“For me, there was no option of ‘Can I? Should I?’ I just did it.”Izabela Lundberg Today, Izabela joins me to share her story, discussing how her experience escaping the war zone of the Yugoslav Wars with her sister helped to prepare her for the work she does with organizations and leaders today. She talks about the turning point that occurred with her father’s dying words, notes the power of following your instincts when it comes to defeating fear, and emphasizes the importance of embracing change. We talk about the problem with directly comparing your struggles to others’, and Izabela discusses how to overcome the fear of being rejected. This Week on The Mindset Zone: Izabela’s storyThe power of following your instinctsIzabela’s experience coming to the USHow Izabela’s experience prepared her for her work todayEmbracing changeExamining your fear The Guest: Izabela Lundberg hosts the Legacy Leaders Show, a top-rated global business and entrepreneurship podcast offering real and raw business, sport, and life lessons with practical advice for current and upcoming leaders. Izabela's superpower is working with leaders and organizations ready to disrupt the status quo, take risks, and lead like a champion while solving, transforming, and accelerating the expansion and growth of their thriving teams and organizations. She has a dynamic worldview after living in six countries, speaking six languages, and traveling to over 50 countries working with diverse organizations. Izabela is a recognized catalyst of sustainable solutions for global leaders and their most pressing challenges. Resources Mentioned: Connect with Izabela Lundberg: Website | LinkedInRecommend book: The World Messenger: From Fear to Greatness: Business, Sports & Life Lessons by Izabela Lundberg Expand what's possible!

“Defining a belief is filling in the gap between knowing and not knowing.”Natasha Todorovic-Cowan Today, Natasha joins me to talk about Spiral Dynamics®. She explains what it is and why it’s important, sharing clients’ stories. She discusses relationship systems, explaining why they’re important for mutual understanding as we change, evolve, develop, and grow. Natasha shares her experience and memories of former Yugoslavia. She offers her tips on navigating the change and disruption caused by Covid-19, notes the importance of asking how other people hold their beliefs and shares her 5 Point Model of Change. This Week on The Mindset Zone: What is Spiral Dynamics®Human nature and how we change, evolve, develop, and growWhy we need to see each other in systems instead of transactionallyNavigating Covid 19 disruptionsThe 5 Point Model of Change The Guest: Natasha Todorovic-Cowan is the CEO and co-founder of the National Values-Center Consulting (and owner of Spiral Dynamics® brand). For over 25 years, she has been working with leaders, consultants, coaches, and organizations applying her proprietary Spiral Dynamics® cultural DNA survey, leadership assessments, and change readiness index to predict hurdles to change. Her techniques for handling corporate change are rooted in 70 years of research and application in a variety of industries and sectors. She has delivered over 200 Spiral Dynamics® certification programs in 14+ countries and on 5 continents! She has spoken at the World Future Society Conference on the future of work and running online programs since 2010, helping people connect and understand human factors through technological tools as well as in person. Resources Mentioned: Connect with Natasha Todorovic-Cowan: spiraldynamics.org | LinkedInRecommend book: Levels of Human Existence Expand what's possible!

