Jagged Edge with Yogi Patel

What if a strength isn’t always a strength?

The qualities we bring to our work and relationships don’t operate in isolation. How we use them can change depending on whether we feel connected, capable, valued, and that we belong.

In this episode of Jagged Edge, Yogi Patel talks with Dr. Susan Belangee about Adlerian psychology, personality, belonging, and the purpose behind human behavior.

Dr. Belangee explores how tools such as BASIS-A can help us understand not simply what our traits are, but how we use them. She returns to a memorable playing-card metaphor: we may have certain cards in our hand, but we still make choices about when to play them, how to play them, and how long to hold onto them.

The conversation moves beyond assessment into an important leadership question: What happens to the way we use our strengths when we do—or don’t—feel that we belong?

Yogi and Susan explore curiosity as a leadership practice, why another person’s behavior can make complete sense to them even when it makes little sense to us, and how understanding the purposefulness of behavior can change workplace relationships.

The conversation ultimately brings us back to a question worth asking:

Am I helping to create spaces of belonging for others, or am I taking those spaces away?

In This Short Episode

* Why belonging influences how we use our strengths and traits

* The Adlerian idea of purposefulness of behavior

* Understanding ourselves beyond labels and personality scores

* What BASIS-A can reveal about how we approach life

* The playing-card metaphor for understanding our traits

* Why people’s behavior makes sense from their own perspective

* Curiosity as a leadership skill

* What we bring from our experiences and beliefs into workplace interactions

* Creating environments where people feel capable and able to contribute

* Why busy leaders can unintentionally lose sight of human connection

* Creating spaces of belonging at work, at home, and in our communities

A Question for Leaders

The next time someone’s behavior doesn’t make sense to you, rather than immediately correcting, judging, or solving, consider asking:

What might make this behavior make sense from their perspective?

Then turn the same curiosity toward yourself:

What am I bringing into this interaction, and how might my own sense of belonging be influencing the way I am using my strengths?

About the Guest

Dr. Susan Belangee brings an Adlerian perspective to understanding personality, behavior, relationships, and belonging. In this conversation, she shares how greater self-awareness can help people understand not only the traits they possess, but how those traits show up in their relationships, workplaces, and communities.

About Jagged Edge

Jagged Edge with Yogi Patel explores leadership beyond titles, tasks, and traditional management. Through conversations about belonging, behavior, culture, human connection, and the realities of leadership, Yogi invites listeners to consider how we can create workplaces where people feel respected, capable, connected, and able to contribute.

What happens to learning when students are stressed?

In this Jagged Edge Insight, Yogi Patel and Dr. Lisa Riegel explore the connection between stress, executive functions, and critical thinking. Drawing on neuroscience and years of educational leadership, they explain why psychological safety isn’t just a “nice to have”—it’s essential for learning.

When students feel emotionally safe, they are more likely to think critically, solve problems, collaborate, and take healthy risks. When they don’t, the brain shifts into survival mode, making learning far more difficult.

In this Learning Moment, you’ll discover:

• Why stress interferes with executive functions

• What psychological safety looks like in schools

• How leaders influence school culture

• The difference between compliance and genuine learning

• One practical idea to help students think more deeply

This conversation is for educators, parents, school leaders, and anyone committed to creating environments where people flourish.

🌐 Learn more:
 https://yogipateltte.com

🌐 Learn more about Dr. Lisa Riegel:
 https://lisariegel.com

Key Moments

• Harold and Bob: Why stress changes how the brain works
• Why psychological safety supports learning
• What weak thinking looks like in classrooms
• The Crew Boat leadership metaphor
• Measuring outcomes instead of outputs
• Building sustainable change in schools

Support the show

Let me know your topics of interest and join me for training or visit the website and read the blogs. Comment with your ideas and thoughts please.

Yogi Patel - Transformation Through Empowerment
Http://yogipateltte.com
[email protected]
@yogipatel_tte

Is today’s education system preparing students for the future—or the past?

In this episode of Jagged Edge, Yogi Patel sits down with Lisa Reigel, CEO of the Educational Partnerships Institute, to explore one of the biggest questions facing education today. https://lisariegel.com

Together they discuss why traditional models of schooling are struggling to keep pace with rapid technological change, how AI is reshaping the skills students need, and why executive functions, critical thinking, creativity, and human connection have never been more important.

Rather than asking, “How do we keep doing school?” this conversation asks a better question:

“How do we design learning environments where every student can flourish?”

