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

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 m...

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 in...

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 importanc...

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 hidd...

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 inde...

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 expe...

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...

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 feedbac...

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,...

In this micro episode, Chad discusses a significant shift in workplace dynamics due to advancements in AI. The key to future success in the workplace lies not in technical skills, but in self-awareness and psychological astuteness. He emphasizes that effective communication and emotional intelligence will trump technical prowess as machines take over more technical tasks. The episode also highligh...

In this episode, Coach Chad explores the concept of inner leadership and its significance in today's rapidly changing workplace, heavily influenced by AI. The discussion highlights common misconceptions about leadership being merely 'soft skills' and emphasizes the necessity of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and psychological safety. Coach Chad provides compelling statistics on work-relat...

In this insightful episode, Chad engages with Bob Hutchins, an expert in marketing communications and organizational psychology. Bob shares his unique journey from running a successful digital marketing agency to pursuing a PhD that intersects generative AI, creativity, and human meaning-making. The conversation delves into the concept of media ecology, as influenced by thinkers like Neil Postman...

Dr. Chad discusses the need for stability and grounding in a tumultuous and changing world, particularly focusing on the impacts of AI and social media on our self-perception. He provides four practical steps to help individuals stay grounded: ask what your actions are in service to, stop managing perception based on others' opinions, carve out space for self-reflection, and accept the complexity...

Dr. Chad discusses the effectiveness of using AI, specifically the AI coach Emma, in therapeutic and coaching relationships. He shares personal experiences of overcoming creative blocks and addressing alcohol dependency with the help of Emma. Emphasizing how AI can offer continuous, responsive support and practical tools for personal development, Dr. Chad also notes the limitations compared to hum...

Jennifer Moss discusses her latest book and delves into the existential question of why we are here, particularly in the context of current worker sentiment. The discussion covers various contemporary work-related issues, including the impact of the pandemic on work engagement, the acceleration of AI, and the epidemic of hopelessness and social isolation among younger generations. Moss also addres...

In this episode, Dr. Chad delves into six practical strategies for personal transformation, drawing parallels from epic literary heroes. Key points include confronting and managing inner dialogues, challenging limiting beliefs, embracing and integrating shadow selves, fostering vulnerability, updating coping mechanisms, and finding life’s meaning through reframing challenges and clarifying values....

This episode explores the integration of AI into therapy, focusing on its current state and future potential. The discussion highlights four key areas: the widespread user adoption of AI for mental health, the diverse applications of AI in diagnostics and treatments, the growing acceptance by health systems, and the different approaches taken by AI builders. It is emphasized that AI will likely au...

In this discussion, Dr. Elizabeth O'Brien talks about her forthcoming book, The Power in the Middle , which addresses midlife burnout, especially among women. She shares her personal experiences, including a dramatic period marked by questioning her marriage, job changes, and even spending 72 hours at an Ashram in North Carolina. Dr. O'Brien examines the universal traits of burnout and discusses h...

We delve into the profound and ancient question of 'Who am I?' by examining the distinct roles of the Self and the ego. Drawing from Jungian psychology, we explore the Self as a mysterious, instinctive force guiding us towards healing and growth, much like an acorn becoming an oak tree. Contrarily, the ego acts as a temporary, curated narrative influenced by experiences, culture, and societal expe...

Arielle Garcia Hayes, the founding principal of University High, shares her experiences and insights into the role of an educator, particularly in nontraditional settings. She discusses how University High empowers students by integrating them into a college campus environment, catering to 11th and 12th graders from diverse backgrounds. Hayes opens up about her personal journey, including overcomi...

In this episode of 'Emma. We'll See You Now,' Dr. Chad is joined by CEO Dr. Shelley to dive into the pressing issue of burnout in the modern world. They explore the psychological stresses contributing to burnout, despite efforts towards self-care and wellness. Shelley discusses the impact of living in a capitalistic society and how the rapid influx of information, courtesy of technology, exacerbat...

In this episode of Emma Will See You Now, Dr. Chad explores a lesser-known cause of burnout that goes beyond the conventional understanding of overwork and stress. She explains the role of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) in signaling when our actions misalign with our core values. Dr. Chad underscores that true burnout is not just about workload but about a deeper cognitive conflict. He discus...

Dr. Chad talks about the upcoming episodes focusing on midlife burnout, mental health, and how to effectively use AI in daily life. He dives deep into the concept of finding one's purpose amidst rapid advancements in AI, emphasizing the potential for a renaissance in personal growth and community building. Chad shares his personal experience with the 'soft 75' challenge as a way to create healthie...

Many believe coaching is only for when things go wrong, but you might argue that the best time for coaching is when you’re stable yet underperforming relative to your potential. In this episode, Dr. Chad looks at six common reasons why people avoid coaching or therapy all their natural born lives. He then takes us to five researched-based reasons why coaching is powerful for you especially when yo...

Today, we’ll explore the journey of someone who’s not just a business owner but an inspiration to many aspiring entrepreneurs—Phil. Let's embark on this journey to see how he turned his dreams into reality. Phil often says, 'The decision to leap is almost as important as the success that follows.' Accepting the inherent risks, Phil has always been ready to leap. Today, Phil is not only a thriving...