The Happiness Squad Podcast with Ashish Kothari

Despite advancements in efficiency, many are wrestling with being too busy. We've removed friction from tasks like travel, banking, and meetings, yet why are we busier than ever? How do we get out of it?In this episode of the HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast, Ashish Kothari and Kate Sotsenko, Founder and Productivity & Leadership Coach at thegoodbusy.com, dig into the root causes of "bad busy," and explore how to be “good busy” and reinvent your approach to productivity.Kate Sotsenko is a seasoned Productivity and Leadership Coach, dedicated to helping busy team leaders reclaim their time and boost productivity. With firsthand experience of the damaging effects of "bad busyness," including temporary vision loss and migraine attacks, Kate understands the toll of unproductive work on personal well-being. She teaches the art of curiosity and organization, enabling her clients to free up time for personal and professional growth. As the founder of TheGoodBusy.com, Kate offers practical strategies to transform overwhelmed leaders into efficient and fulfilled professionals.In the conversation, Kate shares practical tips for overcoming the common challenges of moving from "bad busy" to "good busy."Things you will learn from this episode:• Understanding “Bad Busy”• The "Good Busy" Framework• Personal Practices for Well-being• The importance of coaching in managing productivityTune in now, and you’ll learn practical steps to shift from “bad busy” to “good busy,” and reclaim your time and energy!Resources:• Check out The Good Busy by Kate Sotsenko here: https://thegoodbusy.com/ Books:• Hardwired for Happiness: 9 Proven Practices to Overcome Stress and Live Your Best Life.https://www.amazon.com/Hardwired-Happiness-Proven-Practices-Overcome/dp/1544534655• Kate recommends “The Coaching Habit” by Michael Bungay Stanier: https://www.mbs.works/coaching-habit-book/

Let's face it, traditional top-down leadership styles just don't cut it anymore. Employees today are looking for something more than just a boss who dictates orders. They want a leader who understands them, values their contributions, and invests in their growth. Human-centric leadership offers a solution.In this episode of the HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast, we’ll explore how human-centric leadership can create cultures that value people with Jehanzeb Noor, President & Managing Director at Trivium Packaging.Jehanzeb Noor is the President & Managing Director at Trivium Metal Products, specializing in growth execution and technology commercialization in the Medical Device and Industrials sectors. Previously CEO of Smiths Medical and a leader at Amcor, Jehanzeb has a track record of enhancing shareholder value, driving strategic growth, and integrating social responsibility into business practices.Things you will learn from this episode:• 3 Qualities that Build a Human-Centric Culture• Understanding human-centric leadership• 6 tips to enhance mentorship• 5 ways to enhance leadershipTune in now and discover how human-centric leadership can create a ripple effect of positivity throughout your organization.Resources:Websites: • http://mckinsey.com/• https://operations-extranet.mckinsey.com/• http://www.mckinsey.com/client_service/marketing_and_sales Books:• Hardwired for Happiness: 9 Proven Practices to Overcome Stress and Live Your Best Life.https://www.amazon.com/Hardwired-Happiness-Proven-Practices-Overcome/dp/1544534655

Despite living in a time of incredible prosperity, record-breaking GDP, and life-saving advancements, many of us feel increasingly stressed, anxious, and dissatisfied. This paradox—abundance alongside unhappiness—is what we’ll tackle in this episode of the HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast with Ashish Kothari, Founder of HAPPINESS SQUAD.In this episode, we’ll unravel the hidden habits that might be unconsciously chipping away at our well-being. Learn how to identify and break free from these "unhappiness habits" that hold you back from a more fulfilling life.Things you will learn from this episode:• “Unhappiness Habits” that drive lower life satisfaction and increased stress• Happy practices that help fix your broken sleeping patterns • How to kill the habit of comparison• Breaking free from the addiction to technologyTune in to this episode now and learn to identify and break the habits that contribute to your unhappiness.Resources:• Rewire Program: https://happinesssquad.com/rewire-program/ • The Happiness Squad on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-happiness-squad/id1663683864• Happiness Squad Podcast: https://podcast.happinesssquad.com/ • Happiness Squad website: https://happinesssquad.com/• Happiness Squad on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myhappinesssquad/ Books:• Hardwired for Happiness: 9 Proven Practices to Overcome Stress and Live Your Best Life: https://www.amazon.com/Hardwired-Happiness-Proven-Practices-Overcome/dp/1544534655

