The Happiness Squad Podcast with Ashish Kothari

We all want to stand out as individuals but also crave being part of a group. Often, companies swing too far one way or the other. But imagine if we could hit that perfect balance where everyone gets to show off what makes them special and still feel like they truly belong. This is what inclusivity means, but there’s more to it than it seems, and Stefanie Johnson, Director of the University of Colorado Boulder's Center for Leadership, tells us all about it!In this episode, Ashish, Stefanie, and Anil unlock the meaning of “inclusify” and unlock several archetypes and blockers of workplace inclusion. People not only want to be seen; they want to be heard and be part of the solution. In fact, individuals are 21 percent more productive when they are engaged. This episode will open your mind to possibilities that you can unlock in a space that may seem challenging.So stay tuned for tips that can have a profound impact on your leadership style, as well as your organization's culture, happiness, and overall performance.Things you will also learn in this episode:What “Inclusify” means and how it creates an inclusive workplaceThe challenges of diversity and true inclusivityPractical strategy for fostering inclusivityHow self-awareness can lead to diversity and inclusion Resources: Dr. Stefanie K. Johnson’s website: https://drstefjohnson.com/Dr. Stefanie K. Johnson’s blog: https://drstefjohnson.com/media/ REWIRE Program: www.happinesssquad.com/rewire-programHappiness Squad: www.happinesssquad.comBooks: Inclusify: The Power of Uniqueness and Belonging to Build Innovative TeamsHardwired for Happiness: 9 Proven Practices to Overcome Stress and Live Your Best Life

Brian Johnson, Founder of Heroic, shares his vision of unlocking the best self and creating a flourishing world. He discusses his journey, the Heroic Platform, and the transformative power of his practices. The podcast explores the concept of happiness, redefines heroism, and emphasizes the importance of integrating ancient wisdom with modern science. Additionally, they discuss the power of community, the potential of using a platform for change, and express gratitude for each other's support.

Here's a thought: What if the real secret to making more money was to focus less on the money itself? True success in organizations isn't just about chasing profits, but about being driven by a genuine purpose. It’s about making a meaningful impact, serving a greater cause, and adding value to the world.In this episode of the HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast, Ashish and Anil chat with Alex Edmans, a multi-award-winning professor of finance at London Business School with a PhD in finance from MIT Sloan. As a Fulbright scholar, he joined Wharton in 2007 before moving to London Business School. His TED talk, "The Pie Growing Mindset” and “The Social Responsibility of Business," has a combined 2.8 million views. He's written for the Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, and the Harvard Business Review.The focus of this conversation is Alex's book, 'Grow the Pie: How Great Companies Deliver Both Purpose and Profit'. Through quantitative research, Alex introduces the concept of growing value for all stakeholders rather than merely dividing it. He presents three pivotal principles that guide organizations in defining their purpose. Ashish and Anil supplement this with examples from their own work, ensuring that leaders, shareholders, or stakeholders of organizations will benefit. Ready to redefine success and discover the power of purpose in organizations? Listen to this episode now!Things you will also learn from this episode:The concept of ‘growing the pie’ and long-term greedThe correlation and causation of employee satisfaction and stock returnsThe power of purpose in maximizing profitResources:Alex Edmans’ website: http://www.alexedmans.com/ Growth the Pie website: http://www.growthepie.net/ TED Talk: The Pie-Growing Mindset https://www.ted.com/talks/alex_edmans_the_pie_growing_mindset TED Talk: The Social Responsibility of Business  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5KZhm19EO0 REWIRE Program: www.happinesssquad.com/rewire-programHappiness Squad: www.happinesssquad.comBooks:Grow the Pie: How Great Companies Deliver Both Purpose and Profit

In this episode, Ashish and Anil explores further the philosophy of happiness, and how important it is for universities to teach happiness, with Jackson Kerchis, co-founder of Happiness Means Business.Jackson established a happiness course at the University of Alabama when he was just 18. He strongly believes in meditation and dedicates his life to studying and teaching happiness.Today, we live in an extremely connected world where people have the means to share their lives with whoever they choose to. But sadly, most of them are lonely because they never really feel comfortable showing their authentic self. This is why we do what we do here at HAPPINESS SQUAD - to spread awareness on what it truly means to be happy.Throughout this episode, Jackson shares his journey on how he created a happiness course, and the biggest obstacle in learning happiness in the corporate world. Dont miss this episode, as we explore why educations needs a revamp and include happiness. Resources:YouTube: youtube.com/@HappinessMeansBusiness Company Website: https://happinessmeansbusiness.com/ Books:Books mentioned in the episode:"Atomic Habits" by James Clear