“The antidote is action.”Dr. Libba Pinchot Today, Dr. Pinchot joins me to talk about how we can help people cultivate innovation. She defines innovation, explaining why it’s not top-down. We discuss the mindset of innovation and talk about the different types of failure, noting that some failure is good and acceptable. We talk about the price of disengaged employees and share some statistics on the mindset of today’s youth. Dr. Pinchot notes the need for integrity in companies, emphasizes the importance of avoiding blaming and shaming, and posits that people are basically good. Scroll down for the transcript... This Week on the Mindset Zone: Cultivating innovationThe definition of innovationWhy innovation isn’t top-downWhy the mindset doesn’t just reside in the individualThe different types of mistakesHow the definition of intrapreneurship has changed over the yearsThe definition of integrity The Guest: Dr. Libba Pinchot is a nationally recognized expert in helping leaders achieve triple bottom line success (Profit, People, Planet) through widespread innovation and intrapreneurial engagement. She specializes in creating organizational transformations designed to spread throughout the company, the supply chain, and well beyond. She loves working with extraordinary leaders and organizations dedicated to making people and the world better. She has worked with companies such as Apple, IBM, Intel, HP, Texas Instruments, DuPont, Exxon, GE, P&G, J&J, Ford, and Stanford University. Resources Mentioned: Connect with Libba Pinchot: Intrapreneur.com | LinkedInBook recommendation: Intrapreneuring in Action: A Handbook for Business InnovationArticle: Young People's Voices on Climate Anxiety, Government Betrayal, and Moral Injury: A Global Phenomenon. Summary transcript of the interview: Ana Melikian: Dr. Libba Pinchot is a nationally recognized expert on helping leaders achieve triple bottom line success through widespread innovation and intrapreneurial engagement. It’s truly my pleasure to have you here in the Mindset Zone podcast to speak about how can we help people cultivate innovation and seems logical that the first question to be: how do you define innovation? Libba Pinchot: Thank you so much, Ana. The simplest definition is meeting the needs of the future starting now. The point about innovation is that there was a long tradition of innovation being very top-down in these big organizations. And it wasn't very successful because in actual fact the number of people in the organization, the number of brains in the organization, are spread throughout the employee base. Everybody has an opportunity to improve the way work is done, how the customer is served, how other employees can benefit, how communities and societies can benefit, and so. Innovation isn't top-down. Everyone sees ways that they can improve things. And if they're engaged and supported in making changes, that benefit both the company and the future and society, they love coming to work, being able to innovate. Ana Melikian: I love that. So, it's not so much about gaskets or technology, but about a mindset of innovation. Libba Pinchot: It is about the mindset of innovation. I'm in the right place. I see. Ana Melikian: Yes. I love it. Innovation as "meeting the needs of the future." And by tapping into the collective, not just the leaders of the organization, but truly the collective of all stakeholders it may be possible to be in sync with what is going to happen in the future to be able to meet those needs. Is that the idea? Libba Pinchot: Yes. The mindset isn't just residing in the individuals, whether they're an innovation specialist or sustainability specialist, or just all of us average people who have jobs in companies. The innovation is in a context with a lot of barriers in it. For example, there's a drive in all companies that everything has to be profitable. To get the resources,

“You were inspired by somebody and you have a request? Make it! That's why you're here! Experiment with it, and I think you'll be shocked about what happens."Mel Robbins Sometimes we humor our knee-jerk reactions of resistance too much. In this episode, I talk about Mel Robbins’ The 5 Second Rule, explaining why and how to listen more to our good impulses before doubts have a chance to creep in. I summarize Mel’s thesis that, if you don’t physically act on an impulse within five seconds, you kill it. I explain why I initially resist her message and why I’ve been converted. I note the power of counting backward, explaining why it’s effective, and I explore the different ways to use the #5SecondRule. This Week on The Mindset Zone: Mel Robbins’ 5 Second RuleWhy your problem isn’t that you don’t have enough ideasWhy counting down to the moment of action is effectiveThe different ways to use the 5 Second RuleHow a triangle can help us change Resources Mentioned: The 5 Second Rule by Mel RobbinsMel Robbins: How to Stop Screwing Yourself Over Expand what's possible! Transcript of this episode: I still remember clearly, walking down the stairs in my family house where I grew up in Portugal, thinking about something I wanted to do.  Without saying anything to my mom about my desires she would somehow suggest the same thing I had been thinking. And just like that, her suggestion was the kiss of death to my desire. Maybe this is typical teenage resistance. Annoying as it must have been to my mother, perhaps my resistance was good, a sign I  wanted to create my own way and identity.  Fast forward to the present time, now in my late forties, I still sometimes get the knee-jerk reaction of resisting things that are good for me. In 2021, I had come across the work of Mel Robbins several times, by references to her book "The 5 Second Rule," her keynotes, or interviews she did in podcasts and other media. My first impression of Mel was very positive. I like her high energy and go-getter attitude. My curiosity was further sparked by her telling the story that her 5-second rule was almost an after-thought to end her now-famous TEDx "How to stop screwing yourself over." So, I decided to watch it. I thought she had done a great job and found the 5-second rule concept interesting. Mel explains: "If you have one of those little impulses that are pulling you, if you don't marry it with an action within five seconds, you pull the emergency brake and kill the idea. Kill it! If you have the impulse to get up and come dance while the band is playing, if you don't stand up in five seconds, you're going to pull the emergency brake. If you have an impulse about, you were inspired by somebody's speech today, and you don't do something within five seconds – write a note, send yourself a text –anything physical to marry it with the idea, you will pull the emergency brake and kill the idea." She follows up by saying, and I absolutely love this part: "Your problem isn't ideas. Your problem is you don't act on them. You kill them. It's not my fault. It's not anybody's fault. You're doing it to yourself. Stop it!" Then, she goes on to challenge the audience: "I want you to practice the 5-second-rule. You see somebody and you think you have an impulse, they look interesting? Walk over there! You were inspired by somebody and you have a request? Make it! That's why you're here! Experiment with it, and I think you'll be shocked about what happens." I love this challenge to action. It's a great example of how we can start the change process through a simple act - just doing it! But do you need a book, a 240-page book to explain what Mel did so clearly in 2-minutes in her talk? So, I initially resisted getting the book, but because references to it keep popping up in several places, and Mel Robbins is one of the most sought-after motivational spea...

