You Live and You Learn with Aish Hinton

WDHB ("Warm Decent Human Beings")

You Live and You Learn is a podcast for the curious, the bold and those who believe learning never stops. Hosted by Aish Hinton and brought to you by WDHB (Warm Decent Human Beings), we dive into candid conversations with thought leaders, industry disruptors and visionaries. Expect powerful insights, real stories and transformative lessons that will challenge your thinking, spark creativity and accelerate your growth. Whether you're on a morning walk, sipping coffee or commuting, tune in and walk away inspired, informed and ready to evolve.

Episodes

  1. The Empathy Deficit: The $8.9 Trillion Problem Leaders Overlook

    3D AGO

    The Empathy Deficit: The $8.9 Trillion Problem Leaders Overlook

    Is empathy the most radical act remaining in a disconnected world? In a time defined by screens and social media, we’re more connected than ever, yet grappling with unprecedented loneliness. In this episode, Aish sits down with Mimi Nicklin, a global empathy advocate and author, to confront the quiet crisis we're ignoring: an empathy deficit costing the global economy a staggering $8.9 trillion annually. Mimi, a fierce voice featured in Forbes and the Harvard Business Review, shares her powerful journey from a corporate executive to a leader on a mission to bring human connection back into the boardroom. They discuss why empathy is not a soft skill, but rather a hard-wired, evolutionary asset with tangible business benefits. Mimi unpacks how organizations and individuals alike can build a culture of "listening-led leadership," and reveals the simple, daily actions that can combat loneliness and drive personal and professional growth. This conversation is a compelling call to action to reclaim what very well may be the most vital skill of our time. Learn more about WDHB at ⁠⁠⁠WDHB.com⁠⁠⁠ Want to learn more from Mimi? Connect with her now! ⁠⁠EmpathyEverywhere.coMimi on LinkedIn

    47 min
  2. Leading with Purpose: How the Founder of North Face Built a Value-Driven Brand

    AUG 25

    Leading with Purpose: How the Founder of North Face Built a Value-Driven Brand

    How do you build a $4 billion brand on a mission to save the world? In this episode, Aish is joined by Hap Klopp, the founder and former CEO of The North Face, to explore how his personal values became the bedrock of this iconic global brand. A self-described disruptive leader who "couldn't work for anybody else," Hap shares his journey from a childhood in the wilderness to pioneering an outdoor gear company with an unwavering commitment to quality and purpose. Together, they unpack the power of bold leadership in the face of uncertainty, the strategic advantages of brand authenticity, and the crucial difference between having a job and doing a job. Hap reveals how he empowered his employees to embrace risk and failure and why, decades later, the brand's original DNA remains its greatest asset. From navigating supply chain crises to fostering a culture of innovation, Hap invites us to reflect on our own values and how they can serve as our North Star in an increasingly distracted world. Learn more about WDHB at ⁠⁠WDHB.com⁠⁠ Want to learn more from Hap? Find his books and learn how you can join his Masterclass below! ⁠Masterclasses with Hap ↗⁠⁠Conquering the North Face: An Adventure In Leadership by Hap Klopp - ⁠⁠Available on Amazon Books ↗⁠⁠Almost by Hap Klopp and Brian Tarcy - ⁠⁠Available on Amazon Books ↗⁠⁠

    52 min
  3. The Power of Calm Authority: Impactful Leadership with PETRONAS’ Former CHRO & SVP

    MAY 27

    The Power of Calm Authority: Impactful Leadership with PETRONAS’ Former CHRO & SVP

    What if leadership isn’t about being the loudest person in the room but the one who listens? In this episode, Aish speaks with Farehana Hanapiah, former Chief Human Resources Officer and Senior Vice President at PETRONAS, Malaysia’s multinational energy company. From the “new kid” in class to spearheading people strategy for one of Asia’s most influential companies, Farehana shares her journey as a quiet and reflective leader in rooms where leaders are expected to be loud and extroverted.  Together, Aish and Farehana explore why meaningful leadership begins with curiosity, not control—particularly in high-stakes environments. They also reflect on the hidden power of allies, the myth of the solo leader and why long-term impact is always a team sport. Finally, Farehana sheds light on what it means to lead with purpose during moments of global crisis and how data-driven empathy and inclusion can reshape organizational culture. About Farehana: Farehana Hanapiah is a seasoned executive with over 30 years of leadership experience at PETRONAS, Malaysia's national oil and gas company. As the former Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, she drove PETRONAS’ Global HR strategy and transformation. She's a passionate advocate for Learning & Development, adaptability and strategic collaboration. In addition to her leadership at PETRONAS, she serves on several boards and councils championing sustainability and addressing inequality. Learn more about WDHB: wdhb.com

    1h 2m
  4. New Visions for Learning: A Conversation with the Forbes 30 Under 30 Entrepreneur Revolutionizing Education

    MAY 20

    New Visions for Learning: A Conversation with the Forbes 30 Under 30 Entrepreneur Revolutionizing Education

    What if the problem with schools isn’t what students learn—but why they’re learning it? In this episode, Aish speaks with Raya Bidshahri, founder of School of Humanity and one of Forbes 30 Under 30 and BBC’s 100 Most Inspiring Women, about what it takes to truly reimagine education. From her own boredom in lecture halls to launching a global school across 30+ countries, Raya shares how frustration became fuel for innovation— and why we need to redefine success in both classrooms and boardrooms.  Together, Aish and Naya discuss what traditional education systems get wrong about success and self-worth, and why “fixing the system” can sometimes mean building an entirely new one. Also, discover why project-based, purpose-driven learning leads to human and planetary flourishing, and learn optimal ways to build learning cultures in both schools and businesses. About Raya: Named to the Class of 2025 Forbes 30 Under 30 and one of the BBC’s 100 most inspiring women, Raya Bidshahri is the Founder & CEO of School of Humanity, a pioneering accredited global school reimagining education for the 21st century. An award-winning educator and futurist, she has led the school’s expansion into over 30 countries, reaching learners across five continents. Raya has spoken at over 60 conferences across 12 countries, including the G20/Y20 Summit, Expo 2020 and EduTech Singapore, championing a more human, purpose-driven future of learning. Discover how your family can join the School of Humanity: https://sofhumanity.com/  The School of Humanity is currently fundraising. To donate, reach out to Raya on LinkedIn. Learn more about WDHB: wdhb.com

