MINDSET ZONE

“If we get together as a community to make a difference and keep hope alive, then it is possible to make change.”

- Ana Melikian

I recently had the opportunity of seeing the premiere of Jane Goodall’s Reasons for Hope here at the Arizona Science Center with my 14-year-old daughter. Reasons for Hope is a documentary film that highlights Jane Goodall’s work as a primatologist and her mission to inspire people—especially the youth—to be active in the world and drive change. The premier was truly an incredible event and having my daughter see the film with me warmed my heart. Reasons for Hope also made me realize how hope is vital to driving change for us, the ones around us, and the world.

In this episode, I discuss Jane Goodall’s Reasons for Hope and outline its five inspiring stories. I share my goal of earning the B Corporation certification for my business and explain why doing so is important to me. I emphasize the value of spreading stories of hope and having role models. I also highlight the need to use all the tools in our toolbox to drive impact on nature and environmental preservation and offer advice on what you can do to help heal the planet we live on.

This week on The Mindset Zone:

Jane Goodall’s Reasons for Hope

How human potential and resilience can help nature and inspire others

The Sudbury Regreening story

Human innovation in tech, green energy, and carbon sequestration

Using our tools to make a difference in nature and the environment

The reintroduction of the American bison and birds to the Alps

Spreading stories of hope

The value of role models

My journey to earn B Corp certification

Creating hope and change in the world

Related episodes:

Beyond Optimism & Resilience with Janice Perkins

A Conversation with Viktor Frankl’s Grandson – Alexander Vesely

Resources Mentioned:

Jane Goodall: Reasons for Hope Trailer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKWK7xpVe88

Expand What’s Possible

“When we use ‘stressed’ and ‘overwhelmed’ as the same, we lose a container for when things get really overwhelming—when we feel upside down and underwater.”

- Ana Melikian

Have you ever noticed how drinking your morning coffee from your favorite mug makes that experience magical? In her book, Atlas of the Heart, American researcher and storyteller Brené Brown writes about how naming emotions is important. Words, according to Brené Brown, are like containers that shape our emotions. The right or wrong word gives a different feeling for our emotions and experience the same way drinking from our favorite mug or a styrofoam cup changes our experiences with coffee. Applying this logic, I believe understanding the difference between “stressed” and “overwhelmed” can make all the difference in our lives and expand our possibilities.

In this episode, I highlight the difference between “stressed” and “overwhelmed” and explain how understanding their difference can empower us. I share an excerpt from Brené Brown’s Atlas of the Heart and describe her research on emotions. I discuss why we tend to overuse the word “overwhelm” and how using “overwhelmed” and “stressed” interchangeably impacts us. I also outline some steps you can take when you feel chronic stress or overwhelm and underscore the importance of learning more words to describe your emotional life.

This week on The Mindset Zone:

Understanding the difference between “stressed” and “overwhelmed”

Why we tend to overuse “overwhelm”

The etymology of “overwhelm”

The disadvantage of using “overwhelmed” and “stressed” interchangeably

What to do when you feel chronic stress

Why we shouldn’t force anything when we’re overwhelmed

Resources Mentioned:

Magic Mind | Coupon code: MINDZONE20

BOOK: Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience by Brené Brown

Related Episodes:

Differentiating Stressors & Stress Responses for Improved Well-being

Stress is a Tool, Not a Toxin with Dr. G

Use STRESS to Your Advantage with Barry Shore

Understanding Burnout: A Reflection

Expand What’s Possible

“A dialogue is not an event. It’s a process that’s not going to happen in one meeting, and it’s a journey that requires a lot of commitment to listening, to honesty, and to vulnerability.”

- Bhakti Karkare

Bhakti joins me today to outline her framework for facilitating dialogue and discuss how it can be used to create inclusive, engaging, and more human workplaces. She describes her background and how she became passionate about the power of dialogue.

She defines dialogue and differentiates it from everyday chats and conversations. Bhakti also distinguishes the space between the “doing” and “being” of dialogue and underscores the need to step beyond speaking and listening to engage in empowering dialogue.

This week on The Mindset Zone:

The story behind Bhakti’s passion for dialogue

The three shifts in perspective that empower Bhakti’s practice as a master facilitator

Why workplaces need to shift the power from leaders to the people they serve

Why true, powerful dialogue is beyond speaking and listening

How facilitators create the space between the “doing” and “being” of dialogue

Why leaders and HR professionals need to have the skills of facilitators

How HR professionals can use Bhakti’s dialogue framework to help senior leaders expand their perspectives

The difference between a conversation and a dialogue

The outcomes of a successful dialogue

The etymology of dialogue

Teaching the art of dialogue to others

The facilitator mindset

Guest:

Bhakti Karkare is a master facilitator and the founder of Third Loop Learning LLC, a professional training and coaching organization. She is a leadership development consultant and learning strategist known for her work with groups, individuals, and organizations. With a decade of experience working with global HR teams, Bhakti draws from her wealth of knowledge to bring unique cultural insights to her consulting and speaking engagements. She is on a mission to teach leaders to use the power of dialogue to create inclusive, engaging, and more human workplaces. In addition to her work at Third Loop Learning, Bhakti  serves as a member of the Board of Directors of SHRM Greater Phoenix and as a consultant and facilitator for The Silverene Group.

Connect with Bhakti Karkare:

Third Loop Learning LLC

Email: [email protected]

Third Loop Learning LLC on LinkedIn

Bhakti Karkare on LinkedIn

Bhakti Karkare on Twitter

Expand What’s Possible

“Teacher’ sounds like you’re supposed to teach when you actually need to lead the learning. Sometimes, we lead the learning by teaching, but there are more ways to lead learning other than teaching.”

- Lee Jenkins

Lee Jenkins joins me today to discuss how schools are failing our kids and what can be done to bring joy back to learning. He explains what the Jenkins Curve is and describes how schools tend to use data to compare and shame children.

Lee discusses how schools can leverage data and assessments to keep children curious and motivated to learn. Lee also highlights how we can teach children to be good losers and good winners through sports and athleticism and underscores why teachers are leaders.

This week on The Mindset Zone:

The need to amplify possibilities for today’s children

The Jenkins Curve and the shortcomings of the modern school system

Bringing psychology into our classrooms and our educational system

How the educational system is killing children’s love of learning

Using data and student assessment to bring joy

The bell curve assessment

Distinguishing between essential and trivial knowledge

Creating lifelong learners

How schools are adopting Lee’s new approaches to education

Teaching children how to be good losers and winners

Resources Mentioned:

Book: Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. S. Dweck

Guest:

Dr. Lyle Lee Jenkins is an author, speaker, consultant, and recognized expert in improving educational outcomes. Over the last 50 years, Lee has been learning from world-class experts while working as a teacher, principal, school superintendent, and university professor. Lee founded LtoJ LLC in 2003, inspired by his mission to ensure that every child has an educational experience that promotes and encourages the natural love of learning they were born with—while exceeding educational goals. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Point Loma Nazarene University, a Master’s in Education from San Jose State University, and a Ph.D. from the Claremont Graduate University.

Connect with Lee Jenkins:

LtoJ LLC

LtoJ LLC on LinkedIn

LtoJ LLC on YouTube

LtoJ LLC on Instagram

LtoJ LLC on Facebook

LtoJ LLC on TikTok

Lee Jenkins on LinkedIn

Expand What’s Possible

“We’re all connected as humanity. When we’re not in sync with ourselves, it’s difficult to create harmony and be in tune with everybody else.”

- Maris Segal

Ken and Maris join me today to discuss the four universal rhythms of relationships at home and work.

It’s all about, “Show up with respect, stand up and be responsible, reframe limiting beliefs, step forward with resilience.”

They also describe how anyone can increase awareness of their own limiting beliefs and highlight the importance of finding gratitude in every experience.

This week on The Mindset Zone:

What working on mindset means to me

The power of respect and its importance in relationships

Why people are like musical instruments

What it takes to create harmony in the world

The rhythm of responsibility, knowing your core values, and communicating the “why”

Reframing limiting beliefs and “FACE-ing” difficult, negative emotions

Why limiting beliefs are like blindspots

Persistence, commitment, and standing resilient against the waves of life

The power of cultivating gratitude

Guests:

Ken Ashby and Maris Segal are transformational coaches regarded as America’s Master Connectors. They are the authors of The RFactor: Discover the Universal Rhythms for Leading Prosperous Relationships. As individuals and business and life partners, Ken and Maris have worked across forty countries and served a spectrum of local and global leaders, brands, and policymakers. From boardrooms, Harvard, and The White House, they have worked with executives, entrepreneurs, celebrities, and rising leaders to identify and bring their professional, personal, and philanthropic vision to life.

