MINDSET ZONE

When we can make friends with our fear, we open up a huge amount of information that can help us make better choices for ourselves." - Leisa Peterson In this episode, Ana Melikian welcomes Leisa Peterson, renowned money mindset expert and author of The Money Catalyst, to explore the hidden dynamics behind financial success and the pervasive “Never Enough” mindset—even among high achievers. Leisa reveals the subtle signs of scarcity thinking and guides listeners on how to shift from fear-based to values-aligned decisions, redefining abundance on their own terms. Leisa shares why she chose to illustrate financial transformation through the fictional character Maribel, allowing readers to safely examine their own money stories and emotional triggers. Together, Ana and Leisa explore how our relationship with money is deeply intertwined with our bodies, relationships, and leadership styles—and how self-awareness and curiosity can unlock greater choices and joy. The conversation also tackles the role of fear in uncertain times. Rather than pushing fear away, Leisa encourages making friends with it, uncovering its wisdom, and applying it compassionately—whether with ourselves, colleagues, or loved ones. She offers practical advice for navigating financial discussions in relationships, including the importance of planning, open communication, and respecting both risk-taking and cautious perspectives. Let’s dive in! This week on The Mindset Zone: 00:00 Introduction: Making friends with fear for better choices 02:00 Spotting the “Never Enough” mindset in successful people 04:35 Using story to create breakthrough money mindset shifts 07:28 How scarcity and abundance impact bodies, relationships, and leadership 10:30 Shifting from fear-based to values-aligned decisions 12:11 Fear as a strategic guide—getting curious, not judgmental 15:26 Addressing fear in ourselves and others (including children and employees) 18:28 Expanding possibilities amid uncertainty and stress 20:26 Supporting partners and loved ones with different money mindsets 22:32 How writing The Money Catalyst created personal transformation About the Guest Leisa Peterson is an internationally recognized money mindset expert, author, and the founder of Wealth Clinic. With over thirty years of experience as a financial planner and transformational coach, Leisa specializes in helping individuals and leaders break free from limiting money beliefs, move beyond scarcity thinking, and step into greater abundance. Her latest book, The Money Catalyst, uses storytelling and journaling to inspire readers toward healthier, values-driven financial decisions. Leisa’s work is grounded in compassion, deep insight, and a dedication to personal and collective transformation. Connect with: Leisa Peterson's LinkedIn Profile Wealth Clinic The Money Catalyst Related Content: Expand What’s Possible

If you slow down and figure out what went wrong, it will help you accelerate in the future." - Ron Higgs In this episode, host Ana Melikian sits down with Ron Higgs, former naval aviator turned leadership consultant, to uncover the powerful mindsets and tools honed in the cockpit—and how they translate into today’s rapidly shifting business world. Ron shares his journey from 24 years in the U.S. Navy, where he flew and managed complex aerospace projects, to guiding leaders and teams through uncertainty and change. Together, they delve into the VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous) framework, mapping its military origins directly onto the challenges leaders face in navigating team dynamics, technological disruptions, and rapid market shifts. Ana and Ron explore the practical power of the Brief-Execute-Debrief cycle used by naval aviators—demonstrating why slowing down for feedback, debriefs, and contingency planning is a high-performance must, not a luxury. They address the critical role of psychological safety, open feedback, and continuous improvement, as well as practical ideas that business leaders can use to foster a culture where learning and trust thrive under