Worklife with Adam Grant

In this episode, Jared Cohen, a global affairs expert and author of "Life After Power," shares insights from his extensive career, including his time at the State Department and Google. He discusses the intriguing journeys of former U.S. presidents navigating life after office, spotlighting John Quincy Adams' shift to advocating for abolition. They explore the delicate balance between political power and personal values, plus the psychological challenges leaders face. Through historical examples, Cohen emphasizes the ongoing pursuit of purpose and legacy beyond politics.

Bob Sutton, an organizational psychologist at Stanford and bestselling author, discusses how to become a 'friction-fixer' in the workplace. He emphasizes the importance of empathetic leadership and being a better listener. Sutton reveals surprising benefits of inconvenience and how being perceived as boring can actually strengthen leadership. The conversation touches on navigating tough decisions and fostering healthy dialogue among teams, challenging conventional approaches to organizational dynamics.

In this discussion, Susan David, a Harvard Medical School psychologist and emotional agility expert, dives into the pitfalls of toxic positivity. She reveals that it’s crucial to acknowledge, rather than suppress, our emotions for genuine well-being. The conversation touches on how embracing difficult feelings can lead to personal growth. David also explains the significance of guilt as an emotional signal and the importance of navigating compassion fatigue. Ultimately, she encourages listeners to reclaim their emotional agency and view feelings as valuable insights.

In this enlightening discussion, psychologist and neuroscientist Lisa Feldman Barrett, known for her work on the science of emotions, teams up with host Adam Grant. They unravel the misconceptions surrounding emotions, revealing how we can gain control over them by changing our thoughts. Lisa highlights the fascinating concept of emotional granularity and the power of language in shaping emotions. They even share unique emotion words from different cultures, illustrating the complexity of our emotional experiences.

In a lively conversation, Jennifer Garner, the talented actress known for her roles in "Alias" and "Juno," joins Adam Grant to explore hidden potential. They discuss the powerful role of educators in shaping character and building resilience. Garner reflects on her own experiences with perfectionism and the art of feedback. The duo also dreams up an ideal school, emphasizing creativity and supportive environments for children's growth. Their chat highlights the importance of making work enjoyable and the uplifting power of recognizing others' potential.

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Becky Kennedy, a clinical psychologist and founder of Good Inside, shares her insights on modern parenting challenges. She discusses the importance of setting boundaries and fostering emotional resilience in children, emphasizing that happiness isn't the ultimate goal. Dr. Becky highlights the value of meaningful family interactions and encourages parental validation. She also champions involving kids in family decisions to instill a sense of ownership and respect their unique definitions of success.

Daniel Kahneman, a Nobel Prize-winning psychologist and author of *Thinking, Fast and Slow*, dives into the complexities of decision-making. He discusses when to trust intuition and the joy found in being wrong. Kahneman emphasizes embracing mistakes as opportunities for growth, critiques the focus on mere happiness in society, and underscores the importance of inclusion in decision-making processes. He shares insights on improving hiring practices through a blend of intuition and structured approaches.

In this chat, chess grandmaster Maurice Ashley, the first African-American to achieve this title, shares invaluable lessons from his journey. He discusses how mistakes can be powerful teachers, shaping resilience and strategy both in chess and life. Maurice dives into his competitive childhood in Jamaica, the importance of respecting opponents, and the myths surrounding chess mastery. He also highlights the role of intuition and the significance of learning from failures, advocating for collaboration between humans and technology in the game.

Ivy Ross, Vice President of Hardware Design at Google and jewelry designer, joins Susan Magsamen, Executive Director of the International Arts + Mind Lab. Together, they challenge the perception of art as mere entertainment, presenting it as a transformative force for creativity and well-being. They explore how neuroaesthetics connects art and science, revealing the therapeutic impact of creative engagement on mood and emotional health. Listen in as they discuss the role of art in family life, personal expression, and enhancing daily experiences.

Elliot Aronson, a leading social psychologist and pioneer of cognitive dissonance, shares fascinating insights into human behavior. He discusses the discomfort of conflicting beliefs and how we can leverage self-persuasion for personal growth. The conversation highlights the pratfall effect, showing how embracing our vulnerabilities can enhance connections. Aronson also explores collaboration through the Jigsaw Classroom and the transformative power of shifting perceptions in relationships. Expect thought-provoking anecdotes and strategies for making better decisions while staying open-minded.