Leading Human - podcast cover

Leading Human

Chad Prevostmyemmaai.com
Welcome to Leading Human, the podcast that explores the intersection of emotional intelligence, leadership, and the modern workplace. We’re your hosts, Shelley and Chad, co-founders of Big Self School and creators of Emma—the AI-powered tool helping small teams communicate better and lead with more clarity and heart. Each episode, we bring you insights, stories, and strategies to help you and your team grow—without losing your humanity in the process.
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Episodes

4 Ways to Stay Grounded in an Unstable World

Dr. Chad discusses the need for stability and grounding in a tumultuous and changing world, particularly focusing on the impacts of AI and social media on our self-perception. He provides four practical steps to help individuals stay grounded: ask what your actions are in service to, stop managing perception based on others' opinions, carve out space for self-reflection, and accept the complexity and mystery of one's own self. Chad emphasizes the importance of focusing on self-awareness and intr...

Feb 13, 202516 minSeason 1Ep. 30

AI and Emotional Wellness: My Journey with Emma

Dr. Chad discusses the effectiveness of using AI, specifically the AI coach Emma, in therapeutic and coaching relationships. He shares personal experiences of overcoming creative blocks and addressing alcohol dependency with the help of Emma. Emphasizing how AI can offer continuous, responsive support and practical tools for personal development, Dr. Chad also notes the limitations compared to human therapists. The episode aims to highlight the potential and current applications of AI in therapy...

Feb 12, 202511 minSeason 1Ep. 29

From Burnout to Purpose and Connection with Jennifer Moss

Jennifer Moss discusses her latest book and delves into the existential question of why we are here, particularly in the context of current worker sentiment. The discussion covers various contemporary work-related issues, including the impact of the pandemic on work engagement, the acceleration of AI, and the epidemic of hopelessness and social isolation among younger generations. Moss also addresses the persistent gender gap in leadership roles, the implications of growing ageism, and the criti...

Feb 10, 202548 minSeason 1Ep. 28

6 Battle-Tested Strategies for True Transformation

In this episode, Dr. Chad delves into six practical strategies for personal transformation, drawing parallels from epic literary heroes. Key points include confronting and managing inner dialogues, challenging limiting beliefs, embracing and integrating shadow selves, fostering vulnerability, updating coping mechanisms, and finding life’s meaning through reframing challenges and clarifying values. Using contemporary research and classic wisdom, the episode aims to help viewers embark on a hero’s...

Feb 06, 202514 minSeason 1Ep. 27

The Role of AI in Modern Mental Health

This episode explores the integration of AI into therapy, focusing on its current state and future potential. The discussion highlights four key areas: the widespread user adoption of AI for mental health, the diverse applications of AI in diagnostics and treatments, the growing acceptance by health systems, and the different approaches taken by AI builders. It is emphasized that AI will likely augment rather than replace therapists, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness while transforming spec...

Feb 05, 202512 minSeason 1Ep. 26

Beyond Burnout: Discovering Wellness and Purpose in Midlife

In this discussion, Dr. Elizabeth O'Brien talks about her forthcoming book, The Power in the Middle , which addresses midlife burnout, especially among women. She shares her personal experiences, including a dramatic period marked by questioning her marriage, job changes, and even spending 72 hours at an Ashram in North Carolina. Dr. O'Brien examines the universal traits of burnout and discusses how even fulfilling jobs in helping professions can lead to exhaustion. She investigates the generati...

Feb 03, 202536 minSeason 1Ep. 25

You Are Not What Happened to You (So Who Are You Then?)

We delve into the profound and ancient question of 'Who am I?' by examining the distinct roles of the Self and the ego. Drawing from Jungian psychology, we explore the Self as a mysterious, instinctive force guiding us towards healing and growth, much like an acorn becoming an oak tree. Contrarily, the ego acts as a temporary, curated narrative influenced by experiences, culture, and societal expectations. The episode discusses the dynamics between these two aspects, emphasizing the importance o...

Jan 30, 202516 minSeason 1Ep. 24

Leading Change in Education and Battling Burnout with Arielle Garcia Hayes

Arielle Garcia Hayes, the founding principal of University High, shares her experiences and insights into the role of an educator, particularly in nontraditional settings. She discusses how University High empowers students by integrating them into a college campus environment, catering to 11th and 12th graders from diverse backgrounds. Hayes opens up about her personal journey, including overcoming professional burnout and the challenges of being a principal at a high-need school during signifi...

Jan 28, 202529 minSeason 1Ep. 23

Navigating Burnout in the Emerging AI Era

In this episode of 'Emma. We'll See You Now,' Dr. Chad is joined by CEO Dr. Shelley to dive into the pressing issue of burnout in the modern world. They explore the psychological stresses contributing to burnout, despite efforts towards self-care and wellness. Shelley discusses the impact of living in a capitalistic society and how the rapid influx of information, courtesy of technology, exacerbates stress levels. They also talk about setting personal boundaries, editing life choices, and the im...

Jan 24, 202513 minSeason 1Ep. 22

The Main Reason People Burnout Isn't What You Think

In this episode of Emma Will See You Now, Dr. Chad explores a lesser-known cause of burnout that goes beyond the conventional understanding of overwork and stress. She explains the role of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) in signaling when our actions misalign with our core values. Dr. Chad underscores that true burnout is not just about workload but about a deeper cognitive conflict. He discusses symptoms such as persistent exhaustion, motivational decline, and decision paralysis, emphasizin...

Jan 23, 202511 minSeason 1Ep. 21

Proactively Pursue Your Purpose in an Age of AI and Burnout

Dr. Chad talks about the upcoming episodes focusing on midlife burnout, mental health, and how to effectively use AI in daily life. He dives deep into the concept of finding one's purpose amidst rapid advancements in AI, emphasizing the potential for a renaissance in personal growth and community building. Chad shares his personal experience with the 'soft 75' challenge as a way to create healthier habits and encourages listeners to prepare mentally and emotionally for the inevitable changes bro...

Jan 21, 202533 minSeason 1Ep. 20

5 Reasons Why Coaching Matters Even When You’re Not in Crisis

Many believe coaching is only for when things go wrong, but you might argue that the best time for coaching is when you’re stable yet underperforming relative to your potential. In this episode, Dr. Chad looks at six common reasons why people avoid coaching or therapy all their natural born lives. He then takes us to five researched-based reasons why coaching is powerful for you especially when you're not in crisis. Unlock your mental and emotional wellbeing with Emma . Emma is your emotional an...

Jan 16, 202532 minSeason 1Ep. 19

Beyond the Wall: How Phil Sanders Rebuilt After Failure

Today, we’ll explore the journey of someone who’s not just a business owner but an inspiration to many aspiring entrepreneurs—Phil. Let's embark on this journey to see how he turned his dreams into reality. Phil often says, 'The decision to leap is almost as important as the success that follows.' Accepting the inherent risks, Phil has always been ready to leap. Today, Phil is not only a thriving entrepreneur but also a mentor to many. He actively participates in startup workshops and offers adv...

Dec 31, 202454 minSeason 1Ep. 16

Is There a Higher Level Happiness?

Dr. Chad explores the concept of happiness, distinguishing between fleeting, superficial happiness and deep, lasting joy. He references ideas like Maslow's hierarchy of needs and Aristotle's hedonic and eudaimonic happiness. He highlights Robert Biswas-Diener's perspective that these two types of happiness are interconnected. Turns out, self-validation is crucial in measuring one's happiness. Unlock your mental and emotional wellbeing with Emma . Emma is your emotional and mental wellbeing avail...

Dec 27, 20247 minSeason 1Ep. 15

When Is It Therapy You Need and When Is It Something Else?

It is crucial that we embrace new perspectives, especially when it comes to mental health and well-being. Let's start by understanding the stigma surrounding therapy. For years, seeking professional mental health help has been shrouded in an unnecessary cloak of shame and misconception. People often feel labeled or judged, as if requiring mental health support is a sign of weakness or failure. This could not be further from the truth. Therapy is a powerful tool for insight and growth. Therapy is...

Dec 26, 202410 minSeason 1Ep. 14

A Word of Gratitude and What's Next in 2025

Shelley Prevost expresses gratitude for everyone involved in the development and use of Emma, an AI tool for mental health. She recounts the journey from initial conversations in April to the present development and the importance of her team, including Allan Davis, Chad, Chris Wilson, and Andrew Scales. Shelley outlines plans for 2025, including the launch of the Emma community feature, Inner Circles, emphasizing ethical use and care. She also shares the objective of using Emma to raise conscio...

Dec 23, 20249 minSeason 1Ep. 13

Should Self-Awareness Be a Key Component of Coaching?

Dr. Chad discusses the significance of "eureka moments" or sudden insights in coaching. Drawing on the story of the ancient Greek mathematician Archimedes, Dr. Chad explains how these moments of sudden clarity are highly valued by both coaches and clients. He explores the characteristics of such insights, including their suddenness, surprising nature, sense of certainty, associated pleasure, and the drive they create. He highlights research on the occurrence of insights during coaching sessions ...

Dec 20, 202411 minSeason 1Ep. 12

What Your Anxiety Search Reveals About You

Dr. Chad delves into what our anxiety-related searches reveal about us. The discussion covers the multifaceted nature of anxiety, influenced by modern life's stresses like digital disruptions and geopolitical instability. We highlight the increasing prevalence of anxiety despite our efforts to be resilient. Their are a range of reasons people search for anxiety information—whether it's seeking a diagnosis, solutions, or reassurance. We present findings from a recent study showing that mindfulnes...

Dec 19, 202419 minSeason 1Ep. 11

7 Practical Steps to Understanding Yourself Better

Today we're diving into a fascinating topic that's at the heart of understanding ourselves and others—self-awareness. Self-awareness is like holding a mirror up, not just to see what's on the surface but to understand the depths of our mind, our emotions, and our personal narrative. So, what exactly is self-awareness? In essence, it's the ability to focus on yourself and how your actions, thoughts, or emotions align—or don't—with your internal standards. It's about being able to monitor your tho...

Dec 18, 202421 minSeason 1Ep. 10

What Sets Coaching Apart from Therapy?

Whether you're familiar with the concept or new to it, in this brief episode we'll delve into what coaching truly entails, its significance, and how it can be a transformative force in both personal and professional arenas. At its core, coaching is a partnership between a coach and a client, focused on achieving specific personal or professional goals. Unlike traditional teaching or lecturing, coaching is more about guiding and facilitating the client’s journey to self-discovery and empowerment....

Dec 17, 202414 minSeason 1Ep. 9

Mythbusting Empathy with Maria Ross

Maria Ross emphasizes that true empathy is misunderstood, often confused with niceness or agreement, and instead should be about understanding and acting on others' perspectives. The Empathy Dilemma aims to support leaders in adapting to a post-pandemic world by balancing the needs of the business with those of their employees. The conversation covers five foundational pillars of effective empathetic leadership: self-awareness, self-care, clarity, decisiveness, and creating joy at work. Ross als...

Dec 16, 202437 minSeason 1Ep. 8

Mental Health in an ADHD Culture with Beth Capecchi

Psychologist Beth Capecchi joins the show. Dr. Beth works with adolescents and adults on a variety of issues, including self-esteem, anxiety, depression, family issues, identity work and relationship issues. She discusses her journey with ADHD, its impact on her life, and the benefits of understanding your diagnosis. She highlights the importance of self-awareness and developing personal strategies to manage ADHD symptoms over medicating yourself. Beth also explores the challenges men face in ex...

Dec 09, 202449 minSeason 1Ep. 6

5 Steps to Break Free from Stress Patterns and Embrace Fulfillment

In this solo cast episode host Dr. Chad Prevost shares five steps to break free from stress patterns and embrace a more fulfilling life. Before diving into the topic, Dr. Chad celebrates his recent TED talk, ' Breath, Surrender, and Your Courageous Conversation .' The episode explores themes like reflecting on personal journals, clarifying core values, building a strong 'why,' using feedback constructively, setting aspirational goals, and taking bold actions to live with purpose. Start where you...

Dec 06, 202427 minSeason 1Ep. 5

Embodied Enneagram for All 9 Types with Christy Bonner

Chad Prevost and Christy Bonner delve into the Enneagram's embodiment aspect, exploring how different types (1-9) relate to their bodies. Christy emphasizes the importance of somatic practices like yoga and meditation for each type, highlighting specific exercises and mindsets that can help individuals connect with their bodies and emotions, ultimately leading to personal growth and healing. Christy Bonner's Background and Enneagram JourneyChristy's Enneagram Work and Personal GrowthChristy's Fa...

Dec 03, 20241 hrSeason 1Ep. 4

Pushing Through: A Founder’s Guide to Pressure and Perseverance

In this episode we jump right in: Shelley talks to Cameron Doody, founder of Bellhops, about the harsh realities and intense pressures of being a startup founder. They delve into the experiences of burnout, stress coping mechanisms, the high stakes of raising venture capital, and the emotional burden founders carry. Cameron shares personal anecdotes, including moments of extreme stress and the balance between critical business decisions and personal well-being. They also touch on the supportive ...

Nov 25, 202436 minSeason 1Ep. 2

Leading Human Trailer

Welcome to Leading Human, the podcast that explores the intersection of emotional intelligence, leadership, and the modern workplace. I'm your host, Chad Prevost, co-founder of Big Self School and co-creator of Emma—the AI-powered tool helping small teams communicate better and lead with more clarity and heart. Each episode, we bring you insights, stories, and strategies to help you and your team grow—without losing your humanity in the process. Stay present, stay human, and keep leading from th...

Nov 19, 20241 minSeason 1Ep. 1

Move Jobs with Confidence and Clarity with Michael B. Horn

Chad Prevost has a chat with Michael Horn about careers and life design, specifically when it comes to the desire to change jobs and how to go about the process. It involves a lot more than vaguely tuning in to your calling, or throwing out a bunch of LinkedIn applications. It may feel daunting right now, but when you listen to Michael and consider the array of input that Job Moves has to offer, you might just come away feeling encouraged and inspired to take the next step. Based on a popular Ha...

Nov 12, 202443 minSeason 1Ep. 38

Invest in the Change You Want to See with Kristina Montague

Chad Prevost gets a chance to catch up Kristina Montague who has just released her first book, documenting a movement she started a little over ten years ago. She is one of the few founders who started an angel investing fund, which focused on women-only. In fact, it's the only one of its kind in the southeast. A groundswell of women are discovering the power and purpose of angel investing. Women are reshaping the conversation in startup investing not only to open doors for other women and more ...

Nov 08, 202452 minSeason 1Ep. 37

Getting a Taste of a Creative Life Design with Briana Garza

This week Chad Prevost speaks with Briana Garza. Briana left a decade of working in the healthcare industry in a job she tolerated but didn't love and shifted into food--another challenging industry in many respects, but one that aligned with her purpose and the kind of life she aspired to live. With hard work, a splash of courage, and lots of interpersonal skills, she's making it happen through the collaborative efforts of the Chatt Taste Food Tours. We discuss how she set out to design the lif...

Nov 05, 202431 minSeason 1Ep. 36

The Courage for Difficult and Open Conversations with Justin Jones-Fosu

Chad Prevost and Justin Jones-Fosu sit down to discuss issues mainly related to communicating more effectively and openly with each other, but with a special emphasis on men. This conversation is meant to open the gates toward how we can have better conversations with one another, especially how we can be better fathers, sons, brothers, mentors, and leaders. If you only remember a few things about Justin, it’s that he loves being a dad-e and giving to educational initiatives on the continent of ...

Oct 28, 202453 minSeason 1Ep. 35
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