pressure. If you’re an executive, team leader, or technical expert craving practical strategies to align teams, accelerate learning, and lead with clarity amidst chaos, this episode is packed with actionable insights (and aviation stories you won’t want to miss). Let’s dive in! This week on The Mindset Zone: 02:02 – From naval aviation to corporate: Ron’s leadership journey 05:59 – What VUCA means—and why it matters for today’s leaders 10:14 – The briefing, execution, and debriefing cycle for business growth 17:33 – Why slowing down accelerates results—and avoids costly mistakes 17:56 – Creating a feedback culture: lessons from the cockpit 19:03 – Building psychological safety and trust in teams 22:44 – Delegation, the co-pilot mindset, and the keys to empowering your team 25:41 – How to strengthen leadership and collaboration at every level About The Guest Ron Higgs is a leadership consultant, U.S. Navy veteran, aerospace engineer, and former Fractional COO. With over 20 years of experience in executive operations, Ron brings a unique blend of military precision and business acumen. He helps companies align strategy, execution, and culture—often drawing from his time as a Naval Aviator flying complex missions in high-stakes environments. Ron is also a speaker and the author of the LinkedIn series Leadership Lessons from Aviation. Connect with: Ron Higgs LinkedIn Profile Wolf Management Solutions, LLC Related Content: Expand What’s Possible

We can surf this hundred-foot AI wave if we take this as a team sport.” - Ana Melikian, Ph.D. In this episode, Ana Melikian dives deep into the human side of the AI revolution, asking an essential question: Is our true superpower found not in machines, but in our own human potential? Ana explores the third crucial mindset shift needed to navigate the world of AI disruption, emphasizing that while artificial intelligence continues to surge forward, it’s our capacity for creativity, proactivity, and connection that will truly shape a better future. Using vivid metaphors—like Portugal’s legendary hundred-foot waves—Ana describes how humanity is facing a tidal wave of AI change. She walks listeners through vital mindset shifts: moving beyond a simple “humans versus technology” mentality to one of “humans and technology,” and shifting from a relentless quest for productivity to a commitment to doing better by leveraging technology for collective good. Ana offers a hands-on exercise to illustrate the powerful shift from being reactive to being creative and proactive, urging listeners to pause, choose their responses, and tap into their deepest human qualities. She highlights that human potential is realized not just individually, but through teamwork, supportive systems, and cultural transformation. This episode is both a rallying call and a practical guide: Ana encourages us to embrace our unique human edge, cultivate resilience, emotional intelligence, and collaboration, and create a future where AI enhances—rather than diminishes—our well-being. Let’s dive in! This week on the MINDSET ZONE podcast: 00:00 Introduction: The Human Side of AI 01:28 The Metaphor of Big Waves 02:10 First Mindset Shift: Humans and Technology 03:19 Second Mindset Shift: Doing Better, Not Just More 03:55 Third Mindset Shift: From Reactive to Creative 06:29 The Power of Pause and Historical Perspective 08:05 Adapting Our Modus Operandi 10:12 Harnessing Human Potential and Teamwork 13:42 Creating a Sustainable Future Together 17:03 Conclusion: Expanding What's Possible Meet Your Host: Ana Melikian, Ph.D., advises leaders on how to amplify impact while avoiding burnout. She is passionate about teaching others how to unlock their human potential using simple and powerful approaches such as her P.I.E. method. 𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐭? Set a time to speak with Ana HERE and learn about your (or your team's) burnout risk and how to enhance well-being, effectiveness, and teamwork! Resources: Between stimulus and response, there is this space. Ana's AI Resources Related Episodes: Expand What’s Possible!

