Flourishing Edge Podcast with Ashish Kothari – Details, episodes & analysis

What if rising healthcare costs, burnout, and disengagement weren’t people problems—but system problems? In this episode, Ashish Kothari speaks with actuary and health strategist Jaqueline Oliveira-Cella to explore flourishing as a business strategy, anti-inflammatory workplaces, and how culture, leadership, and benefits design directly impact health, performance, and cost.

1. Why flourishing is a strategic lever for CEOs and CFOs
2. Culture as a hidden driver of health risk and performance
3. Anti-inflammatory vs. inflammatory workplaces
4. The limits of traditional employee benefits and cost-shifting
5. Designing equitable, accessible, and preventive health benefits
6. Manager trust, psychological safety, and engagement decline
7. Emotional intelligence as a performance differentiator
8. The SAFE framework for individual clarity, reflection, and better decisions

Connect with Jaqueline Oliveira-Cella:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaquelineoc/

__________________________________________________

Happiness Squad Website: https://happinesssquad.com/

Ashish Kothari: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashishkothari1/

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@MyHappinessSquad

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/happiness-squad

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myhappinesssquad/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myhappinesssquad

What if leadership, performance, and fulfillment all began with inner growth? In this deep and expansive conversation, Ashish Kothari sits down with former Coca-Cola executive Ahmet to explore Soulgery —a powerful, practical framework for lifelong growth, meaning, impact, and resilience. This episode bridges leadership, psychology, spirituality, and performance into a lived, actionable model for flourishing.

1. Why every business is ultimately a people business
2. Soulgery: a holistic model for personal growth and self-leadership
3. The inner vs. outer self and the role of awareness
4. The four acts of growth: direction, impact, excellence, and resilience
5. How meaning, love, and wisdom shape leadership and fulfillment
6. Performing with excellence through rhythm, not perfection
7. Responding vs. reacting to life’s challenges
8. Growth as a lifelong, interconnected journey

Connect with Ahmet Bozer:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahmetbozer/

__________________________________________________

Happiness Squad Website: https://happinesssquad.com/

Ashish Kothari: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashishkothari1/

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@MyHappinessSquad

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/happiness-squad

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myhappinesssquad/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myhappinesssquad

In a world of constant noise, speed, and digital overwhelm, how do we reclaim our inner stability and thrive?

This week on The Flourishing Edge, Ashish Kothari welcomes Emma Seppala, Yale School of Management faculty member, bestselling author of Sovereign and The Happiness Track, and pioneering researcher in well-being science.

Together they explore what it truly means to be sovereign—to live with awareness, agency, and mastery over one’s mind and emotions—even amid the chaos of technology, AI, and nonstop change. Emma shares groundbreaking research on breathing, intuition, and emotional regulation, revealing how ancient contemplative wisdom meets modern neuroscience to help us flourish in work and life.

💫 Key Topics & Insights

What “Sovereign” Really Means:

Reclaiming inner mastery in an age of distraction, self-criticism, and external noise.

Why self-awareness—not self-judgment—is the foundation for resilience and performance.

The Science of Self-Compassion:

How harsh self-talk lowers creativity, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence—and how awareness and kindness to self reverse it.

Technology, AI & the Age of Uncertainty:

Why constant stimulation erodes intuition, and how stillness, silence, and mindful discernment safeguard our humanity.

→ “AI can inform us, but only intuition can guide us.”

The Power of Intuition & Alpha States:

Neuroscience behind gut wisdom and creativity: relaxed minds in alpha-wave mode generate breakthrough ideas.

How to train intuition through rest, presence, and trust in your inner knowing.

Sovereign Relationships:

Why the most loyal teams and cultures are built on care, not control.

The two simple leadership moves:

1️⃣ Make people feel seen, heard, valued, appreciated.

2️⃣ Model calm self-awareness through your own meditation or reflective practice.

Sovereign Emotions & Healing Trauma:

Adults suppress; children feel and release. Emma explains how emotional endurance and courage transform leadership presence.

→ “Feeling is not weakness—it’s wisdom.”

The SKY Breath Meditation Breakthrough:

Emma’s landmark research at Yale and Stanford showing that the SKY (Sudarshan Kriya Yoga) breathing practice:

Rapidly reduces PTSD symptoms in veterans

Normalizes anxiety responses for up to a year

Outperforms standard therapy for emotion regulation

Prevents burnout in college students

Proven pathways to emotional sovereignty and nervous-system healing.

