309: The Awe Factor: Boosting Curiosity, Creativity, and Empathy

Summary In this episode, I sit down with four LinkedIn friends/colleagues to discuss Dacher Keltner's book, Awe the New Science of Wonder and How it Can Transform Your Life. Each of my guests brings an important perspective to the topic.

Dr. Keltner defines awe as connecting to something larger that yourself; "the feeling of being in the presence of something vast that transcends your current understanding of the world." He then supports that definition by detailing eight emotional wonders of life:

1. Moral beauty: appreciating other people's courage, kindness, strength, or ability to overcome obstacles.

2. Collective effervescence: being part of a larger collective self, e.g., a Taylor Swift concert, a political rally, gathering with others to watch the recent eclipse

3. Nature: what I feel when I stand in a trout stream or look out over the Grand Canyon

4. Music

5. Visual design: attractions in New York City: the Edge, the Little Island, and the High Line

6. Spirituality and religion

7. Life and death

8. Epiphany – understanding of an essential truth, insights, scientific discoveries, sudden disclosures

After introducing the concept and speaking about it from my guests' various perspectives, I asked whether the leader can inspire awe in the workplace.

Guests

Rich Gassen works as a print shop supervisor at UW-Madison, where he focuses on empowerment, creativity, and process improvements with staff. He also chairs the Campus Supervisors Network (CSN), a community of practice at the UW supporting supervisors in their roles by offering training and networking events, a weekly newsletter, and a website.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richgassen/

Melissa Hughes is a neuroscience researcher, educator, keynote speaker, and author of Happier Hour with Einstein — Another Round

https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissahughesphd

https://www.melissahughes.rocks/

Sarah Elkins is your guide to uncovering the right personal stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, advocates, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and effectively demonstrate their character, values, and vision. She guides individuals and teams toward improved communication and reduced friction in the workplace. Sarah is a storyteller, keynote speaker, Gallup-certified StrengthsFinder coach, podcast host, author, and professional musician.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thesmileisfree/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahlynnelkins/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elkinscommunication

Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Bwk56V5neXxjJXk3tarSE?si=01589bf8438d43c6

Brooke Erol is a corporate dropout who pursued her dream of having more meaningful work for herself and others. All her life, she has spent writing, speaking, coaching, and consulting on the topic of having a life of fulfilling and purposeful work. She works with individuals—YourBestLife—and organizations—Purposeful Business, Inc.

Instagram: www.instagram.com/purposefulbusiness

www.instagram.com/happielliatwork

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ozlemerol

X: www.twitter.com/boerol1

References

The Pause Principle by Kevin Cashman

How Minds Work by