MINDSET ZONE

What makes B corps different from just any other company out there is they're thinking about how they generate that profit, and they're trying to do it in a way that is having a positive impact in the world." - Carolina Miranda In this episode, the host, Ana Melikian, delves into the world of B Corp Certification with Carolina Miranda, the founder  of Cultivating Capital that works with small businesses to implement sustainable business practices. Together, they unpack the significance and impact of B Corps on society and the business world. The conversation emphasizes the growing consumer awareness and the power of purchasing decisions in supporting B Corps. Ana notes how consumers, herself included, now actively look for the B Corp label when making choices about what to buy, from coffee to clothing. Carolina explains that companies of various sizes, including small and micro-businesses, can achieve B Corp status, debunking the myth that it's only for large corporations. They also delve into the "We The Change" group, noting its mission of inclusivity, collaboration, and systemic impact, highlighting inspiring stories from within the community. Ana reflects on her personal journey towards becoming B Corp certified, recounting experiences that underscored the importance and impact of joining this supportive community. Let's dive in! This week on the MINDSET ZONE: 00:00 Introduction to the Mindset Zone 00:52 Celebrating B Corp Certification 01:54 Interview with Carolina Miranda 02:39 Understanding B Corps 04:34 The B Impact Assessment 05:42 The Importance of Profit and Values 07:17 Recruitment and Retention Advantages 10:42 Global Growth of B Corps 13:43 Supporting B Corps as Consumers 18:15 We The Change: B Corp Women CEOs 27:57 Personal and Business Transformation 30:18 Conclusion and Resources Guest Carolina Miranda is the founder and CEO of Cultivating Capital, a Certified B Corporation that works with small businesses to implement sustainable business practices. As a B Corp consultant, Carolina has helped businesses achieve B Corp certification, increase impact and score with recertification, and develop action plans for team engagement. Before founding Cultivating Capital, Carolina served as a Green Business Consultant for the Alameda County Green Business Program for over 10 years. She is also the former Chairperson of the advisory board of the Sustainable Business Alliance of the East Bay and served as a sustainability coach for REV Sustainability. She holds a Master of Business Administration degree in Sustainable Enterprise from the Dominican University of California and a Bachelor of Arts in English and History from the College of Wooster. Resources Mentioned: B Lab Global Site WeTheChange Related Content: The Art of Supportive Confrontation with Flip Brown Antidote for Quiet Quitting with Anne-Claire Broughton Connect with Carolina Miranda: Cultivating Capital B Impact Collective Cultivating Capital on LinkedIn Carolina Miranda on LinkedIn Expand What’s Possible

We have a growth mindset in certain areas of our lives, but have fixed mindsets in other areas. The fixed mindsets that we are not aware of can prevent us from being successful." -Ana Melikian. Ph.D. In this episode, the host, Ana Melikian, delves into the transformative concept of the growth mindset. Rebroadcasting a classic episode from 2014, Ana revisits the crucial distinction between a growth mindset and a fixed mindset, unpacking how our beliefs about intelligence and talent can profoundly impact our success. Ana highlights that while we might embrace a growth mindset in certain areas, we often unknowingly hold onto fixed mindsets in others, which can hinder our progress. She guides listeners through an insightful exercise to evaluate their own perspectives on artistic talent, illustrating how adopting a growth mindset can lead to significant personal and professional development. Listeners are also invited to reflect on their attitudes towards sales skills, challenging the commonly held fixed mindset that many professionals have in this area. Through practical steps and examples, Ana empowers us to recognize and shift these limiting beliefs, ultimately helping us to unlock our full potential. Let's dive in! This week on the MINDSET ZONE: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:04 Celebrating the 10-Year Anniversary with a Rebroadcast 02:19 Defining Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset 03:32 Exercise on Artistic Talent and Mindset 09:58 Discovering the Power of Learning and Drawing 11:28 Fixed vs. Growth Mindset in Professional Skills 12:41 Exercise on Sales Skills and Mindset 16:39 Recognizing Fixed Mindsets in Different Areas 18:31 Four Steps to Shift from Fixed to Growth Mindset 23:45 Final Thoughts and Encouragement 24:26 Invitation to Share and Spread the Word 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! Connect with: Ana on LinkedIn Resources: Carol Dweck's book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success DrawRight.com DRSB Online Workshop & Students' Before and Afters Related episodes: Expand What’s Possible

