The Rich Roll Podcast

Maya Shankar: The Power Of Slight Changes (And Why We Do What We Do)

Apr 18, 2022
Maya Shankar, a cognitive neuroscientist and former Senior Advisor in the Obama White House, shares her insights on personal transformation and growth. She discusses the significance of small changes in decision-making and how they can lead to meaningful outcomes. Maya reflects on her journey from a violinist to her role at Google, emphasizing adaptability and emotional connections. The conversation also explores the therapeutic benefits of sharing hardships and the power of mentorship in fostering resilience and understanding in life's transitions.
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ANECDOTE

Violinist Dream

  • Maya Shankar's childhood dream was to be a concert violinist, practicing intensely from a young age.
  • A hand injury at 15 ended her musical aspirations, causing a significant identity crisis.
INSIGHT

Human Connection

  • Shankar realized that her passion wasn't the violin itself but the emotional connection it fostered.
  • This realization led her to seek human connection as a core element in future pursuits.
ANECDOTE

Discovering Cognitive Science

  • While browsing books, Shankar discovered "The Language Instinct" by Steven Pinker, sparking her interest in cognitive science.
  • This led her to pursue a cognitive science major at Yale, despite initial imposter syndrome.
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