The Difficulty: Creativity, Meaning & the Hard Work of a Life

In this episode of 'Leading Human,' host Chad Prevost welcomes co-hosts Allan Davis and Shelley Prevost for a wide-ranging discussion on artificial intelligence. They delve into AI's current trajectory, its potential to displace jobs, and how individuals can prepare for this evolving landscape.

The conversation spans from personal anecdotes to deeper reflections on societal changes, the need for emotional readiness, and the future of work in an AI-driven world. The episode also explores the technological optimism and the importance of authenticity and community in navigating these transformative times.

00:05 Introducing the Co-Hosts

01:41 Vacation Stories and Updates

03:54 AI Developments and Industry Impact

06:41 Future of Jobs and AI

12:45 Hollywood Disruption and AI

15:38 Advice for the Next Generation

20:02 Reflecting on the Futility of Jobs

20:24 Practical Steps for Lawyers and AI

21:01 Building with AI Tools

21:36 Macro and Micro Perspectives on AI

23:16 The Role of Communication in Crises

26:04 The Future of Money and Scarcity

30:03 Hyper Individuality and AI

35:20 AI in Education and Constraints for Children

37:25 Concluding Thoughts on AI and Society

In this episode of Leading Human, powered by Big Self School, we delve into the neuroscience behind meditation and its profound effects on the brain. Dr. Chad Prevost discusses state and trait changes in brain activity from meditation, highlighting research on gamma wave synchronization, aging effects, and the emotional benefits of practices like loving-kindness meditation.

Even brief moments of meditation can lead to significant changes in brain function and promotes practical steps to incorporate mindfulness into daily life.

00:00 Introduction to Leading Human

00:28 The Neuroscience of Meditation

01:35 Meditation's Impact on the Brain

02:58 Loving Kindness Meditation

06:03 Meditation and Stress Reduction

07:55 Long-Term Benefits of Meditation

10:43 Getting Started with Meditation

12:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Leading Human, powered by Big Self School, Dr. Chad Prevost discusses the importance of mindfulness in our daily lives and provides insights from the 2025 Meditation Practice Report. The report, based on a survey of 212 people in the Mindful Leader community, reveals that meditation is often a solo activity practiced in short durations, typically in the morning.

Key takeaways include the need for mindfulness programs to reflect real-life constraints, the demand for community support, and the differing motivations between genders for practicing mindfulness. Amid personal anecdotes and humor, the episode underscores creating accessible and human-centered mindfulness practices.

00:00 Introduction to Leading Human Podcast

01:11 Understanding Mindfulness

02:31 Mindfulness in Practice

05:17 Key Takeaways from the Mindfulness Report

08:50 The Importance of Community in Mindfulness

12:08 Gender Differences in Mindfulness

13:09 Humorous Meditation Interruptions

14:49 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Download the full Mindful Leader 2025 report here.

In this episode of Leading Human, Chad Prevost, co-founder of Big Self School, explores the crucial steps for navigating challenging conversations. From preparation to execution and follow-up, Chad outlines a three-phase approach to ensure meaningful communication and accountability in the workplace.

Learn why pre-work is essential, how to manage emotions during the conversation, and the importance of following up. This episode offers practical tips and frameworks, including the SBIA method, to help leaders handle difficult discussions effectively. Stay tuned for actionable insights to enhance your leadership and your team's performance.

00:00 Introduction to Leading Human Podcast

00:46 Understanding Communication Gaps

01:47 Preparing for Difficult Conversations

05:43 During the Conversation: Handling Emotions

08:35 Post-Conversation Accountability

13:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Welcome back to 'Leading Human,' where Chad Prevost, co-founder of Big Self School, delves into the critical role communication plays in maximizing team potential and productivity. In this episode, Chad explores why effective communication is more vital than ever in today's evolving work landscape, emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence and psychological safety. He discusses the hidden costs of poor communication, backed by studies from the Holmes Report and Grammarly, and offers practical strategies for improving communication—ranging from teaching emotional fluency to cultivating psychological safety. Chad also touches on the need for leaders to shift from control to curiosity and highlights the importance of repair in maintaining healthy team dynamics. Tune in and learn how to foster a more connected and productive workplace through better communication.

00:00 Introduction to Leading Human

01:25 The Prevost Connection

02:41 The Evolving Job Market

06:25 The Importance of Communication

09:27 The Cost of Poor Communication

16:52 Effective Communication Strategies

19:28 Emotional Fluency and Psychological Safety

22:52 Curiosity Over Control

28:07 Normalizing Repair and Slowing the Tempo

33:24 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

In this episode of Leading Human, host Chad Prevost dives into the topic of cultural stagnation, comparing it to historical periods of minimal change. Chad explores how today's world, although rapid in technological advancements, feels creatively flat and risk-averse. He discusses societal comfort in predictability and the declining originality in music, films, and arts, while emphasizing how independent creators are still thriving underground. The episode also notes the cyclical nature of cultural trends and the important role of grassroots innovation in driving future change. Chad concludes by encouraging support for indie voices and creative endeavors despite the challenging landscape.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

03:22 Historical Context of Cultural Stagnation

06:00 Modern Examples of Cultural Stagnation

12:22 The Underground Creative Movement

21:20 The Future of Cultural Change

25:26 Conclusion and Call to Action

In this episode of Leading Human, host Chad Prevost discusses the relevance of Kurt Vonnegut's 1952 novel, Player Piano, in the context of today's AI-driven world. Prevost explores the book's depiction of a future where machines perform both physical and cognitive labor, drawing parallels to current advancements in AI and its societal implications. He emphasizes the need to consider the human experience during this transitional period, addressing issues of job displacement, identity, and societal value. Prevost also reflects on the promises and challenges of AI, advocating for a thoughtful and balanced approach to integrating AI into our lives and work.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:29 Introducing 'Player Piano' by Kurt Vonnegut

01:55 Relevance of 'Player Piano' to AI and Modern Society

07:21 The Hierarchical Society in 'Player Piano'

08:35 The Turning Point: Paul Proteus' Struggle

11:05 AI's Impact on Society and Human Identity

14:57 Big Self School's Mission and AI Integration

17:21 Conclusion and Invitation to Engage

Host Chad Prevost explores how AI is transforming the modern workplace and the growing importance of emotional intelligence, empathy, and ethical decision-making. He highlights the shift towards human-centric skills as routine tasks become automated, emphasizing that the future of work involves integrating AI with human strengths like creativity, strategic thinking, and interpersonal communication.

Featuring insights from recent reports and studies, the episode underscores the need for a collaborative approach between AI and humans to create innovative and meaningful workplaces.

00:00 Introduction to Leading Human

00:32 The Role of AI in the Future of Work

01:37 Human-Centric Skills in the AI Era

03:16 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence

04:32 The Value of People Skills

06:08 Actionable Takeaways for Professionals

07:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Host Chad Prevost emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in leadership, discussing its impact across various generations from Baby Boomers to Gen Z. He outlines the numerous benefits of self-awareness, such as improved decision-making, communication, and stronger relationships, backed by research from Korn Ferry and TalentSmart.

Prevost encourages leaders to engage in reflection, seek feedback, and consider coaching to enhance their self-awareness. The episode aims to de-stigmatize coaching and position self-awareness as a fundamental component of effective, humane leadership.

00:00 Introduction to Leading Human Podcast

02:01 The Importance of Self-Awareness in Leadership

04:22 Benefits of Self-Awareness for Leaders

08:41 Cultivating Self-Awareness

10:40 Coaching and Self-Assessment

11:49 Balancing Self-Awareness and Leadership

14:10 Conclusion and Call to Action

In this episode of Leading Human, host Chad discusses the ineffectiveness of current workplace mental health and wellness programs, based on a recent study in Portugal's insurance sector. Dr. Chad highlights the shortcomings of these programs, which often act as empty gestures rather than meaningful solutions.

Key topics include the importance of addressing workplace culture, psychological safety, and the need for leaders to manage energy instead of just time. We also offer actionable strategies to create a more supportive work environment, emphasizing structural and cultural change over superficial fixes.

00:00 Welcome to Leading Human

01:34 The Evolution of Our Podcast

02:59 Introducing the Topic: Wellness Theater

03:19 Why Wellness Programs Fail

06:24 The Study from Portugal

07:59 Addressing the Real Issues

11:54 Four Ideas to Improve Workplace Wellbeing

17:53 Conclusion and Call to Action

A link to the study here.