The Conscious Entrepreneur

EP20: Thriving in the New World of Work

"There's a people revolution," says Kendra Prospero, founder and CEO of Turning the Corner, in this insightful episode of The Conscious Entrepreneur podcast hosted by Alex Raymond. Kendra delves into the evolving dynamics between employees and employers, emphasizing the growing demand for workplaces that genuinely respect and value their staff.
Kendra discusses how leaders must adapt to this shift, creating environments where employees don’t just show up for work but feel truly supported and appreciated. She shares strategies for developing an outstanding company culture, focusing on the importance of leaders addressing their own "head trash" to become more effective and empathetic.
Regular pulse surveys and stay interviews are highlighted as key tools for measuring employee satisfaction and addressing concerns proactively. Kendra advocates for these practices as vital to maintaining a positive and responsive work culture.
Flexibility stands out as a cornerstone of Turning the Corner's culture. Kendra talks about implementing flexible schedules, benefits, and compensation to meet the varied needs of their team, underlining the importance of adaptability in fostering a thriving workplace.
A particularly challenging aspect of leadership, the decision to fire employees, is also addressed. Kendra emphasizes the importance of aligning these tough decisions with company values and maintaining authentic leadership throughout the process.
This episode offers valuable insights into the "people revolution" in the modern workplace and practical strategies for entrepreneurs looking to build a culture that aligns with the needs and goals of today's workforce. Kendra Prospero's expertise provides a roadmap for nurturing a company environment that respects, supports, and grows with its people.
 
Quotes:
“We can no longer just have this command and control, I'm paying you, so do what I say, kind of environment. People are not going to stay in those types of companies.” (5:25 | Kendra Propsero)
“When you're an entrepreneur, you are always, always, always, always, always on a roller coaster. It will be up and it will be down and it will be up and it will be down. You're never going to get off of it unless you go get a regular job. Like you will always be on this roller coaster. And the minute I just accepted that, I felt peace because it's like, okay, some days are going to be great and some days are just going to be awful. All right.” (15:41 | Kendra Propsero)
“There will always be some spoilage. You will always have some customers who are unhappy. You will always have some staff that leaves you and you didn't want them to go. That's just inevitable. And it's so much easier to just embrace it. Now, you don't want a lot of it, obviously. You wouldn't survive if there's a lot. But there's always going to be a little bit.” (16:08 | Kendra Propsero)
“My top three priorities are my family, my business and my health. And if you look at my calendar, that's where my time goes. So I spend time with my kids and my family. I work on the business and then I work out every day. I get good sleep. I eat well.” (1:38 | Kendra Propsero)
Links
Connect with Kendra Prospero:
Website: https://turningthecornerllc.com/
Website: https://www.kendraprospero.com/
Podcast: https://turningthecornerllc.com/podcast/
 
Connect with Alex Raymond:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/
Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/
 
HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast.
 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP19: Becoming a Business Titan is Your Spiritual Path

Is your definition of success conventional?  This episode of The Conscious Entrepreneur podcast features host Alex Raymond in conversation with Dr. Srikumar Rao, celebrated author, speaker, and coach. Dr. Rao’s shares what some may consider an unconventional definition of success. He encourages entrepreneurs to seek joy and fulfillment in their work, steering away from the pursuit of material gains and societal recognition. 
He guides clients to recognize their true nature as pure awareness, transcending ego-based goals. His focus is on personal development through business, cultivating gratitude and well-being.
A key theme of the episode is the idea of a benevolent universe. Dr. Rao suggests entrepreneurs embrace life’s uncertainties, letting go of the need for control. This acceptance can lead to reduced stress and a more peaceful approach to the inevitable challenges of entrepreneurship.
Dr. Rao also offers strategies for reframing stress and adversity. He encourages viewing events without immediate judgment, opening the door to resilience and optimism. His perspective is supported by references to spiritual teachings and figures, enriching the conversation with profound insights.
This episode provides practical advice and profound insights for entrepreneurs looking to align their professional journey with personal and spiritual growth. Dr. Rao's unique perspective offers valuable guidance for navigating the entrepreneurial path with a deeper sense of purpose and consciousness.
Quotes:
“You want to grow your business, you want to take care of your employees, you do it to the best extent you're capable of. But in the process of doing that, what you're really doing is you're working on yourself. You want to be the best parent you can if you have children, but in the process of doing that, you're really working on yourself. The only thing you ever do in life is you work on yourself.” (8:39 | Srikumar Rao)
“Give up the sense of doership. And as you give up the sense of doership and allow the universe to unfold, you'll be pleasantly surprised at what it can do in your life. That's the message I have for entrepreneurs.” (26:33 | Srikumar Rao)
“Whatever is your path in life, which is going to give you your spiritual growth is going to come into your life. Recognize that and be patient.” (38:16 | Srikumar Rao)
“Ask yourself, is what happened necessarily a bad thing? And if not, is there anything I can do to make it good? This is how you move seamlessly from the realm of despair to the realm of possibility.”  (51:12 | Srikumar Rao) 
 