“Every business I’ve ever started, I knew nothing about…it just shows, if you’re passionate about wanting to learn something, you can learn it.”Debbie Allen Today, Debbie joins me to share her story. She talks about the importance of the learning journey, shares why she moved from entrepreneurship to coaching and mentoring and notes the importance of putting one foot in front of the other. She discusses why she decided to write her most recent book, explaining why success is easy and noting that all you need to do to succeed is be willing to learn. She emphasizes the power of coaches and mentors, and we discuss growth mindset. She notes the importance of having a backup plan, explains why failure is a lesson, defines success, and shares how to know if you’re on the wrong path. This Week on The Mindset Zone: The need for a sharp mindsetThe importance of putting one foot in front of the otherThe power of coaches and mentorsGrowth mindsetThe importance of backup plansFailing forwardWhy it shouldn’t be hard to be successfulHow to know when it’s time to switch gears The Guest: Debbie Allen was an entrepreneur at 19, and over the course of her career, she has built and sold several billion-dollar businesses. She is an accomplished speaker and the author of nine books, her latest being Success Is Easy: Shameless, No-nonsense Strategies to Win in Business. Resources from this Episode: Connect with Debbie Allen: Website | LinkedInDebbie's book: Success Is Easy: Shameless, No-nonsense Strategies to Win in Business by Debbie Allen Related Mindset Zone episodes Growth Mindset – Yes, We Can Learn It Expand what's possible!

Tommy Acierno Interviews Ana Melikian, Ph.D. “Life is two days, and the first we spend waking up.”Ana Melikian, Ph.D. In this rebroadcasted episode, Tommy and I have a conversation about how our mindsets influence our relationships, career, and success. We note that to create real, sustainable, and lasting change, it’s up to us to align our mindsets with a sound strategy and take actions to implement it. We note a line from a Portuguese song, discussing what it means to wake up, why we have multiple “wake-ups” in our life, and what to do about it. This Week on The Mindset Zone: The influence of mindsets on relationships, careers, and successes.Aligning mindsets with sound strategy and concrete actions.What it means to wake up in life. About Tommy Acierno: After 12 years working and leading teams at companies like Google and Trimble, Tommy Acierno created a unique private coaching practice focused on helping successful professionals experience deep fulfillment in their careers, relationships, and spirituality. He is also a Lead Trainer for the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC). Resources from this Episode: Connect with Tommy Acierno: Website | LinkedIn Related Mindset Zone episodes: Life is two days, and the first we spend waking upMindset Limitations: Pursuing HappinessThe Other Side of Mindset Limitations Expand what's possible!

“The process of networking means doing the work of connecting with people. Whether you’re introverted or extroverted, you like connecting with people.”Joe Apfelbaum Joe joins me to talk about his book and how to overcome the fear of networking. He tells the story of his first failed experience with networking and shares what it taught him about the real meaning of networking. He explains why networking doesn’t have anything to do with being introverted or extroverted, and he notes that there are many shades of mindset between fixed and growth. He issues a call to stop making excuses, and he shares the three facets that make up a mindset. He notes the power of consistency, explains why being in business for the money doesn’t work, and notes the importance of self-knowledge and doing what brings you joy. He also gives an overview of what you’ll find in his book, “High Energy Networking: get anything you want in life while building meaningful relationships that last a lifetime.” This Week on The Mindset Zone: Fixed and growth mindsets and everything in between.Why networking doesn’t have anything to do with being introverted or extroverted, and what these terms really mean.Why it’s time to stop making excuses.How our mindset differs in different areas.Networking as a way of looking to add value to others’ lives. The Guest: Joe Apfelbaum is the author of five books and CEO of Ajax Union, a B2B digital marketing agency based in New York. He is a business strategist, a marketing expert, and a certified Google trainer. He is a divorced dad of five, a rollerblader, a runner, a stand-up comedian, and an amateur rapper. His most recent book is High Energy Networking: Get Anything You Want in Life While Building Meaningful Relationships That Last a Lifetime. Resources from this Episode: Connect with Joe Apfelbaum: Website | LinkedInJoe's book: High Energy Networking: get anything you want in life while building meaningful relationships that last a lifetimeMindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck Related Mindset Zone episodes Growth Mindset – Yes, We Can Learn ItBlind Spots – We All Have ThemThe Power of YET – A Growth Mindset Secret Expand what's possible!

