The Values Lab

In this episode, I explore how to use your values to help decide which projects are a yay, and which ones are a nay. I discuss why some projects energise us while others drain us completely, and the hidden opportunity cost of working on values misaligned projects. I walk through my personal framework for evaluating project fit against my five values, along with the specific indicators I look for in my initial client conversations. The Values Lab is brought to you by Viren Thakrar, Founder of ...

In this episode, I explore the value of sustainability with Shelley Flett. Shelley shares how her understanding of sustainability has evolved from avoiding feast-and-famine burnout to creating energy for abundance, creativity and freedom. We talk about the importance of embedding sustainability into her business so that she can be fully present for the moments that matter with her kids. Shelley also challenges the belief that success requires sacrifice, and shares practical approaches to ener...

In this episode, I explore how your values can become your competitive advantage as a business owner or portfolio career professional. I discuss why values-based differentiation is harder to copy than expertise or features, and walk through how I translated my personal values into business values. I also share how portfolio career professionals can use their values to differentiate on "what's it like to work with me?" and how values can make your content more memorable and distinctive in crow...

In this episode, I explore the value of calm with Sasha Gilberg, founder of Sash Agency. Sasha shares how his value of calm was born from experiencing a severe low point in his early twenties, and how he used the question "what don't I want?" to design both his life and business. We discuss how he brings calm to one of the most stressful experiences in life - buying and selling property - through honest pricing, extreme organisation, and systems that prevent stress. Sasha also shares examples...

In this episode, I explore how your values shape your purpose. I challenge the idea that we need to find a singular purpose, and instead propose that we're all multi-purposed individuals. By combining our values, strengths and experiences, we can discover multiple purposes across our relationships, communities and work. I also share a few examples of how my values of fun and growth take shape in many different ways. The Values Lab is brought to you by Viren Thakrar, Founder of Values Map - va...

In this episode, I explore the value of authenticity with Suz Chadwick. Suz explains the difference between being unfiltered and being unprofessional, how authenticity shows up when she's in flow, and why filtering your personality actually prevents you from connecting with your ideal clients. We also discuss how values shift and change prominence through different life seasons, and how Suz helps entrepreneurs build personal brands rooted in who they really are. Links https://suzchadwick.co...

This week, I explore why reflection is essential for staying aligned with our values. Without regular reflection, it's easy to drift towards other people's priorities or what society expects of us. I share practical ways to build a reflection practice into your day, from simple daily scoring to values-specific check-ins, and how small course corrections can keep you on track. The Values Lab is brought to you by Viren Thakrar, Founder of Values Map - valuesmap.com

In this episode, I explore the value of fun with Steph Clarke. Steph shares what fun really means to her as a personal value, how she uses "fun potential" as a filter when making decisions, and why fun often serves as an umbrella for deeper values like connection, curiosity and belonging. We also get into how Steph navigates periods of life that are genuinely unfun, and her current project exploring the art and science of friendship. About Steph Steph helps organisations see around corners....

This week I explore the connection between our personal values and the movies we love. Discovering our values is an iterative process that can be enriched by reflecting on the things we love and gravitate towards, like movies. By analysing the themes, characters, and emotions in movies, we can gain deeper insights into what we truly value. Keywords values, personal growth, movies, self-discovery, reflection, themes, character analysis, favourite films, iterative process, personal values T...

In this first guest episode I chat with my wife, Bridget, about her personal value of independence. We discuss Bridget's upbringing in New Zealand, the cultural influences that shaped her values, and how these values manifest in her personal and professional life. The conversation delves into the importance of instilling independence in our children, the role of Muay Thai in fostering self-reliance, and the mission behind Bridget's podcast, 'The Female Fight Experience.' Links https://www....

We're constantly told to "live in line with our values", but what does this even mean?" This question is the foundation for The Values Lab, a podcast series for founder and portofolio career professionals looking for ideas and inspiration to live a more values-led life. The Values Lab is brought to you by Viren Thakrar, Founder of Values Map - valuesmap.com