Leaders' Playground

Irene Salter, PhD
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What if work could feel like play? Join Irene Salter PhD for stories, science and strategies that help leaders thrive, not just survive. 

  1. 11/22/2024

    18: The five lessons travel taught me about how to live

    I'm writing a book on the science behind why we travel. In this episode, I read the last four pages of my book and share five ways that travel changes us.  When we travel, there’s a sense of meaning and purpose. When we travel, we are fully here, present and centered. When we travel, we are open to new experiences.  When we travel, we slow down. We savor. We luxuriate. When we travel, we expand our horizons and connect to something larger than ourselves: history, science, religion, culture, language, people, ecosystems, humanity.  All of those ways of being are more natural and easy when we're far from home, but it doesn't mean we can't also do them at home everyday. Join me for a very special close to Season 1 and learn more about how travel changes the brain, and how to bring those changes back home with you. Resources: For more information about my book: https://www.irenesalter.com/books I highly recommend reading Vagabonding by Rolf Potts and Timothy Ferris and/or The Art of Pilgrimage by Phil Cousineau for how to make the most of your travels: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/100247.Vagabonding https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/144951.The_Art_of_Pilgrimage?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_12 If you're considering long term travel with kids, the book Wonder Year is a great "how to" guide: https://wonderyear.com/what-is-worldschooling/   For more on how travel can help you find happiness, read Eric Weiner's Geography of Bliss: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1918305.The_Geography_of_Bliss For more on finding your WHY, watch this TED conversation with Simon Sinek: https://www.ted.com/talks/simon_sinek_how_to_discover_your_why_in_difficult_times?subtitle=en And for how to bring travel home with you, there's nobody better than Pico Iyer: https://www.ted.com/talks/pico_iyer_the_meaning_of_home_and_the_joy_of_traveling?subtitle=en For complete show notes, transcript, and free downloadable resources go to: https://www.irenesalter.com/podcast

    17 min

  2. 11/12/2024

    17: How storytelling can help identify your authentic leadership style

    There’s dozens of leadership styles to try on, but choosing one off-the-rack can feel inauthentic, like putting on armor or wearing someone else’s clothes. How can you create a leadership identity that’s completely authentic? The answer lies in the one-of-a-kind design of your brain at its very best You're going to need a partner for this podcast episode (ideally) because we're going to use the power of storytelling to craft a leadership style that is uniquely yours. Personal narratives not only define but also strengthen authentic leadership. You'll walk away feeling seen, heard, and valued. You'll be more confident and ready for whatever challenge comes next because you can stand tall in your authentic leadership Resources: Learn more about the Heroine’s Journey Women’s Leadership Retreat: https://www.irenesalter.com/leadership-retreat Bill George’s book, Authentic Leadership: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/255199.Authentic_Leadership The Brene Brown quote came from Dare to Lead: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40109367-dare-to-lead A lovely, very accessible article about how to be more authentic at work: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_to_be_more_authentic_at_work A great review article on post traumatic growth: http://bit.ly/3ZQRIjN  Identifying your core values lies at the heart of authenticity. Go to the Resources section of my podcast page to download a worksheet to help you name your core values: https://www.irenesalter.com/podcast And if you liked this episode, check out Episode 3 to identify the five keys to identifying your leadership style. For complete show notes, transcript, and free downloadable resources go to: https://www.irenesalter.com/podcast

    27 min

  3. 10/02/2024

    16: Leading with Heart: What if your heart did the thinking and mind did the feeling?

    What can the Pixar movie Inside Out teach leaders about management? A lot! In this episode of "Leaders' Playground," we dive deep into the emotional landscape. A whirlwind of emotions can hit in a single day—fear, joy, sadness, and everything in between. By understanding those emotions, we can transform our leadership style. We unpack the science of emotions, drawing on the groundbreaking research of psychologists like Paul Ekman, Dacher Keltner, and Lisa Feldman Barrett. Discover how emotional awareness not only enhances personal well-being but also boosts team dynamics, productivity, and overall job satisfaction. As much as we might wish to shove emotions into a jar and pretend they don't exist, emotional intelligence can turn work into a far more enjoyable and fulfilling experience. Resources: Inside Out 1 trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRUAzGQ3nSYInside Out 2 trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEjhY15eCx0Plutchik’s Feelings Wheel and how to use it https://positivepsychology.com/emotion-wheel/Brené Brown’s list of emotions to expand emotional vocabulary https://brenebrown.com/resources/atlas-of-the-heart-list-of-emotions/Emotions Revealed by Paul Ekman https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/156462.Emotions_RevealedAwe by Dacher Keltner https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62352297-aweHow many emotions are there? This article explores the latest research. https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_many_different_human_emotions_are_thereAtlas of the Heart by Brené Brown https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58330567-atlas-of-the-heartHow Emotions are Made by Lisa Feldman Barrett https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23719305-how-emotions-are-madeEmotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26329.Emotional_IntelligenceSome data on how EQ matters https://www.fastcompany.com/90614212/iq-vs-eq-in-the-workplaceAlisa Yu’s work at Stanford on why it pays to notice emotions https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/insights/all-feels-why-it-pays-notice-emotions-workplaceMark Fenton-O’Creevy on the impact of emotions on picking stocks https://oro.open.ac.uk/31984/4/JOB-08-0440-pre-publication.pdf For complete show notes, transcript, and free downloadable resources go to: https://www.irenesalter.com/podcast

