Watch this episode featuring Dr. Christina Karns, a neuroscientist at the University of Oregon, to discover how the IDG skill “Appreciation” can rewire our brain, improve our relationships, and boost our well-being.

In this enlightening conversation, Christina unpacks the fascinating science behind gratitude and describes how our ability to recognize and express appreciation activates neural pathways linked to empathy, generosity, and happiness.

00:00 Preview

00:31 Introduction 

01:08 About Dr. Christina Karns

03:14 Christina’s backstory

05:03 How the IDG definition of “Appreciation” resonates with Christina

09:00 The neuroscience of gratitude

13:16 What are the physical benefits of gratitude?

15:53 The neuroscience of “Appreciation”

18:25 How has studying gratitude changed Christina as a person?

23:02 Understanding neuroplasticity

28:14 How do acts of kindness boost empathy & happiness?

32:22 How to develop our capacity for gratitude

37:06 The impact of letters of gratitude

42:42 Why is “Appreciation” important at a social level?

46:42 Dr. Christina Karns’s Purposeful Empathy

CONNECT WITH ANITA

✩ Email [email protected] 

✩ Website https://www.anitanowak.com

✩ Buy a copy of Purposeful Empathy http://tiny.cc/PurposefulEmpathyCA

✩ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/anitanowak/

✩ Instagram https://tinyurl.com/anitanowakinstagram

✩ Podcast Audio https://tinyurl.com/PurposefulEmpathyPodcast

✩ Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/anitanowak.bsky.social

CONNECT WITH CHRISTINA

✩ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-karns-99bab519/

✩ Blog https://blogs.uoregon.edu/karns/

SHOW NOTES

✩ Inner Development Goals

✩ Brain Development Lab https://bdl.uoregon.edu/research/people/staff/christina-karns/

✩ A Functional MRI Study of Change with Gratitude Practice https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/human-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnhum.2017.00599/full 

Video edited by Green Horizon Studio

Watch this episode featuring Doug Good Feather, Executive Director of the Lakota Way and author of Think Indigenous, to learn how the IDG skill “Long-Term Orientation & Visioning” aligns with the Seventh Generation Principle.

In this heart-opening conversation, Doug describes his personal journey from poverty, addiction, PTSD, and personal loss to becoming a Lakota healer and spiritual leader thanks to a vision quest. He also emphasizes the importance of Indigenous wisdom, and the need for a long-term vision that prioritizes community and sustainability. 

00:00 Preview

00:39 Introduction 

01:16 About Doug Good Feather

04:49 About Doug’s book, Think Indigenous: Native American Spirituality for a Modern World

08:40 How personal growth can drive social change

14:55 Importance of community and sacred teachings

18:27 Bridging science and spirit through Indigenous wisdom

23:47 Doug’s backstory

28:06 Lessons from Doug’s Grandpa Chief Sitting Bull 

33:13 Doug’s vision quest

38:05 How does Indigenous thinking align with science?

41:31 The philosophy of Buffalo

47:56 How the IDG skill “Long-term Orientation & Visioning” resonates with Doug

51:06 The Seventh Generation principle

55:43 Doug’s definition of empathy

01:08:01 Navigating grief and finding purpose after loss

01:11:40 Doug Good Feather’s Purposeful Empathy story

CONNECT WITH ANITA

✩ Email [email protected] 

✩ Website https://www.anitanowak.com

✩ Buy a copy of Purposeful Empathy http://tiny.cc/PurposefulEmpathyCA

✩ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/anitanowak/

✩ Instagram https://tinyurl.com/anitanowakinstagram

✩ Podcast Audio https://tinyurl.com/PurposefulEmpathyPodcast

✩ Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/anitanowak.bsky.social

CONNECT WITH DOUG

✩ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-good-feather-37a56117/

✩ Website lakotawayhealingcenter.org

✩ Website https://www.spirithorsenation.org/

✩ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dgoodfeather/?hl=en

SHOW NOTES

✩ Inner Development Goals

✩ Think Indigenous

✩ Canada’s Truth & Reconciliation Report

Video edited by Green Horizon Studio

Watch this episode featuring Dr. Elif Kuş Saillard, a sociologist, methodologist and Founder of AN.LA (a research services firm that helps leaders make sense of complexity), to learn why the IDG skill “Sense-making” is key to helping us create meaning from our experiences and navigate complex systems.