Connect with Ken Ashby & Maris Segal:

Segal Leadership Global

The 4Gs Gratitude Practice

Book: The RFactor: Discover the Universal Rhythms for Leading Prosperous Relationships

Ken Ashby & Maris Segal on Instagram

Expand What’s Possible

“The patients would sit up after their veneers had been placed and just cry. For the first time in their lives, they feel like they have the confidence to smile, talk, and eat. That was my ‘why.’”

- Mark Willes

Mark joins me today to discuss how giving back can give meaning to our work. He describes his unconventional path to becoming a dental lab technician and how he became frustrated after a year and a half of working at a dental lab. He offers advice on building a thriving business. Mark also highlights the power of believing in and speaking from your vision and underscores the importance of connecting with your “why.”

This week on The Mindset Zone:

Mark’s beginnings in cosmetic dentistry

Why Mark started feeling frustrated after a year and a half of working as a dental lab technician

How the desire to be at the forefront of innovation energized Mark in his work

The power of believing and speaking from your vision

How seeing the impact of his work on other people’s lives motivated him

The importance of connecting with your “why”

Why Mark had to found a new company from scratch and what he learned from the experience

How giving back gives meaning to Mark’s work

Educating the dental community and dental patients

Resources Mentioned:

Give Back a Smile

Guest:

Mark Willes is the founder and co-developer of Durathin Veneers. Mark began his training as a dental lab technician at Utah Valley Dental Lab in 1996, where he soon became a partner. He has served as an assistant instructor for the Pacific Aesthetic Continuum’s Advanced Anterior Course and has also worked with the Hornbrook Group as a lab instructor. Over the years, Mark has developed several live patient programs, including his current hands-on DURAthin LIVE courses with Dr. Dennis Wells. In 2008, Mark and Dr. Wells—co-developers of DURAthin Veneers—were awarded the AACD’s Outstanding Scientific Advancement in Cosmetic Dentistry award for their work with no-prep veneers.

Connect with Mark Willes:

Experience Dental Studio

Durathin Veneers

Expand What’s Possible

“Acting is symbiotic with human life, culture, and how we interact with others.”

- Darrell Stern

Darrell joins me today to discuss thriving through loss and transforming challenges into opportunities to thrive. He explains how he first got into musical theater and describes how the art helped him get out of his shell. He describes using acting techniques to manifest and discusses the relationship between acting and authenticity. Darrell also elaborates on uses for acting beyond TV and theater, highlights why it is an integral part of the human experience, and reveals why marketing is a form of acting.

This week on The Mindset Zone:

Thriving through loss

How Darrell first got into musical theater

The relationship between acting and authenticity

Acting in different modalities in different situations

Darrell’s thoughts on the “fake it ‘til you make it” adage

Connecting through loss

How acting helps us connect internally and externally

How connecting with the inner self allows people to connect with an audience

The actor’s craft and the importance of articulation

Transforming challenges into strengths and assets

The duality of social life and social networking for business

Guest:

Darrell Stern is a master storyteller and CEO of Stern Inbound Marketing Agency, the world’s leading video-driven content marketing agency. Darrell has over 30 years of experience in digital marketing and is renowned worldwide as a “Digital Marketing Jedi.” By offering marketing methodologies and techniques at the Stern Marketing Academy, he helps others elevate their businesses. Darrell holds a Bachelor’s in Theater Arts from Drew University and a Master’s in Communication Arts from Montclair State University.

Connect with Darrell Stern:

Stern Marketing

Stern Marketing Academy

Stern Marketing on LinkedIn

Stern Marketing Academy on Facebook

Darrell Stern on LinkedIn

Darrell Stern on Instagram

Darrell Stern on Twitter

Expand What’s Possible

“It’s a miracle that we are here—that we are curious beings who want to learn and expand possibilities for ourselves, for the ones around us, for the world, and for the universe.”