Links
Connect with Srikumar Rao:
Website: https://theraoinstitute.com/
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Modern-Wisdom-Ancient-Roots-Unstoppable/dp/1632995417
 
Connect with Alex Raymond:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/
Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/
HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast.
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP18: Hard-Headed, Soft-Hearted

"How are venture capital firms redefining their role to support both business performance and founder well-being?" This pertinent question sets the stage for a captivating episode of The Conscious Entrepreneur podcast, where host Alex Raymond, following up on a discussion from the Conscious Entrepreneur Summit in 2023, sits down with Lisa Mikkelsen, Global Head of Human Capital at Flourish Ventures. Lisa shares her insights on how venture capital is evolving to encompass not just business metrics but also the mental health and overall well-being of founders.
In her role, Lisa focuses on various critical aspects like HR, recruiting, and building a nurturing company culture. She emphasizes the importance of addressing the pervasive issue of burnout in startups, advocating for building resilience, self-care practices, and a culture of psychological safety. The conversation also explores the nuanced dynamics between investors and founders, highlighting the need for empathy, trust, and transparent communication in these relationships.
Under Lisa's guidance, Flourish Ventures implements several initiatives aimed at founder support, including CEO retreats for personal development, founder circles for peer coaching, and individualized coaching services. These programs reflect the firm's holistic approach to nurturing entrepreneurial talent.
This episode not only delves into the strategic role of human capital in venture capital but also paints a broader picture of the evolving startup ecosystem. It underscores the necessity for venture capital firms to play a more active role in nurturing founder well-being. As the conversation with Lisa Mikkelsen concludes, it becomes evident that the future of successful entrepreneurship lies not just in financial metrics but in fostering environments where founders can thrive both professionally and personally. The call to action is clear: the venture capital industry must lead the way in creating a more empathetic, resilient, and transparent startup culture.
 
Quotes:
“As an entrepreneur, of course, you need to show that you're strong and things are going well and you have a plan and all of these things. But it's okay to be real. And we want to make sure that at the highest level, that's what we're striving towards.” (13:08 | Lisa Mikkelsen)
“It's great if we're doing this work for founders and ensuring that they have outlets for building their well-being. But it's also important that everyone else is doing that too.” (15:19 | Lisa Mikkelsen) 
“Only 10% of founders feel comfortable sharing difficult or stressful or negative issues with their funders only 10%. That's a very small number. So I'm thinking about that, like, wow, I don't want to be the funder that is in the dark. That's not getting this information. Um, you know, we talk about power dynamics, but in some sense, the entrepreneur has the power because they have the power of information of what's going on. And their willingness to share that really depends on the relationship that they've built with the funder, that they're not going to be judged, that they're not going to be thrown out, that all of these bad things aren't going to happen, that we've been programmed to think are going to happen when we share unfortunate news. So having psychological safety is so important to improving that relationship, improving that dynamic.” (50:41 | Lisa Mikkelsen) 
 
Links
Connect with Lisa Mikkelsen:
Website: https://flourishventures.com/
 
Connect with Alex Raymond:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/
Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/
 
HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP17: Getting Clarity on Your Gifts

Are psychedelics the next frontier for entrepreneurial growth and self-discovery? In this episode, Alex Raymond chats with Austin Mao, co-founder of Ceremonia, a psychedelic church in Colorado. Austin recounts his journey from a successful entrepreneur in tech and real estate to embracing the healing power of psychedelics.
At Ceremonia, Austin combines elements of psychology, spirituality, science, and shamanism to offer a holistic experience with substances like psilocybin mushrooms and ayahuasca. He discusses the significance of a religious context in their use, akin to traditional sacramental practices. Austin talks about setting up Ceremonia, emphasizing the importance of legal knowledge, creating a safe environment, and choosing substances like psilocybin for their therapeutic potential and cultural acceptance.
Shifting focus to the healing aspect, Austin highlights how Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy complements the psychedelic experience. He stresses that these journeys are not just for those with deep trauma but for anyone on a path of personal and professional growth.
Austin also dives into his daily practices, which support his well-being and aid in his work at Ceremonia. He suggests insightful resources, including "Letting Go" by David Hawkins and "The Second Mountain" by David Brooks, for listeners on their own entrepreneurial journeys.
There is growing interest among entrepreneurs in psychedelics, and this episode offers valuable insights for those who are curious about these substances and how they may offer new perspectives on personal development and business innovation.
 
