Flourishing Edge Podcast with Ashish Kothari

What if mastering your emotions was the key to unlocking your peak performance and inner peace?In this fascinating conversation, Ashish Kothari sits down with Dr. Ethan Kross, acclaimed psychologist and author of Chatter and Shift, to explore the science of emotional mastery — and how simple, research-backed tools can help you transform anxiety, anger, and stress into clarity, focus, and resilience.Dr. Kross unpacks the six core “emotional shifters” — from sensory awareness to perspective-taking — that anyone can use to quiet mental chatter, navigate life’s chaos, and thrive in both work and life.💡 What You’ll Learn:🧠 What emotions really are — and why they’re not the enemy.⚡ The purpose of “negative” emotions like anger and anxiety (and how they can fuel growth and innovation).🎧 The six emotional shifters you can use to regulate your emotions:1. Sensory Shifters: Use music, touch, or nature to calm the nervous system.2. Attention Shifters: Learn when to focus and when to take mental breaks.3. Perspective Shifters: Reframe your challenges by changing the lens you view them through.4. Relationship Shifters: Choose the right “emotional advisors” — people who listen and help you move forward.5. Environmental Shifters: Design physical spaces that restore focus, calm, and creativity.6. Cultural Shifters: Build and participate in cultures that support emotional well-being.🌬️ How to manage anxiety in real time using a “1-2-3” combination of tools.💬 The science behind why venting alone doesn’t help — and what actually does.🌱 How leaders can create emotionally intelligent, high-performing cultures at work.Guest Spotlight: Dr. Ethan Kross📚 Author of Chatter and Shift🎓 Professor of Psychology and Management, University of Michigan🔗 Connect on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ekross/Ethan Kross is one of the world’s leading experts on controlling the conscious mind. His work bridges neuroscience and practical tools, helping people regulate their inner voice, harness emotions, and turn stress into strength.🪞 Key Insight:Mastering your emotions isn’t about eliminating them — it’s about learning to work with them.#FlourishingEdgePodcast #HappinessSquad #EthanKross #AshishKothari #EmotionalIntelligence #FlourishingAtWork #MentalFitness #NeuroscienceOfEmotions #MindfulLeadership #PositivePsychology #ChatterBook #ShiftBook #StressManagement #LeadershipDevelopment #shorts__________________________________________________Happiness Squad Website: https://happinesssquad.com/Ashish Kothari: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashishkothari1/YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@MyHappinessSquad LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/happiness-squadFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/myhappinesssquad/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myhappinesssquad

What if you could make every job deeply meaningful — no matter the industry, title, or task?In this episode of The Flourishing Edge Podcast, host Ashish Kothari sits down with Tamara Myles, author, researcher, and founder of Keynote Speaker, to explore the science of meaningful work. Together, they reveal how leaders can turn workplaces into thriving communities where employees feel valued, challenged, and connected.From her groundbreaking research, Tamara shares the Three C’s of Meaning — Community, Contribution, and Challenge — and how these elements can unlock performance, loyalty, and fulfillment across organizations.💡 What You’ll Learn:🌱 What makes work meaningful: Why it’s not what you do but how you experience what you do.🧩 The 3 C’s Framework:Community — Creating belonging through care and authentic connection.Contribution — Recognizing impact and helping people see how their work matters.Challenge — Stretching potential with support to inspire growth and pride.💬 Leadership’s impact on meaning: Research shows leaders shape 48% of how meaningful work feels.🪞 The power of positive feedback: How one simple “thank you” per week can halve burnout and disengagement.🔁 Gratitude as culture: A story of how one leader’s “five Friday thank-you emails” transformed an entire team.🧠 The ROI of meaning: How fostering meaningful work drives productivity, retention, engagement — and even financial performance.🤖 Meaning in the age of AI: Why human connection, purpose, and mattering are more vital than ever in a technology-driven world.🧘 Guest Spotlight: Tamara MylesFounder, Keynote Speaker & Researcher on Meaningful Work🔗 Connect with Tamara on LinkedInTamara Myles is a leading expert in organizational psychology and meaningful work. Her research, consulting, and talks help companies cultivate workplaces where people don’t just perform — they flourish.🪞 Key Insight: “Meaningful work isn’t about what you do — it’s about how you experience what you do.”__________________________________________________Happiness Squad Website: https://happinesssquad.com/Ashish Kothari: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashishkothari1/YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@MyHappinessSquad LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/happiness-squadFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/myhappinesssquad/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myhappinesssquad

What if the secret to flourishing wasn’t about doing more—but about realizing you already are enough?In this inspiring episode of the Flourishing Edge Podcast, host Ashish Kothari is joined by Jennifer Cohen, Founder and Director of Seven Stones Leadership Group, to explore how shifting from scarcity to sustainable abundance can transform your leadership, your relationships, and your life.Together, they uncover the seven timeless laws that help us move beyond fear, scarcity, and separation—toward joy, connection, and sufficiency.💡 In This Episode: Key Takeaways🌎 The root of scarcity: Why our modern systems of economics and culture condition us to feel “not enough.”💫 The 7 Laws of Enough:Stories Matter – Recognize that the context you live in shapes your reality.I Am Enough – Shift from striving to sufficiency.I Belong – Remember your inherent connection to everything.No One Is Exempt – Accept both life’s joys and sorrows as part of being human.Resting Is Required – True peace begins when we stop resisting what is.Joy Is Available – Learn to access the inner joy that isn’t dependent on outcomes.Love Is the Answer – The universal truth that heals and unites us all.🌱 The origin of the Seven Stones philosophy: How Jennifer’s own healing from trauma and systems thinking shaped her life’s work.💬 From scarcity to sufficiency: How to live and lead from the truth that there is enough for all, for all time.🔁 Daily practices for flourishing: Create intentional connections, reflect on “What is happening now?” and “How is that enough?”, and anchor your day in gratitude.❤️ Love as leadership: Why authentic care and connection are the most powerful forces in business and beyond.🧘 Featured GuestJennifer CohenFounder & Director, Seven Stones Leadership GroupCo-author of The Seven Laws of EnoughJennifer helps individuals, teams, and organizations redefine success through sufficiency, sustainable abundance, and conscious leadership.🔗 Connect with Jennifer CohenLinkedIn🧭 Connect with the HostAshish KothariFounder of Happiness SquadHost of Flourishing Edge PodcastHelping leaders unlock breakthrough performance through science-based practices of flourishing.🪞 Quote-Worthy Insight“Enough isn’t an amount — it’s a place to come from. It’s a stand.”__________________________________________________Happiness Squad Website: https://happinesssquad.com/Ashish Kothari: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashishkothari1/YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@MyHappinessSquad LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/happiness-squadFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/myhappinesssquad/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myhappinesssquad

In a world of constant noise, speed, and digital overwhelm, how do we reclaim our inner stability and thrive?This week on The Flourishing Edge, Ashish Kothari welcomes Emma Seppala, Yale School of Management faculty member, bestselling author of Sovereign and The Happiness Track, and pioneering researcher in well-being science.Together they explore what it truly means to be sovereign—to live with awareness, agency, and mastery over one’s mind and emotions—even amid the chaos of technology, AI, and nonstop change. Emma shares groundbreaking research on breathing, intuition, and emotional regulation, revealing how ancient contemplative wisdom meets modern neuroscience to help us flourish in work and life.💫 Key Topics & InsightsWhat “Sovereign” Really Means:Reclaiming inner mastery in an age of distraction, self-criticism, and external noise.Why self-awareness—not self-judgment—is the foundation for resilience and performance.The Science of Self-Compassion:How harsh self-talk lowers creativity, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence—and how awareness and kindness to self reverse it.Technology, AI & the Age of Uncertainty:Why constant stimulation erodes intuition, and how stillness, silence, and mindful discernment safeguard our humanity.→ “AI can inform us, but only intuition can guide us.”The Power of Intuition & Alpha States:Neuroscience behind gut wisdom and creativity: relaxed minds in alpha-wave mode generate breakthrough ideas.How to train intuition through rest, presence, and trust in your inner knowing.Sovereign Relationships:Why the most loyal teams and cultures are built on care, not control.The two simple leadership moves:1️⃣ Make people feel seen, heard, valued, appreciated.2️⃣ Model calm self-awareness through your own meditation or reflective practice.Sovereign Emotions & Healing Trauma:Adults suppress; children feel and release. Emma explains how emotional endurance and courage transform leadership presence.→ “Feeling is not weakness—it’s wisdom.”The SKY Breath Meditation Breakthrough:Emma’s landmark research at Yale and Stanford showing that the SKY (Sudarshan Kriya Yoga) breathing practice:Rapidly reduces PTSD symptoms in veteransNormalizes anxiety responses for up to a yearOutperforms standard therapy for emotion regulationPrevents burnout in college studentsProven pathways to emotional sovereignty and nervous-system healing.Daily Practices for Sovereignty:🌞 Morning: Yoga + SKY Breath + Meditation (≈ 1 hr)🌅 Evening: 30 min silent meditation🌳 Nature immersion & walking daily🙏 Gratitude for life’s simple privileges💻 Strict boundaries with technology & news💞 Service mindset—leave everyone feeling better than before they met you💬 Memorable Quotes:“Self-awareness, not self-criticism, is the key to unlocking your potential.” — Emma Seppala“We can’t stop the waves of change, but we can learn to master the inner ocean.” — Ashish Kothari“Feeling is not weakness—it’s wisdom. Sovereignty begins when you allow yourself to feel.” — Emma Seppala🪷 About the Guest:Emma Seppala is a psychologist, researcher, and faculty member at Yale School of Management. She is the author of Sovereign and The Happiness Track, and Science Director of Stanford’s Center for Compassion and Altruism Research. Her work has been featured in Harvard Business Review, The Atlantic, and TIME. Emma’s research bridges neuroscience, psychology, and ancient contemplative practices to help individuals and organizations thrive.🔗 Connect with Emma on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmaseppala/ 🌻 About the...

Founders are praised for their grit — but what about their grace?In this powerful episode of The Flourishing Edge, Ashish Kothari sits down with Lisa Mikkelsen, Partner at Flourish Ventures, to explore the hidden mental and emotional costs of entrepreneurship — and how founders can thrive without sacrificing their well-being.Lisa shares hard-won insights from 25 years in startups and venture capital, where she’s seen firsthand how “image management,” stigma, and burnout quietly derail brilliant founders. Together, they unpack how the VC world can evolve from “get rich or die trying” to “grow well and thrive together.”This is a must-listen for founders, funders, and anyone passionate about building sustainable success — from the inside out.💡 Key Topics & Takeaways:1️⃣ The Hidden Barriers to Founder Well-beingImage management: Founders feel pressured to project confidence even when struggling.Fear and stigma: Many hide their stress to avoid losing investor trust.Reality check: Nearly 70–90% of founders experience mental health challenges — they’re not alone.2️⃣ The Survival Trap of StartupsHow founders slip into “I’ll rest when…” thinking.Reframing survival mode with Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs — recognizing safety and rest as non-negotiable for creativity and performance.Why postponing self-care leads to operating at 30–50% capacity when founders need 100%.3️⃣ Lisa’s Journey: From Startups to Mental Health Advocacy25 years across startups and VC revealed one truth: behind every business problem lies a human one.Personal inspiration: raising a neurodiverse child changed how Lisa views inclusion, empathy, and awareness in leadership.How Flourish Ventures shifted its mission to center founder mental health.4️⃣ The Flourish Ventures Model: Investing in Human FlourishingBeyond capital: providing coaching, therapy access, and community circles for founders.Hosting monthly CEO and CXO gatherings designed for real conversations, not “chest-pounding.”Funded and validated the first 7-question mental health diagnostic tool designed specifically for entrepreneurs.Taking the movement global — reshaping the VC–founder relationship through empathy, trust, and transparency.5️⃣ Rethinking the VC–Founder RelationshipOnly 10% of founders tell investors when something’s going wrong.Flourish Ventures combats that by training investors in:6️⃣ The Organizational Ripple EffectFounder well-being sets the tone for company culture.Flourish Ventures runs CXO retreats and leadership coaching to spread healthy habits beyond the C-suite.Spotlight on the “frozen middle” — how empowering middle managers transforms entire organizations.7️⃣ Flourishing at Work and in LifeAshish and Lisa reflect on the Happiness Squad model and McKinsey research:97% of burnout factors come from job, team, and organizational systems — not individuals.To flourish at work = to flourish in life. You can’t “survive work” and hope to thrive elsewhere.“Work is where we spend most of our waking hours — it should be a source of joy, not depletion.”8️⃣ Lisa’s Daily Practices for Flourishing🌿 Time in nature — even 5 minutes daily📝 Journaling to process emotions and build self-awareness💤 Sleep as a non-negotiable🧘‍♀️ Quarterly rest breaks to reset energy and clarity💨 Breathwork & mindfulness to stay anchored in the present9️⃣ Advice for Founders“Find a way to disconnect from work every single day — even for five minutes. Build that muscle.”And for investors:“The next time you talk to your founder, ask how they are doing — not how the business is doing. Then ask again: how are you...

What if working less could help us live more — with greater energy, purpose, and joy?In this eye-opening conversation, Ashish Kothari sits down with Karen Lowe, South Africa’s lead advocate for the 4-Day Workweek movement and founder of 4 Day Week South Africa, to explore how shorter work weeks are transforming productivity, culture, and well-being across the globe.Karen shares how a passion project in Cape Town became the world’s fourth major pilot of the 4-Day Workweek — and the results are nothing short of revolutionary: higher revenue, lower burnout, better sleep, deeper engagement, and teams that flourish together.This episode challenges the modern obsession with “more” and makes a powerful case for the 4-day week as both a science-backed productivity strategy and a human sustainability movement.💡 Key Takeaways & Topics Covered:Karen’s Origin Story:How a curiosity about human well-being and burnout in South Africa led to running a national pilot for the 4-Day Workweek — now one of the most successful global case studies.The 180-100 Model Explained:100% pay, 80% time, 100% productivity — a simple but transformative framework for redesigning work around efficiency, not excess.Flourishing Defined:Flourishing isn’t just about happiness — it’s a felt sense of capacity, energy, connection, and purpose.Time is our new currency, and how we spend it determines how much we truly thrive.Workplaces Are Broken — Here’s How to Fix Them:With only 20% of people thriving at work, Ashish and Karen discuss why most workplaces are “fundamentally broken” and how human-centered redesign can heal them.Trust, Autonomy, and Agency:Successful 4-day week cultures are built on permission — trusting employees to co-create boundaries, prioritize deep work, and use time wisely.The South African Case Study:Over 82% of organizations kept the 4-day workweek two years after the pilot.Science Meets Flourishing:German trials even measured lower cortisol in hair samples, proving physiological stress reduction.From Burnout to Breakthrough:A powerful story from Stellenbosch University shows how cutting hours from 5 days to 4 dropped absenteeism from 51 days to 4 — while improving service delivery and saving millions in costs.Leadership Lessons for the Future of Work:→ Productivity starts with permission→ Recovery is doing→ Trust and meaning drive output→ Rest fuels creativity and innovationAshish’s Personal Reflection:From his own experience at McKinsey working 70% time while increasing client impact, Ashish reflects on how less can truly be more — when done with purpose and trust.🧭 Notable Quotes:“Flourishing is a felt state — a sense of capacity, connection, and purpose that comes from using time deliberately.” – Karen Lowe“We don’t need to fix work; we need to redesign it for humans.” – Ashish Kothari“The 4-day week isn’t about working less — it’s about working better.” – Karen Lowe🪴 About the Guest:Karen Lowe is the Founder and Director of 4 Day Week South Africa, a nonprofit initiative driving the movement toward shorter, smarter, and more humane work weeks across the African continent. Her work bridges neuroscience, productivity research, and organizational psychology to help businesses thrive through human flourishing.🔗 Connect:Host: Ashish Kothari | Founder of Happiness Squad and author of Hardwired for HappinessIf today’s conversation inspired you to rethink how you work, share this episode with your team or leader.Subscribe to the Flourishing Edge Podcast for weekly insights on how to lead, live, and flourish at the edge of...

What if your next “competitive edge” as a company wasn’t innovation or efficiency—but compassion?In this eye-opening episode of The Flourishing Edge, Ashish Kothari sits down with David Shapiro to unpack how recovery-friendly workplaces are redefining what it means to truly support employees.From mental health to substance use recovery, David reveals why inclusion, belonging, and psychological safety aren’t “nice-to-haves”—they’re the foundation of human flourishing at work. Together, they explore how stigma, stress, and hidden workplace norms silently fuel substance misuse—and how small cultural shifts can create massive change.💡 Key Topics & Takeaways:1️⃣ The Human Side of Workplace Health:David’s journey from anthropology and family-friendly policies to leading the Colorado Recovery Friendly Workplace Initiative.How his personal story of recovery informs his mission to make work environments more empathetic, inclusive, and safe.“My work matches my life”—the power of aligning personal purpose with professional service.2️⃣ Understanding Substance Use & Recovery:What substance use disorder really means—and why it’s a medical condition, not a moral failing.The spectrum from low-risk social use to addiction, and how 30 million Americans live with diagnosed substance use disorders.The ripple effect: for every person impacted, two to three others are affected at home or at work.Why workplace culture and chronic stress can drive coping behaviors—and what employers can do differently.3️⃣ Redefining “Recovery”:SAMHSA’s inclusive definition: “a self-directed process of change.”→ Recovery can mean abstinence, harm reduction, or simply the courage to seek help.Why judgment—not lack of resources—is the biggest barrier to recovery.“We rally around cancer, but we isolate addiction.” How empathy transforms stigma into connection.4️⃣ Culture Shift: From Judgment to Curiosity:Don’t label—listen. Describe what you see objectively before assuming impairment.Replace words like “addict” with “a person experiencing substance use disorder.”“Connection is the opposite of addiction.” – Johan HariLanguage matters: empathy and curiosity are the foundation for healing cultures.5️⃣ Building a Recovery-Friendly Workplace:David outlines the three pillars (the 3 P’s) of Total Worker Health®:Policies: Shift from “zero tolerance” to “we care about you and want to help.”Practices: Encourage leaders to model openness, empathy, and awareness.Programs: Offer real support—Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), mental health resources, Narcan/Naloxone training, and flexible benefits.💡 “If your policy doesn’t reflect how you actually care for people—it’s time to rewrite it.”6️⃣ The “Frozen Middle” Problem:Leaders may support recovery, but real culture change happens in the middle—among supervisors and managers.Middle managers often feel overworked, under-supported, and hesitant to engage in sensitive issues.Why equipping the “frozen middle” with empathy and training unlocks lasting change.7️⃣ Practical, Low-Cost Shifts That Make a Big Difference:Offer mocktails and non-alcoholic options at company events.Avoid centering celebrations around alcohol—make inclusion visible.Provide healthy alternatives in breakrooms (fruit alongside candy).Reconsider payday timing (e.g., Tuesday instead of Friday) to support budgeting and reduce relapse triggers.Equip first-aid kits with Narcan/Naloxone for overdose preparedness.Encourage leaders to test their own EAP before recommending it—know what the employee experience is like.8️⃣ Stories of Impact:ODB’s Sandwich Shop (Denver): 60–70% of staff are in

