MINDSET ZONE Podcast

We can surf this hundred-foot AI wave if we take this as a team sport.” - Ana Melikian, Ph.D.







In this episode, Ana Melikian dives deep into the human side of the AI revolution, asking an essential question: Is our true superpower found not in machines, but in our own human potential? Ana explores the third crucial mindset shift needed to navigate the world of AI disruption, emphasizing that while artificial intelligence continues to surge forward, it’s our capacity for creativity, proactivity, and connection that will truly shape a better future.



Using vivid metaphors—like Portugal’s legendary hundred-foot waves—Ana describes how humanity is facing a tidal wave of AI change. She walks listeners through vital mindset shifts: moving beyond a simple “humans versus technology” mentality to one of “humans and technology,” and shifting from a relentless quest for productivity to a commitment to doing better by leveraging technology for collective good.







Ana offers a hands-on exercise to illustrate the powerful shift from being reactive to being creative and proactive, urging listeners to pause, choose their responses, and tap into their deepest human qualities. She highlights that human potential is realized not just individually, but through teamwork, supportive systems, and cultural transformation.



This episode is both a rallying call and a practical guide: Ana encourages us to embrace our unique human edge, cultivate resilience, emotional intelligence, and collaboration, and create a future where AI enhances—rather than diminishes—our well-being.



Let’s dive in!















This week on the MINDSET ZONE podcast:



00:00 Introduction: The Human Side of AI



01:28 The Metaphor of Big Waves



02:10 First Mindset Shift: Humans and Technology



03:19 Second Mindset Shift: Doing Better, Not Just More



03:55 Third Mindset Shift: From Reactive to Creative



06:29 The Power of Pause and Historical Perspective



08:05 Adapting Our Modus Operandi



10:12 Harnessing Human Potential and Teamwork



13:42 Creating a Sustainable Future Together



17:03 Conclusion: Expanding What's Possible







Meet Your Host:



Ana Melikian, Ph.D., advises leaders on how to amplify impact while avoiding burnout. She is passionate about teaching others how to unlock their human potential using simple and powerful approaches such as her P.I.E. method.



𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐭?



Set a time to speak with Ana HERE and learn about your (or your team's) burnout risk and how to enhance well-being, effectiveness, and teamwork!







Resources:



Between stimulus and response, there is this space.



Ana's AI Resources







Related Episodes:











Expand What’s Possible!

It is essential to know where we want to go. Otherwise, we will end up very fast, very far away in a place we don't want to be." - Ana Melikian











In this episode, Ana Melikian delves into the second crucial mindset shift needed to harness the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for positive and sustainable change. Ana challenges the common "do more with less" philosophy that dominates the business world, highlighting its risks for driving burnout and disengagement. Instead, she presents a compelling framework—the burnout-engage matrix—mapped across energy and connection, to help us assess where we stand and how to move towards energized, purposeful engagement in our work.



Ana invites us to reflect on the real impact of AI: Are we simply trying to squeeze more productivity out of ourselves and our teams, or are we intentionally using new technologies to create a better future? Through practical examples and her signature four-quadrant matrix, Ana explains how we can avoid the burnout trap and instead leverage AI to amplify our positive impact while safeguarding our well-being.







She underscores that navigating the 'hundred-foot AI wave' is not a solo endeavor, but a team sport—requiring diverse voices and shared commitments from technologists, HR professionals, leaders, and frontline workers alike. By adopting a new mindset and working together, we can build a workplace culture that sustains both high performance and human connection.



Let’s dive in!















This week on the MINDSET ZONE podcast:



00:00 Experiment: Why am I so tired?



01:13 Introducing the second AI mindset shift



02:25 The "do more with less" trap in AI adoption



03:40 Productivity gains: What do we do with saved time?



04:56 Burnout prevention and the "Why am I" experiment



06:13 The four-quadrant burnout-engage matrix explained



08:31 Mapping energy and connection



09:47 Understanding the burnout



12:59 Moving teams to the engaged zone



14:20 Surfing the AI wave as a team sport



15:13 Leveraging AI together for a better future



16:36 Next episode teaser and closing thoughts







Meet Your Host:



Ana Melikian, Ph.D., advises leaders on how to amplify impact while avoiding burnout. She is passionate about teaching others how to unlock their human potential using simple and powerful approaches such as her P.I.E. method.



𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐭?



Set a time to speak with Ana HERE and learn about your (or your team's) burnout risk and how to enhance well-being, effectiveness, and teamwork!







Resources:



Book: Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI by Ethan Mollick



Ana's AI Resources







Related Episodes:











Expand What’s Possible!

Humans, walking and taking bags of water and trace chemicals that we are, have managed to convince well-organized sand to pretend to think like us.” - Ethan Mollick







In this episode, Ana Melikian challenges the common "us vs. them" mindset when it comes to technology, especially in the age of Artificial Intelligence. Ana takes listeners on a journey through humanity's long history with technology, highlighting how our survival and progress have always been intertwined with new tools—from controlling fire to inventing computers and now, navigating the waves of AI.







Ana shares why seeing humanity and technology as allies, rather than adversaries, is essential. She encourages listeners to drop the outdated "humans vs. machines" narrative and instead adopt an experimentation mindset, inviting AI to the table as a collaborator. Drawing wisdom from Ethan Mollick's "Co-Intelligence," Ana presents a practical framework for thriving in this era: always invite AI to the table, be the human in the loop, treat AI like a person (but guide it with intention), and remember that today’s AI will soon be considered primitive.



Throughout the episode, Ana offers insightful historical context and practical advice for increasing your "AI literacy" without getting overwhelmed or burned out. She emphasizes that we don't need to face the AI revolution alone—working as a team is key to using these powerful tools to shape a better future.



Let’s dive in!















This week on the MINDSET ZONE podcast:



00:00 Introduction and Expanding Our View of Technology



01:31 The Essential Mindset Shift: Humanity and Technology as Allies



03:33 Technology's Deep Roots in Human History



07:58 The Emergence of AI in Our Everyday Lives



10:09 Shift from “Us vs. Them” to “Teamwork with Technology”



12:17 Learning AI as a Strategic Advantage



13:41 Combating Overwhelm: Teamwork and Shared Learning



15:27 Ethan Mollick’s Framework for Co-Intelligence



18:49 Practical Prompts: How to Effectively Engage with AI



22:30 Embracing Growth: The Future of AI Evolution



23:33 Reflections, Invitations, and Looking Ahead



25:02 Resources, Book Info, and Gratitude







Meet Your Host:



Ana Melikian, Ph.D., advises leaders on how to amplify impact while avoiding burnout. She is passionate about teaching others how to unlock their human potential using simple and powerful approaches such as her P.I.E. method.



𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐭?



Set a time to speak with Ana HERE and learn about your (or your team's) burnout risk and how to enhance well-being, effectiveness, and teamwork!







Resources:



Book: Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI by Ethan Mollick



Ana's AI Resources







Related Episodes:











Expand What’s Possible!

If you are in the business world, in the present moment, you are facing the hundred foot wave of the AI disruption." - Ana Melikian, Ph.D.







In this episode, Ana Melikian dives into the tumultuous yet opportunity-rich world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its implications for the business landscape. Using the metaphor of a "hundred-foot wave," Ana vividly illustrates the dual nature of the AI revolution—both its disruptive potential and its ability to create new possibilities.



Ana shares her insights on how some business leaders are choosing to either ignore or obsessively control this technological tidal wave. However, she advocates for an alternative approach, likening it to "surfing the wave," where teamwork and collaboration become essential to harnessing AI's energy for a better future.







Ana emphasizes the importance of mindset shifts in dealing with AI, urging listeners to embrace the present moment and leverage the collective strengths of their teams. She sees surfing the AI wave not as a solo endeavor, but as a collaborative pursuit, where innovation and intentionality are key.



Join Ana as she explores how to navigate this AI disruption, transforming potential threats into opportunities for impact. Whether you're a business owner or professional, Ana encourages you to expand your mindset and engage in this crucial conversation about our technological future.



Let's dive in!















This week on the MINDSET ZONE podcast:



00:00 Introduction to the AI Disruption



00:59 Facing the 100-Foot AI Wave



03:57 The Two Extremes: Ignoring vs. Overwhelming



06:57 Surfing the 100-Foot AI Wave



09:35 The Importance of Teamwork



11:58 Mindset Shifts for the Future



13:05 Conclusion and Call to Action







Meet Your Host:



Ana Melikian, Ph.D., advises leaders on how to amplify impact while avoiding burnout. She is passionate about teaching others how to unlock their human potential using simple and powerful approaches such as her P.I.E. method.



𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐭?



Set a time to speak with Ana HERE and learn about your (or your team's) burnout risk and how to enhance well-being, effectiveness, and teamwork!







Resources:



100-Foot Wave TV Series











Related Episodes:











Expand What’s Possible!

Experiential retreats are powerful; they create something deeply transformational." – Sheri Rosenthal







In this episode, host Ana Melikian opens the floor to Sheri Rosenthal, a retreat strategist and founder known for orchestrating transformative experiences. Sheri shares the heartfelt impact that her first retreat experience had on her life, marking a turning point more profound than any personal therapy or career move she had experienced before. Ana and Sheri delve into how stepping away from one's usual environment into a retreat can spark powerful personal transformation by fostering a non-judgmental, experiential learning space.



Sheri discusses how her journey from a successful medical career to creating transformational retreats underscores the power of travel and experiential learning. She highlights that whether it's through reading influential books or attending spiritual retreats, the journey toward personal growth and self-awareness is significantly deepened by immersive experiences.







As they explore the trend of experiential and transformational travel, Sheri emphasizes the importance of crafting retreats that resonate meaningfully with participants, matching content to location and offering kinesthetic, unique experiences that are hard to achieve otherwise. They also highlight the importance of incorporating in-person retreats in a digital age.



Join us as Ana and Sheri discuss the lasting impact of retreat experiences and offer insights into designing your own transformative journeys.



Let's dive in!







This week on the MINDSET ZONE:



00:00 Life-Changing Retreat Experience



00:20 Introduction to the Mindset Zone



00:58 Meet Sherry Rosenthal: Retreat Strategist



01:56 Sherry's Bold Career Shift



05:44 The Transformative Power of Retreats



08:06 The Magic of In-Person Retreats



14:41 Crafting Experiential Retreats



20:49 The Growing Trend of Wellness Travel



22:48 Resources for Planning Your Own Retreat



24:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts







About The Guest



Sheri Rosenthal is the founder and chief retreat strategist at Wanderlust Entrepreneur®, where she helps heart-centered entrepreneurs create transformational, profitable retreats.



With over two decades of experience in the retreat industry, she's had the honor of working with top names, including don Miguel Ruiz, author of "The Four Agreements."  With a community of over 65,000 passion-fueled entrepreneurs, she empowers them to design, price, promote, and monetize transformational retreats that leave a lasting impact, while traveling the world and earning a profit to be proud of. 



Sheri is also the CEO of Journeys of the Spirit Travel, a boutique agency that has planned and managed over 1000 retreats worldwide since 2003.















Special Resource:



Ultimate Retreat Countdown Checklist & Jumpstart Guide







Connect with:



Linkedin.com/in/sherirosenthal



WanderlustEntrepreneur.com



JourneysOfTheSpirit.com







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Expand What’s Possible