When a song doesn't vibe with us, we skip it. But what about life's unsettling tunes? How do we change or mute the ‘internal playlist’ that throws us off? Our next guest shares how.Meet Susan Drumm, CEO of Meritage Leadership Development, advisor, USA Today bestselling author, and leadership coach. She has personally coached billionaire CEOs, high-profile political figures, prominent Fortune 100 executive teams, and incredible entrepreneurs that are setting out to disrupt the marketplace.She holds graduate degrees from Harvard Law, Carnegie Mellon University, and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. She's a two-time number one bestselling author of "The Leader's Playlist", where you unleash the power of music and neuroscience to transform your leadership and your life. In today’s episode, we uncover how our childhood wounds show up in our ability to lead others and how music can actually heal those wounds. We delved deeper to understand how music can interrupt old beliefs of ‘old patterns’, and the role of self-awareness in rewiring our leadership styles. Join Ashish, Susan, and I in exploring the healing power of music and change the way we lead.Things you will also learn in this episode:The link between past traumas and leadership.How music can be a game-changer in healing and leading.Resources:/Susan Drumm’s Website: https://susandrumm.com/ Meritage Leadership Website: https://meritageleadership.com/ Books:/The Leader's Playlist: Unleash the Power of Music and Neuroscience to Transform Your Leadership and Your Life by Susan DrummOther books mentioned in the episode:The Body Keeps The Score by Bessel van der KolkChildhood Disrupted: How Your Biography Becomes Your Biology, and How You Can Heal by Donna Jackson NakazawaThe Art of Possibility: Transforming Professional and Personal Life by Ben Zander 

In today’s episode, Ashish and Anil, chat with Dr. Shauna Shapiro. Dr. Shauna is a best-selling author, clinical psychologist, and internationally recognized expert in mindfulness and self-compassion. She's a professor at Santa Clara University and has published over 150 papers and three critically acclaimed books, translated in over 16 languages. Her work has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Oprah, and NPR. Her TEDx talk, The Power of Mindfulness, has been viewed over 3 million times.Shauna's book, “Good Morning, I Love You”, which incorporates practices in mindfulness, self-compassion, and joy, takes center stage throughout this conversation, delving into her journey and the power of the practices that have truly made a difference in her life and of those around her.This chat with Shauna opens up a world of deep, transformative thoughts about the power and importance of mindfulness and self-compassion. They also delve into how our small, personal acts of self-care and kindness can create waves, reaching and impacting not just those close to us, but our wider communities and potentially even beyond!Things you will also learn in this episode:Finding Peace Within Through MindfulnessThe three key pillars of mindfulnessHow to Practice Self-compassionEmbracing Gratitude and AppreciationDon't Miss Out on a Journey to Mindfulness and Self-Compassion! Dive into this enlightening episode with Dr. Shauna Shapiro and discover practices that can change your life.Want to keep the positivity flowing? Subscribe to the Happiness Squad Podcast and never miss an episode filled with insights, expert advice, and stories that uplift and inspire! Resources:Dr. Shauna Shapiro Website: https://drshaunashapiro.com/ TEDx | The Power Of Mindfulness: What You Practice Grows Stronger: https://drshaunashapiro.com/videos/ Books:Good Morning, I Love You:  Mindfulness and Self-Compassion Practices to Rewire Your Brain for Calm, Clarity, and JoyRewire Your Mind: Discover the science and practice of mindfulnessGood Morning, I Love You, Violet!

In this episode, Ashish and Anil delve into a mind-altering chat with Professor Srikumar Rao, Head of The Rao Institute. Prof. Srikumar Rao is a speaker, former business school professor and head of the Rao Institute based out of New York. He's an executive coach to senior business executives who he helps find deeper meaning and engagement in their work. Graduates of his workshops and leaders he has helped around the globe have transformed their lives so that they can experience abundant joy, no matter what comes their way. He's a Ted speaker, author, and creator of the pioneering course, Creativity and Personal Mastery (CPM). In life, there will always be challenges that will come our way. And most people overcome those battles to be happy. But it’s time we flip the script. After all, happiness can be the means to pursue any end, instead of something we pursue. One of the best ways to do this, is to live in pure awareness. Throughout this episode, Professor Rao, Ashish, and Anil, delve into the concept of 'pure awareness' - a steady, unchanging self beneath the roles we play. We at Happiness Squad echo this concept of the constant self we have that can navigate life's journey with intrinsic happiness as the compass, not the destination.Join us in this mind-altering chat with Professor Rao, as we peel back the layers of 'pure awareness'. Resources: The Rao Institute Website: http://theraoinstitute.com/Rewire Program: Make Happiness Your Competitive EdgeBooks: Books by Professor Srikumar S. Rao:Modern Wisdom, Ancient Roots The Personal Mastery Program: Discovering Passion and Purpose in Your Life and WorkHappiness at Work: Be Resilient, Motivated, and Successful - No Matter WhatOther books mentioned in the episode:The Universe in a Single Atom: The Convergence of Science and Spirituality by Dalai LamaWhat is Life? By Erwin SchrodingerA Search in Secret India by Paul Burton