Daily Practices for Sovereignty:

🌞 Morning: Yoga + SKY Breath + Meditation (≈ 1 hr)

🌅 Evening: 30 min silent meditation

🌳 Nature immersion & walking daily

🙏 Gratitude for life’s simple privileges

💻 Strict boundaries with technology & news

💞 Service mindset—leave everyone feeling better than before they met you

💬 Memorable Quotes:

“Self-awareness, not self-criticism, is the key to unlocking your potential.” — Emma Seppala

“We can’t stop the waves of change, but we can learn to master the inner ocean.” — Ashish Kothari

“Feeling is not weakness—it’s wisdom. Sovereignty begins when you allow yourself to feel.” — Emma Seppala

🪷 About the Guest:

Emma Seppala is a psychologist, researcher, and faculty member at Yale School of Management. She is the author of Sovereign and The Happiness Track, and Science Director of Stanford’s Center for Compassion and Altruism Research. Her work has been featured in Harvard Business Review, The Atlantic, and TIME. Emma’s research bridges neuroscience, psychology, and ancient contemplative practices to help individuals and organizations thrive.

🔗 Connect with Emma on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmaseppala/

🌻 About the Host:

Ashish Kothari is the founder of Happiness Squad, author of Hardwired for Happiness, and creator of the Flourishing Edge Podcast, where science-based practices meet soulful leadership to help people live, work, and lead with joy, health, love, and meaning.

If this conversation sparked your curiosity about reclaiming your own sovereignty, share the episode with a friend or teammate who’s ready to flourish too.

Subscribe to The Flourishing Edge Podcast and leave a review to keep spreading science-backed tools for living and leading with purpose.

__________________________________________________

Happiness Squad Website: https://happinesssquad.com/

Ashish Kothari: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashishkothari1/

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@MyHappinessSquad

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/happiness-squad

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myhappinesssquad/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myhappinesssquad

In today's fast-moving world, leaders can't afford to stick to the old ways. Ignoring the ever-changing landscape around us means missing out on new opportunities and risking stagnation. It's essential for any leader to stay agile and resilient – that's what modern leadership is all about in these challenging times.

In this episode of the HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast, Ashish Kothari and Andrew White, CEO of Transcend.Space, dive deep into the concept of modern leadership.

Andrew White is a visionary in modern leadership, dedicated to understanding and shaping the role of business leaders in addressing global challenges. At Said Business School, he directs the Oxford Advanced Management and Leadership Programme, annually guiding 80 global leaders towards new strategic directions. 

As the founder of Transcend.Space, Andrew works with purpose-driven leaders to foster positive change beyond profit. His insights extend to global leadership retreats, contributions to Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, a TEDx talk, a podcast, and his popular LinkedIn newsletter 'Leadership 2050' with over 5,000 subscribers.

In the conversation, Ashish and Andrew address how leadership is transforming in response to the unique challenges and rapid changes of the modern world.

Things you will learn from this episode:

• The Challenges of 21st Century Leadership
• Human-Centric Approach to Leadership
• The Importance of Active Listening Skills
• Integrating Technology in Leadership
• The role of Personal Development and Mindfulness in Leadership

Tune in now to gain invaluable insights and tools to transform your leadership style and make a positive impact in today's dynamic world.

• Transcend.Space on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/transcend-space/ 
• Transcend.Space Website:https://transcend.space/who-we-are/ 
• Andrew White’s TED Talk:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9fwC3tInlo 
• Leadership 2050 Newsletter:https://transcend.space/leadership-2050/  

• Andrew White’s Harvard Business Review article:https://hbr.org/2016/06/lessons-from-companies-that-put-purpose-ahead-of-short-term-profits 
• Hardwired for Happiness: 9 Proven Practices to Overcome Stress and Live Your Best Life.https://www.amazon.com/Hardwired-Happiness-Proven-Practices-Overcome/dp/1544534655

A lot of people feel stressed and burnt out at work these days. Even though companies try to help with things like health apps or gym memberships, these efforts often don't really solve the problem. That is because these solutions only focus on the individual and ignore bigger issues like the work environment, how teams work together, and whether the job itself is satisfying and meaningful. 

In this episode of the HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast, Ashish Kothari and Dr. Samata Vasisht, Founder of Synergy Holistic, talk about how to improve wellbeing at work. 

Dr. Samata Vasisht, transitioning from a seasoned physician to a holistic well-being expert and transformational coach, offers a rare fusion of spiritual wisdom and scientific insight. Her global journey, spanning from the US to the UK, Dubai, and India, has equipped her with diverse experiences and profound knowledge. 