In this episode you’ll discover:

• Why student disengagement is often a purpose problem

• Why preparing students only for today’s jobs is no longer enough

• The shift from content delivery to thinking, creativity, and problem solving

• Why executive functions are becoming essential life skills

• The changing role of teachers in an AI-powered world

• Practical ideas for educators, school leaders, and parents

If you’re passionate about the future of education, leadership, and human flourishing, this conversation is for you.

🎙 Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, education, Positive Discipline, executive functions, and designing environments where people thrive.

00:00 – Why Education Needs a New Purpose

01:30 – From Content Delivery to Thinking Skills

03:00 – The Jobs of Tomorrow

05:00 – Preparing Students for What AI Can’t Replace

07:00 – Rethinking School Structures

09:30 – Why Executive Functions Matter

12:00 – The Teacher’s New Role

15:00 – Designing Schools for Human Flourishing

Support the show

Let me know your topics of interest and join me for training or visit the website and read the blogs. Comment with your ideas and thoughts please.

Yogi Patel - Transformation Through Empowerment
Http://yogipateltte.com
[email protected]
@yogipatel_tte

How neuroscience, executive functions, and human-centered leadership can transform education for the future.

Are today’s schools preparing students for the future, or for a world that no longer exists?

In this episode of Jagged Edge, Yogi Patel welcomes Dr. Lisa Riegel, educator, author, speaker, and CEO of the Educational Partnerships Institute, for a thoughtful conversation about the future of education in the age of artificial intelligence.

Together, they explore how executive functions, critical thinking, creativity, psychological safety, and purpose are becoming essential skills for both students and educators. Rather than asking how schools can keep up with technology, they ask a more important question:

How do we create learning environments where every student can flourish?

This conversation offers practical insights for educators, school leaders, parents, and anyone committed to helping people grow through meaningful relationships, purposeful learning, and environments designed for human flourishing.

In This Episode

• Why student disengagement is often a purpose problem
• How AI is changing what students need to learn
• Why executive functions are essential for lifelong success
• The importance of psychological safety in learning
• Why teachers are becoming designers of learning rather than simply deliverers of content
• Practical strategies for creating schools where curiosity, creativity, and connection thrive

Key Takeaways

✔ Learning is more than acquiring information—it is developing the ability to think, adapt, and contribute.

✔ Executive functions are foundational for success in school, work, and life.

✔ Psychological safety creates the conditions where learning and innovation can flourish.

✔ Education must prepare students not only for careers but for meaningful participation in a rapidly changing world.

Resources

Transformation Through Empowerment

🌐 https://yogipateltte.com

Helping parents, educators, leaders, and caregivers create environments where people flourish through connection, capability, contribution, and encouragement.

Learn more about Dr. Lisa Riegel

🌐 https://lisariegel.com

Connect with Yogi Patel

Website: https://yogipateltte.com

YouTube: @YogiPatelTTE

Podcast: Jagged Edge

Podcast: Now What?

About Jagged Edge

Jagged Edge is a podcast exploring the conversations that shape education, leadership, parenting, and organizational culture.

Each episode bridges research with practical application, helping listeners design environments where people feel connected, capable, encouraged, and empowered to contribute.

Because human flourishing doesn’t happen by chance, it happens by design.

Support the show

Let me know your topics of interest and join me for training or visit the website and read the blogs. Comment with your ideas and thoughts please.

Yogi Patel - Transformation Through Empowerment
Http://yogipateltte.com
[email protected]
@yogipatel_tte

Many of us move through life without realizing how deeply dignity shapes our relationships, conflicts, leadership, and sense of belonging. Yet when dignity is violated, the impact can feel as painful as a physical injury.

In this powerful episode, Yogi Patel sits down with internationally recognized dignity expert Dr. Donna Hicks to explore why dignity is one of the most important and overlooked human needs. Drawing on decades of conflict resolution work and neuroscience research, Donna explains how dignity injuries affect our brains, influence our behavior, and often sit at the heart of personal, organizational, and societal conflict.

Together, they discuss the 10 Essential Elements of Dignity and how leaders, educators, parents, caregivers, and community members can create environments where people feel seen, heard, valued, and respected.

You will learn:

• Why dignity violations trigger pain responses in the brain
• The 10 Essential Elements of Dignity
• How conflict often stems from unmet dignity needs
• Practical ways to restore trust and repair relationships
• What leaders can do to create psychologically safe environments
• How dignity impacts schools, workplaces, families, and communities
• Lessons from Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, and global peacebuilding efforts
• Everyday strategies for acknowledging worth and fostering belonging

Whether you are a parent, educator, school leader, manager, coach, or simply someone who wants stronger relationships, this conversation offers practical tools for transforming conflict into connection.

When we understand dignity, we begin to understand ourselves and each other more deeply.

