In this engaging conversation, Alex Budak, a social entrepreneur and UC Berkeley Haas faculty member, dives into transformative practices from his book, *Becoming a Changemaker*. He shares the life-changing benefits of embracing rejection for personal growth and how bold requests can yield surprising outcomes. Alex encourages listeners to see rejection as a stepping stone toward meaningful change and highlights the importance of small risks for big rewards. He also discusses creating a culture of recognition within teams to celebrate both wins and failures.
26:29
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
question_answer ANECDOTE
Unexpected Successes
One student asked a gym to sing her happy birthday, even though it wasn't her birthday, and they did.
Another student repeatedly asked a cafe for free orange juice until rejected, getting two free ones.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Rainy Day Kindness
One student asked a stranger to walk them across campus on a rainy day and the stranger agreed.
This showcases the power of agency and vulnerability.
question_answer ANECDOTE
More Unexpected Yeses
Students tried asking for things like trying on someone's shoes, driving a bulldozer, and donations to charity.
Surprisingly, many received positive responses, showcasing the unexpected kindness of strangers.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
In 'Effortless', Greg McKeown offers practical tools and strategies for achieving more with less effort. The book is organized into three parts: the effortless state, effortless action, and effortless results. McKeown argues that not everything has to be hard and provides methods for turning tedious tasks into enjoyable rituals, preventing frustration, setting a sustainable pace, and automating essential tasks. His philosophy emphasizes the importance of finding easier ways to accomplish what matters most, rather than perpetually overexerting oneself[1][2][5].
Essentialism
The Disciplined Pursuit of Less
Greg McKeown
In 'Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less,' Greg McKeown argues that by applying a more selective criteria for what is essential, individuals can regain control of their time and energy. The book is divided into sections such as Explore, Eliminate, and Execute, providing practical advice on distinguishing the vital few from the trivial many and eliminating non-essential activities. McKeown emphasizes the importance of clarity of focus, the ability to say 'no,' and living 'by design, not by default.' This approach helps readers achieve more by doing less and making the highest possible contribution in their personal and professional lives.
In the second part of our conversation with guest Alex Budak, we discuss more essential practices from his new book, Becoming a Changemaker, and how a healthier understanding of rejection can change your life dramatically. Alex is a social entrepreneur, UC Berkeley Haas faculty member, speaker, and helping people make a positive impact in their lives, career, and communities has become his life's work.
Learn more from Alex here - https://www.alexbudak.com/
The Greg McKeown Podcast 
