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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Who Do You Think You Are? is a daily podcast featuring a challenging or inspiring quote, a thought about the quote, the transformative book from which the quote came, and a question for reflection. Every single day Chad Prevost takes you on an adventure in thought leaders. From psychology and philosophy to poetry, essays, biographies and autobiographies, memoirs, dictionaries, treatises, and great literature, we want you to learn from, or just be reminded by, what others have already spent l ...
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The Lehigh University Business Thought Leadership, ilLUminate, offers thoughtful perspectives that shine light on interesting and often complex issues and questions related to the business of business. Find out more at https://business.lehigh.edu/news.
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Mindfulness in Real Life: Insights from the 2025 Meditation Practice Report
17:43
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17:43In this episode of Leading Human, powered by Big Self School, Dr. Chad Prevost discusses the importance of mindfulness in our daily lives and provides insights from the 2025 Meditation Practice Report. The report, based on a survey of 212 people in the Mindful Leader community, reveals that meditation is often a solo activity practiced in short dur…
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Building Trust Through Effective Communication and Accountability
15:36
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15:36In this episode of Leading Human, Chad Prevost, co-founder of Big Self School, explores the crucial steps for navigating challenging conversations. From preparation to execution and follow-up, Chad outlines a three-phase approach to ensure meaningful communication and accountability in the workplace. Learn why pre-work is essential, how to manage e…
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Ahmed Rahman on Learning About Leadership from Military Academies
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28:47Ahmed Rahman is taking a sabbatical to digitize and quantify the lives of tens of thousands of naval officers across three centuries. Learn why. History of SabbaticalsBy Lehigh University
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Welcome back to 'Leading Human,' where Chad Prevost, co-founder of Big Self School, delves into the critical role communication plays in maximizing team potential and productivity. In this episode, Chad explores why effective communication is more vital than ever in today's evolving work landscape, emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligen…
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Are We Living in an Age of Cultural Collapse—or Just in the Boring Part?
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27:52In this episode of Leading Human, host Chad Prevost dives into the topic of cultural stagnation, comparing it to historical periods of minimal change. Chad explores how today's world, although rapid in technological advancements, feels creatively flat and risk-averse. He discusses societal comfort in predictability and the declining originality in …
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Kurt Vonnegut, AI, and the Utopia No One’s Ready For
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21:19In this episode of Leading Human, host Chad Prevost discusses the relevance of Kurt Vonnegut's 1952 novel, Player Piano, in the context of today's AI-driven world. Prevost explores the book's depiction of a future where machines perform both physical and cognitive labor, drawing parallels to current advancements in AI and its societal implications.…
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The Human Advantage: Elevating Skills in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
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8:41Host Chad Prevost explores how AI is transforming the modern workplace and the growing importance of emotional intelligence, empathy, and ethical decision-making. He highlights the shift towards human-centric skills as routine tasks become automated, emphasizing that the future of work involves integrating AI with human strengths like creativity, s…
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Loren Keim on the ‘Never-Ending Tug-of-War’ Over Remote Work
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25:11The battle over remote work is “shifting from being about where work happens to who gets to decide where it happens,” says the Business School’s Loren Keim. Loren Keim on the Future of Office Space (podcast recorded 2022) Back to Work Barometer Reimagining Physical Space to Foster Connection Return to Office Mandates and Brain Drain Learn about the…
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The Evolution of Leadership: Integrating Self-Awareness
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15:47Host Chad Prevost emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in leadership, discussing its impact across various generations from Baby Boomers to Gen Z. He outlines the numerous benefits of self-awareness, such as improved decision-making, communication, and stronger relationships, backed by research from Korn Ferry and TalentSmart. Prevost encour…
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Why Workplace Wellness Programs Fall Short: A Call for Cultural Change
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21:49In this episode of Leading Human, host Chad discusses the ineffectiveness of current workplace mental health and wellness programs, based on a recent study in Portugal's insurance sector. Dr. Chad highlights the shortcomings of these programs, which often act as empty gestures rather than meaningful solutions. Key topics include the importance of a…
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Stephanie Prevost on Preventing Sexual Harassment by Clients
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30:11"Sexual harassment by clients can be just as pervasive and damaging to someone's career, but it's even more hidden," a Lehigh researcher says. Professor Prevost is conducting additional research into sexual harassment by clients in client-focused professional industries, including law, finance and consulting. She has created a survey to learn more …
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Chad Meyerhoefer on How Disaster Shocks Affect Farmers’ Health Care
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25:36A new study suggests that loss of income due to natural disasters devastating crops and livestock reduces farmers' use of health care services. U.S. Federal Crop Insurance program Taiwan Farmer's Health Insurance program Learn more about Professor Hung-Hao Chang. Learn more about Professor Chad Meyerhoefer.…
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Natalya Vinokurova on What Happened to Kodak?
