POPULARITY
Sign up for a clarity call to see if dharma coaching is right for you. Receive gently weekly guidance on your journey home to yourself by signing up for my newsletter. Ready to go deeper? Subscribe to my Substack page for weekly blog posts.In this episode, we explore how the yoga principle of **Sthira & Sukha—steadiness and ease—offers a powerful roadmap for navigating holiday overwhelm, stress, and emotional intensity. You'll learn how to recognize when you're in “too much effort,” how to soften your system in real time, and how to apply small, practical nervous system tools to restore balance during the busiest season of the year.This episode includes a 1-minute somatic check-in, a guided breath practice, and simple micro-practices you can use anytime you feel overloaded or stretched thin.Perfect for anyone who wants a calmer, more grounded, more intentional holiday season.
Autistic remote work struggles? Steven Puri (20+ years leading teams at DreamWorks/20th Century Fox, 3x tech CEO, The Sukha founder w/ 34K community) shares Hollywood/tech secrets: Flow states (Csikszentmihalyi-inspired: Lose time, high-quality work, feel energized), music (60-90 BPM non-vocals for entry), distraction blocks (phone/sites as dopamine traps), boundaries (set upfront to avoid burnout), and failure as growth (learn from flops, not dwell). For ND young adults grinding focus/anxiety, parents/OTs fostering habits, or allies building hybrid teams, this ramble's your toolkit—ADHD inattentive insights, Pomodoro tweaks, no fluorescent drudgery. From engineer roots (IBM parents) to Sukha app (free week trial at thesukha.co), it's healthy high-performance without the grind. Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro: Steven's Hollywood-to-Tech Journey 1:04 - From Film Exec to Productivity Expert 3:26 - Flow States: What They Feel Like 5:59 - Music & Distraction Hacks (60-90 BPM) 9:19 - Boundaries for Work-Life Balance 11:25 - Failure as Teaching Moments 14:02 - Remote vs. Office: Fear & Mission 16:38 - Hiring ND Talent: Skills + Vibe 18:47 - App Trial & Community (The Sukha) 20:35 - Why Now: Post-COVID Productivity 22:12 - Outro: Do Great Things Sub on Acast (rate/review to grow the squad!), share w/ a remote warrior—tag 'em! Holiday squad alert: 30% off pod merch w/ code BLACK25 at Linktree in notes—'Dynamite' tees for flow bosses. Try The Sukha free week at thesukha.co. Keep fierce, keep focused, keep adulting with autism! #AutisticRemoteWork #NeurodivergentFlow #AdultingWithAutism #KeepFierce #NDProductivity #BTSARMY #AcastPodcasts #PodMatch ND remote work fog? Steven Puri unpacks 20+ years leading teams (DreamWorks EVP, Fox VP, 3x CEO): Flow states (Csikszentmihalyi: Lose time, undistracted, meaningful output, energized end), music entry (60-90 BPM non-vocals/rainscapes for ADHD inattentive), distraction war (phone/sites as Zuckerberg's "life-steal"—block for deep work), boundaries upfront (e.g., childcare schedule to avoid tripwires), failure learning (notes to self post-flop: "Listen more"), remote fears (mission/values align teams, not micromanagement), hiring ND (skills vet + hike vibe-check, low-stakes trials). From IBM engineer roots to The Sukha (34K community/app for focus: Free week at thesukha.co). For late-dx adults battling anxiety/burnout, parents/OTs for habits, or leaders for hybrid ROI, Steven's "elicit greatness" flips grind to glow—no shallow tasks, just capable flow. Links: Full Episode: Acast (sub now!) The Sukha: thesukha.co (free trial) Steven: www.thesukha.co/media.Steven Puri Merch: Linktree in notes (BLACK25 for 30% off holiday!) Your subs/ratings/shares amplify the squad—tag a flow-seeker! #AutisticFocus #NeurodivergentBoundaries #RemoteWorkND #PodcastProductivity #MentalHealthFlow #UnmaskedHighPerformance #ADHDDeepWork #TheSukha #ResilienceRemote #EmpathySquad Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Your Time Management Revolution - productivity tips from The Inefficiency Assassin, Helene Segura
In this episode of the Time Management Revolution podcast, Helene Segura sits down with Steven Puri—founder and CEO of The Sukha—to explore how we can create meaningful focus time in a world full of distractions. Together, we break down the most common focus challenges people face today—procrastination, overwhelm, ADHD, time blindness, multitasking, and the constant pull of digital interruptions. You'll hear practical, relatable strategies including:
John and Steven continue their discussion. They talk about why relationships matter so much in life and business, not just with others, but also with yourself. Steven explains how social media steals your time, why staying true to your goals is so important, and how the Sukha app helps people focus and get into a flow state. In Part 1, Steven shared his journey to Hollywood and leaving it all behind, starting over from scratch, and building The Sukha Company. Listen to this episode to learn more: [00:00] - Importance of relationships in life and business [01:02] - The value of having a good relationship with yourself [04:04] - Social media distraction explained [07:00] - Is Steven going to write a book? [10:50] - A story of success with the Sukha app [13:49] - How the Sukha company got its name [19:23] - Advice for married men [21:18] - Traits of a great leader [22:36] - Legacy Steven wants to leave behind [23:34] - How Steven invests in his growth [24:14] - Make memories with your children through experiences [26:22] - Best way to connect with Steven [32:31] - Wrap-up NOTABLE QUOTES: "What is the relationship with yourself? How do you have the relationship with yourself that allows you to affect the world around you in the way in which you want to affect it?" "We all have something great inside us, and the question of this lifetime is, are you going to get it out or not?" "If you want to be great yourself, you should be an individual contributor … but if you want to be a leader, then you need to look at everyone that you lead and say, 'What is their greatness? Okay, what are the conditions that they need to express that?' And then you're responsible for that." "Create the experiences, and it's not about how much you spend on it either. It can honestly be something as simple as a walk around the neighborhood with your kid, but you're intentional about it, intentional with the discussion you're having. It's those kinds of things that stick." "Do something, man. Move the world forward." BOOK MENTIONED: The Lessons of History by Ariel Durant and Will Durant (https://a.co/d/eXKfJXT) USEFUL RESOURCES: Email: steven@thesukha.co https://www.thesukha.co/ https://www.thesukha.co/media https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-puri/ https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0003065/ https://www.instagram.com/the_sukha_co/ https://www.facebook.com/steven.puri https://x.com/StevenPuri CONNECT WITH JOHN Website - https://iamjohnhulen.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnhulen Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/johnhulen Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/johnhulen X - https://x.com/johnhulen YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLX_NchE8lisC4NL2GciIWA EPISODE CREDITS Intro and Outro music provided by Jeff Scheetz - https://jeffscheetz.com/
When you've lived through Hollywood blockbusters and Silicon Valley start-ups, you collect a few lessons about focus, fear and meaning. In this episode, Andy Goram talks with Steven Puri, founder of The Sukha Company, about the link between creativity, purpose and deep work. Steven's career has spanned DreamWorks, Fox and tech ventures — but today his focus is on something subtler: helping people find ease and meaning in what they do. This conversation isn't about hacks or hustle. It's about what really drives us — why we work, how fear holds us back, and how we can find the calm, creative flow that comes when purpose and focus align. Warm, honest and deeply human, it's an episode about living — and working — with Sukha. ----more---- Key Takeaways Purpose gives depth to performance. Before chasing productivity, ask why you want to perform. Meaning drives mastery. Leadership is about drawing out greatness. Managers track tasks; leaders help people shine. Fear blocks flow. Psychological safety frees creativity and purpose. Sukha means alignment, not effort. Ease and joy appear when you're doing the work you're meant to do. ----more---- Key Moments The key moments in this episode are: 0:01:17 – Purpose, Fear and Flow: An Unplanned Conversation 0:05:01 – The Story Behind The Sukha Company 0:08:25 – The Customer Who Defined Sukha 0:14:45 – Leadership and Drawing Out Greatness 0:17:48 – Fear, Failure and the Role of Psychological Safety 0:21:09 – Lessons from Spielberg: The Best Idea Wins 0:25:01 – Meaning, Emotion and Purposeful Work 0:33:12 – Living with Intention, Flow and Focus 0:44:55 – Steven's Three Sticky Notes of Advice ----more---- Join The Conversation Find Andy Goram on LinkedIn here Listen to the Podcast on YouTube here Follow the Podcast on Instagram here Follow the Podcast on Twitter here Follow the Podcast on Facebook here Check out the Bizjuicer website here Get a free consultation with Andy here Check out the Bizjuicer blog here Download the podcast here ----more---- Useful Links Follow Steven Puri on LinkedIn here Find the Sukah Company website here ----more---- Full Episode Transcript Get the full transcript of the episode here
Today we're joined by Steven Puri, Founder and CEO of The Sukha Company based in Austin, Texas, whose mission is to help millions of people find their focus, achieve more, and build a healthy work life. His latest creation, the Sukha Focus App, integrates science and soul to help people achieve deep, sustainable focus in a distracted world.Steven's Website The Journey from Hollywood to HappinessSteven, you've had such an eclectic career—from film production and tech startups to founding a company devoted to focus and balance. Steven's creative journey spans journalism, film, technology, and now mindfulness. He began as a newscaster for the #1 youth news show in the DC/Baltimore market, then went on to work as a software engineer and Thomas J. Watson Scholar at IBM.From there, he entered the film world—producing computer-generated visual effects for Independence Day and 13 other movies, launching his first company, Centropolis Effects, which he later sold to German media conglomerate Das Werk. He went on to senior leadership roles at 20th Century Fox and DreamWorks, developing hit franchises like Die Hard, Wolverine, Transformers, and Star Trek.What turning point inspired you to create The Sukha Company?Creative Systems and ScienceYou've led creative and technical teams at the highest levels—from Independence Day to Transformers. What lessons from those high-pressure creative environments have shaped how you now think about productivity, empathy, and well-being at work?Defining “Sukha” in Modern WorkThe Sanskrit word sukha means happiness through self-fulfillment. How does that philosophy show up in your company's products—and in your own daily focus habits?Focus in the Age of OverloadYou've built an app to help people stay focused in a world of constant distraction. What are the biggest focus challenges you see today, and how does The Sukha help users navigate them?The Future of Work and Well-BeingYou talk about “healthy productivity.” What do you see as the next evolution for creative professionals and organizations who want to get more done without burning out?Steven, what's one piece of advice you'd give to creatives and leaders who are trying to find focus, fulfillment, and flow in their daily work?Thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee—fueling creative conversations everywhere. Listeners, enjoy 10% off your first order at whitecloudcoffee.com.And before you go, don't forget to download your free e-book of Your World of Creativity when you visit mark-stinson.com.
