Welcome to My Office with Carey Lohrenz

Shawn Achor - The Science of Happiness, Success, and Big Potential

In this special Season 2 opener, Carey welcomes author, speaker, researcher, and staunch advocate of Positive Psychology to her office, Shawn Achor. Part of Shawn’s mission is to challenge the modern idea of equating happiness with pleasure and replace it with an ancient Greek definition- namely, that happiness is the consistent growth towards our ultimate potential. It’s a broad and ambitious goal, but Shawn’s teaching on how to implement this practice is anything but broad. His experience as both a world-class researcher and someone who has personally struggled with anxiety/depression allows him to come ready with a psychology-backed list of small habits and activities that can change the way you deal with stress, and in turn changing the way you lead and perform. Keep listening to hear more about Shawn’s beginnings in Positive Psychology, his thoughts on the supposed phenomenon of “Toxic Positivity” in the age of social media, and why “Scanning for Gratitude'' is one of the most powerful practices for anyone trying to be happier and more present in daily life. Resources and LinksShawn’s WebsiteHis Latest (And Favorite) Book - Big PotentialTed Talk on The Happiness AdvantageTimestamps2:30 - Redefining Happiness as Pursuit of Our Full Potential9:00 - Thinking Holistically to Achieve Happiness12:05 - Shawn’s Story of  Discovering Positive Psychology at Harvard16:50 - Managing Stress, NOT Eliminating It24:30 - Identifying Stress and Acknowledging its Meaning27:25 - Focusing on Solutions to Avoid Mental Fragmentation29: 40 - “Toxic Positivity” -  It’s More About Ignorance32: 45 - Everyday Example of Avoiding Narrow Thinking35:20 -  Implementing Positive Psychology in the Thick of Covid-1937:50 - Getting Practical: What Habits Can Make You Happier? 42:32 - “Scanning for Gratitude”44:05 - Mirror Neurons in Stress/Uncertainty46:45 - Carey: Just Start Somewhere and Be Intentional48:17 - Shawn’s Book and Where to Find Him

Season 1 Recap: Key Insights from Top Leaders and Thinkers

In this special look back at 2021, Carey invites us to listen to some of her favorite stories of perseverance from top performers and their hard-won truths about leading others across a wide range of fields. Don’t miss out on this chance to hear the best moments of last year from world-class leaders, including NYT’s bestselling author and mountaineer Alison Levine,  USMC Brigadier General Len Anderson, CEO and Cybersecurity expert Theresa Payton, and Morgan Stanley Vice Chairman Carla Harris. You’ll also hear from psychologists Ethan Kross and Dr. Amy Cuddy on the science of personal growth and how it can deeply inform our ability to perform and lead. Sports legends Hilary Knight and Gabrielle Reece, to legendary sports agent, Molly Fletcher on peak performance, and much, much more!Jump on in and as always, thanks for listening!Guest Time Stamps02:24 - Alison Levine                                  07:25 - Brigadier General Len Anderson13:20 - Nate Boyer18:21 - Dr. Amy Cuddy25:18 - Theresa Payton30:00 - Hilary Knight34:54 - Gabrielle Reece39:49 - Michael Clinton45:43 - Marc Polymeropoulos49:40 - Dave Robinson54:23 - Ethan Kross1:01:03 - Adrienne Bankert1:05:39 - Molly Fletcher1:10:48 -  Dorie Clark1:15:28 Carla Harris

Episode 18: Carla Harris

Carla Harris, the vice-chairman, managing director, and senior client advisor at Morgan Stanley, steps into Carey's office this week. She has amassed an impressive 30-plus year career in investment banking and financial services, but she also has become one of the most powerful and influential women and Black executives in the world. Carla discusses the importance of knowing your own worth, how to train people to think of you in a certain way, and why leaders in the 21st Century must be comfortable taking risks.

Episode 17: Dorie Clark

Renowned reinvention expert and top business thinker, Dorie Clark takes a seat in Carey’s office this week. On the podcast, Dorie Clark shares insights from her latest book, The Long Game, and talks about how her own professional journey fuels her work today and the importance of “optimizing for interesting.”

Episode 16: Sergeant Major Keith Craig

Sergeant Major Keith Craig steps into Carey's office this week. The Sergeant Major is a public speaker, Hollywood entertainment executive, decorated U.S. Army Veteran, and the author of Serving To Lead. The Sergeant Major shares his journey from homelessness to a decorated career in the U.S. Army, how he developed his leadership mentality through adversity, and the importance of knowing your purpose.