What if the most painful moments in life could become the greatest catalysts for growth?In this deeply moving episode of The Flourishing Edge, Ashish Kothari sits down with Ian Ziskin, President of EXec EXcel Group LLC, author, and leadership thought leader, to explore the powerful connection between loss, learning, and leadership.Ian shares the personal story that shaped his life from age 13 — losing his father to multiple sclerosis — and how that early experience of grief forged his lifelong commitment to intentional living, compassion, and resilience. Together, Ashish and Ian unpack what it truly means to flourish through adversity, why intentionality (not time) heals wounds, and how leaders can create workplaces where people feel trusted, valued, and alive.This episode is a masterclass in transforming suffering into strength — and leading with both heart and purpose.💡 Key Topics & Insights:The Early Loss That Defined a Leader:At 13, Ian lost his father to multiple sclerosis — a moment that sparked his lifelong choice to turn lemons into lemonade and lead with empathy and purpose.The Fork in the Road: Grief or GrowthHow an 11-year-old learned to focus on helping others, mastering his emotions, and finding meaning — three timeless principles for navigating hardship.Intentionality Over Time:“Time doesn’t heal all wounds — intentionality does.”Ian shares how conscious reflection, not waiting, transforms loss into wisdom.Flourishing Beyond Balance:Ian’s modern definition: “Do what I want, when I want, where I want, with whom I want.”True flourishing is about reconciling passions, relationships, and purpose — not chasing work-life balance.Lessons from Sweden: Systems That Support LifeThrough time spent with family in Sweden, Ian discovered how public policy and culture can align to prioritize humanity — a stark contrast to the U.S. work model.The Trust Crisis at Work:Why only 20% of people are thriving — and how rebuilding trust between leaders and teams is the missing link to organizational flourishing.→ “Do what you say you’ll do, and treat others with dignity and respect — that’s real trust.”Rethinking HR and Engagement:Ian challenges outdated corporate norms:Stop overcomplicating engagement surveysMeasure fewer things, more oftenHold leaders accountable for culture and well-being, not just performance metricsLives Lost and Leadership Found: The BookInspired by the loss of his brother and mother within six months, Ian’s latest book compiles stories from leaders who found meaning, courage, and compassion through grief.The Smoothie Effect 🥤:A brilliant metaphor for blending life’s contrasting emotions into something nourishing and whole.Ingredients = People and experiences you chooseBlending = Processing chaos into growthIntention = The key to turning pain into purposeA Call to Write Your Own StoryThe book includes writing prompts to help readers process their own loss — of a loved one, relationship, or career — and find wisdom through reflection.💬 Memorable Quotes:“Time doesn’t heal all wounds — intentionality heals all wounds.” — Ian Ziskin“We can hold grief, but we don’t have to let grief hold us.” — Ashish Kothari“Flourishing isn’t balance. It’s reconciliation — between passion, purpose, and the people we love.” — Ian Ziskin“Trust isn’t doing what makes others happy. It’s doing what you said you would, with honesty and respect.” — Ian Ziskin👤 About the Guest:Ian Ziskin is the President of EXec EXcel Group LLC, leadership advisor, and author of Lives Lost and Leadership Found: Life and Leadership Lessons...

What if our obsession with being “happy all the time” is actually what’s keeping us from true wellbeing? We’ve been chasing happiness as a fixed state, a finish line we’re supposed to reach and stay at. But that’s not how life works. Real flourishing isn’t about constant positivity, but learning to move with life’s rhythm through the highs and the lows. Because when the world gets hard, the question isn’t how to stay happy — it’s how to keep flourishing anyway.In this episode of the Happiness Squad Podcast, Ashish Kothari sits down with Dr. Michelle McQuaid, to explore why flourishing isn’t about being happy all the time — it’s about learning how to rise with confidence, compassion, and courage when life knocks us down.Dr. Michelle McQuaid, Ph.D. is an award-winning researcher, best-selling author, and workplace wellbeing teacher who translates positive psychology and neuroscience into practical strategies for leaders and teams. She is an honorary fellow at Melbourne University’s Centre for Wellbeing Science, hosts the Making Positive Psychology Work podcast, and has helped organizations globally to build psychological safety, strengths-based cultures, and more resilient workplaces. This episode teaches how leaders and individuals can cultivate true flourishing not by avoiding discomfort, but by embracing it as a path to deeper growth, purpose, and human connection.Things you will learn in this episode:• Why happiness alone isn’t the true measure of flourishing• The power of confidence in navigating life’s highs and lows• How embracing imperfection fuels learning and growth• Why self-compassion is a leadership advantage• The neuroscience behind psychological safety at work• How to shift from chasing happiness to building inner strengthListen to the full episode now and discover practical tools you can use to redefine what it means to flourish.✅Resources:• How to make flourishing your competitive edge by Ashish Kothari on TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRV-2C-fkNg&t=146s • michellemcquaid.com  (Company)• thewellbeinglab.com  (Company)• permahsurvey.com  (Free Wellbeing Survey)• Dr. Michelle McQuaid on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/chellemcquaid • Seligman’s PERMA+ model: https://positivepsychology.com/perma-model/ • Oxytocin shot tool: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6949379/ • Carole Dweck’s The Power of Yet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-swZaKN2Ic ✅Books:• Your Wellbeing Blueprint by Dr. Michelle McQuaid: https://a.co/d/8mLoSHr • Hardwired for Happiness by Ashish Kothari: https://a.co/d/ftKT8SZ