In this thought-provoking conversation, Elif explains how the integration of mental and somatic awareness deepens our understanding of the world. She also explores how we can develop our sense-making capacity and offers her thoughts about how AI will free us from the labour of cognitive tasks, such that humanity can begin “Sense-making” from a higher level of consciousness.

00:00 Preview

00:47 Introduction 

01:24 About Dr. Elif Kuş Saillard

03:05 How the IDG definition of “Sense-making” resonates with Elif

08:15 Exploring the neuroscience of “Sense-making”

11:36 What impact does psychedelics have on “Sense-making”?

13:32 How time and culture shapes our capacity for “Sense-making”

18:02 Elif’s backstory

23:45 The role of empathy in analyzing research data

26:36 What is grounded theory?

33:21 How to develop your “Sense-making” skills?

36:14 The fascinating role role of microbiomes in “Sense-making”

40:25 How AI will change our capacity for “Sense-making”

44:08 Elif discusses Antonio Damasio's work about the interconnectedness of emotions, reason, and the body

50:41 Practices for embodied “Sense-making”

55:47 Dr. Elif Kuş Saillard’s Purposeful Empathy story

CONNECT WITH ANITA

✩ Email [email protected] 

✩ Website https://www.anitanowak.com

✩ Buy a copy of Purposeful Empathy http://tiny.cc/PurposefulEmpathyCA

✩ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/anitanowak/

✩ Instagram https://tinyurl.com/anitanowakinstagram

✩ Podcast Audio https://tinyurl.com/PurposefulEmpathyPodcast

✩ Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/anitanowak.bsky.social

CONNECT WITH ELIF

✩ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/elifkus/

✩ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/an-la/

✩ Website https://drelifkus.com

SHOW NOTES

✩ Inner Development Goals

✩ Antonio Damasio’s Theory of Consciousness (as discussed at 44:08)

Video edited by Green Horizon Studio

Watch this episode featuring Dr. Emma Stenström, Associate Professor at the Stockholm School of Economics and author of Bubble Hopping, to learn how the IDG skill “Perspective” can spark innovation and is necessary for bridge-building across divides.

In this illuminating conversation, Emma discusses the research behind her concept of “Bubble Hopping,” which promotes stepping outside silos and echo chambers on purpose. She also explains why “fika” (which translates to coffee and cake) is a Swedish custom that leads to business success.

00:00 Preview

00:43 Introduction 

01:21 About Dr. Emma Stenström

02:47 The origin of the IDG framework

04:41 How are IDGs useful within organizations and at undergraduate levels?

09:45 How the IDG definition of “Perspective” resonates with Emma

14:35 Experimenting with bubble-hopping techniques in classrooms

17:05 How to stay open-minded to other people’s perspectives

19:02 The power of finding common ground in research

23:46 What is the role of “fika” in Swedish business success?

27:11 How is bubble hopping applicable in companies?

32:05 Creating meetings over meals on sustainability

35:28 Dr. Emma Stenström’s Purposeful Empathy story

CONNECT WITH ANITA

✩ Email [email protected] 

✩ Website https://www.anitanowak.com

✩ Buy a copy of Purposeful Empathy http://tiny.cc/PurposefulEmpathyCA

✩ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/anitanowak/

✩ Instagram https://tinyurl.com/anitanowakinstagram

✩ Podcast Audio https://tinyurl.com/PurposefulEmpathyPodcast

✩ Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/anitanowak.bsky.social

CONNECT WITH EMMA

✩ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-stenstr%C3%B6m-354721/

SHOW NOTES

✩ Inner Development Goals

✩ Bubble Hopping

✩ Resonance Theory by German Sociologist Hartmut Rosa (as discussed at 21:14)

Video edited by Green Horizon Studio

Watch this episode featuring Dr. Jean Boulton, a theoretical physicist with degrees from Oxford and Cambridge, to learn how the IDG skill “Complexity Awareness” can develop adaptability, resilience, and a deeper understanding of human relationships.

