MINDSET ZONE

"AI is a 100-foot wave. It's going to disrupt everything 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

"It is an odd reality of being human that we are always changing, yet we dislike change. Especially too much, too fast." -Giles Crouch | Digital Anthropologist In this episode, host Ana Melikian explores the paradox of human evolution amidst technological advancement, with a focus on identity shift in the digital era. Drawing insights from an article by digital anthropologist Giles Crouch, Ana discusses the long history of technology's role in human identity, from the Stone Age to modern smart devices, and the psychological effects of rapid technological change. She highlights the tension between the human need for stability and the inevitable march of technological progress, particularly in the face of AI disruption. Ana uses the metaphor of navigating a river to describe the pursuit of mental wellness, balancing between rigidity and constant change. She emphasizes the importance of proactively adapting to these changes to enhance humanity and addresses the collective challenge of navigating these transitions as a community. The episode calls for engaging in conversations to co-create a hopeful future, leveraging AI advancements in a human-centered manner. Let's dive in! This week on The Mindset Zone: 00:00 Introduction 01:05 Evolution of Human Identity in the Digital Age 02:03 The Long History of Technology and Its Impact 04:57 Navigating the River of Life: Mental Health and Change 07:33 Using AI to Enhance Our Humanity 11:15 Proactive Response to AI Disruption and Future Possibilities 13:30 The Importance of Community and Conversation 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: Human Identity in the Digital Age Related episodes: Expand What’s Possible

"98% of the atoms in your body are removed and replaced every year." -Udo Erasmus In this episode of the Mindset Zone, host Ana Melikian discusses the transformative power of nutrition, particularly focusing on the role of fats and oils in human health with guest Udo Erasmus, a renowned figure in the field of health and nutrition. Erasmus, the author of 'Fats That Kill' and a pioneer in understanding essential fatty acids, delves into his personal journey of healing from pesticide poisoning through nutritional research. He emphasizes how the body's constant renewal process makes healing possible through improved dietary standards, particularly by incorporating the right fats. Ana and Udo also explore broader concepts such as the importance of addressing contradictions in science and life, the unity behind apparent paradoxes, and the significance of internal exploration for holistic well-being. The conversation further covers Erasmus's development of a method for producing health-beneficial oils and his insights into achieving vitality and energy through alignment on multiple life levels. The episode underscores the interconnectedness of physical health, emotional well-being, and spiritual awareness in living a fulfilled life. Let's dive in! This week on The Mindset Zone: 00:00 The Power of Healing Through Nutrition 00:37 Introduction to the Mindset Zone Podcast 01:20 Special Guest: Udo Erasmus, Visionary in Health and Nutrition 02:23 Exploring Contradictions and Unity in Life and Science 09:12 The Journey from Pesticide Poisoning to Nutritional Enlightenment 13:20 The Essential Role of Fats and Oils in Our Health 20:04 Creating Healthier Oils: The Birth of Udo's Oil 25:18 The Impact of Proper Nutrition on Skin and Overall Health 28:15 Udo Erasmus Shares His Philosophy on Life, Energy, and Vitality 33:27 Where to Learn More About Udo Erasmus and His Work 35:05 Closing Thoughts and Podcast Outro Meet the Guest: The legendary Udo Erasmus is the co-founder of Udo’s Choice line, which can be found in Whole Foods and other health food stores worldwide. Udo designed the machinery for making oils with health in mind and pioneered flax oil, a billion dollar industry. However, Udo walked a difficult path to become the man he is today. Being a child of war, Udo’s life began with intense struggle. As an adult, he got pesticide poisoning in 1980, leaving doctors at a loss regarding treatment. Deciding to take his health into his own hands, Udobegan researching, and his discoveries led him to a passion for finding the answers to life’s big questions which would hopefully one day bring him and the world peace. Today, Udo is an acclaimed speaker and author of many books, including the best-selling Fats That Heal Fats That Kill, which has sold over 250,000 copies. He teaches at events hosted by Tony Robbins and Deepak Chopra, has keynoted an international brain health conference, and has traveled to over 30 countries to conduct thousands of live presentations, media interviews, and staff trainings impacting more than 25,000,000 lives with his message on oils,health, peace, nature, and human nature. Udo has an extensive education in biochemistry, genetics, biology, and nutrition, including a master’s degree in counseling psychology. Connect with: Udo Erasmus' Website Udo Erasmus' LinkedIn Udo Erasmus' Instagram Udos Erasmus' Twitter Resources: Udo's Oil: florahealth.com/udo Related episodes: Expand What’s Possible