The conversation dives deep into the intricacies of guilt, exploring its role as a reflection of our conscience and its dangerous dance with shame. They discuss common reactions to guilt, like suppression and avoidance, while offering insights on transforming it into a tool for personal growth. Personal stories highlight the emotional complexities of unintentional choices and the weight of moral awareness in a suffering world. Ultimately, they reveal how embracing guilt can foster humility and ignite profound self-reflection.

Moral superiority is a trap we often fall into, driven by our ego and the desire to feel 'better' than others. Personal anecdotes reveal how it can hinder relationships and mask unresolved emotions. The conversation highlights the thin line between genuine values and ego-driven behavior, urging self-reflection. Advocacy is balanced with humility, while true worth is declared to come from within rather than external validation. Ultimately, listeners are encouraged to pursue self-realization over superficial judgments.

One-on-one meetings can often feel unproductive, but there's a way to transform them into meaningful interactions. The discussion dives into building genuine connections and fostering psychological safety. Listeners learn the importance of clarity and intentional communication in shifting from transactional to transformative encounters. Personal anecdotes highlight the power of vulnerability and trust in relationships. Finally, the emphasis on viewing colleagues as partners opens the door to collaboration and shared objectives, enriching workplace culture.

My ego drives me to achieve, and if I were to give up my ego, wouldn't I also be giving up that drive and all my future successes? With this prompt as the starting point, Vipin, Rasanath, and Michael dive into the nuanced relationship between the ego and ambition, exploring whether our quest for success is truly driven by the ego – or if there's a deeper force at play. Drawing on timeless teachings from Eastern wisdom, particularly the Bhagavad-gita, the hosts examine how the ego shapes our desires, motivations, and definitions of success. Through candid personal stories, philosophical insights, and practical reflections, they challenge the idea that surrendering the ego means surrendering ambition. Instead, they offer fresh perspectives on how aligning with the true self can lead to more authentic, fulfilling achievements.Links:Upbuild Coaching Training (six-month program, starts October 19th)Enneagram Workshop (October 4-5, 2025) Upbuild Website Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

Michael, an expert in time management, is joined by Hari, who explores the link between time management and ego, and Vipin, who shares practical productivity tips. They discuss how viewing time through the lens of personal identity can enhance self-awareness. The trio delves into effective strategies for maximizing productivity, including the use of the Pomodoro technique and structured prioritization. They even touch on the philosophical tension between aspirations and the limits of time, framing time management as a journey toward authentic self-discovery.

Dive into the vibrant world of Goldman Sachs trading in 2010, where the exhilaration of the stock market recovery collides with the haunting fear of being ordinary. Explore the emotional toll of seeking external validation and the shame that fuels relentless ambition. Discover the journey from superficial success to embracing authenticity, emphasizing the importance of humility and supportive relationships. Uncover how genuine connection and self-reflection pave the way to true fulfillment beyond societal expectations.

Rasanath, an advocate for authenticity, dives into the complex emotion of shame and its pervasive influence on our lives. He explains how shame fuels actions and internal struggles, emphasizing the transformative journey from shame to humility. The discussion reveals practical strategies for confronting shame, highlighting its role in personal growth and emotional well-being. Rasanath shares insights from his monastic experience, illustrating the healing power of vulnerability and connection in overcoming shame.

Do you like being held accountable? Do you like holding others accountable? In this episode, Vipin, Hari Prasada, and Rasanath delve into different aspects of accountability. They explore the often anxiety-inducing way that accountability is viewed, how it can be misapplied,  what makes for a more empowering approach, and the need for partnership in the process. This episode will help increase your desire for accountability and counter the strong tendency toward its avoidance.Links:Upbuild Coaching Training (six-month program, starts October 19th)Enneagram Workshop (October 4-5, 2025) Upbuild Website Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

Whether we are writing birthday cards, telling somebody how we feel about them, or giving a speech at a funeral, most of us find ourselves trying to say the “right” thing,” rather than what we actually feel. In this episode, Michael, Hari Prasada, and Rasanath discuss the importance of genuinely connecting with our emotions, the cost of saying the right things without feeling them, and the tendency to prioritize efficiency over authentic emotional expression. Through personal anecdotes and practical frameworks, they explore how to reconnect with our heart and its emotions, providing actionable steps to lead a more fulfilling and empathic life.Links:Upbuild Coaching Training (six-month program, starts October 19th)Enneagram Workshop (October 4-5, 2025) Upbuild Website Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

At Upbuild, mantra meditation is the centerpiece of our meditation practice. In this episode, Hari Prasada leads a mantra meditation using a very simple and sacred syllable: Ram. This syllable is very absorbing, has a strong resonance in the body, and brings a deep connection to ourselves and to our source. As yogis and sages have been doing for ages, when we ground the mind with a mantra, it's incredible the treasure that can be attained. Links:Upbuild Coaching Training (six-month program, starts October 19th)Enneagram Workshop (October 4-5, 2025) Upbuild Website Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild