Episodes

Starting to understand why it's so difficult to change and maybe understanding how the change process works really can help you achieve your goals." - Ana Melikian, Ph.D. In this episode, Ana Melikian delves into the complexities of the change process and why achieving personal change can be so challenging. As this year marks the 10th anniversary of the MINDSET ZONE® podcast, Ana revisits an enlightening episode recorded in 2015 that remains as relevant as ever. Ana discusses how the intricacies...

When we are banging our head against the wall, one of the best strategies is just going for a walk." - Ana Melikian, Ph.D. In this episode, Andrea Anderson and Barbara Hemphill interview Ana Melikian about strategies for achieving lasting change. Drawing from her 10-year experience with the Mindset Zone podcast, Ana emphasizes that while mindset shifts are crucial, they are just one piece of the transformation puzzle. To truly transform, Ana introduces a triangle framework that encompasses thoug...

Every day is a new restart, and that sleep before that can help us rest and reset and restore." -Ana Melikian, Ph.D. In this episode, the host, Ana Melikian, delves into the concept of restarting and the importance of embracing new beginnings. She discusses how each New Year represents a fresh start, but emphasizes that we shouldn't wait for calendar milestones to hit the restart button in our lives. Ana touches on various cultural and personal markers of restarts, such as significant life event...

Technology is like the great disruptor or the great amplifier." -Nick Potkalitsky In this episode, the host, Ana Melikian, is joined by Nick Potkalitsky to delve into the multifaceted world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education. They discuss the current challenges students face with AI, often due to a lack of proper mental frameworks and critical evaluation skills. Nick underscores the necessity for a shift in educational curricula to help students develop new mental frameworks to effecti...

What makes B corps different from just any other company out there is they're thinking about how they generate that profit, and they're trying to do it in a way that is having a positive impact in the world." - Carolina Miranda In this episode, the host, Ana Melikian, delves into the world of B Corp Certification with Carolina Miranda, the founder of Cultivating Capital that works with small businesses to implement sustainable business practices. Together, they unpack the significance and impact...

We have a growth mindset in certain areas of our lives, but have fixed mindsets in other areas. The fixed mindsets that we are not aware of can prevent us from being successful." -Ana Melikian. Ph.D. In this episode, the host, Ana Melikian, delves into the transformative concept of the growth mindset. Rebroadcasting a classic episode from 2014, Ana revisits the crucial distinction between a growth mindset and a fixed mindset, unpacking how our beliefs about intelligence and talent can profoundly...

Resilience is that quality that allows some people to be knocked down by life and come back stronger than ever." -Ana Melikian, Ph.D. In this episode, Ana Melikian delves into the essential yet challenging topic of resilience in the face of failure. Revisiting an episode from 2014, Ana corrects her previous notion of merely accepting the possibility of failure for success. Instead, she boldly states that to succeed, we must build a strong resilience to failure. Ana breaks down the definitions of...

Every time you hear a voice saying “You are not______.”Add YET: “I am not ______ YET. -From Dr. Dweck's Mindset work. In this episode, host Ana Melikian delves into the concept of the "power of yet" and its pivotal role in fostering a growth mindset. Drawing from the renowned work of Dr. Carol Dweck, Ana underscores how our mindsets shape the way we view the world and our behaviors within it. Ana introduces listeners to the transformative potential of adopting a growth mindset versus staying stu...

If we take this as an opportunity to reinvent our work, the future of work, We have an opportunity to create a much better future to everybody involved." - Ana Melikian, Ph.D. In this episode, Jason Raitz, the host of Speak with People podcast, interviews Ana Melikian creating an engaging conversation on the technological revolution and its potential impacts on society. Ana discusses the importance of intentional human engagement with technology to prevent adverse outcomes like burnout, and Jaso...

We had a kind of a moment where we realized that the AI was making us better people, and that's when we realized the two come together." -Mitch Mitchem In this episode, Ana Melikian interviews Mitch Mitchem, CEO of Hive Interactive. The discussion delves into how integrating AI technology with human-centric strategies can enhance productivity and preserve human essence. Mitch shares his experiences transitioning from a dating app entrepreneur to leading Hive Interactive, emphasizing the importan...

Use AI to help you do the work, not to avoid the work." - Dale Bertrand In this episode, Ana Melikian sits down with Dale Bertrand, the founder of FireSpark, to discuss the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the workplace and beyond. They delve into how AI is reshaping business models, marketing strategies, and even the daily tasks we perform. Dale, an expert in AI and a veteran in the marketing industry, shares his insights on how leaders and employees can harness the poten...

"It doesn't matter how fast you're going if you're going in the wrong direction." - Seth Godin In this episode, host Ana Melikian sits down with the renowned author Seth Godin to discuss the profound importance of strategy in an era of rapid technological change. Seth emphasizes that it doesn't matter how fast we're moving if we're headed in the wrong direction, urging listeners to reconsider the frenetic pace of modern life and focus on thoughtful, deliberate actions. Ana and Seth explore how t...

We can use it as a way to harness and enhance us and our humanity, or can be another thing to take us into the path of burnout, mainly in the workplace." - Ana Melikian, Ph.D. In this episode, Ana Melikian is interviewed by Laura Perez Ehrheart, the host of the Masters of Leadership podcast. They delve into the pressing issues of systemic burnout and the transformative role AI can play in our lives. Ana shares her vision for how AI skills will become a cornerstone for job retention in the future...

"When a client is journaling every single day, they make progress. When they journal with a coach every day, it's lightning speed progress." - Kim Ades In this episode, host Ana Melikian welcomes Kim Ades, founder of Frame of Mind Coaching, to delve into the powerful practice of journaling and its transformative effects, particularly for leaders. Ana and Kim discuss the unique challenges that leaders often face, such as isolation, human friction, chronic dissatisfaction, and 'slippage'—when impo...

"The first step is just acknowledging that we all have them. These biases exist. We all have them." - Ana Melikian, Ph.D. Exploring insights from her book, "Mindset Zone: Actualize Your Human Potential," Dr. Ana Melikian uses this new AI-driven podcast format to help make complex ideas more accessible and actionable. Ana introduces the amazing Google NotebookLM that creates audio overviews. Through the AI-generated conversation, you can learn about key themes such as belief-based mindsets, infor...

It seems that open label placebo offered to people the possibility of gaining self awareness on their body and being more empowered in the way they manage their pain." - Cláudia Carvalho, Ph.D In this episode, the host, Ana Melikian, dives into the fascinating world of placebo effects with guest Dr. Cláudia Carvalho, a board-certified clinical psychologist and founder of the Institute Milton H. Erickson of Lisbon. Together, they uncover the powerful impact of placebos, both in clinical trials an...

We can vehemently disagree with someone's ideology and yet still passionately pursue their humanity." -Justin Jones-Fosu In this episode, Ana Melikian speaks with the extraordinary Justin Jones-Fosu, a speaker, author, and social entrepreneur, about mastering the art of respectful disagreement in an increasingly divided world. They delve into Justin’s latest book, "I Respectfully Disagree," which offers a timely exploration of maintaining humanity in contentious discussions. Drawing from persona...

There is a direct relationship between playing to your strengths, being engaged at work, and performance." -Taymour Miri In this episode, the host, Ana Melikian, interviews Taymour Miri to delve into the concept of a strength-based mindset. Taymour, a seasoned ICF Master Coach and Gallup Strengths Coach, introduces the idea that by understanding our unique strengths, we can navigate life's circumstances more intentionally. Ana and Taymour discuss how self-awareness is crucial for recognizing and...

Energy is here in the present, and it's always with us.” -Joseph Frost In this episode, the host, Ana Melikian, dives into a transformative conversation with Joseph (Joe) Frost, a global speaker, thinker, and entrepreneur, about the intriguing concept of energy management versus time management. Joe shares his personal journey of transforming productivity by focusing on harnessing energy rather than adhering strictly to the constraints of time. Ana and Joe explore how facing serious life challen...

"We will be procrastinating because of the fear of not being perfect." - Ana Melikian In this episode, the host, Ana Melikian, delves into the profound wisdom outlined in Don Miguel Ruiz's book, "The Four Agreements." As she explores the final agreement, "Always Do Your Best," Ana emphasizes the importance of interpreting this agreement through a balanced lens. Ana shares how "doing our best" can vary from moment to moment and why striving for perfection can be detrimental rather than beneficial...

"The problem is to believe that the assumptions we make are the truth." - Ana Melikian In this episode, the host, Ana Melikian, dives into the intricacies of the third agreement from Don Miguel Ruiz's renowned book, "The Four Agreements"—Don't Make Assumptions. Ana illustrates the detrimental effects of holding assumptions as truth and how this mindset limits our potential. Ana emphasizes the importance of finding the courage to ask questions and clearly communicate with others to avoid misunder...

"What others say and do is a projection of their own reality." - Ana Melikian In this episode, Ana Melikian delves into "The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz, focusing this time on the second agreement, "Don't Take Anything Personally." Ana breaks down Ruiz's perspective by examining the three core points he presents: nothing others do is because of you, what others say and do is a projection of their own reality, and how becoming immune to others' opinions can save you from unnecessary suffe...

"Use words with care and attention." - Ana Melikian In this episode, the host, Ana Melikian, delves into the timeless wisdom of "The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz, focusing particularly on the power of words. Ana uncovers the concept of “self-limiting beliefs” or “mindset blind spots” and speaks about how to overcoming these obstacles with the Four Agreements: Be impeccable with your word, Don’t take anything personally, Don’t make assumptions, and Always do your best. Highlighting the fir...

"I don't have to react. I can choose how to respond." - Ana Melikian In this episode, the host, Ana Melikian, delves into the powerful concepts presented in "The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz and how they relate to mindset blind spots. Ana discusses the importance of recognizing these self-limiting beliefs, which she calls "mindset blind spots," and how they shape our reactions and perceptions. Ana explores the profound idea that these beliefs are learned and can be unlearned, much like vi...