31 | The Bright Spot Mindset: Designing Systems Where People Thrive

What if the best solutions in your organization are already happening—but you’re too focused on fixing problems to notice them?

In this episode of The Workplace Therapy Podcast by Unity & Company, host Scott Arrieta sits down with Dr. Ur Barzel, Vanderbilt faculty member and change management expert, to explore the practice of bright spot thinking. Together, they uncover how small, overlooked wins can be amplified into systemic change.

Through stories ranging from hospital safety to city planning to an unexpected moment at a hockey game, Scott and Ur reveal how curiosity, psychological safety, and non-traditional leadership create the conditions for people to thrive. You’ll also hear how to use the “miracle question” to uncover hidden wisdom in your team, and why courage and humility matter more than positional authority.

If you’re a leader looking for practical, human-centered ways to build resilience and unlock your culture, this conversation offers powerful tools and inspiring examples you can apply right away.