Technology promised us progress, and it delivered. But it also left us disconnected, distracted, and disheartened at the same time. With AI advancing faster than human adaptation or regulation, will it erode our humanity, or can it become the very tool that helps us flourish?In this episode of the Happiness Squad Podcast, Ashish Kothari sits down with Tamara Lechner to explore how AI can bridge the gap between what we know and what we practice in the pursuit of human flourishing.Tamara Lechner is a happiness expert, author, and global speaker. As Chair of the AI & Human Flourishing Working Group at Harvard, she helps leaders and organizations apply the science of flourishing to create meaningful, human-centered futures.In the conversation, Ashish and Tamara unpack how AI can either harm or uplift us, and what it will take for leaders, organizations, and individuals to put humans at the heart of this powerful technology.Things you will learn in this episode:• Why AI is both friend and foe depending on how we use it.• The three ethical AI pillars: productivity, protection from harm, and fairness.• The overlooked dimensions of flourishing AI must support• Why organizations—not just individuals—must own responsibility for burnout and culture.• How to shift from audience to activist in shaping the future of technologyJoin us in building a future where technology enhances humanity rather than diminishes it. Tune in now to hear how we can harness AI to truly help humans flourish.✅Resources:• How to make flourishing your competitive edge | Ashish Kothari | TEDxGreenhouse Road: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRV-2C-fkNg • AI for Human Flourishing: https://www.aiforhumanflourishing.com/• The Human Flourishing Program: https://hfh.fas.harvard.edu/ai-human-flourishing • Reframing employee health: Moving beyond burnout to holistic health by McKinsey Health Institute: https://www.mckinsey.com/mhi/our-insights/reframing-employee-health-moving-beyond-burnout-to-holistic-health• Conscious Capitalism Movement: https://www.consciouscapitalism.org/ • IEEE 7010: A New Standard for Assessing the Well-being Implications of Artificial Intelligence: https://arxiv.org/pdf/2005.06620 ✅Books:• The Happiness Reset: What to do When Nothing Makes You Happy by Tamara Lechner: https://a.co/d/gZY7eXu • Hardwired for Happiness: 9 Proven Practices to Overcome Stress and Live Your Best Life by Ashish Kothari: https://a.co/d/9LWxYmV

What would it look like if organizations were intentionally designed for human flourishing instead of mere survival? Most workplaces today are leaking energy—burnout is rising, workers are underpaid, and leaders are still chasing profits at the expense of people.We’ve never had more knowledge about wellbeing, yet we remain starved for practice, with millions stuck in jobs that deny them dignity, security, and purpose. But today, that changes.In this episode of the Happiness Squad Podcast, Ashish Kothari sits down with Andrew Soren to explore how to design organizations where people can flourish using the ancient Greek concept of Eudaimonia—living a life of purpose, growth, and virtue.Andrew Soren is the founder and CEO of Eudaimonic By Design, a global network of facilitators, coaches, and advisors who partner with organizations to design systems that enable people to flourish. For more than 20 years, he has worked at the intersection of positive psychology, organizational design, and leadership development, helping companies around the world embed purpose, meaning, and wellbeing into the heart of work. Andrew also teaches in the University of Pennsylvania’s Master of Applied Positive Psychology program, sharing the science and practice of human flourishing with the next generation of leaders.Things you will also learn in this episode:• The meaning of Eudaimonia and how it differs from Hedonia.• Why modern society is disconnected from nature and what it means to “suffer well.”• The role of decent work (freedom, equity, security, dignity) as the foundation for flourishing.• The business, competitive, and moral cases for designing organizations where people thrive.• Practical ways leaders can create cultures of care, growth, and purpose at work.Tune in now and learn how ancient wisdom and modern science can help us bring virtue and flourishing back into our workplaces.✅Resources:• Eudaimonic by Design: https://www.eudaimonicbydesign.com/andrewsoren • Eudaimonic by Design: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eubd/ • Confuscian and Aristotelian Philosophy: https://bigthink.com/thinking/confucius-aristotle/ • Changemaker Wellbeing Index: https://wellbeingindex.ca/ • Column: U.S. Surgeon General: Loneliness Is at Heart of Growing Mental Health Crisis: https://www.uclahealth.org/news/publication/column-us-surgeon-general-loneliness-heart-growing-mental ✅Books:• The Case for Good Jobs: How Great Companies Bring Dignity, Pay, and Meaning to Everyone's Work by Zeynep Ton: https://a.co/d/f8OmSfT • Hardwired for Happiness by Ashish Kothari: https://a.co/d/8qWGfEU 

Great leaders pour themselves into serving others, sometimes until they burn out. But if you want lasting impact, understand that it requires balance. When service comes without self-care, burnout follows. And when self-care comes without service, your leadership’s meaning fades. That’s why the key is learning to hold both, so you can thrive while helping others flourish.In this episode, Ashish Kothari and Dr. Tenzin Dadul explore how leaders can build a flourishing life by aligning service with self-care, gratitude, and continuous growth.Dr. Tenzin Dadul is a Clinical Associate Professor of Oral & Maxillofacial Radiology and Director of Educational Research at the University of Detroit Mercy. He is also the founder of "Wild Flower," a mission-driven organization that, since around 2009, has provided free medical, dental, and cancer care and educational support to underprivileged children and Himalayan refugee communities. In 2022, he was awarded the Agere ex Missione Award by Detroit Mercy for his outstanding service and other honors from institutions in the U.S. and abroad.His story is a powerful reminder that true leadership and flourishing begin when we care for ourselves as deeply as we care for others.Things you will also learn in this episode:• Why service without self-care leads to burnout• How Dr. Tenzin transformed failure and hardship into a flourishing life of purpose• The importance of mentorship and education as a “golden ticket” for generational impact• Insights on preventing burnout in healthcare and leadership• How Eastern and Western philosophies can be integrated for resilience and wellbeingTune in now to hear how you can lead a flourishing life with both service and self-care at the center.✅Resources:• Michigan Ross: michiganross.umich.edu• Dr. Tenzin Dadul's website: tenzindadul.org/ • Cancer Medical Dental Organization founded by Dr. Tenzin Dadul: https://www.tenzindadul.org/mission • His Holiness The Dalai Lama: https://www.dalailama.com/• Sadhguru: https://isha.sadhguru.org/en/sadhguru • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: https://www.unc.edu/ • University of Detroit Mercy: https://www.udmercy.edu/• Saveetha Medical College: https://www.smc.saveetha.com/ • Andrews University: https://www.andrews.edu/index.html • University of Michigan Center for Positive Organizations: https://michiganross.umich.edu/terms/center-positive-organizations ✅Books:• Hardwired for Happiness by Ashish Kothari: https://happinesssquad.com/hardwired-for-happiness/

