The IgnitedNeurons Podcast

Utkarsh Narang

Welcome to The IgnitedNeurons Podcast – a space for deep, candid conversations on leadership, self-growth, and the power of personal transformation.  Hosted by Utkarsh Narang, a seasoned coach and keynote speaker, each episode explores how we can unlock our fullest potential in our careers and personal lives.  Hear from visionary leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts across fields as they share insights on human behavior, values-driven success, overcoming challenges, and the habits that lead to real impact.  Join us on this journey to fuel your curiosity, ignite your passions, and inspire your next breakthrough.

  1. The sleeping mistake that is ruining your day

    14H AGO

    The sleeping mistake that is ruining your day

    In this deep and powerful episode of the IgnitedNeurons Podcast, host Utkarsh Narang sits down with Michael Ostrolenk to explore resilience, nervous system regulation, and what it truly means to flourish as a human being.Michael is an Executive Performance Coach, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and creator of the Resilience Optimized™ framework. With over 30 years of experience working with founders, executive teams, and couples, he integrates physiology, psychology, spirituality, and performance under pressure.This conversation moves from emotional dysregulation to sleep optimization, from undigested emotions to somatic awareness, and from warrior philosophy to playful living.We explore:- Why sleep is the foundation of resilience- How emotional suppression turns into physical illness- The difference between reaction and response- Why high performers struggle with regulation- The power of asking: Why do I do this? and How do I do this?- Nervous system mastery for leaders and couples- The role of somatic awareness in emotional healing- Why sitting with discomfort builds real resilience- Flow versus force- And why the 80-year-old version of you would say: Play more.If you feel distracted, dysregulated, overstimulated, or stuck in performance mode — this episode is for you.About Michael OstrolenkMichael Ostrolenk, MA, MFT, is an Executive Performance Coach, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and Strategic Advisor with 30+ years of experience. A former SEALFIT Master Coach, he developed the proprietary Resilience Optimized™ framework, integrating physiological, psychological, relational, and environmental optimization.He co-leads the Resilience Optimized Men's Group, challenging men to higher standards as husbands and leaders through accountability and warrior philosophy. His work spans executive coaching, team development, and couples work through the Relationship Dojo.🎙 Host of the Resilience Redefined Podcast.Connect with MichaelWebsite: www.MichaelDOstrolenk.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-ostrolenk-ma-mft-324665/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mostrolenk/ 🔔 Follow IgnitedNeurons Podcast for more insights on leadership, growth, and human flourishing:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theignitedneuronspodcastLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/utkarsh-narang🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.🔍 Hashtags#IgnitedNeuronsPodcast#MichaelOstrolenk#ResilienceOptimized#NervousSystemRegulation#ExecutivePerformance#EmotionalIntelligence#SomaticPsychology#LeadershipDevelopment#MensWork#HighPerformance#SleepOptimization#UtkarshNarang🔎 SEO KeywordsMichael OstrolenkResilience Optimized frameworknervous system regulationexecutive performance coachingemotional regulation under pressurehow to build resiliencesleep and performancesomatic psychology coachingmens leadership developmenthigh performance mindsetrelationship resiliencewarrior philosophy modern leadershipoptimize your nervous systememotional dysregulation signsUtkarsh Narang podcast

    49 min
  2. #60 What Would Happen If America Went to Therapy?

    FEB 14

    #60 What Would Happen If America Went to Therapy?