In this insightful conversation, Jean discusses the importance of integrative skills—combining heart and mind—and the concept of "Zin" in Chinese philosophy. She also emphasizes the need for adaptability and resilience in complex systems, using real-world examples.

00:00 Preview

00:32 Introduction 

01:08 About Dr. Jean Boulton

03:29 Jean’s backstory

07:20 Is Jean hopeful about the future amid complexity?

11:35 The Dao of Complexity

16:03 Integrating paradox in complexity leadership

18:18 What is Complexity?

22:32 How does collapse and rebirth occur in systems?

25:14 How to develop a sense of complexity?

29:31 Developing resilience, curiosity, and creativity for complexity

33:06 Jean’s personal growth reshaped by complexity

36:25 How values and mindsets drive behavior?

39:40 Dr. Jean Boulton’s Purposeful Empathy story

CONNECT WITH ANITA

✩ Email [email protected] 

✩ Website https://www.anitanowak.com

✩ Buy a copy of Purposeful Empathy http://tiny.cc/PurposefulEmpathyCA

✩ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/anitanowak/

✩ Instagram https://tinyurl.com/anitanowakinstagram

✩ Podcast Audio https://tinyurl.com/PurposefulEmpathyPodcast

✩ Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/anitanowak.bsky.social

CONNECT WITH JEAN

✩ Website https://www.embracingcomplexity.com/

✩ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jean-boulton-6856471/

SHOW NOTES

✩ Inner Development Goals

✩ The Dao of Complexity

✩  The Plague - by Albert Camus (as discussed at 09:07)

Video edited by Green Horizon Studio

Watch this episode featuring Dr. Tom Chatfield, a renowned British author and tech philosopher, to learn how the IDG skill “Critical Thinking” can help navigate the digital world and harness AI as a tool for deeper understanding and ethical decision-making.

In this insightful conversation, Tom discusses the importance of developing critical thinking skills, embracing humility, and being aware of cognitive biases. He highlights AI’s role as a cognitive catalyst rather than a replacement for human thought and emphasizes the need for intentionality in our use of technology. He also emphasizes how AI can enhance human skills and why empathy is essential for creating a positive digital future.

00:00 Preview

00:33 Introduction 

01:10 About Dr. Tom Chatfield

02:56 Tom’s backstory

05:06 Tom’s concept of critical thinking

07:16 How to use AI as a tool to generate ideas

11:17 How critical thinking goes beyond cognition?

15:45 Co-evolution of humans and technology

20:25 Why is critical thinking vital in today’s digital age?

24:51 How technology shapes our behaviors and decisions?

27:24 Advice for parents: Raising critical thinkers in digital age

32:11 How to develop critical thinking skills?

35:58 How critical thinking involves self-awareness and personal accountability?

37:57 Learning human skills and intelligence from AI

40:03 Dr. Tom Chatfield’s Purposeful Empathy Story

CONNECT WITH ANITA

✩ Email [email protected] 

✩ Website https://www.anitanowak.com

✩ Buy a copy of Purposeful Empathy http://tiny.cc/PurposefulEmpathyCA

✩ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/anitanowak/

✩ Instagram https://tinyurl.com/anitanowakinstagram

✩ Podcast Audio https://tinyurl.com/PurposefulEmpathyPodcast

✩ Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/anitanowak.bsky.social

CONNECT WITH TOM

✩ Website https://tomchatfield.net/

✩ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomchatfield80/

✩ Instagram ​​https://www.instagram.com/tomchatfield/

SHOW NOTES

✩ Inner Development Goals

✩ Critical Thinking

Video edited by Green Horizon Studio

Watch this episode featuring Dr. Kirk Warren Brown, a researcher at Carnegie Mellon University, to learn how the IDG skill “Presence” can improve your relationships and wellbeing, and help you navigate life with greater clarity, connection and empathy. 