Resilience is that quality that allows some people to be knocked down by life and come back stronger than ever." -Ana Melikian, Ph.D. In this episode, Ana Melikian delves into the essential yet challenging topic of resilience in the face of failure. Revisiting an episode from 2014, Ana corrects her previous notion of merely accepting the possibility of failure for success. Instead, she boldly states that to succeed, we must build a strong resilience to failure. Ana breaks down the definitions of resilience, emphasizing its role in psychology and personal growth. She highlights the inspiring figures who have bounced back from setbacks stronger than ever and makes a compelling case for why resilience is a skill that can be developed, not an innate talent one is born with. Through personal anecdotes and practical resources like a short video interview with Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx, and the book "Go for No," Ana introduces actionable steps to foster resilience. She underlines the importance of reframing failure as a learning opportunity and encourages listeners to shift their mindset from fearing failure to embracing it as a part of the journey toward success. Ana's message is clear: don't shy away from failure; instead, see it as a critical step in the process. She invites listeners to adopt the habit of asking themselves, "What did I fail at today?" to normalize failure and view it as a positive force for growth and achievement. Let's dive in! This week on the MINDSET ZONE: 00:07 Introduction and Welcome 00:20 Celebrating Ten Years of The Mindset Zone Podcast 01:20 Correcting the Idea of Failure for Success 02:45 Defining Resilience and Its Importance 04:11 Can Resilience be Learned? 05:17 Ana's Personal Journey with Failure 06:32 The Importance of Embracing Failure in Business 07:54 Sara Blakely's Story and the Importance of Reframing Failure 09:53 Practical Steps to Increase Failure Resilience 11:20 Ana's Personal "Failure" Example 12:29 Recommended Resource: "Go for No" Book 13:04 Reframing the Success/Failure Dichotomy 15:06 Embracing Failure as Stepping Stones to Success 15:34 Investing in Resources to Build Failure Resilience 17:56 Final Thoughts and Encouragement 18:26 Invitation to Share the Episode 19:07 Episode Conclusion and Appreciation for Listeners 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! Connect with: Ana on LinkedIn Resources: Sara Blakely: "What did I fail at today?” Related episodes: Expand What’s Possible

Every time you hear a voice saying “You are not______.”Add YET: “I am not ______ YET. -From Dr. Dweck's Mindset work. In this episode, host Ana Melikian delves into the concept of the "power of yet" and its pivotal role in fostering a growth mindset. Drawing from the renowned work of Dr. Carol Dweck, Ana underscores how our mindsets shape the way we view the world and our behaviors within it. Ana introduces listeners to the transformative potential of adopting a growth mindset versus staying stuck in a fixed mindset. She shares insights from Dr. Dweck’s TED Talk, "The Power of Believing That You Can Improve," emphasizing how children and adults alike can unlock their potential by embracing challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. Listeners will hear powerful examples of how the simple addition of the word "yet" can turn perceived failures into future successes. Dr. Dweck’s research reveals how mindset influences brain activity, highlighting the stark contrasts between those who engage with their mistakes to learn and those who shy away from errors. Ana also shares practical advice for cultivating a growth mindset in our personal and professional lives, including the impact of adding "yet" to our self-talk. This simple act can open ourselves to the possibilities that come with continuous growth and learning. Feel the power of "yet" and see the vast opportunities that emerge when you cultivate a growth mindset in your life. Let's dive in! This week on the MINDSET ZONE: 00:07 Introduction and Welcome 00:20 Supporting Impact and Preventing Burnout 00:57 Topic Overview 02:57 The Foundation of Fixed and Growth Mindsets 04:00 Dr. Carol Dweck’s Insights on Learning Challenges 06:18 Reflecting on Research Findings 08:46 Practical Strategies from Dr. Dweck 12:18 Cultivating Resilience and Growth 13:18 Final Thoughts 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! Connect with: Ana on LinkedIn Resources: Book: Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck Dr. Dweck TED Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-swZaKN2Ic Related episodes: Expand What’s Possible