    In this powerful and deeply reflective episode of the IgnitedNeurons Podcast, host Utkarsh Narang sits down with Phyllis Leavitt to explore healing trauma in divided times and the psychology behind political division.As conversations around power, anger, and identity grow louder, Phyllis invites us into a different lens. What if the real crisis is not political but psychological? What if what we are witnessing is collective trauma playing out in public? Her latest book, America in Therapy, examines how emotional healing in uncertain times could reshape how we relate to one another.This is a conversation about belonging, survival, power, and healing. It explores how to overcome helplessness, why no one wins a power struggle, and what it would mean for individuals and nations to seek emotional maturity instead of domination.This is not about choosing sides.It is about choosing healing.In this episode, we explore:- Healing trauma in divided times- The psychology behind political division- Why rage is often helplessness in disguise- How generational trauma gets passed down- The addiction to power and domination- What “America in Therapy” really means- How to overcome helplessness through appropriate action- Why belonging is wired into us for survival- The concept of sovereign unityKey Takeaways:✅ No one wins a power struggle✅ If you win the argument, you may lose the relationship✅ Helplessness often fuels anger and polarization✅ The antidote to helplessness is appropriate, conscious action✅ Belonging and love are biological survival needs✅ Trauma must be healed, not punished✅ Sovereign unity means individuality and unity can coexist✅ You matter, even when your influence feels smallAbout Phyllis LeavittPhyllis Leavitt holds a Master’s Degree in Psychology and Counseling from Antioch University. She directed a sexual abuse treatment program in Santa Fe before entering private practice for 34 years, treating children, families, couples, and individuals. Her work has focused extensively on trauma recovery, dysfunctional family systems, and the psychological roots of violence and division.She is the author of:- A Light in the Darkness- Into the Fire- America in Therapy: A New Approach to Hope and Healing for a Nation in CrisisNow retired from clinical practice, Phyllis focuses on writing and speaking about psychological and spiritual healing, and how emotional maturity can shape both personal and societal growth.📌 Connect with Phyllis:Website: https://www.phyllisleavitt.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phyllis-leavitt-630179255/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phyllis_e_leavitt/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOdxqvDK9N421AZ5TTxqUgQFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/phyllis.leavitt🔔 Follow IgnitedNeurons Podcast for more updates:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theignitedneuronspodcastLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/utkarsh-narang🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.Like, subscribe, and share if this conversation helped you see healing as more important than winning.Hashtags:#IgnitedNeuronsPodcast #PhyllisLeavitt #AmericaInTherapy #MentalHealthPodcast #HealingTrauma #CollectiveHealing #PsychologyOfDivision #BelongingMatters #SovereignUnity #EmotionalHealing #LeadershipDevelopment #UtkarshNarangSEO Keywords:Phyllis Leavitt, America in Therapy, IgnitedNeurons Podcast, healing trauma in divided times, psychology behind political division, how to overcome helplessness, emotional healing in uncertain times, collective trauma healing, generational trauma discussion, mental health podcast, trauma and anger, national healing conversation, sovereign unity meaning, therapist perspective on society, Utkarsh Narang podcast

    47 min
  3. #59 What High Performers Don’t Talk About

    FEB 7

    #59 What High Performers Don’t Talk About

    In this deep and insightful episode of the IgnitedNeurons Podcast, host Utkarsh Narang sits down with Zerina Derveni to explore identity, fear, self-worth, and what it truly means to live in alignment with your truth.In a world that rewards performative success and external validation, Zerina shares her journey from corporate leadership to transformational life coaching. Together, Utkarsh and Zerina unpack why high achievers often feel lost, stuck, or empty despite outward success, and how survival mode quietly shapes our decisions.This conversation goes deep into fear and pressure, comparison, self-worth, boundaries, and the subtle signals our body sends when we are out of alignment. Zerina introduces a powerful five-phase framework for personal transformation and reminds us that clarity does not come from thinking more, but from engaging with life.The episode dives into:- Why high achievers often feel unfulfilled despite success- Fear and pressure as tools rather than enemies- Survival mode versus thriving- The difference between clarity and overthinking- Identity shifts and why change feels so hard- Self-worth, boundaries, and alignment- Why comparison steals joy and direction- Clarity through engagement, not analysis- Slowing down in a world that celebrates rushingKey Takeaways:✅ Change is the bridge between who you are and who you’re becoming✅ Fear and pressure can fuel growth when used consciously✅ Feeling stuck often signals a lack of clarity, not capability✅ Self-worth shapes the situations you tolerate✅ Comparison distracts you from your own journey✅ Clarity comes from experience, not overthinking✅ Life moves in phases and each phase has meaning✅ Boundaries should be flexible, not rigid✅ Slowing down leads to deeper alignment and wisdomAbout Zerina DerveniZerina Derveni is a distinguished Life Coach who empowers high-performing women and organizations to unlock their full potential. With a background in strategic consulting and executive client engagement with Fortune 500 brands, Zerina blends corporate expertise with deep transformational coaching.She specializes in guiding women who feel lost, stuck, or curious to level up, helping them reconnect with their inner strength, navigate identity shifts, and create lasting transformation across personal and professional life. Her bespoke coaching approach provides clarity, alignment, and actionable strategies for those ready to thrive.📌 Connect with ZerinaWebsite https://www.zerinalifecoach.comInstagram https://www.instagram.com/zerinalifecoach/LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/zerina-derveni-64687386/🔔 Follow IgnitedNeurons Podcast for more updates:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theignitedneuronspodcastLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/utkarsh-narang🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.Like, subscribe, and share if this conversation helped you slow down and reflect.Hashtags#IgnitedNeuronsPodcast #ZerinaDerveni #PersonalGrowth #SelfWorth #FearToFreedom #HighAchievers #LifeCoaching #IdentityShift #Alignment #UtkarshNarangSEO TagsZerina Derveni, IgnitedNeurons Podcast, life coaching podcast, high achieving women, personal growth journey, identity shift, self worth coaching, fear and pressure, clarity and alignment, overcoming comparison, transformational coaching, leadership and self awareness, living your truth, Utkarsh Narang podcast

    37 min
  4. #58 The Life Lesson Most of Us Learn Too Late

    JAN 31

    #58 The Life Lesson Most of Us Learn Too Late

    In this deep and insightful episode of the IgnitedNeurons Podcast, host Utkarsh Narang sits down with Dr. Michele Kehrer to explore courage, identity, fear, and what it truly takes to make a brave shift in life.Dr. Michele brings decades of experience as a doctor of physical therapy, entrepreneur, and business growth coach, alongside lived wisdom as a four-time cancer survivor. What unfolds is an honest, grounded conversation about why people avoid change, how fear disguises itself as comfort, and what happens when life forces you to redefine who you are.From tearing her Achilles as a young athlete to losing her hair, identity, and certainty through cancer, Michele shares how reinvention is not optional, it’s essential. Together, Utkarsh and Michele unpack powerful mental models like the “magic paintbrush,” cleaning up your mess, full-body yeses, and why action is the antidote to anxiety.This episode is a masterclass in courage without hype, growth without hustle, and change without pretending it’s easy.The episode dives into:- Why people avoid change even when they want growth- Fear, courage, and the cost of staying comfortable- Identity loss and rebuilding after major life shifts- The “magic paintbrush” exercise for clarity and action- Why inaction quietly costs you everything- Cleaning up your mess and taking radical ownership- Full-body yeses and learning to pause- Redefining success, identity, and self-trustKey Takeaways:✅ Courage is choosing action in the presence of fear✅ Time passes whether you act or not✅ Inaction has a higher cost than failure✅ Identity can be rewritten at any stage of life✅ Action is the antidote to anxiety✅ You are usually the only thing standing in your way✅ Growth begins outside the comfort zone✅ Keeping promises to yourself builds self-trustAbout Dr. Michele KehrerDr. Michele Kehrer is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, business growth coach, resilient entrepreneur, and four-time cancer survivor with over 30 years of experience launching, scaling, and selling businesses across industries.Through her company Shift to Success, Michele helps leaders overcome obstacles, scale sustainably, and turn setbacks into breakthroughs. Her work blends practical strategy with deep human insight, helping people move from fear into meaningful action.Based in Cape Coral, Florida, Michele enjoys traveling, cooking, meditating, and sharing good wine with friends.📌 Connect with Dr. Michele KehrerWebsite https://michelekehrer.com/LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelekehrer/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/balancemichele/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/michele.kehrer/X https://x.com/balancemk1🔔 Follow IgnitedNeurons Podcast for more updates:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theignitedneuronspodcastLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/utkarsh-narang🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.Like, subscribe, and share if this conversation challenged how you think about fear and change.Hashtags#IgnitedNeuronsPodcast, #DrMicheleKehrer, #BraveShift, #FearToCourage, #PersonalGrowth, #EntrepreneurMindset, #ResilientLeadership, #IdentityShift, #LifeTransitions, #UtkarshNarang, #HumanLeadershipSEO TagsDr Michele Kehrer, Ignited Neurons Podcast, overcoming fear podcast, brave shift, personal growth conversation, identity and change, leadership mindset, resilience podcast, entrepreneurship and mindset, cancer survivor story, action over fear, courage and growth, business coaching podcast, Utkarsh Narang podcast

    38 min
  5. #57 Why Change Feels Terrifying (and What to Do About It)

    JAN 24

    #57 Why Change Feels Terrifying (and What to Do About It)

    In this deep and insightful episode of the IgnitedNeurons Podcast, host Utkarsh Narang sits down with Betina Meyer Pflug to explore change, fear, courage, and the quiet wisdom that comes with lived experience.What begins as a conversation about fear quickly evolves into something far deeper. Betina shares her personal journey from childhood anxiety and physical illness rooted in fear, to becoming someone who repeatedly faced the unknown through small, courageous experiments. Together, Utkarsh and Betina unpack how fear lives in the body, how awareness transforms both emotional and physical health, and why courage is built through repeated exposure, not sudden breakthroughs.This episode weaves together powerful ideas around life cycles, values as a compass, expatriate transitions, identity reinvention, and the often overlooked importance of silence. It is a reflective, grounding conversation for anyone navigating change, aging, relocation, career shifts, or inner uncertainty.The episode dives into:- Why change is the bridge between who you are and who you’re becoming- How fear shows up in the body and how awareness transforms it- Why facing fear in small doses builds lasting courage- The role of values in guiding life decisions- Understanding life’s phases and seven year cycles- Navigating reinvention at different ages- Why silence is a gateway to deeper wisdom and connectionKey Takeaways:✅ Change often signals growth rather than loss✅ Courage is built through repeated exposure to fear✅ Emotional awareness can directly impact physical health✅ Shared experiences help normalize and transform fear✅ Understanding your “why” fuels motivation and clarity✅ Life moves in cycles and each phase has meaning✅ Values act as a compass during uncertainty✅ Balance across life domains supports long term wellbeing✅ Silence creates space for insight and connectionAbout Betina Meyer PflugBetina Meyer Pflug is an accomplished coach and project manager with over 25 years of professional experience across hospitality, food and beverage, technology, education, and nonprofit sectors. She specializes in expatriate coaching, supporting individuals and business founders navigating the emotional, cultural, and professional challenges of living and working abroad.Her coaching journey began as a mentor with the Small Business Development Center in Colorado, where she has supported entrepreneurs since 2017. Betina is known for developing tailored strategies that align with her clients’ strengths, values, and life stages, helping them grow with clarity and confidence.Betina has held pivotal roles as a facilitator for nonprofits across Brazil, the United States, and Australia, leading initiatives in fundraising, program delivery, and volunteer management. As a Business Development Facilitator at LoCo Think Tank, she led peer to peer advisory groups for entrepreneurs committed to continuous learning and growth.She is also the co-founder of Cloud2b, a Salesforce Platinum Partner, where she successfully expanded operations into the US market. Having lived and worked in Brazil, Australia, Switzerland, and the United States, Betina brings a deeply multicultural perspective to her coaching. She holds an Executive MBA from the Business School of São Paulo, a certification in Executive Coaching from Open Door Coaching, and a diploma in Hospitality from SENAC CEATEL. She is fluent in English, Spanish, German, and Portuguese.📌 Connect with Betina https://linktr.ee/betina_pflug🔔 Follow IgnitedNeurons Podcast for more updates:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theignitedneuronspodcastLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/utkarsh-narang🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.Like, subscribe, and share if this conversation helped you approach change with a little more courage and a little more silence.

    48 min
  6. #56 How to Monetize Your Mindset (Without Selling Your Soul)

    JAN 17

    #56 How to Monetize Your Mindset (Without Selling Your Soul)