It is essential to know where we want to go. Otherwise, we will end up very fast, very far away in a place we don't want to be." - Ana Melikian In this episode, Ana Melikian delves into the second crucial mindset shift needed to harness the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for positive and sustainable change. Ana challenges the common "do more with less" philosophy that dominates the business world, highlighting its risks for driving burnout and disengagement. Instead, she presents a compelling framework—the burnout-engage matrix—mapped across energy and connection, to help us assess where we stand and how to move towards energized, purposeful engagement in our work. Ana invites us to reflect on the real impact of AI: Are we simply trying to squeeze more productivity out of ourselves and our teams, or are we intentionally using new technologies to create a better future? Through practical examples and her signature four-quadrant matrix, Ana explains how we can avoid the burnout trap and instead leverage AI to amplify our positive impact while safeguarding our well-being. She underscores that navigating the 'hundred-foot AI wave' is not a solo endeavor, but a team sport—requiring diverse voices and shared commitments from technologists, HR professionals, leaders, and frontline workers alike. By adopting a new mindset and working together, we can build a workplace culture that sustains both high performance and human connection. Let’s dive in! This week on the MINDSET ZONE podcast: 00:00 Experiment: Why am I so tired? 01:13 Introducing the second AI mindset shift 02:25 The "do more with less" trap in AI adoption 03:40 Productivity gains: What do we do with saved time? 04:56 Burnout prevention and the "Why am I" experiment 06:13 The four-quadrant burnout-engage matrix explained 08:31 Mapping energy and connection 09:47 Understanding the burnout 12:59 Moving teams to the engaged zone 14:20 Surfing the AI wave as a team sport 15:13 Leveraging AI together for a better future 16:36 Next episode teaser and closing thoughts Meet Your Host: Ana Melikian, Ph.D., advises leaders on how to amplify impact while avoiding burnout. She is passionate about teaching others how to unlock their human potential using simple and powerful approaches such as her P.I.E. method. 𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐭? Set a time to speak with Ana HERE and learn about your (or your team's) burnout risk and how to enhance well-being, effectiveness, and teamwork! Resources: Book: Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI by Ethan Mollick Ana's AI Resources Related Episodes: Expand What’s Possible!

Humans, walking and taking bags of water and trace chemicals that we are, have managed to convince well-organized sand to pretend to think like us.” - Ethan Mollick In this episode, Ana Melikian challenges the common "us vs. them" mindset when it comes to technology, especially in the age of Artificial Intelligence. Ana takes listeners on a journey through humanity's long history with technology, highlighting how our survival and progress have always been intertwined with new tools—from controlling fire to inventing computers and now, navigating the waves of AI. Ana shares why seeing humanity and technology as allies, rather than adversaries, is essential. She encourages listeners to drop the outdated "humans vs. machines" narrative and instead adopt an experimentation mindset, inviting AI to the table as a collaborator. Drawing wisdom from Ethan Mollick's "Co-Intelligence," Ana presents a practical framework for thriving in this era: always invite AI to the table, be the human in the loop, treat AI like a person (but guide it with intention), and remember that today’s AI will soon be considered primitive. Throughout the episode, Ana offers insightful historical context and practical advice for increasing your "AI literacy" without getting overwhelmed or burned out. She emphasizes that we don't need to face the AI revolution alone—working as a team is key to using these powerful tools to shape a better future. Let’s dive in! This week on the MINDSET ZONE podcast: 00:00 Introduction and Expanding Our View of Technology 01:31 The Essential Mindset Shift: Humanity and Technology as Allies 03:33 Technology's Deep Roots in Human History 07:58 The Emergence of AI in Our Everyday Lives 10:09 Shift from “Us vs. Them” to “Teamwork with Technology” 12:17 Learning AI as a Strategic Advantage 13:41 Combating Overwhelm: Teamwork and Shared Learning 15:27 Ethan Mollick’s Framework for Co-Intelligence 18:49 Practical Prompts: How to Effectively Engage with AI 22:30 Embracing Growth: The Future of AI Evolution 23:33 Reflections, Invitations, and Looking Ahead 25:02 Resources, Book Info, and Gratitude Meet Your Host: Ana Melikian, Ph.D., advises leaders on how to amplify impact while avoiding burnout. She is passionate about teaching others how to unlock their human potential using simple and powerful approaches such as her P.I.E. method. 𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐭? Set a time to speak with Ana HERE and learn about your (or your team's) burnout risk and how to enhance well-being, effectiveness, and teamwork! Resources: Book: Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI by Ethan Mollick Ana's AI Resources Related Episodes: Expand What’s Possible!

