The Passion Institute Podcast

Happy New Year and welcome to the first episode of 2026. In this solo episode, we kick off the year by focusing on clarity, alignment, and intentional goal setting—specifically for entrepreneurs, leaders, and high-performing humans who want to make this year count. The conversation centers on how to regain focus, reduce distraction, and design a year that is driven by purpose rather than noise. Dr...

In this deeply emotional episode of the Passion Institute podcast, we pause regular programming to reflect on an unspeakable tragedy and the extraordinary leadership that emerged from it. Just days after a terror attack at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach in Sydney—where 15 lives were lost, including a 10-year-old child—we examine what leadership looks like when there are no titles, no prepar...

🎙️ The Power of Purpose, People & Relationships with Lindsay Adams In this inspiring episode of the Passion Institute Podcast, Shivani sits down with global speaker, mentor, and “relationships guy” Lindsay Adams — a man whose entire career has been built around understanding people and creating meaningful, purposeful connections. Lindsay shares: ✨ How a single life-changing moment during a leader...

In this episode of The Passion Institute Podcast, Shivani dives deep into one of the most underrated elements that can make or break a business: cultural fit. Beyond impressive CVs, technical skills, and shiny achievements, what truly matters is how well a new hire aligns with your organisation’s values, behaviors, decision-making style, and daily habits. Shivani breaks down her signature Heart, H...

Ep#216 Align Value's Not Cloning. In this episode of The Passion Institute Podcast, Shivani dives deep into one of the most underrated elements that can make or break a business: cultural fit. Beyond impressive CVs, technical skills, and shiny achievements, what truly matters is how well a new hire aligns with your organisation’s values, behaviors, decision-making style, and daily habits. Shiv...

In this episode of The Passion Institute Podcast, host Shivani Gupta dives deep into a thought-provoking idea: AI isn’t replacing people — it’s replacing those who aren’t prepared to use it. Discover how leaders and teams can thrive in the age of artificial intelligence by developing AI readiness, empowering staff to use new tools, and transforming fear into innovation. Shivani explores global ado...

In this soul-nourishing episode of the Passion Institute Podcast, host Shivani invites us to explore the art of building resilient habits — the kind that anchor us when life gets chaotic and fuel our growth when motivation fades. She shares her signature framework of Heart, Head, and Habit, reminding us that passion alone isn’t enough — it’s our daily rituals that truly shape our resilience, produ...

In this inspiring episode of The Passion Institute Podcast, host Shivani Gupta sits down with Heidi Dening, an award-winning speaker and resilience expert whose life story is nothing short of extraordinary. Heidi has faced everything from petrol bomb attacks to earthquakes, paralysis, and business burnout—yet through it all, she’s transformed trauma into powerful post-traumatic wisdom. Drawing fro...

🎙️ The Passion Institute with Shivani Gupta Episode: Focus to Flourish — Staying Aligned in a Distracted World In this inspiring episode, Shivani Gupta explores one of the biggest challenges for today’s entrepreneurs and leaders — staying focused in a world full of noise and distraction. From juggling multiple ventures to battling the constant pull of social media, Shivani shares powerful insights...

Episode #211 Change's in AI Regulations In this episode of The Passion Institute Podcast, host Shivani Gupta explores one of the most urgent conversations in modern leadership — how businesses can navigate the evolving landscape of AI regulations with clarity, ethics, and heart. Shivani breaks down the conversation into three powerful lenses — Heart, Head, and Habit — helping leaders and entrepren...

Episode #210 | Heart,Head&Habit | Leadership Lessons From Japan In this episode of the Passion Institute Podcast, I share leadership lessons inspired by my recent travels to Japan. From the values of ikigai (a reason for being) and deep respect in everyday interactions, to long-term vision, clarity in strategy, and the power of rituals, Japan offers timeless insights for leaders everywhere. We’ll...

Episode #209 Meditate Instead of Medicate In this episode of the Passion Institute Podcast, host Shivani dives into a vital question for today’s leaders and entrepreneurs: Can we meditate instead of medicate? With compelling statistics and research-backed insights, Shivani addresses the growing issue of leadership burnout, chronic stress, and insomnia. Discover how meditation is more than a spirit...

Episode 208 – Finding Your Voice & Leading with Authenticity with Marina Bijnova In this powerful conversation, Shivani sits down with global speaker and branding expert Marina Bijnova, founder of Brand of a Leader. Born in the Soviet Union, raised in Ukraine, and now based in Montreal, Marina’s life journey has been shaped by censorship, resilience, and the pursuit of radical authenticity. She op...

Episode #207 Training That Sticks In this episode of the Passion Institute Podcast , we dive into one of the biggest challenges for growing businesses: how to design training that actually sticks . From balancing budgets and productivity trade-offs to exploring modern solutions like microlearning, blended training, job shadowing, and project-based learning , we uncover practical strategies that mi...

Episode #206 The Manager Multiplier: How Leaders Can Unlock Engagement in 2025 In this episode of the Passion Institute Podcast, Shivani Gupta explores the Manager Multiplier Effect and how leaders can unlock engagement in 2025. Drawing on the latest Gallup and Harvard Business research, she unpacks why managers account for 70% of engagement outcomes, the risks of burnout and disengagement, and wh...

Episode #205 — Lessons from Running Wellbeing Programs for Doctors In this solo episode of The Passion Institute Podcast, Shivani Gupta reflects on her journey of running multiple wellbeing programs and retreats for doctors over the past year. She shares powerful lessons on addressing burnout, decision fatigue, and the emotional toll of patient care — challenges faced not just by doctors, but by l...

Episode 204 | Passion In The Age Of AI In this episode of the Passion Institute Podcast, host Shivani Gupta explores a thought-provoking question: Where does human passion fit in a world increasingly driven by Artificial Intelligence? AI is revolutionizing the way we live and work—automating tasks, accelerating learning, and transforming industries. Yet, it cannot replicate the spark of passion, t...

Redefining Motivation & Leading with Purpose — with Bonnie Winther In this inspiring episode, Shivani sits down with global keynote speaker, leadership and change expert Bonnie Winther to explore what it really takes to thrive in a changing world. From her parents’ courageous migration story to her own experiences as a woman of color in Australia, Bonnie shares the personal moments that shaped her...

Episode #202. Middle managers are the often-overlooked backbone of any organization. In this episode, we shine a light on their crucial role, the challenges they face, and how leaders can better support them. From bridging communication gaps to driving results, discover why the best really is in the middle.

Episode 201: Supporting Managers In this episode, we explore insights from Gallup’s 2025 Global Workplace Report and the growing crisis facing middle managers. Learn why manager engagement and well-being are declining—and what leaders, founders, and entrepreneurs can do to reverse the trend. Practical tips on training, coaching, and supporting managers to help them move from survival to thriving.

This is the 200th episode of the passion institute podcast. Over the last few years, I have developed a community with hundreds of guests and speakers. These are a few highlights. My goal is to share my line of work and to inspire and fuel passion for others. This is the 200th episode which calls for a big celebration.