Quotes:
“I don't invite founders to quit what they're doing and start having dreadlocks and lighting sage around their home. That's not the path. It's to actually get clarity around our gifts, get clarity around why we do what we do.” - Austin Mao (7:34) 
“One trait of founders is they look for that direct path, right? The most efficient way, the most accelerated way to scale. Well, here we're scaling consciousness. We're scaling ourselves, right? I equate this work to 10 years of therapy in 10 hours. And what people are able to experience in the course of just five days here is 96% say it's the most transformative experience of their lives.” - Austin Mao (13:15 )
"The impact here is on four levels: mental, physical, spiritual, and relational." - Austin Mao (14:14)
“The furthest distance that you'll travel in your life is the 18 inches from your mind to your heart.”  - Austin Mao (16:01) 
"The end point of psychology is the beginning of spirituality." - Austin Mao (55:32)
Links
Connect with Austin Mao:
Website: https://www.ceremoniacircle.org/
Website: https://www.austinmao.com/
 
Connect with Alex Raymond:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/
Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/
HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast.
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP16: Go Big, With Ease

The Enneagram helps us see ourselves at a deeper, more objective level, and can be of invaluable assistance on our path to self-knowledge. With this insight, host Alex Raymond of The Conscious Entrepreneur podcast welcomes Rudir Krishtel, a former lawyer turned transformation coach. Rudir shares his journey from a demanding legal career to discovering his true calling in coaching, guided by the principles of the Enneagram.
Rudir's transition was spurred by the challenges and burnout he faced as a litigator. Seeking a more fulfilling path, he found solace and direction in the Enneagram, a tool that deepens self-awareness and understanding. This framework helped Rudir not only in his personal evolution but also became a cornerstone of his coaching practice, where he emphasizes meaningful conversations and addresses crucial aspects of well-being, leadership, and diversity.
In the episode, Rudir explains the Enneagram's role in categorizing individuals into nine types, each defined by unique fears and motivations. He highlights how this understanding is critical for entrepreneurs who wish to foster a work environment that is both compassionate and effective. By starting with self-awareness, leaders can extend their insights to their teams, enhancing connection and understanding.
The conversation takes a personal turn as Rudir conducts an impromptu coaching session with Alex, delving into Alex's fears and motivations and illustrating the transformative power of the Enneagram in action!
 
Quotes:
“We have a value at the company which is go big with ease. We want to go big with ease. We want this company to do really well, and we're growing. And yet, at the same time, can we do it while we care for ourselves, while we care for each other, while we hear each other out, while we understand what's going on? And so there's a neat opportunity in this phase.” (10:48 | Rudhir Krishtel) 
“I mentioned the Enneagram and I find that to be the most valuable tool. And really, foundational for the work that I do and the work that we do, which is just giving people a real deep understanding of who they are so they can then come from a place of self-awareness and authenticity in any work that they do.” (24:52 | Rudhir Krishtel)
“The Enneagram essentially, it's less of a personality assessment and a bit more of a spiritual assessment, which is what I really appreciate about it. It really gets to you at your core. And essentially, it says that there are nine different ways of being, nine different ways that people show up in the world. How we show up in the world connects and relates to and is an extension of our deepest fear.”  (27:27 | Rudhir Krishtel)
“Our increasing of our own depth allows us to have a deeper understanding and awareness of others.” (46:00 | Rudhir Krishtel) 
“If you want everyone to succeed at the organization, you can't treat them all the same. You actually have to engage with them differently as a leader. You understand that different people have different strengths, challenges, scenarios. And then when you are acknowledging and aware of that, then you can actually have a meaningful dialogue.” (50:29 | Rudhir Krishtel) 
 
Links
Connect with Rudhir Krishtel:
Website: https://www.krishtel.com/ 
Website: https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/
 
Connect with Alex Raymond:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/
Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/
 
HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast.
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP15: The Conscious Handover: Embracing Change at the Top

In this deeply personal episode of The Conscious Entrepreneur podcast, host Alex Raymond welcomes his friend Chris Schwalbach, founder of AVL Growth Partners. Chris shares his journey of self-discovery and the pivotal decision to replace himself as CEO of his company, a choice that significantly impacted both his professional and personal life.
Chris's story is a compelling tale of introspection, personal development, and the transformative power of self-awareness. He discusses the challenges he encountered in realizing that relinquishing his CEO role was the best path forward for his company's future. This episode provides an intimate glimpse into how this decision transcended business strategy, marking a step towards personal alignment and growth.
Central to Chris's journey is the influence of community, executive coaching, and the profound impact of journaling on his growth. He speaks openly about how his relationships with peers, mentors, and coaches, and own personal development practices have deepened his self-awareness and empathy, and how these skills manifest in his life. Chris's experiences underscore the importance of self-reflection in leadership and the value of understanding one's own journey to better lead and connect with others.
His narrative is a testament to the belief that true leadership is about continuous learning and evolving, benefiting not just one's business but also personal fulfillment. Listeners will be inspired by Chris's candidness and the insights he offers. This episode is notable for its depth and the moving story of a leader embracing change, self-discovery, and the ongoing journey of becoming a more conscious entrepreneur.
 
Quotes:
“I'm like, I don't know what the next level of systems is. I don't know how to discipline the process. So, you know, that was almost like putting the shareholder hat on and saying, if I were a shareholder, are you the right CEO for the next five years? And I'm like, to me, probably not. Probably not.” (11:23 | Chris Schwalbach) 
“I think this awareness is just the work that I've done to understand what's actually happening right now, and how can I pick my head up and see what's going on around me?” (14:25 | Chris Schwalbach) 
“To me, the conscious entrepreneur is the one that's focused on bringing the awareness to the present in knowing what's happening around them.” (27:12 | Chris Schwalbach)
“I think it's really hard for someone with an ego to figure out what their own values are because you do have a lot of imputed values or ‘should’ values when you write your values. I think when you really do a neutral values job, then you uncover behaviors and patterns.” (34:48 | Chris Schwalbach)
 
Links
Books & Movies mentioned:
"Tiny Habits" by BJ Fogg"Atomic Habits" by James Clear"The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz"The Values Factor" by John Demartini
"What the Bleep Do We Know?"
 
Connect with Chris Schwalbach:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cschwalbach/
 
Connect with Alex Raymond:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/
Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/
HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast.
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP14: Balancing Act: Kristin Darga on Entrepreneurship, Self-Discovery, and Well-Being

Every entrepreneur faces challenges, but what happens when those challenges become overwhelming? In this episode of The Conscious Entrepreneur, host Alex Raymond dives deep into the world of entrepreneurship and mental health with guest Kristen Darga, Founder of Impact Founder. Kristen's journey from a simple photography exhibit to a beacon for entrepreneurs struggling with mental health issues is both inspiring and eye-opening.
Through their conversation, they explore the surprises and challenges Kristen faced, the profound impact of her work, and how it has evolved in response to the pandemic. They discuss the importance of reshaping the narrative around entrepreneurship and mental health, and the need for open conversations and support systems.
As a conscious entrepreneur, Kristen emphasizes the value of building connections, having a support network, and taking care of mind, body, and soul. She shares her personal experiences with imposter syndrome, panic attacks, and long COVID, and how she navigated through them with self-reflection, therapy, and a focus on overall well-being.
This episode is a powerful reminder that being a conscious entrepreneur means prioritizing personal well-being while building a successful business. If you're an entrepreneur looking for tools and resources to thrive and succeed, this conversation will resonate with you.
 
Key Takeaways:
Building connections and having open conversations about mental health before it becomes a crisis is crucial for entrepreneurs.
Giving yourself space and time to hear your own thoughts and desires is important for personal and professional growth.
Engaging in fun adventures and surrounding yourself with a supportive community can contribute to overall well-being as an entrepreneur.
 
