#18: Navigating Through Change with Dr Maya Shankar

SPIN IT: Business & Crisis Management with Stephynie Malik

When she tore major ligaments in her hand while studying to become a world class violinist, everything changed for our guest, Dr. Maya Shankar. Amid challenges and adversity, she had to pivot her career, discover new passions, and wade the waters of change, until she eventually found enormous success in the field of behavioral science.

Maya is currently the Senior Director of Behavioral Economics at Google and hosts the podcast, “A Slight Change of Plans''. She previously worked in the Obama White House founding the White House's Behavioral Science Team — a team of scientists charged with improving public policy using research insights about human behavior.

On the show today we learn about how Maya’s childhood passion for the violin came to an abrupt stop after her injury. We hear about the path that led her to behavioral science, and the unrelenting tenacity she learned from her mother. We’ll also talk about behavioral science in the workplace, and the origins of Maya’s podcast “A Slight Change of Plans”.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in your path, not sure how to move forward, today’s episode is for you. Keep listening!

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Timestamps:

00:35- Dr. Maya’s Childhood and History Playing the Violin

05:18- Dr. Maya’s Discovery of Her Passion for Cognitive Science

07:10- How Dr. Maya Dealt with Social Repercussions After Her Injury

09:19- Dr. Maya Dealing with Imposter Syndrome in College

13:21- How Dr. Maya’s Mother Influenced Her Fearlessness

17:27- Stephynie and Dr. Maya on Fear and Tenacity

29:54- The Uncertainty Dr. Maya Faced During Her Career Transitions

36:48- How Behavioral Science Can Influence the Workplace

39:50- Changing People’s Perceptions

42:45- Dr. Maya’s Biggest Obstacle Turned Into an Opportunity

43:44- The Purpose of Dr. Maya’s Podcast

Mentioned in the Episode:

Dr. Maya’s Podcast- https://www.pushkin.fm/host/maya-shankar/

Dr. Maya’s Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/drmayashankar/