Dr. Sunita Sah, a behavioral scientist and author of "Defy: The Power of No in a World That Demands Yes," dives into the psychology of decision-making and the struggle to assert boundaries. She discusses 'insinuation anxiety,' which makes saying no so challenging. Moreover, Dr. Sah emphasizes the significance of confidence in navigating authority and embracing defiance aligned with personal values. Listeners gain valuable insights on overcoming societal pressures, making authentic choices, and the art of assertive communication.

As 2024 comes to a close, Jessi Hempel invites you to kick off the new year by crafting a vision for your future. In this special episode of Hello Monday, Jessi shares a powerful exercise–writing a “dream job description” for your life five years from now. Inspired by her own transformative experience, Jessi walks you through the process of envisioning your ideal job, the role that aligns with your values, passions, and dreams, without limiting yourself by what's “realistic.”Rather than focusing on New Year's resolutions, which often feel dictated by external pressures, Jessi encourages you to tap into the power of your own imagination. This exercise is designed to help you break free from self-doubt and the negative biases that limit your growth, and instead, to visualize and manifest your dream future. Jessi’s personal story of using this exercise to transform her career path from burnout to fulfillment will inspire you to take action and start shaping your ideal future today.Start your year with a clear vision of the future you want to create. Grab a pencil, clear your mind, and get ready to dive into this transformative exercise with Jessi. Subscribe to the Hello Monday newsletter to get episodes and insights delivered straight to your inbox every Monday!

Poppy Harlow, an award-winning journalist and former CNN anchor, discusses her transformative journey following the cancellation of her show. She emphasizes the importance of pausing during career transitions, advocating for reflection over the relentless hustle. Poppy shares insights on embracing the 'messy middle' of change and highlights how empathy shapes leadership. Her story is a powerful reminder that taking a step back can lead to clearer paths and personal growth, igniting a conversation on navigating uncertainty with grace.

Discover the emotional rollercoaster of unexpected layoff experiences and how they can redefine personal identity. Hear Yowei Shaw's candid account of her journey through grief, uncertainty, and the rebuilding process. The discussion tackles the stigma of unemployment and the importance of self-compassion. It also highlights the illusion of job security and the empowerment that comes from embracing uncertainty. Finally, reflect on the significance of authenticity in journalism and how it can guide personal reinvention.

Malcolm Gladwell, a best-selling author renowned for works like The Tipping Point, delves into the evolution of influence in the digital age. He discusses how technology and social media have transformed idea dissemination, emphasizing that impact doesn't require vast followings. Personal anecdotes, including his brother's influence as a principal, highlight the power of community. Gladwell also shares insights on navigating the fast-paced job market and the dual-edged nature of emerging technologies like AI, stressing adaptability and personal agency.

Emily and Amelia Nagoski, co-authors of "Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle," shed light on the root causes of burnout, especially among women. They discuss the damaging effects of societal expectations, emphasizing the struggle between being a 'human giver' and a 'human being.' The Nagoskis advocate for emotional resilience, self-compassion, and the power of community connections to combat burnout. They also explore how capitalism and patriarchy impact well-being and highlight the journey of finding purpose and balance amidst stress.

Actor, writer, and director Jesse Eisenberg sits down with Jessi Hempel to dive into his creative process, offering valuable insights on how to balance artistic passion with commercial viability. From his experiences writing and directing A Real Pain to his candid thoughts on imposter syndrome, Jesse discusses the challenges of navigating self-doubt, managing criticism, and staying true to your vision in a highly competitive industry. He shares how he approaches the business side of filmmaking, including managing costs and choosing the right projects, while staying connected to the pure joy of creation. With honesty and humor, Jesse reflects on the complexities of balancing external expectations, handling criticism, and finding your creative calling in a world that often demands more than just your art. This episode offers a refreshing perspective on how to stay grounded while pursuing your creative dreams. Tune in for a candid conversation that will inspire anyone looking to find balance in their creative life and career. For more, listen to Jessi’s conversation with Laura Linney on criticism here. Continue the conversation with us at Hello Monday Office Hours! RSVP here to join us on the LinkedIn News page this Wednesday at 3 PM EST.

Aja Evans, a financial therapist and author of "Feel Good Finance," discusses how our childhood experiences shape our approach to money. She dives into the emotional connections many have with finances, emphasizing the importance of understanding your financial history. Aja shares strategies to manage overspending and tackle investment fears, particularly among high earners. She highlights the significance of open communication in partnerships and addresses the challenges faced by those supporting aging parents, providing insights on setting healthy financial boundaries.

As the year winds down, many of us reflect on our work, our personal lives, and the balance (or lack thereof) between the two. In this episode of Hello Monday, Jessi Hempel talks with Brigid Schulte, the best-selling author of Overwhelmed and Over Work, about the culture of work and how it shapes our lives. Brigid’s research spans countries like Iceland, Japan, and the U.S., giving her unique insights into how different cultures approach work-life balance and productivity.Brigid shares why the pressure to love our work and work non-stop is unsustainable and harmful. As technology—especially AI—reshapes the future of work, it’s time to reassess how we define success and productivity. Is more work really better work? Together, Jessi and Brigid discuss how small changes in our work culture can lead to less stress, greater fulfillment, and healthier work-life balance. They also explore the importance of creating work cultures that prioritize well-being alongside productivity.In this episode, you’ll learn how to challenge outdated work norms and how to design a more sustainable future for work, life, and everything in between.Plus, hear Scott Olster discuss his recent read Nexus by Yuval Noah Harari.

Max Bennett, an AI entrepreneur and author of A Brief History of Intelligence, discusses the evolution of intelligence and the ethical dilemmas surrounding AI. He delves into how human intelligence developed over 600 million years and contrasts it with current AI approaches, stressing the importance of understanding human-like reasoning. Bennett also explores AI's potential in education and labor, advocating for AI as a tool for fostering critical thinking. This conversation sheds light on balancing automation with human values in our future.