In the latest episode of The Rodcast Podcast, I had the privilege of speaking with Carmen Alvarez, a distinguished leader at Mass General Brigham and Harvard Medical School. Carmen has spent her career at the forefront of healthcare innovation, combining mindfulness and integrative medicine to improve lives. Her journey from personal grief to professional purpose is nothing short of inspiring.

Here’s what we discussed:

1. Purpose Born from Loss Carmen shared how losing her brother, a heroic first responder, reshaped her outlook on life and sparked her mission to help others navigate challenges like grief and burnout.
2. Breathwork and the Nervous System She explained how something as simple as intentional breathing can activate the parasympathetic nervous system—reducing stress and improving resilience.
3. Reiki in Top-Tier Healthcare At one of the world’s leading hospitals, Carmen integrates Reiki to help patients manage pain, anxiety, and chronic conditions. Her work bridges traditional and holistic medicine.
4. Happiness by Choice Drawing from her chapter in the book Happiness by Choice, Carmen emphasized the power of self-compassion and curiosity in transforming life’s toughest moments.

A Thought to Leave You With:

"Healing isn’t about pretending you’re okay. It’s about feeling everything and letting it guide your transformation."

Carmen’s approach proves that blending science with mindfulness can lead to profound changes—both for individuals and organizations. If you’re curious about practical ways to bring well-being into your life or workplace, this episode is for you.

More about Carmen:

Contact:

X: @CarmenTAlvarez | @CAYAWellness

IG: @CarmenAlvarezWellness

Fostering a Culture of Well-Being in Healthcare Organizations: https://medium.com/@CarmenAlvarezWellness/fostering-a-culture-of-wellbeing-in-healthcare-organizations-d03ebdd61b7e

The Integration of Wellness Practices in Medicine and Impact on Patient Outcomes: https://medium.com/@CarmenAlvarezWellness/the-integration-of-wellness-practices-in-medicine-impact-on-patient-outcomes-4537b0ab4f72

In the latest episode of The Dr. Rodcast Podcast, I had the honor of speaking with Dr. Edward Griffor, a mathematician and visionary whose career spans decades, disciplines, and continents. From Harvard to MIT, from a NATO postdoctoral fellowship in Norway to groundbreaking work in Sweden, Dr. Griffor has dedicated his life to addressing some of the world’s most complex challenges.

In this episode, we explored: The evolution of mathematics from philosophy to practical applications .How his work shaped the development of driverless cars and robotic surgery . The intersection of healthcare, AI, and engineering—including efforts to 3D-print human tissue Insights from his time working in Europe, the Soviet Union, South America, and beyond.

Dr. Griffor also shared thought-provoking ideas about trust in technology, the role of mental models, and how global collaboration is key to solving problems in healthcare and beyond.

This is a conversation for anyone passionate about innovation, the power of interdisciplinary work, and the future of humanity.

In this episode, we dive deep into the complex dynamics of inequality in organizations, focusing on body, gender, race, and sexuality. Professor Boncori's research sheds light on the often overlooked experiences of early pregnancy endings and their profound impact on individuals and workplaces.

Here are some key takeaways:

1. Intersection of Personal and Professional Lives: We discuss how old school management practices that separate personal life from work are outdated. Personal experiences, including pregnancy endings, significantly impact professional life.
2. Arbitrary Legal Boundaries: The conversation highlights the stark differences in legal entitlements based on pregnancy timelines, and how these arbitrary boundaries affect support and rights.
3. Emotional and Physical Recovery: Professor Boncori emphasizes the need for compassionate workplace policies that consider both emotional and physical recovery, as well as the importance of offering flexible leave options.
4. Stigma and Disclosure: We explore the stigma around pregnancy loss, particularly with abortion and termination, and the challenges of disclosing such experiences in the workplace.
5. Supportive Work Environments: The episode underscores the importance of creating supportive and inclusive work environments that recognize the holistic experiences of employees.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in organizational behavior, HR management, and creating inclusive workplaces. Tune in to gain valuable insights and learn how we can better support our colleagues through challenging personal experiences.

Prof Ilaria Boncori: personal web page https://www.essex.ac.uk/people/BONCO04906/Ilaria-Boncori

Email: iboncori@essex.ac.uk

X: @BoncoriIlaria

Linkedin: Ilaria Boncori https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilaria-boncori-phd-pfhea-fcipd-518537/?trk=public_post_main-feed-card_reshare-text&originalSubdomain=uk

Project website: https://www.essex.ac.uk/research-projects/supporting-early-pregnancy-endings-in-the-workplace/resources

#Rodcast #Podcast #WorkplaceInequality #Inclusion #HRManagement #PregnancyLoss #MentalHealth #WorkplaceSupport #UniversityOfEssex