Quotes:
“In growing Impact Founder over the years, I was told many times people wouldn't want to talk about it or that it wasn't relevant. And it becomes relevant when someone takes their life. And that's not the kind of relevancy that I want to have, unfortunately. But it's very real and it's something that founders really do deal with. And luckily more people are talking about it.” (6:35 | Kristin Darga) 
“That committed listener, no matter what name we give it, coach, therapist, friend, partner, that is imperative to having someone to go to when you really do feel that way. And having that ahead of time allows you that if you are in that place, that you have someone or you have something there for you.” (10:15 | Kristin Darga)
“I am alone in a bubble at home in my thoughts. I can hear things, but I really then need to actually be in conversation with someone to build it. The quiet allows me to hear it, and then the conversation allows me to create it.” (33:14 | Kristin Darga) 
 
Links
Connect with Kristin Darga:
Website:https://www.impactfounder.com/ 
Instagram: @kristindarga
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristindarga/
 
Connect with Alex Raymond:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/
Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/
HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast.Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP13: The Joy Formula

Can a simple formula transform the culture of a company and the lives of its employees? In this episode of The Conscious Entrepreneur podcast, host Alex Raymond interviews Patty Condon, the innovative owner of FBC Remodel. Patty introduces his groundbreaking Joy Formula, a unique concept that redefines the essence of workplace satisfaction and success.
Patty's Joy Formula, encapsulating the equation 'joy equals success plus wellbeing to the power of purpose,' has reshaped his company's culture. He explains how success is not just about business metrics but also includes wellbeing, measured through the seven F's: Family, Friends, Fitness, Finance, Faith, Fun, and Future. This comprehensive approach has turned his team into a community of passionate, fulfilled individuals, each aligned with their purpose.
The discussion also ventures into the realms of finding and refining one's purpose. Patty shares an effective exercise from his company that assists individuals in uncovering their purpose, encouraging them to embrace it fully to see if it truly resonates with their life goals.
A significant part of Patty's narrative is his personal evolution from a fear-based to a love-based leadership style. He talks about his journey towards consciousness, emphasizing the transformative power of gratitude and the importance of daily practices like meditation and exercise for a balanced mindset.
This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs and leaders seeking to infuse their businesses with joy, purpose, and a deeper sense of fulfillment, both for themselves and their teams. Patty Condon's journey and insights offer valuable lessons in creating a positive and supportive workplace culture.
 
Key Takeaways:
Patty's Joy Formula shows that combining business success with personal wellbeing and purpose leads to a more satisfying work environment.
Finding and aligning with one’s purpose is key to both personal and professional growth.
Transitioning from a fear-based to a love-based approach in leadership can significantly transform personal development and company culture.
 
Quotes:
"The joy formula is truly a formula. It is joy equals success plus wellbeing to the power of purpose." (02:25 | Patty Condon) 
“What we have found is that when people are aligned with their purpose, and they have success and well-being, then you have a whole team of people who are really maximizing their joy and they show up just in such an incredible way because they're lit up. They're passionate about what they're doing. They're passionate about life. And furthermore, they feel really well supported in their life and at the company and being at a company that really looks at them and says, hey, you're not just a project manager or a designer. You're not just an employee. You're a human being. ” (05:58 | Patty Condon) 
“It's only through intentional work that we become conscious. And that journey from fear to love, from running business in an unconscious state of fear to a conscious state of love, I believe is what conscious entrepreneurialism is all about.” (47:57 | Patty Condon)
Links
Connect with Paddy Condon:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-condon-b037581/
 
Connect with Alex Raymond:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/
Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/
HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast.
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP12: The Power of Having Internal and External Support Systems

In the tech industry, where success is typically gauged by milestones and metrics, Miroo Kim introduces a wellness dimension to this conventional definition. In this episode of The Conscious Entrepreneur, host Alex Raymond explores Miroo's transition from her roles at leading tech companies like Apple, Microsoft, and Facebook to establishing her own venture, People & Culture. This story is about redefining success to prioritize well-being and personal values in the entrepreneurial journey.
Miroo shares the pivotal moment that shifted her perspective: a breakdown on a bus ride home, leading her to seek a support system that resonated with her personal struggles and values. She discusses her efforts to integrate mindfulness and compassion into the workplace, starting an employee-run Mindfulness Club at Facebook, and offering programs like Search Inside Yourself and Compassion Cultivation Training. This initiative revealed a hidden community of individuals silently seeking support and underscored the importance of a culture that nurtures individual well-being.
Reflecting on her transition to solopreneurship, Miroo emphasizes redefining success based on personal values and the necessity of both internal and external support systems in navigating entrepreneurial challenges. She advocates for the creation of a personal board of directors for guidance and the formation of coaching circles with peers for shared learning and support. Listeners will find in this episode a wealth of insights into the challenges and rewards of being a conscious entrepreneur, with a strong emphasis on the importance of well-being, values alignment, and the power of a supportive community.
 