John talks with Steven Puri — 3x CEO, former Vice President of Production at 20th Century Fox and Executive Vice President at DreamWorks during the eras of major films like Braveheart, Independence Day, Se7en, Transformers and Star Trek. Steven is also Founder & CEO of The Sukha Company, which helps people overcome procrastination & distraction so they can be focused, happier & healthier, and is a caring husband and father. Listen to this episode to learn more: [00:00] - Intro [00:57] - Steven's bio [01:33] - The challenges of starting businesses [04:27] - How Steven began his career [05:26] - Breaking into film tech [08:14] - Switching fields and starting over as an intern [13:57] - Steven's experience working at DreamWorks vs. Fox [19:05] - Dealing with failure and finding support from his wife [22:26] - The Sukha Company [25:27] - What Flow State is and the usefulness of Flow States [30:12] - How the Sukha app runs itself [31:27] - Listening to your clients [32:49] - How Sukha's community grew to 70k members [33:20] - Chocolate talk NOTABLE QUOTES: "In entrepreneurship when you don't innovate, you die." "If you are someone who is not from an entrepreneurial background, doesn't understand that world, you are in for fights like you've never had." "If you align your boat with the current, it carries you forward. It magnifies your efforts, and you go further and faster." "Once you've gotten in control of your day and you have that good feeling, you don't want to give it up. You're like I can actually do what I want to do." "We build this app without being paid, because we're like, the world would be better if more people got into flow and could do the thing that they are capable of doing." "I'd like to think that I've done enough dumb things in my life that now I'm really focused on doing a couple things well, helping people do what they can do, and want to do." "It's nice for folks to feel like when they have a concern that somebody (business) not only hears it (their issues), but does something about it. In a lot of companies that never happens. They're making money. They don't care." "You can tell by the referral rate when people like what they see and when they don't." USEFUL RESOURCES: https://www.thesukha.co/ https://www.thesukha.co/media https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-puri/ https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0003065/ https://www.instagram.com/the_sukha_co/ https://www.facebook.com/steven.puri https://x.com/StevenPuri CONNECT WITH JOHN Website - https://iamjohnhulen.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnhulen Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/johnhulen Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/johnhulen X - https://x.com/johnhulen YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLX_NchE8lisC4NL2GciIWA EPISODE CREDITS Intro and Outro music provided by Jeff Scheetz - https://jeffscheetz.com/
You have the potential for greatness...too bad you're too distracted to act on it. My guest Steven Puri decided that it was time more people tapped into their creativity in a high performing low stress way. He should know, his background in engineering, entrpreneurship and Hollywood films has led him to see firsthand what stokes creative fires vs. what is a painful grind. Listen in to learn more. We all have something great inside of us. The question is whether you are going to get it out or not. The one thing even a billionaire can't get more of is time- stop squandering yours with tasks or processes that are out of integrity. Hustle culture pulls us out of flow state. Having more than one project going on at a time increases the likelihood you will explore the adjacent possible. Designate a place for creativity and tune your mind to be in flow state there. Learn more about the Sukha: https://www.thesukha.co/ Contact Steven: steven@thesukha.co
What if your best work came from finding your flow, rather than simply grinding harder? In the age of constant distraction, many founders mistake busyness for progress, chasing notifications, meetings, and multitasking without realizing that true innovation happens when the mind is deeply focused.Today, Chris and Yaniv are joined by Steven Puri, former DreamWorks executive and founder of The Sukha, to unpack the science of flow state and why mastering it may be the ultimate founder advantage. From Hollywood film production to startup leadership, Steven shares how high performers sustain creativity and energy by designing their environments, schedules, and team cultures around deep work.They explore how to use neuroscience, rhythm, and intentional structure to unlock focus, eliminate context switching, and help your team reach peak performance without burnout.In this episode, you will:Understand flow state, and how it fuels both productivity and creativityIdentify common barriers preventing founders from achieving deep focusLearn how to structure your day around your natural chronotype for maximum energyImplement practical tools and mental environments that enable sustained concentrationExplore how to build company cultures that protect “maker time” and empower deep work across teamsAdopt sustainable rhythms that increase output while avoiding founder burnoutFind Steven on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-puriLearn more about Sukha: https://www.thesukha.co The Pact Honor the Startup Podcast Pact! If you have listened to TSP and gotten value from it, please:Follow, rate, and review us in your listening appSubscribe to the TSP Mailing List to gain access to exclusive newsletter-only content and early access to information on upcoming episodes: https://thestartuppodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe Secure your official TSP merchandise at https://shop.tsp.show/ Follow us here on YouTube for full-video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNjm1MTdjysRRV07fSf0yGg Give us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media followingKey linksGet your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2A The Startup Podcast website: https://www.tsp.show/episodes/Learn more about Chris and YanivWork 1:1 with Chris: http://chrissaad.com/advisory/ Follow Chris on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissaad/ Follow Yaniv on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybernstein/Producer: Justin McArthur https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-mcarthurIntro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang https://web-strategist.com/
Like or didn't like what you heard? Share your sip with me! I'm so inspired by the incredible work Steven Puri, Founder and CEO of The Sukha Company, is doing to help millions find their focus, achieve more, and create a healthier work-life blend.But his story didn't start there—Steven grounds his wisdom in years of experience from the entertainment industry, where he shares some behind-the-scenes stories (including tackling the age-old question: Is Die Hard a Christmas movie?).So grab your favorite cup and sip with us—because November is brewing up to be the most exciting month yet for Steven Puri! ☕✨Steven Puri's BioSteven's career started as a newscaster/interviewer for the #1 youth news show in the DC/Baltimore market (on WTTG-TV), and then as a junior software engineer & Thomas J. Watson Scholar at IBM. After attending USC in Los Angeles, he began working in film production and produced computer-generated visual effects for 14 movies, including Independence Day, which won the Academy Award for Visual Effects. Steven's first tech company was Centropolis Effects produced those CGI effects, and he eventually sold it to the German media conglomerate Das Werk when he was 28. Steven then produced some indie films and eventually went studio-side to develop and produce live-action features as a VP of Development & Production at 20th Century Fox (running the Die Hard and Wolverine franchises) and an EVP at DreamWorks Pictures for Kurtzman-Orci Productions, where he worked on Star Trek, Transformers, and more. After Fox, Steven returned to building tech companies and founded The Sukha Company. Connect with Steven on LinkedIn Learn more about this amazing work TheSukhaCompany For more sips and tips, connect with me on social and follow @LeaderSips @Leadspirations and @LifeisGrit on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest. Learn more about me at karlynnholbrook.com
Steven Puri, co-founder/CEO of Sukha, shares the flow state for startup founders playbook: body doubling, the coffee-shop effect, chronotype time-blocking, demo-first standups, and outcome-based leadership. You'll learn how to beat the 22-minute context switching tax, design deep-work rituals for remote teams, and build a best-idea-wins culture that ships.
