"Mindsets are habits of mind." -Ana Melikian In this episode, the host, Ana Melikian, celebrates the release of her new book, "MINDSET ZONE: Actualize Your Human Potential." Ana discusses the motivation behind writing the book and shares insights about the diverse definitions of mindset and their origins. She explains how she sees mindsets as habits of mind that can be changed and optimized for personal and professional growth. Ana recounts the exciting launch week where her book achieved various top rankings on Amazon, including number one in organizational learning. She expresses gratitude for the support of her community and illustrates how her book aims to help readers expand their mindsets and try new approaches. Ana introduces the P.I.E. Method (Pause, Increase self-awareness, Embrace experimentation), which is designed to help individuals develop effective mindsets. She believes that making pauses, increasing self-awareness, and experimenting without fear of failure are keys to unlocking one's potential. The episode also touches on universal practices for mindset enhancement, like the importance of maintaining a beginner’s mind and continuously learning new things. Let's dive in! This week on The Mindset Zone: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:50 Motivation Behind Writing the Book 01:41 Book Launch Celebration and Amazon Rankings 03:18 Diverse Definitions of Mindset 05:54 Origins of the Word ‘Mindset’ 06:52 The Concept of Habits of Mind 07:46 Practical Approaches to Changing Mindsets 09:16 Importance of Pauses (PIE Method) 10:09 Increasing Self-awareness and Embracing Experimentation 12:04 Cultivating a Beginner’s Mind 12:19 Book Availability on Amazon 13:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 13:51 Expand 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! Connect with: Ana on LinkedIn Resources: Book: MINDSET ZONE: Actualize Your Human Potential Expand What’s Possible

"There's a bigger purpose for you." -Dawn Marie Rapaport In this episode, host Ana Melikian is joined by Dawn Marie Rapaport, the inspiring founder of HELP (Homeless Engagement Lift Partnership). Dawn Marie shares her remarkable journey from experiencing homelessness herself as a child to creating a transformative organization that now serves over 300 schools with their H.E.L.P.Snackz program. Dawn Marie recounts the struggles and traumas she faced growing up homeless in Arizona and how her grandfather's positive messages helped her persevere. She discusses the pivotal moment that led her to start HELP and how the organization has evolved over 13 years. The conversation delves into the powerful impact of H.E.L.P.Snackz and the personalized messages that uplift the spirits of at-risk children. Ana and Dawn Marie explore the ripple effect of one person making a difference, the importance of empowering homeless children, and the various programs HELP offers to break the cycle of homelessness. They also discuss the vital role of community support, partnerships, and volunteers in sustaining HELP's mission. Join us in this heartfelt episode that showcases the power of resilience, positivity, and community in transforming lives and expanding what’s possible. Let's dive in! This week on The Mindset Zone: 00:00 Expanding Impact in School Districts with Help Snacks 00:33 Meet Ana Melikian: Mission to Support and Avoid Burnout 01:16 Introducing Dawn Marie Rappaport and Her Mission 02:03 Dawn Marie's Personal Journey from Homelessness to Helping Others 07:20 The Birth of a Life-Changing Organization 10:51 The Evolution of Help Snacks: From Idea to Impact 15:58 Expanding Support Beyond Food: Life Skills and Community Engagement 18:55 Harnessing Community Support and Volunteer Power 22:07 How to Get Involved and Support the Cause 24:04 Closing Thoughts and Encouragement to Make a Difference Meet the Guest: Dawn Marie Rapaport is the founder of the Homeless Engagement Lift Partnership (H.E.L.P.), transforming the lives of families with children for over 13 years. Her personal experience with homelessness fuels her empathy and dedication, driving her to help families transition out of homelessness. Dawn Marie's efforts extend to educating and mobilizing the community, becoming a respected voice in the field. Creating and nurturing H.E.L.P. has been both the most challenging and rewarding endeavor of Dawn Marie’s life. Her unwavering determination to improve the system, work on prevention and reduce the size of the Family homeless community continues to drive her mission forward. Connect with: Dawn Marie Rapaport on LinkedIn Resources: helpnowaz.org Related episodes: Changing the Mindset of Homelessness with Jenna Juniper Problem Solving and Social Justice with Cathy Snyder Expand What’s Possible

