What’s Possible w. Ilene Schaffer

Is your team afraid to speak up? It’s time to investigate the critical link between psychological safety and your organization’s bottom line. Join host Ilene Schaffer, alongside Louisa Jewell and Shannon Polly, as they unravel how psychological safety—through inclusion, learning, contribution, and the freedom to challenge—can transform your workplace dynamics. Learn the four essential elements tha...

As we usher in the new year, many of us ditch resolutions for a desire to be more organized, effective, and productive. Join host Ilene Schaffer and productivity expert Sharon Danzger to learn actionable strategies for embracing flexibility and mindfulness, ensuring your drive for productivity enriches rather than encroaches on your joy. Sharon shares how temporal landmarks like the New Year provi...

In a world where traditional leadership methods are quickly becoming obsolete, Eric Wong, Director of Global Leader Development at Adobe, is leading the charge in revolutionizing workplace dynamics. Host Ilene Schaffer sat down with Eric to discuss the critical need for vulnerability and genuine connections within leadership, and how psychological safety and authenticity can radically transform te...

Kickstart your New Year by focusing on what truly matters—community. Join host Ilene Schaffer as she explores why traditional New Year’s resolutions often fall short and how nurturing meaningful relationships can enrich your life. Ilene shares practical strategies for identifying and growing your network of supportive friends and limiting interactions that don’t serve you. Learn why community and...

Optimism isn’t merely about expecting the best; it’s about actively envisioning and steering towards beneficial outcomes. Ilene Schaffer introduces the “best possible self” exercise—a tool from positive psychology designed to enhance optimism by vividly imagining your ideal future. Learn how to craft a realistic yet aspirational vision of yourself and identify the steps needed to align your curren...

Have you ever wondered how vibrant, active, and healthy you could remain as you approach 80, 90, or even 100 years old? Host Ilene Schaffer sits down with Geoff Yang, founder of Aperion and a visionary in the realms of health and longevity. Geoff's transition from a dynamic career in venture capital to pioneering health span enhancement reflects his deep commitment to living life to its fulle...

Are you caught in a negative feedback loop where focusing on the bad only brings more of it? This episode with Ilene Schaffer introduces a transformative approach called 'goodness gardening,' which helps shift your focus from dwelling on negatives to actively cultivating the positives. Ilene Schaffer explains how adopting this mindset can lead to expansive growth in all areas of your lif...

What does it mean to max your communication? In today’s fast-paced professional world, being able to communicate effectively is more critical than ever. In this episode of What’s Possible, Ilene Schaffer sits down with communication expert Dr. Laura Camacho to discuss how leaders can sharpen their communication skills to enhance their influence and impact. Laura, a seasoned coach with a unique bac...

Feeling overwhelmed by stress? Join Ilene Schaffer as she likens well-being to a Jenga tower—each block crucial for stability. In this 'In the Moment' episode, Ilene shares practical strategies to maintain your well-being blocks, from nurturing relationships to prioritizing self-care. Learn how to keep your tower intact and prevent burnout by regularly checking and fortifying your founda...

What if a lifetime of purposeful days can fulfill your reason for being? Today, host Ilene Schaffer is diving into the world of ikigai with Sam Ushio, founder of Ikigai Lab. Ikigai, a revered Japanese philosophy, isn’t just about uncovering life’s grand purpose—it’s about aligning everyday actions with deep-seated values, fostering gratitude, and embracing intentionality in every moment. Learn pra...

Need a boost of inspiration? Ilene Schaffer and her brother Brad Brenner, a full-time artist, explore the profound impact of art and creativity on our well-being and sense of home. Through personal anecdotes and insights from positive psychology, you'll learn how engaging with the arts can transport us to the present moment, evoke deep emotions, and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the wor...

Ever wondered how to make a lasting impression without sacrificing your authenticity? Shannon Polly has mastered the art of merging acting techniques, positive psychology, and her Midwest sensibility to elevate leadership presence. In this episode, Shannon reveals how senior leaders can step into their power by managing nerves, shifting mindsets, and genuinely connecting with their audience. Wheth...

Discover how integrating play into your daily routine can transform your well-being and productivity. Host Ilene Schaffer interviews Dr. Elaine O’Brien, a pioneer in the psychology of human movement, to explore the powerful benefits of play detailed in her books ‘The Power of Play’ and ‘Splash Dance.’ Learn practical strategies to incorporate joyful activities into your busy schedule, enhance flow...

How does adaptability impact our life’s path? And how adaptable do you think you are? On this week’s episode, host Ilene Schaffer sits down with Henry Richardson, the dynamic founder of Define Living, to explore the art of the pivot in life and leadership. From an All-American diver to a wellness industry pioneer, Henry’s journey is a profound example of adaptability. You’ll learn how he transform...

There is an art to genuine relationship-building. In this episode, Ilene Schaffer sits down with her brother Brad Brenner to talk about how authenticity, curiosity, and positive interactions form the backbone of strong personal and professional networks. In this episode, learn practical ways to enhance your connections through sincere engagement, effective listening, and being truly present in eve...

Discover how movement and play can transform your performance, boost your confidence, and elevate your entire team. Join host Ilene Schaffer in a vibrant conversation with Dr. Elaine O’Brien, a seasoned expert in kinesiology and positive psychology, as they explore the transformative power of physical activity and playfulness in daily routines. In this episode, Dr. O’Brien shares actionable strate...

Drawing parallels between nurturing ambitions and cultivating a garden, host Ilene Schaffer is here to show us how to “fertilizing the ground” for future growth. You'll learn how understanding the motivations behind our goals and celebrating small wins can create a pathway to significant achievements. Plus, Ilene brings insights from Angela Duckworth on how situational factors and accountabil...

Feeling overwhelmed by the constant demands of work and life? Ilene Schaffer welcomes Dr. Della Sanders, a renowned mindfulness coach and the driving force behind MPowered Consultants. Della has enriched countless lives by seamlessly integrating mindfulness into leadership and everyday routines. In this episode, Della and Ilene delve into the transformative power of mindfulness, discussing its cri...

Ilene Schaffer sits down with her brother Brad to explore strategies for managing imposter syndrome, emphasizing the power of authenticity, self-awareness, and shifting from a deficit to an abundance mindset. They discuss how comparison to role models can fuel imposter syndrome, and why showing up as your true self is the antidote. You'll walk away with practical guidance for overcoming the s...

Did you know that even the smallest adjustments can lead to significant improvements in how organizations function? In this episode, Ilene Schaffer is joined by Liz Scott, an experienced HR leader with a profound understanding of organizational design. Liz discusses the transformative power of small, strategic changes in the workplace and shares her expertise on setting boundaries in remote work,...

Tackle perfectionism head-on In the Moment with Ilene Schaffer. Learn how embracing self-compassion and forgiving oneself can enhance resilience and performance. Ilene shares transformative stories and practical tips to help leaders be as kind to themselves as they are to others. Ready for a change? Silicon Valley Change is here to support your journey. ___ "In the Moment" is a series fr...

It's time to investigate another often overlooked aspect of leadership development: the role of trauma. Host Ilene Schaffer is joined by Lisa Zigarmi and Stella Grizont for a discussion that moves beyond the surface of trauma’s challenges to explore its transformative potential in professional growth. Lisa, an organizational psychologist and leadership coach, alongside Stella, an executive co...

How do you know when you're finished with a project? Ilene Schaffer sits down with none other than her brother, career artist and painter Brad Brenner, to share practical tips for deciding when it's time to find a stopping point. You'll hear about the delicate balance of creation and the art of not overdoing it. Especially insightful, Brad shares advice about disconnecting identity...

What does values-driven leadership look like? Ilene Schaffer and Ann Rhoades, a pioneer in revolutionizing workplace cultures at renowned companies like Southwest Airlines and JetBlue through her firm, People Inc. Today, they discuss how building a culture that attracts and retains top talent can also enhance customer experience. They discuss the critical role of personal relationships and consist...

Feeling swamped by the relentless wave of information? Ilene Schaffer is here with a tip: the 'parking lot' method—a simple yet effective way to capture, prioritize, and revisit information when it suits you. Ilene highlights practical tips to ensure nothing slips through the cracks. Whether you're a professional juggling multiple projects or simply trying to keep your daily tasks i...