Dr. Vikas Shah MBE DL Interviews the world's leading thinkers, and the people shaping the century.

The Harvard Study of Adult Development is an extraordinary scientific endeavour that began in 1938 and is still going strong. For over eight decades, the study has tracked the same individuals and their families, asking thousands of questions and taking hundreds of measurements—from brain scans to blood work—with the goal of discovering what really makes for a good life. Leading this study is Dr. Robert J. Waldinger. His work has given us unparalleled depth of insight into the factors that contribute to a fulfilling life. The Harvard Study has illuminated the profound importance of relationships, health, and personal satisfaction in shaping our well-being. The study’s findings have not only redefined our understanding of happiness but also inspired a shift in societal attitudes towards mental health and personal fulfilment. Now, Waldinger is sharing his insights in his new book, “The Good Life: Lessons from the World’s Longest Study on Happiness”. This compelling read distills decades of groundbreaking research into an engaging exploration of what truly matters in life. Waldinger’s book is not just a testament to the power of science in illuminating the human condition, but also a guide, offering readers practical wisdom on how to cultivate their own ‘good life’. In this interview, I speak to Dr. Robert J. Waldinger, the Author, Zen Priest and Professor, who leads the Harvard Study on Adult Development. We discuss what a study of thousands of people, from birth through to old-age reveals about what really matters to lead a ‘good life.’  

Professor Zeynep Ton is the driving force behind the Good Jobs movement. She’s a leading advocate for excellence in leadership and the creation of ‘good jobs’ – those that offer a decent wage, dignity, and room for career advancement. She is the author of The Case for Good Jobs and The Good Jobs Strategy. She believes in the power of good jobs combined with robust operations to boost productivity and make businesses more competitive. In an increasingly tight labor market, failing to offer good jobs can harm your business, and Ton is here to guide you out of that danger zone. As the president of the Good Jobs Institute and a leading academic in this field, Ton has helped numerous business leaders implement a good jobs system. Her hands-on experience working with frontline workers and managers gives her a unique insight into the challenges that keep businesses stuck in mediocrity. Implementing a good jobs system, she argues, not only makes businesses more resilient and competitive, but also helps them attract and retain dedicated employees and loyal customers. Stay tuned as we delve deeper into Ton’s insights and strategies. In this interview I speak to MIT Sloan Professor, Zeynep Ton. We discuss the need for a fundamental rethink on the nature of today’s jobs, and how adopting ‘Good Jobs’ can make our businesses more profitable and improve millions of lives in the process.

Andrew McCarthy, renowned Brat Pack actor and award-winning travel writer, has captured audiences over decades with his versatile talents. Having delivered unforgettable performances in 80s classics like “Pretty in Pink” and “St. Elmo’s Fire,” and acclaimed travel writing for outlets like National Geographic, McCarthy has continuously reinvented himself. His latest project, “Walking with Sam,” recounts a profound journey with his son along Spain’s famed Camino de Santiago. Initially aimed at reconnecting with his son, this trek evolved into an enlightening odyssey of self-discovery, fatherhood complexities, and the power of simple acts of love. In this interview, I speak to Andrew McCarthy on what acting can teach us about life, and what a 500 mile walk with his son taught him about fatherhood, and meaning.

Dr. Rudolph Tanzi is a titan in the field of neurogenetics, where his groundbreaking research is reshaping our understanding of Alzheimer’s disease. As the Director of the Genetics and Aging Research Unit at Massachusetts General Hospital, Co-Director of the McCance Center for Brain Health and the Joseph P. and Rose F. Kennedy Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School, he’s at the forefront of innovative Alzheimer’s research. His pioneering work includes the discovery of all three early-onset familial Alzheimer’s disease genes and the creation of the revolutionary “Alzheimer’s-in-a-Dish” model, which has catalyzed drug discovery for Alzheimer’s treatment. With his relentless pursuit of knowledge and novel treatments, Tanzi is a true game-changer, inspiring hope in the face of a devastating disease. Beyond his groundbreaking scientific contributions, Dr. Tanzi is also a New York Times bestselling author, co-authoring international bestsellers like “Super Brain”, “Super Genes”, and “The Healing Self” with Dr. Deepak Chopra. His unique ability to distill complex scientific concepts into accessible narratives has made these works invaluable resources for those seeking to understand the intricacies of the mind and health. Tanzi’s multifaceted brilliance – as a scientist, author, and communicator – continues to illuminate our path towards understanding and overcoming Alzheimer’s disease. In this interview, I speak to Dr. Rudolph Tanzi, one of the world’s foremost experts on Alzheimer’s disease and brain health. Our discussion navigates the terrain of brain evolution as we age, delving deep into the triggers, diagnosis methods, and potential remedies for Alzheimer’s disease. We shine a light on the groundbreaking research and promising therapies that hold the potential to mitigate the havoc wrought by this debilitating illness. Our exploration is a beacon of hope, illuminating the path towards a future less burdened by this devastating disease.

