One Million Years Of Joy

Celebrate every win with Stephanie Sylvestre (USA)

It's 2000x more difficult!
These were the words from Stephanie Sylvestre about her experience in launching her AI start-up. Yes, entrepreneurship comes with many challenges, but also many joys.
Stephanie shares her journey from managing public sector programs to co-founding AvatarBuddy, an AI venture focused on innovation and empathy. She discusses the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of mental health, and the power of human-centric leadership. Discover her recipe for joy and why she has an unwavering belief in human nature.

From Surfing to Sustainable Leadership with Dennis Hindsberg (Denmark)

Dennis Hindsberg, is the CEO of Plandent and Chairperson of Dental Health Without Borders.
Discover how his passion for surfing led to his journey of integrating sustainability into the dental industry. Under his leadership, Plandent achieved B Corp certification, setting a benchmark for environmental and social responsibility. Dennis discusses the importance of human-centric leadership, emphasizing the need to empower individuals to find purpose and joy in their work.

The Joy of Belonging with Kira Miller Fabregat (Chile)

Kira Miller Fabregat is a global leader in diversity, inclusion, and adaptive leadership. Having lived in nine countries and across multiple cultures, Kira shares how her multicultural upbringing shaped her purpose and her deep understanding of human connection.
In this interview we explore how joy and gratitude are foundational to belonging, why psychological safety fuels inclusion and innovation, and how unconscious biases can be transformed into conscious leadership. Kira also opens up about motherhood, purpose, and love — and how these life experiences have reshaped her views on leadership and joy.
This episode is a celebration of humanity, inclusion, and the courage to put in the inner work to create meaningful change, in ourselves, our organizations, and the world.
 
#Leadership #Inclusion #JoyfulLeadership #PsychologicalSafety #PurposeDriven#DiversityAndInclusion #FutureOfWork #HumanConnection

Joy-centric cultures with Mark Beliczky (USA)

Leadership Luminary Mark Beliczky explores how leaders can create organizations rooted in trust, authenticity, and joy. From transforming toxic cultures into thriving workplaces to sparking moments of joy through simple, human gestures, Mark illustrates why joy is not just a feel-good concept but a true competitive advantage. The episode dives into lessons on listening, family-inspired leadership, AI’s role in the future of work, and how leaders can foster environments where people love to show up, grow, and contribute.

Joyspan: Reframing Aging with Dr. Kerry Burnight (USA)

Dr. Kerry Burnight, discusses her new book, JoySpan, a New York Times bestseller, which reframes the concept of aging by emphasizing the importance of joy and well-being over mere longevity. She introduces the JoySpan matrix, consisting of four essential elements: grow, connect, adapt, and give, which are crucial for thriving in later life. The discussion also touches on the unique challenges faced by women in aging, the role of technology and AI in elder care, and the significance of intergenerational connections. Dr. Burnight shares practical advice for enhancing joy and purpose in life, making this a valuable resource for anyone interested in aging gracefully and meaningfully.
 
00:00 Redefining Aging: The Concept of JoySpan
05:04 The JoySpan Matrix: Four Key Elements
10:23 The Importance of Connection and Adaptation
15:51 Women and Aging: Unique Challenges and Strategies
20:29 Navigating Caregiving and Aging Parents
26:12 The Role of Technology in Elder Care
30:39 Creating Intergenerational Connections
36:05 Recipes for Joy: Practical Tips for All Ages
 
Keywords: JoySpan, aging, well-being, social connection, growth, purpose, intergenerational, mental health, Alzheimer's, gerontology

The Art of Resilience with Luis Velasquez (USA)

What if resilience isn’t extraordinary, but something you can train every day?
That’s the life’s work of Luis Velasquez, HBR and Fast Company contributor, Stanford University facilitator, and author of Ordinary Resilience.
Luis is not only an avid endurance athlete who has completed over 100 marathons and ultra events—he’s also a brain tumor survivor who has turned adversity into a framework for growth.
From coaching top executives to writing and running, he has distilled a formula for resilience and joy that anyone can apply when facing life’s toughest moments.

AI + Joy: Your Secret Formula with Katrin J. Yuan (Switzerland)

In our AI driven world, how do we protect what makes us human and what role will joy play in our lives?
If you wish to get a glimpse into the future listen to this fascinating conversation with Katrin J. Yuan, CEO of the Swiss Future Institute. She is an influential AI community builder with expertise extending to AI Tech Future Boards, AI in Finance and Entrepreneurship. She has been featured as Top 100 Future Women and Leaders of the New Era in Media, she lectures at four Universities, and she sits on multiple boards. She is also the author of a book on AI for Managers (KI-Wissen für Führungskräfte). 
 
#podcast #leadership #future #responsibleAI #joy

Beyond the noise: counterfeit emotions with Curtis Morley (USA)

What is a counterfeit emotion, and can you identify at least one from the following list: Love, Lust, Guilt, Shame, Pain, Misery, Joy, Pleasure, Power, Control? In this enlightening conversation with Curtis Morley, you will discover the answer. Curtis is an emotionologist, a Wall Street Journal Best Selling Author, 6x Entrepreneur and founder of Counterfeit Emotions. You will walk away with valuable insights that will help you navigate life's twists and turns with more joy.
Discover the One Million Years Of Joy newsletter, get your free joy profile and participate in our global study on joy: https://www.andreeavanacker.com/joy

Unstoppable Brain Power with Mantazh Khanna (Singapore)

After 20 years in the corporate world and a life-changing battle with cancer, Mantazh Khanna reinvented herself as a brain coach and holistic health guide. Now pursuing a Ph.D. in Integrative Medicine, she’s blending neuroscience and mindfulness to unlock the mind’s power to heal and thrive. In this episode, Mantazh shares her inspiring journey—and six practical, science-backed tips to boost brain health, reduce stress, and live with unstoppable positivity.

Play Life Like a Game with Keith Wakeman (USA)

Keith Wakeman, CEO of SuperBetter, shares how dozens of studies show the power of building a mindset that fuels resilience and mental strength by simply playing life like a game. Discover the seven drivers that are foundational to fostering mental wellbeing for youth and young adults and how he believes AI will impact existing and future generations. He also shared tips for parents, educators so we can support and build a more joyful future for people of all ages.