If you are in the business world, in the present moment, you are facing the hundred foot wave of the AI disruption." - Ana Melikian, Ph.D. In this episode, Ana Melikian dives into the tumultuous yet opportunity-rich world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its implications for the business landscape. Using the metaphor of a "hundred-foot wave," Ana vividly illustrates the dual nature of the AI revolution—both its disruptive potential and its ability to create new possibilities. Ana shares her insights on how some business leaders are choosing to either ignore or obsessively control this technological tidal wave. However, she advocates for an alternative approach, likening it to "surfing the wave," where teamwork and collaboration become essential to harnessing AI's energy for a better future. Ana emphasizes the importance of mindset shifts in dealing with AI, urging listeners to embrace the present moment and leverage the collective strengths of their teams. She sees surfing the AI wave not as a solo endeavor, but as a collaborative pursuit, where innovation and intentionality are key. Join Ana as she explores how to navigate this AI disruption, transforming potential threats into opportunities for impact. Whether you're a business owner or professional, Ana encourages you to expand your mindset and engage in this crucial conversation about our technological future. Let's dive in! This week on the MINDSET ZONE podcast: 00:00 Introduction to the AI Disruption 00:59 Facing the 100-Foot AI Wave 03:57 The Two Extremes: Ignoring vs. Overwhelming 06:57 Surfing the 100-Foot AI Wave 09:35 The Importance of Teamwork 11:58 Mindset Shifts for the Future 13:05 Conclusion and Call to Action Meet Your Host: Ana Melikian, Ph.D., advises leaders on how to amplify impact while avoiding burnout. She is passionate about teaching others how to unlock their human potential using simple and powerful approaches such as her P.I.E. method. 𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐭? Set a time to speak with Ana HERE and learn about your (or your team's) burnout risk and how to enhance well-being, effectiveness, and teamwork! Resources: 100-Foot Wave TV Series Related Episodes: Expand What’s Possible!

Experiential retreats are powerful; they create something deeply transformational." – Sheri Rosenthal In this episode, host Ana Melikian opens the floor to Sheri Rosenthal, a retreat strategist and founder known for orchestrating transformative experiences. Sheri shares the heartfelt impact that her first retreat experience had on her life, marking a turning point more profound than any personal therapy or career move she had experienced before. Ana and Sheri delve into how stepping away from one's usual environment into a retreat can spark powerful personal transformation by fostering a non-judgmental, experiential learning space. Sheri discusses how her journey from a successful medical career to creating transformational retreats underscores the power of travel and experiential learning. She highlights that whether it's through reading influential books or attending spiritual retreats, the journey toward personal growth and self-awareness is significantly deepened by immersive experiences. As they explore the trend of experiential and transformational travel, Sheri emphasizes the importance of crafting retreats that resonate meaningfully with participants, matching content to location and offering kinesthetic, unique experiences that are hard to achieve otherwise. They also highlight the importance of incorporating in-person retreats in a digital age. Join us as Ana and Sheri discuss the lasting impact of retreat experiences and offer insights into designing your own transformative journeys. Let's dive in! This week on the MINDSET ZONE: 00:00 Life-Changing Retreat Experience 00:20 Introduction to the Mindset Zone 00:58 Meet Sherry Rosenthal: Retreat Strategist 01:56 Sherry's Bold Career Shift 05:44 The Transformative Power of Retreats 08:06 The Magic of In-Person Retreats 14:41 Crafting Experiential Retreats 20:49 The Growing Trend of Wellness Travel 22:48 Resources for Planning Your Own Retreat 24:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts About The Guest Sheri Rosenthal is the founder and chief retreat strategist at Wanderlust Entrepreneur®, where she helps heart-centered entrepreneurs create transformational, profitable retreats. With over two decades of experience in the retreat industry, she's had the honor of working with top names, including don Miguel Ruiz, author of "The Four Agreements."  With a community of over 65,000 passion-fueled entrepreneurs, she empowers them to design, price, promote, and monetize transformational retreats that leave a lasting impact, while traveling the world and earning a profit to be proud of.  Sheri is also the CEO of Journeys of the Spirit Travel, a boutique agency that has planned and managed over 1000 retreats worldwide since 2003. Special Resource: Ultimate Retreat Countdown Checklist & Jumpstart Guide Connect with: Linkedin.com/in/sherirosenthal WanderlustEntrepreneur.com JourneysOfTheSpirit.com Related Content: Expand What’s Possible

We all fall prey to power blindness." - Jamie Woolf In this episode, Ana Melikian sits down with Jamie Woolf, the first Director of Culture at Pixar Animation Studios, to delve into why good people often become bad bosses. Drawing from her TED Talk and rich experience with companies like Pixar and Google, Jamie explains the concept of "power blindness" that plagues many leaders once they rise to authority. Throughout their conversation, Ana and Jamie discuss how this loss of perspective can stifle creativity and innovation within organizations. They explore the essential need for leaders to maintain self-awareness, practice honest reflection, and foster environments where open dialogue and dissent are encouraged. Jamie shares insights from her own journey, shedding light on the importance of diverse perspectives in cultivating true innovation. The episode also touches on the role of artificial intelligence and its impact on leadership and creativity, with Jamie emphasizing the unique human skills of analytical thinking and emotional intelligence that AI cannot replicate. She stresses the importance of blending technology with the heart—just as she witnessed during her time at Pixar—to create magic in leadership and organizational culture. Let’s dive in! This week on the MINDSET ZONE: 00:00 Understanding Power Blindness 00:29 Introduction to the Mindset Zone 01:07 Meet Jamie Wolfe: Innovation Expert 02:10 The Impact of Bad Bosses on Creativity 04:45 Personal Experiences with Leadership 07:11 Red Flags and Self-Reflection for Leaders 09:54 The Importance of Diverse Perspectives 20:47 AI's Role in Leadership and Creativity 24:11 Conclusion and Resources About The Guest Jamie Woolf, CEO of Creativity Partners, is a renowned innovation cultivator, speaker, and founder of Creativity Partners. She was the first Director of Culture at Pixar Animation Studios where she was recruited to be a force for “constructive disruption.” With 30+ years of experience practicing organizational psychology and certifications in executive coaching, Jamie has inspired thousands worldwide to embrace innovation as a catalyst for personal and organizational transformation. Drawing on her impactful work with organizations like Google, Dreamworks, Gilead, University of California, and Pixar Animation, Jamie brings a contagious passion for empowering others to lead with creativity and innovation. When not working, eating or sleeping, Jamie can be found on a tennis court or hiking trail. She lives in the Bay Area with her partner, Dave, and she's proud of her two grown kids, Anna and Leah. Jamie Woolf quote Connect with: Jamie Woolf on LinkedIn Creativity-partners.com Related Content: Expand What’s Possible

Your accent is the sound map of your life." - Dr. Leslie Gordon In this episode, Ana Melikian sits down with Dr. Leslie Gordon to delve into the nuances of finding your authentic voice. They explore how authenticity in communication goes beyond just words and articulation, emphasizing a holistic integration of mind, body, and speech. Leslie shares her unique insights from linguistics and voice coaching, explaining that our true voice is revealed when our mind, body, and speech are in alignment. Authenticity, she notes, is not about achieving perfection but about being genuine and fully present in each moment of communication. The conversation shifts from discussing the mental intention behind speech to the vital role of physical presence and energy in conveying our messages. Leslie introduces the concept of "energy made audible" and explains how our physical posture and presence can significantly affect the effectiveness of our communication. Ana and Leslie also touch on the significance of regional and personal accents, highlighting them as integral parts of our identity. They discuss the delicate balance between adapting our accents for effective communication and staying true to our authentic selves. This episode is packed with practical insights on elevating our communication skills by aligning our intentions, physical presence, and speech patterns. Leslie's expertise offers listeners valuable guidance on embracing their unique voice and using it to connect more deeply with others. Let's dive in! This week