General H.R. McMaster served as a commissioned officer in the US Army for thirty-four years. He retired as a Lieutenant General in 2018 after serving as the United States 26th National Security Advisor. Today, McMaster is the Fouad and Michelle Ajami Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University. He is also the Bernard and Susan Liautaud Fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute and lecturer at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business. McMaster designed the future army as the director of the Army Capabilities Integration Center and the deputy commanding general, futures, of the US Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC). As commanding general of the Maneuver Center of Excellence at Fort Benning, he oversaw all training and education for the army’s infantry, armor, and cavalry force. He has commanded organizations in wartime including the Combined Joint Inter-Agency Task Force—Shafafiyat in Kabul, Afghanistan, from 2010 to 2012; the Third Armored Cavalry Regiment in Iraq from 2005 to 2006; and Eagle Troop, Second Armored Cavalry Regiment in Operation Desert Storm from 1990 to 1991. McMaster also served overseas as advisor to the most senior commanders in the Middle East, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He is author of the bestselling books Battlegrounds: The Fight to Defend the Free World and Dereliction of Duty: Lyndon Johnson, Robert McNamara, the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Lies that Led to Vietnam. McMaster is the host of Battlegrounds: International Perspectives on Crucial Challenges and Opportunities In this interview, I speak to General H. R. McMaster, Former National Security Advisor to the United States. We discuss the current state of global security, the security and foreign policy challenges facing our world, and whether we should be hopeful for the future of global peace.

Lawrence Krauss is a renowned theoretical physicist, bestselling author, and celebrated lecturer who has greatly contributed to various areas of physics and cosmology. Krauss’s significant scientific contribution includes the 1995 proposal that most of the Universe’s energy resides in empty space, confirmed in 1999 and awarded a Nobel Prize in 2011. He built top-ranked Physics Graduate Research Programs and created pioneering initiatives like the Center for Education and Research in Cosmology and Astrophysics, and a Masters Program in Physics Entrepreneurship. As a part of his tenure at Arizona State University, he led the Origins Project and podcast, an internationally recognized initiative fostering transdisciplinary workshops and public engagement events on topics like the origins of the universe, human origins, consciousness, and culture. “The Edge of Knowledge” represents the culmination of Krauss’s quest to unravel the mysteries of the universe. In it, he takes us on an enthralling journey, meandering from the vast reaches of the cosmos to the intricate details of life itself. But this is more than just a voyage through the known; it is an invitation to explore the “unknown unknowns” that await us at the very edge of our comprehension. With “The Edge of Knowledge”, Lawrence Krauss offers more than just a book. He provides a compass for those eager to venture into the uncharted territories of science and an inspiration for all who believe in the power of knowledge to transform our understanding of the universe. In this interview, I speak to Lawrence Krauss, theoretical physicist, bestselling author, and President of the Origins Project. We discuss some of the biggest questions facing our civilisation including the nature of time, space, and the universe.

Many of us spend hours every day indulging in Instagram’s infinite scroll. Influencers didn’t exist fifteen years ago, but today these tastemakers impact how we cook, consume, parent, decorate, think, and live. Despite influencers’ prevalence in our lives, what goes on behind the perfectly curated Instagram grids we obsess over most largely remains a mystery—until now.  Stephanie McNeal, a senior editor at Glamour (formerly at BuzzFeed News) takes us behind the curtain, into the secretive real world of influencers in SWIPE UP FOR MORE!: Inside the Unfiltered Lives of Influencers. Given unprecedented access to three major influencers—fashion and lifestyle juggernaut Caitlin Covington of Southern Curls & Pearls, runner and advocate Mirna Valerio, and OG “mommy blogger” Shannon Bird—SWIPE UP FOR MORE! is based on three years of fly-on-thewall reporting as they build their empires, struggle with the haters and snarkers, fight for creative control from the tech platforms that enable their businesses, parent in public, and try to look good while doing it. In this interview, I speak to Stephanie McNeal, Senior Editor at Glamour. We discuss the scale, impact and role of influencers in our lives and economy.  