Key Takeaways:
Embracing mindfulness and compassion in the tech industry can enhance individual well-being and create a more supportive work environment.
There is a need to expand the definition of success in entrepreneurship to incorporate alignment with personal values rather than traditional metrics.
Creating a robust support system, including a personal board of directors and coaching circles, is a good technique for entrepreneurs who are trying to succeed in tech.
 
Quotes:
“If you expect people to bring their whole self to work then there's got to be a system that actually really can contain that whole self. The whole self contains all that suffering from the previous, the personal life and all that too, right?” (9:06 | Miroo Kim) 
“We know that the secret to success and happiness is a good relationship, a meaningful kind of work, and all that. But when you actually see people around, there are not many people who are actually practicing it. And why? It's because these measures of success feeling kind of a satisfaction that you have from the good relationship, things like that are not really measurable, so to speak, quantifiable. And then as a result, we kind of take that out from the evaluation. So I don't know if the answer is to quantify it necessarily. So I don't know if the answer is to quantify it necessarily. Maybe that's one way. But the other thing is that you really proactively think about how do I take that as part of my self-evaluation of the life or work and create our own kind of measure of success instead of kind of adopting what was given to us.” (19:34 | Miroo Kim) 
“What we are trying to do as conscious entrepreneurs might seem counterintuitive to what entrepreneurship is viewed in society. So it actually requires extra courage for us to be who we want to be and then really stay grounded.” (53:33 | Miroo Kim) 
Links
Connect with Miroo Kim:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirookim/
 
Connect with Alex Raymond:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/
Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/
HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast.
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP11: Why Happiness is the Secret to Optimal Human Performance

Are you tired of chasing happiness, always thinking it's just one step ahead? In this insightful episode of The Conscious Entrepreneur podcast, host Alex Raymond sits down with Ashish Kothari, founder of Happiness Squad and author of "Hardwired for Happiness." They delve into a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of entrepreneurship: the integral role of happiness in achieving success and fulfillment.
Ashish brings a fresh perspective, challenging the common notion that happiness is a distant goal. He argues that happiness is a key driver of human performance and an essential state for operating at one's best. This isn't about chasing external rewards; it's about nurturing an internal state of contentment and joy.
The discussion pivots to Ashish's book, "Hardwired for Happiness," which presents nine practical strategies to combat stress and live a fulfilling life. These strategies range from developing self-awareness and defining personal purpose to embracing gratitude and investing in well-being. Ashish explains that these practices are grounded in comprehensive research across neuroscience, psychology, and philosophy.
Ashish also shares his personal transformation from a high-achieving consultant to a happiness-focused entrepreneur. His journey underscores the importance of aligning one's career with their core values and purpose, a realization that came from confronting his own anxiety and lack of fulfillment.
A key takeaway from the episode is the power of community in the pursuit of happiness. Ashish highlights how collective efforts can lead to transformative experiences, both personally and professionally. He encourages listeners to start with small, manageable practices like brief daily meditations to gradually build a more mindful and aware lifestyle.
Key Takeaways:
Happiness is linked to human performance. When we are happy, we operate at our best and are more successful, productive, and resilient.
Happiness is an internal game. It is not something we can find externally or in future achievements. We need to cultivate happiness from within by practicing self-awareness and other key habits.
Self-awareness is a foundational practice for happiness and conscious entrepreneurship. By understanding ourselves and our beliefs, we can better navigate challenges and make conscious choices.
Mastering our emotions is a challenging practice but essential for happiness. By learning to sit with difficult emotions, witness them, and respond rather than react, we can increase our emotional resilience and well-being.
Building a community is crucial for personal growth and transformation. Surrounding ourselves with like-minded individuals who are also on a journey of self-discovery and personal development can provide support, inspiration, and accountability.
Quotes:
“The data is so clear from the science of happiness, right? That as individuals, if we can teach people to be happy, they are more successful, more productive, more creative, more innovative, are kinder, are more resilient. (3:48 | Ashish Kothari) 
"The hardest practice is mastering your emotions." (19:49 | Ashish Kothari)
"The power of meditation is paying attention on purpose at the present moment without judgment." (41:44 | Ashish Kothari)
 
Links
Connect with Ashish Kothari:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashishkothari1/
Website: https://happinesssquad.com/
 
Connect with Alex Raymond:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/
Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/
HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast.
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm