The Cognitive Science Behind Sudden Change

The podcast explores the concept of resilience and adapting to sudden change, particularly in the context of work and personal identity. Cognitive scientist Maya Shankar discusses strategies for navigating unforeseen life changes, drawing from her book "The Other Side of Change." Shankar emphasizes the importance of understanding one's core values or "why" to maintain a stable identity when external circumstances shift, using her experience of losing her ability to play the violin as an example. The conversation also covers building resilience as a skill, the role of moral elevation in expanding one's sense of possibility, and strategies for leaders to support employees facing change, including recognizing when burnout stems from a lack of meaning rather than overwork.