ReThinking

Denise Hamilton, an inclusion strategist and author of 'Indivisible,' shares her insights on navigating the complexities of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. She discusses the pain of letting go of old narratives and the importance of fostering respectful dialogue around uncomfortable truths. Denise emphasizes the idea of indivisibility, highlighting how individual contributions strengthen teams. She also explores the true nature of heroism and personal responsibility in societal change, urging listeners to redefine their understanding of authenticity amidst societal pressures.

Jared Cohen, an expert in global affairs and innovation, shares fascinating insights from his career at the State Department and Google, along with his upcoming book, Life After Power. He dives into the lives of former presidents, examining how figures like John Quincy Adams and George W. Bush found new fulfillment post-office. The discussion also covers the psychology of the founding fathers, the pursuit of legacy, and the emotional challenges leaders face after leaving power, offering valuable lessons on purpose and personal growth.

In this lively chat, Bob Sutton, a Stanford organizational psychologist and bestselling author, explores how leaders can become 'friction-fixers' at work. He shares insights on the importance of active listening and self-awareness in navigating workplace dynamics. Sutton highlights the surprising benefits of inconvenience and argues that being a boring leader can actually be a strategic advantage. He also touches on the dangers of sham participation and the necessity of engaging directly with teams for effective communication.

Susan David, a Harvard Medical School psychologist and author of "Emotional Agility," joins the conversation to explore the crucial concept of emotional agility. She highlights the dangers of toxic positivity and the importance of acknowledging all emotions, even the difficult ones. David discusses the value of genuine optimism over forced positivity, and how self-awareness can enhance personal growth. She also delves into the complex relationship between guilt and personal values, promoting compassionate emotional awareness to navigate challenges effectively.

Lisa Feldman Barrett, a distinguished psychologist and neuroscientist at Northeastern University and Harvard Medical School, challenges our understanding of emotions. She reveals that emotions can be transformed by how we think and talk about them. Listeners learn that reframing feelings—like viewing anxiety as determination—can empower emotional management. The rich vocabulary of emotions across cultures is discussed, and Barrett busts myths about emotional control, presenting techniques for mastering resilience. Her insights shed light on the amygdala’s complex role in shaping our emotional experiences.

In a lively conversation, award-winning actress Jennifer Garner, known for her iconic roles in Alias and Juno, delves into her journey of self-discovery and growth. She and Adam explore the surprising factors behind character building and long-term success. They dream up an ideal school, touch on the challenges of balancing Type A and Type Z parenting, and highlight the transformative power of embracing vulnerability. Garner also shares her commitment to empowering communities and the importance of kindness and mentorship in personal development.

Becky Kennedy, known as Dr. Becky, is a clinical psychologist and the founder of Good Inside, where she offers relatable parenting advice online. She talks about redefining parental success, focusing on intrinsic motivations over external validation. The conversation delves into the significance of maintaining emotional connections post-conflict, allowing kids to provide feedback, and involving them in decision-making at home. Becky emphasizes the role of parents as emotional coaches, fostering resilience and empathy in their children.

In this engaging discussion, Daniel Kahneman, a Nobel Prize winner in economics and a pioneer in psychology, shares his profound insights into intuition and decision-making. He explores when to trust our gut feelings and when to question them, highlighting the joy he finds in being wrong. Kahneman delves into cognitive biases, emphasizing how they shape our choices. He also offers practical steps for smarter interviewing and reflects on the unique impact of winning a Nobel Prize later in life, enhancing his creativity and productivity.

In this engaging discussion, Maurice Ashley, the first African-American chess grandmaster and acclaimed coach, shares profound insights about the journey of learning through failure. He emphasizes respecting opponents and the emotional resilience required in both chess and life. Maurice reflects on transformative lessons from his childhood, the critical role of intuition in the game, and the value of personalized coaching techniques. His unique perspective highlights how mistakes can lead to personal growth and mastery.

Susan Magsamen, Executive Director at Johns Hopkins' International Arts + Mind Lab, pairs up with Ivy Ross, VP of Hardware Design at Google and a jewelry designer. They discuss how engaging with art can unlock creativity and enhance well-being in unexpected ways. The conversation dives into the connection between arts and STEM, the therapeutic value of sound, and the healing power of art for emotional expression. They also explore how everyday objects can foster emotional connections, enriching both personal life and community.