Small and medium businesses make up nearly half of all employment and GDP, yet they often struggle to compete against the scale, brand power, and resources of large corporations. Too often, the advice given to them is to “play bigger”—but that’s a losing battle. What if the real advantage lies in embracing their underdog status?In this episode of the Happiness Squad Podcast, Ashish Kothari sits down with Sri Kaza, Advisory Board at Markaaz and author of the upcoming book UNCONVENTION: A Small Business Strategy Guide, to explore how SMBs can thrive by leaning into what makes them different: positioning, proximity, and purpose. They discuss why small doesn’t mean weak, and how founders can unlock resilience, loyalty, and growth by playing their own game.Sri Kaza is an entrepreneur, investor, and former McKinsey consultant with a career spanning engineering, consulting, finance, and startups. He has helped scale visionary companies like Viking Cruises, co-founded ForwardLine to provide innovative financing for small businesses, and worked closely with entrepreneurs across industries to unlock growth. Ashish and Sri unpack inspiring stories, actionable insights, and practical strategies that will change the way you think about leading and growing a small to medium business. Tune in to discover how to turn your size into your greatest strength.Things you will learn in this episode:• The three Underdog Principles—Positioning, Proximity, and Purpose—and how to apply them• Why focusing on your core customers builds resilience during crises• How closeness to employees and community becomes a competitive edge• How AI can serve as a growth engine for SMBs rather than just a cost-cutting tool• Practical ways to stay grounded as a founder and align every decision with purposeIf you want to discover how small and medium businesses can outcompete giants and make flourishing their competitive edge, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.✅Resources:• How Great Companies Deliver Both Purpose and Profit by Alex Edmans: https://corpgov.law.harvard.edu/2020/10/01/how-great-companies-deliver-both-purpose-and-profit/ ✅Books:• Unconvention: A Small Business Strategy Guide by Sri Kaza: https://a.co/d/aYYfD8w • The Experimentation Machine by Jeff Bussgang: https://experimentationmachine.com/• Hardwired for happiness by Ashish Kothari: https://happinesssquad.com/hardwired-for-happiness/ 

What truly drives people to thrive at work isn’t perks or programs, but the culture leaders create every single day. But when the day-to-day culture at work is marked by fear, unclear roles, and pressure from the top, people disengage no matter how many benefits you offer. Leaders often miss this because they’re chasing quarterly targets or process checklists, leaving human potential untapped. Grace Zuncic’s journey from small-town roots to Chobani, Cotopaxi, and now Manna Tree Partners shows a different path.In this episode of the Happiness Squad Podcast, Ashish Kothari and Grace Zuncic explore how flourishing comes when work itself is designed around courage and kindness.Grace Zuncic is a seasoned executive and board member with deep experience in scaling purpose-driven companies. She has held leadership roles at Chobani, Cotopaxi, and now serves as Partner at Manna Tree, a private equity firm focused on improving human health through investment in food and wellness businesses.In the conversation, Ashish and Grace highlight why the answer isn’t to bolt wellbeing programs onto broken systems but to build workplaces where flourishing is the operating model—unlocking both human potential and business performance.Things you will also learn in this episode:• Why fear is the biggest barrier to flourishing at work• How Chobani became a model of human-centered leadership during COVID• The role of courage and kindness in effective leadership• Why private equity has more influence on culture than it realizes• How board service shapes perspective on building enduring, purpose-driven companiesDon’t miss this episode—an urgent call for leaders to lead with courage, act with kindness, and create workplaces where people can truly flourish.✅Resources:• How to Make Flourishing Your Competitive Edge: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRV-2C-fkNg • What Does a Compassionate Workplace Look Like? With Jane Dutton and Monica Worline: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/what_does_compassionate_workplace_look_like • The Cotopaxi Foundation: https://www.cotopaxi.com/pages/our-impact?srsltid=AfmBOoqOcdspf6JmJREdKix62bge5cFMOpEioKkGK1xVMs76EY1mrIUg • Women on Boards: https://www.womenonboards.net/• Tugboat Institute: https://www.tugboatinstitute.com/ ✅Books:• Shift by Ethan Cross: https://a.co/d/8ioBnAM • Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl: https://a.co/d/aj9Uubw • Everybody Matters by Bob Chapman and Raj Sisodia: https://a.co/d/4AWqNws • Ray Dalio’s Principles: https://a.co/d/5wfMHzQ • Another Way by Dave Wharton: https://a.co/d/gPnSTGC • You Are Here by Thich Nhat Hanh:

