PODCAST: The quest for happiness

Panelists sitting on stage at the Ottawa chapter launch
Panelists sitting on stage at the Ottawa chapter launch
In May, the University of Waterloo launched a new alumni chapter in Ottawa. As part of the event, alumni from the Ottawa region joined an expert panel to explore happiness.

Listen to the episode

Voices

Moderator:
  • Salman Jivani (MA ’17, BA’11), associate vice-president, office of advancement, University of Waterloo


Panelists:
  • Dr. Linda Duxbury (PhD ’83, MASc ’77, BSc ’75), professor, management, Carleton University
  • Niraj Bhargava (BASc ’86), founder and CEO, NuEnergy.ai and The New Energy Group
  • Robert Beamish (BA ’15), senior officer, transformation team, Global Affairs Canada

Show notes

(2:45) Niraj, Linda and Rob explain how they find purpose and happiness in their work

(8:27) How AI could shape future communities (Niraj answers)

(11:49) The impact of the pandemic on well-being (Linda answers)

(14:49) Prioritizing passions through professional development (Rob answers)

(17:56) Achieving balance in work and life (Linda answers)

(20:47) The important role of cultural community (Rob answers)

(24:36) Niraj, Linda and Rob share final thoughts for strengthening communities and well-being

(29:50) Niraj, Linda and Rob answer an audience question about coping with change

(37:15) Niraj answers an audience question about AI, is it making life better or worse?
Jennifer Ferguson