Kevin Kelly, a visionary luminary of our digital age, is renowned as the founding executive editor of Wired magazine, a definitive chronicle of the technological revolution, and the author of groundbreaking books like “Out of Control” and “The Inevitable.” Known for his prescient insights into technology and its impact on society, he has been an inspiring force, articulating a hopeful and thrilling vision of our future, as intertwined with technology. An intellectual trailblazer, he continually challenges us to broaden our horizons and to embrace change and innovation as inevitable components of progress. In this interview, I speak to Kevin Kelly about his latest masterpiece, “Excellent Advice for Life,” in which Kelly propels us further into a profound understanding of the human experience. In this book, he adeptly combines his wisdom acquired through years of immersion in technology and culture, providing enlightening guidance for navigating life’s complexities with courage, curiosity, and resilience. In Kevin Kelly, we find an indispensable guide for the unfolding narrative of the 21st century.

Tara Brach, a renowned meditation teacher, psychologist, and author, has long been a beacon of hope and inspiration for countless individuals seeking solace, healing, and spiritual growth. With her profound wisdom and compassionate guidance, Tara has helped people from all walks of life navigate the complexities of the human experience, transforming suffering into a path of growth, self-compassion, and inner peace. From her early days as a grassroots organizer and yoga practitioner to her time in an ashram and subsequent Buddhist Insight Meditation retreat, Tara’s journey has been marked by a thirst for wisdom and an unwavering commitment to unconditional and loving presence. As the founder of the Insight Meditation Community of Washington, DC (IMCW), one of the largest non-residential meditation centers in the United States, Tara has cultivated a vast following through her podcast, which is downloaded over 3 million times each month. Her work in spreading mindfulness and compassion has extended to pressing global issues such as racial injustice, equity, inclusivity, peace, and environmental sustainability. In this interview, I speak to Tara Brach (meditation teacher, psychologist, and author). We discuss the role of spirituality in our lives, the power of meditation, how we can find our connection with the world, and with each other.

From the sandy beaches of Australia to the bustling walkways of international fashion, Brian Smith has masterfully navigated his entrepreneurial journey with audacity, resilience, and a surfer’s spirit. Born with an insatiable passion for surfing, Brian has not only ridden waves but also the tides of the business world. A chartered accountant turned innovative entrepreneur, he spotted the untapped potential of sheepskin boots and introduced them to California. This marked the genesis of UGG, a brand that faced its share of rejections, only to emerge as an icon in the footwear industry, thanks to Brian’s unwavering faith and tenacity. Today, UGG is more than just a brand; it’s a global phenomenon that has redefined comfort and style in footwear. Generating billions of dollars in annual sales, UGG stands as a testament to Brian’s vision, perseverance, and entrepreneurial prowess. In this interivew, I speak to Brian Smith, Founder of UGG. We talk about his entrepreneurial journey, why it’s important to see businesses through the lens of life stages, and what it takes to build a global brand with incredible consumer loyalty.

In our age of digital omnipresence, a discordance has evolved between our ever-connected world and our increasing sense of disconnection. This imbalance, brought about by the saturation of our lives with smartphones and social media, is causing significant disruptions to our brains, and consequently, our lives. Carl D. Marci, MD, a renowned authority in social and consumer neuroscience, sheds light on this issue. Marci’s research explores the compelling evidence that excessive digital engagement is rewiring our brains, leading us to forsake the robust, nourishing relationships that keep us grounded and healthy. Instead, we gravitate towards transient and less substantial connections. In this interview, I speak to Carl D. Marci, MD – one of the world’s foremost psychiatrists and experts on social and consumer neuroscience. We discuss the urgent need for us to protect our brains in the digital age.

Dr. Kelly Richmond Pope is a renowned expert in forensic accounting, risk, and white-collar crime research. She is the Dr. Barry Jay Epstein Endowed Professor of Forensic Accounting at DePaul University and has won several awards for her contributions to education and documentary filmmaking. Her expertise lies in identifying financial fraud risk and assessing corporate culture and compliance systems. Dr. Pope’s research on executive misconduct resulted in the award-winning documentary, All the Queen’s Horses, which explores the largest municipal fraud in U.S. history. She is also known for her TED Talk, “How Whistle-blowers Shape History,” which has been translated into 20 languages and viewed over 1.6 million times. Her new book Fool Me Once talks about the scams, stories and secrets from the trillion-dollar fraud industry. In this interview, I speak to Dr. Kelly Richmond Pope about the types of fraud and ethical missteps that leaders will encounter, the importance of governance and process, common holes in most companies that make them open to fraud and ethics issues, and how we can protect ourselves and our businesses.

Dean Karnazes is a living testament to the limitless potential of the human spirit. He has become one of the most inspiring and accomplished ultramarathon runners in the world. Throughout his career, Karnazes has pushed the boundaries of physical endurance, completing seemingly impossible feats like running 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 consecutive days, completing the gruelling Badwater Ultramarathon through Death Valley, and running non-stop for 350 miles in just over 80 hours. His relentless determination and unwavering passion for ultrarunning have garnered him worldwide recognition, and he has been named one of the “Top 100 Most Influential People in the World” by TIME magazine. In this interview, I speak to Dean Karnazes, “Ultramarathon Man.” We discuss why running is part of who we are as humans and explore what it takes to prepare for and achieve some of the world’s most mind-blowing feats of endurance running including running non-stop, for 350 miles, in 80 hours. Dean shows us all what we can learn for our lives from his incredible journey.

In this interview, I speak to Sally Fitzgibbons who has etched her name in the annals of surfing history as one of the most inspiring and accomplished athletes the sport has ever witnessed. Her unwavering determination and passion for surfing have not only propelled her to the top echelons of the sport, but have also made her a beacon of inspiration for aspiring surfers worldwide. With numerous Championship Tour victories and a distinctive, fluid style that seems to defy the forces of nature, Fitzgibbons has consistently demonstrated her prowess on the waves. Furthermore, her commitment to philanthropy and environmentalism, such as her work with her own foundation, showcases her dedication to giving back to the community and preserving the oceans that have shaped her remarkable career. Sally Fitzgibbons is undoubtedly an embodiment of the indomitable spirit that defines the very essence of surfing, and her legendary status will continue to inspire generations to come.

Maurice Saatchi, a preeminent figure in the worlds of advertising and politics, is no stranger to challenging the status quo. Known for co-founding the globally influential advertising agency Saatchi & Saatchi, and serving as a political advisor to the UK Conservative Party, his career has been defined by innovation and ambition. His profound impact, however, extends beyond these well-known stories of his successes in advertising and politics. Following personal tragedy, Saatchi channelled his energy towards healthcare reform, ushering in the Access to Medical Treatments (Innovation) Act in the UK and leaving an indelible mark on the world of medicine.  In this interview, I speak to Baron Maurice Saatchi on his unique memoirs -“Do Not Resuscitate,” in which he challenges readers with provocative philosophical and spiritual reflections. The book, which Saatchi characterizes as a transcript of his trial in heaven, explores concepts of life, death, legacy, and the criteria one must meet to enter the heavenly realm. With its blend of imaginative narrative, personal reflection, and thought-provoking discourse, “Do Not Resuscitate” is a testament to Saatchi’s continued drive to stimulate conversation and incite change.  

Mitchell Kapor is a pioneer of the personal computing revolution. He is the founder of Lotus Development Corporation and the designer of Lotus 1-2-3, the “killer application” which made the personal computer ubiquitous in the business world in the 1980s. In 1982, Mitch took lotus public, and in 1990 he co-founded the Electronic Frontier Foundation (The EFF is a non-profit civil liberties organization working in the public interest to protect privacy, free expression, and access to public resources and information online)   Mr. Kapor was first chair of the Mozilla Foundation, maker of the open source web browser Firefox, and continues to serve on its board. He is the founding investor and first chair of Linden Research, the creator of the virtual world Second Life. Currently. He is a trustee of the Mitchell Kapor Foundation, a private foundation works to ensure fairness and equity, particularly for low-income communities of colour. Mitch and his wife Freada Kapor Klein launched Kapor Capital to prove that investing in gap-closing start-ups—companies whose services or products close opportunity gaps for both communities of colour and low-income communities—is good business – they detail the stories of some of these remarkable businesses in their new book, Closing the Equity Gap. In this interview, I speak to Mitch Kapor about the inequality created by venture capital and how Kapor Capital has proven that economic and social impact can occur together – benefiting the investor, and society.