EP.95 PART 2
In this episode, I talk with Steven Puri, co-founder of the focus app Sukha and former Hollywood executive, about focus and flow — what it feels like, why it matters, and how to increase it. We cover a range of tools and techniques, including: sound, physical space, to-do lists, community, solitude, time of day, and simple items like a pencil, paper, and a timer, along with lessons from Hollywood on creating great work and fulfilling your dreams.Connect and Learn More: Website: thesukha.coEmail: Shared in the episodeLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/steven-puriResources Mentioned:Apps: Brain.fm, Endel, Forest, TodoistBooks: Deep Work by Cal Newport, Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, Indistractable by Nir Eyal, The Net and the Butterfly by Olivia Fox Cabane & Judah PollackCompanies: Alaska Airlines, Amazon, Disney, Dreamworks Animation, Fox Corporation, Hilton, LucasFilm, Marvel, Meta, M. Fredric, News Corp, Nike, Oura Health, Pixar, Spiegel, TikTok, Twitter, Universal Studios, Vine, YouTubeMovies: A Good Day to Die Hard, Alien vs. Predator, Ant-Man, Die Hard with a Vengeance, Independence Day: Resurgence, Live Free or Die Hard, Mission: Impossible III, My Best Friend's Wedding, Rain Man, Stargate, Star Trek, The Island, The Mask of Zorro, The Wolverine, Transformers, Transformers: Revenge of the FallenPeople: Alex Kurtzman, Bob Iger, Bob Orci, Chase Carey, Dean Devlin, Elon Musk, Evan Spiegel, Francesco Cirillo, George Lucas, Hephaestus (character), Jake Paul, James Clear, James Dean, John Diemer, Judah Pollack, Logan Paul, Mark Zuckerberg, Marie Curie, Michael Jordan, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, Nir Eyal, Olivia Fox Cabane, Pablo Picasso, Prometheus (character), Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Ronald Bass, Ronald Emmerich, Rupert Murdoch, Spike Jonze, Steve Jobs, Tony MauroPlaces: Austin, Bali, Chiang Mai, Cyprus, Kathmandu, Puerta Vallarta, San Francisco, ViennaPodcasts: Deep Questions with Cal Newport
070 The road to original and impactful work can be long and lonely. The digital age has enabled more freedom, creativity and opportunity, but also epidemic levels of disconnection and distraction. It is estimated that 20 percent of North Americas are involved in some early stage enterprise or work online. Even more are opting for remote or hybrid work. When we are literally switching screens every 3 minutes new strategies and tools are needed to help us access our potential and do deep work.In this episode of Awake In Relationship I speak with Steve Puri, CEO of The Sukha, a productivity app and community of remote workers to discuss hacks for getting into flow, the creative process and building healthy relationships and teams online and off. Steven draws on insights from a long career as a producer and studio executive at DreamWorks and 20th Century Fox for being more productive and getting to the real work that feeds your soul.If you have been loving what you are hearing on AIR please rate, review and subscribe to get the latest content fresh to your device. Sign up for our newsletter at awakeinrelationship.com to learn about upcoming programs and events.Do you have suggestions for guests or feedback on the show? Send us an email at awakeinrelationshippodcast@gmail.comCredit: Music used in this episode intro by Grand_Project
Sukha dukha sama hege
Sutka Co.On this special episode of the BH Sales Kennel Kelp Holistic Healing Hour, your host Grandpa Bill sits down with Steven Puri, Founder and CEO of The Sukha Company. We dive deep into the fascinating concept of Flow State—that feeling of being completely immersed and energized in an activity. Steven shares his journey from a career in Hollywood and tech to creating The Sukha Company, a groundbreaking app designed to help you find your focus and achieve a healthy, productive work-life balance. Discover how you can tap into this powerful state of mind for greater happiness and self-fulfillment.Grandpa Bill Asks:For Podcast listeners: What's a time you've experienced a "Flow State"? Share with us on social media #HolisticHealingHour, and tell us what you were doing!For YouTube viewers @billholt8792: What are your biggest distractions at work or at home? Let us know in the comments below, and tell us how you plan to overcome them after watching this interview.Ever felt so in the zone you lost track of time? ⏰ That's the power of "Flow State"! In our latest podcast episode, Steven Puri from @thesukha co shares the secrets to finding your focus and living a more fulfilled life. Listen now!
Leadership Lessons from Show Business In this episode, Tom and Adrienne chat with Steven Puri and trace his unexpected path from a “code monkey” in Northern Virginia to an Academy Award–winning visual-effects producer and later a tech entrepreneur. Steven shares how he bridged left-brain engineering and right-brain creativity on films like Independence Day, Braveheart, and several David Fincher projects. He reflects on lessons learned in Hollywood—managing creatives, nurturing “lightbulb” moments, and building culture—that carry over into hybrid and remote leadership. Long before remote work became a buzzword, Steven was orchestrating VFX teams across studios in Los Angeles, London, and Sydney, balancing creative, financial, and logistical mindsets over distance—an early test of distributed leadership that today's managers face. Throughout the conversation, candid anecdotes like the famed “Bart” trailer story illustrate why inviting every voice can spark game-changing ideas. As our work (and often our brains) has scattered in today's culture, Steven is dedicated to bringing us the tools for intentional focus. Here are a few of the gems gleaned from this fun and flowing conversation: Embrace Diverse Talents: Success in both film and tech comes from uniting creatives, technical experts, and business minds around a shared goal, much like assembling a movie crew. Manage Creativity with Intention: Great leaders know how to create the right environment for creativity—sometimes by giving people more than one project, or by encouraging "rubber ducking" (talking through problems out loud). Best Idea Wins Culture: The most effective teams foster a safe space where anyone, regardless of role, can contribute ideas—echoing Steven Spielberg's approach of valuing input from everyone, even the “coffee boy.” Hire for Passion and Culture Fit: Skills can be developed, but passion and alignment with the team's mission are essential. Hiring the right people is more important than micromanaging. Purposeful Markers and Storytelling: Leaders should set clear markers and use storytelling to help teams understand where they are and where they're going, just as a film uses acts and foreshadowing. Active Listening is Key: The best leaders practice active listening, seeking feedback from users, team members, and even critics, and using it to improve. Leadership is a Practice: Leadership isn't just a set of concepts—it's something you do and refine every day, much like honing a craft in show business. Steven is the Founder and CEO of The Sukha Company with the mission to help millions of people find their focus, achieve more and have a healthy work life. Steven's career started as a newscaster/interviewer for the #1 youth news show in the DC/Baltimore market (on WTTG-TV) and then as a junior software engineer & Thomas J. Watson Scholar at IBM. After attending USC in Los Angeles, he began working in film production and produced computer-generated visual effects for 14 movies including Independence Day which won the Academy Award for Visual Effects. Steven's first tech company was Centropolis Effects that produced those CGI effects, and he eventually sold it to the German media conglomerate Das Werk when he was 28. Steven then produced some indie films and eventually went studio-side to develop and produce live-action features as a VP of Development & Production at 20th Century Fox (running the Die Hard and Wolverine franchises) and an EVP at DreamWorks Pictures for Kurtzman-Orci Productions where he worked on Star Trek, Transformers and more. After Fox, Steven returned to building tech companies and founded The Sukha Company - ‘sukha' means ‘happiness from self-fulfillment' in Sanskrit. The Sukha is a focus app that bundles all the tools necessary to have a focused experience and a healthy, productive workday. Steven lives in Austin, TX now. Connect with Steven: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-puri/. The Suhkha Company: https://www.thesukha.co A Leadership Beyond exists to support the alignment between the business strategy and people strategy - to drive results with people not at the expense of people (Talent Optimization). Subscribe to our podcast to join the Leadership Beyond Community of Conversation and hear insights from thought leaders and human development experts leading the way in the field of Talent Optimization. We are grateful to you and always eager to hear from you! To learn more visit https://aleadershipbeyond.com Adrienne & Tom
