The Perkins Platform

The Perkins Platform

In its 14th year, this show is a series of expertly facilitated conversations with world experts in a variety of disciplines. These conversations illuminate problems, issues and solutions faced and considered by aspiring and veteran leaders.

  1. At The Junction of AI and Creativity: What Qualifies as Your Work?

    FEB 19

    At The Junction of AI and Creativity: What Qualifies as Your Work?

    In this episode, Punya Mishra joins me to discuss his chapter, “Beyond Boundaries: Transdisciplinary Creativity with Generative Artificial Intelligence,” from the edited volume Generative Artificial Intelligence and Creativity: Precautions, Perspectives, and Possibilities. We explore what the rise of generative AI means for human creativity, moving beyond simplistic utopian or dystopian narratives. Punya explains how AI can serve as a creative partner while underscoring the essential role of human judgment. Through concrete creative examples, the conversation bridges theory and practice to examine how AI can expand, challenge, and reshape creative work across disciplines.

    37 min
  2. Legacy: The Psychology of Being Remembered

    FEB 12

    Legacy: The Psychology of Being Remembered

    In this episode, psychologist and researcher Dr. Brett Waggoner joins me to explore his work on legacy motivation.  Legacy motivation is defined as the psychological drive to leave a meaningful and lasting impact. We discuss why the desire to be remembered shapes decision-making, purpose, and identity, and how this motivation influences leaders across disciplines. Drawing on his research, Dr. Waggoner offers insights into how understanding legacy can help leaders align their values with long-term impact and build organizations that endure beyond any single individual.

    37 min
  3. Courage Has No Color: Writing About The Truth for Children

    FEB 4

    Courage Has No Color: Writing About The Truth for Children

    Podcast Description In this episode, I sit down with acclaimed children’s nonfiction author Tanya Lee Stone to explore the power of telling the truth about history and elevating voices too often left out of the narrative. Known for uncovering little-known stories of extraordinary people, Stone shares how she approaches writing narrative nonfiction that is as gripping as fiction while remaining grounded in rigorous research. We talk about celebrating the uncelebrated, challenging simplified versions of the past, and trusting young readers with complexity. Drawing on her experience as a writer, former editor, and educator, Stone reflects on why honest storytelling matters, how history gets constructed, and what it means to write books that empower the next generation to see themselves and the world more clearly.

    35 min
  4. How Top Leaders Leverage Their Life Experiences and Create the Perfect Pitch

    12/02/2025

    How Top Leaders Leverage Their Life Experiences and Create the Perfect Pitch

    In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Soren Kaplan, bestselling author of Experiential Intelligence and one of today’s leading voices on innovation and leadership. We begin by exploring how life experiences shape a powerful form of intelligence that leaders can use to navigate complexity, strengthen culture, and drive meaningful change. The conversation then shifts to the psychology of influence, where Soren breaks down how leaders can use psychological insight to pitch ideas more effectively, build credibility, and inspire action. Together, we connect the inner work of understanding yourself with the outer work of persuading others and offer a practical and compelling roadmap for modern leadership.

    34 min
  5. Leading with Emotion: The Hidden Edge of Great Leaders

    11/17/2025

    Leading with Emotion: The Hidden Edge of Great Leaders

    In this episode, Dina Denham Smith, executive coach, leadership advisor, and author of Emotionally Charged, joins me to explore how understanding and harnessing emotion can transform the way we lead. Drawing on her work with leaders at Google, Netflix, and Adobe, Dina shares insights from emotional science that help leaders navigate pressure, build stronger teams, and shape healthier cultures. We discuss how emotions (often dismissed as distractions) are powerful sources of data, energy, and connection when used with awareness and intention.

    38 min
  6. Stop Performing & Start Leading: The Science of the True Self

    11/11/2025

    Stop Performing & Start Leading: The Science of the True Self

    In this episode, Dr. Shivam Dubey and Dr.  Salil Gupta join me to explore the neuroscience of the true self and why authentic leadership begins from within. Drawing on their groundbreaking work in mental health education and resilience, they explain how the brain responds when leaders operate from alignment versus performance mode, and what happens when we lose touch with our inner authenticity. Together, we unpack practical, science-based strategies for reconnecting with the true self, breaking cycles of burnout, and leading with greater clarity, compassion, and purpose.

    47 min
  7. Breaking the Cycle of Surface Acting: Advice for Leaders

    11/03/2025

    Breaking the Cycle of Surface Acting: Advice for Leaders

    In this episode, Dr. Gordon M. Sayre, Assistant Professor of Management at Emlyon Business School in Lyon, France, joins me to discuss his research on emotional dissonance and what happens when leaders feel one thing but must display another. We explore the difference between surface acting and deep acting in leadership, the toll emotional regulation can take on well-being, and how leaders can break the cycle of inauthentic expression. Drawing on his research featured in CNN, BBC, NPR, Forbes, and Fortune, Dr. Sayre offers practical, evidence-based insights on leading with authenticity while sustaining personal and organizational health.

    33 min
  8. Breaking Old Habits and Making New Ones: The Science & Application

    10/13/2025

    Breaking Old Habits and Making New Ones: The Science & Application

    In this episode, Dr. Jud Brewer, psychiatrist, neuroscientist, and author, joins me to discuss his groundbreaking research on how habits form and how we can change them. We explore what the science reveals about breaking unhelpful patterns and creating lasting change.  These insights are especially relevant for leaders seeking to shift behaviors, improve focus, and lead with greater awareness. Dr. Brewer offers practical tools for understanding the brain’s reward systems and using curiosity and mindfulness to build healthier, more effective habits.

    41 min
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About

In its 14th year, this show is a series of expertly facilitated conversations with world experts in a variety of disciplines. These conversations illuminate problems, issues and solutions faced and considered by aspiring and veteran leaders.

Information

  • Creator
    The Perkins Platform
  • Episodes
    317
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Perkins Platform
  • Show Website
    The Perkins Platform