on the MINDSET ZONE: 00:00 Introduction and Purpose of Communication 00:17 Welcome to the Mindset Zone 00:55 Exploring Authentic Voice with Dr. Leslie Gordon 01:40 Understanding the Authentic Voice 03:01 The Role of Mind in Communication 08:04 The Importance of Body in Communication 11:15 The Impact of Presence on Communication (Patsy Rodenburg's work) 18:02 Speech Patterns and Accents 27:04 Personal Stories and Accent Adaptation 30:14 Conclusion and Resources About The Guest Dr. Leslie Gordon is a passionate advocate for authenticity, emphasizing the harmony between mind, body, and speech as the foundation for genuine communication. She believes that true presence and effective messaging arise when these three facets align, allowing individuals to express their authentic selves. Leslie champions the idea that authenticity is not synonymous with perfection; instead, it embodies genuine self-expression. In a world increasingly valuing sincerity, Leslie's insights highlight the importance of understanding and conveying one's true essence. Connect with: Linkedin.com/in/leslie-gordon-phd/ lesliegordonspeech.com/ Instagram.com/leslie.gordon.speech Resources: Book: Presence: How to Use Positive Energy for Success in Every Situation by Patsy Rodenburg Related Content: Expand What’s Possible

What you focus on is what you get more of." - Cindy Zurchin In this episode, host Ana Melikian speaks with Dr. Cindy Zurchin, a visionary leader with over 30 years of experience in transforming workplace culture, about the power of creating fun and thriving work environments. Cindy enlightens us on how incorporating trust, positivity, and innovation into workplace culture can lead to enhanced productivity and satisfaction. Ana and Cindy delve into the challenges many face in traditional toxic workspaces and the steps one can take to shift from a culture of negativity to one of encouragement and growth. Cindy shares her own journey from adopting a tough management style to embracing servant leadership, highlighting the significance of building a people-centric organization. She presents her proven strategies encapsulated in the "Raise the BAR" initiative, focusing on Building trust, Activating positivity, and Redirecting mistakes. Listeners will gain valuable insights on how to initiate positive changes in their environments, from small business settings to large organizations, and the importance of recognition and gratitude in cultivating a healthy work culture. Motivation, acknowledgment, and the implementation of servant leadership are at the core of Cindy's approach, promising not only improved business outcomes but also a more fulfilling professional life. Let's dive in! This week on the MINDSET ZONE: 00:00 Recognizing Employees: The Power of Acknowledgment 00:28 Introduction to the Mindset Zone 01:06 Meet Cindy  Zurchin: Transforming Workplace Culture 01:29 The Vision of a Fun Workplace 04:25 Understanding Toxic Workplaces 06:04 Cindy's Personal Journey in Leadership 12:17 From Toxic to Thriving: Real-Life Transformations 15:18 Raise the BAR: Building Trust and Positivity 18:23 Advice for Leaders: Changing Toxic Work Cultures 24:47 Conclusion: Creating a Thriving Work Culture About The Guest Dr. Cindy Zurchin has over 30 years of leadership experience as a motivational speaker, trainer, and author. She earned her doctorate in Educational Leadership from Duquesne University and has additional certifications from prestigious programs such as “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” and “Leading Change.”  Cindy has held various educational leadership positions, including Teacher, Principal, and Superintendent, overseeing a $62 million budget and 500 staff members. She transformed a struggling school into a nationwide success by applying the leadership principles detailed in her book, “The Whale Done! School,” co-authored with Ken Blanchard. Her signature approach focuses on fostering vibrant school environments for students, teachers, and parents.  As a consultant for the Blanchard Institute, Cindy collaborated with educators and parents nationwide, building trust in school communities, particularly in California, where her models gained rapid acceptance. She has been featured in Principal Magazine and TribLive.com.  Cindy is currently the CEO of her consulting firm. She resides in Pittsburgh with her husband, John, and is a proud mother of two grown sons. She advocates for trust, resilience, and success through strategic action. Connect with: Linkedin.com/in/cindyzurchin/ drcindyzurchin.com Resources: Book: The Whale Done! School: Transforming a School's Culture by Catching Students Doing Things Right Related Content: Expand What’s Possible