Brené with Dr. Maya Shankar on Courage in the Midst of Change
Nov 8, 2021
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Dr. Maya Shankar, cognitive scientist, discusses navigating change, resilience, and rebuilding identities. From violin prodigy to behavioral science, she shares insights on bold decisions, personal transformations, and finding joy in everyday experiences.
Identity is malleable in the face of unexpected changes, requiring individuals to redefine themselves beyond their previous roles.
Meaningful connections and purpose play a crucial role in various endeavors, showcasing the enduring impact of forging relationships.
Consistent effort, deliberate practice, and aligning work with core purpose are key to achieving mastery, resilience, and the courage to pursue unexpected opportunities.
Deep dives
Adapting Identity Through Change
The podcast delves into the challenge of adapting one's identity in the face of unexpected changes. Through the story of a cancer researcher who faced a stage four bone cancer diagnosis leading to major surgeries and treatments, it highlights the struggle individuals can have when their perceived identity is disrupted. By exploring how people like Scott navigate these shifts by redefining themselves beyond their previous roles, the episode emphasizes the importance of viewing identity as malleable to cope with significant life transitions.
Power of Connection and Purpose
The conversation underscores the power of human connection and purpose in different endeavors. Drawing parallels between playing the violin and working on impactful initiatives like improving a school lunch program, the episode showcases how meaningful connections can transcend varied activities. It highlights the emotional depth and fulfillment found in creating bonds with others, whether through music, policy interventions, or podcasting, emphasizing the enduring impact of forging meaningful relationships.
Embracing Mastery and Courage
The podcast emphasizes the intertwining relationship between mastery, courage, and change. It reflects on how consistent effort, deliberate practice, and a deep sense of purpose contribute to achieving mastery in various areas of life. Through examples like the story of a cognitive scientist transitioning from academic research to behavioral science in the White House, it highlights the importance of aligning one's work with their core purpose to cultivate passion, resilience, and the courage to pursue unexpected opportunities.
Processing Identity Through Change
Amidst undergoing chemotherapy, Scott realizes that his identity is more negotiable than he originally believed. Despite physical limitations, he finds joy in simple pleasures like food and music, discovering a more profound and resilient version of himself. Scott's transformative journey highlights the evolving nature of identity through adversity and the realization that his perceived limitations were surpassed.
Embracing Unexpected Change and Growth
Reflecting on experiences of change, Maya explores the multifaceted impact of unexpected shifts in life. Drawing from personal and interview insights, she unveils the complexity of change, showcasing stories like Elna's weight loss journey and Scott's cancer battle. These narratives emphasize the nuanced nature of transformation and the need to embrace change with resilience and adaptability.
I am talking with Dr. Maya Shankar, a cognitive scientist who served as chair of the Social and Behavioral Science Team during the Obama administration and served as the first behavioral science adviser to the United Nations. We talk about what happens when change knocks us off our charted path. How do we get back up? How do we figure out who we are without that path? And how do we start building a new way to walk through the world? We connect on all of these questions and more in this meaningful conversation about the science behind change, how change affects our identities, and what it means for the way we live, love, and lead.
