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In this first episode of a series of 7, Aldo interviews Dr. Michael Vlerick about his new book, 'Why We Are Not Happier.'  They discuss the book launch and the reception it received. They explore the concept of happiness versus our genes, highlighting the hyperactive threat detection and negativity bias that can hinder our happiness. They also discuss the role of ambition and the importance of changing our perspective to achieve long-term happiness. The conversation explores the concept of true happiness and how we often look in the wrong places for it. It emphasizes the importance of understanding what truly makes us happy and how we can achieve a deep and lasting happiness that is not dependent on external circumstances.  The conversation also highlights the need to recognise the patterns and norms that may lead us astray in our pursuit of happiness. Takeaways External circumstances have less impact on our long-term happiness than we tend to think. Our genes can influence our happiness, but there are practices and insights that can help us overcome genetic obstacles. We have a tendency to focus on the negative aspects of our lives and get used to improved conditions quickly. Negativity bias leads us to remember negative events more vividly and have a greater psychological impact. Ambition can be a motivator, but it's important to have intrinsic motivations and realistic expectations. Changing our perspective and working on certain practices can lead to long-term happiness. True happiness is not found in external elements but in understanding what truly makes us happy. We are often primed to look in the wrong direction for happiness, influenced by media and societal norms. Negativity bias and hedonic adaptation are common obstacles to happiness, but we can overcome them. The next episode will explore those elements in our environment that hinder our happiness and what we can do about it. You can find out more about Dr. Michael Vlerick here: https://www.michaelvlerick.com/ This Episode is made in partnership with:  Cold Case Inc (use the code MESSY and get an exclusive 15% discount):https://bit.ly/3HN75PD Riverside (get a 20% discount by signing up via this link): https://bit.ly/3HCU4IC Preworn: Get a 25% discount using the code MESSY25: https://bit.ly/49bEXlD The Code Zone: https://bit.ly/3UlspmU  

Join us in this round table conversation with education giants: Wendy Kopp, Cindy Mi, and Dr. Shannon May as we explore the potential impact of AI on teaching and learning globally.    Aldo's guests discuss the importance of embracing AI with care and highlight the need for governments and education systems to take a proactive approach in adopting it. The panel also discusses the potential benefits and concerns of AI in education, including issues around equity and quality.    Listen in to this conversation recorded for WISE11 in Doha that emphasizes the integration and collaboration of various stakeholders, including teachers, governments, and Edtech companies, to ensure the safe, responsible and effective use of AI.   Takeaways: Embrace AI with care, considering its potential benefits and concerns. Governments and education systems should take a proactive approach in adopting AI. Integration and collaboration among stakeholders are crucial for the responsible and effective use of AI in education. AI has the potential to empower teachers and improve learning outcomes. Wendy Kopp is the founder of Teach for All: https://teachforall.org/ Cindy Mi is the founder of VIPKid: https://www.vipkid.com/teach Dr. Shannon May is the founder and CEO of Newglobe: https://newglobe.education   This Episode is made in partnership with:    Cold Case Inc (use the code MESSY and get an exclusive 15% discount): https://bit.ly/3HN75PD Riverside (get a 20% discount by signing up via this link): https://bit.ly/3HCU4IC Preworn: Get a 25% discount using the code MESSY25: https://bit.ly/49bEXlD The Code Zone: https://bit.ly/3UlspmU