If we take this as an opportunity to reinvent our work, the future of work, We have an opportunity to create a much better future to everybody involved." - Ana Melikian, Ph.D. In this episode, Jason Raitz, the host of Speak with People podcast, interviews Ana Melikian creating an engaging conversation on the technological revolution and its potential impacts on society. Ana discusses the importance of intentional human engagement with technology to prevent adverse outcomes like burnout, and Jason emphasizes the need for mindful consumption of social media. Delving into self-leadership, Ana advocates for individuals to consciously manage their technology use and mindsets to harness their full potential. She uses the analogy of 'sharpening the pencil' to underscore the need for breaks to improve effectiveness and prevent burnout—a concept linked to changing tires in a Formula 1 race or taking off-seasons in sports. Burnout prevention is a major focus, with Ana outlining early signs such as overextension and disengagement. She advises managers to use research-backed surveys to assess team burnout levels and design action plans, highlighting the importance of self-awareness among leaders. Ana defines mindset as habits of mind formed by past experiences, stressing the challenge of changing entrenched habits and the importance of maintaining a learning mindset. The conversation addresses generational differences in adapting to technology, particularly AI. Let's dive in! ***This episode is rebroadcast here at the MINDSET ZONE® with explicit consent from Jason Raitz, the host of the “Speak With People” podcast. This week on the MINDSET ZONE podcast: 00:00 Introduction to the Future of Work 01:02 Interview with Ana Malikian 01:48 Ana's Background and Work Culture Insights 04:45 Understanding Mindsets and Overcoming Barriers 08:05 The Role of Technology and AI 15:32 Burnout Prevention and Management 21:52 Personal Journey and Final Thoughts 29:09 Conclusion and Resources 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! Related episodes: Expand What’s Possible!

We had a kind of a moment where we realized that the AI was making us better people, and that's when we realized the two come together." -Mitch Mitchem In this episode, Ana Melikian interviews Mitch Mitchem, CEO of Hive Interactive. The discussion delves into how integrating AI technology with human-centric strategies can enhance productivity and preserve human essence. Mitch shares his experiences transitioning from a dating app entrepreneur to leading Hive Interactive, emphasizing the importance of empathy, communication, and human connection in the workplace. The episode highlights how AI, when used intentionally, can help individuals and organizations work more efficiently, creating a sustainable and impactful future without increasing burnout. Let's dive in! This week on Mindset Zone: 00:00 Introduction to the Mindset Zone 00:51 Meet Mitch Mitchem: CEO of Hive Interactive 01:57 The Human Element in Technology 06:06 Integrating AI with Human First Strategies 09:43 Leveraging AI for Better Productivity 13:42 The Future of Work with AI 23:29 Cultivating the Right Mindset for AI 27:19 Conclusion and Resources/sp Meet Our Guest: Mitch Mitchem is the dynamic CEO of HIVE Interactive, a company at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge AI technology with human-first strategies for trade shows, events, and corporate training. With a diverse background that includes serving as the CEO of a successful dating app he later sold, Mitch brings a unique blend of entrepreneurial experience, tech expertise, and entertainment-driven engagement to his work. Under Mitch’s leadership, HIVE Interactive collaborates with major organizations like VISIT Denver, Microsoft, and a Major League Baseball teams to implement AI solutions that drive real, tangible change. His work focuses on ensuring that while AI optimizes and enhances operations, the human element remains central to every experience. Mitch’s high-energy, hands-on approach ensures that while technology evolves, human connection remains at the heart of every event and marketing strategy. Resources: Website LinkedIn Profile Related episodes: Expand What’s Possible!

Use AI to help you do the work, not to avoid the work." - Dale Bertrand In this episode, Ana Melikian sits down with Dale Bertrand, the founder of FireSpark, to discuss the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the workplace and beyond. They delve into how AI is reshaping business models, marketing strategies, and even the daily tasks we perform. Dale, an expert in AI and a veteran in the marketing industry, shares his insights on how leaders and employees can harness the potential of AI to enhance productivity, improve quality, and drive innovation. Ana and Dale emphasize the importance of approaching AI as a tool to augment human capabilities rather than replace them. They discuss the need for a societal decision on how AI should be integrated responsibly to benefit humanity. Dale offers practical advice for leaders on how to navigate this AI revolution by focusing on training, allowing time for experimentation, and leveraging AI to push the boundaries of what’s possible in their respective fields. Ana and Dale also touch on the fears and reservations people have regarding AI, acknowledging that while AI can take over certain tasks, it should ultimately be used to enrich human work and life. They stress the importance of maintaining a proactive and positive mindset towards AI adoption and the necessity of involving diverse voices in the conversation to ensure equitable and beneficial outcomes. Let's dive in! This week on The Mindset Zone: 00:07 Introduction and Welcome 01:02 Special Guest: Dale Bertrand's Background 02:06 The Impact of AI on Various Business Functions 04:09 Navigating the Human Side of AI Disruption 06:14 Historical Context and Evolution of AI 08:45 The Importance of Human Decision-Making in AI Regulation 10:30 Practical Use and Integration of AI Tools in Business 13:37 Enhancing Quality and Innovation with AI 15:15 The Paradigm Shift in Using AI for Better Work 18:05 Embracing AI as an Amplifier of Human Expertise 21:08 The Need for Training and Experimentation with AI 23:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Meet Our Guest: Dale Bertrand has been an SEO specialist for Fortune 500 companies and venture-backed startups around the world for two decades. His clients include global brands such as Citizen Watch, Nestle, Raymond Weil, Exxon Mobil, and Bulova. He applies his graduate school work in artificial intelligence to search engine marketing. Dale speaks at industry conferences, leads corporate training events, and serves as Entrepreneur in Residence at the Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs Organization. He has trained marketing professionals from TripAdvisor, Microsoft, HubSpot, Digitas, Exxon Mobile, and Proctor & Gamble. Dale has BS and MS degrees in Computer Engineering from Brown University. Resources: Website LinkedIn Profile Related episodes: Expand What’s Possible!

"It doesn't matter how fast you're going if you're going in the wrong direction." - Seth Godin In this episode, host Ana Melikian sits down with the renowned author Seth Godin to discuss the profound importance of strategy in an era of rapid technological change. Seth emphasizes that it doesn't matter how fast we're moving if we're headed in the wrong direction, urging listeners to reconsider the frenetic pace of modern life and focus on thoughtful, deliberate actions. Ana and Seth explore how the accelerating pace of innovation, particularly with AI, necessitates a refined approach to strategy and planning. They highlight the importance of recognizing systems and leveraging them to achieve meaningful and impactful goals. Seth also shares his innovative approach to writing and presenting his new book, "This Is Strategy: Make Better Plans." The book and its companion strategy deck are designed to provoke conversations and spur readers to think critically about their objectives and the systems they navigate. Join us as we dive deep into the convergence of personal development, strategic planning, and technological advancement. Together, we’ll uncover insights that can help you navigate this dynamic landscape and harness these tools to create a better future. Let's dive in! This week on the MINDSET ZONE podcast: 00:00 Direction over speed. 04:38 Understand the system to achieve desired outcomes. 08:46 Define change you seek to make first. 11:39 Systems adapt and disruptions create opportunities. 14:49 AI is challenging established systems. 16:33 Quality trumps origin. 21:16 Encouraging open discussion and conversations. 25:10 Comprehensive approach: inner work, teamwork, and systems. Meet the Guest: Seth Godin is the author of 21 international bestsellers that have changed the way people think about work and art. They have been translated into 38 languages.  His breakthrough books include Unleashing the Ideavirus, Permission Marketing, Purple Cow, Tribes, The Dip, Linchpin, The Practice, and This is Marketing. His new book, This is Strategy, is an essential guide to thinking strategically in a complex, ever-changing world. He writes one of the most popular daily blogs in the world and has given 5 TED talks. He is the founder of the altMBA, the former VP of Direct Marketing at Yahoo!, and the founder of the pioneering online startup Yoyodyne. Resources: Website: sethgodin.com Book-related resources: https://seths.blog/tis/ Related Episodes: Between stimulus and response, there is this space Cultivating Innovation with Libba Pinchot, Ph.D. Expand What’s Possible!

We can use it as a way to harness and enhance us and our humanity, or can be another thing to take us into the path of burnout, mainly in the workplace." - Ana Melikian, Ph.D. In this episode, Ana Melikian is interviewed by Laura Perez Ehrheart, the host of the Masters of Leadership podcast. They delve into the pressing issues of systemic burnout and the transformative role AI can play in our lives. Ana shares her vision for how AI skills will become a cornerstone for job retention in the future, urging societies to adapt to technological advancements thoughtfully. The discussion pivots to self-leadership, personal growth, and grounding as essential elements for navigating the accelerated pace of change. Laura reflects on AI's potential to boost efficiency, emphasizing responsible use as an augmentation rather than a replacement for human ingenuity. They delve into ethical leadership and the necessity of maintaining organizational values, mission, and vision to avoid reactive approaches to technological developments. By exploring the historical context and current applications of AI—from medicine to animal communication research—Ana highlights both the potential and challenges of AI. She passionately advocates for using AI to enhance humanity while preventing dehumanization and encourages a mindset shift in businesses to view AI as an opportunity. Let's dive in! ***This episode is rebroadcast here at the MINDSET ZONE® with explicit consent from Laura Perez Ehrheart, the host of the “Masters of Leadership” podcast. This week on the MINDSET ZONE podcast: 00:00 Introduction and Mission Statement 01:20 Introduction to Dr. Ana Melikian 02:12 The Intersection of Psychology and AI 03:48 Historical Context of AI 06:08 AI's Role in Human Potential 07:28 Technological Evolution and Human Adaptation 09:40 Current AI Applications in Medicine and Beyond 11:36 AI in Small to Medium-Sized Businesses 13:49 Mindset Shifts and AI Adoption 15:34 Ethical and Social Implications of AI 16:44 Ethical Considerations in AI Development 17:49 AI in Business: Balancing Efficiency and Trust 19:04 The Human Touch in a Tech-Driven World 20:46 Future Predictions: AI's Impact in the Next Decade 22:52 Social Implications of AI on the Workforce 27:11 Ethical Leadership in the Age of AI 29:16 Conclusion and Final 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: Masters of Leadership Podcast: E24 Artificial Intelligence: The Future and Human Potential Anthropology and the Future of AI with Giles Crouch Using AI to Decode Animal Communication with Aza Raskin https://youtu.be/3tUXbbbMhvk?si=LB4ThgAu6ENSVB-i Related episodes: Expand What’s Possible!

"When a client is journaling every single day, they make progress. When they journal with a coach every day, it's lightning speed progress." - Kim Ades In this episode, host Ana Melikian welcomes Kim Ades, founder of Frame of Mind Coaching, to delve into the powerful practice of journaling and its transformative effects, particularly for leaders. Ana and Kim discuss the unique challenges that leaders often face, such as isolation, human friction, chronic dissatisfaction, and 'slippage'—when important things slip through the cracks. Kim outlines how journaling can serve as a critical tool for overcoming these obstacles, leading to heightened self-awareness and professional growth. Kim shares her coaching techniques, explaining how she integrates daily journaling with her clients to gather deep insights, track progress, and cultivate a profound coach-client relationship. This method not only accelerates personal development but also documents tangible ROI through the clients' own words. The discussion further explores the practicalities of incorporating journaling into a busy schedule, the importance of personalized coaching interactions, and the unexpected benefits of this practice. Whether you're a seasoned leader or someone looking to enhance your personal development, this episode offers invaluable insights into the transformative power of journaling. Let's dive in! This Week on the MINDSET ZONE: 00:07 Introduction and Welcome 01:43 Guest Introduction: Kim Ades' Background 02:14 Challenges Leaders Face 03:23 Isolation and Feeling Out of Place 04:57 Human Friction: Overt and Covert Conflict 05:41 Chronic Dissatisfaction and Its Impact 06:19 'Slippage': Overlooking Important Aspects 07:10 How Journaling Fits In 08:20 Journaling and Leadership Coaching 09:19 Building Trust Through Daily Journaling 10:15 Tracking Progress and ROI with Journals 11:03 Practicalities of Daily Journaling 11:41 The Unexpected Benefits and Surprises 13:50 Providing Extraordinary Coaching Experiences 15:25 Client Case Studies and Testimonials 16:44 Time Management and Self-Care for Coaches 17:12 Encouraging Leaders to Journal 18:41 Getting Started with Journaling: Tips and Prompts 20:20 Closing Thoughts and Invitations to Engage Further Meet Our Guest: Kim is the Founder of Frame of Mind Coaching® and recognized as a pioneer in the field of leadership coaching and thought mastery, Kim uses her unique philosophy to help leaders identify their blind spots and learn to direct their thinking to achieve extraordinary results. She is also an author, speaker, entrepreneur, and mom of five. Kim has been a featured speaker for organizations including Microsoft, TEC, Vistage, PMI, WIT, SHRM and more. Resources: Frameofmindcoaching.com | kim@frameofmindcoaching.com Linkedin.com/in/kimades Expand What’s Possible!