In this insightful conversation, Kirk describes some of the research explored in the 2nd Edition of Handbook of Mindfulness, a book he co-edited. This includes a discussion of presence within different spiritual traditions, the challenges of being present with our loved ones, and the broader applications of presence in society that drive pro-social behaviour.

00:00 Preview

00:42 Introduction 

01:19 About Dr. Kirk Warren Brown

03:16 Kirk’s backstory

08:06 Exploring intersections between Buddhism and Christianity

10:18 What is “Presence”?

15:03 Why is it harder to be present with our loved ones?

19:01 The role of self-awareness in empathic conversations

22:53 What is social well-being?

25:27 How mindfulness practices promote empathy

31:32 The relationship between mindfulness and prosocial behavior

35:41 Why does mindfulness promote empathy?

37:43 Discussing Handbook of Mindfulness, edited by Kirk

41:22 Ways to practice “Presence” and mindfulness

45:38 Cultivating mindfulness through everyday experiences

47:42 Why “Presence” is important for leadership - especially for a better world

52:48 Dr. Kirk Warren Brown’s Purposeful Empathy story

CONNECT WITH ANITA

✩ Email [email protected] 

✩ Website https://www.anitanowak.com

✩ Buy a copy of Purposeful Empathy http://tiny.cc/PurposefulEmpathyCA

✩ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/anitanowak/

✩ Instagram https://tinyurl.com/anitanowakinstagram

✩ Podcast Audio https://tinyurl.com/PurposefulEmpathyPodcast

✩ Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/anitanowak.bsky.social

CONNECT WITH KIRK

✩ Website https://kirkwarrenbrown.com/

✩ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirk-warren-brown-5a0a318a/

✩ Instagram ​​https://www.instagram.com/kirkwarrenbrown/

SHOW NOTES

✩ Inner Development Goals

✩ Handbook of Mindfulness

Video edited by Green Horizon Studio

Watch this episode featuring Dr. Hitendra Wadhwa, author of Inner Mastery, Outer Impact, to learn how the IDG skill “Self-Awareness” can help you discover your “Inner Core” and lead in alignment with your deepest values and purpose.

In this profound conversation, Hitendra explains why contemplative practices can lead to self-transcendence. He also emphasizes the power of inner development to foster positive change on a global scale.

00:00 Preview

00:46 Introduction 

01:22 About Dr. Hitendra Wadhwa

04:11 Hitendra’s backstory

11:21 Grappling with life’s existential questions

13:37 What is our highest potential? And other big, bold and beautiful questions

17:02 Self-Awareness, according to the IDG framework

19:38 How does Self-Awareness lead to personal growth and fulfilment?

20:30 Exploring your “Inner Core”

29:01 Anita describes her Vipassana experience

32:22 Why is inner development so important today?

35:31 What Hitendra learned by studying the lives of Lincoln, Gandhi and Mother Teresa

38:02 Why we need role models in our lives

43:28 Connection between self transcendence and self awareness

48:39 Dr. Hitendra Wadhwa’s Purposeful Empathy story

CONNECT WITH ANITA

✩ Email [email protected] 

✩ Website https://www.anitanowak.com

✩ Buy a copy of Purposeful Empathy http://tiny.cc/PurposefulEmpathyCA

✩ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/anitanowak/

✩ Instagram https://tinyurl.com/anitanowakinstagram

✩ Podcast Audio https://tinyurl.com/PurposefulEmpathyPodcast

✩ Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/anitanowak.bsky.social

CONNECT WITH HITENDRA

✩ Website https://www.hitendra.com/

✩ Company https://www.hitendra.com/mentora

✩ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/hitendrawadhwa/

✩ Instagram ​​https://www.instagram.com/hitendrawadhwa/

SHOW NOTES

✩ Inner Development Goals

✩ Inner Mastery, Outer Impact

✩ Ways of Knowing

Video edited by Green Horizon Studio

Watch this episode featuring Jason Clarke, founder of Minds at Work, to learn how the IDG skill “Openness & Learning Mindset” can help you navigate change, drive innovation, and become a more effective leader. 