Watch the full video podcast on YouTube and join future leadership conversations at Yogi Patel – Transformation Through Empowerment.

Website: https://yogipateltte.com

Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@YogiPatelTTE

Follow for upcoming leadership, parenting, education, and Positive Discipline conversations.

Support the show

Let me know your topics of interest and join me for training or visit the website and read the blogs. Comment with your ideas and thoughts please.

Yogi Patel - Transformation Through Empowerment
Http://yogipateltte.com
[email protected]
@yogipatel_tte

Dignity is the unseen force shaping our conflicts, relationships, and communities—and yet, most people don’t realize it’s in constant danger. What if understanding how dignity works could transform the way we lead, resolve disputes, and heal wounds? Dr. Donna Hicks, a global leader on dignity and conflict resolution, reveals groundbreaking insights on how honoring our inherent worth isn’t just moral — it’s essential for social harmony and personal well-being. In this eye-opening conversation, Donna shares how neuroscience proves that dignity violations feel as painful as physical injuries—yet they’re invisible to the eye. She explains why dignity is fragile, how it’s often overlooked until it’s shattered, and why understanding our innate sense of worth is the key to reducing conflict both worldwide and within ourselves. We explore how historical figures like Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu knew that dignity is in our hands—literally—and how their leadership was rooted in this profound truth. Donna discusses the 10 universal elements of dignity, revealing simple, practical steps to foster respect, inclusion, safety, and trust in our schools, workplaces, and communities. You’ll discover specific strategies to cultivate dignity in everyday interactions—whether mediating disputes, mentoring youth, or leading organizations—helping you create environments where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. We break down how deep-rooted evolutionary biology fuels defensive reactions that trigger conflict, but also how awareness, mindfulness, and systemic change can transform those impulses into compassion. If you’re a teacher, leader, parent, or conflict resolver, this episode offers a direct blueprint for reducing polarization, building trust, and inspiring joy even amid chaos. Why does ignoring dignity deepen divisions—and what is the immense opportunity for those who prioritize it? The stakes couldn’t be higher in a world fractured by polarization, inequality, and conflict. Yet, at the core of this chaos lies an untapped power: the ability to honor every person’s inborn worth. This episode is your call to action to see the humanity in others, heal invisible wounds, and lead with dignity at the heart of everything you do. This conversation is essential listening for anyone committed to transforming conflict into connection—and for those ready to build stronger, more compassionate communities. When we accept our dignity, we unlock a future where everyone truly matters.

If you like what you heard, a full podcast has much more to offer. 

Yogipateltte.com Watch the full video podcast on YouTube @YogiPatelTTE

Support the show

Let me know your topics of interest and join me for training or visit the website and read the blogs. Comment with your ideas and thoughts please.

Yogi Patel - Transformation Through Empowerment
Http://yogipateltte.com
[email protected]
@yogipatel_tte

Why do so many capable leaders, coaches, educators, and entrepreneurs still feel unseen?

In this honest conversation, Yogi Patel sits down with expert authority coach Christine Blosdale to explore imposter syndrome, authentic leadership, visibility, branding, and the fear that keeps people from sharing their gifts with the world.

Christine shares lessons from over 25 years in media, broadcasting, leadership, and coaching, including how trust is built, why authenticity matters more than perfection, and how leaders can connect in ways that truly impact others.

This episode is especially valuable for educators, therapists, coaches, parents, entrepreneurs, and anyone building something meaningful but struggling to be seen, trusted, or confident enough to take the next step.

Topics discussed include:

• Imposter syndrome and leadership growth
 • Why authenticity builds trust faster than perfection
 • The difference between authority and ego
 • How to connect instead of perform
 • Why many websites and social media strategies fail
 • Leadership lessons from media and management
 • Using AI without losing your human voice
 • Building visibility through podcasts, video, and storytelling
 • Why do people stay stuck despite taking endless courses
 • The power of showing up before you feel ready

Guest: Christine Blosdale: Christine Blosdale is an Expert Authority Coach, media personality, bestselling author, and podcast strategist with more than 25 years of experience in broadcasting, branding, and leadership communication. She has worked with organizations including Microsoft and EON while helping entrepreneurs, coaches, therapists, authors, and leaders become more visible, trusted, and confident in sharing their expertise with the world.

Christine specializes in helping overwhelmed entrepreneurs clarify their messaging, strengthen their personal brand, build authentic authority, and create meaningful connections through podcasts, video, speaking, and media visibility.

