Curious Minds at Work

Author Alex Budak shares insights on becoming a changemaker and leading positive change at any level. He discusses the importance of mindset, humility, adaptability, dealing with resistance, and leading change through culture. He also introduces the concept of micro-leadership and the changemaker canvas tool for executing and communicating change.

This year, we witnessed a solar eclipse. Walking the streets of my neighborhood that day, looking through my solar eclipse glasses and sharing them with others, I felt a profound sense of awe. And I saw that awe, that wonder, reflected in the faces of the people around me. For one or two hours, we were part of something bigger than ourselves. And that experience took us out of ourselves. It softened and connected us. Experiences like that are what made me want to read Dacher Keltner’s latest book, Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life. In this conversation, we talk about what awe is, how it works, and why it matters. We also talk about how to build more awe into our lives. Episode Links Here’s Why You Need to Be Cultivating Awe in Your Life An Awe Walk Strengthen Your Leadership with the Science of Awe Interview with Norman Farb author of Better in Every Sense The Team Learn more about host, Gayle Allen, and producer, Rob Mancabelli, here. Support the Podcast If you like the show, please rate and review it on iTunes or wherever you subscribe, and tell a friend or family member about the show. Subscribe Click here and then scroll down to see a sample of sites where you can subscribe.

Award-winning science writer David Robson discusses overcoming loneliness by understanding cognitive biases and building social connections. Topics include shared reality, evolution of social pain neurons, navigating social relationships, self-expansion, gratitude, and human social potential.

There are many good reasons to look to others. For example, you might need expert advice or feedback to improve your performance. But there’s one reason not to, and, that is, to determine your self-worth. When you look to someone else to define you or tell you how to live your life, you lose a lot. And if you find it hard to believe you’d ever let someone else influence you in those ways, you’d be surprised. Michael Gervais is a high-performance psychologist who’s worked with elite athletes, artists, and leaders. Through his work, he’s learned that one of the biggest obstacles standing in their way is fear of other people’s opinions. And he’s seen just how crippling those fears can be. That’s why he’s written the book, The First Rule of Mastery: Stop Worrying about What People Think of You. In talking to Michael, I learned how our biology sets us up to place a lot of weight on other people’s opinions. I also learned how social media is designed to reinforce that fear. Fortunately, Michael shared insights on what to do. I walked away feeling empowered. Episode Links Stop Basing Your Self-Worth on Other People’s Opinions Free Your People from the Need for Social Approval Build a Great Team on a Relationship-Based Culture, Not the Myth of Family Interview with Jonathan Rhodes on Getting the Life You Want The Team Learn more about host, Gayle Allen, and producer, Rob Mancabelli, here. Support the Podcast If you like the show, please rate and review it on iTunes or wherever you subscribe, and tell a friend or family member about the show. Subscribe Click here and then scroll down to see a sample of sites where you can subscribe.

Author Jeff Wetzler discusses the importance of seeking knowledge and insights from others to achieve breakthroughs in leadership. He emphasizes the significance of asking for input timely, avoiding missed opportunities. The podcast explores the Ask approach, the ladder of understanding, and fostering psychological safety for open communication in organizations.

Cognitive neuroscientist Tali Sharot discusses why things that make us happy lose their appeal over time. She shares insights on how to rekindle happiness by noticing what was always there. Exploring habituation's impact on happiness, strategies for maximizing joy, and addressing gender discrimination for positive change. Plus, delving into the psychology of curiosity and information seeking to enhance satisfaction in life.

Psychologist Michael Norton discusses the power of rituals in providing meaning and purpose. He explains how rituals, unlike habits, operate on an emotional level, deepening our experiences. The podcast explores the calming effect of rituals, finding joy in shared rituals, and using rituals to ease the pain of breakup. Norton's insights shed light on how rituals can impact emotions, relationships, and daily life.

Award-winning professor and author Adam Alter shares insights on getting unstuck, emphasizing the importance of embracing change and adaptability. He discusses overcoming creative challenges, valuing curiosity over perfection, and eliminating friction for better experiences. Strategies for unlocking creativity through diversity, taking action, and adopting an experimental mindset for personal growth are also highlighted.

Norman Farb, author and researcher, discusses the science of sensation and how tapping into our senses can help us feel better. Exploring topics such as using sensory experiences to stop worrying, the key to depression recovery, and mindfulness meditation. The podcast delves into how sensation influences emotions, mental health, and resilience, offering insights on personal growth and emotional well-being.

Andrew McAfee discusses the Geek Way in business, emphasizing sustainable innovation norms. The focus is on problem-solving, experimentation, and unconventional strategies for success. The podcast explores cultural evolution, company headquarters dominance in tech, analyzing corporate cultures, overcoming overconfidence, and reimagining strategies with quantum computing.