The world of work is on fast-forward. New skills are constantly in demand, and keeping up can feel like playing catch-up in a high-speed chase. Without a mentor to provide guidance and support, these new challenges can be overwhelming.In this episode of the HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast, Ashish Kothari and Lori Crever, Author and Founder of Protégé Power, explores the importance of creating a culture of mentorship in our organizations.Lori Crever is the author of "Protégé Power: A Roadmap for Mentorship" and founder of Protégé Power LLC. As Director of Strategic Partnerships at the Center for Mentoring Excellence, she leverages her extensive corporate experience and career development expertise to deliver impactful presentations and workshops. Lori's career includes two decades at Wells Fargo, where she led a successful mentor program that significantly advanced participants' careers. Currently, she is pursuing a Global Leadership Diploma at the United Nations University for Peace. Her methods have facilitated career breakthroughs for professionals globally, as detailed in her book.In the conversation, you’ll learn the key elements of effective leadership and the importance of embedding mentorship into the organizational culture.Things you will learn from this episode:• The importance of setting clear goals for mentees• Creating psychological safety to foster mentorship• How to empower mentees• The role of humility in mentorship• Why mentorship should be embedded into the organization’s cultureThousands of listeners have already benefited from our career guidance. Now, discover the power of mentorship in our latest episode!Resources:• Protégé Power: https://www.protegepower.com/ • About Lori Crever: https://lori-crever.squarespace.com/ • Lori Crever on X : https://x.com/loricrever?lang=en Books:• Protégé Power: A Roadmap to Mentorship: https://www.amazon.com/Prot%C3%A9g%C3%A9-Power-Roadmap-Mentorship/dp/B09DM73X6G • Hardwired for Happiness: 9 Proven Practices to Overcome Stress and Live Your Best Life.https://www.amazon.com/Hardwired-Happiness-Proven-Practices-Overcome/dp/1544534655

We all hit a point where our current path just doesn’t match up with our deepest desires and goals any longer. That's when a "relaunch" starts to happen. It's that moment of transition in our lives that presents a powerful opportunity to redefine what success means to us and realign with our true selves. But how do we handle this big change smoothly and confidently?In this episode of the HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast, Ashish Kothari and Hilary DeCesare, Founder & CEO of The ReLaunch Company, reveal the secrets to effectively relaunching yourself and thriving in your life’s transitions.Hilary DeCesare is an award-winning business expert, internationally recognized author, and Silicon Valley pioneer. She founded The Relaunch Co., significantly contributed to Oracle’s sales, and is a sought-after speaker and mentor to CEOs and entrepreneurs. Hilary has raised millions in venture capital, earned multiple accolades including AlwaysOn’s “Top 25 Women in Tech to Watch,” and won the 2010 DEMOgod Award and the 2012 Golden Bridge Women Founder of the Year Award. She serves on the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo board, lectures on business, and is committed to philanthropy, with notable appearances on ABC’s Secret Millionaire. Her work culminates in the 3HQ Methodology, empowering mid-life women to achieve career fulfillment.Tune into this episode for expert guidance on effectively relaunching your life and thrive through dramatic transitions!Things you will learn from this episode:• The 3HQ Method• Tapping into the Wisdom of the Heart• The Tune-In Process• Daily Dose from the Tune-In ProcessResources:• The ReLaunch Company - http://www.therelaunchco.com/ • Free PDF at tuneinpowertool.com - https://www.therelaunchcocourses.com/tunein Books:• RELAUNCH!: Spark Your Heart to Ignite Your Life : https://www.amazon.com/RELAUNCH-Spark-Your-Heart-Ignite-ebook/dp/B0B2WZKBDB• Also mentioned:  "Mind Magic" by James Doty https://www.amazon.com/Mind-Magic-Neuroscience-Manifestation-Everything/dp/0593541146  • Hardwired for Happiness: 9 Proven Practices to Overcome Stress and Live Your Best Life.https://www.amazon.com/Hardwired-Happiness-Proven-Practices-Overcome/dp/1544534655