My guest today is Steven Puri, founder of the Sukha, that offers solutions to help individuals increase their productivity through being in a flow state.Steven was a senior executive at DreamWorks Pictures and 20th Century Fox, who has successfully transitioned into the tech industry.He shares his career journey, from producing computer graphics for movies like 'Independence Day' to his ventures in the tech space, raising $21 million in venture capital.He discusses the importance of cross-domain learning, productivity, and achieving a flow state.Steven delves into how his background in both film and tech has shaped his approach to managing remote and hybrid teams, emphasizing the significance of meaningful work and the right conditions for flow.He also introduces his company, Suka, that has been built based on insights into various tools and techniques. This episode offers useful insights for leaders and individuals aiming to enhance their productivity and creativity.Among the topics he covers are:Career in the Entertainment IndustryTransition to Tech and EntrepreneurshipChallenges and Learnings from FailuresBuilding Remote and Hybrid TeamsCreative Brainstorms and Flow StatesLeadership and Team DynamicsMaintaining Culture in Remote TeamsThe Rise of Gig WorkThe Trigger for SukaCreating a Flow State AppOvercoming ProcrastinationThe Importance of MusicBuilding a Supportive CommunitySynchronizing Team FlowTips for Leaders to Foster FlowSteven is the Founder and CEO of The Sukha Company with the mission to help millions of people find their focus, achieve more and have a healthy work life. Steven's career started as a newscaster/interviewer for the #1 youth news show in the DC/Baltimore market (on WTTG-TV) and then as a junior software engineer & Thomas J. Watson Scholar at IBM. After attending USC in Los Angeles, he began working in film production and produced computer-generated visual effects for 14 movies including Independence Day which won the Academy Award for Visual Effects. Steven's first tech company was Centropolis Effects that produced those CGI effects, and he eventually sold it to the German media conglomerate Das Werk when he was 28. Steven then produced some indie films and eventually went studio-side to develop and produce live-action features as a VP of Development & Production at 20th Century Fox (running the Die Hard and Wolverine franchises) and an EVP at DreamWorks Pictures for Kurtzman-Orci Productions where he worked on Star Trek, Transformers and more. After Fox, Steven returned to building tech companies and founded The Sukha Company - ‘sukha' means ‘happiness from self-fulfillment' in Sanskrit. The Sukha is a focus app that bundles all the tools necessary to have a focused experience and a healthy, productive workday. Steven lives in Austin, TX now.
In this episode of Unlocked, Steven Puri discusses the challenges and opportunities of remote work, the importance of human connection, and the story behind his productivity tool, Sukha. He emphasizes the need for healthy productivity and how technology can help individuals and teams stay focused and connected. The discussion also touches on the psychological aspects of productivity, including the Hawthorne effect and the impact of loneliness in a remote work environment. In this engaging conversation, Steven Puri and Skot Waldron explore the intersection of technology, creativity, and productivity. They discuss the role of AI in enhancing personal productivity, the impact of technology on creativity, and the journey from Hollywood storytelling to mindful productivity. The conversation culminates in key insights on happiness and the importance of finding tools that enhance one's daily life. Website: www.thesukha.co
"Sukha Loops and Shoops" is a Dharma talk and brief guided meditation on Sukha, and how we can create beneficial feedback loops that lead to and perpetuate it, as well as how to make the shift (when we are caught in "Dukkha Loops") over to "Sukha Loops" using what I call the Sukha Shoop. The words may sound ridiculous because I am, but I promise it will all make sense! The Buddha often spoke about dukkha—suffering, dissatisfaction, the rough ride of life. But he also pointed us to sukha—ease, well-being, the smooth ride that's possible when the wheel is aligned. I hope you have some fun with this one and enjoy it!https://bio.reverendgeorgebeecher.com
In this episode of the Inspire Create Manifest podcast, Joe Longo sits down with Steve Puri, Hollywood film executive turned tech entrepreneur and creator of the focus app Sukha. They explore the surprising intersection between creative work, productivity, and the psychology of flow. From the truth about Die Hard being a Christmas movie, to decoding your chronotype and reclaiming your energy from the digital attention economy, this conversation is packed with practical tools, deep insights, and moments that might change how you work and live.Topics covered:What Die Hard teaches us about storytelling and masculinityThe science of flow state (and why it's not mystical)Why your chronotype matters more than hustle cultureTime blocking, dopamine management, and escaping distractionHow to finish your workday at peaceThis is your permission slip to stop drifting—and start doing your meaningful work with clarity, simplicity, and ease.Connect with Steve -Explore Work with Joe - Explore
Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? Send us a text message!#212: Steven Puri is the Founder and CEO of The Sukha Company where he helps millions of people find their focus, achieve more and have a healthy work life. He explains the type of environment people are most productive in, how to train your brain to be more productive, and the mindset people working from home should have. What you'll learn[02:04] How Steven went from working in Hollywood to building computer software. [06:56] The business aspect of the entertainment industry. [09:18] The benefits of working remotely. [10:36] The problems of working remotely. [12:14] How AI can improve your productivity.[15:20] The type of work that can effectively be done remotely.[18:10] How to train your brain to be productive when working from home. [21:25] How to create a productive working space at home. [23:18] The type of music that helps you get into a flow state. [25:26] The type of physical space you need to be productive. [26:40] The mindset you should have when working from home. [32:45] How to maximise how productive you are. [38:09] The importance of intentionality and the dangers of dopamine. [39:35] How to use time boxing to manage your time. [42:17] What to do if you find yourself wasting too much time. [45:11] Actionable steps to be more productive.Resources mentioned in this episodePlease note that some of these are affiliate links and we may get a commission in the event that you make a purchase. This helps us to cover our expenses and is at no additional cost to you.Deep Work, Cal NewportAtomic Habits, James ClearFlow, Mihaly CsikszentmihalyiControlling Your Dopamine For Motivation, Focus & Satisfaction, Andrew HubermanPredictably Irrational, Dan ArielyThe Lessons of History, Will and Ariel DurantFor the show notes for this episode, including a full transcript and links to all the resources mentioned, visit:https://changeworklife.com/mastering-focus-boosting-productivity-in-your-home-office/Re-assessing your career? Know you need a change but don't really know where to start? Check out these two exercises to start the journey of working out what career is right for you!
Sarab Sukha Ka Data, ਸਰਬ ਸੁਖਾ ਕਾ ਦਾਤਾ (Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ang 630 Sabad 1657)
303. Harnessing Creative Flow: Steven Puri's Journey from Hollywood to Tech In this episode of Creative Chats, host Mike Brennan speaks with Steven Puri about his journey through the creative process, from his early experiences in high school to his work in the film industry and his transition into tech with the Sukha Project. They discuss the importance of tenacity over talent, the role of luck and opportunity, and the significance of intention in daily practices. Steven shares insights on overcoming procrastination and the value of surrounding oneself with the right people to foster creativity. 3 Key Takeaways:
In this episode of Productivity Smarts, host Gerald J. Leonard chats with Steven Puri, a former Hollywood studio executive turned entrepreneur. Steven has worked on blockbuster films like Independence Day and Transformers, but today he's focused on helping remote workers stay productive, happy, and focused through his company, Sukha. Steven shares his personal journey and what led him to rethink productivity. Instead of chasing long hours and constant hustle, he now believes in working with intention and finding flow. He talks about how our environment, like having a creative workspace, can really boost performance. Drawing from his Hollywood background, he explains how the same creative principles can apply to remote work. The conversation also dives into Sukha, an AI-powered tool he created to help people manage overwhelm. It helps users stay focused by organizing tasks, using music to encourage deep work, and creating simple, structured workflows. Throughout the episode, you'll hear plenty of practical tips, like how to mentally “commute” to your home office, how to work in sync with your body's natural energy patterns (your chronotype), and how to use AI as a support tool rather than a replacement for creativity. What We Discuss [02:01] Introduction to Steven Puri [05:49] Evolution of productivity: Then vs. now [09:22] Steven's film industry background [11:24] Legacy and meaningful work [12:47] Flow state: Hollywood lessons for remote work [16:48] Environmental triggers and productivity barriers [19:44] Morning routines and focus [21:54] Leadership lessons from film for remote teams [28:30] Chronotypes and personal productivity rhythms [30:20] Maintaining boundaries in remote work [33:35] AI and the future of remote productivity [36:44] How to connect with Steven Notable Quotes [07:40] "Now, I really measure my productivity by the effect, not by how many hours I work." – Steven Puri [08:39] "I was just burning the candle at both ends and being really productive, but after I recovered, I realized I was more productive by being mindful and intentional." – Gerald J. Leonard [21:47] "You talk a lot about purpose and intention. These are powerful. When you apply them, powerful things happen." – Steven Puri [24:28] "It's always about the other thing. The part of your mind that does the cool, 'ooh, peanut butter and chocolate' — that can only function when you have something else to focus on." – Steven Puri [35:33] "It's not AI that's replacing you. It's people who know how to use AI. Because someone who really understands how to use it can do the work of 10 to 20 people." – Steven Puri Our Guest Steven Puri is the Founder and CEO of The Sukha Company with the mission to help millions of people find their focus, achieve more and have a healthy work life. Steven's career started as a newscaster/interviewer for the #1 youth news show in the DC/Baltimore market (on WTTG-TV) and then as a junior software engineer & Thomas J. Watson Scholar at IBM. After attending USC in Los Angeles, he began working in film production and produced computer-generated visual effects for 14 movies including Independence Day which won the Academy Award for Visual Effects. Steven's first tech company was Centropolis Effects that produced those CGI effects, and he eventually sold it to the German media conglomerate Das Werk when he was 28. Steven then produced some indie films and eventually went studio-side to develop and produce live-action features as a VP of Development & Production at 20th Century Fox (running the Die Hard and Wolverine franchises) and an EVP at DreamWorks Pictures for Kurtzman-Orci Productions where he worked on Star Trek, Transformers and more. Resources Steven Puri LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-puri Email: steven@sukha.co The Sukha Company: https://www.thesukha.co/ APP: https://app.thesukha.co/landing (Try free for 7 days) Productivity Smarts Podcast Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com Gerald J. Leonard Website - geraldjleonard.com Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard Mentioned Book: Deep Work by Cal Newport Book: The Net and the Butterfly Film: Independence Day Film: Transformers Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds
I've spent 20+ years leading remote teams—first as an EVP at DreamWorks and a VP at 20th Century Fox and then as a 3x tech CEO. Along the way I learned that what actually makes remote work successful isn't what most people focus on…and I picked up some amusing stories that illustrate these learnings.I run a community of 34K productivity-minded people in The Sukha and I've heard your name from some of them. I'd love to join you on Becoming Parents - Birth Stories and Birthwork Wisdom to share the unexpected lessons from Hollywood and tech—things that remote workers and leaders rarely hear but need to know. I run a remote working community and I've studied the last 6 years about Flow States, tips and tricks to maintain focus while working from home. Sukha is the focus app for remote work.I'm having my first child (son/IVF) in November and this summer I am sharing lessons I've learned along the way.www.thesukha.co/media has fun content about my journey, things I can speak to with intelligence and humor, etc. etc.I run a remote working community and app.FIND HIM HERE:www.TheSukha.coSteven@TheSukha.cohttps://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-puri/
Stephen Puri shares his journey from Hollywood exec to tech founder, revealing how failure, focus, and flow states power reinvention. In this episode we discuss: How transferable skills led him from Die Hard to startupsWhy failure is a critical part of reinventionHow to create intentional, productive workdaysThe surprising story behind naming his company, SukhaShow GuestSteven Puri is the Founder and CEO of The Sukha Company, a focus and productivity app designed to support a healthier work life. A former newscaster, software engineer, and Hollywood executive behind Independence Day, Die Hard, and Star Trek, Steven blends creative vision with tech innovation to help people do their best work. Check out the Sukha app and get 20% off for life with the code REFRESH20Show Notes:Ready to lead with clarity, confidence, and impact?Take the Make Your Power Move Leadership Assessment and unlock the tools to define your leadership identity, elevate your influence, and step into your next role with purpose. For a limited time, use code POWER to get 50% off. → Start your Power Move today. Learn More HERESupport the showJill Griffin, host of The Career Refresh, delivers expert guidance on workplace challenges and career transitions. Jill leverages her experience working for the world's top brands like Coca-Cola, Microsoft, Hilton Hotels, and Martha Stewart to address leadership, burnout, team dynamics, and the 4Ps (perfectionism, people-pleasing, procrastination, and personalities). Visit JillGriffinCoaching.com for more details on: Book a 1:1 Career Strategy and Executive Coaching HERE Build a Leadership Identity That Earns Trust and Delivers Results. Gallup CliftonStrengths Corporate Workshops to build a strengths-based culture Team Dynamics training to increase retention, communication, goal setting, and effective decision-making Keynote Speaking Grab a personal Resume Refresh with Jill Griffin HERE Follow @JillGriffinOffical on Instagram for daily inspiration Connect with and follow Jill on LinkedIn
Steven Puri is an ex-studio executive/producer (@ Fox, DreamWorks, and Sony) and the Founder and creative force behind The Sukha Company an online resource that helps workers focus to finish faster & feel healthier. Along the way we discuss – Die Hard & Independence Day (1:30), a Watson Scholar (6:45), Why I Pay You (12:40), finding Flow State (15:15), Mumble Rap (20:30), Kathmandu Rain (22:00), the Pomodoro Method (23:45), Pick Your Space – Train Your Mind (30:00), “Slackless” Time (33:35), and Hugh Jackman or Will Smith (39:00). Find your Flow State @ The Sukha Company. This podcast is teamed with LukeLeaders1248, a nonprofit that provides scholarships for the children of military Veterans. Help us reach our scholarships goal for 2025. Send a donation, large or small, through our website @ www.lukeleaders1248.com, PayPal, or Venmo @LukeLeaders1248. Manager Memo seeks sponsors for the pod. If you have a product or service to promote, please email @ ov1dlen@gmail.com or www.lukeleaders1248.com Music intro and outro from the creative brilliance of Kenny Kilgore. Lowriders and Beautiful Rainy Day.
Selamat datang di Ngobrol Sore Semaunya Special Episode Follow Me Malaysia-Singapore Series!Di episode kedua series ini, Putri Tanjung dan tim explore kuliner Kuala Lumpur—mulai dari hidangan Michelin-listed ✨ hingga fine-dining nasi kandar yang unik
Send us a textWhat if you could tap into deep focus without hustling harder?In this episode, I sit down with Steven Puri, former senior exec at DreamWorks and 20th Century Fox, now founder of the Sukha platform and a leading voice in the world of flow states and healthy productivity.We explore:What “flow state” really means (and how to trigger it)How understanding your chronotype can optimize your daily energyWhy binaural beats and structured breaks boost focusThe honest truth about balancing family, fitness, and workWhy your calendar might be the most underrated wellness toolSteven shares practical advice and real-life strategies for anyone who wants to get more done without feeling overwhelmed—whether you're building a business, raising a family, or just trying to stay consistent with your workouts.Tune in to discover how to unlock better energy, creativity, and performance—without burning out.
