

Upbuilding The Self
Upbuild
Two former monks, a former startup founder/CEO, and a former equity derivatives trader dive into how to be our best selves, free from the ego. Our egos are the identities we create for ourselves and wish the world to validate, but when we are not seen as we want to be, we feel insecure. This podcast lives at the intersection of leadership and spirituality. It will help you understand your ego and shed light on your inner world so that you can act with greater clarity, compassion, and the freedom to be your best self.
Episodes
Mentioned books

9 snips
Dec 3, 2024 • 49min
Moral Superiority: The Cost of Needing to Be “Better” Than Others
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.

8 snips
Nov 12, 2024 • 42min
Effective One-On-One Meetings: From Transactional to Transformative
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.

13 snips
Oct 24, 2024 • 48min
Can I Be Successful If I Give Up My Ego?
The hosts tackle the intriguing relationship between ego and ambition. They challenge conventional beliefs about success, urging listeners to redefine what it means to achieve. Drawing from Eastern wisdom, they explore how aligning with one's true self can lead to more fulfilling accomplishments. Personal stories illustrate the complex dynamics of ego and happiness, emphasizing the need for introspection. Ultimately, they advocate for a version of success rooted in personal values and meaningful contributions rather than just ego-driven pursuits.

12 snips
Sep 12, 2024 • 57min
Time Management Is Chaos Management, and Upbuild's Tips and Tricks for Productivity
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.

12 snips
Aug 20, 2024 • 45min
Trading Derivatives and the Shame-Based Fear of Being Ordinary
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.

11 snips
Jul 30, 2024 • 43min
Learning to Carry Our Shame and What’s At Stake If We Don’t
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.

Jul 12, 2024 • 1h 4min
Our Complicated Relationship with Accountability
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 Enneagram Certification Program Upbuild Coaching Certification Training (starts in October) Upbuild Website Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

Jun 27, 2024 • 38min
Saying the "Right" Thing vs. What We Actually Feel
The discussion dives into the battle between societal expectations and authentic emotional expression. Personal stories reveal the pitfalls of saying the 'right' thing instead of truly connecting. The speakers encourage listeners to explore their feelings and reflect on relationships for deeper honesty. They also examine the contrast between practicality and genuine connections, emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence. The theme of true happiness versus fleeting pleasures further enriches the conversation, urging a shift towards meaningful interactions.

May 23, 2024 • 1h 1min
Meditation: Transforming The Mind From Worst Enemy To Best Friend
With 50 years and more than 35,000 hours of meditation experience among them, Hari Prasada, Rasanath, and Vipin, dive into the topic of meditation. They discuss the definition of meditation, why it’s so important to control the mind, why it’s becoming more popular these days, and the numerous non-spiritual benefits of meditation, including calmness, focus, clarity, and productivity. They also look at how meditation has been misappropriated and share the deepest purpose of meditation, which explains all of the other health benefits for which people are using.Links Enneagram Certification Program Upbuild Coaching Certification Training (starts in October) Upbuild Website Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

May 23, 2024 • 13min
Meditation #2: Mantra Meditation
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 Enneagram Certification Program Upbuild Coaching Certification Training (starts in October) Upbuild Website Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild