In this week’s Thought Sparks Podcast episode, Rita McGrath, a Columbia University Business School Professor, C-Suite strategist, business founder and best-selling author, speaks with Scott Barry Kaufman, a Columbia University psychologist and expert in intelligence, creativity, and human potential. They share insights into empowerment, shifting our mindsets, and actualizing our full potential in both personal and professional contexts.

00:00 Meet Scott Barry Kaufman: Author of "Rise Above" & Expert on Overcoming Victim Mindset to Unlock Human Potential

00:58 Teaching the Science of Living Well: When Students Face Uncertain Futures

01:42 The Philosophy Job Market Reality: "They Never Were Really in a Job Anyway"

02:54 From Special Ed to Human Potential: What Sparked Scott's Life Mission

04:36 The Hidden Sources of Victim Mindset: Beyond External Circumstances

06:01 Beautiful Monsters: Making Peace with Your Dark Side

07:18 Being vs. Doing: Why We've Lost Focus on Character Over Achievement

09:22 What's Your End-of-Life Plan? Forget Five-Year Goals

11:32 Defining Victim Mindset: When Past Trauma Becomes Your Identity

12:18 The Empowerment Mindset: Yes-And Your Life Like Improv Comedy

13:26 Honest Love: The Third Way Between Coddling and Bootstrap Mentality

15:44 Why Abused Women Stay: The Counterintuitive Psychology of Attention

17:03 Self-Actualization Coaching vs. Trauma-Informed Therapy

21:03 "You Are Not Broken": Finding Light Within After Trauma

22:35 Continued Freshness of Appreciation: Seeing Beauty Despite Your Past

24:49 Let People Wallow Sometimes: Why There's No Expiration Date on Growth

28:48 Growth Motivation vs. Growth Mindset: Beyond Carol Dweck's Framework

31:30 Beyond Growth Mindset: Why 'Empowerment Mindset' Is the New Framework

35:41 The Consciousness Shift: From "I Have To" to "I Get To"

38:49 "Nobody's Coming to Save You": Breaking Out of Special Ed

47:09 Who This Book Is Really For: Are You Sick of Spinning Your Wheels?

49:16 20 Years From Now: When Humans and AI Merge

57:30 Human-Centered Leadership: What Love Means in the Workplace

Thought Sparks are the brainchild of Rita McGrath. They are insightful actions, strategic ideas, actionable suggestions and innovative approaches that help organizations and leaders master the future with less fear and more confidence.

New episodes of the Thought Sparks Podcast are released every other Tuesday at 11am Eastern.

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