Richard Boyatzis is a distinguished university professor at Case Western Reserve University and one of the world’s leading experts on intentional change and emotional intelligence. With degrees from MIT and Harvard, he has spent nearly six decades researching how people and organizations can create lasting, positive transformation.
Richard is the author and co-author of ten books, including the international bestseller Primal Leadership, Helping People Change, and his newest release The Science of Change. His work blends neuroscience, psychology, and organizational behavior to uncover how vision, renewal, and resonant relationships drive real growth - making him a go-to voice for anyone looking to reimagine their career, leadership, or life.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN:
00:02: Michael Gardon frames the episode: why most people don’t change until forced, introducing Richard Boyatzis and the science of intentional change.
02:25: Change is vital at every level, but regressive forces and social pressure make sustained change rare.
04:51: Most resolutions fail within weeks; even MBA programs often have little to no impact on developing real leadership skills.
06:46: Defensiveness narrows thinking, creates blame, and blocks innovation.
08:19: Four out of five workers are disengaged, stress and loneliness are rising, and humans naturally seek reinvention every 7–10 years.
11:23: Stress physiology (fight-or-flight) impairs cognition, narrows vision, suppresses immunity, and reduces neurogenesis—closing off openness to change.
16:00: COVID isolation damaged brain areas tied to renewal and connection. The antidote is rebuilding through interaction, fun, and caring.
17:28: Renewal practices (PEA) that counter stress include meditation, prayer to a loving God, modest exercise, hope, service, loving relationships, pets, playing music/dancing, laughter, and nature.
19:52: Small, frequent doses of renewal (not long sessions) are critical to keep people open to possibility- especially in liminal, “stuck” phases.
21:08: The first step is creating a personal vision: envision your ideal self 10–15 years out. Vision inspires change more than specific goals.
23:19: Playful prompts (“What if you won $80M?”) or gratitude exercises (“Who helped you most?”) can unlock openness when stuck.
25:47: Focus on moving toward what you want using strengths, rather than trying to fix weaknesses.
30:18: Counterintuitive truths: start with vision (not goals/problems) and don’t try to do it alone-resonant relationships are crucial for sustaining change.
35:07: Rest is necessary, but renewal is different: micro-moments of joy, hope, or connection spread throughout the day create resilience and openness.
49:20: The five stages of intentional change:
- Ideal Self (vision/purpose)
- Real Self (how others see you, strengths/weaknesses)
- Learning Agenda (laddered to vision, not random goals)
- Experimentation (trying new approaches)
- Practice (repetition + supportive relationships)
55:52: Frequent, small doses of renewal are what help people move through each stage and combat uncertainty.
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BOOKS AND RESOURCES
Books
- Primal Leadership - Daniel Goleman, Richard Boyatzis, Annie McKee
- Helping People Change - Richard Boyatzis, Melvin Smith, Ellen Van Oosten
- The Science of Change - Richard Boyatzis
- Dan Silva novels (Gabriel Allon series) - inspiration outside of research
Courses & Programs
- Richard Boyatzis’s MOOCs on Coursera (leadership & intentional change)
- Berklee School of Music online courses (jazz guitar example mentioned)
- Graduate and executive programs at Weatherhead School of Management, Case Western Reserve University (focus on leading change)
Renewal Practices (PEA)
- Meditation, yoga, tai chi, prayer to a loving God
- Modest exercise, hopeful reading, caring for others
- Loving relationships, pets, playing music/dancing
- Laughter, playfulness, and time in nature
Vision & Reflection Exercises
- Personal Visioning: Envision your ideal self 10–15 years from now
- Lottery Prompt: Imagine winning $80M — how would your life/work change?
- Gratitude Reflection: Who helped you most in life? Recall key moments
- Meaning Check: Keep asking “Why am I doing this?” to dig deeper
- Core Values: Define what you believe life is truly about
Relational & Social Tools
- Build resonant relationships that share vision, purpose, and compassion
- Join or create peer coaching groups, support groups, or study circles
- Be cautious of old groups that may keep you stuck in past patterns
Research-Based Practices
- Use a 360° assessment or ask 20–25 people: “When have you seen me at my best?”
- Keep visual reminders (photos, art, pets) to spark joy and renewal
- Focus on small, frequent moments of renewal (6 × 15 min per day > 1 long session)