In this episode, Aldo interviews Cath Bishop, an Olympian and former war diplomat. Cath shares her journey from being a non-sporty child to becoming an Olympic rower, training rigorously and competing in three Olympic Games. She discusses the challenges she faced and the pressure to perform, as well as the importance of defining success beyond medals. Kath also talks about her transition to working as a diplomat for the British Foreign Office, where she focused on conflict issues and rebuilding post-war zones. She reflects on the complexities of diplomacy in conflict situations and the lessons she learned from her experiences. In this conversation, Cath Bishop discusses the importance of support and vulnerability in a team, the need to look after each other, the role of coaching and challenging others, redefining success in education, the value of failure, childhood aspirations, and a book recommendation. Takeaways Success should be defined beyond medals and awards, focusing on personal growth, meaningful contributions, and lasting value. The pursuit of excellence should be balanced with rest, recovery, and a broader identity beyond one's profession or achievements. The pressure to win and the obsession with medals can lead to feelings of emptiness and a lack of fulfillment. In conflict situations, diplomacy is challenging and often limited by the hostile environment, but it is crucial to work towards political solutions and stability. True happiness comes from contributing to something bigger than oneself and finding purpose in one's actions. Support and vulnerability are crucial in a team environment. Looking after each other is essential for individual and team well-being. Coaching and challenging others can lead to personal growth and improved performance. Redefining success in education involves focusing on broader measures of achievement. Failure is a valuable learning tool and can lead to personal growth and improvement. Childhood aspirations can be diverse and may change over time. Margaret Heffernan's books offer valuable insights into culture and success. Interviewing Olympians who didn't win medals can provide valuable lessons and perspectives. You can find out more about Cath by going to her website: https://cathbishop.com/ This Episode is made in partnership with:  The Code Zone: https://bit.ly/3UlspmU Cold Case Inc (use the code MESSY and get an exclusive 15% discount): https://bit.ly/3HN75PD Riverside (get a 20% discount by signing up via this link): https://bit.ly/3HCU4IC

Ben Nelson, founder of the Minerva Project, talks to Aldo about the meaning of innovation and the importance of purpose-driven reform in education. He emphasizes the need for institutions to have a clear mission and values that guide decision-making. Nelson explains the selectivity of Minerva University and its focus on nurturing critical wisdom for the sake of the world. He highlights the interconnectedness of society and the need for leaders with integrity to make responsible decisions in the age of AI. Nelson calls for a denouncement of the current educational system and a shift towards systematic thinking and ethical frameworks. Takeaways Innovation should be driven by purpose and outcome, not just for the sake of being innovative. Reform can be more effective than disruption when it comes to improving institutions. Education should focus on nurturing critical wisdom and preparing individuals to make decisions of consequence. The current educational system needs to be denounced and replaced with a value system that prioritizes systematic thinking and ethical frameworks. You can find more about the Minerva Project here: https://www.minervaproject.com Read more about Minerva University here: https://www.minerva.edu/     Big thank you to our sponsors:  The Code Zone: https://bit.ly/3UlspmU Cold Case Inc (use the code MESSY and get an exclusive 15% discount): https://bit.ly/3HN75PD Riverside (get a 20% discount by signing up via this link): https://bit.ly/3HCU4IC

Isabelle Hau, Executive Director of the Stanford Accelerator for Learning, discusses with Aldo the difference between ‘Education' and ‘Learning’. Isabelle emphasises the importance of lifelong learning and why we should expand its definition beyond traditional schooling. She explains to Aldo the goals of the Accelerator to put vital research more quickly into practice so it can have a higher impact on education.  Isabelle also highlights the challenges of scaling impact and the importance of sustainability. Aldo and Isabelle discuss the role of AI in education, emphasizing the need for interactivity and the integration of AI with existing technology.  Some takeaways There is a difference between education and learning, and it is important to expand such definitions beyond traditional schooling. Lifelong learning is crucial, and learning happens both inside and outside of school. The Stanford Accelerator for Learning seeks to accelerate to put Academic Research into practice and supports projects with a high impact on education. AI has the potential to enhance education, but it should be integrated with existing technology and designed with educators' input.

A remarkable interview about resilience, passion and trying to make an impact on this world. Aldo speaks to Jo Besford and Mark Swartz, founders of GreenShoots an organisation focused on improving numeracy and Maths skills of all students in South Africa. You can find out more about GreenShoots here: https://www.greenshootsedu.co.za/ This interview was recorded at the World Innovation Summit for Education in Doha in November 2023. You can find out more about WISE by going here: https://www.wise-qatar.org/

Our very last episode of the year analyses what makes us human beings happy. Aldo speaks to Dr. Michael Vlerick, our most listened to guest of 2023, about his new book ‘Why We Are Not Happier’ and what makes us tick in an era of negative news clickbait and social media depression. We explore terms like ‘hedonic adaptation’ and ’negativity bias’ all carefully explained by this great philosopher who explains his reasons to publish his third book.  Michael is an assistant professor in philosophy of science at Tilburg University and authored two previous books "De tweede vervreemding" and "Critical and Scientific Thinking”. He gives talks on topics such as global cooperation, critical thinking and happiness.  For more on Michael you can go here: https://www.michaelvlerick.com/ You can purchase his latest book (in Dutch) here: https://www.bol.com/be/nl/f/waarom-we-niet-gelukkiger-zijn/9300000148166225/ You can purchase the eBook version of his book here: https://www.amazon.com/Waarom-niet-gelukkiger-zijn-Dutch-ebook/dp/B0C8RPTKSV/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1HK71L23R5ZXY&keywords=waarom+we+niet+gelukkiger+zijn&qid=1702384163&sprefix=waarom+we+niet+gelukkiger+zijn%2Caps%2C174&sr=8-1

Aldo shares his reflections on attending WISE11 in Doha on November 28th and 29th, 2023.  You can help out those who have been deprived of an education because of war by making a small donation to one of the following organisations: UNICEF for Gaza: https://www.unicef.org.uk/donate/children-in-gaza-crisis-appeal/ Education Above All: https://donate.educationaboveall.org Find out more about WISE here: https://www.wise-qatar.org/

Aldo takes you through the 12 books he read this year. Listen in and be inspired by this list of books, some of them recommended by previous guests on Messy and Masterful.  'A House for Mr. Biswas' by V.S. Naipaul: https://amzn.eu/d/davSL9e 'The Practice of Groundedness' by Brad Stuhlberg: https://amzn.eu/d/1ZLbTxx 'The Years' by Annie Ernaux: https://amzn.eu/d/gIS1yEC 'Demon Copperhead' by Barbara Kingsolver: https://amzn.eu/d/gU4zce7 ‘Siddhartha' by Herman Hesse: https://amzn.eu/d/5lIu8n3 'Man Search for Meaning' by Viktor E. Frankl: https://amzn.eu/d/8xxVVRM 'The Covenant of Water' by Abraham Verghese: https://amzn.eu/d/8147pNe ‘Afterlives' by Abdulrazak Gunrah: https://amzn.eu/d/eVSQTK3 'If You Want to Write' by Brenda Ueland: https://amzn.eu/d/fgaaGcT ‘Build The Life You Want’ by Arthur C. Brooks and Oprah Winfrey: https://amzn.eu/d/b4596xt ‘The Big Leap’ by Gay Hendricks: https://amzn.eu/d/17hnLHb ‘The Gene: An Intimate History’ by Siddhartha Mukherjee: https://amzn.eu/d/57uBkhW

A great conversation with Dr. Charles Wiles about entrepreneurship, education, software and AI.  Charles shares with Aldo his experience and insights on working for and building technology companies and explains what drives him to ensure his current endeavour will be a big success.  Find out more about Dr. Wiles company Zzish here: https://www.zzish.com/

A deep conversation about career choices, family life and health with professional negotiator and Headhunter Laurence Dewaele. Aldo speaks with Laurence about her journey from being a lawyer at one of the top firms on the planet to becoming an expert in negotiation and Executive Search.  Laurence speaks about the book she co-authored called ‘Eat Sleep Negotiate!’ together with Katia Tieleman.  The Dutch version of this book will be available as of March 2024 and you can pre-order it here. https://www.lannoo.be/nl/eat-sleep-negotiate

A frank conversation with Nandita Vij Tan who speaks about her journey coming from India to France, studying to become a journalist at one of the best schools in the country.  Nandita shares her professional insights and experiences (good and bad) on telling stories, what makes them different when told online and sheds a light on how to deal with confused information through social media manipulated with AI or into fake news or alternative facts.  You can read more about Nandita’s work as Editor-in-Chief at ArtExplored here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-does-art-mean-you-nandita-vij-tandan/