Devotional service and taking up spiritual practice can be heroic. You actually take a stance. You take a stand. If you don't stand for something, as they say—sorry about this—you'll fall for anything. And Krishna invites us to stand up, be strong. In another language, in the Third Chapter of the Gita, he says, "evaṁ buddheḥ paraṁ buddhvā saṁstabhyātmānam ātmanā jahi śatruṁ mahā-bāho kāma-rūpaṁ durāsadam" (BG 3.43). He's telling Arjuna, "You stand up and fight for conquering over the lower self by the higher self." So, "nirmāna-mohā jita-saṅga-doṣā"—give up false association with the world—and "adhyātma-nityā"—find out about transcendental knowledge. What that means is, read the Bhagavad Gita every day. If you want to have a nice day, read the Bhagavad Gita. If you'd like getting confused and disturbed, then just don't read it. "Adhyātma-nityā vinivṛtta-kāmāḥ." Kāmaḥ means desires that can't be fulfilled, and that's also the craziness of this world, is trying to fulfill a desire that will never be fulfilled. So he says, "Give this up." It's a permission to not engage in what most people do. "Dvandvair" means duality. It means don't see anything separate from your highest interest in life, which is to serve Krishna. Don't have a dual identity. Don't have cognitive dissonance and try to play both sides. Just be absorbed in Krishna and get everything from Krishna. Consider Krishna your protector, and consider him your maintainer. And whatever you do, do it for Krishna. You don't have to do it for anybody else. Even if you do have to do something for anybody else, consider that you're doing it for Krishna. Dvandvair, give up that sense of duality in the material world that causes consternation. And then "vimukta" means to be liberated. Be a liberated soul. "Sukha-duḥkha-saṁjñair gachanti" means now... Gachanti means you can go. "Yānti devavratā devān, pitṟn yānti pitṛvratāḥ, bhūtāni yānti bhūtejyā, yānti mad-yājino 'pi mām" means you can go wherever you want. Little jīva, free to move about the universe. You can go wherever you're able to point your attention; you can go there. ------------------------------------------------------------ To connect with His Grace Vaiśeṣika Dāsa, please visit https://www.fanthespark.com/next-steps/ask-vaisesika-dasa/ ------------------------------------------------------------ Add to your wisdom literature collection: https://iskconsv.com/book-store/ https://www.bbtacademic.com/books/ https://thefourquestionsbook.com/ ------------------------------------------------------------ Join us live on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FanTheSpark/ Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sound-bhakti/id1132423868 For the latest videos, subscribe https://www.youtube.com/@FanTheSpark For the latest in SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/fan-the-spark ------------------------------------------------------------ #spiritualawakening #soul #spiritualexperience #spiritualpurposeoflife #spiritualgrowthlessons #secretsofspirituality #vaisesikaprabhu #vaisesikadasa #vaisesikaprabhulectures #spirituality #bhaktiyoga #krishna #spiritualpurposeoflife #krishnaspirituality #spiritualusachannel #whybhaktiisimportant #whyspiritualityisimportant #vaisesika #spiritualconnection #thepowerofspiritualstudy #selfrealization #spirituallectures #spiritualstudy #spiritualquestions #spiritualquestionsanswered #trendingspiritualtopics #fanthespark #spiritualpowerofmeditation #spiritualteachersonyoutube #spiritualhabits #spiritualclarity #bhagavadgita #srimadbhagavatam #spiritualbeings #kttvg #keepthetranscendentalvibrationgoing #spiritualpurpose
The Gita Series - A triune pilgrimage - 183 - Ch 1 3 - Slokas 20 to 22In the production of the effect and the cause (Karya & Karana), Prakriti is said to be the cause; in the experience of pleasure and pain (Sukha & Duhka), the Purusha is said to be the cause.
Are you searching for practical ways to reclaim your focus and find your flow while working remotely? In this insightful episode of The Quiet And Strong Podcast, host David Hall welcomes Steven Puri—founder and CEO of The Sukha Company, tech entrepreneur, and award-winning film executive—to unpack the real-world challenges and strategies of thriving in a remote work environment.You'll hear Steven's unique journey from Hollywood film production to launching his own tech startups, and how his distinctive perspective as an introvert shaped the creation of his focus-boosting platform, Sukha. Together, David and Steven discuss the myth of multitasking, the science behind flow states, and actionable methods for prioritizing what truly matters on your to-do list (hint: it starts with picking just three things). They also explore ways introverts can own their need for deep work and recharging without sacrificing meaningful connection with colleagues, friends, or family.Whether you're an introvert seeking to maximize your best times of day, a leader managing a distributed team, or simply anyone who wants to work smarter instead of longer, this episode is packed with encouragement, proven strategies, and inspiration to support your journey.Listen in, discover your strengths, and be strong.Episode Link: QuietandStrong.com/226Steven Puri is the Founder and CEO of The Sukha Company, which helps people find focus and achieve a healthy work-life balance through its productivity app. He began his career as a newscaster and a software engineer at IBM, then moved into film production, working on movies like Independence Day and serving as a senior executive at DreamWorks and 20th Century Fox. After his time in Hollywood, Steven returned to tech, focusing on building tools that support focus and productivity in the modern workplace.Website: thesukha.co- - -Contact the Host of the Quiet and Strong Podcast:David Hall Author, Speaker, Educator, Podcaster quietandstrong.comGobio.link/quietandstrongdavid [at] quietandstrong.com Take the FREE Personality Assessment: Typefinder Personality Assessment Follow David on your favorite social platform: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Youtube Get David's book:Minding Your Time: Time Management, Productivity, and Success, Especially for Introverts You may also like:Quiet & Strong Merchandise
Episode Type: Inspirational People InterviewWatch on YouTube >>In this Inspirational People interview on the Share Life podcast, I'm speaking with productivity and remote work expert, Steven Puri, founder of the Sukha company.As a studio executive and producer on films from Die Hard to The Wolverine, Steven had to learn how to inspire a broad range of teams. When he moved into tech, he discovered a whole new set of remote work challenges, which led him to study the great minds of productivity. Now he speaks on remote work, leading virtual teams, and healthy productivity.---Connect with Steven | LinkedIn - IMDBThe Sukha Company | Website---For additional notes, links, and the video interview, click here.
Former Hollywood executive and tech entrepreneur Steven Puri shares how his journey from coding to filmmaking inspired Sukha, a platform recreating the "coffee shop effect" for remote workers. Drawing from film industry cycles and startup failures, Puri reveals why tenacity outweighs talent, how distractions require 22 minutes to recover from, and why human connection drives both successful blockbusters and productivity tools. His practical insights offer a refreshing approach to finding focus and fulfillment in our distracted digital world.RetryClaude can make mistakes. Please double-check responses.5 Key Insights:1. Productivity increases when working alongside others without direct interaction, inspiring Sukha's design to recreate this coffee shop energy virtually.2. The film industry naturally cycles between remote, hybrid, and in-person collaboration, offering valuable lessons for post-pandemic work structures.3. Success comes from unwavering persistence and daily discipline, not superior talent or skill.4. Blockbuster films succeed by understanding the human story beneath the spectacle, just as digital tools must address fundamental human needs.5. Context-switching destroys flow state, requiring 15-22 minutes to regain focus after each interruption.About Steven PuriSteven Puri — a rare blend of Hollywood storyteller, tech entrepreneur, and remote work pioneer. From producing blockbusters like Independence Day and Star Trek to building platforms that help people focus and connect in the digital age, Steven's journey spans visual effects, studio leadership, and startups like Centered and The Sukha Company. He's spent his life at the intersection of creativity and productivity, and today, we explore what drives him to keep reimagining how we work and live.Timestamps00:02:00 - 00:03:38 How a Software Engineer Became a Studio Executive00:03:38 - 00:09:59 What I Learned from the Leaders in Tech Program00:09:59 - 00:15:27 Learnings from the Film Industry00:15:27 - 00:19:38 Film Industry Lessons for Office Ecosystems00:19:38 - 00:22:50 The Story Behind Sukha Platform00:22:50 - 00:25:17 Building Mastery and Excellence00:25:17 - 00:27:53 Is Discipline Actually Real in Creative Fields00:27:53 - 00:30:07 How Sukha Helps Build Tenacity00:30:07 - 00:31:02 What Lenny Loves About Sukha00:31:02 - 00:33:25 What Distraction Does to Your Performance00:33:25 - 00:43:11 Is Slack Helping or Hurting Productivity00:43:11 - 00:45:28 Taking Sukha to Large Organizations00:45:28 - 00:47:55 Happiness, Fulfillment and Sukha00:47:55 - 00:49:10 What Success Means to Steven Puri00:49:10 - 00:50:40 The Best Advice I've Ever Received00:50:40 - 00:51:23 What Work-Life Balance Means to Me00:51:23 - 00:53:29 Intensity and Work-Life Balance00:53:29 - 00:54:48 How to Stop Being Distracted00:54:48 - 00:56:00 What AI Does to Distraction00:56:00 - 00:59:09 My Advice to College Students00:59:09 - 01:01:44 What Failure Taught MeSelected Links and Show Notes: https://www.contraminds.comSubscribe to our Weekly Newsletter: https://blog.contraminds.comThis episode was made possible by the great folks at https://goaffortless.ai.Effortless has been designed to be user-friendly, aiding you in your journey to streamline financial tasks. Experience the convenience of achieving e-Invoicing and E-way Bill Generation in just a couple of clicks, simplifying your business processes.Follow UsTwitter: https://twitter.com/contramindsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/contraminds/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/contramindsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/contraminds#FocusHacks, #RemoteWorkSuccess, #ProductivityTips, #DistractionFree, #DeepWork, #StartupLessons, #TechFounder, #WorkFromAnywhere, #DigitalNomad, #FlowState, #CreativeProcess, #SiliconValleyInsights, #WorkLifeHarmony, #TenacityWins, #CoffeeShopEffect
