Beauty at Work expands our understanding of beauty: what it is, how it works, and why it matters. Sociologist Brandon Vaidyanathan interviews scientists, artists, entrepreneurs, and leaders across diverse fields to reveal new insights into how beauty shapes our brains, behaviors, organizations, and societies--for good and for ill. Learn how to harness the power of beauty in your life and work, while avoiding its pitfalls.
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Making Business Art is a podcast for curious people where we explore how to make our work more meaningful and enchanting for ourselves and the people we serve. We draw lessons and inspiration from entrepreneurs, designers, scientists, creative leaders and artists about creating remarkable experiences that light up our customers and our teams.
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Connecting Earth and Sky with Dr. Nalini Nadkarni (Part 2 of 2)
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Nalini Nadkarni’s unique academic career interweaves her scientific research on rainforest canopy biota with innovative public engagement. She has written 150 scientific papers and books on the composition and ecological roles of canopy-dwelling communities, supported by the National Science Foundation and the National Geographic Society. She also …
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Connecting Earth and Sky with Dr. Nalini Nadkarni (Part 1 of 2)
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Nalini Nadkarni’s unique academic career interweaves her scientific research on rainforest canopy biota with innovative public engagement. She has written 150 scientific papers and books on the composition and ecological roles of canopy-dwelling communities, supported by the National Science Foundation and the National Geographic Society. She also …
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Nostalgia: Yearning for Beautiful Memories with Dr. Clay Routledge (Part 2 of 2)
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Existential psychologist Dr. Clay Routledge, Vice President of Research at the Archbridge Institute, discusses the science of nostalgia, and why our yearning for beautiful memories is not simply an escape to the past but a vital resource for innovation. Clay is a highly cited researcher who has published more than 100 scholarly papers, co-edited th…
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Nostalgia: Yearning for Beautiful Memories with Dr. Clay Routledge (Part 1 of 2)
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Existential psychologist Dr. Clay Routledge, Vice President of Research at the Archbridge Institute, discusses the science of nostalgia, and why our yearning for beautiful memories is not simply an escape to the past but a vital resource for innovation. Clay is a highly cited researcher who has published more than 100 scholarly papers, co-edited th…
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#024 The Power of Applied Empathy with Michael Ventura
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If we want to be an effective leader, team member, and problem-solver, we must be skilled at understanding what is really going on with ourselves and others. My guest, entrepreneur and author, Michael Ventura, spent years refining an approach to help leaders and teams develop valuable perspectives that can be applied to solve problems internally an…
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Season 3 of the podcast launches in July. We have a great lineup of guests coming up! I'd also love to hear your recommendations for guests and topics that you'd like to hear on the show. Please feel free to reach out at beautyatworkpodcast@gmail.com Support the Show.By Brandon Vaidyanathan
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#023 How to Make Business Beautiful with Tim Leberecht
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If you could reinvent your organization and your career, what would you do? After many years of working with executives from prominent organizations, Tim Leberecht recognized and wanted to support people’s desire to feel a sense of belonging, dream bigger, stretch their wings and transform how they lived and worked. After publishing his first book,…
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What, if anything, is beautiful about democracy? Is it meaningful to talk about beauty when it comes to politics? These questions were discussed (and even fiercely debated) in our final plenary session of the Beauty at Work international symposium held at The Catholic University of America, May 27, 2023. This episode is the second part of the discu…
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What, if anything, is beautiful about democracy? Is it meaningful to talk about beauty when it comes to politics? These questions were discussed (and even fiercely debated) in our final plenary session of the Beauty at Work international symposium held at The Catholic University of America, May 27, 2023. We will share this session with you over the…
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How Beauty Works: Neuroscience, Design, and Justice (Part 2 of 2)
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This is part 2 of a 2-part episode examining how beauty works to shape our brains, the spaces we inhabit, and the communities we build. Please check out part 1 if you haven't already: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2043099/15078668 These questions were the focus of the second plenary session of our International Symposium on Beauty at Work that we held…
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How Beauty Works: Neuroscience, Design, and Justice (Part 1 of 2)
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How does beauty shape our brains, the spaces we inhabit, and the communities we build? These questions were the focus of the second plenary session of our International Symposium on Beauty at Work that we held in Washington DC in May 2023. The panelists in this second session of our Symposium tackle these questions Anjan Chatterjee, University of P…
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The Meaning And Value Of Beauty In Science (Opening plenary, International Symposium on Beauty at Work), Part 2 of 2
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This episode is the second part of our plenary session on the meaning and value of beauty in science which opened the International Symposium on Beauty at Work that we held in Washington DC in May 2023. Please check out part 1 of the discussion here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2043099/15037678 The session was a discussion between four scientists: D…
