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.

  1. The Power of Return: Leading Transformation with Fresh Eyes

    Apr 21

    The Power of Return: Leading Transformation with Fresh Eyes

    What happens when you step back into a familiar world, only to realize that you are the one who has changed? In our season finale, Aish is joined by Neo Su Yin, Chief Operations Officer at Singapore Post. Su Yin’s career path is anything but linear—spanning high-ranking roles in the Republic of Singapore Navy, government sectors, and now helming a historic institution through a period of massive digital disruption. Su Yin shares a deeply personal account of her "pivot" moments, including a significant career break that was sparked by a startling wake-up call from her son. This moment of burnout led to a profound realization: leadership isn't just about resilience; it’s about the courage to step away so you can return with the clarity required to lead others. In this season-closing conversation, Aish and Su Yin explore: The "Military-to-Corporate" Translation: How the discipline and "mission-first" rigor of the Navy provides a structural backbone for corporate transformation. Returning to a Legacy: The unique challenge of leading a historic institution like SingPost as it leapfrogs from a traditional postal service to an e-commerce powerhouse. The Burnout Reckoning: A candid discussion on mental health, the myth of "selfless leadership," and why putting yourself first is actually an act of responsibility to your team. The Human vs. The Machine: Why AI and automation are mere enablers, and why "human touch" remains the ultimate value-add in a faceless digital economy. Gender as an Asset: A provocative look at diversity of thought and why "softening" your approach can sometimes be your strongest tactical move in a boardroom. This episode is a must-listen for any leader navigating a career transition or leading a legacy team through a "reset." Su Yin reminds us that while technology changes at the speed of light, the core of leadership remains the same: people, culture, and the courage to be honest with yourself. Are you ready to transform your organization's legacy into a future-ready powerhouse? Join us for our next season of learning expeditions and leadership growth at www.wdhb.com/contact. Follow Neo Su Yin on LinkedIn for more sage insights on operations, transformation, and resilient leadership: www.linkedin.com/in/neosuyin

    43 min
  2. Felt By Everyone, Measured By Almost No One: The Neuroscience of Collaboration

    Apr 14

    Felt By Everyone, Measured By Almost No One: The Neuroscience of Collaboration

    Have you ever walked away from a meeting thinking, "We were talking, but we weren’t actually aligned?" In this groundbreaking episode—our first featuring two guests—Aish sits down with the co-founders of Syneurgy AI: neuroscientist Dr. Michael Mannino and AI innovator Erwin Valencia. Together, they are on a mission to prove that collaboration isn’t a "soft skill" or a matter of personality—it is a biological process that can be measured, managed, and trained. Michael and Erwin dive into the fascinating world of Interpersonal Synchrony. They explain how, when we truly connect, our brain waves, heart rates, and even our respiration begin to mirror one another. This "biological clicking" is the hidden engine behind trust, psychological safety, and high-performance flow. In this conversation, Aish, Michael, and Erwin explore: The Biology of "Chemistry": What is actually happening in the brain when we feel like we are "on the same wavelength" with a teammate? Assuming Positive Intent: Why our brains have a built-in "threat detector" and how to cognitively override it to foster better collaboration. The "Yes, And" Trigger: How to use the principles of improv and shared movement to drive collective flow states. AI as a Mirror, Not a Substitute: How Syneurgy AI uses pattern recognition to quantify the "intangibles" of human connection at scale. The Super-Communicator Toolkit: Practical habits, like "looping" and tone-matching, to ensure your message actually lands. Whether you are an L&D leader looking to bridge the gap in remote teams or an up-and-coming manager trying to find your "rhythm" with your reports, this episode offers a scientific roadmap to becoming a more connected and effective human. Are you ready to use neuroscience to multiply your team's innovation? Discover how we integrate these biological insights into our leadership programs at www.wdhb.com/contact. Learn more about the future of collaboration at Syneurgy AI: www.syneurgy.ai

    48 min
  3. The Power of “What If” — Choosing the Unknown

    Apr 7

    The Power of “What If” — Choosing the Unknown

    How often do we let the fear of a "wrong" decision stop us from making any decision at all? In this exhilarating episode, Aish is joined by Thomas Derksen, a German-born entrepreneur, author, and social media phenomenon (Instagram: @afuthomas). Thomas’s life is a masterclass in radical reinvention. He left a secure career in German banking to buy a one-way ticket to China — a move that eventually led him to amass over 10 million followers, advise the German President, and transform his physical health after losing over 120 pounds. Tune in to hear how his family’s history of migration from the Soviet Union to Germany shaped his relationship with risk. He argues that in an era of rapid global change, the greatest risk isn't making a mistake — it's staying still. In this conversation, Aish and Thomas explore: The "North Star" Strategy: Why rough direction is more valuable than a 5-year plan in a "speed of light" market like China. The Case for "Strategic Naivety": Why over-analyzing risk can paralyze innovation — and how to act when you're only 70% sure. Stoicism in the Spotlight: Practical lessons on maintaining mental health and a "neutral" mindset while navigating public success and digital criticism. The Pivot Mindset: Insights from the Chinese tech ecosystem on why being "afraid to pivot" is the most dangerous trait for a modern organization. This episode is a provocative call-to-action for leaders who feel the "itch" for something more but are held back by the comfort of the status quo. Thomas’s story is proof that when you stop asking "What if it goes wrong?" and start asking "What if it works?", the world opens up in ways you never imagined. Are you ready for Aish and Thomas to bring a "speed of innovation" mindset to your leadership team? Discover how by writing to us at www.wdhb.com/connect. Follow Thomas Derksen on LinkedIn for a bridge between Western business and Chinese innovation: www.linkedin.com/in/thomasderksen

    51 min
  4. Redefining What It Means to Win: The Story of a Paralympic Guide Runner

    Mar 31

    Redefining What It Means to Win: The Story of a Paralympic Guide Runner

    What does it look like to be an elite performer whose primary job is to ensure someone else crosses the finish line first? In this moving episode, Aish is joined by Jerome Avery, a four-time Paralympic guide runner and the first American guide to ever receive a medal. Jerome’s story is one of radical transition: after a lifetime of training as an individual Olympic hopeful, he found his true calling at the intersection of elite sport and servant leadership. As the eyes for legendary blind sprinters like Lex Gillette and David Brown, Jerome operates in an environment of total synchronicity. He isn't just running; he is communicating at record-breaking speed — providing the verbal cues, rhythmic tethering, and psychological safety required for a visually impaired athlete to sprint at full speed into the unknown. In this conversation, Aish and Jerome explore: The Pivot from Individual to Partner: How Jerome navigated the grief of a closed door to discover a "calling" bigger than himself. Radical Trust and Synchronicity: The mechanics of the "tether"—how non-verbal cues and verbal "spotting" create a shared brain between two athletes. Leading Without the Spotlight: The power of being a servant leader who finds their "cape of confidence" in the shadows of someone else’s podium moment. Adaptability as a High Performance Tool: How Jerome adjusts his stride, height, and communication style to meet each unique partner where they are. Jerome’s journey is a masterclass for any leader or teammate looking to build deeper trust and interpersonal cohesion. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most significant wins happen when we redefine what it means to cross the line. Are you looking to build high-trust, synchronized teams in your organization? WDHB is proud to bring executives straight to the racetrack with Jerome and his partners, including Lex Gillette. For a custom program with these elite athletes, write to us today at www.wdhb.com/contact. Interested in becoming a guide runner? Make sure to visit these resources! Achilles International USA Track & Field And be sure to follow Jerome Avery on Instagram to witness his incredible journey in action: @_jeromeavery_

    38 min
  5. The Cost of Staying the Same: What Actually Changes Behavior

    Mar 24

    The Cost of Staying the Same: What Actually Changes Behavior

    So often, leaders have the data, the feedback, and the desire to grow — yet, their behaviors remain the same. Why is the gap between "knowing" and "doing" so wide? In this insightful episode, Aish welcomes Debbie Wong, Head of Executive Development at General Motors. With a career spent at the helm of leadership strategy across automotive and investment banking, Debbie works at the high-stakes crossroads where senior leaders must evolve or risk obsolescence. Debbie challenges the industry’s reliance on "insight-only" tools. She argues that a 360-degree feedback report or a Hogan assessment is a datapoint — but real transformation requires an identity shift and a move from "skill" to "will." In this conversation, Aish and Debbie explore: The "Pepto-Bismol" Mask: The physical and mental toll of maintaining a facade of control, and how to safely drop the mask of the "all-knowing" leader. The ADKAR Gap: Why most organizations skip the "Desire" phase of change and how to reclaim it through two simple, powerful questions. Experiential Learning vs. Training: Why "throwing a workshop" at a problem rarely sticks, and how immersive simulations bridge the head, heart, and hands. The "Tell Me More" Strategy: How curiosity acts as the ultimate antidote to fear and the foundation of modern leadership. Whether you are an L&D professional designing a global curriculum or a senior executive feeling the weight of the "deep end," Debbie’s perspective offers a roadmap for moving from intellectual awareness to tangible, lasting change. Want to level up your team’s leadership with Aish and Debbie? Write to us at www.wdhb.com/contact

