The Happiness Squad Podcast with Ashish Kothari

Let's face it, work can be a pressure cooker sometimes. Aside from the physical toll, it's also about mental stress and feeling isolated, making us less productive and more likely to call in sick. But what if our workplace focused on keeping us healthy in every way? We'd probably feel more motivated, stick around longer, and do better work. In this episode, we feature Barbara Jeffery, a Partner at McKinsey & Company in the London office who leads the People and Organizational Performance practice in the UK, Ireland, and Israel. With over 15 years of experience in various sectors, including healthcare and public services, Barbara specializes in strategy development, organizational design, and driving large-scale change. She is also deeply involved with the McKinsey Health Institute (MHI) as an Affiliate Partner, focusing on Employee Health and Wellbeing. Moreover, Barbara is a Board member for Business in the Community (BITC), a prominent organization championing responsible business in the UK.In this episode of the HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast, Ashish Kothari and Barbara Jeffery, Partner at McKinsey & Company, discuss how addressing our holistic health could transform our work lives. Things you will learn from this episode:Holistic health in the workplaceThe 4 dimensions of holistic healthHow organizations can foster holistic healthUnderstanding burnoutResources: Addressing Employee Burnout: https://www.mckinsey.com/mhi/our-insights/addressing-employee-burnout-are-you-solving-the-right-problemBarbara Jeffery: https://www.mckinsey.com/our-people/barbara-jeffery Working Nine to Thrive: https://www.mckinsey.com/mhi/our-insights/working-nine-to-thrive Reframing employee health: Moving beyond burnout to holistic health: https://www.mckinsey.com/mhi/our-insights/reframing-employee-health-moving-beyond-burnout-to-holistic-healthPresent company included: Prioritizing mental health and well-being for all: https://www.mckinsey.com/mhi/our-insights/present-company-included-prioritizing-mental-health-and-well-being-for-all 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

Today's organizational leaders need more than quick reactions to unpredictability; they need 'deliberate calm.' This skill is all about responding thoughtfully to challenges, not just keeping your cool. But how do you develop this ability?In this episode of the HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast, we delve deeper into this topic with Ashish Kothari and Jacqui Brassey, a renowned expert in health and wellbeing and Co-Leader of the McKinsey Health Institute. Jacqui, who also contributes to the World Wellbeing Movement and Wellbeing at Work, and is part of the World Economic Forum's Health Workforces Initiative, brings over two decades of experience in international business and academia. In this conversation, Ashish and Jacqui discuss her bestselling book, 'Deliberate Calm,' offering practical advice on maintaining calm, shifting mindsets from protection to learning, mastering dual awareness, and fostering purpose and psychological safety in teams.Things you will learn in this episode:The importance of deliberate calm in decision-makingHow deliberate calm fosters team collaboration and understandingThe concept of dual awarenessHow to practice deliberate calmResources:• TEDx Talk: Zoning In and Out of Stress by Jacqui Brassey https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XasET2Psi7c Books:• Deliberately Calm by Jacqui Brassey: https://www.amazon.com/Deliberate-Calm-Learn-Volatile-World-ebook/dp/B09TKZ96PB • Authentic Confidence by Jacqui Brassey: https://www.amazon.com/Authentic-Confidence-Jacqueline-Brassey/dp/9462158266 • 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

Losing your job can plunge you into a sea of uncertainty and stress. But what if this moment is actually a hidden doorway, opening to a path of self-discovery and inner peace? Losing your job can feel like a big setback. It's more than just losing a paycheck; it can shake your confidence and disrupt your daily routine. But it's important to remember that this isn't the end of the road. In fact, many people find that job loss is a turning point for something better. It's a chance to reevaluate what you really want from your career and life.In this episode of the HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast, Founder Ashish Kothari, shares simple yet profound practices through the sunflower model that could be your guide through this maze.Things you will learn from this episode:How to use your time after a job loss effectivelyImportance of self-awareness The role of mindfulness in coping with job lossExploring purpose and meaningLiving intentionallyTune in now to discover how these practices can transform this challenging time into a journey towards a brighter future.Resources:Rewire Program: https://happinesssquad.com/rewire-program/ The Happiness Squad on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-happiness-squad/id1663683864Happiness 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

Do you find yourself getting upset at work over small things? Your past experiences might be influencing you. The cycle of reacting to workplace scenarios with heightened emotions like frustration or anxiety is a sign of being caught in an unconscious pattern. This can affect your professional relationships and personal well-being, creating a barrier to success and satisfaction in your career.Conscious healing at work is a great way to deal with this. It helps you understand and control these feelings, and we’ll explore this further in this episode of the HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast with Ashish Kothari and Susan Schmitt Winchester.Susan Schmitt Winchester is the Senior HR Advisor for Applied Materials and the former Senior Vice President and CHRO of the same company. With over 36 years in corporate HR, she specializes in creating inclusive cultures and driving company performance. Susan is also the CEO and Founder of Healing at Work and the author of "Healing at Work: A Guide to Using Career Conflicts to Overcome Your Past and Build the Future You Deserve." A fellow of the National Academy of Human Resources, she serves on several HR boards and committees, including the HR Policy Association and the University of Michigan's College of Engineering Leadership Advisory Board.Things you will learn from this episode:The Journey of Self-Discovery and Self-Acceptance in Professional EnvironmentsUnderstanding ASDP (Adult Survivor of a Damaged Past) and Its Impact in the WorkplaceThe Role of Childhood Experiences in Shaping Adult Coping MechanismsTransforming from an Unconscious Wounded Career Path to a Conscious Healing Career PathTake the first step towards a better work life. Explore conscious healing and see the difference.Resources:Healing at Work Website: https://healingatwork.com/ Can Quantum Physics Explain Consciousness? https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/a40898392/quantum-physics-consciousness/ Books:Healing at Work: A Guide for Using Career Conflicts to Overcome Your Past and Build the Future You Deserve: https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Work-Conflicts-Overcome-Deserve/dp/1951744527 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