Website:
 https://www.christineblosdale.com

Free Expert Authority Quiz:
https://forms.fillout.com/t/g77G9QD1yjus

Bonus Offer: 50% OFF 1 Hour Coaching (use promo code HALFOFF at checkout) -
https://bookme.name/CHRISTINE/one-hour-session

Book FREE Consultation - http://www.ChatWithChristineB.com

Book - The Social Media and Branding Survival Guide - https://amzn.to/4j3Dt2j

Host: Yogi Patel – Positive Discipline Trainer, Montessori educator, leadership coach, and founder of Yogi Patel – Transformation Through Empowerment.

If this conversation resonates with you, share it with someone who has been hiding their voice, doubting their leadership, or waiting for the “perfect time” to begin.  

Support the show

Let me know your topics of interest and join me for training or visit the website and read the blogs. Comment with your ideas and thoughts please.

Yogi Patel - Transformation Through Empowerment
Http://yogipateltte.com
[email protected]
@yogipatel_tte

Are you feeling overwhelmed, overstimulated, or emotionally drained as a parent, caregiver, or teacher?

In this episode of Now What? with Yogi Patel, mindfulness practitioner and clinical hypnotherapist Eva Govanceva shares practical tools to regulate stress, calm your nervous system, and support children through presence instead of pressure.

This conversation explores:

• Simple 2-minute breathing practices for parents and children
• Heart coherence breathing (HeartMath technique)
• How to shift from stress response to calm response
• The difference between Kundalini yoga and Kundalini activation
• Hypnosis and subconscious reprogramming explained
• Emotional release and nervous system reset
• Rituals for connection with young children
• Visualization techniques to empower teens
• Why overwhelm is the root of many parenting struggles

If you care for children — at home, in classrooms, or in communities — this episode gives you accessible, science-informed and body-based tools you can begin using immediately.

Because when adults regulate themselves, children feel safe.

🎧 Listen all the way through — the final takeaway question may change how you approach stress forever.

Subscribe, share, and leave a review if this episode supports you.

Subscribe to "Now What? with Yogi Patel - Transformation Through Empowerment" for more insights on Positive Discipline, Traditional Early Childhood and Montessori Education, and Raising Teens.

• Visit www.yogipateltte.com for additional resources and training for parents, teachers, and leaders
• Questions or topic suggestions? Email us at [email protected]
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Let me know topics that you would like to hear in the future.

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping education, learning, and childhood development. In this episode of Jagged Edge, Yogi Patel sits down with educator, futurist, and author Sam Shapiro to explore the real impact of AI in education—and why the conversation must go beyond efficiency, tools, and jobs.

Together, they discuss how AI affects deep learning, creativity, critical thinking, and the human experience. Drawing from Montessori education, neuroscience, ethics, and school leadership, this conversation examines why struggle, curiosity, empathy, and hands-on learning remain essential in an AI-driven world.

This episode offers parents, educators, and leaders a grounded and hopeful framework for preparing children for the future—without losing what makes learning meaningful and human.

🎧 Available wherever you get your podcasts.

🔗 Resources mentioned: Grounded & Soaring: https://groundedandsoaring.org

Support the show

Let me know your topics of interest and join me for training or visit the website and read the blogs. Comment with your ideas and thoughts please.

Yogi Patel - Transformation Through Empowerment
Http://yogipateltte.com
[email protected]
@yogipatel_tte

In this episode of Jagged Edge Podcast with Yogi Patel, Yogi sits down with Vikram Sekar, a semiconductor professional, to unpack how artificial intelligence actually works beneath the surface.

Together, they explore how AI systems are built using GPUs and massive data centers, and why artificial neural networks are often compared to the way the human brain learns and adapts through experience.

The conversation goes beyond hype and headlines to examine the real costs and responsibilities of AI, including energy use, water consumption, and the infrastructure needed to power today’s models. Yogi and Vikram also discuss how adults and children alike can use AI thoughtfully, with curiosity, boundaries, and strong critical thinking skills.

Topics covered in this episode include:

• How AI and transformer models really work
• The difference between CPUs and GPUs
• Why is AI learning often compared to the human brain
• Energy, water, and environmental costs of AI
• AI limitations and why it sometimes gets things wrong
• How to help children think critically about technology
• Using AI as a tool for thinking, not replacing thinking

If you’re curious about AI, cautious about its impact, or trying to navigate technology thoughtfully at work or at home, this episode offers grounded insights and a practical perspective.

🎙 Jagged Edge with Yogi Patel on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oroTcC4tYIA

Available wherever you get your podcasts.

Support the show

Let me know your topics of interest and join me for training or visit the website and read the blogs. Comment with your ideas and thoughts please.

Yogi Patel - Transformation Through Empowerment
Http://yogipateltte.com
[email protected]
@yogipatel_tte