    47 min
  6. Can You Train Your Mindset? How to Perform Under Pressure

    Mar 17

    Can You Train Your Mindset? How to Perform Under Pressure

    When the stakes are at their highest, do you really rise to the occasion? In this powerful and provocative episode, Aish sits down with Harry Wilson, CEO and Co-Founder of Limitless Minds. Harry isn't just an influential leader in the mental performance space. He is a strategist who helps some of the world’s most elite performers — from NFL athletes to corporate executives — understand that under pressure, we don’t "rise to the moment." Instead, we reveal our habits. Harry shares the origin story of Limitless Minds, founded alongside his brother (NFL legend Russell Wilson), DJ Eidson, and the late, great Trevor Moawad. He introduces a concept that challenges the traditional "positive thinking" narrative: Neutral Thinking. While positive thinking often collapses under extreme stress and negative thinking creates an "emotional drag" that invites failure, Neutral Thinking provides a judgment-free runway for execution. It’s about focusing on the truth of the situation and the behaviors required to move forward, regardless of how you feel. In this episode, you’ll discover: The "Negativity Bias": Why 80% of our 60,000+ daily thoughts are negative, and how to perform a "Negativity Audit" on your own digital life. Neutral Thinking in Action: Why the world’s best performers, like Novak Djokovic, aren't always positive — they just reset faster than their competitors. The Identity Trap: Why anchoring your identity to outcomes (the win or the loss) is fragile, while anchoring it to character and behavior is durable. Habit Formation in Reverse: Why habits form you, and how your daily actions act as a "vote" for the person you become. This conversation is a masterclass in self-discipline and a reminder to prioritize your mental hygiene. For further reading, make sure to pick up these books discussed in this episode: It Takes What It Takes: How to Think Neutrally and Gain Control of Your Life by Trevor Moawad and Andy StaplesGetting to Neutral: How to Conquer Negativity and Thrive in a Chaotic World by Trevor Moawad and Andy StaplesWant Aish to bring Harry Wilson to your next team keynote? Fill out the form here!

    54 min
  7. The Edge of Possibility: A Dialogue with the Chief Scientist at Blue Origin

    Mar 10

    The Edge of Possibility: A Dialogue with the Chief Scientist at Blue Origin

    How do you lead when there is no manual for what comes next? To kick off Season 3, Aish is joined by Dr. Tara Ruttley, a neuroscientist whose career has spanned the extremes of human endeavor — from her tenure as Associate Chief Scientist at NASA to her current role as Chief Scientist at Blue Origin. Tara has spent decades at the intersection of biology and exploration, helping shape how humans live, work, and survive beyond Earth. Tara reveals a surprising truth: while our brains are evolutionarily wired for survival and predictability, our greatest growth happens in the "uncomfortable spaces" of the unknown. She breaks down the science of Adaptive Generalization — the process of training our brains to handle novelty — and explains why the high-stakes world of spaceflight views uncertainty not as a threat to be eliminated, but as a frontier to be explored. In this conversation, Aish and Tara dive into: The Myth of Perfection: Why waiting for "perfect information" is a trap that leads to missed launch windows — in space and in business. Trust as Infrastructure: Why psychological safety is a "mission-critical" technical requirement, not a soft concept. One-Way vs. Two-Way Doors: Just like doors, most decisions — including our toughest ones — do not lead only one-way. The Power of Purpose: How a strong "why" allows leaders to shrink their egos and expand their collaboration. Whether you are navigating new leadership territory or a personal turning point, Tara’s insights offer a powerful reminder: you already have the biological hardware to adapt. You just have to be brave enough to step through the door. Want to connect with Tara — or have Aish bring a custom keynote to your company featuring insights from world-class explorers? Drop us a line here! www.wdhb.com/contact

    52 min
  8. Your Mind vs. Your Potential: Lessons from a Global Ultramarathoner

    09/30/2025

    Your Mind vs. Your Potential: Lessons from a Global Ultramarathoner

    How do you break free from the beliefs that hold you back? In this compelling episode, Aish is joined by Jeff Tan, an ultra-marathoner, TEDx speaker, and AI transformation leader at Microsoft. Jeff is also a member of one of running’s most elite clubs - those who have run a marathon on every continent. Jeff shares his personal story of growing up in a culture that valued conformity, and the defining moment at age 17 when he chose to reject his inherited limiting beliefs about who he could be. They dive into the profound psychological lessons of long-distance running, revealing why the biggest barrier to any goal — whether a 100-mile race or a major business transformation — is a lack of courage. Jeff provides practical advice for leaders on overcoming the fear of the unknown, challenging the "wait and see" approach to disruption, and defining a legacy that is anything but irrelevant. This conversation is a powerful guide on how to shed the beliefs that limit your potential and choose a path of limitless thinking. Want Aish to bring a custom keynote to your company featuring Jeff Tan? Write to us at www.wdhb.com/contact today! Make sure you follow Jeff on LinkedIn for his marathon-tested insights on leadership, courage, and personal development! www.linkedin.com/in/jefftanofficial

    56 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
13 Ratings

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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