Since leaving Intel to work on Happy Brain Science full time, a common question has been “What’s your story? How did you get to this point?” I was a cognitive science major at Vassar College (it turned co-ed in 1969, in case you were wondering). I’ve long been fascinated by what makes brains tick. But read more…
Watching yourself–and your mind–without judgment
Watching yourself on video can be a very strange experience. You are rarely watching yourself. Depending on your personality and self-esteem, you may immediately cringe, or be very proud of yourself. I recently managed to get a few short videos of me presenting up on YouTube, including this one. I find it quite difficult to read more…
The “Presenter’s Paradox”: Don’t Cheapen Your Gift, Under the Tree or At the Office
In a series of studies published by Kimberlee Weaver of Virginia Tech and Stephen M. Garcia & Norbert Schwarz from the University of Michigan, they describe the “presenter’s paradox”. In the eyes of most presenters more is better, whether presenting information or gifts. The paradox is that in the eyes of most recipients, a less valuable read more…
VentureBeat article: Shiny, happy company: Why happiness is the new metric for startup success
Published in VentureBeat The seal of the high school I attended contained two Latin mottos: Non Sibi and Finis Origine Pendet. Despite seeing those words everywhere, I paid little attention to them. I later learned they mean “Not for one’s self” and “The end is determined by the beginning”, respectively. Years of studying neuroscience and psychology read more…
Rewire Your Brain for Gratitude: Happy Thanksgiving Month
“I’m Grateful for My Soup I Will Not Eat!” Sitting down at the dinner table last night, my daughter said “I am grateful for my water, my milk, my spoon, my green stuff, my soup that I am not going to eat, and my bread.” Little did she know that in addition to making my read more…
Positive Power Up: Leading for Happiness!
I wrote the following article for the September issue of the International Game Developers Association newsletter. While it draws on my background as a game designer and developer, I strongly believe the points about positive leadership can apply to any organization. I’d love to get your comments and feedback on it.