Flourishing Edge Podcast with Ashish Kothari

Do you ever feel like you're juggling work and your personal life at once, trying to keep them from crashing down? You're not alone. The traditional notion of work-life balance often paints an unrealistic picture of perfectly equal scales. But let's face it; the scales are rarely balanced.  Stress builds as you struggle to keep up, leaving you exhausted and frustrated. What if there was a better way to balance work and life? In this episode of the HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast, Ashish Kothari sits with Scott Shute, Founder of Changing Work. Scott Shute is a keynote speaker, author, and leadership coach with extensive experience as an executive. He is passionate about people development, integrating the practical aspects of leadership in the modern business world with the wisdom of ancient traditions. With over twenty-five years in customer-oriented leadership and executive roles, including three years leading Mindfulness and Compassion programs at LinkedIn, Scott now aids other leaders and companies to become more compassionate and effective. Scott aims to weave these practices into the fabric of company culture, influencing how products are developed, sold, and serviced to benefit employees and customers. His background in operations allows him to scale these transformative practices across organizations effectively.In the conversation, Ashish and Scott discuss the concept of work-life integration and the best approaches to blending work and life.Here are other things you will learn from this episode:• The meaning and inspiration of the ‘Full Body YES’• Work-life balance vs Work-life integration• Handling unmeaningful work• Mindfulness and compassion programs• The Changing Work CollectiveResources:/• Scott Shute website: https://www.scottshute.com/ • Work with Scott Shute here: https://www.scottshute.com/work-with-me • Changing Work Movement: https://www.changingwork.org/ Books:• The Full Body YES by Scott Shute: https://www.scottshute.com/the-book • 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 feel like chasing personal achievements isn't really making you happy? You're not alone. It's a common trap that leaves many of us feeling empty. It's a frustrating realization that success and status often fail to fill the void we hope they would. It leaves us questioning, what does happiness truly mean?In this episode of the HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast, Ashish Kothari and Stephanie Harrison, Founder of The New Happy, discuss a groundbreaking approach to finding your ‘new happy’. It's happiness, redefined.Stephanie Harrison, Founder of The New Happy Co., is a multifaceted entrepreneur, acclaimed writer, innovative designer, and engaging speaker. Holding a master's degree in positive psychology from the prestigious University of Pennsylvania, she has dedicated her career to pioneering a transformative philosophy of happiness.As the author of the upcoming book NEW HAPPY: Getting Happiness Right In A World That’s Got It Wrong, set to be published by Penguin Random House on May 14, 2024, Stephanie continues to influence and reshape the conversation around what it truly means to live a fulfilled life.In the conversation, Ashish and Stephanie discuss a new formula for happiness that’s about more than just personal gain—it's about community and helping others.Things you will learn from this episode:• The Old vs. New Concept of Happiness• The importance of self-acceptance• Growth through self-love• Discovering your talents• Serving others with your giftsTune into the full episode here to hear their insightful discussion on the new meaning of happiness.Resources:• The New Happy website: https://www.thenewhappy.com/about • New Happy Book: https://www.thenewhappy.com/book 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• Author of New Happy: Getting Happiness Right in a World That's Got It Wrong: https://www.amazon.com/New-Happy-Getting-Happiness-Right/dp/0593541383

Have you ever wondered how many people change careers after a job loss or by choice? Studies show that, on average, individuals undergo a career transition about five to seven times during their lifetime. The problem is that each transition is not without its own challenges. So, what does it take to navigate these waters successfully?In this episode, Ashish Kothari, Founder of HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast, offers a comprehensive guide to career progression, specifically how to secure promotions or transition into new roles and leveraging the "Sunflower Model" to achieve professional growth and success.The episode serves as a comprehensive guide for listeners to reflect on their current positions, identify what they truly want from their careers, and make strategic moves to achieve those goals while maintaining personal well-being and a sense of purpose.Things you will learn from this episode:How to assess your skillsThe importance of feedback and coachingThe concept of Job CraftingThe benefits of open vs closed networksTune in now and discover the secrets to the smoothest career transition! Check out our latest article here for insights and strategies that work.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

Many organizations and individuals often find themselves stuck making only small, incremental changes that don't really solve the bigger issues. Sticking to minor adjustments means missing major opportunities and failing to meet evolving challenges. There’s a clear need for a more impactful approach to change.In this episode of the HAPPINESS SQUAD podcast, Ashish Kothari and Robert Quinn discuss how to drive deep organizational change effectively.Robert E. Quinn, Professor Emeritus at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business, is a leading expert in leadership, culture, and change. He co-founded Positive Organizational Scholarship and the Center for Positive Organizations. Robert is among the top 1% of cited professors in organizational behavior. His notable books include the global bestseller Deep Change and the award-winning The Best Teacher in You. His latest work, The Positive Organization, explores breaking free from conventional business cultures. Things you will learn from this episode:• The purpose-driven definition of happiness• Concept of Deep Change versus Incremental Change• Role of Leadership in Organizational Change• Integration of Well-being into Corporate CultureTo explore their insights in detail, listen to the complete episode now!Resources:• Robert Quinn’s website: https://robertequinn.com/ • Robert Quinn’s blog: https://robertequinn.com/blog/Books:• Deep Change by Robert E. Quinn: https://www.amazon.com/Deep-Change-Discovering-Jossey-Bass-Management/dp/0787902446• The Best Teacher in You: https://www.amazon.com/Best-Teacher-You-Accelerate-Learning/dp/1626561788 • Watch out for Prof. Robert Quinn’s upcoming book: “The Transformational Moment”• 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 wondered if there's a secret recipe for genuine happiness? Imagine if you could break down happiness into a formula, one that would guide you through the complexities of emotions and lead you to a life of fulfillment and joy. In this episode, we’ll unravel just that together with Ashish Kothari and Dr. Alphonsus Obayuwana.Dr. Alphonsus Obayuwana, a physician-scientist and happiness coach, is the founder and CEO of Triple-H Project LLC, specializing in training and certifying happiness coaches. His contributions to the field include the renowned Hope Index Scale, widely adopted by major corporations and academic institutions, including the Coca-Cola Company and General Motors. A Literary Titan Gold Award-winning author, Dr. Obayuwana has published extensively on human hope and happiness, culminating in his groundbreaking work, "The Happiness Formula."In this episode of the HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast, Ashish and Dr. Alphonsus unpacks the ‘happiness formula’ – a concept that delves into the very essence of what makes us truly happy.Things you will learn from this episode:The happiness formulaFive sources of human hopeFive inborn human hungersFive triggers of happinessThe relationship between hope and happinessSo, grab a cup of coffee, get comfortable, and let’s walk through their insights together – it’s a conversation that might just change the way you see happiness.Resources:Triple H Project LLC - https://triplehproject.com/ Books:The Happiness Formula: A Scientific, Groundbreaking Approach to Happiness and Personal Fulfillment - https://www.amazon.com/Books-Alphonsus-Obayuwana-MD/s?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3AAlphonsus+Obayuwana+MD Hardwired for Happiness - https://www.amazon.com/Hardwired-Happiness-Proven-Practices-Overcome/dp/1544534663/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1665467131&sr=8-3 Other books mentioned:The Book of Hope by Jane Goodall - https://www.amazon.com/Book-Hope-Survival-Trying-Global/dp/1250784093The Awakened Brain by Lisa Miller - https://www.amazon.com/Awakened-Brain-Science-Spirituality-Inspired/dp/198485562X

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