The Happiness Squad Podcast with Ashish Kothari

In today’s episode, Anil and Ashish sit down with Amy Elizabeth Fox, a person who played a huge role in Ashish’s own transformation.Amy Elizabeth Fox is the co-founder and CEO of Mobius Executive Leadership, a premier firm specializing in transformational leadership. They offer immersive executive development services like experiential leadership sessions, coaching, and retreats. With two decades of experience, she has guided senior leaders from various sectors, including CEOs and Board Chairs of Footsie 100 companies and Fortune 500 team members. She's a pioneer in integrating trauma literacy into vertical leadership development and founded the Next Practice Institute to elevate industry standards.Since 2007, she has been a senior consultant at McKinsey & Company. Starting Fall 2023, she'll be part of the faculty at the University of Chicago's Leadership In Society program and the African Leadership Institute's Tutu Fellows program. In 2024, she'll co-lead a global certificate program for trauma informed consultants and coaches with Thomas Huebl.Throughout the episode, Amy sheds light on the importance of trauma healing for leaders, and how it can unlock their true leadership potential and bring about positive transformation. She shares insightful stories and examples, helping us understand that trauma is not limited to extreme experiences, but rather it encompasses various events that overwhelm us emotionally and linger in our lives.She also talks about the connection between inner health and leadership, understanding how trauma affects our behaviors, decisions, and relationships in the organizational setting. Amy urges leaders to embark on their healing journey and foster a culture that encourages open dialogue and vulnerability, allowing employees to grow and thrive together.Listen now and be inspired to embark on your own path of transformation!What You’ll Learn in this Show:The power of trauma literacy in leadership development.The three layers of the heart chakra and their impact on leadership.How leaders can create a culture of healing and vulnerability.The importance of interdependence and support in the healing journey.Practical steps for organizations to embrace trauma-informed approaches.And so much more...Resources:Traumainformedconsulting.com Happinesssquad.com @MyHappinessSquad InstagramAshish Kothari LinkedInAnil Ramjiani LinkedInHappiness Squad Youtube ChannelBooks:Healing Collective Trauma: A Process for Integrating Our Intergenerational and Cultural Wounds 

Are you stuck in a job or career that doesn't bring you joy? If that's the case, remember that personal growth thrives outside the comfort zone. In today’s episode, Angie Callen joins Anil and Ashish to shed light on why this happens and what steps you can take to change it.As the Founder and Principal of Career Benders, Inc., Angie helps inspire confident professionals through career coaching, job search guidance, resume writing, and employment-to-entrepreneur transitions. A former engineer, Angie specializes in working with technical professionals, high-level managers, and executives to navigate the challenges of the workforce today. Over the past five years, Career Benders has helped over 1,000 individuals across the country realize their true potential and marketability, find career satisfaction, and grow confidently.Additionally, Angie hosts a career-focused podcast called No More Mondays, where she interviews professionals who have wisdom on breaking down career barriers and provide actionable takeaways to help take charge of your Monday Blues and beat your Sunday Scaries.In this episode you will find out how to navigate a career crisis, discover your true purpose, and find meaning in your professional life.Angie will share her journey from engineer in the corporate world to career coach and how she helps clients unlock their potential for career satisfaction.You will also learn practical strategies to transition from a mindset of 'this is happening to me' to 'this is happening for me' during career challenges.Listen now and enjoy!What You’ll Learn in this Show:The importance of stopping and evaluating during career crises.How to align your work with the life you want to have.The significance of understanding your definition of career growth and happiness.How to discover your passions and bridge them with reality.The power of retreats and masterminds in achieving career transformation.Strategies to shift from a success-driven mentality to a significance-driven mindset.And so much more...Resources:Careerbenders.com NO MORE MONDAYS podcastThe Quest for Happiness:How to Find Meaning in Our Fast-Paced World with Ashish KothariHappinesssquad.com @MyHappinessSquad InstagramAshish Kothari LinkedInAnil Ramjiani LinkedInHappiness Squad Youtube ChannelBooks:The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music Hardwired for Happiness: 9 Proven Practices to Overcome Stress and Live Your Best Life