"AI is a 100-foot wave. It's going to disrupt everything in a directly or indirectly." -Ana Melikian In this episode, host Ana Melikian, delves into the intriguing topic of AI and its impact on our emotions and humanity. Ana explores how AI, much like a 100-foot wave, is a force of disruption that brings with it a mix of excitement and apprehension. Ana discusses various audience reactions to AI, ranging from curiosity and amazement to discomfort and skepticism. She emphasizes the importance of acknowledging these diverse feelings and leveraging them to navigate the AI wave effectively. Ana shares her innovative approach of using AI avatars in her presentations to engage audiences and gather their emotional responses via surveys, creating fascinating insights. She highlights the need for a balanced approach to AI, urging listeners to neither ignore nor be overwhelmed by it. Instead, Ana encourages adopting a strategy akin to surfing the 100-foot wave—embracing AI while safeguarding human potential and well-being. She underscores the importance of collective effort, comparing it to the teamwork seen in big wave surfing to ensure AI enhances rather than detracts from humanity. Tune in to explore how to press the pause button, increase self-awareness, and embrace an experimentation mindset to harness AI's potential without falling into burnout. Ana calls for diverse, humanistic voices to join the conversation, ensuring a holistic approach to AI's integration into our lives. Let's dive in! This week on The Mindset Zone: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:59 AI and Human Response 02:12 Using AI Avatars in Presentations 03:24 Audience Reactions and Emotional Responses to AI 05:15 The Importance of a Balanced Approach to AI 07:02 Surfing the 100-Foot AI Wave: A Team Effort 10:00 Pressing Pause and Increasing Self-Awareness 12:00 Embracing Experimentation Mindset 16:51 Bringing Humanistic Voices to the AI Conversation 18:16 Conclusion and Call for Listener Input 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: Survey - AI - How does it make you feel? Related episodes: Expand What’s Possible

"Celebrating craft, celebrating what you're good at, is what I wanna spend my life's work on." -Adam McKee In this episode, host Ana Melikian is joined by Adam McKee, a visionary small business owner and craftsman from Lincoln, Nebraska. Adam delves into the ethos of celebrating craft in both business and life, sharing his experiences from taking over Contemporary Woods, a custom cabinetry business specializing in high-end homes. Ana and Adam discuss the intricate relationship between craftsmanship and mindset, emphasizing the importance of focusing on both the tangible and intangible aspects of one's work. Adam sheds light on his personal journey, detailing the highs and lows of entrepreneurship and the transformative power of continuous learning and community engagement. The conversation also covers strategic and tactical approaches to business, highlighting how maintaining high standards and fostering a culture of teamwork and improvement can propel a business forward. Adam's commitment to changing the legacy of his last name and enhancing the lives of those around him through his work truly encapsulates the spirit of celebrating craft. Let's dive in! This week on The Mindset Zone: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:21 Ana introduces Adam McKee and the theme of the episode 01:33 Adam discusses his background and his business, Contemporary Woods 02:33 The concept of celebrating craft and its impact on personal and professional life 04:23 Exploring the deeper values behind craftsmanship 07:15 The transition from being a craftsman to a business owner 10:14 Strategic and tactical learning in business development 13:09 The importance of culture and core values in a business setting 16:18 Learning from books and the significance of choosing the right mentors 19:24 Discussion on personal growth and legacy within family and business 22:50 Final thoughts and where to find more about Adam and his work Meet Meet the Guest: Adam McKee is the owner of Contemporary Woods, a family-owned small business that serves their local community by delivering fine craftsmanship with integrity and creativity. Connect with: Adam McKee's LinkedIn ContemporaryWoods.com Instagram @contemporary_woods Related episodes: Listen also to Stickability: An Essential Mindset for Success with Greg S. Reid Expand What’s Possible

"You will find the critical points in your life where you defy expectations." -Ana Melikian In this episode, host Ana Melikian delves into her personal and inspiring journey of defying expectations, both self-imposed and those set by society. Ana shares fascinating stories from her life, from her experience as a speaker with an accent in three languages, to more profound experiences like dealing with dyslexia and overcoming serious health challenges like inflammatory breast cancer. Ana reflects on her upbringing during the Carnation Revolution in Portugal, her academic challenges and triumphs, and professional choices that led her to move across continents for love and pursue her passion in a new country. Each story highlights how she surpassed the expected limitations and societal norms to redefine success on her own terms. She encourages listeners to examine their own life narratives through the lens of defying expectations, whether it be tackling bias about professional capabilities based on physical attributes, or pushing back against cultural stereotypes. Ana's message is clear – embracing a mindset of defiance can lead to extraordinary personal growth and accomplishment. This episode is a call to listeners to engage in self-reflection, identify their own areas of 'expectation defiance', and perhaps challenge a few limiting beliefs along the way. Let's dive in! This week on The Mindset Zone: 00:00:00 Introduction and Ana's Mission 00:01:04 Defying expectations in language and speech 00:02:10 Personal history and the impact of the Carnation Revolution 00:03:46 Overcoming dyslexia and academic challenges 00:06:36 Defying gender norms in childhood and adolescence 00:07:55 Multilingual achievements and academic pursuits abroad 00:08:44 Personal decisions leading to life in the USA 00:10:07 Battling and overcoming inflammatory breast cancer 00:11:05 Reflecting on interviews from the podcast that defy expectations 00:14:16 The PIE method – Pause, Increase self-awareness, Experiment with defying expectations 00:15:31 Additional resources and how to connect with Ana 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: Embracing Tree Hugging Capitalism with Nicole Fende Harnessing Positivity for Success: Chris Toledo's Journey from Basketball to Motivational Speaking Push Through Mindset Shift with Sue Stevenson Related episodes: Expand What’s Possible

"Colors evoke emotions conditioned by personal associations, our culture, and historical context." -Ana Melikian In this episode, our host, Ana Melikian, immerses herself in the vibrant world of hues as she unravels the significant role colors play in our lives. Like her cherished collection of scarves, Ana views colors as a means to transform our appearance, mood, and mindset. She delves into how colors are a silent language influencing our emotions and shaping our actions, an awareness meticulously capitalized on by advertising and marketing industries. Ana highlights the strategic choice of colors by brands to evoke specific feelings—red communicates energy and urgency, while blue is synonymous with trust and calmness, to name a few. Ana turns to the cultural and historical journey of color perceptions, such as the shifting gender connotations of pink or the power of purple. The episode is a color palette urging audiences to become more self-aware of their color choices. It's an invitation to pause, reflect, and maybe step out of your chromatic comfort zone to see how it changes your feelings and actions. Are you ready to explore the power of colors in the zone where mindset matters? Let's dive in! This week on The Mindset Zone: 00:03 Introduction to the Power of Colors 01:24 Significance of Colors in Branding 02:18 Ana's Personal Connection to Red in Her Brand 03:35 The Symbolism Behind Different Colors 04:39 How Brands Can Shape Color Meanings 06:03 Historical Context and Evolution of Color Meanings 07:30 Colors and Their Significance in Eastern Traditions 09:02 The Personal Impact of Color Choices in Daily Life 11:37 The importance of Color in Business Environments 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: Phoenix Art Museum Exhibition: The Power of Pink Related episodes: Expand What’s Possible

"We have to be able to see the space between the stimulus and the response." -Ana Melikian, Ph.D. In this episode of Mindset Zone, Authors Unite founder Tyler Wagner interviews Ana Melikian, PhD, for a transformative discussion on the systemic approach to human potential and the management of burnout. Ana introduces the listeners to her profound PIE method, emphasizing the power of pause, increased self-awareness, and a mindset geared towards experimentation. Tyler and Ana delve into practical strategies for fostering sustainable work environments, highlight the continuum between burnout and full engagement, and touch upon the indispensable role sleep plays in maintaining optimal functioning. Ana candidly shares her personal journey from psychology to coaching, revealing how her battle with cancer triggered a paradigm shift that led her to work smarter, not harder, and profoundly maximize her impact. With an array of insights spanning from the psychological frameworks employed in therapy to the significance of connecting within larger systems, this episode is an enlightening roadmap for anyone looking to enhance their personal and organizational well-being. Join us for a conversation that promises to uplift, inspire, and equip you with the tools necessary to thrive in today's fast-paced world while staying grounded in purpose and balance. Remember, when you feel stuck or overwhelmed, hope is available, and asking for help is a courageous step. Ready to explore the intersection of individual growth and systemic synergy to prevent burnout and optimize your impact? Let's dive in! This week on The Mindset Zone: 00:07 Introduction and Welcome 01:20 Ana Melikian's Journey from Psychology to Coaching 03:45 The PIE Method – Pause, Increase Awareness, Experiment 05:30 Strategies for Organizations to Prevent Burnout 07:10 The Importance of Sleep and Managing Work Intensity 09:05 Ana’s Personal Experience with Cancer and Redefining Work 11:15 The Continuum of Burnout and Full Engagement 13:40 Tools and Frameworks in Psychotherapy 15:20 Tapping into Human Potential through Connection and Systems 17:50 Concluding Thoughts and Further Resources Ana Melikian Journey to Maximizing Impact Qoute The interviewer: Tyler Wagner is the founder of Authors Unite, a publishing company that allows business owners to elevate their message through the power of authorship. Learn more about his work at: authorsunite.com The Tyler Wagner Show *This episode is rebroadcast here at the MINDSET ZONE® with explicit consent from Tyler Wagner, the host of the “The Tyler Wagner Show” podcast. Related episodes: Expand What’s Possible

"You can find nature everywhere if you look. The the impetus for this tree hugging capitalism was, yes, protecting nature, but also valuing people." -Nicole Fende In this episode, Ana Melikian is joined by Nicole Fende, a former CFO and investment banker turned business coach for creatives. Co-founder of Creatopia, Nicole, shares her refreshing perspective on "tree-hugging capitalism," where making money goes hand in hand with caring for nature and championing social causes and creativity. Nicole delves into how her background in hardcore numbers intertwined with her love for nature led her to reshape the concept of success in the business realm. The pair discuss fair trade practices, the undervalued importance of nurturing people and the planet, and the potentially transformative impact of these practices on the environment and on business values. Nicole emphasizes the unique role AI plays for creatives, suggesting it will enhance the value of human creations, while Ana underscores the necessity of human voice in steering AI and business in a direction that uncovers and uplifts human potential. Nicole shares the inception of Creatopia, a creative community and resource haven founded to help creatives achieve sustainable prosperity without sacrificing their artistic integrity. Highlighting the power of community-based business models, Nicole illustrates that profits do not have to be at odds with values. This episode also comes with a special quiz crafted by Nicole Fende, designed to identify what's blocking your creativity. Let's dive in! This week on The Mindset Zone: 01:29 Introducing Nicole Fende: From Corporate to Creativity Champion 02:05 Exploring Tree Hugging Capitalism 02:54 Nicole's Journey: From Numbers to Nature 05:49 The Impact of Fair Trade and Conscious Capitalism 08:49 Transitioning to Support Creatives and Small Businesses 10:19 Launching Creatopia: A New Venture for Creative Prosperity 18:18 The Future of Creativity in the Age of AI 21:26 Harnessing Creativity to Combat Stress and Burnout 25:53 Creatopia: A Haven for Creatives and Their Audience 27:59 Final Thoughts and Resources Meet the Guest: Nicole Fende, aka The Numbers Whisperer®, helps creatives achieve business success. She is the author of two books, designer of the card game Body Be Gone™, and belongs to an amateur improv group. Drawing on her background as an investment banker, CFO, and credentialed actuary, Nicole co-founded Creatopia® to nurture joyful creativity and foster creators’ prosperity. Connect with: Creatopia's Website Nicole Fende's LinkedIn Resources: Free creativity block-busting quiz Research comparing the results of values-based banks and banking cooperatives (VBBs) with the largest banks in the world, the Global Systemically Important Banks (GSIBs) Triple Bottom Line explained Related episodes: Peripheral Thinking with Paul Daniels Uncovering Your Brilliance with Lane Garner Expand What’s Possible

"Intention is more important than attention." -Ana Melikian In this episode of the MINDSET ZONE, host Ana Melikian delves into the importance of intentionality and mental fitness in navigating life's challenges. She emphasizes the power of cultivating intention in our daily lives to achieve our goals and aspirations. Ana highlights the significance of redirecting our attention with purpose and intention, especially in today's world, where our attention is constantly captured in various ways. She reveals how being intentional allows us to regain control over our attention, leading to more proactive and purposeful living. Additionally, Ana discusses the impact of mental fitness in handling life's challenges and negative emotions. By strengthening our mental fitness, we can recover faster and become more resilient, ultimately leading to a more intentional and mindful approach to life. Let's dive in! This week on The Mindset Zone: 00:00 Introduction 01:13 The Power of Intention Over Attention 04:35 Cultivating Intentionality for a Purposeful Life 06:00 Practical Steps to Enhance Mental Fitness 06:55 Closing Thoughts 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! Connect with: Ana on LinkedIn Resources: This episode is based on a column Ana wrote for the book, "Mindfulness and Health Watch: Your Weekly Inspire Me Journal" by Gloria Petersen Related episodes: Expand What’s Possible

"My trademark brand of positivity is called positosis." -Chris Toledo In this episode of the Mindset Zone, host Ana Melikian talks with Chris Toledo, a former professional basketball player turned motivational speaker, about his career journey and the pivotal role positivity played in his success. Toledo shares his experiences from playing basketball in college and professionally in Mexico to teaching dance and finally becoming a professional speaker. He introduces the concept of Positosis, his brand of positivity, and how it has influenced both his career and his mission to help others. The discussion also covers his transition from athlete to a leading figure in fitness and entertainment, including his work with Reebok and ESPN and his eventual pivot towards personal and organizational development with a focus on positivity and mental fitness. Let's dive in! This week on The Mindset Zone: 00:00 Harnessing Positivity in High-Pressure Moments 01:46 The Power of Positivity: Chris Toledo's Basketball Journey 06:19 Transitioning from Professional Basketball to Club Med and Beyond 09:11 Embracing Dance and Launching a Global Fitness Program 12:09 From TV Fame to Discovering Tai Chi and a New Mission 14:50 Becoming a Professional Speaker and Emcee 17:58 Introducing Positosis: A Unique Brand of Positivity 19:52 The Positosis Mindset: Reset and Remix 22:07 Chris Toledo's Journey: Inspiring Through Positosis Meet the Guest: Chris Toledo is a keynote communicator, storyteller, multilingual surprise and delight speaker, and MC who helps organizations improve and develop company culture through a dynamic crafted experience on the power of Positosis™. Chris’ trademarked Positosis™ is a mindset reset that transforms life's experiences into personal and professional success by training and retraining YOUR brain to scan for the positive FIRST to shift into a positive mindset. A former international professional basketball player and television show host, Chris is comfortable in the spotlight. With a host of experiences ranging from being the on-air host of “The Reebok City Jam Show,” in association with ESPN, Universal Studios Orlando, Reebok International, to working with Club Med International, Chris Toledo's positive, focused, and engaging energy entertains, delights, educates and moves audiences, while sharing the essential Positosis skills for personal and professional success. Chris’s keynote, “The Positosis Mindset,” teaches and demonstrates tips and tools to tap into YOUR Positosis Mindset on command. With his unique brand of storytelling that has a natural ebb and flow, a signature style, and cadence, his presentations are a combination of insight and entertainment to deliver a transformative interactive experience. The work that Chris has done includes collaborations with AirBnB, TikTok, Amazon, Nordstroms, and The Boeing Leadership Association in the role of Master of Ceremony, Keynote Speaker and a hybrid of the two. Connect with: Chris Toledo's email: christoledo360@gmail.com Chris Toledo's Website Chris Toledo's LinkedIn Resources: Chris Toledo's Website Related episodes: Expand What’s Possible