Finding Focus and Freedom with Steven Puri WHR 3.223: From Hollywood to Home Office – How Steven Puri Built a Happiness-Driven Company Episode Summary: In this episode of the Work at Home Rockstar Podcast, Tim chats with Steven Puri, Founder and CEO of The Sukha Company. Steven shares his journey from producing Hollywood blockbusters like Independence Day and Star Trek to building a tech company that helps remote workers reclaim their time and joy. He reveals how listening to real user feedback transformed his focus app, how failures in early ventures shaped his leadership, and why his mission now is rooted in happiness, not hustle. This conversation dives deep into tenacity, parenting, AI, and the evolving meaning of work. Who is Steven Puri? Steven Puri is the Founder and CEO of The Sukha Company. His mission is to help millions of remote workers focus better, work smarter, and ultimately live happier lives. Before launching Sukha, Steven had an impressive career in both film and tech—starting out as a newscaster, then a software engineer, and eventually producing CGI effects for Oscar-winning films. He served as a senior executive at 20th Century Fox and DreamWorks, managing major franchises like Die Hard and Star Trek. Today, from his home base in Austin, TX, he's focused on using technology to create a more mindful and balanced remote work experience. Connect with Steven Puri: Website: https://thesukha.co LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenpuri Host Contact Details: Website: https://workathomerockstar.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/workathomerockstar Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workathomerockstar LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timmelanson YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WorkAtHomeRockStarPodcast Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/workathomestar Email: tim@workathomerockstar.com In this Episode: At 00:41, Steven shares the origin of the Sukha Company, including how a user's feedback inspired its name and mission. At 06:57, he opens up about walking away from Hollywood to rediscover purpose and fulfillment through tech. At 12:00, he talks about how tenacity—not talent—was the key to long-term success, both in film and entrepreneurship. At 15:06, Steven offers insight into raising a child with values and freedom to explore their passions. At 22:09, the conversation turns to AI and the philosophical question of truth in a digital world. At 28:12, in the Guest Solo segment, Steven gives us a deep dive into the Sukha platform and how it's helping engineers, designers, and writers focus better and work less.
Remote work is no longer an experiment, it is a daily reality for millions. Yet, as teams seek focus and fulfillment outside the traditional office, the challenges of productivity and isolation have intensified. Studies show that nearly 70% of remote workers struggle with burnout and distractions. Amid this tension, platforms that blend emotional well-being with performance are gaining traction as questions about the future of remote work grow more urgent.How can remote professionals stay productive and present without burning out?On this episode of Tuesdays with Morrisey, host Adam Morrisey welcomes guest Steven Puri, a former film executive turned tech founder. They explore Steven's fascinating career journey from pioneering digital film in Hollywood to founding multiple startups and how hybrid workflows in the film industry inspired his latest venture, . Along the way, they discuss how yoga, failure, and bold feedback shaped his philosophy that productivity isn't the goal; it's about building systems that help people live and work well.Top TakeawaysThe film industry's long-standing use of remote and hybrid work offers valuable models and lessons for today's tech and other industries adapting to flexible work environments.Luck favors the prepared. Steven's entry into film was “random,” but his ability to bridge creativity and engineering made him invaluable during the film industry's digital revolution.Failure is an unmatched teacher. After some early success in film, Steven had a few failed startup attempts - he credits the creation of a list of all the reasons he failed as the key to success in his newest venture.Productivity isn't the goal—happiness is. The Sukha Company was born not from a desire to help people get more done, but from a mission to help them feel better about their work and lives.Full List of Topics CoveredHow Steven ended up getting into filmTransitioning from studio executive to startup founderThe power of reflection after failureThe origins of Sukha and redefining productivitySpirituality, yoga, and self-work in businessBuilding flow into remote work systemsCreating a community for distributed teamsThe future of remote and hybrid workNavigating feedback, leadership, and growthSteven Puri is a multi-time founder, former film executive, and the creator of The Sukha Company, a platform designed to help remote workers overcome procrastination and distraction to be focused, happier, and healthier. With a background spanning from Oscar-winning films to building startups, Steven brings a unique blend of creativity, technical leadership, and emotional intelligence to everything he builds.
Steven Puri, Founder and CEO of The Sukha Company and former Academy Award-winning CGI producer and Hollywood executive, shares his insights from movie production and experiences as a tech entrepreneur. Emphasizing applied learning, Steven offers strategic and tactical insights for designing remote and hybrid work, cultivating focus, and supporting fulfilled cohesive teams to reduce churn. Drawing parallels with the Hollywood model, he discusses project-based collaboration, individualized productivity rhythms, and creating environments that support deep, self-directed learning and growth. TAKEAWAYS [01:33] Steven shares how each beneficial life opportunity has come from unexpected “left turns.” [01:57] Early on, Steven balances interests in journalism and coding, influenced by his engineer parents. [03:42] At USC, Steven's tech fluency gives him entrée to film during the shift from analog to digital. [04:30] Working on trailers and music videos, Steven connects with aspiring filmmakers and directors. [05:26] Independence Day needs digital effects launching Steven's Hollywood experience producing visual effects for major directors and films. [06:49] Co-founding a company after Academy Award success, the team delivers for investors. [10:43] Returning to technology to have agency, Steven starts and raises money for two tech companies. [12:01] Reviewing failed ventures, Steven's top learning is to listen more to others. [13:30] Recognizing the Hollywood production cycle has always operated in remote, hybrid and in-person phases. [14:50] How remote/hybrid/in-person phases of filmmaking offer insights for modern work design. [15:37] The principle about personal productivity is to find a dedicated place where your mind settles. [18:17] In film projects, separation of visionary and operational leadership roles is critical. [19:18] ‘Flow' principles—such as feedback loops and daily metrics—enables continuous improvement. [20:42] End of day progress reviews in film production supports high-intensity teamwork. [23:32] Creative breakthroughs are enabled when the brain is distracted, not singularly focused. [27:07] Steven buys a friend's startup's code base to build upon the to-do list using Hollywood learning. [28:07] The Sukha platform is rooted in work design insights to enable deep focus. [29:55] The app improves focus by limiting overwhelm and breaking major tasks into sub-steps. [31:07] Sukha's assistant adapts to personal styles—momentum-building or starting with difficult tasks. [33:38] Understanding your own work rhythms to optimize for deep productivity. [35:17] Sukha uses curated music and real environmental sounds scientifically tuned for flow states. [37:30] Timers and breaks prevent burnout and encourage brain recovery post-focus. [38:49] Feedbacks help users learn from distractions and track progress with real-time productivity scores. [40:08] Optional co-working “coffee shop” to share energy and foster community accountability. [41:06] Social facilitation theory supports the idea that seeing others work can increase your output. [44:41] A user describes how Sukha helps him be being present with his kids or lose the whole day. [45:46] The goal is not just productivity, but meaningful, self-fulfilling work that leads to happiness. [46:18] Steven renames the company “Sukha” - a Sanskrit word meaning happiness and self-fulfillment – which is his ultimate goal for people to achieve. [46:51] IMMEDIATE ACTION TIP: Cultivating self-fulfilled, cohesive teams reduces churn. If people are enabled to do great work, they want to stay. RESOURCES Steven Puri on LinkedIn The Sukha Company website Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World by Cal Newport QUOTES “That pulse has existed for a hundred years in film. It is very well respected. Here's what you do as a leader of these teams that are remote, hybrid, in person, hybrid, remote.” “Set your environment up properly—that's one principle of getting into flow.” “The principle about productivity, even if you work from your home, have a dedicated place where your mind settles into, ‘oh this is where I focus'.” “You can only be as good as you want to be. We are just tools to help you be great. To do something that you're capable of. You have inside you something great if we can help you get it out. That's why I'm here.” “We want to evoke that coffee shop—that clubhouse of people all trying to write the next great script.” About creativity: “It's always about the other thing.”