    24 min

  4. 09/15/2024

    15: Rooted in Connection: How trees can teach humans to build stronger connections

    The other day, my husband and I were looking at the impact of a recent heat wave on the trees near our property. Some trees were doing okay, others were dying. Why? We consider access to resources, the type of tree, the amount of shade, but ultimately, I think it comes down to the connection between trees -- whether they're all alone in a field or in relationship with others. Just as trees thrive in connected communities, so do we as humans. The Harvard Study of Adult Development shows that connectedness is key to health and happiness. There's lots of other data as well from workplaces and neighborhoods. In this episode, I’ll share practical strategies for deepening your relationships and building a supportive network, both at work and in your personal life. Join me to explore how nurturing our social ecosystems can make a real difference. Resources: Consider joining my Leadership circle and find connection of your own: https://www.irenesalter.com/leadership-circleRead all about the Harvard Study of Adult Development: https://www.adultdevelopmentstudy.org/A National Geographic article with new developments on plant communication: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/plants-can-talk-yes-really-heres-how A lovely in depth article in Smithsonian on how trees communicate: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/the-whispering-trees-180968084/ Suzanne Simard’s TED talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/suzanne_simard_how_trees_talk_to_each_other/up-next?subtitle=enGallup Q12 has a lovely explanation for the best friend at work question in their survey: https://www.gallup.com/workplace/397058/increasing-importance-best-friend-work.aspx Read Richard Sampson’s book, The Great American City for more on the importance of social cohesion in neighborhoods: https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/G/bo5514383.htmlCheck out Episode 4 where I talk about collective effervescence: https://www.irenesalter.com/podcastFor complete show notes, transcript, and free downloadable resources go to: https://www.irenesalter.com/podcast

    18 min

  5. 09/02/2024

    14: Soaking in Mindfulness: Lessons in centering from a Japanese onsen

    Join me, Irene Salter, as I reflect on a serene visit to Arima Onsen, one of Japan's oldest and most charming hot springs. I'll describe how the tranquil waters and peaceful ambiance offered a profound sense of relaxation and inspired a deep dive into mindfulness. In this episode, I’ll  guide you through a centering meditation, dive into the neuroscience of mindfulness, and offer practical tips on how to bring the peace of a hot spring back to work, a moment of calm amidst life’s chaos. Tune in to explore how soaking in tranquility—whether through a hot spring or mindfulness practice—can renew your mind, body, and soul. Resources: This article in NPR was the one that led me to the work of Jon Kabat-Zinn: https://www.npr.org/2021/12/21/1066585316/mindfulness-meditation-with-john-kabat-zinnJon Kabat-Zinn’s website: https://jonkabat-zinn.com/For a fantastic, and fairly accessible review of your brain on mindfulness meditation, see this article in Nature Neuroscience: https://www.nature.com/articles/nrn3916But if you want a one-page infographic of your brain when centered, head to my podcast page to find that resource. Or better yet, subscribe to my newsletter and get beautiful illustrations of your mind on beauty, awe, adventure, and much more: https://www.irenesalter.com/podcastIf you’d like to access this episode’s centering meditation directly, you can download the audiofile at: https://www.irenesalter.com/podcastOr try one of many many others on my favorite mindfulness app, Buddify: https://buddhify.com/Episode 10 - Time confetti, goes more deeply into the default mode network: https://www.irenesalter.com/podcastHere’s the onsen that I went to visit in Arima: https://www.arima-gh.jp/en/ For complete show notes, transcript, and free downloadable resources go to: https://www.irenesalter.com/podcast

    26 min

  6. 08/15/2024

    13: How to change a habit. How to change a culture.

    Stuck in the grip of bad habits? Me too. In this episode, we dive into the challenge of altering entrenched habits, starting with my own terrible phone habits, ending with my friend who is shifting her company from a rigid, top-down culture to one driven by collaboration and innovation. Both scenarios highlight a common theme: despite knowing what needs to change, actual transformation is elusive. Our discussion will center on the science behind motivation and behavior change, drawing on Chip and Dan Heath's influential book, Switch. We'll dissect their "Rider and Elephant" analogy, exploring how our rational and emotional sides interplay. You'll learn strategies to direct the "Rider," motivate the "Elephant," and shape the "Path" to facilitate change. Resources: We’d love to see you at book club! https://www.irenesalter.com/leaders-campfireSwitch by Chip and Dan Heath: https://heathbrothers.com/books/switch/ Or check out the 16 minute summary video by the author: https://vimeo.com/191668697 Leaders' Playground Episodes 6 and 10  discuss cognitive load and working memory capacityThinking fast and slow by Daniel Kahneman: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11468377-thinking-fast-and-slowAtomic habits by James Clear: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40121378-atomic-habitsPositive psychology on the science of motivation: https://positivepsychology.com/improving-motivation-at-work/Attuned.ai has a beautiful, easy to read, free white paper comparing extrinsic and intrinsic motivation: https://www.attuned.ai/whitepaper-intrinsic-motivation-downloadMotivation pyramid graphic can be found under podcast resources on my website: https://www.irenesalter.com/podcastFor complete show notes, transcript, and free downloadable resources go to: https://www.irenesalter.com/podcast

    27 min

  7. 08/01/2024

    12: How to free yourself from impossible expectations

    Ready to ditch the "super-mom" cape and toss out those impossible workplace expectations? The newest episode of eaders' Playground" is here to shake things up! We're diving into the wild world of social norms and asking the big questions: Can anyone really "have it all"? Why do we keep tying ourselves in knots to please everyone? And what does Barbie have to say about it all? Join us for a fun, science-filled ride (yes, fun and science belong together) as we explore the myths we've all bought into - from the "ideal worker" (hello, 24/7 email responder!) to  "ideal success" (TED talk, anyone?). We'll chat about cognitive biases, share  stories, and even draw our own "ideal" selves (spoiler: mine looked suspiciously like Legally Blonde's Elle Woods). So grab a coffee, put your feet up, and let's rewrite those old-school rules together. It's time to turn work into play and find success on our own terms. Who's in? Resources: The Barbie movie: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1517268/ America Ferrera’s monologue: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBqlDWHkdHk Psychology 101 primer on social norms: https://www.simplypsychology.org/social-roles.html  All about that persnickety anchoring bias: https://thedecisionlab.com/biases/anchoring-bias Great Forbes article on the bandwagon effect: https://www.forbes.com/sites/brycehoffman/2024/05/26/bandwagon-effect-what-it-is-and-how-to-overcome-it/ Find Brigid Schulte’s fabulous books and TED talk here: https://www.brigidschulte.com/ Why Women Still Can’t Have it All by Anne-Marie Slaughter: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2012/07/why-women-still-cant-have-it-all/309020/ William Ouchi’s Theory Z merges Japanese and American management philosophies: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theory_Z_of_Ouchi If ideals show up for you in the form of impostor syndrome, then check this out: https://www.irenesalter.com/post/how-to-get-good-at-impostor-syndrome For complete show notes, transcript, and free downloadable resources go to: https://www.irenesalter.com/podcast

    22 min

  8. 07/15/2024

    11: How to become a master (Hint: hone your brains uniqueness!)

    Can anyone truly become a master, or is it a talent reserved for the naturally gifted? This episode of the Leader's Playground promises to shatter the myth that genius is inborn by drawing upon Robert Greene's book "Mastery" and the lives of icons like Zora Neale Hurston, Albert Einstein, Marie Curie, and Ben Franklin. We'll reveal the hidden truths behind their extraordinary achievements—truths rooted in relentless dedication, practice, and the honing of unique talents.  And of course we'll dive into the neuroscience of mastery! Are new neurons are born in adult brains? How did bird brains help change the minds of an entire field? What actually happens to a master's brain as they hone their craft? How long does it take? Ultimately, we find that mastery is within reach for all of us. For complete show notes, transcript, and free downloadable resources go to: https://www.irenesalter.com/podcast

    24 min
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About

What if work could feel like play? Join Irene Salter PhD for stories, science and strategies that help leaders thrive, not just survive. 

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  • Creator
    Irene Salter, PhD
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
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    © 2025 Leaders' Playground
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    Leaders' Playground