Niren Chaudhary Reflects on Rebounding From Grief and His Successful Career Leading With Gratitude and Love
Release Date: 07/30/2025
From Prison to PhD, the Inspiring Life and Work of Dr. Stanley Andrisse
Blue Sky
Before Stan Andrisse was sentenced to ten years in prison for a Class A drug felony, the prosecutor had asked for a life sentence, suggesting that the defendant was irredeemable. In the years since, Stan, now “Dr. Andrisse” has proved this attorney and many others wrong. While in prison, he discovered an interest in science and endocrinology and today is a tenured professor at the Howard University College of Medicine. To create similar opportunities and career paths for others who are or have been incarcerated, he founded the nonprofit . Chapters:...
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Kevin Lowe on How He Found Hope After Losing His Sight
Blue Sky
Kevin Lowe has come a long way since he was seventeen years old and lost his eyesight during a medical procedure gone wrong. In this Blue Sky conversation, Kevin describes how he’s rallied from this devastating event to live a life full of resilience, purpose, and optimism. This episode concludes with a surprise musical feature, courtesy of Kevin himself. 00:00 Kevin Lowe’s Childhood & Early Life Kevin Lowe shares insights into his childhood in East Central Florida, highlighting a carefree upbringing centered around outdoor activities with his cousin...
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ENCORE PRESENTATION: TED Leader Chris Anderson on His New Book, Infectious Generosity, and Why He Believes That Now Is the Time for Us All to “Reclaim the Internet” for Good
Blue Sky
Chris Anderson was inspired by the growth of TED once they expanded from being simply a conference company to adding the concept of offering their talks free to the world over the internet. He’s now calling on us all to “reclaim the internet” and use it as a force for spreading less hate and division and more kindness and generosity. His new book, , lays out clearly the reasons why generosity is good for the world — as well as for us as individuals — then details a plan by which this movement can spread virally. Chris’s views on these subjects are aligned...
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ENCORE PRESENTATION: NYT Bestselling Author Matt Ridley on His Motivation to Write The Rational Optimist and Why He Believes That Human Prosperity Will Inevitably Continue to Increase
Blue Sky
Matt Ridley’s seminal book, , has inspired many since its publication in 2010 and greatly influenced the creation of The Optimism Institute. In this far-ranging discussion, Matt will describe an early education that he said was steeped in pessimism but how later in life he found that much of what he’d been taught was simply not true. This led him to set on a nearly evangelical quest to spread the word that interaction and trade between people and nations, including the free exchange of ideas, will continue to set us on an inexorable path towards increasing prosperity. ...
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Amy King’s Innovative and Optimistic Approach to Solving Homelessness in America
Blue Sky
Amy King watched the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and seeing people sheltered in a leaking football stadium inspired her to work with her husband on shelter solutions. The result was , a company that makes safe, secure, and easily assembled temporary shelters. In this episode she shares her inspiring story and details about her remarkable company. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Amy King and Pallet This chapter introduces Amy King, founder and CEO of Pallet, a public benefit corporation addressing homelessness. 02:07 From Child...
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Empathy Expert Mimi Nicklin Explains Why and How She’s Optimistically Attacking the World’s Empathy Deficit
Blue Sky
Mimi Nicklin left a successful career as a marketing executive to take on the task of educating the world on the value and power of empathy. In this episode, Mimi describes the alarming “empathy deficit,” its root causes, and practical strategies like self-empathy and “ALUR” (Authenticity, Listening, Understanding, Recognition) that she espouses to reconnect our workplaces and world. Chapters: 00:00 Mimi Nicklin’s Global Journey Mimi Nicklin, a British native, has spent nearly two decades living and working across Asia Pacific and the Middle East, finding...
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Technology Management Expert Paul Leonardi on Why Technology Exhausts Us and What We Can Do About It
Blue Sky
Paul Leonardi is an expert in technology management and has developed a deep understanding for why today’s digital tools—even those that are helpful—can contribute to our growing sense of exhaustion. Pulling from research he’s written about in his book he explains why this happens and as importantly, what we can do about it. Chapters: 02:00 Why Digital Exhaustion? Paul Leonardi discusses his 20-year career helping companies implement new technologies and his observation of the increasing dread people feel towards new tools. He highlights how the solutions...
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Guy Kawasaki Describes Working with Steve Jobs and Other Remarkable People Who’ve Used Optimism as a Strategic Advantage
Blue Sky
Guy Kawasaki has had an amazing life and career. After growing up in Hawaii, he went to California for college and later went on to what was then known as Apple Computer where he was a self-described “brand evangelist” during some of their highest growth and most entrepreneurial years. He describes Steve Jobs as being optimistic almost to the point of being delusional, and working for him has inspired Guy to be interested in mold-breaking people ever since, hence the name of his popular podcast, . He has also written 17 books on a variety of subjects, his latest being , which...
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Could Venture Capital Invest in World Peace? Guest Brian Abrams Has Set Out to Do Just That
Blue Sky
We all know that huge sums of money are invested in creating new, more effective weapons of war. Brian Abrams sees an opportunity to invest instead in what he calls “peace tech,” emerging businesses using technologies and creative methods designed to prevent war from happening in the first place. He’s created a new firm, , and in this Blue Sky episode he describes with infectious optimism his exciting vision for the future. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Brian Abrams Bill Burke introduces Brian Abrams, founder of B Ventures Group, an investment fund...
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Scott Nash Reflects on His Remarkable Career Marked by Curiosity, Experimentation, and Optimism
Blue Sky
Blue Sky host Bill Burke first met Scott Nash nearly 30 years ago, when both were working in the cable television business. In the years since, Scott has gone on to a successful career in publishing, both as an illustrator and an author, and with his wife Nancy co-founded on a small island in Maine. In this episode, Scott describes his outgoing, experimental, and optimistic nature and how these traits have led to his remarkable success in publishing, art direction, and non-profit entrepreneurship. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction & Early...
info_outlineNiren Chaudhary has led a remarkable life while overcoming intense personal tragedies. He describes his success in running global business as stemming from a foundational belief in putting his employees first and leading them with love, gratitude, and respect.
Chapters:
01:36 Meet Niren Chaudhary
Niren Chaudhary, a visionary leader and CEO, shares his impressive career journey, highlighting his roles at Panera Bread and Yum! Brands.
04:04 The Power of People in Business
Niren reflects on the significance of gratitude and treating employees well, emphasizing that a positive work culture leads to better customer experiences.
09:02 Balancing Work and Family
Niren discusses the challenges of managing global responsibilities while remaining committed to his family, sharing insights on leadership as a privilege.
12:00 Navigating Personal Tragedies
The conversation shifts to Niren’s personal life, where he opens up about the loss of his daughters and the impact of grief on his journey.
23:03 Finding Hope After Loss
Niren shares how he transformed his grief into personal growth, emphasizing the importance of self-love, acceptance, and hope in overcoming hardship.
26:36 Aisha’s Legacy
Niren honors his daughter Aisha’s remarkable life, discussing her courage and values that continue to inspire him and shape his outlook on life.
30:01 The Lens of Gratitude
Niren shares how viewing life through gratitude enriches our experiences and reflects on Aisha’s wisdom about the importance of generosity and fulfillment. He highlights the profound impact of her words, emphasizing that even hardships can lead to deeper appreciation.
32:00 Aisha’s Lasting Impact
Reflecting on Aisha’s life, Niren discusses the lessons learned from her limited time and how her legacy inspires him to embrace life fully. He reveals how her perspective on enjoying life despite challenges continues to shape his journey.
33:12 Exploring New Horizons
As Niren transitions from corporate life, he outlines his current endeavors aimed at unlocking human potential through coaching, academics, and writing. He shares his excitement for teaching at Harvard and the importance of inspiring future leaders.
36:06 Writing for Change
Niren discusses his motivation behind writing two new books focused on resilience and leadership, aiming to inspire those he hasn’t met. He emphasizes the importance of sharing life lessons to help others navigate their own challenges.
39:03 The Power of Self-Talk
In this segment, Niren introduces the themes of his books, particularly the significance of self-talk and resilience in shaping our responses to life’s challenges. He encourages listeners to cultivate a positive inner dialogue to foster personal growth.
41:00 Mastering Time and Focus
Niren shares his daily routines and time management strategies that allow him to balance multiple projects while maintaining focus. He emphasizes the importance of engaging in activities that bring joy and energy, avoiding distractions that drain productivity.
46:04 Habits for Life’s Marathon
Niren concludes with powerful insights on the importance of curiosity and resilience as key habits for navigating life’s challenges. He encourages listeners to embrace learning and commit to their goals, even when faced with obstacles.