MINDSET ZONE

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 She encourages listeners to drop the outdated "humans vs. machines" narrative and instead adopt an experimentation mindset, inviting AI to the table as a collaborator.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

Organizations need to understand what AI can do and can't do. Start creating the best use cases within their organizations and also train people on how to use them responsibly." - Diana Kelley In this episode, host Ana Melikian delves into the pivotal role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in today's world, particularly in the business world. Joined by guest Diana Kelley, a seasoned Chief Information Security Officer at ProtectAI, they explore the integration of AI into our daily lives and the business sphere. Ana and Diana discuss the importance of understanding AI's capabilities and limitations, likening it to a hundred-foot wave that businesses need to learn to surf rather than be overwhelmed by. They emphasize the necessity of increasing AI literacy to make informed decisions and identify the best use cases within organizations. Diana sheds light on the potential risks and vulnerabilities of AI, including data privacy concerns and the need for responsible adoption. Organizations are encouraged to enhance their security measures and train employees to use AI effectively and safely. As Ana and Diana examine AI's rapid advancement, they highlight the critical balance between embracing innovation and maintaining security. The conversation is filled with insightful analogies and expert advice, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in navigating the complexities of AI in business and security. Let's dive in! This week on the MINDSET ZONE: 00:00 Introduction to AI in Everyday Tools 01:02 Meet Diana Kelly: Cybersecurity Powerhouse 01:49 The AI 100-foot Wave 03:42 Understanding AI Risks and Vulnerabilities 11:43 AI Literacy: A Necessity for All 18:02 Data Privacy and Security Concerns 26:00 Resources for AI Literacy and Security 29:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts About The Guest Diana Kelley is the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for Protect AI. She also serves on the boards of WiCyS, The Executive Women’s Forum (EWF), InfoSec World, CyberFuture Foundation, TechTarget Security Editorial, and DevNet AI/ML. Diana was Cybersecurity Field CTO for Microsoft, Global Executive Security Advisor at IBM Security, GM at Symantec, VP at Burton Group (now Gartner), a Manager at KPMG, CTO and co-founder of SecurityCurve, and Chief vCISO at SaltCybersecurity. Her extensive volunteer work has included serving on the ACM Ethics & Plagiarism Committee, Cybersecurity Committee Advisor at CompTIA, CTO and Board Member at Sightline Security, Advisory Board Chair at WOPLLI Technologies, Advisory Council member Bartlett College of Science and Mathematics, Bridgewater State University, and RSAC US Program Committee. She is a sought-after keynote speaker, the host of BrightTALK’s The (Security) Balancing Act, co-author of the books Practical Cybersecurity Architecture and Cryptographic Libraries for Developers, instructor for the LinkedIn Learning classes Security in AI and ML and Introduction to MLSecOps, has been a lecturer at Boston College's Masters program in cybersecurity, one of AuditBoard's Top 25 Resilient CISOs in 2024, a 2023 Global Cyber Security Hall of Fame Inductee, the EWF 2020 Executive of the Year and EWF Conference Chair 2021-Present, an SCMedia Power Player, and one of Cybersecurity Ventures 100 Fascinating Females Fighting Cybercrime. Connect with: Linkedin.com/in/dianakelleysecuritycurve/ ProtectAI.com Resources: NIST AI RMF: https://www.nist.gov/itl/ai-risk-management-framework OWASP AI Sec: https://genai.owasp.org/ OWASP AI Security and Privacy Guide: https://owasp.org/www-project-ai-security-and-privacy-guide/ MITRE ATLAS: https://atlas.mitre.org/ MLSecOps Community: https://mlsecops.com/ LinkedIn Learning: Introduction to MLSecOps Security Risks in AI and Machine Learning: Categorizing Attacks and Failure Modes Related Content: Expand What’s Possible