In today's fast-moving world, leaders can't afford to stick to the old ways. Ignoring the ever-changing landscape around us means missing out on new opportunities and risking stagnation. It's essential for any leader to stay agile and resilient – that's what modern leadership is all about in these challenging times.In this episode of the HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast, Ashish Kothari and Andrew White, CEO of Transcend.Space, dive deep into the concept of modern leadership.Andrew White is a visionary in modern leadership, dedicated to understanding and shaping the role of business leaders in addressing global challenges. At Said Business School, he directs the Oxford Advanced Management and Leadership Programme, annually guiding 80 global leaders towards new strategic directions. As the founder of Transcend.Space, Andrew works with purpose-driven leaders to foster positive change beyond profit. His insights extend to global leadership retreats, contributions to Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, a TEDx talk, a podcast, and his popular LinkedIn newsletter 'Leadership 2050' with over 5,000 subscribers.In the conversation, Ashish and Andrew address how leadership is transforming in response to the unique challenges and rapid changes of the modern world.Things you will learn from this episode:The Challenges of 21st Century LeadershipHuman-Centric Approach to LeadershipThe Importance of Active Listening SkillsIntegrating Technology in LeadershipThe role of Personal Development and Mindfulness in LeadershipTune in now to gain invaluable insights and tools to transform your leadership style and make a positive impact in today's dynamic world.Resources:Transcend.Space on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/transcend-space/ Transcend.Space Website: https://transcend.space/who-we-are/ Andrew White’s TED Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9fwC3tInlo Leadership 2050 Newsletter: https://transcend.space/leadership-2050/  Books:Andrew White’s Harvard Business Review article: https://hbr.org/2016/06/lessons-from-companies-that-put-purpose-ahead-of-short-term-profits 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

A lot of people feel stressed and burnt out at work these days. Even though companies try to help with things like health apps or gym memberships, these efforts often don't really solve the problem. That is because these solutions only focus on the individual and ignore bigger issues like the work environment, how teams work together, and whether the job itself is satisfying and meaningful. In this episode of the HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast, Ashish Kothari and Dr. Samata Vasisht, Founder of Synergy Holistic, talk about how to improve wellbeing at work. Dr. Samata Vasisht, transitioning from a seasoned physician to a holistic well-being expert and transformational coach, offers a rare fusion of spiritual wisdom and scientific insight. Her global journey, spanning from the US to the UK, Dubai, and India, has equipped her with diverse experiences and profound knowledge. She has left a significant mark on top-tier companies like Unilever, Microsoft, and Shell. Dr. Vasisht stands as an inspiring guide for those seeking to master the challenges of today's workplace with resilience, purpose, and a profound understanding of well-being.The conversation highlights a crucial gap in many well-being programs: the failure to address broader issues such as the work environment, team dynamics, and the meaningfulness of the job itself.Ashish and Dr. Samata highlight the importance of a holistic approach to well-being in the workplace. They suggest that true improvement comes from creating a supportive and flexible work culture, where employees feel valued and find purpose in their roles. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the deeper factors that contribute to a healthy and fulfilling work life.Things you will learn from this episode:Life's Autocorrect Mechanism and Innate DrivesShifting from Individual Healing to Collective HealingFlourishing and Well-Being in ActionThe Dimensions of Well-BeingTune in now to gain insights on how to transform your workplace into a thriving environment where well-being is not just an individual responsibility but a collective achievement. Resources: Leadership that Works India Website: leadershipthatworks.com/ Company Website: synergyholistic.world 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

Ever felt like you're on a never-ending quest for happiness, yet it's always just out of reach? You're not alone. In fact, many of us find ourselves in a relentless cycle of chasing moments of joy, hoping to catch them, only to watch them slip through our fingers. It's exhausting, isn't it?But in this episode of the HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast, our very own Founder, Ashish Kothari, offers us a fresh perspective. He talks about happiness not as something you chase after, but as something you can cultivate within – like a garden that needs tending. He introduces us to the Sunflower Model of the 9 Hardwired for Happiness practices, which includes self-awareness, purpose, mindfulness, gratitude, mastering emotions, well-being, building a sense of community, and intentional living. These happy habits offer us tangible tools to navigate through our daily challenges and plant the seeds of a happier, more fulfilling life.It's about time we learn to find joy in the here and now, to grow from our past without being tethered to it, and to look forward to the future with optimism, not fear. So tune in to this first solo episode with Ashish.Things you will learn from this episode:Cultivating Happiness as a State of BeingThe Sunflower Model of the 9 Hardwired for Happiness practicesGuidance on Deepening Relationships and Building CommunityResources:Ashish Kothari on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashishkothari1/ Happiness Squad Company Website: https://happinesssquad.com/ Rewire Yoga Program: https://happinesssquad.com/rewire-program/ 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