Is happiness the hidden ingredient to extraordinary business success? We're so used to workplaces focused on getting things done fast and generating results. But what if fostering a happy work environment is the key to unparalleled productivity, innovation, and employee loyalty?In this episode of the HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast, Ashish Kothari and Lars Kure Juul explore the potent impact of organizational happiness on overall business health.Lars Kure Juul is a Trusted Advisor, HR Executive, and Author of the book, Organizational Happiness: The Happiness Sweet Spot & Your Motivational Landscape. He is no stranger to the transformative power of happiness. Transitioning from a seasoned legal career in mergers and acquisitions to a revered HR executive, Lars has spent over two decades mastering the art of enhancing corporate environments through strategic happiness interventions. His approach blends rigorous positive psychology with practical corporate applications, setting the stage for thriving workplaces.During their engaging discussion, Ashish and Lars dissect a variety of pivotal topics, including the concept of compassionate leadership—how it shapes high-performing teams and fosters a robust organizational culture.Things you will learn from this episode:• Workplaces can either drag down or uplift individuals through organizational dynamics• Key Drivers for Organizational Happiness• The importance and effectiveness of compassionate leadership• How leaders can cultivate compassion and presence within their teamsListen now and discover how embracing organizational happiness can improve business outcomes. You’ll take away practical strategies to implement in your own organization.Resources:• The Happiness Sweet Spot: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/happiness-sweet-spot-explained-lars-kure-juul/ Books:• Organizational Happiness by Lars Kure Juul: https://www.amazon.com/Organizational-Happiness-Sweet-Motivational-Landscape/dp/8797105503 • Hardwired for Happiness: 9 Proven Practices to Overcome Stress and Live Your Best Life.https://www.amazon.com/Hardwired-Happiness-Proven-Practices-Overcome/dp/1544534655

Have you ever noticed how a delicious meal can instantly lift your spirits? Food goes beyond just fueling our bodies; it nourishes our souls and strengthens connections with the people around us. But how exactly does food create happiness and deeper connections?  In this episode of the HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast, Ashish Kothari and Paul Cure explore the fascinating link between food, happiness, and building meaningful relationships.Paul Cure is a Realtor with the Burgess Group | Compass and the Community Chair for the Conference on World Affairs. He is also a freelance journalist who specializes in lifestyle topics, including design, style, food, and travel. Paul is passionate about bringing together various businesses and personalities to foster community building and social engagement.In this conversation, Ashish and Paul discuss how shared meals can enhance happiness and strengthen relationships.Things you will learn from this episode:• What is Slow Food?• The Emotional Impact of Eating Environments• How Sharing a Meal Cultivates Mindfulness• Building Connections Through FoodStruggling to find meaningful ways to connect with loved ones? We've got the recipe for you! Don’t wait! Tune into this podcast now.Resources:• Michelin Star Restaurants in Colorado: Culinary Adventures in Aspen, Boulder, and Denver (article by Paul Cure) : https://iconiclife.com/michelin-start-restaurants-colorado-culinary-adventures/ • “Welcome, Nice to See You” AKA “Irashaimase” (article by Paul Cure) : https://citylifestyle.com/articles/welcome-nice-to-see-you-aka-irashaimase • 40th Food & Wine Classic in Aspen | The View From the Top (article by Paul Cure): https://iconiclife.com/food-wine-classic-aspen-exploring-aspen-food-wine-festival/ • The Eat-In Method by Callie Cavanaugh: https://calliecavanaugh.com/programBooks:• Comfort Food: Exploring Our Relationship and Craving for Love and Belonging At the Table by Paul Cure• Hardwired for Happiness: 9 Proven Practices to Overcome Stress and Live Your Best Life.https://www.amazon.com/Hardwired-Happiness-Proven-Practices-Overcome/dp/1544534655

Relationships can be tricky because they mix together two people with different backgrounds and habits, and sometimes things get a bit tangled up. It’s like blending two different paint colors without making a mess! Every relationship hits rough patches, but we can turn those bumps in the road into springboards for growing closer. In this episode of the HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast, Ashish Kothari, Founder of Happiness Squad, discusses how to cultivate positive emotions to deepen our relationships.Things you will learn from this episode:• How to generate positive emotions• Practice being a ‘gratitude detective’• Managing negative emotions and interactions• The most destructive behaviors in relationships. Resources:• Rewire Program: https://happinesssquad.com/rewire-program/ • The Happiness Squad on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-happiness-squad/id1663683864 • Happiness Squad Podcast: https://podcast.happinesssquad.com/ • Happiness Squad website: https://happinesssquad.com/• Happiness Squad on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myhappinesssquad/ • The Magic Relationship Ratio by Dr. John Gottman: https://www.gottman.com/blog/the-magic-relationship-ratio-according-science/ Books:• Hardwired for Happiness: 9 Proven Practices to Overcome Stress and Live Your Best Life.https://www.amazon.com/Hardwired-Happiness-Proven-Practices-Overcome/dp/1544534655• The Prophet by Khalil Gibran: https://www.amazon.com/Prophet-Kahlil-Gibran/dp/B001AGWEMK

We're investing big bucks in employee well-being programs without really addressing the real problems affecting employees' performance. In fact, shocking stats from the McKinsey Health Institute reveal that a mere 3% of burnout comes from individual factors, while a staggering 97% is due to organizational, team, and job-related issues. It looks like we’re spending a lot of money on wellness without tackling the bigger problem. Shouldn’t we be aiming for solutions that address the whole picture? In this episode of the HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast, Ashish Kothari and Ali Khan will discuss this issue with you.Ali Khan is an accomplished entrepreneur and the Founder and CEO of SHAPE - The Employee Experience Measurement Company. His leadership is marked by a commitment to creating flagship products that enhance flourishing and drive positive outcomes in workplaces facing unprecedented change. An expert in chronic and infectious disease diagnosis, Ali excels in transforming clinical, technical, and operational growth through data-driven services. In the conversation, Ashish and Ali redefine employee flourishing and organizational success. They discuss how well-being and happiness are not merely byproducts of successful workplace environments but are foundational to creating them.Things you will learn from this episode:• Defining flourishing and what helps individuals and organizations flourish• The Flourishing Wheel: 12 domains of flourishing• Effectiveness of Well-being Initiatives• Data-driven insights in transforming organizational practicesResources:• SHAPE Website: https://www.shapepowered.com/• SHAPE Global news: https://www.forbes.com/sites/sheilacallaham/2023/09/19/startup-advances-employee-productivity-measurement-captures-attention-of-global-leaders/?sh=4d0ff1f541c9 • Check out our related episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/lv/podcast/the-power-of-purpose-driven-organizations-with-alex-edmans/id1663683864?i=1000633983201 Books:• Hardwired for Happiness: 9 Proven Practices to Overcome Stress and Live Your Best Life.https://www.amazon.com/Hardwired-Happiness-Proven-Practices-Overcome/dp/1544534655

Do you know how stressed people are at work these days? Studies show a startling fact: nearly 40% of young workers feel they're on the edge because of job stress. It's clear we have a serious issue that's hurting both people's well-being and their job performance. Could our work environments be contributing to the problem? In this episode of the HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast, Ashish Kothari and Genevieve Bonin explore this critical topic.Genevieve Bonin is the Managing Director and partner at Boston Consulting Group. She is a seasoned leader with over 27 years of experience in the public and private sectors, specializing in solving complex problems and leading transformational change. At BCG, she leads the global public sector practice with a focus on Defence and Security and heads the Canadian Public Sector practice. A recognized thought leader in diversity, equity and inclusion, mental health and well-being, and leadership, she has authored numerous articles and delivered keynotes on these topics.Her military background as a Naval Engineering Officer in the Royal Canadian Navy deeply influences her ongoing commitment to philanthropy, particularly in supporting troops, veterans, and their families. She serves on several boards, including the True Patriot Love Foundation, Invictus Games 2025, and the Royal Ottawa Hospital Institute for Mental Health Research.Genevieve holds professional titles as a Fellow Certified Management Consultant and Professional Engineer and has been honored with the Telfer School of Management Philanthropy Award and the Veterans Affairs Ministerial Medal for her contributions to society. In this conversation, Ashish and Genevieve discuss the importance of ongoing attention to workplace mental health and the need for businesses to prioritize improving their employees’ well-being and productivity at work.Things you will learn from this episode:• Combating Workplace Burnout• Research on Mental Health Among Canadian Workers• Determining Workplace Stressors• The Concept of Generative Leadership• Organizational Strategies for Mental HealthResources:• Genevieve Bonin at Boston Consulting Group: https://www.bcg.com/about/people/experts/genevieve-bonin • Genevieve Bonin on Twitter: https://twitter.com/genbonin?lang=en • The Royal Mental Health Center: https://www.theroyal.ca/research/biography/genevieve-bonin • The Next Frontier of Workplace Culture: https://www.bcg.com/publications/2023/workplace-burnout-costing-canadian-companies-billions • Why Canada Needs Generative Leaders: https://www.bcg.com/publications/2022/generative-leadership-aiding-canadas-public-sector Books:Hardwired for Happiness: 9 Proven Practices to Overcome Stress and Live Your Best Life.https://www.amazon.com/Hardwired-Happiness-Proven-Practices-Overcome/dp/1544534655