Are you clear on your path to purpose, inner peace, and healing? In today’s episode, Anil and Ashish sit down with Raj Sisodia to shed light and clarity on that very question.Raj is the FEMSA Distinguished University Professor of Conscious Enterprise and Chairman of the Conscious Enterprise Center at Tecnologico de Monterrey in Mexico. He is also a Co-Founder and Chairman Emeritus of Conscious Capitalism Inc. With a Ph.D. in Business from Columbia University, Raj has authored fifteen books, including bestsellers like "Conscious Capitalism", "Everybody Matters" and the most recent one, “Awaken.”His extensive consulting and teaching portfolio spans companies like AT&T, Verizon, Whole Foods, Tata, Walmart, and more. Raj's influence extends to prestigious awards and board memberships. Tune in to gain insights from his vast experience and wisdom.Throughout the episode, Raj shares his transformative journey from a traditional business professor to a passionate advocate for conscious capitalism and healing organizations. He discusses his evolution, exploring consciousness, the integration of masculine and feminine energies, and the realization that businesses can thrive while reducing suffering in the world.They also discuss the essence of happiness and Raj's insights into the teachings of Viktor Frankl. The conversation emphasizes the importance of embracing vulnerability and authenticity as individuals seek to uncover their unique paths.You will learn how to cultivate self-awareness, identify heartbreaks and joys, and embark on a journey of purpose that aligns with your essence. Raj's insights inspire a shift from pursuing profits to pursuing purpose, from grabbing and going to giving and growing. Listen now and embark on a journey of self-discovery, purpose, and authentic connection.What You’ll Learn in this Show:Uncovering your purpose through experiencing heartbreaks and joys.The role of vulnerability and authenticity in leadership and organizational transformation.The power of embracing uniqueness and cultivating self-awareness.Insights into conscious leadership and the healing potential of organizations.Connecting purpose, inner peace, and healing in your personal and professional life.And so much more...Resources:Website: Rajsisodia.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/RajSisodiaCCLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajendrasisodia/Center for Positive Organizations - University of MichiganHappinesssquad.com @MyHappinessSquad InstagramAshish Kothari LinkedInAnil Ramjiani LinkedInHappiness Squad Youtube ChannelBooks:AWAKEN: The Path to Purpose, Inner Peace, and HealingThe Healing OrganizationConscious CapitalismAll Books Written by Raj Sisodia: http://rajsisodia.com/books.html Man's Search For MeaningSynchronicity: The Inner Path of LeadershipHardwired for Happiness: 9 Proven Practices to Overcome Stress and Live Your Best Life

Have you ever experienced an ‘awegasm?’ Get ready because by the time this episode is done, you will be able to mega-dose. In today's episode, Anil and Ashish sit down with Dr. Michael Amster, a physician and faculty member at the Toronto School of Medicine with over 20 years of experience as a pain management specialist. Michael is a firm believer in the power of awe and has conducted extensive research in this space. He co-authored the book "The Power of Awe," which delves into the integration of mind, body, and spirit and the profound effects of awe on our health and well-being.Throughout the episode, Michael shares his personal journey and how he shifted his definition of happiness over the years. He highlights the importance of living in a state of wonder and gratitude and how micro-doses of awe in our everyday lives can create profound happiness. Michael also introduces the A.W.E. method, a simple three-step process to access moments of awe in the ordinary, and explains how it can positively impact our physiology and overall well-being.During the conversation, Michael and the hosts discuss the contagious nature of awe and its potential to change communities and the world. They emphasize how practicing awe can foster a greater sense of connection, love, and understanding among individuals, leading to positive changes in the world.Join in and discover how awe can transform your life, and learn how to develop your own awe practice to reap its numerous benefits. Tune in now and enjoy this inspiring episode!What You’ll Learn in this Show:The AWE method and how it can be easily incorporated into daily life.The profound impact of awe on our physiology and overall health.The results of research studies showing the positive effects of practicing awe.The ripple effect of awe on individuals and communities, fostering love and connection.Practical advice on cultivating happiness through awe and gratitude.And so much more...Resources:Website: Thepowerofawe.com Instagram: @thepowerofawebookFacebook: The Power of AWETikTok: @thepowerofaweLliveconscious.com Happinesssquad.com @MyHappinessSquad InstagramAshish Kothari LinkedInAnil Ramjiani LinkedInHappiness Squad Youtube ChannelBooks:The Power of Awe: Overcome Burnout & Anxiety, Ease Chronic Pain, Find Clarity & PurposeHow We Choose to Be Happy: The 9 Choices of Extremely Happy People--Their Secrets, Their Stories Hardwired for Happiness: 9 Proven Practices to Overcome Stress and Live Your Best LifeTV ShowSchitt's Creek