In today's fast-paced world, many of us struggle to find true happiness and balance. Despite our well-being practices, like yoga, we often fail to translate its benefits into our daily lives. Many people practice yoga to relax and find peace. However, they often struggle to keep that calm feeling once they leave their yoga class and return to their busy lives.In this podcast, Ashish Kothari and Alicia Rae Parks, Manager of Happiness Squad’s REWIRE Yoga Program, talk about how to make the benefits of yoga last longer, even after you leave the yoga mat. They introduce a special program called Rewire Yoga, which helps you use yoga in your everyday life, not just in class. Alicia shares her own story about how yoga helped her through tough times. She’s a yoga teacher dedicated to bringing authenticity and a sense of community to her practice. She has transformed her life and teaching approach by shifting from fear to happiness. As the Program Manager of the REWIRE YOGA program, Alicia aims to help yoga teachers enhance their skills and deepen their practice, both on and off the mat. Her mission is to empower teachers to thrive in their profession and to make “happiness” a key element in the yoga community.Things you will learn from this episode:Integrating Yoga into Daily LifeWhy you should try the Rewire Yoga ProgramPersonal Transformation Through YogaHow Yoga Brings Holistic Well-being This is your invitation to shift to a more purposeful and meaningful life! Tune in to this episode now and start making a difference.Resources:Alicia Rae Park’s Website: https://linktr.ee/Aliciaraeyoga Rewire Yoga Program: https://community.happinesssquad.com/plans/361217?bundle_token=147d27a5abebb960fd96c25f21e597ab&utm_source=manual 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

In our fast-paced world, many of us struggle with self-trust and tapping into our inner intuition. It's tough to achieve personal and professional success when these crucial qualities aren't quite working as they should. But hold on – there's hope! In this exciting episode of the HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast, we've got a solution for you. Our guest, Jesse Janelle, is a real pro when it comes to personal development. With her impressive track record as the founder and CEO of Gemini Leadership and the brains behind the Soul Session method, Jesse's got the expertise we all need.Jesse is an ICF certified transformational coach, and her TEDx talk on the power of self-trust is in the top 2 percent most viewed talks of all time. Her mission is to help mystic-minded millennials reach new realms of possibilities for their lives.In the conversation, Ashish Kothari and Jesse explore how to boost your self-trust and give you practical tips to kick your intuition into high gear. They also explore the power of tarot-based leadership coaching, and how leaders can not only level up their own self-development but also help others do the same.Things you will learn in this episode:Understand Why Happiness Means FreedomA Tarot-based Approach to Leadership CoachingThe 3 elements of Self-trustHow to Rebuild Your Self-trust and Reconnect with Your IntuitionDon't miss out on this chance to supercharge your life! Join the conversation and let's unlock the secrets to self-trust and intuition that can transform your world.Resources:https://geminileaders.com/ 7minutetarot.com (Free Masterclass)Books:Hardwired for Happiness : https://www.amazon.com/Hardwired-Happiness-Proven-Practices-Overcome/dp/1544534655

Change often seems intimidating, and the idea of transforming our lives can feel like an unattainable dream. But what if we told you that change is not just possible, but within your reach?In this new inspiring episode of the HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast, Ashish and Anil sit with Shannon Wallis, Founder of Cascade Leadership.Shannon Wallis advises industry, independent sector, philanthropy, and C-suite executives on strategy, organization performance, culture change, and social responsibility. Having worked with over 20,000 leaders on six continents, she helps launch big ideas and create new realities for leadership, teams, and organizations. Her experience includes collaboration with five Fortune 500 companies, including Microsoft, Amazon, Google, and Coca-Cola, as well as nonprofits. She's also a prolific contributor to over five books and the author of "We the Change: Launching Big Ideas and Creating New Realities," a book inspired by her 500-mile trek in Spain.In this episode, you’ll discover the true power of embracing change, as Ashish and Shannon delves into how we can all shift our mindset to see change not as a hurdle, but as an opportunity to manifest and create the life we desire.Shannon’s approachable and practical advice shows us that with the right attitude and tools, transforming our lives is entirely achievable. Things you will learn from the episode:The role of presence in redefining happinessHow to manifest your goals and make anything possibleThe power of visualization and gratitudeThe Concept of "We the Change" and Collective EmpowermentReady to embark on a journey of self-discovery and transformation? Listen to Shannon's empowering insights and start creating your new reality today.Resources:Contact Cascade Leadership: info@cascadeleadership.solutions Cascade Leadership Website: https://shannonwallis.solutions/ Books:WE the Change: Launching Big Ideas and Creating New Realities