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33:59Extensive research into Kodak’s failure is at odds with the oft-told story that the company failed to see technology changes coming, Natalya Vinokurova says. Photo gallery of old Kodak cameras George Eastman, inventor of the Kodak camera Steven Sasson, inventor of the digital camera Learn more about Professor of Management, Rahuk Kapoor Learn more …
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The Rising Importance of Emotional Intelligence in the AI-Driven Workplace
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4:20In this micro episode, Chad discusses a significant shift in workplace dynamics due to advancements in AI. The key to future success in the workplace lies not in technical skills, but in self-awareness and psychological astuteness. He emphasizes that effective communication and emotional intelligence will trump technical prowess as machines take ov…
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The Business Case for Inner Leadership in the Modern Workplace
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8:45In this episode, Coach Chad explores the concept of inner leadership and its significance in today's rapidly changing workplace, heavily influenced by AI. The discussion highlights common misconceptions about leadership being merely 'soft skills' and emphasizes the necessity of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and psychological safety. Coach…
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Ramayya Krishnan on AI and the Future of Work
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29:06Ramayya Krishnan of Carnegie Mellon University, the 2024-25 Year of Learning featured speaker, discusses AI in academia and business. More ilLUminate podcasts about AI. Lehigh Business magazine article about generative AI in business. Learn more about Ramayya Krishnan.By Lehigh University
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How Can AI and Human Flourishing Go Together with Bob Hutchins
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54:05In this insightful episode, Chad engages with Bob Hutchins, an expert in marketing communications and organizational psychology. Bob shares his unique journey from running a successful digital marketing agency to pursuing a PhD that intersects generative AI, creativity, and human meaning-making. The conversation delves into the concept of media eco…
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4 Ways to Stay Grounded in an Unstable World
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16:07Dr. 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 spa…
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AI and Emotional Wellness: My Journey with Emma
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11:15Dr. 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, D…
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From Burnout to Purpose and Connection with Jennifer Moss
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47:30Jennifer 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 iso…
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6 Battle-Tested Strategies for True Transformation
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14:13In 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 t…
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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…
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Beyond Burnout: Discovering Wellness and Purpose in Midlife
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35:49In 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 examine…
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You Are Not What Happened to You (So Who Are You Then?)
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15:51We 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 inf…
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Leading Change in Education and Battling Burnout with Arielle Garcia Hayes
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29:14Arielle 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…
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Navigating Burnout in the Emerging AI Era
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13:12In 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…
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The Main Reason People Burnout Isn't What You Think
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11:19In 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 workloa…
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Proactively Pursue Your Purpose in an Age of AI and Burnout
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32:47Dr. 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 t…
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5 Reasons Why Coaching Matters Even When You’re Not in Crisis
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31:30Many 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 w…
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Zach Zacharia on Biggest Threats to Global Supply Chain Heading into 2025
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28:08Cyberattacks, talk of tariffs and trade wars, labor shortages and uncertainty about AI concern supply chain managers as new year dawns. Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals Lehigh Business Decision and Data Analytics (DATA) department Zach Zacharia, associate professor of supply chain management Past Lehigh Business Supply Chain Risk Ma…
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Beyond the Wall: How Phil Sanders Rebuilt After Failure
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54:22Today, 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 …
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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-valida…
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When Is It Therapy You Need and When Is It Something Else?
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10:02It 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 he…
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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 t…
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Should Self-Awareness Be a Key Component of Coaching?
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11:00Dr. 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 natu…
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What Your Anxiety Search Reveals About You
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19:08Dr. 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 searc…
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7 Practical Steps to Understanding Yourself Better
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21:05Today 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 t…
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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 go…
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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 cove…
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Ludovica Cesareo on Moral Disengagement and Counterfeit Luxury Goods
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24:13Assistant professor of marketing, Ludovica Cesareo, talks about the problems fake products create for manufacturers, retailers, consumers and society at large. Lehigh University News story on Ludovica Cesareo's research Ludovica Cesareo on COVID-19 Fashion and Holiday Shopping (2020) 200 Trunks, 200 Visionaries exhibition (Video) McGruff the Crime …
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Mental Health in an ADHD Culture with Beth Capecchi
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48:58Psychologist 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 o…
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5 Steps to Break Free from Stress Patterns and Embrace Fulfillment
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27:22In 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 value…
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Embodied Enneagram for All 9 Types with Christy Bonner
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1:00:19Chad 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, ultima…
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Pushing Through: A Founder’s Guide to Pressure and Perseverance
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35:46In 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 anecdote…
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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, …
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Rebecca Wang on Overcoming AI Resistance in Health Care
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33:00A recent study suggests that reminding people that biases exist and are inherent in human decision making can make them more receptive to AI in medical care. Read the Lehigh News article about Prof. Wang's research Read Prof. Wang's paper titled, "To err is human: Bias salience can help overcome resistance to medical AI" Learn more about Prof. Wang…
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Burak Eskici on AI Agents, ‘Black Box’ Tools, and Delegating Creativity to Generative AI
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32:50What do we lose as generative AI moves from an assistant that helps us accomplish tasks to an autonomous agent? Burak Eskici considers the question. Listen to other podcasts about AI from Lehigh Business professors. Learn more about Lehigh's Computer Science and Business Honors Program. Learn more about the World Bank. Learn more about J-PAL South …
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Move Jobs with Confidence and Clarity with Michael B. Horn
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43:08Chad 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…
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Invest in the Change You Want to See with Kristina Montague
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52:10Chad 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 discoverin…
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Getting a Taste of a Creative Life Design with Briana Garza
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31:27This 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 inte…
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