What if the greatest salespeople on the planet are the opposite of who you think they are? Everyone sells, every day. It’s why the most successful people are better than most at selling themselves, their ideas, or their products. Yet when people hear the word “sales” they think of an overly confident, articulate extrovert at best, or, worse, a pushy, know-it-all huckster. Because of these misperceptions, when they find themselves in a situation where they need to sell, they feel compelled to put on the persona of a “good salesperson.” But there’s a disconnect between who we think good salespeople are and who they actually are. In any room, they’re not the most self-confident, they’re the most self-aware. They’re not the most sociable, they’re the most socially aware. And they don’t succeed in spite of obstacles, they succeed because of obstacles. In their new book The Unsold Mindset, USC Marshall Adjunct Professors Colin Coggins & Garrett Brown sought out some of the most successful people from all walks of life, including CEOs, entrepreneurs, doctors, trial lawyers, professional athletes, agents, military leaders, artists, engineers, and countless others in between in hopes of understanding why they’re so extraordinary. They found that as different as all these incredible people were, they all had an eerily similar approach to selling. It didn’t matter if they were perceived as optimists or pessimists, logical or emotional, introverted or extraverted, jovial or stoic – they were all unsold on what it meant to sell and unsold on who people expected them to be. In this interview, I speak to Colin Coggins & Garrett Brown, two of the world’s foremost experts on sales. We talk about the counterintuitive nature of the greatest sellers on the planet – and how we need to understand the psychology, culture and reality of sales.  

A new dawn of brain tracking and hacking is coming. Will you be prepared for what comes next? Imagine a world where your brain can be interrogated to learn your political beliefs, your thoughts can be used as evidence of a crime, and your own feelings can be held against you. A world where people who suffer from epilepsy receive alerts moments before a seizure, and the average person can peer into their own mind to eliminate painful memories or cure addictions. Neuroscience has already made all this possible today, and neurotechnology will soon become the “universal controller” for all of our interactions with technology. This can benefit humanity immensely, but without safeguards, it can seriously threaten our fundamental human rights to privacy, freedom of thought, and self-determination. In this interview, I speak to Nita Farahany – widely considered to be one the foremost experts on the ethics of neuroscience. We discuss the battle for our brains – and why we need to defend the right to think freely in the age of neurotechnology.

In this interview, I speak to Kira Rudik. She is a Member of Parliament of Ukraine and First Deputy Chairwoman of the Parliament Committee on Digital Transformation. Kira is Leader of Golos (Ukraine’s Liberal Political Party) and Vice-President of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE). Before politics, Kira Rudik was an IT entrepreneur who headed Ring Ukraine company and ensured its acquisition by Amazon for $1 billion. In our conversation, Kira describes the realities of life in Ukraine, a year into Russia’s invasion. We discuss the role of the international community, the threat of escalation, the strength of the Ukrainian people and what it will take to bring peace, and rebuild Ukraine.

Lindsey Vonn is an Olympic gold medal–winning alpine ski racer and widely regarded as the most successful female skier in history. Lindsey is also a New York Times Bestselling author for her 2016 debut novel Strong Is the New Beautiful: Embrace Your Natural Beauty, Eat Clean, and Harness Your Power and has served as an International Games Ambassador in the 2018 Winter Olympics and is also the founder of the Lindsey Vonn Foundation, which provides scholarships and programming for education, sports, and enrichment programs to give future generations the tools they need to reach their goals and discover their grit within. In this interview, I speak to Lindsey Vonn, ski racer, Olympic Gold Medallist, entrepreneur, author & philanthropist. We talk about her journey to Olympic Gold, what it takes to succeed, conquer fear, and how she’s now empowering the future generation through the Lindsey Vonn Foundation.