In today’s episode, Ashish and Anil chat with the beautiful human being, Barry Shore. He is known as the Ambassador of Joy. He's a mental wellness activist and a philanthropist. He's a multi-patent holder, but he's actually a former quadriplegic who is now swimming around the world. After a rare disease paralyzed Barry from the neck down, he created the Joy Of Living community and the Keep Smiling Movement. In fact, his podcast, The Joy of Living, is in the top 2 percent of all podcasts and is heard globally.Throughout this episode, Barry, Ashish, and Anil explore the joy of life by overcoming challenges, discovering purpose, and spreading positivity in the face of adversity. Barry’s philosophies encourage us to commit to doing good, and to believe in our individual power to make a difference. And you wouldn’t want to miss the reason why we should love DOG POOP at the end of this episode!Don’t miss out on this soul-stirring episode full of wisdom, inspiration, and discover the power of having a positive, purposeful, powerful, and pleasant outlook to truly unlock the joy of life. Let’s start making a difference now!Resources: Barry Shore’s Website: http://barryshore.com/ REWIRE Program: happinesssquad.com/rewire-programBooks: Oh Shift! By Barry Shore Pocketful of Acronyms by Barry ShoreThe Joy of Living: How to Slay Stress And Be Happy (eBook)The Joy of Living: How to Slay Stress And Be Happy (paperback)

In today’s episode, Ashish and Anil chat with Jessica Weiss. With over 15 years of rigorous research and engaging with thousands on the subject, Jessica has emerged as a leading consultant, guiding businesses towards greater workplace satisfaction. Her extensive expertise has led her to collaborate with global giants like Coca-Cola, providing actionable, research-driven strategies for happier work environments.Recognized as a TEDx speaker and organizational leadership maestro, Jessica's candid, humor-infused approach has empowered companies nationwide. She's a staunch believer that work can be a fountain of happiness and champions creating environments where employees genuinely enjoy what they do.Throughout this episode, Jessica, Ashish, and Anil unpack actionable insights that can redefine your personal or leadership journey. Discover the transformative power of journaling, the role of workplace friendships, and even the unconventional use of poker chips in team meetings to boost engagement.Tune in now and discover how happiness truly forms the foundation of our best human performances.What you’ll learn in this show:Discover Jessica Weiss’s definition of happinessThe role of happiness at workHappiness habits to practice for happier teamsHow to make happier, more productive teamsResources:www.jessicaweiss.com/ Jessica Weiss LinkedInREWIRE Program: happinesssquad.com/rewire-programHappinesssquad.com @MyHappinessSquad InstagramAshish Kothari LinkedInAnil Ramjiani LinkedInHappiness Squad Youtube ChannelBooks:Hardwired for Happiness: 9 Proven Practices to Overcome Stress and Live Your Best LifeThe Good Enough Job: Reclaiming Life from Work by Simone Stolzoff Give and Take: A Revolutionary Approach to Success by Adam GrantThink Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know by Adam GrantOption B: Facing Diversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy by Adam Grant and Sheryl Sandberg

In today's episode, Ashish and Anil continue the series designed to help you lead a more purposeful life as they explore Ashish's book, 'Hardwired for Happiness: 9 Proven Practices to Overcome Stress and Live Your Best Life,' a modality that walks you through simple practices used to change your life in just a few minutes a day.Today, they explore practice number nine: Living Intentionally. Join them as they explore the power of intention and its role in transforming your life.They will discuss the importance of setting clear intentions and how it can guide your daily actions. Ashish will share his own journey towards living intentionally and the impact it has had on his life. He will also talk about the science behind intention and manifestation, shedding light on how our inner thoughts can shape our external reality.You will find out why many people struggle with setting and sticking to their intentions and how to overcome common challenges. You will also learn practical tips for incorporating intention-setting into your daily routine to lead a more purposeful and meaningful life.Enjoy this insightful episode, and discover how the power of intention can help you navigate life's challenges and achieve your goals.What You’ll Learn in this Show:The importance of setting clear intentions in daily lifeHow intention can shape your actions and decisionsCommon challenges people face when setting intentions and how to overcome themPractical tips for incorporating intention-setting into your daily routine.The transformative impact of living intentionallyAnd so much more...Resources:Happinesssquad.com @MyHappinessSquad InstagramAshish Kothari LinkedInAnil Ramjiani LinkedInHappiness Squad Youtube ChannelJuni Felix | Recode Yourself for Happiness Through Tiny but Mighty StepsCultivating Self-AwarenessBooks:Hardwired for Happiness: 9 Proven Practices to Overcome Stress and Live Your Best LifeTiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change EverythingHow Will You Measure Your Life?