#18: Navigating Through Change with Dr Maya Shankar

2021-11-15

When she tore major ligaments in her hand while studying to become a world class violinist, everything changed for our guest, Dr. Maya Shankar. Amid challenges and adversity, she had to pivot her career, discover new passions, and wade the waters of change, until she eventually found enormous success in the field of behavioral science. Maya is currently the Senior Director of Behavioral Economics at Google and hosts the podcast, “A Slight Change of Plans''. She previously worked in the Obama White House founding the White House's B...

Maya is currently the Senior Director of Behavioral Economics at Google and hosts the podcast, “A Slight Change of Plans''. She previously worked in the Obama White House founding the White House's Behavioral Science Team — a team of scientists charged with improving public policy using research insights about human behavior.

On the show today we learn about how Maya’s childhood passion for the violin came to an abrupt stop after her injury. We hear about the path that led her to behavioral science, and the unrelenting tenacity she learned from her mother. We’ll also talk about behavioral science in the workplace, and the origins of Maya’s podcast “A Slight Change of Plans”.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in your path, not sure how to move forward, today’s episode is for you. Keep listening!

Social Media:

Reach out to Stephynie directly at: hello@smalikent.com

Follow Stephynie on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephyniemalik/

Follow Stephynie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephyniemalik/

Follow Stephynie on Clubhouse: @stephyniemalik

Check out my website to learn more about my work: https://stephyniemalik.com/

Timestamps:

00:35- Dr. Maya’s Childhood and History Playing the Violin

05:18- Dr. Maya’s Discovery of Her Passion for Cognitive Science

07:10- How Dr. Maya Dealt with Social Repercussions After Her Injury

09:19- Dr. Maya Dealing with Imposter Syndrome in College