Are you ready to explore why you should never give up seeking? In today’s episode, Anil and Ashish sit down with Amy Edelstein, an author, educator, and nonprofit leader, as they delve into her transformative experiences and the impact of her work in inner city schools. Amy shares her story and how her practices have helped unlock flourishing within the lives of teen students in one of the poorest cities in the United States. With over 40 years of experience, Amy is the founder and executive director of the nonprofit Inner Strength Education, which has empowered more than 22,000 inner-city high school students with mindfulness and systems thinking. In this episode, they talk about the meaning of happiness and how it has evolved for Amy, the profound connection with all living things, and the sense of unity that brings happiness. Amy discusses the importance of recognizing our interconnectedness, the challenges and opportunities in inner-city education, and the impact of mindfulness practices on students' lives. You’ll learn about the transformative power of mindfulness, emotional regulation, and self-awareness, and how these practices can support personal growth and empower individuals. Amy also guides listeners through a beautiful three-minute meditation to cultivate calm curiosity and care. Tune in to discover the inspiring journey of Amy Edelstein and gain insights into the importance of trust, love, and personal exploration in finding fulfillment.What You’ll Learn in this Show:The significance of unity and interconnectedness in finding happiness.Transformative experiences and the importance of never giving up seeking.The impact of mindfulness practices on inner-city students.Emotional regulation and self-awareness for personal growth.Cultivating trust and love in one's journey towards fulfillment.And so much more...Resources:Amyedelstein.com Innerstrengtheducation.org LinkedIn: Amy EdelsteinMy Happiness Squad InstagramAshish Kothari LinkedInAnil Ramjiani LinkedInHappiness Squad Youtube ChannelBooks:Hardwired for Happiness: 9 Proven Practices to Overcome Stress and Live Your Best LifeBOOKS BY AMY EDELSTEIN: https://amyedelstein.com/books 

Would you like to be the architect of your own happiness and live a wholehearted life? All experiences are learning experiences, especially those that stem from tragedies and dark places.Anil and Ashish sit down with Brad McLain, founder of Designing Transformative Experiences and a renowned social scientist, specializing in identity development, learning, and leadership. Brad shares his own story as well as insights that can unlock the possibility of living a wholehearted life.In this episode, he talks about the meaning of happiness and how it evolved for him over time. He delves into the concept of being the author of your own life narratives and the importance of self-actualization. Brad reveals the seven elements of transformative experiences according to his ELVIS model and discusses how risk and discomfort can lead to personal growth and happiness. He also explores the power of narrating our experiences and shaping our identity narratives.Brad shares his personal transformative experiences, including the impact of an inspiring teacher and his journey through a cancer diagnosis. He highlights the significance of choice, agency, and making meaning out of challenging circumstances. The conversation uncovers the importance of vulnerability and having open conversations about living a wholehearted life.Listen now and enjoy as Brad McLain provides practical guidance on designing transformative experiences, embracing risk, and narrating our lives to unlock our own flourishing.What You’ll Learn in this Show:The meaning of happiness and its evolution for Brad.Becoming the author of your own life narratives.The seven elements of transformative experiences according to the ELVIS model.Embracing risk and discomfort as catalysts for personal growth.The power of narrating experiences and shaping identity narratives.Practical tips for unlocking your own flourishing.And so much more...Resources:Designingtransformativeexperiences.com LinkedIn: Brad McLainVeronica Love | Powerful Tools To Wake You UpMy Happiness Squad InstagramAshish Kothari LinkedInAnil Ramjiani LinkedInHappiness Squad Youtube ChannelBooks:Hardwired for Happiness: 9 Proven Practices to Overcome Stress and Live Your Best LifeDesigning Transformative Experiences: A Toolkit for Leaders, Trainers, Teachers, and other Experience Designers Byline : Brad McLain, PhD 

Imagine leading your company with a profound focus on the values and well-being of your employees. By nurturing a culture of engagement and prioritizing their growth, you witness remarkable results. The genuine care you invest in your workforce drives organic growth and cultivates a thriving organization. As revenues surge, your company becomes an inspiring example of the transformative power of employee-centric leadership.In today's episode, Anil and Ashish sit down with Patrick Criteser, the President and CEO of the Tillamook County Creamery Association, who shares his insights on leading with values and building a flourishing organization. Patrick's impressive track record includes increasing revenue by over 50% and transforming Tillamook into one of the leading consumer food brands in the US.During their conversation, they dive into the importance of relationships, the success of initiatives focused on amplifying core values, and the impact of organizational flourishing on productivity, growth, and innovation. Patrick also reveals his personal routines that help him stay aligned with his practices on a monthly basis.Discover how building a strong culture rooted in genuine care and continuous development can drive business success and create a fulfilling and enriching employee experience. Learn from Patrick's experiences and gain valuable insights into creating a human-centric, caring culture that prioritizes well-being while achieving exceptional results.Listen now to this enlightening episode and unlock the secrets of leading with values, fostering employee flourishing, and building a thriving organization.What You'll Learn in this Show:The transformative power of placing values and employee well-being at the forefront of your organizationStrategies to amplify core values and create a culture that drives productivity, growth, and innovationPractical routines and practices for staying aligned with your values and fostering a flourishing environmentThe connection between personal happiness, relationships, and professional successInsights into creating a human-centric, caring culture that prioritizes well-being for exceptional results.And so much more...Resources:Tillamook.com Happinesssquad.com My Happiness Squad InstagramAshish Kothari LinkedInAnil Ramjiani LinkedInHappiness Squad Youtube ChannelBooks:Hardwired for Happiness: 9 Proven Practices to Overcome Stress and Live Your Best LifeThe Top Five Regrets of the Dying: A Life Transformed by the Dearly Departing

Have you ever thought of your organization as a living organism that stagnates when struck by acute or chronic ailments? This is when we look to leaders who can heal the organization. In today’s episode, Anil and Ashish sit down with Marieke van Voorn, author of "Healing Organizations" and a bridge builder between the visible and invisible worlds, focusing on energetic and systematic approaches to healing for individuals and organizations. With over 20 years of experience in sociology and change management, Marieke shares her insights on how healing leaders can bring harmony and natural order to stalled organizational processes.Throughout the episode, Marieke will discuss the qualities of healing leaders and how they are grounded in their inner way of being. She emphasizes that these leaders are driven by humanity and inspired to unlock the flourishing and immunity of their teams. Marieke shares her personal journey of self-discovery and the transformative experiences that led her to find happiness and alignment with her true self.Marieke explains the concept of constellation work and how it helped her discover her true self. She discusses the patterns and ailments that organizations face, and the importance of becoming aware of them in order to create positive change. Marieke also provides practical tips and practices that can unlock an organization's health and viability, focusing on gratitude, finding meaning in experiences, and seeking support from coaches.Listen now to this insightful episode and discover how healing leaders can transform organizations and unlock flourishing and happiness within themselves and their teams.What You’ll Learn in this Show:The qualities of healing leaders and their impact on organizationsMarieke's personal journey of self-discovery and happinessThe concept of constellation work and its benefits for personal and organizational growthThe transformative power of constellation work in discovering your true self and healing past traumasHow to become aware of chronic ailments in organizations and address them at their root causePractical tips and practices to unlock flourishing and vitality in organizations and individualsAnd so much more...Resources:Healingleaders.org Happinesssquad.com My Happiness Squad InstagramAshish Kothari LinkedInAnil Ramjiani LinkedInHappiness Squad Youtube ChannelBooks:Hardwired for Happiness: 9 Proven Practices to Overcome Stress and Live Your Best LifeHealing Organizations

Picture a spectrum, with pleasing others on one end and being self-absorbed on the other. How can we strike a balance and cultivate self-love inwardly and outwardly?In this episode of the Happiness Squad podcast, hosts Ashish and Anil delve into the concept of healthy selfishness and its role in finding true happiness. They are joined by Blake Bauer, the author of "You Are Not Born to Suffer." Blake's groundbreaking work has empowered thousands of individuals worldwide by emphasizing the significance of unconditional self-love for healing, fulfilling life's purpose, and unlocking personal and professional potential.The conversation takes listeners on a transformative journey, exploring conscious reflections on self-betrayal, anger, resentment, and the pursuit of genuine happiness. Blake shares highly effective strategies for enhancing mental, emotional, and physical well-being, drawing from his personal triumphs over suffering. One of the highlights is his secret to forgiveness, offering a path to liberation from unnecessary suffering.You will discover how self-love nurtures a profound connection to oneself, others, and the environment. By cultivating healthy selfishness, individuals can fill their own cups and sustainably give to their loved ones, careers, and communities. The episode also explores practical habits for self-love, such as honest and kind self-expression, which enable emotional growth and enhance relationships.Don't miss this enriching episode as Ashish, Anil, and Blake will guide you towards self-discovery, inner healing, and the joy of living a fulfilled and purpose-driven life! Enjoy!What You’ll Learn in this Show:Healthy selfishness vs unhealthy selfishness.How to develop a sense of purpose and working hard in alignment with that purpose leads to a more fulfilling life.Why disease in the body and mind can result from not learning how to love oneself as a child.Tips on how to practice healthy selfishness.Some powerful practices for forgiveness.The power of 10 minutes of meditation in the morning.And so much more...Resources:Happinesssquad.com My Happiness Squad InstagramAshish Kothari LinkedInAnil Ramjiani LinkedInHappiness Squad Youtube ChannelBooks:Hardwired for Happiness: 9 Proven Practices to Overcome Stress and Live Your Best Life You Were Not Born to Suffer: Overcome Fear, Insecurity and Depression and Love Yourself Back to Happiness, Confidence and Peace

How often do you use the phrase "I'm seeking a work-life balance?” Many of us use it quite frequently. But what if you were told that this balance is actually a myth? Instead of obsessing over finding the perfect balance, what if we injected a little play into our lives and unlocked a whole new world of insights, habits, and ways of doing things?In today’s episode, Anil and Ashish sit down with Aaron McHugh who is going to enlighten us on this topic. Aaron is a writer, podcaster, adventurer, author, and a true advocate for finding fulfillment in one's career. He has authored the book Fire Your Boss and hosts the podcast ‘Work Life Play.’ Aaron also leads experiential weekends called "Reboot Your Life" and is a sought-after speaker, playing a significant role in driving cultural transformations across North America.Aaron shares his personal story of realizing that no matter how hard he tried, he could never achieve the perfect balance in his life. It was only through a complete ‘reboot,’ that he discovered a new vision for his life and a new narrative. He found a third rhythm, a recurring pattern of movement where work, life, and play could coexist harmoniously within the fabric of each day. Now, his mission is to share this profound discovery with as many people as possible.Aaron also explores various fascinating topics including valuing oneself, finding rest amidst the daily hustle, and integrating play into our lives as adults. He also provides insightful tips on how to prioritize play and rewire for happiness. Enjoy!What You’ll Learn in this Show:How Aaron's understanding of happiness has evolved from his younger years and what this concept means to him now.How Aaron's journey of experiencing burnout has led him to realize the importance of transitioning from being a human "doing" to a human "being.How we can truly become more effective, and be at our best selves, as individuals, teams and organizations.The lessons Aron has learned on how to achieve a state of being more.The importance of resting more to unlock our full potential.Aaron’s tips on how to integrate play into your day.And so much more...Resources:Aaronmchugh.com Work Life Play PodcastFacebook: Work Life PlayInstagram: @aarondmchughLinkedIn: Aaron McHughHappinesssquad.com My Happiness Squad InstagramAshish Kothari LinkedInAnil Ramjiani LinkedInHappiness Squad Youtube ChannelBooks:Hardwired for Happiness: 9 Proven Practices to Overcome Stress and Live Your Best LifeEssentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of LessFIRE YOUR BOSS: Discover Work You Love Without Quitting Your Job