    52 min
  5. What We Owe the Next Generation: A Conversation with the Chief Sustainability Officer of L’Oréal

    MAY 13

    What We Owe the Next Generation: A Conversation with the Chief Sustainability Officer of L’Oréal

    How can a surfboard spark a global sustainability movement? In this episode, Aish sits down with Iñigo Larraya, Chief Sustainability Officer for L’Oréal Professional Products, to explore how personal passion meets corporate purpose. A lifelong surfer and devoted father, Iñigo shares how his deep connection to the ocean shaped a career committed to sustainability—and how leadership rooted in personal values can drive systemic change. Together, they unpack the myths of individual vs. corporate responsibility, the business case for sustainability, and why creating a livable future requires both uncomfortable honesty and bold collaboration. From startup frustrations to global stakeholder alignment, Iñigo invites us to stop thinking in silos and start seeing sustainability as a shared responsibility and the legacy we leave behind. About Iñigo: Iñigo Larraya is the Chief Sustainability Officer for L'Oréal Professional Products, where he’s leading efforts to minimize the environmental footprint of our products and build more purposeful brands. A passionate advocate for the business case of sustainability, Iñigo believes companies have a responsibility to drive change—not just for the environment but for society as a whole. As a father hoping to create a safer world for his daughters, his commitment goes beyond business—it's deeply personal. Resources & Further Reading: Calculate your CO2BN: https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/carbon-footprint-calculator/carbon-by-birth-year/The search engine that plants trees | Ecosia.orgThe Sustainability Agenda Podcast | https://www.thesustainabilityagenda.com/The Climate Question Podcast by BBC | https://www.bbc.com/audio/brand/w13xtvb6Let My People Go Surfing by Yvon ChouinardThe Price of Inequality by Joseph StiglitzConfessions of an Economic Hit Man by John PerkinsBarbarian Days: A Surfing Life by William Finnegan Learn more about WDHB: wdhb.com

    1h 4m
  6. Leading a Legacy You Never Planned: The Olympic Journey of a Rugby Captain

    MAY 6

    Leading a Legacy You Never Planned: The Olympic Journey of a Rugby Captain

    What happens when the dream you never planned transforms into a legacy that changes lives? In this episode, Aish talks with Naya Tapper—Olympian, bronze medalist, and trailblazer for women’s rugby in the U.S.—about the winding, unexpected path from backyard football to the Olympic podium. With honesty and humor, Naya reflects on everything from being the only girl on the football field, to facing her first real failure as a pro athlete, to discovering the quiet strength found in therapy and leadership. Together, they explore the role of identity, adversity, and grace in building both character and community. They also discuss why, sometimes, you have to let the winds of fate take you right where you belong. Naya also shares her commitment to giving back through the Naya Tapper Scholarship, helping young players access the sport that changed her life. About Naya: Naya Tapper is a two-time Olympian, a bronze medalist and a retired co-captain of the USA Women's Rugby Sevens team. She is the leading women's all-time tri-scorer and the first woman to score 100 tries in US history. Naya additionally has a scholarship in her name for the OMBAC Youth Rugby Team, based in San Diego, California. Donate to the Naya Tapper scholarship, creating access for young rugby players at the OMBAC Rugby Team at nayatapper.com. Learn more about WDHB: wdhb.com

    57 min
  7. The Art of Disruption: Lululemon’s Rise Through the Eyes of Its 6th Employee

    APR 28

    The Art of Disruption: Lululemon’s Rise Through the Eyes of Its 6th Employee

    What if, in order to create something truly transformative, you need to destroy it first? In this episode, Aish dives into the power of creative disruption with Darrell Kopke—the sixth employee and a founding member of Lululemon, now Executive Director at the Creative Destruction Lab in Vancouver. Darrell shares the untold stories from Lululemon’s early days, revealing how creative disruption fueled the momentum to challenge industry giants. Together, Aish and Darrell unpack why disruption is fundamentally a human problem—not a tech issue—and explore how Lululemon built its "cult" following. Finally, unlock practical ways you can bring the art of disruption into your own life. About Darrell: Darrell Kopke was the 6th employee and 1st General Manager of what is now a $44 billion dollar company—Lululemon. In this role, Darrell spearheaded the expansion from one single store in Vancouver to 65 stores internationally, with 100 percent annual growth and $200 million in sales. Now, Darrell is a Lecturer on Entrepreneurship and Innovation at UBC Sauder School of Business in Vancouver and Executive Director of the Creative Destruction Lab in Vancouver. Learn more about the Creative Disruption Lab at UBC Sauder School of Business: https://creativedestructionlab.com/locations/vancouver/ Learn more about WDHB: wdhb.com

    1h 3m
  • 7 Episodes

About

You Live and You Learn is a podcast for the curious, the bold and those who believe learning never stops. Hosted by Aish Hinton and brought to you by WDHB (Warm Decent Human Beings), we dive into candid conversations with thought leaders, industry disruptors and visionaries. Expect powerful insights, real stories and transformative lessons that will challenge your thinking, spark creativity and accelerate your growth. Whether you're on a morning walk, sipping coffee or commuting, tune in and walk away inspired, informed and ready to evolve.

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