She has left a significant mark on top-tier companies like Unilever, Microsoft, and Shell. Dr. Vasisht stands as an inspiring guide for those seeking to master the challenges of today's workplace with resilience, purpose, and a profound understanding of well-being.

The conversation highlights a crucial gap in many well-being programs: the failure to address broader issues such as the work environment, team dynamics, and the meaningfulness of the job itself.

Ashish and Dr. Samata highlight the importance of a holistic approach to well-being in the workplace. They suggest that true improvement comes from creating a supportive and flexible work culture, where employees feel valued and find purpose in their roles. 

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the deeper factors that contribute to a healthy and fulfilling work life.

Things you will learn from this episode:

• Life's Autocorrect Mechanism and Innate Drives
• Shifting from Individual Healing to Collective Healing
• Flourishing and Well-Being in Action
• The Dimensions of Well-Being

Tune in now to gain insights on how to transform your workplace into a thriving environment where well-being is not just an individual responsibility but a collective achievement. 

• Leadership that Works India Website:leadershipthatworks.com/ 
• Company Website: synergyholistic.world 

Hardwired for Happiness: 9 Proven Practices to Overcome Stress and Live Your Best Life.https://www.amazon.com/Hardwired-Happiness-Proven-Practices-Overcome/dp/1544534655

Ever felt like you're on a never-ending quest for happiness, yet it's always just out of reach? You're not alone. In fact, many of us find ourselves in a relentless cycle of chasing moments of joy, hoping to catch them, only to watch them slip through our fingers. It's exhausting, isn't it?

But in this episode of the HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast, our very own Founder, Ashish Kothari, offers us a fresh perspective. He talks about happiness not as something you chase after, but as something you can cultivate within – like a garden that needs tending. 

He introduces us to the Sunflower Model of the 9 Hardwired for Happiness practices, which includes self-awareness, purpose, mindfulness, gratitude, mastering emotions, well-being, building a sense of community, and intentional living. These happy habits offer us tangible tools to navigate through our daily challenges and plant the seeds of a happier, more fulfilling life.

It's about time we learn to find joy in the here and now, to grow from our past without being tethered to it, and to look forward to the future with optimism, not fear. So tune in to this first solo episode with Ashish.

Things you will learn from this episode:

• Cultivating Happiness as a State of Being
• The Sunflower Model of the 9 Hardwired for Happiness practices
• Guidance on Deepening Relationships and Building Community

• Ashish Kothari on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashishkothari1/ 
• Happiness Squad Company Website: https://happinesssquad.com/ 
• Rewire Yoga Program: https://happinesssquad.com/rewire-program/ 

Hardwired for Happiness: 9 Proven Practices to Overcome Stress and Live Your Best Life.https://www.amazon.com/Hardwired-Happiness-Proven-Practices-Overcome/dp/1544534655

In today's fast-paced world, many of us struggle to find true happiness and balance. Despite our well-being practices, like yoga, we often fail to translate its benefits into our daily lives. Many people practice yoga to relax and find peace. However, they often struggle to keep that calm feeling once they leave their yoga class and return to their busy lives.

In this podcast, Ashish Kothari and Alicia Rae Parks, Manager of Happiness Squad’s REWIRE Yoga Program, talk about how to make the benefits of yoga last longer, even after you leave the yoga mat. They introduce a special program called Rewire Yoga, which helps you use yoga in your everyday life, not just in class. 

Alicia shares her own story about how yoga helped her through tough times. She’s a yoga teacher dedicated to bringing authenticity and a sense of community to her practice. She has transformed her life and teaching approach by shifting from fear to happiness. 

As the Program Manager of the REWIRE YOGA program, Alicia aims to help yoga teachers enhance their skills and deepen their practice, both on and off the mat. Her mission is to empower teachers to thrive in their profession and to make “happiness” a key element in the yoga community.

Things you will learn from this episode:

• Integrating Yoga into Daily Life
• Why you should try the Rewire Yoga Program
• Personal Transformation Through Yoga
• How Yoga Brings Holistic Well-being 

This is your invitation to shift to a more purposeful and meaningful life! Tune in to this episode now and start making a difference.

• Alicia Rae Park’s Website:https://linktr.ee/Aliciaraeyoga 
• Rewire Yoga Program:

Hardwired for Happiness: 9 Proven Practices to Overcome Stress and Live Your Best Life.https://www.amazon.com/Hardwired-Happiness-Proven-Practices-Overcome/dp/1544534655

In our fast-paced world, many of us struggle with self-trust and tapping into our inner intuition. It's tough to achieve personal and professional success when these crucial qualities aren't quite working as they should. But hold on – there's hope! 

In this exciting episode of the HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast, we've got a solution for you. Our guest, Jesse Janelle, is a real pro when it comes to personal development. With her impressive track record as the founder and CEO of Gemini Leadership and the brains behind the Soul Session method, Jesse's got the expertise we all need.

Jesse is an ICF certified transformational coach, and her TEDx talk on the power of self-trust is in the top 2 percent most viewed talks of all time. Her mission is to help mystic-minded millennials reach new realms of possibilities for their lives.

In the conversation, Ashish Kothari and Jesse explore how to boost your self-trust and give you practical tips to kick your intuition into high gear. They also explore the power of tarot-based leadership coaching, and how leaders can not only level up their own self-development but also help others do the same.

Things you will learn in this episode:

• Understand Why Happiness Means Freedom
• A Tarot-based Approach to Leadership Coaching
• The 3 elements of Self-trust
• How to Rebuild Your Self-trust and Reconnect with Your Intuition

Don't miss out on this chance to supercharge your life! Join the conversation and let's unlock the secrets to self-trust and intuition that can transform your world.

• https://geminileaders.com/ 
• 7minutetarot.com (Free Masterclass)

Hardwired for Happiness : https://www.amazon.com/Hardwired-Happiness-Proven-Practices-Overcome/dp/1544534655

Change often seems intimidating, and the idea of transforming our lives can feel like an unattainable dream. But what if we told you that change is not just possible, but within your reach?

In this new inspiring episode of the HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast, Ashish and Anil sit with Shannon Wallis, Founder of Cascade Leadership.

Shannon Wallis advises industry, independent sector, philanthropy, and C-suite executives on strategy, organization performance, culture change, and social responsibility. Having worked with over 20,000 leaders on six continents, she helps launch big ideas and create new realities for leadership, teams, and organizations. 

Her experience includes collaboration with five Fortune 500 companies, including Microsoft, Amazon, Google, and Coca-Cola, as well as nonprofits. She's also a prolific contributor to over five books and the author of "We the Change: Launching Big Ideas and Creating New Realities," a book inspired by her 500-mile trek in Spain.

In this episode, you’ll discover the true power of embracing change, as Ashish and Shannon delves into how we can all shift our mindset to see change not as a hurdle, but as an opportunity to manifest and create the life we desire.

Shannon’s approachable and practical advice shows us that with the right attitude and tools, transforming our lives is entirely achievable. 

Things you will learn from the episode:

• The role of presence in redefining happiness
• How to manifest your goals and make anything possible
• The power of visualization and gratitude
• The Concept of "We the Change" and Collective Empowerment

Ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and transformation? 

Listen to Shannon's empowering insights and start creating your new reality today.

• Contact Cascade Leadership: info@cascadeleadership.solutions 
• Cascade Leadership Website: https://shannonwallis.solutions/ 

• WE the Change: Launching Big Ideas and Creating New Realities

Ever feel like there's a voice in your head doubting every decision you make as a leader? That's your inner critic, and it's holding you back. 

This voice can be a real pain, always second-guessing you and shaking your confidence. It can spill over into how you lead your team, affecting everyone's vibe and performance. So how do you face this self-doubt head on?

In this episode of the HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast, Ashish and Jennifer McCollum, CEO of Linkage, discuss how to recognize your self-doubt, understand why it's there, and start turning that inner critic into constructive thoughts. 

As the CEO, Jennifer oversees the strategic direction and global operations of Linkage, a renowned leadership development firm. With the mission to change the face of leadership, Linkage has dedicated over 30 years to improving leadership effectiveness and equity in hundreds of organizations globally. Jennifer has recently released her own book, "In Her Own Voice: A Woman's Rise to CEO, Overcoming Hurdles to Change the Face of Leadership."

Here are some of the highlights in this episode:

• The impact of relationships and personal fulfillment on happiness
• The Role of the Inner Critic in Personal and Professional Growth
• Balancing Masculine and Feminine Energies in Leadership
• The concept of the “Become”Commitment
• Advancing Women and Inclusion in the Workplace

Ready to kick that self-doubt to the curb and boost your leadership game? Tune in now and start leading with confidence! 🎧

• Company Website: https://www.shrm.org/enterprise-solutions 
• Linkage Website: https://www.linkedin.com/company/linkage-inc-/
• Disrupt Yourself Podcast with Whitney Johnson

• In Her Own Voice: A Woman's Rise to CEO: Overcoming Hurdles to Change the Face of Leadership by Jennifer McCollum
• The Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers by Ben Horowitz
• What Got You Here Won't Get You There: How Successful People Become Even More Successful