings a unique blend of athletic grit, strategic thinking, and purpose-driven advocacy to everything she does.From her beginnings on a California cattle ranch to racing at the highest levels of sport, Alison opens up about how she navigated identity shifts, rediscovered joy through gravel racing, and now helps others—especially women—find their footing through grit, grace, and community.Here are the things you will learn in this episode:• Redefining peak performance as alignment of mind, body, and spirit—not just output.• Creating space for curiosity as a nonjudgmental leadership superpower.• Knowing when to push and when to pause: the real power of grit and grace.• Shifting focus from results to effort to build resilient, motivated teams.With stories that span from Olympic training centers to launching bandana-funded scholarships for girls in sport, Alison reminds us that success isn't always about pushing harder. Sometimes, it's about pulling back, staying grounded, and listening to what makes your heart flutter.Get ready to feel inspired! Tune into this powerful episode now.Resources:• Alison Tetrick's website: https://www.alisontetrick.com/ • National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA): https://nationalmtb.org/ • NICA's GRIT Program: https://nationalmtb.org/grit • The Move: A Cycling Podcast: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVxvkgh82tFopMoCcV4AgNqvgeBj2JfPq&si=HKvYgn_Jb0d-e82j • The Happiness Project: https://www.thehappinessproject.global/home.html • The Cycling Independent article featuring Alison Tetrick: https://cyclingindependent.com/bandanas-for-bikes-with-saga-ventures-alison-tetrick-is-giving-back/ • Alison Tetrick on the Cheeseboard Snacking Bar: https://www.cheeseboardsnacking.com/about • Alison Tetrick, Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame: https://www.gravelcyclinghof.com/hall-of-famers-2023/alison-tetrick • Saga Ventures: https://saga-ventures.myshopify.com • Alison Tetrick at

Sometimes, it feels like work wasn't designed with us, humans, in mind. Human suffering at work is becoming far too common in our tech-driven world of work. It's burning us out, disconnecting us, and draining our energy. We've lost sight of the one thing that truly powers progress: people. But there's a way to break that mean cycle. A better way to redesign work to fuel joy, not exhaustion. In this inspiring Happiness Squad Podcast episode, Ashish Kothari and Rich Sheridan, CEO and Chief Storyteller of Menlo Innovations, talk about how to radically reimagine work to end human suffering in the world of technology.Richard Sheridan is the co-founder, CEO, and "Chief Storyteller" of Menlo Innovations, a software and IT consulting firm renowned for its innovative and joyful workplace culture. Disillusioned by the chaos of the tech industry, Rich co-founded Menlo in 2001 with a mission to end human suffering in the workplace. His passion for creating joyful work environments led to his bestselling books, Joy, Inc. and Chief Joy Officer, and he has shared his insights through over 1,000 talks worldwide.It's time to redesign your tech organization into a place where people feel more alive.Things you will learn in this episode:• Pair programming as a tool for collaboration and continuous learning• Replacing fear and micromanagement with clarity and trust• How laughter, energy, and joy signal a healthy workplace• Ending tech burnout through intentional systems design• The ROI of flourishing: higher quality work, retention, and impactIf you've ever questioned whether work has to be painful to be productive, this conversation offers a hopeful, proven alternative. Tune into this epic episode now.Resources:• Menlo Innovations: http://www.menloinnovations.com/ • Menlo Innovations Case Studies: https://menloinnovations.com/stories • Richard Sheridan on X: https://x.com/menloprez • Get to know Richard Sheridan: https://richardsheridan.com/meet-rich Books:• Joy Inc.: How We Built a Workplace People Love by Richard Sheridan: https://a.co/d/6C4HJbe • Books from Richard Sheridan: https://richardsheridan.com/books• Chief Joy Officer by Richard Sheridan: https://a.co/d/7F4t8HA • Hardwired for Happiness by Ashish Kothari: https://www.amazon.com/Hardwired-Happiness-Proven-Practices-Overcome-ebook/dp/B0BCXDCLX1?ref_=ast_author_mpb

Many leaders today are emotionally dysregulated, and that shows up in the way they lead, communicate, and coach others. If you think emotional intelligence is just a “soft skill,” this one's your wake-up call.In this episode of the Happiness Squad Podcast, Ashish Kothari sits down with Dr. Dan Docherty, President of Braintrust and Neurocoach, to expose the hidden cost of emotional dysregulation at work.They discuss how neurocoaching helps turn emotional intelligence from a theory into a repeatable daily practice, why self-regulation is non-negotiable in today's high-stress environments, and how building a coaching climate starts with your own internal work.Dr. Dan Docherty is a pioneer in neurocoaching with 25 years of leadership experience in pharma sales, marketing, and operations. He holds a PhD in Management from Case Western Reserve University, where his research focused on the neuroscience of coaching, engagement, and performance. Dan is the co-author of the upcoming book NeuroCoaching, blending science and practice to help leaders build high-impact, emotionally intelligent teams.Things you will learn in this episode:• Emotional Intelligence Is Common Sense, But Uncommon Practice• The Four Domains and Twelve Competencies of Emotional Intelligence• How Unchecked Emotions Can Hijack Your Leadership• Why Emotional Intelligence Is Declining in a Hyper-Connected World• The Building Blocks of Neurocoaching: Vision, Mission, and Real Conversations• Science-backed Practices to Reset the Nervous System and Improve Emotional RegulationIf performance starts with emotional regulation, this episode will show you how to get there. Tune in now and learn to lead with greater impact.Resources✅:• Braintrust Growth: https://braintrustgrowth.com/dan-docherty/ • Dr. Dan Docherty's website: https://dandocherty.com/ • Emotional and Social Competency Inventory (ESCI): https://www.eiconsortium.org/measures/eci_360.htmlBooks✅:• Dr. Dan Docherty's upcoming book “NeuroCoaching”: https://braintrustgrowth.com/neurocoaching-the-book-2/ • Hardwired for Happiness by Ashish Kothari: https://happinesssquad.com/hardwired-for-happiness/ Other books mentioned in the episode:• Primal Leadership by Richard Boyatzis: https://a.co/d/atZGzoD • Helping People Change by Richard Boyatzis: https://a.co/d/bIyrV1X • The Science of Change by Richard Boyatzis: https://a.co/d/2sxNlVT • Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman: https://a.co/d/70ZQvwV • The New Emotional Intelligence by Travis Bradberry: https://a.co/d/70ZQvwV • How Will You Measure Your Life? By Clay Chistensen: https://a.co/d/8LVugK1

Our workplaces are full of smart, capable people who are stuck in survival mode. They're overwhelmed, constantly busy, and unsure how to sustain high performance. Meanwhile, organizations continue to default to control-based leadership, even though it's no longer effective in a fast-changing, “loosely coupled” world.Does this mean consistently driving high performance while maintaining personal well-being is impossible today? Not when you have the right tools.In this Happiness Squad Podcast episode, Ashish Kothari sits down with Angus Ridgway, former McKinsey partner & co-founder of Potentialife, to unpack the SHARP framework: a research-backed system that helps leaders and teams flourish through Strengths, Health, Absorption, Relationships, and Purpose.Angus Ridgway is a seasoned leadership expert with a 20-year tenure at McKinsey & Company, where he held senior roles, including leading the Strategy Practice across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. He co-founded Potentialife with Tal Ben-Shahar to democratize leadership development, making it accessible and impactful at all organizational levels.Things you will learn in this episode:• Strengths: Rediscovering What Makes You Shine• Health: Why The Real Problem Isn't Stress But Lack of Recovery• Absorption: Monotasking Is the New Superpower• Relationships: The Power of Being Positively Authentic• Purpose: The Final Lever for FlourishingIf you're ready to become an up to 10X more effective leader, don't miss this epic episode. Tune in now.Resources:✅• Potentialife: https://www.linkedin.com/company/potentialife/ • Kagan's Theory of Adult Development: https://medium.com/@NataliMorad/how-to-be-an-adult-kegans-theory-of-adult-development-d63f4311b553 • Owning the difference you make to the world | Angus Ridgway | TEDxIEMadrid: https://youtu.be/o-tdmbiQ-yE?si=x9owGL-5QQyNons9 Books:✅• The Joy of Leadership by Angus Ridgway & Tal Ben-Shahar: https://a.co/d/8BFQHGz • 4,000 Weeks by Oliver Burkeman: https://a.co/d/3sAJi0d • Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg: https://a.co/d/6A5Bzur • Hardwired for Happiness by Ashish Kothari: https://a.co/d/asM0o0c

At work, we often operate in transactional mode, almost always skipping the human side of communication. But if you want to build trust, boost performance, and create a culture of belonging for your teams, you need to let go of silence, stress, and surface-level interactions. The only way to make meaningful connections is intentionally embracing positive communication. However, it's easier said than done. That's why we partnered up with Dr. Julien Mirivel for the second time in this episode to explore the elements of positive communication so that you can lead and connect with your people more meaningfully.In Part 2 of this powerful episode of the Happiness Squad Podcast, Julien Mirivel returns to unpack the final three behaviors from his model of Positive Communication: Disclosing, Encouraging, and Listening. He explores how small acts, like sharing your own story, offering meaningful praise, or even opening your hand, can create deeper trust and connection at work.Things you will learn in this episode:• “Disclosing” as a reciprocal and deeply humanizing act• How “Encouraging” moves people from who they are to who they can become• How “Listening” helps transcend perceived differences especially for leaders• The three forms of support• Making Positive Communication a HabitThis is your playbook for building lasting connections. Don't miss it!If you've missed part 1 of our conversation, check it out here: https://podcast.happinesssquad.com/episode/how-to-lead-better-through-positive-communication-with-julien-mirivel-part-1Resources:✅• The Art of Positive Communication: https://positiveorgs.bus.umich.edu/wp-content/uploads/Model-of-Positive-Communication-Copyright-Julien-C-Mirivel.pdf • The Six Keys to Positive Communication (article by Dr. Julien Mirivel): https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/the_six_keys_to_positive_communication • Dr. Julien Mirivel's website: https://www.julienmirivel.com/ • TEDx with Dr. Julien Mirivel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmmlA19WLgs • Unconditional Positive Regard by Carl Rogers: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK589708/ • The Electric Connection: Martin Buber's View on Authentic Human Relationships and the Divine: https://worldmindhub.tistory.com/1717 Books:✅• Positive Communication for Leaders by Alexander Lyon and Julien Mirivel: https://a.co/d/ahFgouG • The Art of Positive Communication by Julien Mirivel: https://a.co/d/24bwU1k• How to Smile by Thich Nhat Hanh: https://a.co/d/9AEZ2hJ • A Complaint Free World by Will Bowen: https://a.co/d/iMksSlT • Hardwired for Happiness by Ashish Kothari:

Too often, leaders think their biggest job is solving problems and driving results. But in the process, they unintentionally become task machines: skipping the “hello,” missing the human moments, and delivering feedback like checklists. That's a sure way to build a culture where people feel unseen, unappreciated, and disconnected.In this episode of the Happiness Squad Podcast, Ashish Kothari and Dr. Julien Mirivel explore a new model of communication with small, intentional practices that help leaders strengthen relationships, elevate performance, and bring more humanity into the way work gets done.Dr. Julien C. Mirivel is a professor of applied communication at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, an author specializing in positive communication, and a professional speaker. He is the co-author of multiple books, including The Art of Positive Communication and Positive Communication for Leaders. Dr. Julien reveals in this episode how you can communicate more intentionally to build stronger relationships at work and in life.Things you will learn in this episode:• Redefining communication from exchanging information to building relationships• The six foundational behaviors of positive communication• How positive communication can create connection, trust, and performance at work• Why leaders must learn to see and reflect the effort behind the work—not just the outcome.• How to reframe tough conversations through curiosity and open-ended questions.This episode will leave you with practical tools and deep insights you can start using today to communicate with more humanity and impact. Tune in now!Resources:✅• The Art of Positive Communication: https://positiveorgs.bus.umich.edu/wp-content/uploads/Model-of-Positive-Communication-Copyright-Julien-C-Mirivel.pdf • The Six Keys to Positive Communication (article by Dr. Julien Mirivel): https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/the_six_keys_to_positive_communication • Dr. Julien Mirivel's website: https://www.julienmirivel.com/ • TEDx with Dr. Julien Mirivel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmmlA19WLgs Books:✅• Positive Communication for Leaders by Alexander Lyon and Julien Mirivel: https://a.co/d/ahFgouG • The Art of Positive Communication by Julien Mirivel: https://a.co/d/24bwU1k • Hardwired for Happiness by Ashish Kothari: https://a.co/d/3uUuteQ

It's no secret that artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of work. But one question looms large: will AI strip us of our humanity—or help us become more of who we're meant to be? As technology accelerates, it's easy to fear that empathy, connection, and self-awareness will fall behind. But what if the secret to thriving in the age of AI is not rejecting it—but learning how to pair it with something deeply human?In this episode of the Happiness Squad Podcast, Ashish Kothari and Rasmus Hougaard, Managing Partner of Potential Project and best-selling author of More Human, explore how leaders can use AI not to replace their humanity—but to amplify it.Rasmus Hougaard is the author of Compassionate Leadership and The Mind of the Leader, and has been recognized by Thinkers50 as one of the world's top leadership thinkers. He coaches C-suite leaders at global companies like IKEA, Accenture, and Unilever, and regularly writes for Harvard Business Review and Forbes.Things you will learn in this episode:• The Power of Common Humanity• How AI Can Make Us More Human• The Human Operating Model: Awareness, Wisdom, Compassion• Leaders Must Set Context, Not Just Deliver Content• Meditation as the Antidote to AI Overload• How to Develop the Beginner's Mind• Compassion in Action: Doing Hard Things in a Human Way• The Inner and Outer Technologies of LeadershipTune in now and discover how you can lead not just with your head, but with your heart, in an AI-powered world.Resources: ✅• Potential Project: https://www.potentialproject.com/ • Vipassana Meditation: https://www.dhamma.org/ • Quote by Zen master Shunryu Suzuki"In the expert's mind, there are few possibilities. In the beginner's mind, there are many."Books: ✅• More Human: How the Power of AI Can Transform the Way You Lead by Rasmus Hougaard and Jacqueline Carter: https://a.co/d/d8UtOdZ • Compassionate Leadership: How to Do Hard Things in a Human Way by Rasmus Hougaard and Jacqueline Carter: https://a.co/d/cVDrtl8 • A More Beautiful Question: The Power of Inquiry to Spark Breakthrough Ideas by Warren Berger: https://a.co/d/0pGLBlK • Hardwired for Happiness by Ashish Kothari: https://a.co/d/fybNBNK

Would you trade your brain health for career wins? You might already be and you're not noticing it. It's in the way you push through the back-to-back meetings, rely on caffeine to stay sharp, and squeeze in rest when you can. Your brain is keeping score of that behavior, and if you keep doing it, your performance, energy, and health will slowly decline—even while you're “succeeding.”Today's Happiness Squad Podcast episode is your chance to flip the script. Ashish Kothari sits down with Dr. Ryan Williamson about how you can actively protect your brain, extend your health span, and sustain peak performance—not just today, but for the decades ahead.Dr. Ryan Williamson is a board-certified neurologist, U.S. Navy veteran, and founder of Transcend Health. Focused on brain health and longevity, he helps individuals optimize performance and build lasting legacies through evidence-based wellness strategies. His work includes a membership program, educational resources, and an upcoming book aimed at expanding his impact on health and success.Things you will learn in this episode: • Why you have more control over your health than you think• The four pillars of brain longevity• How to manage chronic stress• How to improve your sleep quality and why it matters• How having a community helps you take control of your healthWe're all going to live longer—but how we live matters more than how long. If you're ready to make the shift now, check out our full episode here: [link]Resources:• Transcend Health: https://transcendhealthgroup.com/ • Brain-Computer Interaction study by Microsoft: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/publication/brain-computer-interaction-applying-minds-human-computer-interaction/ • Dr. Peter Attia: https://peterattiamd.com/ • Dr. Andrew Huberman: https://www.hubermanlab.com/ Books:• Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity Book by Bill Gifford and Peter Attia: https://a.co/d/dFKDGOX • Hardwired for Happiness by Ashish Kothari: https://a.co/d/6TnTq5h

What do you do when $150 billion in economic pressure is knocking on your door?If you're leading a small or medium-sized business right now, you're not just navigating volatility—you're steering through a full-blown storm. Between plummeting markets, rising tariffs, and a fog of uncertainty, we can no longer afford to keep doing business as usual.In this special episode of the Happiness Squad Podcast, Ashish Kothari, Founder & CEO of Happiness Squad, addresses the urgent challenges facing small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in the face of unprecedented economic turbulence—triggered by sharp market downturns and a new wave of import tariffs.These external pressures are putting nearly $150 billion of headwinds on SMBs, threatening both financial stability and long-term survival.Ashish shares three critical leadership capabilities that can help SMB leaders to survive and thrive through this storm:Adaptability and Resilience – Cultivating inner calm, shifting into resilient mindsets, reconnecting to purpose, and leading with vulnerability and psychological safety.Leveraging Data and Analytics – Using data to assess risk, segment customers, evaluate suppliers, and make strategic, insight-led decisions.Negotiation Excellence – Preparing for tough conversations with customers and suppliers and acting decisively with clarity, fairness, and confidence.Ashish also introduces support offerings from Happiness Squad and a team of seasoned experts to help business leaders navigate these times—ranging from free white papers and webinars to a deep-dive bootcamp and mastermind community.Be the clarity, courage, and calm your people need in this time of chaos. Tune into this episode now and get the edge your business needs.Resources:✅http://tariffresponseteam.com/ Cultivate Focus and Calm: https://insighttimer.com/bfcmind/guided-meditations/abc-meditation-for-focus-and-calmness Should-Cost Modeling Tool: https://www.gep.com/blog/technology/should-cost-modeling-because-you-must-get-the-cost-rightGrowth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset: https://online.hbs.edu/blog/post/growth-mindset-vs-fixed-mindset Books:✅The Lexus and the Olive Tree: https://www.thomaslfriedman.com/the-lexus-and-the-olive-tree/ Man's Search for Meaning By Viktor Frankl: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4069.Man_s_Search_for_Meaning Emotional Intelligence: Why it can matter more than IQ by Daniel Goleman: https://amzn.eu/d/dsLrKrS Hardwired for Happiness by Ashish Kothari: https://happinesssquad.com/hardwired-for-happiness/

So many of us are negotiating every day: at work, at home, and most importantly, with ourselves—without even realizing it. Yet, when we think of “negotiation,” we often imagine a high-stakes business deal or a zero-sum game where someone wins and someone loses. That mindset is long obsolete. It's been holding us back from better relationships, greater confidence, and even personal happiness. In this episode of the Happiness Squad Podcast, Ashish Kothari and Mori Taheripour—renowned negotiation expert, Wharton professor, and author of Bring Yourself—reframe what negotiation really means.Mori Taheripour is a globally recognized negotiation expert, a 12-time award-winning faculty member at the Wharton School, a highly sought-after speaker, and the author of Bring Yourself: How to Harness the Power of Connection to Negotiate Fearlessly.Things you will learn in this episode:• What negotiation really means in everyday life• The importance of negotiating with yourself• Why leading with curiosity makes you a better decision-maker• How to turn rejection into opportunity• Why self-awareness starts with stillness• The difference between perfection and excellence• What it means to show up as your full self• How to handle conflict by gaining perspectiveGet ready to negotiate fearlessly from the inside out. Tune in—you'll never see negotiation the same way again.Resources:✅• Mori Taheripour website: http://www.moritaheripour.com/• Wharton Legal Studies and Business Ethics: http://lgst.wharton.upenn.edu/ Books:✅• Bring Yourself by Mori Taheripour: https://a.co/d/34lTnOZ • Hardwired for Happiness by Ashish Kothari: https://a.co/d/2iRN8rK • Getting to Yes Book by Roger Fisher and William Ury: https://a.co/d/4YNbIZu

Most businesses start with a bold “why,” but along the way, profits take over, and purpose fades into just another corporate slogan. Now, with ESG and purpose-driven business facing backlash, companies are backing away, fearing controversy and short-term losses. But the truth is that leaders who abandon purpose risk more than just bad PR; they lose trust, culture, and long-term success.In this episode of The Happiness Squad Podcast, Ashish Kothari sits down with Thomas Eckschmidt to explore how organizations can evolve beyond profits, embrace conscious leadership, and create a culture of trust and impact—without sacrificing success. Thomas Eckschmidt is the co-founder of the Conscious Capitalism movement in Brazil and CEO of CBJ Conscious Business Journey, a global network driving conscious business transformation. A seasoned entrepreneur and advocate for Conscious Capitalism, he has launched multiple ventures, won 12 business awards, authored 11 books, and filed four patents. He also serves on corporate boards, helping organizations integrate conscious business practices.Things you will learn in this episode:• Understanding the Four Tenets of Conscious Capitalism• The Danger of Losing Your "Why" in Business• Ego vs. Ecosystem Leadership• The Power of Stakeholder Orientation• Reframing Business Success Beyond Just Profit• The Rise and Challenge of Conscious Capitalism• The Leadership Reset—Why This Matters NOWResources:✅• Thomas Eckschmidt's website: http://www.cbjourney.com/ • Creating Better Businesses for a Better World | Thomas Eckschmidt | TEDx: https://youtu.be/9Oqy8zywipU?si=GOnG6TCj7HFcBdeC • Harvard Global Leadership Development Study 2023: https://www.harvardbusiness.org/leadership-learning-insights/global-leadership-development-study/• The Conscious Business Activator: https://www.cbactivator.cc/ Books:✅• “Purpose Canvas for Business: Making it clear why we are in business” by Thomas Eckschmidt: https://a.co/d/gRYSAfy • Conscious Capitalism Field Guide (Harvard) co-authored by Thomas Eckschmidt: https://a.co/d/gRYSAfy • Shakti Leadership by Nilima Bhat and Rajendra Sisodia: https://a.co/d/3Vao9Ra • The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben: https://a.co/d/bSSr9nE• I Contain Multitudes by Ed Yong: https://a.co/d/hIFnx7K • Man's Search for Meaning by Victor Frankl: https://a.co/d/jiIH4Gk

Employees are burnt out, disengaged, and silently struggling with their mental health. Meanwhile, leaders assume they're doing enough because their company offers an EAP (Employee Assistance Program) or has a "Mental Health Matters" poster in the breakroom. But most employees never use these resources. Not because they don't need help, but because they don't feel safe enough to ask for it. This silence is costing businesses productivity, innovation, and even lives. So, how do we change this? How can leaders not just acknowledge workplace mental health but actually win the fight for better well-being—permanently? That's exactly what we unpack in this powerful episode of the Happiness Squad Podcast with Ashish Kothari and Michael Landsberg, a leading voice in mental health advocacy.Michael Landsberg is a Canadian sports journalist and mental health advocate, best known as the longtime host of Off the Record on TSN. He has been a prominent voice in raising awareness about depression and anxiety, openly sharing his own struggles to reduce stigma. Landsberg founded SickNotWeak, a mental health advocacy initiative, and continues to speak publicly about the importance of mental health support.For leaders who want to fix workplace mental health for good, it's not about offering more benefits. It's about changing how it is talked about and handled at work.Things you will learn in this episode:• Why People Stay Silent About Mental Illness• Hope as the Missing Piece in Depression Recovery• The Business Case for Mental Health in the Workplace• First Step: A Mental Health Program That Actually Works• Why Leaders Need to Be Vulnerable to Fix Mental HealthTune into our full episode with Michael Landsberg and take your first step toward better mental health.Resources:✅• Michael Landsberg's website: https://www.michaellandsberg.ca/• First Step – Mental Health Program by Michael Landsberg: https://www.greenshield.ca/en-ca/health/letsbereal • Sick Not Weak - Mental Health Community: https://www.sicknotweak.com/ • Alcoholics Anonymous Program: https://www.addictioncenter.com/treatment/12-step-programs/alcoholics-anonymous/ • Health Insight with Michael Lansberg: https://www.healthinsight.ca/advocacy/michael-landsberg-on-the-record-about-mental-health/• Darkness and Hope: Depression, Sports, and Me (Documentary featuring Michael Landsberg) : https://www.mcintyre.ca/titles/SST001 • McKinsey Study on Mental Health and Burnout: https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/mckinsey-explainers/what-is-burnout • Deloitte's Mental Health in the Workplace Study:

If you want your company to scale, here's one question you need to ask yourself: Are you growing your people as fast as you're growing your revenue? Too many leaders obsess over business expansion but ignore the foundation that makes it possible—PEOPLE. In this episode of the Happiness Squad Podcast, Ashish Kothari and Ryan Heckman remind us that when you invest in your people's growth, your business follows. Ryan reveals the leadership shift that can turn any stagnant company into an unstoppable force.Ryan Heckman is a seasoned private equity investor with over 25 years of experience, currently serving as co-founder, managing partner, and CEO at Rallyday Partners, a lower middle market investment firm. He also co-founded the Colorado Impact Fund, a Denver-based social impact fund. Previously, Ryan was the CEO and Chairman of EVP Eyecare and co-founded Excellere Partners, a private equity firm managing approximately $1.3 billion in capital. A two-time Olympian in skiing, he is also the Chairman of CiviCO, a founding board member of Endeavor Global/Colorado, and a Trustee at the University of Denver.Things you will learn in this episode:• Why growing your people is the fastest way to grow your business• How leadership is not about control—it's about empowerment• Why culture should get better as a company grows—not worse• Why leaders must be coaches, not just managers• How trust and psychological safety drive performanceThis episode will challenge everything you thought you knew about leadership and business growth. Don't miss it!Resources:✅• Rallyday Partners: http://www.rallydaypartners.com/ • Colorado Impact Fund: http://www.coloradoimpactfund.com/ • CiviCO: https://www.livecivico.org/ • Intrinsic Value (Wall Street Journal Column by Roger Lowenstein) https://rogerlowenstein.com/ • First Biography of Warren Buffett – By Roger Lowenstein: https://hbr.org/1996/01/what-i-learned-from-warren-buffett • Research from the Michigan Ross Center for Positive Organizational Scholarship: https://positiveorgs.bus.umich.edu/an-introduction/ • Clay Christensen's Work on Management as a Noble Profession: https://hbr.org/2020/01/clayton-christensen-the-gentle-giant-of-innovation • Jan-Emmanuel De Neve & Sonja Lyubomirsky (Oxford Research on Workplace Well-Being): https://d341ezm4iqaae0.cloudfront.net/ews/20220817145319/Work-Wellbeing-2022-Insights-Report-.pdf Books:✅• The Heart of Business by Hubert Joly: https://a.co/d/eVeJrY1 • Grow the Pie by Alex Edmans: https://alexedmans.com/books/ • Hardwired for Happiness by Ashish Kothari:

We've been sold this idea that work and life are two separate things—one to survive, the other to enjoy. But here's the truth: It's all just life. The best workplaces don't force people to "balance" their time between stress and fulfillment. They create cultures where work itself is a source of purpose, growth, and well-being.That's exactly what Teresa Roche, Chair of the Learning Innovation Laboratory at Harvard and CHRO at the City of Fort Collins, has helped build—an adaptive and well-being-driven organization where people don't just work, they flourish. Teresa Roche is a transformational HR leader with expertise in building well-being-driven workplaces. As CHRO of the City of Fort Collins, she has led innovative talent strategies, inclusion initiatives, and the Future of Work, shaping a culture where people and performance thrive. Previously, she drove leadership development at Agilent Technologies, ensuring 90% of senior roles were filled internally. In this episode of the Happiness Squad Podcast, Ashish Kothari and Teresa Roche explore how leaders can start designing purposeful workplaces that fuel both performance and well-being.Things you will learn in this episode:• The myth of work-life balance• The importance of building a workplace culture that prioritizes well-being• Why well-being must be an organizational priority• Why organizations need to make the systemic shift to promote wellness• The ROI of creating flourishing organizations• The role of leaders in driving a flourishing cultureThe system needs to change! If you want to be a part of it, start by tuning into this epic episode. Resources: ✅• City of Fort Collins Health and Wellness Programs: https://larimer.senioraccesspoints.colostate.edu/blog/2021/11/16/city-of-fort-collins-health-and-wellness-programs/• IFTF Palo Alto: https://www.iftf.org/ • Harvard Flourishing Network: https://hfh.fas.harvard.edu/flourishing-network-HFH • Chief Learning Officer: https://resource.chieflearningofficer.com/chief-learning-officer-resource-center• Related episode: https://podcast.happinesssquad.com/episode/the-power-of-purpose-driven-organizations-with-alex-edmans • Alex Edman's research proving that employee satisfaction leads to 2–3.5% incremental shareholder returns. https://alexedmans.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Finding-the-Purpose-of-Your-Business.pdf• McKinsey Health Institute - A holistic health approach for employees: https://www.mckinsey.com/mhi/our-insights/reframing-employee-health-moving-beyond-burnout-to-holistic-health • Oxford Economics on prioritizing workplace well-being:

Join us on "About Sustainability," a podcast by the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES). In this episode, we explore what the just transition means, tracing its roots back to labour movements of the 1970s and its evolution into international debates and sustainable frameworks. Our guests share innovative case studies that showcase how just transition principles are being implemented locally across the world, with a special focus on Asia. The conversation also explores the ongoing challenges and successes in implementing these principles in various contexts.SpeakersDr. So-Young LEE is a Research Manager at the Integrated Sustainability Center at IGES. Her work focuses on governance in sustainability transitions and climate social co-benefits for the underprivileged.Dwayne Appleby is a Programme Manager in the Sustainable Consumption and Production team at IGES. His work focuses on issues of sustainable consumption and production at the local, national, regional, and global levels.References & Further Reading:Lee, So-Young. “Net-Zero Transitions for All? Considering Applications in Asia”. (2023). Ashish Kothari, Ariel Salleh, Arturo Escobar, Federico Demaria, and Alberto Acosta. Pluriverse: A Post-Development Dictionary (2019), which explores diverse local sustainability practices.Michael Sandel's course on Justice at Harvard, a freely available course on Youtube which investigates the philosophical underpinnings of justiceGarrido, Leonardo and Kate Hughes. “Policy Options for Just Transitions in Asia.” (2023). A report identifying impacts associated with low carbon development in Asia, and policies for just transitions.Wang and Lo. “Just transition: A conceptual review” (2021). A review summarising the pre-pandemic positions on the Just Transition.Newell and Mulvaney. "The Political Economy of the 'Just Transition'" (2013). Discusses political trade-offs in policy design for just transitions. Henry, Brazilian, and Markuson “Just transitions: Histories and futures in a post-COVID world” (2020). This paper delves into the significance of "the pace of change, and the extent to which communities have a say in what comes next", as well as outlining how "the socio-economic aspects of the energy transition remain both emergent and essential to an equitable transition"."About Sustainability..." is a podcast brought to you by the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES), an environmental policy think-tank based in Hayama, Japan. IGES experts are concerned with environmental and sustainability challenges. Everything shared on the podcast will be off-the-cuff discussion, and any viewpoints expressed are those held by the speaker at the time of recording. They are not necessarily official IGES positions.

keep up with endless demands. Trying to "just get through the day" instead of truly thriving can impact you far beyond your personal well-being. It cascades down to your teams, organizations, and long-term success. So how do you shift from just surviving to actually thriving? That's what we dive into in this episode of the Happiness Squad Podcast with Ashish Kothari and Renee Moorefield, CEO of Wisdom Works Group, Inc.Renee Moorefield, PhD, is the CEO of Wisdom Works, a social enterprise she co-founded in 1999 to promote leadership and organizational cultures that empower people to thrive. With over 30 years of experience, she has coached and advised executives from Fortune 500 companies, including The Coca-Cola Company, Nike, and Hyatt. Renee is also the author of "Driven by Wellth," a book that explores how contemporary leaders can integrate wealth with well-being. She serves on the Advisory Board of the Global Wellness Institute and is an international speaker, as well as a Master Certified Coach and Certified Health & Wellness Coach. In the conversation, Ashish and Renee break down what it really means to thrive as a leader and why so many leaders struggle to make the shift. Renee shares a simple but powerful framework that helps leaders build resilience, stay energized, and lead with clarity—even in high-pressure environments. Things you will learn in this episode:• Defining thriving ang its importance in leadership• The six-part thriving framework (Developed by Wisdom Works)• Why thriving is a leadership responsibility• Practical Strategies for Moving from Survival to ThrivingIf you're feeling stretched too thin, constantly reacting, or struggling to find balance, this conversation will give you the practical tools you need to take back control and lead with energy, confidence, and purpose.Tune in now to learn how to stop leading in survival mode and start thriving!Resources: ✅• Wisdom Works website: http://wisdom-works.com/• Be Well, Lead Well Pulse Assessment: https://www.wisdom-works.com/assessment/ • Be Well, Lead Well: https://www.bewellleadwellpulse.com/ • Wisdom Works Group: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wisdom-works-group/ Books: ✅• “Driven by WELLth” by Julie Maloney and Renee Moorefield: https://a.co/d/83TGDFc • "Full Catastrophe Living" by Jon Kabat-Zinn: https://a.co/d/gIeCdCF • "Leadership and the New Science" by Margaret Wheatley: https://a.co/d/6vWxdR6 • Hardwired for Happiness book by Ashish Kothari: https://www.amazon.com/Hardwired-Happiness-Proven-Practices-Overcome/dp/1544534655

Our guest on the podcast today is Ashish Kothari, an executive coach, author, consultant, and founder of Happiness Squad, a company focused on helping individuals and organizations make flourishing their competitive edge and operate at their fullest potential. Ashish is the author of the best-selling book “Hardwired for Happiness” in which he outlines an easy-to-follow recipe that can help anyone increase joy, health, love and meaning in their lives.Prior to starting Happiness Squad, Ashish Kothari was a Partner at the global management consulting firm, McKinsey & Company and spent over two decades helping thousands of leaders and their organizations achieve breakthrough performance through increasing their effectiveness, building more human centric cultures, and transforming capabilities at scale. Ashish has a Masters in Business administration (MBA) from Chicago Booth and a Bachelors and Masters degree in Chemical Engineering from Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai, India. He is married and lives in Boulder, Colorado with his wife, Lizzie, his son, Ashwin and their pug, Hufflepuff.In today's episode, you'll hear Ashish speak to the essence of what it means to truly flourish in both personal and professional realms, challenging the conventional dichotomy between success and well-being. He presents the argument that true flourishing can, in fact, be a competitive advantage both in the workplace and in life. With insights drawn from various disciplines, including neuroscience, positive psychology, and ancient spiritual texts, Ashish shares the latest research and practical strategies for shifting from mere survival to genuine thriving.Through exploring human connection, mindfulness, and the power of being present, this episode offers actionable wisdom for anyone seeking to transform their life and work. We discuss the complexities of modern life, examining why so many people feel stuck in survival mode and how they can break free to lead more meaningful, connected, and joyous lives. Join us as we uncover the profound shift from surviving to thriving and learn how to make flourishing your ultimate competitive edge.Key TakeawaysAshish's perspective on why we aren't flourishing and what we can do about itHow so many of us are asleep in our busy livesWhat the research shows about society, our patterns, and behavior for flourishing and where we're strugglingBecoming self-authored with validations from neuroscience and positive psychologyHow leveraging data is so important to systemic changeSimple practices to integrate mindfulness into daily routinesEpisode Resources:Happiness Squad WebsiteAshish Linkedin ProfileBOOK: Hardwired For Happiness by Ashish KothariSacredChangemakers.comOur Sacred CommunityJayne Warrilow on LinkedinThank you to our sponsor:A huge thank you to our Inner Circle members, podcast sponsors, and extended Sacred Changemakers community, all of whom are visible on our website and helping us make a global impact aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.If you would like to support our show:Please rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast on

In this special episode, hosts Ashish Kothari and Hillary DeCesare announce their exciting new collaborative program "Rewire & Relaunch" - designed to help you break free from feeling stuck and transform your life in just 40 days.After two years in the making, these two transformation experts have combined their expertise to create a powerful program that addresses why so many of us feel trapped in comfortable but unfulfilling routines. If you're going through the motions but missing true joy and purpose, this episode speaks directly to you.Things you will learn from this episode: How Ashish and Hillary's personal "relaunch" moments changed their lives completelyWhy most people are stuck in "comfortable numbness" rather than genuine happinessThe four key domains that determine life satisfaction: wealth, health, love, and meaningHow your limiting beliefs (what Hillary calls "BUGS" - Beliefs Underground Surfacing) sabotage your successThe powerful 5-step process to rewire your brain and create lasting changeWhy it takes 62-67 days to truly rewire a limiting belief into an empowering oneHow to tap into mental, physical, and spiritual energy practices to fuel your transformationThe importance of accountability partners and community support for sustainable change

Most leaders think of creativity as something exclusive to artists, but it's actually a skill leaders can learn to master. Just like art, leadership requires taking risks, challenging assumptions, and building what doesn't exist yet. If you're ready to stop playing it safe and start making a real impact, it's time to unleash your creative edge.In this episode of the HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast, Ashish Kothari and Will Day, Award-winning Abstract Painter-Artist, break down exactly how to turn creativity into your biggest leadership advantage.Will Day is a Boulder-based contemporary artist known for his bold, large-scale abstract paintings that capture movement and transformation. With a background in architecture and finance, he brings a unique perspective to the art world, blending structure with expressive creativity. His work has been exhibited across the U.S., earning recognition for its emotional depth and dynamic energy. Through his art, Will inspires others to embrace risk, resilience, and the power of creative expression.Will shares powerful lessons on why creativity is essential for leadership, how to embrace failure, and why relentless self-expression helps you lead with confidence. Things you will learn in this episode:• Creativity as a leadership skill• How to apply creativity as a daily practice• The role of vulnerability in creativity• Creativity as a tool for resilience• Why leaders must think like an artistIf you've ever doubted your creative potential, this episode will challenge you to rethink leadership as an art form—one that requires courage, curiosity, and an unshakable commitment to growth. Tune in now!Resources:✅• Will Day Art: https://www.willdayart.com/ • Will Day on the CanvasRebel Magazine: https://canvasrebel.com/meet-will-day/ • Wil Day on Saatchi Art: https://www.saatchiart.com/willday?srsltid=AfmBOorV40nKMstu9n8hbu5rtWjgw6DWf1LN_xpso7TGQD1UkWDi8fkk • Will Day's Artworks: https://www.artsy.net/artist/will-day • Will Day - TedX - Finding Creativity in the Chaos: https://www.ted.com/talks/will_day_finding_creativity_in_the_chaos Books: ✅• Hardwired for Happiness book by Ashish Kothari: https://www.amazon.com/Hardwired-Happiness-Proven-Practices-Overcome/dp/1544534655

The world glorifies the grind of entrepreneurship, but nobody talks about the toll it takes on your well-being. Stress, self-doubt, and a constant need to prove yourself can leave even the most driven entrepreneurs feeling stuck. Without addressing the root cause, you risk burnout and a loss of purpose. Self-discovery is the game-changer most entrepreneurs overlook. In this Happiness Squad Podcast episode, Ashish Kothari and Alex Raymond, Founder of AMplify, Board at Kapta, and Host of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast, explore how self-discovery empowers entrepreneurs to face their toughest challenges, find clarity, and sustain long-term success in their ventures. Things you will learn in this episode:• Overcoming imposter syndrome in entrepreneurship • The importance of self-discovery for resilience• Reframing success as a journey, not a destination• How to operate in your zone of genius• Preventing burnout through alignment and relationshipsIf you want proven, actionable tips to address the most pressing challenges in entrepreneurship, this is an episode you wouldn't want to miss.Resources: ✅• The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast by Alex Raymond: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-conscious-entrepreneur/id1708478000• The Conscious Entrepreneur Summit by Alex Raymond: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/ • The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI): https://www.mindgarden.com/117-maslach-burnout-inventory-mbi • Well-being in the Workplace by McKinsey & Co.: https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/well-being-in-the-workplace • Related Episode with Dr. Srikumar Rao: https://podcast.happinesssquad.com/episode/living-in-pure-awareness-with-professor-srikumar-rao Books: ✅• "10X Is Easier Than 2X" by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy: https://a.co/d/2OCtzHs • "How Will You Measure Your Life?" by Clayton Christensen: https://a.co/d/eZaR7pn• "Finite and Infinite Games" by James Carse: "Finite and Infinite Games" by James Carse • Hardwired for Happiness book by Ashish Kothari: https://www.amazon.com/Hardwired-Happiness-Proven-Practices-Overcome/dp/1544534655

We live in a world where success often leads to burnout, anxiety, and loneliness instead of fulfillment. Ashish Kothari, Founder and CEO of Happiness Squad, faced this firsthand, realizing that titles and achievements alone weren't enough. His journey from relentless striving to meaningful happiness led him to uncover truths about well-being that many miss.In our latest episode, Ashish shares how he founded Happiness Squad to help people find purpose, resilience, and true joy in life. Things you will learn in this episode:How burnout, stress, and anxiety have become widespread challenges across industriesThe science behind individual and organizational flourishingUsing data and continuous insights to build effective well-being programsWhy community support and continuous practice are essential for real changeResources:✅• Sadhguru, Isha Foundation: https://isha.sadhguru.org/sg/en • The Art of Living by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: https://www.artofliving.org/in-en• Vipassana Meditation: https://www.dhamma.org/ • Rewire Program: https://happinesssquad.com/rewire-program/ • Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-happiness-squad/id1663683864• Website: https://happinesssquad.com/Books:✅• Hardwired for Happiness: 9 Proven Practices to Overcome Stress and Live Your Best Life.https://www.amazon.com/Hardwired-Happiness-Proven-Practices-Overcome/dp/1544534655

Uncertainty has become the new normal, and as a leader, it can feel like the ground beneath you is constantly shifting. How do you inspire confidence when you're struggling to find it yourself? Without a strong foundation in your leadership, it can be difficult to respond to challenges and your team could feel it too. In this episode of the Happiness Squad Podcast, Ashish Kothari and Jason Hanson show you how to change the game with grounded leadership and lead with strength, clarity, and conviction—no matter what comes your way. Jason Hanson is the Director of the President's Leadership Class at the University of Colorado Boulder, specializing in mentoring future leaders. A former Senior Manager of Enterprise Learning at Charles Schwab, he is a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach with expertise in leadership development and talent strategy. Jason holds a Master's in Higher Education Administration from Northwestern University and a Bachelor's in Psychology from the University of Illinois Chicago.Things you will learn in this episode:• Understanding the importance of grounded leadership in times of change• How to build grounded leadership by leveraging your values and strengths• The role of strengths-based development in unlocking individual and team potential• Practical leadership tools for building high-performing teams• Why meaningful relationships are critical for leadership success• Navigating career transitions with self-awareness and intentionalityTune in now to learn how to lead with clarity and resilience in the most volatile of times.Resources:✅• Gallup StrengthsFinder: https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/254033/strengthsfinder.aspx • VIA Character Strengths: https://www.viacharacter.org/ • Harvard Business School Net Promoter Score Case Study: https://www.hbsp.harvard.edu/product/8573BC-PDF-ENG • The ADKAR Model: https://www.prosci.com/methodology/adkar • Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs: https://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html • Job Crafting by Jane Dutton: https://positivepsychology.com/job-crafting/ • https://positiveorgs.bus.umich.edu/wp-content/uploads/Glance-Leading-Positively.pdf Books:✅• A Model for Change in Business, Government, and Our Community: https://a.co/d/9kSsCqw • Hardwired for Happiness by Ashish Kothari: https://a.co/d/iXGAjje

Leadership often feels like navigating a high-stakes game where every decision could make or break the outcome. Yet, the best leaders aren't the ones who power through with toughness alone—they are the ones who master the ability to stay calm under pressure. In this episode of the Happiness Squad Podcast, Ashish Kothari and Brent Lang explore how mental calmness helps leaders build resilience, maintain optimism, and inspire teams to thrive under pressure.Brent Lang is an Olympic gold medalist and accomplished business leader. As the former CEO of Vocera Communications and current Chair of the Board at Eko Health and Movella, Brent combines his athletic discipline with strategic leadership to inspire resilience, mental calmness, and innovation in the organizations he serves.Things you will learn in this episode:• The power of persistence and resilience• The importance of coaching, mentorship, and empathy• Staying present and cultivating mental calmness• Building strong foundations for well-being• The value of positive thinking and opennessDon't miss this inspiring episode! Hear Olympic gold medalist Brent Lang share his secrets to staying composed under pressure and building habits for success.Resources:✅• Brent Lang's website: http://www.brentdlang.com/ • Brent Lang's appointment to Chair of the Board of Directors at Eko Health https://www.ekohealth.com/blogs/newsroom/brent-lang-joins-eko-board-of-directors?srsltid=AfmBOorgkQ3U3t_WX0sRAzzGyppxGseEpfrPgvNnFwccQCb9y7EO84hg • Brent Lang as Chairman of the Board at Movella: https://www.movella.com/investors/governance Books:✅• Hardwired for Happiness by Ashish Kothari: https://a.co/d/iXGAjje

Ashish Kothari is an executive coach, author, consultant and founder of Happiness Squad, a company focused on helping individuals and organizations make flourishing their competitive edge and operate at their fullest potential. Ashish is the author of the bestselling book Hardwired for Happiness in which he outlines an easy-to-follow recipe that can help anyone increase joy, health, love and meaning in their lives. Prior to starting Happiness Squad, Ashish was a Partner at the global management consulting firm, McKinsey & Company and spent over two decades helping thousands of leaders and their organizations achieve breakthrough performance through increasing their effectiveness, building more human centric cultures, and transforming capabilities at scale. Ashish has a master's in business administration (MBA) from Chicago Booth and a bachelor's and master's degree in chemical engineering from Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai, India. He is married and lives in Boulder, Colorado with his wife, Lizzie, his son, Ashwin and their pug, Hufflepuff.  Click here to purchase Hardwired for Happiness.

Stress and burnout aren't inevitable—they're symptoms of how we've been working. Habits like juggling too many tasks, always staying connected, and back-to-back meetings have become so routine that we hardly question them anymore. But these habits are taking a toll on our happiness and well-being. In this episode of the HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast, Ashish Kothari, Founder of Happiness Squad, explores the hidden costs of these behaviors, the drivers behind them, and how we can build a more intentional, fulfilling approach to work.Things you will learn in this episode:• Understanding the myth of multitasking• Breaking free from the need to always stay connected• How to plan and execute efficient meetingsIt's time we stop wearing busyness as a badge of honor and start building habits that make us more resilient, adaptable, and—above all—happier.Resources:✅• Rewire Program: https://happinesssquad.com/rewire-program/ • Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-happiness-squad/id1663683864• Website: https://happinesssquad.com/• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myhappinesssquad/ Books:✅• Hardwired for Happiness: 9 Proven Practices to Overcome Stress and Live Your Best Life.https://www.amazon.com/Hardwired-Happiness-Proven-Practices-Overcome/dp/1544534655

In this enlightening episode of The Hi Felicia Podcast, I sit down with Ashish Kothari, author of Hardwired for Happiness and founder of the Happiness Squad. We dive into why so many of us have made unhappiness a habit, despite living in an era of unprecedented prosperity. Ashish unpacks the science behind why we're becoming more hardwired for fear and unhappiness, and more importantly, how we can break this cycle. We also explore the powerful lessons from The 5 Regrets of the Dying and practical ways to cultivate happiness as a habit. If you're ready to rewire your brain for joy and meaning, this episode is a must-listen! What You'll Learn in This Episode: How We've Made Unhappiness a Habit The subtle ways our daily routines, thoughts, and behaviors perpetuate unhappiness. How to recognize and interrupt these patterns. Why We're Becoming Hardwired for Fear and Unhappiness The role of societal pressure, technology, and our evolutionary wiring. Why more prosperity doesn't necessarily equal more happiness. Building Happier Habits Actionable steps to rewire your brain for joy and resilience. How mindfulness, gratitude, and connection can transform your life. Lessons from The 5 Regrets of the Dying The life-changing wisdom shared by those at the end of their journeys. How these regrets can guide us to live a more fulfilled life today. Quotes from Ashish Kothari's Book, Hardwired for Happiness: “Happiness is not a destination; it's a skill we cultivate every day.” “Fear is hardwired into us for survival, but we've let it dominate our lives. It's time to reclaim our joy.” “Small, intentional shifts in your habits can unlock a life of purpose and peace.” “When we connect deeply with ourselves and others, happiness flows naturally.” Connect with Ashish Kothari: Instagram: @myhappinesssquad Website: Happiness Squad Let's Keep the Conversation Going: What resonated most with you from this episode? Share your thoughts on social media and tag me [@thehifeliciapodcast] and Ashish [@myhappinesssquad]! Listen, Subscribe, and Review: If you loved this episode, please subscribe to The Hi Felicia Podcast and leave a 5-star rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more listeners and spread the joy. Don't forget to share this episode with a friend who could use some inspiration! Thank You for Listening! Remember, happiness is a skill you can learn—and today is the perfect day to start. Tune in now for all the insights and inspiration from Ashish Kothari. Let's build happier habits together!

Leaders, here's the wake-up call: More than half of your workforce is burned out. Ignoring it won't make it go away, and throwing tools like mindfulness apps at the problem won't fix it either. The solution lies in redesigning how work happens.In this episode of the HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast, Ashish Kothari and Jen Fisher, Former Human Sustainability Leader and Chief Well-being Officer at Deloitte, uncover why workplace well-being is directly tied to your organization's success and how you can make it a cornerstone of your strategy.Jen Fisher is a leading expert in workplace wellbeing and human sustainability, known for her groundbreaking role as Deloitte US's first Chief Wellbeing Officer. She is the bestselling co-author of Work Better Together and host of The WorkWell Podcast. Her work has been featured in major outlets such as Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, and CNN, making her a sought-after thought leader and speaker in the field.Things you will learn in this episode:• Why well-being is a strategic imperative• The real causes of burnout and how to address them• Building a culture of permission and psychological safety• The ROI of investing in well-being at work• Non-negotiables for thriving leadersResources: ✅• Jen Fisher on Substack: https://jenfisher.substack.com/• Work by Dr. Alex Edmans: https://alexedmans.com/correlation/ • McKinsey: Addressing Employee Burnout: https://www.mckinsey.com/mhi/our-insights/addressing-employee-burnout-are-you-solving-the-right-problem Books: ✅• Work Better Together book co-authored by Jen Fisher: https://a.co/d/1imvQxy • Hardwired for Happiness by Ashish Kothari: https://a.co/d/3SixHKF

Sometimes, life and work can feel like a never-ending loop—same routines, same challenges, no real progress. If 2024 felt like a year where things didn't quite click, you're not alone. Many of us struggle with finding the right balance between leading effectively, making meaningful changes, and just feeling genuinely happy. But it's time to change that.In this episode of the Happiness Squad Podcast, we're taking a fresh look at what it takes to thrive. As 2024 comes to a close, we're celebrating the standout episodes that resonated with listeners worldwide. This special compilation brings you three impactful conversations packed with insights to help you thrive in life and work.Things you will learn in this episode:• Driving Deep Organizational Change with Robert Quinn• Embracing Modern Leadership with Andrew White• Building Happy Habits for Long-Term Joy with Ashish KothariWe learned a lot this year about dealing with challenges and creating a better future. Join us as we revisit the year's most inspiring conversations on leadership, change, and happiness, and discover useful lessons for the coming year.Resources:✅• Robert E. Quinn∙ https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-e-quinn-57b9a9100/ ∙ http://www.bob-quinn.com/ ∙ https://michiganross.umich.edu/faculty-research/faculty/robert-quinn ∙ Deep Change by Robert Quinn: https://michiganross.umich.edu/faculty-research/faculty/robert-quinn ∙ More books by Robert Quinn: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001H6MQSK • Andrew White∙ https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-andrew-white/?originalSubdomain=uk ∙ Transcend.Space on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/transcend-space/ ∙ Transcend.Space Website: https://transcend.space/who-we-are/ ∙ Andrew White's TED Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9fwC3tInlo ∙ Leadership 2050 Newsletter: https://transcend.space/leadership-2050/ • Ashish Kothari∙ https://www.facebook.com/ashish.kothari.397∙ https://www.instagram.com/myhappinesssquad/∙ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashishkothari1/∙ https://www.linkedin.com/company/happiness-squad/ Books:✅• Hardwired for Happiness by Ashish Kothari:

Nowadays, big challenges are silently destroying workplaces. Employees feel unmotivated, leaders face retention challenges, and meaningful impact is lost. That's because people want more than a job, they crave purpose. Without it, work becomes a grind, teams disengage, and potential goes untapped. But conscious, purpose-driven leadership changes everything. In this episode of the Happiness Squad Podcast, Ashish Kothari and Anil Ramjiani are joined by Raj Sisodia, co-founder of Conscious Capitalism and author of Awaken, to explore how conscious purpose-driven leadership can transform not just organizations, but lives.Raj Sisodia is a distinguished author, speaker, and educator, recognized as a founding figure in the Conscious Capitalism movement. He serves as the FEMSA Distinguished University Professor of Conscious Enterprise and Chairman of the Conscious Enterprise Center at Tecnológico de Monterrey in Mexico. Raj shares powerful insights into the role of conscious leadership, explaining how aligning personal and organizational purpose can foster resilience, improve outcomes, and create meaningful connections. Things you will learn in this episode:• Why purpose is the foundation of conscious leadership• The connection between healing, self-awareness, and leadership effectiveness• Aligning individual purpose with organizational goals• Practical steps to embrace conscious leadershipFollow The Happiness Squad Podcast for weekly insights and inspiration on how to lead with purpose, joy, and authenticity.Resources:✅ • Raj Sisodia on X : https://x.com/RajSisodiaCC • https://rajsisodia.com/ • Center for Positive Organizations - University of MichiganBooks:✅• AWAKEN: The Path to Purpose, Inner Peace, and Healing• The Healing Organization• Conscious Capitalism• All Books Written by Raj Sisodia: http://rajsisodia.com/books.html • Man's Search For Meaning• Synchronicity: The Inner Path of Leadership• Hardwired for Happiness: 9 Proven Practices to Overcome Stress and Live Your Best Life

C'MON GET HAPPY!!! Ashish Kothari is an executive coach, author, consultant and founder of Happiness Squad, a company focused on helping individuals and organizations make flourishing their competitive edge and operate at their fullest potential. In his best-selling book, “Hardwired for Happiness,” Ashish outlines an easy-to-follow recipe that can help anyone increase joy, health, love and meaning in their lives.

Let's face it, work can be a pressure cooker sometimes. Aside from the physical toll, it's also about mental stress and feeling isolated, making us less productive and more likely to call in sick. But what if our workplace focused on keeping us healthy in every way? We'd probably feel more motivated, stick around longer, and do better work. In this episode, we feature Barbara Jeffery, a Partner at McKinsey & Company in the London office who leads the People and Organizational Performance practice in the UK, Ireland, and Israel. With over 15 years of experience in various sectors, including healthcare and public services, Barbara specializes in strategy development, organizational design, and driving large-scale change. She is also deeply involved with the McKinsey Health Institute (MHI) as an Affiliate Partner, focusing on Employee Health and Wellbeing. Moreover, Barbara is a Board member for Business in the Community (BITC), a prominent organization championing responsible business in the UK.In this episode of the HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast, Ashish Kothari and Barbara Jeffery, Partner at McKinsey & Company, discuss how addressing our holistic health could transform our work lives. Things you will learn from this episode:• Holistic health in the workplace• The 4 dimensions of holistic health• How organizations can foster holistic health• Understanding burnoutResources:• Addressing Employee Burnout: https://www.mckinsey.com/mhi/our-insights/addressing-employee-burnout-are-you-solving-the-right-problem• Barbara Jeffery: https://www.mckinsey.com/our-people/barbara-jeffery • Working Nine to Thrive: https://www.mckinsey.com/mhi/our-insights/working-nine-to-thrive • Reframing employee health: Moving beyond burnout to holistic health: https://www.mckinsey.com/mhi/our-insights/reframing-employee-health-moving-beyond-burnout-to-holistic-health• Present company included: Prioritizing mental health and well-being for all: https://www.mckinsey.com/mhi/our-insights/present-company-included-prioritizing-mental-health-and-well-being-for-all Books:• Hardwired for Happiness: 9 Proven Practices to Overcome Stress and Live Your Best Life.https://www.amazon.com/Hardwired-Happiness-Proven-Practices-Overcome/dp/1544534655

As pressure in today's work environments rises, teams are increasingly seeking a sense of purpose and genuine connection. Traditional leadership might keep things on track, but it often misses the core of what truly inspires people to thrive. That's why now, more than ever, we need positive leadership. In this second part of our two-part episode, Ashish Kothari and Kim Cameron, Professor and Co-founder of the Center for Positive Organizational Scholarship at The University of Michigan, dig deeper into the impact of positive leadership and how small, intentional actions can drive real results by showing people they matter.Things you will learn in this episode:• How positive leadership boosts morale, productivity, and even physical well-being• Simple practices that create a positive shift in team culture• Moving from task-driven to purpose-driven leadership• Why kindness, trust, and compassion are essential leadership skills• The ripple effect that positive leadership can have across an organizationWithout a sense of purpose and meaning, even the best teams can lose their drive. Don't let that happen! Listen to this episode now. Resources:✅• https://www.kimscameron.com/• Center for Positive Organizations: https://positiveorgs.bus.umich.edu/people/kim-s-cameron/ • https://michiganross.umich.edu/faculty-research/faculty/kim-cameronBooks:✅• Positive Leadership: Strategies for Extraordinary Performance by Kim Cameron: https://a.co/d/giji6pC • Positively Energizing Leadership: Virtuous Actions and Relationships That Create High Performance by Kim Cameron: https://a.co/d/4ZakMBi • Hardwired for Happiness by Ashish Kothari: https://a.co/d/beRWWsN

Studies show that people naturally thrive when they feel a sense of purpose and positive energy at work. So why not make that same energy a core strategy in leadership? In this episode of the Happiness Squad Podcast, Ashish Kothari and Kim Cameron, Professor and Co-founder of the Center for Positive Organizational Scholarship at The University of Michigan, reveal how positive leadership can generate extraordinary organizational outcomes.Kim Cameron is the William Russell Kelly Professor of Management and Organizations at the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business and a pioneering scholar in positive organizational scholarship. As co-founder of the Center for Positive Organizational Scholarship, his influential research on organizational virtuousness, culture, and leadership excellence has shaped the field, with his work among the most downloaded in organizational sciences. With over 130 published articles and 15 books, Kim's insights on achieving extraordinary outcomes guide leaders across sectors worldwide.Things you will learn in this episode:• Understanding positive leadership and virtuousness• The Heliotropic Effect in organizations• The power of meaning and purpose in work• Case Study: Rocky Flats Nuclear Arsenal CleanupIf you're still underestimating the impact of a positive leader, here's a quick refresher: Positive leadership fuels REAL business results. Check out our full episode and see for yourself.Resources:✅• https://www.kimscameron.com/• Center for Positive Organizations: https://positiveorgs.bus.umich.edu/people/kim-s-cameron/ • https://michiganross.umich.edu/faculty-research/faculty/kim-cameronBooks:✅• Positive Leadership: Strategies for Extraordinary Performance by Kim Cameron: https://a.co/d/giji6pC • Positively Energizing Leadership: Virtuous Actions and Relationships That Create High Performance by Kim Cameron: https://a.co/d/4ZakMBi • Hardwired for Happiness by Ashish Kothari: https://a.co/d/beRWWsN

Despite countless self-help resources, workplace perks, and wellness programs, why are we still struggling to find real happiness? In this milestone 100th episode of The Happiness Squad Podcast, Ashish Kothari, Founder and CEO of Happiness Squad, digs into the hard truth: happiness can't be bought or chased—it must be cultivated from within.Drawing on insights from top experts and 100 episodes of transformative conversations, Ashish reveals the four essential ingredients to lasting happiness and how to embed them in your core strategies.Things you will learn in this episode:• Debunking myths about happiness• The 4 Key Ingredients to Real Happiness• Minfulness as a practical tool for leaders and teams• The Problem with Workplace Wellness ProgramsFor a truly happy, healthy work environment, it's time to rethink happiness from within.Resources:✅• Rewire Program: https://happinesssquad.com/rewire-program/ • Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-happiness-squad/id1663683864• Check out all Happiness Squad Episodes here: https://podcast.happinesssquad.com/?_gl=1*18szv5y*_ga*MTY3NDAwMTI1Mi4xNzI4NzA0NjYw*_ga_79YFEDB29K*MTczMTMwMjk3OC4yLjAuMTczMTMwMjk3OC42MC4wLjA Books:✅• Hardwired for Happiness: 9 Proven Practices to Overcome Stress and Live Your Best Life.https://www.amazon.com/Hardwired-Happiness-Proven-Practices-Overcome/dp/1544534655

Triggers are a part of the job—but constant reactions don't have to be. It's easy to get stuck in that reactive mode, but it's exhausting and distracting from what matters. In this episode of the HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast, Ashish Kothari and Renelle Everett Darr, Founder and CEO at InSight Coaching & Consulting LLC, dive into the tools you need to take back control from your triggers and learn how to respond, not react to them.Renelle Everett Darr specializes in conscious leadership and organizational transformation, with 25+ years of experience. Certified in The Leadership Circle Profile and holding ICF's PCC credential, she works with CEOs and Fortune 500 clients to foster impactful, human-centered growth. Renelle's insights are shaped by her roles at EY and Deloitte, and she regularly speaks on emotional intelligence and leadership. Based in Golden, Colorado, she also mentors emerging leaders and founders.Things you will learn in this episode:• Responding vs. Reacting to your inner triggers• Trigger awareness and self-reflection techniques• How our values and past experiences shape our triggers• Knowing your triggers and practicing intentional responsesIn today's challenging world, thoughtful responses can set you apart. Tune in to his epic episode now!Resources: ✅• Insight Coaching and Consulting: https://insight-cc.com/about/ • https://insight-cc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Renelle_Everett_Darr_Speaker_2024vf-3.pdf• Life's Vital Chapters with Jen and Ren (podcast): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lifes-vital-chapters-with-jen-and-ren/id1731203686 Books: ✅• Hardwired for Happiness: 9 Proven Practices to Overcome Stress and Live Your Best Life https://a.co/d/eFX8VMx

More than 50% of employees don't feel heard at work. This disconnect can cost companies more than just morale—it's affecting productivity, retention, and ultimately, profits. If your company is still relying on surveys and feedback forms as your main tools for "listening" to employees, it might be time to rethink your approach. In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Ashish Kothari and Dr. Angela Jackson, Founder of Future Forward Strategies and Author, dig into the Win-Win Workplace Framework, a paradigm-shifting strategy that uses employee voices to drive organizational success.Dr. Angela Jackson is a professor at Harvard University and an expert in organizational development and employee engagement, with a focus on creating thriving workplaces where employees drive bottom-line success. With over five years of research and interviews with 1,200 companies, Dr. Jackson has developed the Win-Win Workplace Framework, which helps organizations operationalize employee voice and reimagine workplace culture. She is also the author of the upcoming book The Win-Win Workplace: How Thriving Employees Drive Bottom Line Success.If you're serious about lowering turnover and creating a thriving workplace, don't miss this episode!Things you will learn in this episode:• How investing in employees is generating more revenue• The Win-Win Workplace Framework and its nine practices• The importance of your employees' voice• Changing the traditional parent-child dynamic in the workplace to a peer-to-peer relationship• Barriers to creating a win-win workplaceResources: ✅• Dr. Angela Jackson website: https://www.drangelajackson.com/ • Future Forward Strategies: https://www.futureforwardstrategies.com/about#:~:text=Our%20Founder%20and%20CEO,initiatives%20that%20create%20career%20pathways.• Also mentioned in this episode:• What Got You Here Won't Get You There book by Marshall Goldsmith https://www.amazon.com/What-Got-Here-Wont-There/dp/1401301304 • A Layman's Guide to Separating Causation from Correlation … and Noticing When Claims of Causality are Invalid https://alexedmans.com/correlation/ • Alex Edmans episode at HAPPINESS SQUAD: https://happinesssquad.com/captivate-podcast/the-power-of-purpose-driven-organizations-with-alex-edmans/ • Positively Making Organizations and the World Better by Kim Cameron https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1548051821997414?icid=int.sj-abstract.similar-articles.8 Books:✅• The Win-Win Workplace: How Thriving Employees Drive Bottom-Line Success https://www.amazon.com/Win-Win-Workplace-Thriving-Employees-Bottom-Line/dp/B0D6V6B4TN • Hardwired for Happiness: 9 Proven Practices to Overcome Stress and Live Your Best Life

Did you know? Our brains make instant, unconscious judgments about who's “safe” or “like us.” This hardwired survival instinct can make it tough to create inclusive workplaces! But the good news is there are crucial steps to overcoming it, and we'll explore just that in this episode of the HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast. Ashish Kothari sits down with Shannon Murphy, Co-founder of BrainSkills@Work and Co-Author of the Neuroscience of Inclusion, to dive into brain states, empathy circuits, and ways to build a culture where inclusivity is natural, not forced.Shannon Murphy, M.A., is a sought-after consultant, executive coach, where she applies neuroscience to diversity and inclusion. For over 15 years, she's led large-scale D&I initiatives for major clients like Deloitte and AT&T, impacting over 20,000 employees. Harvard-certified in NeuroBusiness coaching, Shannon co-authored The Neuroscience of Inclusion, offering leaders tools to address unconscious bias and foster inclusivity across cultures. Learn how to shape a brain-friendly work environment that breaks barriers and builds meaningful relationships. Things you will learn in this episode:• How the “us versus them” mentality impacts inclusivity• How leaders can recognize and reduce biases within their teams• Creating a brain-friendly work environment• Why self-awareness if important in inclusivity• The role of appreciation in inclusivityResources:✅• The HeartMath Institute: https://www.heartmath.org/ • The Welltory App: https://welltory.com/• Sadhguru's Isha Kriya Meditation: https://isha.sadhguru.org/sg/en/yoga-meditation/yoga-program-for-beginners/isha-kriya-meditation Books:✅• Neuroscience of Inclusion by Mary E. Casey and Shannon Murphy Robinson: https://www.amazon.com/Neuroscience-Inclusion-New-Skills-Times/dp/1432787225 • The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World by Dalai Lama• Hardwired for Happiness by Ashish Kothari: https://www.amazon.com/Hardwired-Happiness-Proven-Practices-Overcome/dp/1544534655

Do you want to know how to achieve peak leadership performance? A lof of people don't realize that athletes and corporate leaders share similar requirements to perform at their peak. The key difference is that athletes understand that peak performance requires nurturing the mind, body, and soul, while many leaders don't. Today's fast-paced corporate world often pushes leaders to the edge. How can leaders perform well without compromising their well-being?In our latest episode of the HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast, Jeff Salzenstein, Former Professional Tennis Player, Keynote Speaker, and Success Coach, shares how leaders can achieve their Zone of Excellence by aligning mind, body, and soul to unlock peak performance.Jeff Salzenstein is a former Top 100 ATP professional tennis player and two-time All-American at Stanford. Now a renowned keynote speaker and high-performance coach, Jeff empowers leaders and executives to reach their "Zone of Excellence" through principles inspired by elite athletic performance, focusing on holistic strategies for sustained success.Things you will learn in thie episode:• The concept of leading like an athlete• Understanding the zone of excellence• Mind, body, and soul connection in leadership• Practical tips for incorporating athlete strategies in leadership• Applying the athlete's approach to the workplaceLearn how to lead like an elite athlete and tune in to the full episode now!Resources:• Jeff Salzenstein website: https://www.jeffsalzenstein.com/• Tennis Evolution: https://tennisevolution.com/about-jeff/• Tennis Evolution on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPHbNsR8QmVSED8yRARf9Ww • ITF Tennis Profile of Jeff Salzenstein: https://www.itftennis.com/en/players/jeff-salzenstein/800183334/usa/mt/S/overview/• Jeff Salzenstein on ATP Tour: https://www.atptour.com/en/players/jeff-salzenstein/s564/overviewBooks:• Hardwired for Happiness by Ashish Kothari: https://www.amazon.com/Hardwired-Happiness-Proven-Practices-Overcome/dp/1544534655

What if everything you've been chasing—success, wealth, recognition—turned out to be the very thing standing in the way of your true happiness? What if the relentless pursuit of ‘more' is keeping you from discovering that the joy you seek has been within you all along?Today, on Superhumanize, we dive deep into these questions with a guest who has not only asked them but found answers—Ashish Kothari. Ashish is the founder of Happiness Squad and the author of Hardwired for Happiness. After spending 25 years in consulting, including nearly two decades as a partner at McKinsey & Company, Ashish made a radical pivot toward what really matters: teaching individuals and organizations how to rewire for happiness from the inside out. His goal? To touch over a billion lives and democratize happiness for all.In this conversation, we'll explore the art and science of thriving in a world designed for survival. We'll talk about emotional mastery, how purpose-driven leadership transforms businesses, and why true happiness isn't about accumulating but about aligning—with yourself, your values, and your community. Whether you're an individual looking for deeper fulfillment or a leader aiming to build a happier organization, this episode offers insights that can change the way you live, work, and lead.Episode highlights:01:11 The Science and Practice of Happiness03:09 Integrating Mindfulness into Daily Life13:28 The Power of Gratitude22:59 Organizational Happiness: A New Metric for Success31:43 Exploring Human Compassion Beyond Humanity32:49 The Need to Evolve Beyond Human34:23 The Role of Technology in Human Evolution35:16 Balancing Technology and Mental Health37:06 The Impact of Technology on Social Connections39:15 Practical Tips for Managing Technology Use53:26 Redefining Success and Personal Metrics01:00:25 Finding Stillness and Inner Peace01:02:36 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsResources mentioned:The Happiness Squad websiteHardwired for Happiness bookGuest's social handles:LinkedInInstagramYouTubeP.S. If you enjoy this episode and feel it helps to elevate your life, please give us a rating or review. And if you feel others may benefit from this podcast as well, spread the word, share and help grow our tribe of Superhumans. When we help heal One, we help heal All. Much gratitude and love.Yours,Ariane

Are you making happiness a daily reality? The truth is, most of us have fallen into a routine where we're just surviving, not thriving. Our brains are wired to keep us safe, not happy—and that's where the problem begins. We settle for less, waiting for weekends, vacations, or "someday" to finally feel alive. But in this episode of the HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast, Ashish Kothari and Brian Dubow shed light on a simple yet powerful approach designed to rewire your brain for happiness, one small step at a time.Brian Dubow is the Founder of Hit of Happiness, where he helps individuals and organizations live more intentional and fulfilling lives through coaching, consulting, and community events. He is certified in happiness studies and passionate about health and wellbeing. Things you will learn from this episode:• The “magic” of happiness framework• Building the habit of mindfulness• How physical activity boosts happiness• Cultivating gratitude to rewire your brain for happiness• Bringing back your childlike sense of inspiration• Why connections matter and how to build themBrian's five-step framework will help you break out of autopilot and rediscover what it feels like to truly live every day.Resources:• Hit of Happiness: Reframe Your Reality: https://hitofhappiness.com/ • The Hit of Happiness Podcast: https://hitofhappiness.com/latest-pod-episodes• Project Smile by Hit of Happiness: https://hitofhappiness.com/project-smile• #66Happy Guide eBook: https://hitofhappiness.com/%2366happy-guide • #66Happy Habit Building Program: https://hitofhappiness.com/%2366happy Books:• Hardwired for Happiness: 9 Proven Practices to Overcome Stress and Live Your Best Life.https://www.amazon.com/Hardwired-Happiness-Proven-Practices-Overcome/dp/1544534655

As the world's pressures pile up, many of us struggle to bounce back in life and at work. How do you keep performing at your best without losing your mental edge? Just like we can train our bodies to handle physical demands, we can also improve our mindsets to stay resilient under pressure.In this episode of the HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast, Ashish Kothari and Dr. Karen Doll, explore the art of psychological fitness and how to build the mental muscle you need to handle stress, overcome setbacks, and thrive in any environment.Dr. Karen Doll is a licensed psychologist, consultant, and coach specializing in workplace mental health and professional development. She has over 25 years of experience helping high-achieving professionals maximize their performance through strategic coaching and mental health initiatives.Dr. Doll is the author of Building Psychological Fitness: How High Performers Achieve with Ease and focuses on improving mental resilience, workplace well-being, and psychological fitness. She also serves as the Chair of the Harvard University Human Flourishing Program's "Flourishing at Work" initiative, promoting mental health strategies for thriving work environments​.Things you will learn from this episode:• What is psychological fitness?• The leadership impact of building psychological fitness• Why we're not as self-aware as we think• Biggest drivers of stress and burnout• The importance of integrating meaning into workYour mind is your most valuable asset—time to treat it like one. Listen to the full episode now!Resources:• Dr. Karen Doll's Website: https://www.drkarendoll.com/ • The Johari Window - Building Self-awareness and Trust: https://www.mindtools.com/au7v71d/the-johari-window • Reflected Best Self Exercise: https://reflectedbestselfexercise.com/about Books:• Building Psychological Fitness: How High Performers Achieve with Ease (Psychological Fitness (for individuals, professionals, organizations) by Dr. Karen Doll: https://www.amazon.com/Building-Psychological-Fitness-professionals-organizations-ebook/dp/B09GJ6MSVF • Hardwired for Happiness: 9 Proven Practices to Overcome Stress and Live Your Best Life.https://www.amazon.com/Hardwired-Happiness-Proven-Practices-Overcome/dp/1544534655

Are you tired of waking up every morning, dragging yourself to the office, and counting the hours until you can clock out? If you feel your job is just a series of endless tasks without real meaning, you're not alone. Many professionals find themselves stuck in a cycle of monotony, feeling like they're just going through the motions. But work doesn't have to be this way.In this episode of the HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast, Ashish Kothari, Founder of HAPPINESS SQUAD, shares how to uncover and activate your purpose to transform your work life into a happier and more fulfilling one.Things you will learn from this episode:• Rethinking the link between purpose and work• The importance of purpose at work• Strategies to activate purpose at work• The impact of a purpose-driven culture in an organizationFinding and activating your purpose can turn any role into a rewarding adventure. Don't settle for just a paycheck—find out how to ignite your passion at work.Tune in to this epic episode now!Resources:• Ikigai and subsequent health and wellbeing among Japanese older adults: Longitudinal outcome-wide analysis: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8814687/ • The Power of Purpose: How Ikigai Can Help Us Live Longer: https://www.forbes.com/sites/nelldebevoise/2023/10/06/the-power-of-purpose-how-ikigai-can-help-us-live-longer/ • Effect of a Purpose in Life on Risk of Incident Alzheimer's Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment in Community-Dwelling Older Persons by Patricia Boyle: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2897172/ • Jiro Dreams of Sushi (2011 movie)• Rewire Program: https://happinesssquad.com/rewire-program/ • Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-happiness-squad/id1663683864• Website: https://happinesssquad.com/• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myhappinesssquad/ Books:• Hardwired for Happiness: 9 Proven Practices to Overcome Stress and Live Your Best Life.https://www.amazon.com/Hardwired-Happiness-Proven-Practices-Overcome/dp/1544534655

Life's challenges are inevitable. The stress and setbacks are part of the deal. But while you can't always control what happens to you, you can always control how you respond; you can always CHOOSE HAPPINESS! However, choosing happiness isn't always easy. It takes effort, intention, and courage, especially when the going gets tough. But making that choice can help you reclaim your life and find peace amidst the chaos.In this episode of the HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast, Ashish Kothari and Dr. Elia Gourgouris, America's Happiness Doctor, dive deep into what choosing happiness every day means.Dr. Elia Gourgouris is an acclaimed psychologist, author, and keynote speaker specializing in happiness and well-being. With over 30 years of experience, he helps individuals and organizations achieve lasting happiness through practical strategies and self-care practices. Dr. Elia is the author of Seven Paths to Lasting Happiness and Seven Keys to Navigating a Crisis and is dedicated to spreading joy and positivity worldwide. In the conversation, they share practical tips and insights on cultivating lasting happiness through simple, daily habits.Things you will learn from this episode:• The seven paths to lasting happiness• What it means to “feed your soul”• Why self-forgiveness is hard• How to choose happiness every day• The power of kindnessReady to take back control and start living your best life? Let's get into it.Tune in to the full episode now!Resources:• Websites:• https://www.dreliagourgouris.com/• https://www.thehappinesscenter.com/ Books:• 7 Paths to Lasting Happiness: Happiness the Ultimate Success in Life: https://www.amazon.com/Paths-Lasting-Happiness-Ultimate-Success/dp/0996229000 • 7 Keys to Navigating a Crisis: A Practical Guide to Emotionally Dealing with Pandemics & Other Disasters: https://www.amazon.com/Keys-Navigating-Crisis-Practical-Emotionally/dp/1734943815 • Hardwired for Happiness: 9 Proven Practices to Overcome Stress and Live Your Best Life.https://www.amazon.com/Hardwired-Happiness-Proven-Practices-Overcome/dp/1544534655

The relentless demands of modern life are drowning us in noise, leaving us anxious and burned out. The digital age has us constantly plugged in, leaving little room for the quiet we desperately need. How do we find peace and unlock our inner clarity?In this episode of the HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast, Ashish Kothari and Justin Zorn, an Author at HarperCollins, explain the science of silence and offer practical tips on how to find quiet in this noisy world.Justin Zorn is an author, adviser, and former Congressional Legislative Director. He has written on climate, economics, and international affairs for top publications like Harvard Business Review and The Atlantic. His book, published by HarperCollins and Penguin, was translated into 14 languages and became a bestseller on Audible. Justin co-founded a Congressional staff talent pipeline and launched a mindfulness program in the US House. He holds graduate degrees from Oxford and Harvard and lives in Santa Fe, NM, with his wife and three children.Discover how to tune out the distractions and tune into yourself.Things you will learn from this episode:• Understanding your moments of deepest silence• Silence as a leadership tool• How leaders can cultivate pristine attention• Silence as a pathway to wisdomExplore practical strategies for embracing silence, reclaiming your focus, and connecting more deeply with yourself and others. Tune in to the full episode now!Resources:• Justin Zorn website: https://justinzorn.com/ • Justin Zorn on X: https://x.com/j_talbot_zorn • CEPR: https://www.cepr.net/staff-member/justin-talbot-zorn/Recent articles by Justin Zorn: • https://www.santafenewmexican.com/opinion/my_view/new-mexico-must-become-a-catcher-of-rain/article_cfdb9974-38f9-11ef-924f-53f5f86eaee8.html• https://thehill.com/opinion/finance/4516318-corporate-america-must-step-up-to-save-the-child-tax-credit/• https://www.vox.com/the-highlight/23178783/the-power-of-silence-in-a-deafening-world• https://hbr.org/2022/05/how-to-build-a-culture-that-honors-quiet-time• https://prospect.org/power/reverse-trump-era-brain-drain/• https://hbr.org/2018/10/how-the-u-s-can-rebuild-its-capacity-to-innovate• https://www.newsweek.com/green-new-deal-red-state-farmers-1444678• https://hbr.org/2021/02/a-better-way-to-measure-gdp•

Our world revolves around constant hustle and achieving more, often at the expense of rest. But if we only knew how immeasurable the rewards of quality sleep are, we wouldn't take rest for granted. In this HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast episode, Ashish Kothari and Sleep Neuroscientist Dr. Els van der Helm discusses how better sleep management can boost our overall productivity.Dr. Els van der Helm is a distinguished sleep neuroscientist, adjunct professor at IE Business School, and lecturer at St. Gallen and IMD Business Schools. Named one of the top five sleep experts by Thrive Global, she consults globally on sleep, performance, and well-being, helping leaders and organizations enhance productivity and health.The conversation covers the detrimental effects of sleep deprivation, the common myths about sleep (like catching up on sleep over the weekend or using substances like alcohol or sleeping pills to improve sleep), and practical advice for improving sleep habits. Things you will learn from this episode:• The importance of sleep• Emotional and physical damages of sleep deprivation• The ripple effects of sleep deprivation on workplace dynamics• How sleep management boost productivity and well-beingQuality sleep shouldn't be optional. Tune into our full episode now!Resources:• Dr. Els van der Helm newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/elsvanderhelm/newsletter • Shleep by Dr. Els van der Helm: https://www.youtube.com/@shleep2872 • Healing your workforce thrive by sleeping better: https://www.elsvanderhelm.com/ • Alum Els van der Helm changes attitudes to sleep: https://www.mckinsey.com/alumni/news-and-events/global-news/alumni-news/success-with-a-capital-zzzz-alum-els-van-der-helm-changes-attitudes-to-sleep • Sleepio: https://www.sleepio.com/sleepio/welcomeus/401#1/1 Books• Hardwired for Happiness: 9 Proven Practices to Overcome Stress and Live Your Best Life.https://www.amazon.com/Hardwired-Happiness-Proven-Practices-Overcome/dp/1544534655

Unhappiness habits are guests we'd all rather evict. They can creep into our lives subtly, often masked as normal daily routines. But these seemingly harmless habits can have a profound impact on our overall well-being. It's time to identify the patterns holding you back and replace them with healthier alternatives.In this second part of the HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast series about unhappiness habits, Ashish Kothari, Founder of HAPPINESS SQUAD, shares three detrimental habits that might be sabotaging your happiness and offers practical solutions to break free from their grip.Things you will learn from this episode:• 5 ways to break the unhappy habit of sitting• What's causing you to sleep less?• Improving your sleep quality and quantity• 3 ways to re-engage and reconnect with natureTune in to discover how to break free from unhappiness.Resources:• https://www.cnn.com/2024/01/25/health/effects-of-sitting-on-mortality-wellness/index.html • https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/news/shortening-sleep-time-increases-diabetes-risk-women • https://vcresearch.berkeley.edu/faculty/matthew-walker • https://www.amazon.com/Sleep-Revolution-Transforming-Your-Night/dp/110190402X • https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/does-exposure-green-spaces-childhood-lead-better-mental-health-180971590/#:~:text=Using%20satellite%20data%2C%20the%20researchers,mental%20health%20conditions%20in%20adulthood. • Rewire Program: https://happinesssquad.com/rewire-program/ • The Happiness Squad on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-happiness-squad/id1663683864• Happiness Squad Podcast: https://podcast.happinesssquad.com/ • Happiness Squad website: https://happinesssquad.com/• Happiness Squad on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myhappinesssquad/ Books:• Hardwired for Happiness: 9 Proven Practices to Overcome Stress and Live Your Best Life.https://www.amazon.com/Hardwired-Happiness-Proven-Practices-Overcome/dp/1544534655• Also mentioned in the episode:The Blue Zones: Secrets for Living Longer: https://danbuettner.com/books/

Despite advancements in efficiency, many are wrestling with being too busy. We've removed friction from tasks like travel, banking, and meetings, yet why are we busier than ever? How do we get out of it?In this episode of the HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast, Ashish Kothari and Kate Sotsenko, Founder and Productivity & Leadership Coach at thegoodbusy.com, dig into the root causes of "bad busy," and explore how to be “good busy” and reinvent your approach to productivity.Kate Sotsenko is a seasoned Productivity and Leadership Coach, dedicated to helping busy team leaders reclaim their time and boost productivity. With firsthand experience of the damaging effects of "bad busyness," including temporary vision loss and migraine attacks, Kate understands the toll of unproductive work on personal well-being. She teaches the art of curiosity and organization, enabling her clients to free up time for personal and professional growth. As the founder of TheGoodBusy.com, Kate offers practical strategies to transform overwhelmed leaders into efficient and fulfilled professionals.In the conversation, Kate shares practical tips for overcoming the common challenges of moving from "bad busy" to "good busy."Things you will learn from this episode:• Understanding “Bad Busy”• The "Good Busy" Framework• Personal Practices for Well-being• The importance of coaching in managing productivityTune in now, and you'll learn practical steps to shift from “bad busy” to “good busy,” and reclaim your time and energy!Resources:• Check out The Good Busy by Kate Sotsenko here: https://thegoodbusy.com/ Books:• Hardwired for Happiness: 9 Proven Practices to Overcome Stress and Live Your Best Life.https://www.amazon.com/Hardwired-Happiness-Proven-Practices-Overcome/dp/1544534655• Kate recommends “The Coaching Habit” by Michael Bungay Stanier: https://www.mbs.works/coaching-habit-book/