It's about being bold, breaking away from what I describe as the sea of sameness." - Arra Yerganian In this episode, Ana Melikian welcomes Arra Yerganian, a seasoned executive and visionary leader, to discuss a transformative approach to education. Together, they delve into the limitations of the traditional factory model of education and the innovative strategies that can redefine learning for young leaders. Arra shares his journey from a chief marketing officer to leading the Institute for Civic Leadership (ICL) Foundation, emphasizing the power of curiosity and breaking away from the sea of sameness to inspire change. He highlights the importance of purpose-driven leadership, articulating a vision that encourages young individuals to excel and become champions in their own right. The conversation explores the ICL Foundation's mission to inspire, educate, and support the next generation of leaders through engaging master classes and mentorship opportunities. Arra illustrates how world-class mentorship can combat educational inequities and rigid learning models, promoting holistic support, flexible learning, and character development. The episode also features remarkable stories of young people who, through the support of the ICL Foundation, have been able to turn challenges into opportunities for success on the global stage. Arra invites listeners to consider becoming mentors or supporters, emphasizing that every contribution makes a significant impact. Let's dive in! This week on the MINDSET ZONE: 00:00 Introduction to Factory Education Models 00:21 Meet Our Host and Guest 00:59 Ara Yarganian's Career and Insights 05:14 The Mission of the ICL Foundation 07:26 Inspiring the Next Generation 13:56 Educational Innovations and Challenges 22:10 Success Stories and Impact 25:05 Conclusion and Call to Action About The Guest Arra Yerganian has been recognized by colleagues as a ‘client-side innovator in residence, a brand and digital marketing visionary, and a customer experience evangelist’. Yerganian is a bold leader balancing patience and understanding with laser focused determination. He has led international organizations seeking measurable and impactful marketing and business development results. Arra Yerganian believe strongly that education is the great equalizer, and that no child should be held back from pursuing their passion due to financial hardship or pressure from teachers who don’t understand that a young person’s passion can shape their personality and future. To put his passions to work, he also serves as president of the ICL Foundation, a non-profit educational thinktank. Mr. Yerganian is responsible for informing and motivating champions from industry, sport, the arts, and science to financially support students who are already hard-wired for success in life. Arra Yerganian Connect with: Linkedin.com/in/arrayerganian/ TheICLfoundation.org Related Content: AI and Education: Shifting Paradigms with Nick Potkalitsky Online Learning Post-Covid19 with Danny Iny Expand What’s Possible

Kevin Surace, a Silicon Valley innovator and CEO, shares his groundbreaking insights on the "Joy-Success Cycle." He explains how integrating joy into daily routines can prevent burnout and enhance productivity. Surace encourages listeners to adopt a positive mindset, reframing challenges as opportunities, while also discussing the potential of AI to complement human capabilities rather than replace them. With practical tips on reducing negativity and embracing joy, he highlights the profound impact mindset shifts can have on both personal and professional success.

What you do not wanna do is just copy and paste AI's outputs." - Andy O'Bryan In this episode, host Ana Melikian welcomes Andy O'Bryan, a pioneer in AI-enhanced copywriting, to explore the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence in the business world. Andy shares his initial apprehensions and eventual embrace of AI technologies like ChatGPT, offering listeners insights into leveraging these tools while maintaining authenticity and humanity in content creation. Ana and Andy delve into the "humanizers movement," highlighting the importance of showcasing vulnerability and personal stories to stand out in a marketplace saturated with AI-generated content. They emphasize the need for balance, urging creators to avoid over-reliance on AI, thereby ensuring their unique creative voices remain vibrant and influential. The discussion also covers how AI can serve as a powerful ally in brainstorming and enhancing productivity, providing a nuanced approach to incorporating AI into daily workflows. By engaging and iterating with AI, content creators can develop more resonant and meaningful messages. Listen in to discover how you can ride the AI wave effectively, enrich your messaging, and use AI as a force for good in your business endeavors. Let's dive in! This week on the MINDSET ZONE: 00:00 Introduction: Navigating the AI Era 01:07 Meet Andy O'Brien: AI Copywriting Pioneer 01:54 Embracing AI: From Fear to Flourishing 03:39 The Humanizers Movement: A New Approach 04:56 Riding the AI Wave: Strategies for Success 06:47 The Power of Human Connection in AI 09:55 Creative Collaboration with AI 15:48 Avoiding AI Dependence: Staying Creative 24:03 The Humanizers Book: Breathing Life Into AI Content 27:23 Conclusion: Embrace and Humanize AI About The Guest Andy O’Bryan is a pioneer in the field of AI-enhanced copywriting and the driving force behind The Humanizers movement. With a writing career spanning over two decades, Andy has helped thousands of solopreneurs, coaches, and marketers transform their content through a unique approach that blends empathy, creativity, and cutting-edge AI tools. As the author of the acclaimed, bestselling book The Humanizers and the co-founder of the AI Success Club, Andy empowers businesses to unlock AI’s potential while staying authentically human. Before diving into AI-driven content strategies, Andy built a thriving career in copywriting, specializing in making high-converting sales copy feel personal and relatable. He’s since evolved into an author and trainer, showcasing how humanization in marketing can not only increase conversions but also build deeper connections with audiences. Passionate about creativity and personal development, Andy O’Bryan believes that AI, when used thoughtfully, can amplify human ingenuity rather than replace it. When he’s not crafting content or developing new frameworks, Andy enjoys inspiring others through his Substack newsletter, YouTube channel, and live workshops. Connect with: Linkedin.com/in/andyobryan andyobryan.com Resources: Book: The Humanizers: Breathing Life Into AI-Generated Content by Andy O'Bryan Substack: thehumanizers.substack.com Related Content: Expand What’s Possible