Don Hutcheson interviews Ana Melikian, Ph.D. “We have to learn to be forgiving [towards ourselves]--that is part of the process. And by persisting, mainly in the beginning...that is what allows us to transform and then create a new habit.”Ana Melikian In this episode, we are rebroadcasting a conversation where Don Hutcheson interviews Ana Melikian, Ph.D., the host of the Mindset Zone podcast. We talk about how to change our mindsets, what mindset is, Carol Dweck’s work, and glasses as a mindset metaphor. We note that the capacity to change is especially important when circumstances demand more flexibility, resilience, and innovative solutions. I also share advice on what to do when you’re finding it hard to change your mindset, emphasizing that, though it is difficult, it’s worth it. This Week on The Mindset Zone: What is mindset?The glasses metaphor of mindset.The work of Carol Dweck on growth and fixed mindsets.Learning to identify our fixed mindset and how to talk back to our fixed mindset voice with a growth mindset voice.Going beyond awareness.The blind spot analogy. About Don Hutcheson: Don Hutcheson is an entrepreneur for the last 45 years and has created six innovative companies in the fields of career planning, publishing, and advertising. Except for the three years he served in the U.S. Army as a Russian Linguist, he has never had a “boss.” He is also a coach, author, and host of the "Discover Your Talent–Do What You Love" podcast. Resources from this Episode: Connect with Don Hutcheson: Website | LinkedInDiscover Your Talent PodcastMindset: The New Psychology of Success Related Mindset Zone episodes: Growth Mindset – Yes, We Can Learn ItThe Power of YET – A Growth Mindset SecretMindset Limitations: Pursuing Happiness Expand what's possible!

Vered Kogan interviews Ana Melikian, Ph.D. “Try not run to fix it. Listen. Ask questions. Be more coach like.”Ana Melikian In this episode, we are rebroadcasting a conversation where Vered Kogan interviews Ana Melikian, Ph.D., the host of the Mindset Zone podcast. Vered starts by asking Ana about her professional background and hobbies, and then they quickly dive into the mindset topic that both are passionate about. Ana starts by explaining how she defines mindsets. She goes on to explain her conceptual model that sees mindsets as one side of a triangle, that is complemented by the other two sides, strategy, and implementation. They explore how mindsets can help us to be more flexible and resilient. This Week on The Mindset Zone: What is mindset?Ana’s triangle model.Importance of actions to change our mindsets.The importance of mindset in crisis and change challenges such as the COVID19.Viktor Frankl's role model for searching for meaning.Practical examples of how to exercise our mindsetsTips for unfocusing after work, and why it’s different for everybodyThe importance of gratitude About Vered Kogan: Vered Kogan is an extraordinary coach and speaker who focuses on helping entrepreneurs, organizations, and individuals tap into the power of human performance and potential. Today’s conversation originally aired on her podcast, The Mindset Game. Resources from this Episode: Connect with Vered Kogan: Website | LinkedIn | PodcastThe Mindset Game Podcast Related Mindset Zone episodes: Focus To Succeed (with Omar Zenhom)Focus Without FocusUnfocus To Focus Expand what's possible!

“It's your life. Make it sing.”Lowry Olfson Lowry joins me on the podcast to talk about his definition of mindset. He talks about the importance of being aware of your mindset and we discuss what makes a good mindset. We talk about managing your energy to avoid burnout. He explains what PowerSongs are, sharing the story of how he stumbled onto them and explaining why they have the power to transform a mindset. He tells the stories of different people he’s worked with to create their own PowerSongs, and he shares how you can reach out to write one with him yourself. This Week on The Mindset Zone: Lowry’s definition of mindset.The importance of being aware of your mindset.What makes a good mindset.Managing your energy to avoid burnout.The power of PowerSongs.The meaning of magnificence.What goes into creating a PowerSong. The Guest: Lowry Olafson has written songs since he was a kid. He has made it as a singer/songwriter, releasing nine albums and touring the globe. As a keynote speaker, Lowry inspires people to be more resilient. He also leverages talent and experience to produce audio branding for businesses and organizations, and he loves to co-create PowerSongs with teams, families, couples, and individuals so that they can connect more deeply with their mission, value, and vision. Resources from this Episode: Connect with Lowry Olafson: Website | LinkedInLearn more about PowerSong at powersongs.ca Related Mindset Zone episodes: Shift Your Mindset With Music Expand what's possible!