(Saskatoon Insight Meditation Community) The sukha of tranquility supports the mind in happiness and contentment, decreasing the mind's movement away from this moment, and thereby supporting the gathering of samadhi. The 5 jhanic factors also support the decrease in the hindrances and the deepening of samadhi. The pitfall of clinging to samadhi and also the role of samadhi in cultivating insight close the talk.
Dharma Seed - dharmaseed.org: dharma talks and meditation instruction
(Saskatoon Insight Meditation Community) The sukha of tranquility supports the mind in happiness and contentment, decreasing the mind's movement away from this moment, and thereby supporting the gathering of samadhi. The 5 jhanic factors also support the decrease in the hindrances and the deepening of samadhi. The pitfall of clinging to samadhi and also the role of samadhi in cultivating insight close the talk.
'Walking, Rapture & Sukha, and Foundations of Mindfulness' - Q&A session with Ajahn Anan on 28 Mar 2025, translated from Thai to English. To join Ajahn Anan and the Wat Marp Jan Community online for daily chanting, meditation, and a Dhamma talk, you can email wmjdhamma@gmail.com for the link. Daily live sessions at 7.15pm - 9pm, Indochina Time (Bangkok, GMT+7).
Special Guest: Steven Puri https://www.thesukha.co/media Free giveaway https://www.paulieskaja.com/opt-in1 In this episode, I sit down with Steven Puri, founder and CEO of Sukha Co., a company dedicated to helping people improve focus and work-life balance. Steven takes us on a fascinating journey through his career—from interviewing newsmakers as a teenager to working as a junior software engineer, then breaking into the world of Hollywood visual effects. He shares behind-the-scenes stories from blockbuster films like Independence Day and Braveheart and his leadership experience at 20th Century Fox and DreamWorks, where he oversaw major franchises like Die Hard, Wolverine, Star Trek, and Transformers. We dive into the evolution of filmmaking, exploring how action sequences and CGI have changed storytelling. Steven reflects on the thrill of working with top-tier action writers and what he misses most about Hollywood—mainly the creative spark of original storytelling. But ultimately, he realized that working on endless sequels wasn't fulfilling. That's when he shifted gears to something more meaningful—helping people find clarity and productivity in their lives. Steven gets real about feeling overwhelmed and procrastinating, particularly in the mornings, and how he developed strategies to combat those struggles. His journey led him to build a focus-driven community and create the Sukha app, rooted in the Sanskrit concept of deep, fulfilling happiness. He shares how productivity isn't just about getting things done—it's about building a life filled with joy, connection, and purpose. We also talk about the power of serendipity and how success often comes from unexpected opportunities. Steven shares wisdom from his parents—what he calls “Cliffisms”—and how life lessons shape our choices and perspectives. Key Takeaways: Overwhelm and procrastination often come from a lack of clarity—getting clear on what you truly want is the first step. Serendipity plays a huge role in success; staying open to life's twists and turns can lead to amazing opportunities. Creativity thrives when the mind is engaged in something else—capture those fleeting ideas before they disappear! True productivity isn't about grinding harder—it's about building a life that allows for joy, connection, and meaning. We wrap things up with a lighthearted chat about Christmas traditions, favorite holiday movies (yes, Die Hard is one of them!), and, of course, chocolates. Tune in and discover how you can bring more focus, fulfillment, and serendipity into your life!
www.keenonyoga.com | @adam_keen_ashtanga "Dharma is our navigator in life." Adam delves into the concept of Dharma, exploring its significance in yoga philosophy and its practical applications in modern life. He discusses the challenges of defining Dharma today, the impact of Karma on our actions, and the ethical implications of following one's Dharma. Adam emphasizes the importance of acting without attachment to the results and encourages listeners to find their own path amidst the complexities of contemporary life. Listen on Podcast Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keen-on-yoga-podcast/id1509303411 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5iM9lcw52JskHUZ2eFvVxN Watch Episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@keenonyoga Support Keen on Yoga: Subscribe, like and share our videos Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infoRf Patrons €10 per month: https://www.keenonyoga.com/patrons/ Follow Adam Website: www.keenonyoga.com Instagram: @keen_on_yoga | @adam_keen_ashtanga Key Notes · Dharma serves as our code of conduct in the world. · Acting without desire for the fruits of the action is essential. · Material action is often unsatisfactory and leads to confusion. · Dharma is about achieving Sukha, a state of ease. · Our emotions significantly influence our decision-making. · Defining Dharma in modern times is complex and challenging. · One must act with the highest perspective in mind. · We cannot take on others' responsibilities; we must focus on our own Dharma. · Dharma can be misinterpreted to justify unethical actions. · Finding one's Dharma requires introspection and awareness of current responsibilities. Chapters 00:00 Exploring Dharma: An Introduction 02:38 The Concept of Dharma in the Bhagavad Gita 05:28 Karma and Its Influence on Dharma 08:21 The Challenges of Defining Modern Dharma 11:25 Practical Applications of Dharma in Daily Life 14:20 The Ethical Implications of Dharma 17:02 Finding Your Dharma in a Complex World 19:31 The Balance of Action and Non-Attachment 23:03 Understanding Suka and Duuka: The Nature of Satisfaction 24:37 The Role of Dharma and Karma in Life 27:23 Navigating Life's Challenges: Intuition and Dharma 29:39 The Four Pillars of Life: Dharma, Arta, Karma, and Moksha
Enjoy EMENES' dance remix of Sukha & Gurlez Akhtar's “ 8 ASLE” lyrics written by Chani Nattan. Enjoy the best remixes to the best Punjabi Songs of 2025!!! ! Song: 8 ASLE (EMENES DANCE REMIX) Singer: Sukha & Gurlez Akhtar Lyrics : Chani Nattan Remix & Music: EMENES Remix Production: DIN RAAT & MIB ROADSHOW Remix Video & FX: Rajusha Productions ------------------------------------------------------ Follow EMENES online : ►INSTAGRAM: http://www.instagram.com/djemenes ►YOUTUBE: http://www.youtube.com/djemenes ►SOUNDCLOUD: http://www.soundcloud.com/emenes ►FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/djemenes ►TWITTER : http://www.twitter.com/djemenes ►WEBSITE: www.djemenes.com ------------------------------------------------------ ►FOR BOOKING & INQUIRES: team@djemenes.com ------------------------------------------------------
Episode #223 Part 2 - Owner of Sukha Yoga, Jessica Tuset joins the pod to share the benefits of working Yoga into your golf schedule!Mention the pod and take a free class at SUKHA Yoga 2020 Wentworth St Unit #28 in Whitby, OnClasses are $10! Book here - https://www.vagaro.com/sukhayogastudi...Follow Sukha Yoga / sukha.yogastudio Shop Full Wedge Golf!using the Promo Code: OTS for 20%off all other items!
Episode #222 Part 1 - Owner of Sukha Yoga, Jessica Tuset joins the pod to share the benefits of working Yoga into your golf schedule!Mention the pod and take a free class at SUKHA Yoga 2020 Wentworth St Unit #28 in Whitby, OnClasses are $10! Book a class here Follow Sukha Yoga See you at the PGA Show! January 19-25Shop Full Wedge Golf!using the Promo Code: OTS for 20%off all other items!Subscribe on YouTube @OTSgolf Follow On The Screws
To explain the role of a guru in a seeker's life, Sadhguru narrates how sage Sukha's encounter with his guru King Janaka, transformed his life. Set the context for a joyful, exuberant day with a short, powerful message from Sadhguru. Explore a range of subjects with Sadhguru, discover how every aspect of life can be a stepping stone, and learn to make the most of the potential that a human being embodies. Conscious Planet: https://www.consciousplanet.org Sadhguru App (Download): https://onelink.to/sadhguru__app Official Sadhguru Website: https://isha.sadhguru.org Sadhguru Exclusive: https://isha.sadhguru.org/in/en/sadhguru-exclusive Inner Engineering Link: isha.co/ieo-podcast Yogi, mystic and visionary, Sadhguru is a spiritual master with a difference. An arresting blend of profundity and pragmatism, his life and work serves as a reminder that yoga is a contemporary science, vitally relevant to our times. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sarab Sukha Gur Charana, ਸਰਬ ਸੁਖਾ ਗੁਰ ਚਰਨਾ (Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ang 531 Sabad 1396)