Work doesn’t have to be a grind. In fact, the smallest acts of care, recognition, and empowerment can spark extraordinary transformation in how people show up and thrive. Yet too many leaders still chase big programs and sweeping changes, overlooking the everyday moments that actually matter most. What if the secret to flourishing at work has been in front of us all along?In this episode of the Happiness Squad Podcast, Ashish Kothari sits down with Gretchen Spreitzer, Professor of Management and Organizations at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business, to explore how leaders can empower teams to flourish through meaning, competence, autonomy, and impact. Together, they uncover the science of positive organizations and how leaders can create workplaces where people come alive.Gretchen Spreitzer is a pioneering scholar in the field of positive organizational scholarship. At the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business, she has spent decades researching and teaching topics such as thriving at work, leadership development, and empowerment. Her work has shaped how leaders and organizations around the world design conditions for people to flourish and succeed. If you’ve ever wondered how to truly unleash your people’s full potential at work and create a positive organization, this conversation will change the way you approach leadership and people empowerment.Things you will also learn in this episode:• Why small acts of leadership can have a bigger impact than grand gestures• The four dimensions of empowerment and how to apply them in your team• How recognition and authentic feedback can transform workplace culture• Why managers—not just executives—hold the key to reducing burnout• The role of empowerment in the age of AI and organizational change• How to spot and spread the “bright spots” of flourishing inside your companyTune in now to discover how you can start building a workplace where people flourish—not someday, but today.✅Resources:• Center for Positive Organizations: https://positiveorgs.bus.umich.edu/ • Reflective Best Self Exercise• McKinsey: A holistic approach for employees: https://www.mckinsey.com/mhi/our-insights/reframing-employee-health-moving-beyond-burnout-to-holistic-health • Conscious Capitalism: https://www.consciouscapitalism.org/✅Books:• Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl: https://a.co/d/0HDetDR• Everybody Matters by Bob Chapman: https://a.co/d/5niWg2c • Another Way by Dave Whorton: https://a.co/d/j6GUo1E • Hardwired for Happiness by Ashish Kothari: https://a.co/d/1aWVYEx

Leaders often assume transformation comes from learning new skills or following the latest management trend. But real change begins when we confront our own beliefs, reflect deeply, and choose to step out of victimhood into agency. That inner work is what lays the foundation for lasting growth in how we lead and live. Only then can leaders create change that resonates far beyond the workplace.In this episode of the Happiness Squad Podcast, Ashish Kothari and Shawn Quinn talk about the deep reflection leaders need to build their own reality and move from victimhood to agency in life and leadership.Shawn Quinn is the Managing Partner of Lift Consulting and Faculty Director of the Positive Leadership program at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business. A leading voice in positive leadership and organizational transformation, he has advised global companies including GE, Coca-Cola, American Express, and the U.S. Army. Shawn is also co-author of Leading Innovation: How to Jumpstart Your Organization’s Growth Engine.Shawn and Ashish explored how transformation doesn’t come from another training, another framework, or another leadership fad. It happens when we pause, reflect, and face the beliefs that hold us back.Things you will also learn in this episode:• Breaking free from a victim mindset• Why belief shifts matter more than skills in true transformation• The power of small experiments, reflection, and awareness to spark change• How leaders at any level—not just executives—can create meaningful impact• How workplace behaviors ripple outward into family, children, and community• The challenge of systems and people resisting changeTune in now and see for yourself how this shift unlocks the kind of transformation no trend or tactic can deliver.✅Resources:• Related episode: (Robert Quinn) https://player.captivate.fm/episode/1b7c5df6-06e1-4929-83d3-5849caa6b9b5 • Strengthsfinder by Gallup: https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/254033/strengthsfinder.aspx • A Fundamental State of Leadership Approach: https://scholar.valpo.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1444&context=jvbl • Charles Snyder’s Hope Theory: https://www.mindtools.com/aov3izj/snyders-hope-theory • The Sunflower Model: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/ee784c9c-cf26-48df-b07f-b4c0dcc638f3 • The Sunflower Model: https://happinesssquad.com/the-sunflower-model-career-transition-guide-with-ashish-kothari/ • The Power of the 5:1 Ratio: https://michiganvirtual.org/blog/the-power-of-the-51-ratio-in-the-classroom-how-fostering-positive-interactions-can-transform-student-learning/ • Martin Seligman’s Learned Helplessness:

For years, companies have relied on credentials and rigid job structures that filter out talent instead of developing it. But in a world where roles are shifting fast, especially with AI, those old models are holding organizations back and leaving employees frustrated. It’s time for organizations to unlock human potential by rethinking talent development for the future of work.In this episode of the Happiness Squad Podcast, Ashish Kothari sits down with Stacey Dietsch—former McKinsey partner and senior executive at Liberty Mutual— to explore how skills-based practices, leadership investment, and responsible AI adoption can help organizations empower people and close the talent gap.Stacey Dietsch is Executive Vice President of Talent Pipeline at Liberty Mutual Insurance, where she leads the end-to-end talent lifecycle—including strategic workforce planning, talent attraction, onboarding, learning and development, performance management, and career growth across 45,000 employees globally. Before joining Liberty Mutual in January 2024, Stacey spent nearly two decades as a Partner in McKinsey & Company’s People & Organizational Performance Practice, helping organizations align their talent, culture, and operating models to drive sustainable performance and meaningful work.Stacey emphasizes that building thriving organizations requires deliberate choices—simplifying structures, developing leaders at every level, and giving people ownership of their growth and impact. Tune in now and learn what unlocks your team’s real potential.Things you will learn in this episode:• Why empowered workplaces outperform bureaucratic ones• The role of purpose, autonomy, and trust in employee flourishing• The shift from credential-based to skills-based hiring and promotion• The promise of STARS (Skilled Through Alternative Routes) in widening talent pipelines• Using AI responsibly: not just for cost savings, but for growth and workplace transformation✅Resources:• Liberty Mutual Insurance: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liberty-mutual-insurance/ • STARS (Skilled Through Alternative Routes) framework: https://www.opportunityatwork.org/stars • Positive Organizational Scholarship: https://positiveorgs.bus.umich.edu/an-introduction/ ✅Books:• Multipliers, Revised and Updated: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter by Liz Wiseman: https://a.co/d/cgjo5ij • The Win-Win Workplace: How Thriving Employees Drive Bottom-Line Success by Angela Jackson: https://a.co/d/awtKbEP • Hardwired for Happiness by Ashish Kothari: https://a.co/d/fpmucOP

