In a culture that celebrates competence and achievement, we often label people struggling to get things done as “lazy,” “disorganized,” or “irresponsible.”  But through her training and practice as a speech-language pathologist, Sucheta Kamath developed a passion for identifying people who struggle with executive function skills and has designed innovated ways to train them to better achieve their goals. In this episode, Sucheta describes her latest venture, ExQ, uses a cutting edge, “game-based” tools to systematically train fundamental cognitive skills related to focus, mindset, planning, organization, goal management, impulse control, emotional regulation, and self-awareness. 

FMI on ExQ:  https://exqinfiniteknowhow.com/ 

Chapters:

02:05 Meet Sucheta Kamath 
Sucheta Kamath shares her background and journey into the field of speech language pathology, highlighting her passion for helping others. 

06:26 The Journey to the U.S. 
Sucheta discusses her transition from India to the United States, detailing her experiences with cultural differences and the challenges of communication in a new environment. 

10:03 A Formative Patient Experience 
Sucheta recounts a significant case involving a young mother who suffered a stroke during childbirth, exploring the cultural perceptions of communication needs and independence. 

12:59 Lessons from Mass General 
Sucheta shares insights gained from treating diverse patients and the nuanced understanding of cognitive impairments. 

16:32 Understanding Executive Function 
Sucheta defines executive function as a set of skills used to adjust thoughts and actions to achieve personal goals, emphasizing its complexity beyond mere organization. 

19:20 The Importance of Executive Function Skills 
Delving deeper, Sucheta explains why executive function skills are crucial for success and how societal misconceptions undervalue these abilities in education. 

24:48 Optimism and Agency 
Sucheta discusses the intersection of optimism and personal agency, emphasizing the importance of persistence and self-efficacy in achieving fulfillment. 

28:05 The Evolution of Education 
Sucheta discusses the historical context of education, tracing its roots back to the era of child labor and how societal changes have influenced our current educational system.  

33:44 Navigating Modern Challenges 
The conversation shifts to the external and internal challenges facing today’s youth, including the impact of social media, climate change, and feelings of anxiety and loneliness.  

39:09 The Role of Technology in Learning 
Sucheta shares insights on the distractions posed by smartphones and social media in educational settings, advocating for limits on their use in schools. She highlights the need for students to build executive function skills to manage their digital interactions effectively. 

44:01 Introducing EXQ: A New Curriculum 
Sucheta introduces her innovative curriculum, EXQ, designed to enhance students’ executive function skills through personalized learning. She outlines the key components of the program, focusing on self-awareness, emotional regulation, and strategic thinking. 

51:18 Building Skills for the Future 
In this chapter, Sucheta elaborates on the specific skills she aims to instill in students through her curriculum, including problem-solving and resilience.  

55:30 The Broader Impact of Executive Function 
The discussion wraps up with Sucheta reflecting on the broader implications of developing executive function skills, such as empathy and moral responsibility. She encourages listeners to consider how these skills can foster a more compassionate and engaged society.