    In this deep and insightful episode of the IgnitedNeurons Podcast, host Utkarsh Narang sits down with Bart Merrell to explore how life experiences, especially the difficult ones, can be transformed into meaningful and profitable opportunities.Bart challenges the traditional idea that business ideas only come from strategy rooms or MBA playbooks. Instead, he invites us to look at our own lives. The setbacks, the mistakes, the curveballs, and the unexpected moments we often want to forget.Using his powerful lemonade stand metaphor, Bart shares how adversity can become an asset, how perspective shapes entrepreneurship, and why monetization is not about greed but about value creation. This conversation is practical, honest, and deeply empowering for anyone navigating uncertainty or looking to build something of their own.The episode dives into:- How life experiences can become business ideas- Why challenges often hold hidden opportunities- The lemonade stand metaphor for entrepreneurship- How to reframe negative situations creatively- When to monetize and when not to- Why perspective is the foundation of entrepreneurship- Building resilience through real-world experienceKey Takeaways:✅ Always ask if your experiences can create value✅ Challenges often contain business opportunities✅ Life’s difficulties can inspire meaningful ideas✅ Not everything needs to be monetized, but everything teaches✅ Entrepreneurship starts with perspective✅ Creativity and resilience are essential to building anything✅ Both good and bad experiences shape success✅ Adversity can become an asset if you choose to see itAbout Bart MerrellBart Merrell is an international entrepreneur, author, and presenter of Monetize Your Mindset. A serial entrepreneur since a young age, Bart has spent his life turning real-world experiences into successful ventures.He is the creator of two YouTube channels, Beyond Limbs: Amputee Answers & Options and Side Hustle Samurai, and even played a role in bringing the first commercial bungee jump to Japan. His mission is simple: to help people build financial security by monetizing what they already know.In his book Monetize Your Mindset, Bart shows how ordinary people can achieve extraordinary results by learning to recognize and act on opportunities hiding in plain sight. Whether you are building a side hustle or growing an existing business, Bart believes the foundation of sustainable financial freedom starts with mindset.📌 Connect with Bart MerrellLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/bart-merrell-2440148/Website https://bartmerrell.com/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/bart.merrell🔔 Follow IgnitedNeurons Podcast for more updates:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theignitedneuronspodcastLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/utkarsh-narang🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.Like, subscribe, and share if this conversation helped you see opportunity where you once saw obstacles.Hashtags:#BartMerrell #IgnitedNeuronsPodcast #Entrepreneurship #MonetizeYourMindset #SideHustle #BusinessMindset #Resilience #CreativeEntrepreneur #OpportunityMindset #PersonalGrowth #FinancialFreedom #LearningFromFailure #PerspectiveMatters #StartupLife #UtkarshNarang #PodcastForEntrepreneursSEO Tags:Bart Merrell, Ignited Neurons Podcast, monetize your mindset, entrepreneurship podcast, side hustle ideas, turning adversity into opportunity, business mindset, creative entrepreneurship, monetizing life experiences, resilience in business, startup mindset, personal growth podcast, financial freedom mindset, entrepreneurship lessons, building a business, lemonade stand metaphor, Utkarsh Narang podcast

    50 min
  7. #55 The Framework to Stop Overthinking and Start Living in 2026

    JAN 10

    #55 The Framework to Stop Overthinking and Start Living in 2026

    In this deep and insightful episode of the IgnitedNeurons Podcast, host Utkarsh Narang sits down with Olaolu Ogunyemi to explore leadership, authenticity, identity, and the power of connection.From the discipline and lessons of the U.S. Marine Corps to the tenderness and responsibility of parenting, Olaolu shares his journey of self-discovery and growth. Together, Utkarsh and Olaolu unpack what it truly means to lead without losing yourself, parent with intention, and live a life rooted in purpose rather than perfection.At the heart of the conversation is Olaolu’s DOPE framework for success Dream, Offload, Plan, Execute which challenges the paralysis of perfection and encourages bold action. This episode is a powerful reminder that life is not about getting it right, but about experimenting, learning, and becoming more fully yourself with the support of others.The episode dives into:- Leadership lessons from the Marine Corps and real life- The journey of embracing identity and authenticity- Why failure is essential for growth- The impact of intentional parenting on children’s futures- How dreaming in high definition reignites passion- Why perfection often blocks progress- The role of support systems in personal transformation- Life as a series of meaningful experimentsKey Takeaways:✅ Embrace your identity and uniqueness✅ Failure is a necessary part of growth✅ Being yourself is the hardest and most important work✅ Connection with parents shapes children’s lives✅ Dreaming clearly brings energy and direction✅ Perfection delays progress✅ Support systems amplify success✅ Exploring different interests helps uncover identity✅ Intentional parenting can change generations✅ Life is meant to be experimented withAbout Olaolu OgunyemiOlaolu Ogunyemi is a U.S. Marine officer, leadership coach, and award-winning author who helps individuals and families turn challenges into growth. As the founder of Parent-Child-Connect and a YouVersion content partner, Olaolu equips leaders and parents to build resilience, shift perspective, and live with clarity and purpose.Through his work, Olaolu bridges leadership, parenting, and personal development, helping people embrace who they are while becoming who they are meant to be.📌 Follow Olaolu OgunyemiWebsite: https://www.parent-child-connect.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/olaolu.ogunyemi/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olaolu-ogunyemi-465ba453YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCcR7d3yzZXfzcBfxveyP-g🔔 Follow IgnitedNeurons Podcast for more updates:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theignitedneuronspodcastLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/utkarsh-narang🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.Like, subscribe, and share if this conversation sparked reflection, courage, or clarity for you.Hashtags:#OlaoluOgunyemi #IgnitedNeuronsPodcast #AuthenticLeadership #PersonalGrowth #IdentityAndPurpose #LeadershipDevelopment #IntentionalParenting #LifeDesign #DOPEFramework #ResilientLeadership #HumanCenteredLeadership #SelfDiscovery #UtkarshNarang #LeadershipPodcast #PodcastForLeadersSEO Tags:Olaolu Ogunyemi, Ignited Neurons Podcast, leadership podcast, authentic leadership, personal growth podcast, identity and purpose, intentional parenting, Marine Corps leadership lessons, DOPE framework, leadership and resilience, self discovery journey, human centered leadership, parenting and leadership, growth mindset podcast, life experiments, overcoming perfectionism, leadership coaching, Utkarsh Narang

    57 min
  8. #54 Why Emotional Intelligence Matters More Than Ever in 2026

    JAN 3

    #54 Why Emotional Intelligence Matters More Than Ever in 2026

    In this deep and insightful episode of the IgnitedNeurons Podcast, host Utkarsh Narang sits down with Joshua Freedman to explore emotions, emotional intelligence, and the journey toward emotional wisdom.In a world facing rising burnout, declining empathy, and emotional overload, Joshua brings decades of research and lived experience to help us understand what emotions really are and how they shape who we are, how we lead, and how we perform. From childhood experiences and unmet emotional needs to leadership, burnout, and compassion, this conversation moves beyond theory into practical, human application.Together, Utkarsh and Joshua unpack how emotional intelligence is not about suppressing emotions, but about learning to recognize, interpret, and use emotional data wisely. The episode offers a powerful shift from reacting on autopilot to pausing, choosing consciously, and leading with purpose, presence, and compassion.The episode dives into:- What emotions really are and why they matter- The difference between emotional intelligence and emotional wisdom- How unmet emotional needs lead to burnout- Why compassion and validation matter more than fixing- The role of emotions in leadership and decision-making- How values conflict and why prioritization is essential- Practical steps to build emotional intelligence every day- Why staying open-hearted matters more than everKey Takeaways:✅ Emotions are fundamental to identity and performance✅ Understanding emotions improves personal and professional outcomes✅ Emotional intelligence means recognizing, appraising, and using emotional data✅ Emotional growth is gradual and requires daily practice✅ Compassion and validation are more powerful than fixing✅ Burnout often comes from unmet emotional needs✅ Emotional intelligence can be measured and scaled in organizations✅ Values frequently conflict and leaders must choose wisely✅ Pausing before reacting unlocks growth✅ Staying open-hearted and in love with life sustains wellbeingAbout Joshua FreedmanJoshua Freedman is the CEO and Co-Founder of Six Seconds, a global emotional intelligence network reaching over 10 million people across 150+ countries. A globally recognized EQ expert and bestselling author, Josh has spent more than 25 years making emotions practical, measurable, and strategic for leaders and organizations.Through Six Seconds, more than one million people have used the Emotional Intelligence Assessment and other psychometric tools he developed to make the people-side of performance visible, measurable, and scalable. His work has impacted organizations including Amazon, FedEx, Microsoft, Intel, the U.S. Navy, the United Nations, and WHO, driving outcomes such as higher engagement, stronger decision-making, and greater resilience.Josh is also the Director of The State of the Heart, the world’s largest ongoing study of emotional intelligence, which revealed the global emotional recession affecting workplaces today. A Master Certified Coach (ICF) and author of seven books, his upcoming release Emotion Rules: The Science and Practice of Emotional Wisdom (March 10, 2026) offers a practical framework to decode emotions and transform them into wisdom.Known for a grounded, authentic style, Joshua blends neuroscience, data, and real-world stories to help leaders build cultures where people and performance flourish together.📌 Follow Joshua FreedmanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-freedmanSix Seconds: https://www.6seconds.org/🔔 Follow IgnitedNeurons Podcast for more updates:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theignitedneuronspodcastLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/utkarsh-narang🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.Like, subscribe, and share if this conversation helped you understand yourself and others more deeply.Hashtags:#JoshuaFreedman #IgnitedNeuronsPodcast #EmotionalIntelligence #EmotionalWisdom #BurnoutRecovery

    57 min
5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to The IgnitedNeurons Podcast – a space for deep, candid conversations on leadership, self-growth, and the power of personal transformation.  Hosted by Utkarsh Narang, a seasoned coach and keynote speaker, each episode explores how we can unlock our fullest potential in our careers and personal lives.  Hear from visionary leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts across fields as they share insights on human behavior, values-driven success, overcoming challenges, and the habits that lead to real impact.  Join us on this journey to fuel your curiosity, ignite your passions, and inspire your next breakthrough.