Most organizations aren't blind to the rising stress, burnout, and quiet quitting at work. They're just implementing workplace well-being programs that don't work. Leaders are left wondering why their people are disengaged despite offering meditation apps and mental health webinars. The real issue is that wellbeing isn't built into the business strategy.In this episode of the Happiness Squad Podcast, Ashish Kothari and Julie Rust-Bodenmann, former Global Head of Wellbeing at Credit Suisse, reveal what it takes to embed wellbeing into the DNA of a business, even during a crisis. Drawing from her time at McKinsey, Credit Suisse, and UBS, Julie walks us through how she designed and rolled out a global wellbeing strategy, secured C-suite buy-in, and mobilized a 500-person wellbeing champion network across the organization.Learn how you can make wellbeing a strategic lever, not just a benefit.Things you will learn in this episode:• Why most wellness programs fail to move the needle• How to shift from treating wellbeing as a benefit to a business strategy• The critical role of role modeling and middle managers• How storytelling and regulatory pressure can win executive support• Why starting small and scaling what works beats big, flashy initiatives• Julie’s own wellbeing practices, and why leaders must start with themselvesTune in now and walk away with a practical blueprint and the conviction that flourishing workplaces aren’t just possible, they’re profitable.✅Resources:• Julie Rust-Bodenmann’s website: https://www.rust-bodenmann.com/ • Oxford University Research: https://hubstaff.com/blog/employee-satisfaction-and-productivity/ • Me-Search by Tal Ben Shahar: https://podcast.wellevatr.com/me-search-the-journey-to-happier-living-with-tal-ben-shahar • Michael Landsberg’s Sick Not Weak movement: https://www.sicknotweak.com/about/# • “This Is Me” Campaign (London): https://www.thelordmayorsappeal.org/news-and-events/events-calendar/1198/this-is-me-2023-event/ • World Economic Forum Study: https://reports.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Thriving_Workplaces_How_Employers_can_Improve_Productivity_and_Change_Lives_2025.pdf • Addressing Employee Burnout: https://www.mckinsey.com/mhi/our-insights/addressing-employee-burnout-are-you-solving-the-right-problem • ✅Books:Hardwired for Happiness: https://a.co/d/eoPlwdE

We’ve got more tools, more tech, and more opportunities than any generation before us. On paper, we should be thriving. So why is it that, despite all this progress, work still feels exhausting? Why have our workplaces become places of stress and burnout even though we've never been more prosperous?In this episode of the Happiness Squad Podcast, Joseph Loizzo and Elazar Aslan, co-authors of Boundless Leadership, join Ashish Kothari to talk about how you can move from survival mode to truly flourishing by activating boundless leadership.Joseph Loizzo, MD, PhD, is a renowned human flourishing consultant, meditation researcher, and contemplative psychotherapist. He founded the Nalanda Institute for Contemplative Science and co-developed the Boundless Leadership program, integrating rigorous scientific research, deep meditation practice, and compassionate psychotherapy.Elazar Aslan, MBA, CPC, is an accomplished author, speaker, and executive coach who has pioneered the field of Conscious Leadership, guiding leaders in cultivating clarity, compassion, and embodied presence. As Director of Boundless Leadership at the Nalanda Institute and founder of Caterfly Solutions, Elazar empowers organizations to shift from stress-driven survival to purpose-driven flourishing.What does it mean to be a boundless leader? Learn how to rewire your mind, heart, and body so you can lead with clarity, compassion, and energy, and turn from survival mode to flourishing.Things you will learn from this episode:• Why workplaces keep us stuck in survival mode—and how to break free• The leadership risk of AI if we don’t use it with intention• The three disciplines of Boundless Leadership: mind, heart, and body• How self-awareness helps you lead with more clarity• Why compassion is a leadership superpower, not a soft skill• How somatic practices shift your energy and presence• Simple ways to start flourishing—wherever you are right nowWe got all the expert insights you need in this episode. Tune in now!Resources:• Nalanda Institute for Contemplative Science: https://nalandainstitute.org/ • Boundless Leadership Program: https://nalandaboundlessleadership.org/ • Vipassana Meditation: https://www.dhamma.org/ Books:• Boundless Leadership: The Breakthrough Method to Realize Your Vision, Empower Others, and Ignite Positive Change by Elazar Aslan and Joseph Loizzo https://a.co/d/a6FB83v • More Human: How the Power of AI Can Transform the Way You Lead by Rasmus Hougaard: https://a.co/d/4O3poBf • Hardwired for Happiness by Ashish Kothari: https://a.co/d/6MKT87e 

On paper, everything looks right: your team is talented, your strategy is solid, and your goals are clear. So why does it still feel like progress is harder than it should be?Often, the real barrier isn’t a lack of strategy. It's because your people don't feel safe to bring their best selves to work. The issue is in your culture, which may have been shaped by years of fear and pressure. And in trying to fix things, it’s common to reach for more structure: more meetings, tighter KPIs, added pressure. But that rarely works. That only feeds the cycle of stagnant growth, silent disengagement, and widespread burnout. The missing ingredient isn’t strategy. It’s trust.In this episode of the Happiness Squad Podcast, Ashish Kothari and Michelle Poole unpack the trust-first, people-first leadership approach that transforms cultures and leads to company breakthroughs.Michelle Poole is a seasoned consumer and footwear leader with over three decades of experience, most notably as Brand President at Crocs where she spearheaded a cultural and financial turnaround. She champions authentic, people-first leadership, fostering psychological safety, inclusivity, and trust to drive high-performing, engaged teams.Things you will learn in this episode:• How life experiences shift priorities from achievement to well-being• Gender balance at work and feminine leadership energy• Turning around a struggling brand into a market leader• How inclusivity and belonging drive performance• Three key practices for building trust in times of changeIf you feel your results are stagnant, it’s time to stop pushing harder and start leading differently.Tune in now and change the trajectory of your team and your business.Resources:• Crocs: https://www.crocs.com/stories/come-as-you-are.html • StrengthsFinder (now CliftonStrengths): https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/252137/home.aspx• How employers can create a thriving workplace: https://www.mckinsey.com/mhi/our-insights/thriving-workplaces-how-employers-can-improve-productivity-and-change-livesBooks:• Top Five Regrets of the Dying: A Life Transformed by the Dearly Departing by Bronnie Ware: https://a.co/d/eAO9RYv • My Life in Full: Work, Family, and Our Future by Indra Nooyi: https://a.co/d/cBY3kES • Hardwired for Happiness by Ashish Kothari: https://a.co/d/bPWHmUG