In this engaging conversation, Jason shares his academic and professional journey from being the lowest-scoring student in his high school’s history to becoming Creative Director of Australia’s largest multi-media company. He also highlights the importance of workplace cultures that question conventional wisdom, foster curiosity, and balance exploration with focused execution—what he calls the “lighthouse beam.”

00:00 Preview

00:34 Introduction 

01:12 About Jason Clarke

02:52 Jason’s backstory

07:21 Why Jason always challenges conventional wisdom and explores things that are unorthodox

11:51 Why do people lose the capacity to think as they grow older?

13:50 How to fit into society without losing one’s creativity?

17:31 As adults, how to reclaim our childlike curiosity

21:15 How to develop the IDG skill of “openness and learning mindset”

25:10 How can leaders balance staying open while also being decisive?

28:39 The role of emergent thinking to stay flexible during unexpected challenges

31:47 How to reduce resistance and encourage open-mindedness among people

34:15 Why Jason rejects the idea that people hate change

37:11 Climate change and the impact of AI on society

42:30 Can machines have a learning mindset?

44:34 Jason Clarke’s Purposeful Empathy Story

CONNECT WITH ANITA

✩ Email [email protected] 

✩ Website https://www.anitanowak.com

✩ Buy a copy of Purposeful Empathy http://tiny.cc/PurposefulEmpathyCA

✩ LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/anitanowak/

✩ Instagram https://tinyurl.com/anitanowakinstagram

✩ Podcast Audiohttps://tinyurl.com/PurposefulEmpathyPodcast

✩ Blueskyhttps://bsky.app/profile/anitanowak.bsky.social

CONNECT WITH JASON

✩ Websitehttps://mindsatwork.com.au/

✩ LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-clarke-a5967737/

SHOW NOTES

✩Inner Development Goals 

Video edited by Green Horizon Studio

Watch this episode to learn how “Integrity & Authenticity” can strengthen workplace culture and create more inclusive, values-driven leadership.

In this week’s episode, Anita explores ”Integrity & Authenticity” with Dr. Patricia Hewlin, a professor of social-organizational psychology. In this insightful conversation, Patricia sheds light on the pressures many employees feel to suppress their personal values at work, which takes an emotional toll on their level of engagement and mental health. Patricia also emphasizes the importance of fostering psychological safety to facilitate authenticity, and shares actionable strategies to do so, for leaders and employees.

00:00 Preview

00:40 Introduction 

01:17 About Patricia Hewlin

03:05 Patricia’s backstory

08:11 What is authenticity?

10:58 The role of core values in authenticity

13:13 Tools for aligning with one’s values

15:32 What happens when we suppress our personal values at work?

18:43 How inauthenticity can lead to emotional exhaustion

24:30 How can leaders create cultures where authenticity flourishes?

27:38 The impact of authenticity on inclusive cultures

34:26 Why is authenticity a key leadership skill?

38:48 Patricia Hewlin’s Purposeful Empathy story

CONNECT WITH ANITA

✩ Email [email protected] 

✩ Website https://www.anitanowak.com

✩ Buy a copy of Purposeful Empathy http://tiny.cc/PurposefulEmpathyCA

✩ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/anitanowak/

✩ Instagram https://tinyurl.com/anitanowakinstagram

✩ Podcast Audio https://tinyurl.com/PurposefulEmpathyPodcast

✩ Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/anitanowak.bsky.social

CONNECT WITH PATRICIA

✩ Website http://patriciahewlin.com/

✩ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricia-faison-hewlin-5162047/

SHOW NOTES

✩ Inner Development Goals 

✩ Patricia’s research - Authenticity at Work

✩ Patricia’s website

Video edited by Green Horizon Studio