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#022 Applied Improv for Better Leadership, Connection, & Communication with Belina Raffy
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Keeping up with the accelerating pace of change and complexity in our world can feel daunting. Fortunately, there are people like global improv consultant and comedy teacher, Belina Raffy, who can show us how to re-energize how we relate with our teams and bring more joy, creativity, and connection to our organizations. Belina makes the case that p…
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The Meaning and Value of Beauty in Science (Opening plenary, International Symposium on Beauty at Work) Part 1 of 2
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What does Beauty mean to scientists? Why does it matter for the practice of science? These questions drive the opening plenary session of the Beauty at Work international symposium held at The Catholic University of America, May 26, 2023. We’re going to share this session with you over the next couple of episodes. The session opened with remarks fr…
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Beauty in Science: An Interdisciplinary Conversation at the University of Oxford (Part 3 of 3)
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In July 2022, we held an interdisciplinary panel at the University of Oxford on the role of beauty in science. The event was sponsored by Templeton Religion Trust and Magdalen College. The panel represented perspectives from diverse disciplines: mathematics, physics, biology, philosophy of science, and sociology. This is the third episode in the se…
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Beauty in Science: An Interdisciplinary Conversation at the University of Oxford (Part 2 of 3)
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In July 2022, we held an interdisciplinary panel at Magdalen College the University of Oxford on the role of beauty in science. The event was sponsored by Templeton Religion Trust and Magdalen College. The panel represented perspectives from diverse disciplines: mathematics, physics, biology, philosophy of science, and sociology. You can see the sl…
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Beauty in Science: An Interdisciplinary Conversation at the University of Oxford (Part 1 of 3)
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In July 2022, we held an interdisciplinary panel at Magdalen College at the University of Oxford on the role of beauty in science. The event was sponsored by Templeton Religion Trust and Magdalen College. The panel represented perspectives from diverse disciplines: mathematics, physics, biology, philosophy of science, and sociology. We’re going to …
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Why Is “Naturalness” A Problem In Physics? (Dr. Sabine Hossenfelder) - Clip From S1E16
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Is beauty a reliable guide to truth in science? No, says physicist, author, and science communicator Dr. Sabine Hossenfelder. In this clip, she discusses how the concept of “naturalness” is related to beauty and why it’s misleading For the full interview see: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2043099/12833522 For the broader project, visit: https://www.be…
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Can Beauty Bridge Art And Science? (David Clayton) - Clip From S1E15
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Iconographer David Clayton, who was trained in materials science at Oxford, discusses why it seems that there is a gulf between art and science, and shares ideas for how to bring the two closer together. For the full interview see: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2043099/12739891 For the broader project, visit: https://www.beautyatwork.net Support us on…
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Is Mathematics A Spiritual Quest? (Dr. Carlo Lancellotti) - Clip From S1E14
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What does math teach us about beauty? In this clip, mathematician Dr. Carlo Lancellotti discusses how the search for an elegant, simple equation is similar to the quest to build a beautiful cathedral. He also discusses the link between math and spirituality. For the full interview see: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2043099/12648186 For the broader pro…
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What beauty has to do with scientific understanding (Dr. Mark Painter) - Clip From S1E13
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Where do scientists find beauty in their work and why does it matter to them? Immunologist Dr. Mark Painter argues that what’s central here is not simply the visual or sensory beauty he encounters in the phenomena he studies, but the beauty of understanding that science affords. For the full interview see: ttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2043099/12547248…
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#021 How Small Stories Solve Big Problems with Ellie Snowden
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Big complex problems don’t necessarily have to be overwhelming. My guest and applied anthropologist, Ellie Snowden, harnesses the power of small stories to help people in organizations turn big intractable problems into manageable ones. She argues that one-size-fits-all solutions don’t work. Instead, we can create much more impactful interventions …
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Why Wonder Matters (Dr. Frank Keil) - Clip From S1E12
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Why does wonder matter? In this clip, Yale psychologist Dr. Frank Keil discusses the importance of facilitating wonder in education, why we shouldn’t underestimate kids, and why cultivating wonder matters especially for science. For the full interview see: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2043099/12434669 For the broader project, visit: https://www.beaut…
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From Theoretical To Applied Sciences (Dr. Marcia Otto) - Clip From S1E11
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When we think of the applied sciences, we usually think they’re important because they are useful. But can they also be beautiful? In this clip, public health expert Dr. Marcia Otto shares what inspired her career path from theoretical physics to epidemiology, and discusses where she finds beauty in her work. For the full interview see: https://www…
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Why A Theory of Everything is a Bad Idea (Dr. Marcelo Gleiser) - Clip From S1E10
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Is a “theory of everything” worth pursuing? According to award-winning physicist and author Dr. Marcelo Gleiser the answer is no. In this clip, he explains why the pursuit of unity in science can be misleading. For the full interview see: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2043099/12246525 For the broader project, visit: https://www.beautyatwork.net Suppor…
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Why beauty matters for science education (Dr. Punya Mishra) - Clip From S1E9
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When it comes to science education, why should teachers care about beauty? Award-winning educator and public speaker Dr. Punya Mishra says its because it can help nurture the sense of wonder that’s vital for science. In this clip, he discusses ways to cultivate curiosity through a more aesthetic approach to science education. For the full interview…
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Can We Study Awe? (Dr. Dacher Keltner) - Clip From S1E8
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Awe is a universal human emotion. But we often think of it as ineffable. So can it be scientifically studied? Berkeley psychologist and author Dacher Keltner does just this. In this clip, he discusses his research on the nature of awe, how it varies (or doesn’t) between cultures, and how it’s related to both beauty and science. For the full intervi…
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Desire and Beauty (Luke Burgis) - Clip from S1E7
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What is mimetic desire, and what does it have to do with status and success? Entrepreneur and author Luke Burgis talks about René Girard’s theory of mimetic desire and how it illuminates our actions across various contexts, from Silicon Valley to academia, what mimetic desire has to do with beauty. For the full interview see: https://www.buzzsprout…
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Symmetry In Nature (Dr. Ard Louis) - Clip from S1E6
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Does nature have a preference for symmetrical shapes? And if so, does that mean beauty is a reliable guide to scientific truth? Here’s what Oxford physicist Ard Louis has to say about these questions. For the full interview see: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2043099/11860976 For the broader project, visit: https://www.beautyatwork.net Support us on Pa…
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#020 Beauty at Work with Brandon Vaidyanathan
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Is there an aspect of your work you find beautiful? While we might not think of beauty as a property that arises in many domains of work, my guest and sociology professor, Brandon Vaidyanathan, is finding beauty at work in unexpected places. After unexpectedly stumbling into the topic of beauty at work during research projects, Brandon is now devot…
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Is beauty about nature or nurture? Wrong question! (Dr. Anjan Chatterjee) - Clip from S1E5
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Is beauty a matter of nature or nurture? Is it hardwired in the brain or conditioned by culture? Neuroscientist Dr. Anjan Chatterjee challenges this dichotomy. In this clip, he points out that although “beauty is in the brain of the beholder,” our brains are more similar than they are different. For the full interview see: https://www.buzzsprout.co…
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Why beauty matters for innovation (Dr. Luca Cottini) - Clip from S1E4
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How is beauty relevant when it comes to innovation? Cultural historian Dr. Luca Cottini uses examples from Italian culture’s focus on creativity and relationality to explain how beauty promotes innovation and industry. For the full interview see: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2043099/11687933 For the broader project, visit: https://www.beautyatwork.ne…
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Is there beauty in psychiatry (Dr. Eloise Ballou) Clip from S1E3
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Is there beauty in psychiatry? In this clip, Dr. Eloise Ballou, a Canadian psychiatrist with a special interest in integrating humanities into her work, shares how a key aesthetic principle of claritas—in this case, applied to the clarity of seeing a person as they are—drives her work. For the full interview see: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2043099/…
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Why is beauty relevant in science? (Dr. Milena Ivanova) Clip from S1E2
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What makes beauty relevant to science? In this clip, Cambridge Philosopher Dr. Milena Ivanova shares the story of how she came to study the intersection of aesthetics and science, and what she's learned in the process. For the full interview see: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2043099/11497942 For the broader project, visit: https://www.beautyatwork.ne…
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What does beauty mean in physics? (Dr. Mario Livio) Clip from S1E1
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Philosophers throughout the centuries have been trying to define beauty. And I’m not sure anyone has succeeded. But we can identify a few essential aspects of it in particular domains. In this clip, astrophysicist and author Dr. Mario Livio explains how these aspects of beauty are especially important in physics. For the full interview see: https:/…
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What's Beautiful About AI? with Brian Mullins
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Brian Mullins is the CEO of Mind Foundry, an Oxford University company operating at the intersection of innovation, research, and usability. Brian has been at the forefront of how technology can positively change people’s lives throughout his career. He has over a decade of experience in high-growth technology companies across industries such as Ar…
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Timothy Myers is one of America’s most versatile and innovative conductors. He is a frequent collaborator with leading opera companies and orchestras, and serves as the Sarah and Ernest Butler Music Director at Austin Opera where, in addition to leading performances, he participates in the artistic strategy and development of the Company. He is als…
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The Power Of Art with Wayne Brezinka
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Wayne Brezinka is an award-winning artist based in Nashville, Tennessee. Wayne’s signature style of art incorporates detailed mixed media and assemblage techniques applied to discarded and repurposed materials. He has been a contributing artist to numerous publications, including The Washington Post, The New York Times, POLITICO Europe, and others.…
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What Is Beauty? with Dr. Michael R. Spicher
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Michael R. Spicher, PhD is a public philosopher and creator of Aesthetics Research Lab. He writes and speaks about aesthetics in professional and academic contexts. He is a regular contributor to BeautyMatter, a resource for the beauty industry. Michael lectures at both Boston Architectural College and Massachusetts College of Art and Design. He co…
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Jennifer Walsh is an acclaimed entrepreneur, author, and media figure who has spent over 25 years working at the intersection of beauty, retail, nature, and neuroscience to help people flourish. She pioneered America’s first experiential retail brand, Beauty Bar, in the 1990s, integrating biophilic design long before mainstream. Her trailblazing br…
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Crafting Fashion Excellence with Ean Williams
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Ean Williams is a former National Security Agency intelligence analyst in the United States Air Force and professional model and actor (America’s Most Wanted, A Man Called Hawk, and Anacostia). He is also a multi-award-winning event producer and fashion designer of two labels, Magnum Underwear and Corjor International. Featured in British Vogue, Th…
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The Transformative Power Of Beauty with Chris Everett
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Chris Everett is a seasoned facilitator of transformative experiences for individuals and organizations. He is a musician, artist, designer, strategist, coach, farmer, and co-founder of an arts nonprofit in western Wisconsin. With over three decades in brand expression and strategy, he is a master at using beauty as a powerful medium for transforma…
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#019 Facilitating Leadership with Andres Marquez-Lara
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Have you ever thought about what gets in the way of teams achieving the results they want? My guest, Andres Marquez-Lara, makes the case that it’s not due to a lack of tools or technology, but rather due to miscommunication, misaligned agendas, ego and conflict. Or, as he calls it, “messy human stuff.” Andres is a leadership development and collabo…
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Beautiful Leadership with Esther Blázquez Blanco
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Esther Blázquez Blanco works with leaders, teams, and organizations crafting businesses that speak human. She does this by revealing the human connection and the emotional intimacy that exists in life. She works as a Company Culture and Leadership Consultant, Speaker, Executive Coach, and systemic Facilitator. Esther helps companies find the truth …
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#018 Creative Leadership with Arne van Oosterom
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Most of us have been disenchanted with the world of work at some point in our careers. But what if the culture of our organizations actively encouraged better communication, creativity and experimentation in pursuit of creating much better solutions for the people we serve? My guest and creative leadership consultant, Arne van Oosterom, is sought a…
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Fragile and Flourishing Neighborhoods with Seth D. Kaplan
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Seth D. Kaplan is a leading expert on fragile states. He is a Professorial Lecturer in the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) at Johns Hopkins University, Senior Adviser for the Institute for Integrated Transitions (IFIT), and consultant to multilateral organizations such as the World Bank, U.S. State Department, U.S. Age…
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From High Notes to High Planks with Sean Vigue
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Sean Vigue is one of the most followed yoga, Pilates, power yoga, flexibility training and performance enhancing instructors in the world with millions of followers in every corner of the world from beginners to elite professional athletes. He is a bestselling author of titles such as “Pilates for Athletes”, “Power Yoga for Athletes”, “Pilates for …
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Pallavi Dean plays at the intersection of design and entrepreneurship. She founded her design firm Roar in 2013. A trained architect and sustainability specialist, she has won multiple awards for work across a range of sectors including commercial, hospitality, and residential. Recent work includes The Accor House of Original in Dubai, Sensasia Spa…
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#017 Building Brands People Love with Cheryl Farr
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What is a restaurant, or product, or a hospitality experience that you love and would highly recommend to a good friend? What was it about that brand that really hooked you, and what would you say about it to somebody else? My guest and branding strategist and storyteller, Cheryl Farr, points out that a brand is not so much about what we say about …
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The Beauty Of Teaching Science with Dr. Dave Gammon
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Dr. Dave Gammon is an integrative scientist who builds bridges beyond traditional scientific communities. Since 2006 he has taught mostly interdisciplinary science and general education courses at Elon University, where he is currently a Professor in Biology. His research projects in birdsong and in SoTL have become increasingly more interdisciplin…
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