- Ana Melikian

When you were a child, did you get a chance to write a message on a piece of paper, put it into a bottle, and throw it into the ocean or a big river? Now, imagine doing that again, but this time, instead of throwing it into an expansive body of water, you throw it up to space, where future generations of space-faring humans—or even other intelligent life forms—can read your message. If you had that chance to send a message that would outlast you to a future generation you’d never meet, what would you write?

In this episode, I discuss LifeShip’s mission to launch DNA to the moon. I share the message I would write to the universe, given the chance. I also highlight why exploring the vast universe inside our being is as important and valuable as exploring the universe beyond Earth.

This week on The Mindset Zone:

LifeShip’s mission to launch DNA to the moon

Why send our DNA to the moon?

The message I’d want to send out to the universe

Resources Mentioned:

MagicMind.co | Discount Code: MINDZONE20

LifeShip

Ben Haldeman

Expand What’s Possible

“If you can see the space between stimulus and response, you start having the power to choose your response. This is the core of self-leadership and your self-development”

- Ana Melikian

What is the difference between a stressor and a stress response? The answer—that the stressor is what triggers the stress response—may be simple and obvious, but it isn’t something apparent to us when we’re in a stressful situation ourselves. Sometimes, we even deal with the stressor but forgo dealing with the stress response and get stuck in a never-ending stress cycle. Understanding the difference between a stressor and a stress response and widening the space between the two can help unlock better possibilities for us—and improve our well-being.

In this episode, I highlight the difference between stressors and stress responses and dissect an excerpt from the book, Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle. I outline everyday examples of stress triggers and describe our tendency to carry our stress response beyond the situation. I also explain how physical activity can help us complete our stress response without getting stuck in the stress cycle and underscore how practicing the Pause principle allows us to see and widen the space between stressor and stress response.

This week on The Mindset Zone:

An excerpt from Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle

The difference between stress and stressors

Everyday stressors and our tendency to carry our stress response throughout an entire day

What creates the cycle of chronic stress in our lives

Completing our stress response without getting stuck in the stress cycle

Reflections on burnout

The evolutionary history behind stress response

Seeing the space between stressor and stress response

The PIE method and practicing the art of the Pause

Resources Mentioned:

Magic Mind at magicmind.co/mindzone | Coupon code: MINDZONE20

Book: Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily Nagoski Ph.D. and Amelia Nagoski DMA

Book: Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle (Audible) by Emily Nagoski Ph.D. and Amelia Nagoski DMA

Expand What’s Possible

“We can certainly learn how to be more efficient, how to be high-performance, how to make a bigger positive impact, and still have the energy to enjoy the fruits of our labor—and that is really important.”

- Ana Melikian

Have you checked in with yourself to see if you’re exhausted at work? Have you asked yourself recently what burnout is?

I’ve noticed that whenever I tell people I’ve been focusing on burnout—especially in the context of making a positive impact in the world while avoiding burnout—the immediate response I almost always get is “Oh, that’s important work,” or “We need that.” I am yet to find a person who asks me, “What is burnout?” I assume that most people have an intuitive feeling of what burnout is—which makes it more important to define. When we understand it and its nuances better, we can help people avoid its extremes.

In this episode, I share my reflections about burnout. I define burnout and outline its three dimensions according to the World Health Organization. I describe typical burnout profiles. I also discuss what we can learn from the “frog in a pot” myth, share my personal experience with burnout, and underscore how it’s possible to do good work and positively impact the world while preventing stress and burnout.

This week on The Mindset Zone:

What is burnout?

Current research on burnout

Seeing burnout through a systemic perspective

Energy depletion and exhaustion

Increased mental disconnect from one’s job and feelings of cynicism at work

Reducing professional efficacy

Measuring burnout and your burnout profile

How being deeply connected to our work can lead to overexertion and overwork

The burnout profile I personally have fallen into

Gradual stress and why we tend to burn out without realizing it

My experience with burnout and cancer

The impact of chronic stress on our health and well-being

Burnout red flags to watch out for

My mission to help us engage with our impact while avoiding burnout

Resources Mentioned:

Book: The Burnout Challenge: Managing People’s Relationships with Their Jobs by Christina Maslach

Expand What’s Possible