A Bit of Optimism
Simon Sinek
My career is an accident. It started when I set out to rediscover my passion and reignite a spark I’d lost — and that journey led me to the work I do now.
If you know me from my books or my speaking, you know I’m fascinated by why people do what they do. What makes someone find joy and meaning in their life, or pursue something far greater than themselves?
I started A Bit of Optimism to explore those ideas and expand my own perspective. This podcast is a trove of honest conversations, with people who challenge me, teach me, or simply help me see things in a different way. Some guests are household names, and others you may be meeting for the first time. But each one of them has something to share that can help all of us grow.
So if you’re looking for a spark — some insight, inspiration, or just a reminder that good things are possible — join me on A Bit of Optimism!
Let’s grow together.
If you know me from my books or my speaking, you know I’m fascinated by why people do what they do. What makes someone find joy and meaning in their life, or pursue something far greater than themselves?
I started A Bit of Optimism to explore those ideas and expand my own perspective. This podcast is a trove of honest conversations, with people who challenge me, teach me, or simply help me see things in a different way. Some guests are household names, and others you may be meeting for the first time. But each one of them has something to share that can help all of us grow.
So if you’re looking for a spark — some insight, inspiration, or just a reminder that good things are possible — join me on A Bit of Optimism!
Let’s grow together.
Episodes
Mentioned books
24 snips
Nov 7, 2023 • 39min
Humanize with designer Thomas Heatherwick
In this enlightening conversation, Thomas Heatherwick, a visionary designer renowned for his iconic buildings, discusses the need for more human-centric urban design. He critiques the blandness of modern architecture and argues that beauty is essential for our mental health. Heatherwick emphasizes emotional connections in city spaces and the importance of creativity in healthcare environments. His insights challenge the status quo, advocating for unique, meaningful design that resonates with people's experiences and well-being.
47 snips
Oct 31, 2023 • 31min
Teammateship with NBA champion Shane Battier
Shane Battier, a former NBA champion celebrated for his exceptional role as a teammate, shares insights on the importance of 'teammateship' in both sports and life. He discusses how true success comes from prioritizing team dynamics over personal accolades. Battier reflects on his journey, emphasizing resilience and trust to overcome challenges. He highlights the need for inclusivity and support within teams, advocating for a cultural shift towards collaboration. His anecdotes reveal that greatness is rooted in shared experiences and the strength of community.
72 snips
Oct 24, 2023 • 46min
The Future of Leadership with educator Elizabeth English
Elizabeth English, the innovative head of the Archer School for Girls, discusses the vital lessons she learns from the younger generation. She highlights the importance of resilience, the struggles with screen addiction, and the need for rules and boundaries. English emphasizes empowering student voices in education, advocating for community engagement to tackle societal challenges. Through her insights on parenting, mental health, and the balance between individuality and community, she inspires hope for a brighter future led by today's youth.
36 snips
Oct 17, 2023 • 30min
Remember Love with the poet Cleo Wade
Cleo Wade, a renowned poet and author of "Remember Love: Words for Tender Times," dives into the multifaceted concept of love. She explores how to define love and the significance of appreciating pain as part of the experience. Cleo discusses the resurgence of poetry as a vital form of communication and its role in fostering community. The conversation also addresses the negative impact of social comparison on personal joy, encouraging listeners to focus on self-acceptance and genuine connections.
37 snips
Oct 10, 2023 • 32min
Purpose over Profit with Thrive Causemetics CEO Karissa Bodnar
Karissa Bodnar, CEO of Thrive Causemetics, shares her inspiring journey from a one-bedroom apartment to leading a successful cause-based beauty brand. She emphasizes prioritizing impact over profit, having donated over $139 million to those in need. The conversation covers navigating the complexities of startup culture, the importance of personalized leadership, and the power of vulnerability in guiding teams. Karissa also shares lighthearted stories about her college days, highlighting the lessons learned from challenges and the role of mentorship.
35 snips
Oct 3, 2023 • 44min
Beautiful Conflict with the poet Yung Pueblo
Yung Pueblo, a poet and author renowned for his insights on spirituality and personal growth, shares his transformative journey from addiction to recovery. He delves into the importance of self-reflection and emotional honesty, urging listeners to confront life's challenges authentically. The conversation explores the illusion of superficial spirituality, advocating for genuine connection through compassionate communication. Additionally, Yung Pueblo discusses his pivot from writing to venture capital, championing businesses that prioritize user well-being and societal impact.
58 snips
Sep 26, 2023 • 38min
Power with author Robert Greene
Robert Greene, acclaimed author of "The 48 Laws of Power," reflects on his evolution from feeling powerless to mastering power dynamics. He discusses the nuances of manipulation versus strategic insight. Greene emphasizes the need for self-awareness and the importance of embracing life's setbacks as catalysts for creativity. The conversation also explores the balance between idealism and realism, highlighting how collective wisdom enhances decision-making. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of personal accountability in navigating life’s complexities.
104 snips
Sep 19, 2023 • 32min
Failing Well with professor of leadership Dr. Amy Edmondson
Amy Edmondson, a Harvard Business School Professor of Leadership and Management, shares insights on transforming our relationship with failure. She discusses how failure can inspire innovation and growth, using examples from 3M’s culture of embracing mistakes. Edmondson highlights the importance of psychological safety in teams, where trust allows individuals to take risks without fear. She also addresses how effective leadership nurtures vulnerability and communication, paving the way for continuous improvement and creativity in organizations.
253 snips
Sep 12, 2023 • 43min
Happier-ness with author Arthur Brooks
Arthur Brooks, an expert on happiness and co-author of "Build the Life You Want" with Oprah Winfrey, discusses the ongoing journey of achieving happiness, or 'happier-ness.' He emphasizes that true fulfillment isn't a destination but a practice rooted in relationships and service. Brooks reframes negative emotions as essential signals and promotes viewing mental health as a continuous journey. He highlights the importance of community and shared experiences in fostering genuine happiness, encouraging self-reflection and purpose through personal achievements.
72 snips
Sep 5, 2023 • 50min
Intuition vs. Reason with poker champion Liv Boeree
Liv Boeree, a retired poker champion and astrophysics graduate, shares her insights on the delicate balance between intuition and logic. She explores how technology is reshaping decision-making in poker and highlights the cognitive biases that affect our choices. Boeree delves into the Moloch trap, explaining how narrow ambitions can harm society and the importance of personal growth over competition. She emphasizes the value of genuine connections and advocates for empathy and collaboration as keys to fulfillment in a competitive world.
