Anne-Laure Le Cunff is a neuroscientist, entrepreneur, and thought leader at the intersection of cognitive science and personal development. As the founder of Ness Labs, a platform dedicated to mindful productivity, and the author of Tiny Experiments, she combines rigorous scientific research with practical frameworks for intentional living. With a PhD in neuroscience from University College London, Anne-Laure brings an evidence-based approach to topics like creativity, mental health, and sustainable productivity. Her work has been featured in major publications, and she's known for making complex psychological concepts accessible and actionable.

Key Topics Discussed

1. The Psychology of JOMO (Joy of Missing Out)

   • Anne-Laure breaks down how modern society's FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) creates anxiety and decision fatigue.

   • She contrasts this with JOMO—the intentional choice to miss out, which stems from self-awareness and valuing presence over perpetual engagement.

   • Real-world applications: Politely declining social invitations, resisting unnecessary career benchmarks, or embracing solitude without guilt.
     
     

2. The Science Behind Tiny Experiments

   • Inspired by clinical research methods, her approach treats personal growth as a series of low-stakes experiments (e.g., "Write 100 newsletters before deciding if you enjoy it").

   • Case studies from her community: A member testing morning affirmations for 30 days, another experimenting with "no social media after 8 PM," and how these small tests build self-knowledge.

   • Why suspending judgment during experiments leads to more authentic outcomes than rigid goal-setting.
     
     

3. Rethinking Productivity Systems

   • Why most productivity "hacks" fail: They ignore individual neurodiversity and changing contexts.

   • Her personal shift from seeking perfect systems to adaptive self-awareness (e.g., using Pomodoro timers only during crunch times, not daily).

   • The role of metacognition ("thinking about thinking") in identifying what truly works versus what's superficially appealing.
     
     

4. Neuroscience of Habits and Intentionality

   • How "friction" (e.g., removing apps from your home screen) disrupts automatic behaviors by engaging the prefrontal cortex.

   • Interoception (body awareness) as a decision-making tool: Noticing physical cues (like tension or exhaustion) to guide choices rather than defaulting to distractions.

   • The dopamine-driven design of social media and how to rewire habitual responses.

5. Navigating Life’s Liminal Spaces

   • Anne-Laure reflects on her post-PhD transition—a deliberate pause to explore uncertainty before committing to new projects.

   • Why society undervalues "not knowing" and how to reframe it as creative potential.

   • Her current experiments: Exploring podcasting, teaching neuroscience to non-academics, and balancing multiple projects without burnout.

Takeaways

1. JOMO > FOMO: Intentional absence isn’t deprivation—it’s reclaiming agency over your attention and energy.

2. Test, Don’t Guess: Tiny experiments remove the pressure of permanence. Example: Try a new routine for 2 weeks before judging it.

3. Productivity Is Personal: No single system works forever. Regularly audit what serves your current priorities and mental state.

4. The Body Knows: Physical sensations (e.g., dread vs. flow) are often wiser than abstract "shoulds."

5. Embrace the In-Between: Growth happens in liminal spaces. Anne-Laure’s post-PhD "gap period" exemplifies purposeful uncertainty.

Key Links of Anne-Laure

1. LinkedIn 2. Twitter 3. YouTube 4. Newsletter

About the Guest

Eela Dubey, co-founder and CEO of EduFund, is a powerhouse of ideas, determination, and impact. With a background in Political Science and French from NYU, she combines her global perspective with a deep-rooted connection to India. Her mission? To make quality education financially accessible to families, ensuring no dream is left unfulfilled due to lack of planning or resources.

Based out of Ahmedabad, Eela's journey spans from Wall Street to the heart of India's educational aspirations. She’s been recognized as a leader in the social impact space, highlighted by her participation in fellowships like the Reliance Foundation and Vital Voices program.

Key Topics Discussed

• The Rising Cost of Education Eela emphasized the staggering rise in education costs, especially in India, where a degree that costs 25 lakhs today could soar to one crore in 15 years. She attributes this to inflation, privatization, and the increasing preference for private schooling among families of all income levels.

• Financial Planning for Education The heart of EduFund lies in helping families save for their children's education. From encouraging early investments to providing cost calculators, Eela stresses the importance of planning ahead, especially in an era where household incomes may not match the rapid rise in educational expenses.

• The Role of Cultural Values in Financial Decisions Growing up in a family with strong savings habits, Eela reflected on the Indian inclination toward financial prudence. Her own experiences have shaped her perspective on investing, inspiring families to think long-term.

• Challenges of Starting EduFund From launching a company during the pandemic to navigating cultural shifts between the U.S. and India, Eela’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to perseverance and adaptability.

• Empowering Women in Finance Eela is passionate about financial literacy among women. Through her fellowship, she’s undertaken a project to teach Anganwadi workers to save and invest, aiming to uplift communities through small, consistent investments.

Takeaways

1. Start Early: Whether it’s saving for education or learning about financial markets, beginning early can make a huge difference.

2. Adapt to Changing Trends: The shift from postgraduate to undergraduate education planning in India highlights the need to evolve with societal trends.

3. Leverage Resources: From cost calculators to financial literacy blogs, EduFund and similar platforms are packed with tools to simplify financial planning.

4. Stay Resilient: Entrepreneurship is a journey filled with challenges, but Eela’s advice is simple: stay the course, keep learning, and persevere.

5. Empower Through Education: Education is not just a personal asset; it’s a force for socio-economic mobility and community empowerment.

Key Links for the Guest

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eela-dubey/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eela.dubey/

• Twitter: https://x.com/dubeyeela

About the Guest

Deepak Ramola is a storyteller, educator, and life lessons collector whose work inspires millions around the globe. As the founder of Project Fuel, he transforms real-life stories into meaningful lessons and interactive experiences. A writer, artist, and public speaker, Deepak’s insights revolve around helping people discover themselves, make peace with their vulnerabilities, and embrace their imperfections.

In this podcast episode, we dive into the essence of self-love, finding meaning in the mundane, and navigating life with curiosity and courage.

Key Topics Discussed

• The Pursuit of Self-Love: Deepak shared his lifelong question, “How do you make people fall in love with themselves?” This quest, as he explains, is about nurturing the "pond of inner quiet" within us. It’s not about validation from others but about celebrating your authenticity and imperfections.

• Bullying and Resilience: Deepak opened up about his personal journey of being bullied for his voice and how a pivotal conversation with his English teacher changed his perspective. Instead of succumbing to negativity, he learned to own his story and use it as a source of strength.

• Cyberbullying and Values: In an era where social media amplifies both connection and hate, Deepak highlighted the importance of personal values. He encourages us to choose empathy, authenticity, and meaningful use of time over toxic online behaviors.

• The Art-Artist-Visitor Metaphor: One of the most thought-provoking moments was when Deepak introduced his question: “In the gallery of your life, are you the art, the artist, or the visitor?” It’s an invitation to reflect on your role in shaping your journey and whether it aligns with your desires.

• The Concept of Emptiness: Deepak believes in leaving the world "empty"—not burdened by unfulfilled dreams or hoarded knowledge. He beautifully expressed how sharing, creating, and reflecting help us make space for new growth and deeper connections.

Takeaways

1. Self-love is a Journey: Accepting yourself with all your flaws and strengths is one of life’s hardest yet most fulfilling goals.

2. Empathy Matters: Both online and offline, your values define your legacy. Choose kindness and curiosity.

3. Embrace Reflection: Take a moment to pause, share, and give your thoughts a place outside your mind. As Deepak said, creating tangible outputs, whether a book, a post, or a meaningful conversation, helps you lighten your inner load.

4. Find Your Role: Whether you’re the art, the artist, or the visitor, own your role in the story of your life. Reflect on what resonates with you and why.

5. Prioritize Relationships: Time spent with loved ones is an investment in memories and personal growth—something no amount of success or money can replace.

Key Links for the Guest

• Website: https://www.deepakramola.com/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deepakramola/?hl=en

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/deepak1811?lang=en

About the Guest

Saurabh Mangrulkar is a passionate entrepreneur who’s on a mission to level the playing field for students across India. Growing up as a self-described "mediocre student," Saurabh’s life took a turn after discovering audiobooks that challenged him to aim higher and push beyond his limits. After founding EventBeep, Saurabh has impacted over 500,000 students by creating an online ecosystem that provides resources, mentorship, and real-world experiences—making the college journey more than just academics.

Key Topics Discussed

• Journey to Shark Tank India: Saurabh gave us an insider’s view of his Shark Tank experience, from application rounds to getting the deal. He shared hilarious behind-the-scenes stories, like a contestant needing emergency tailoring, revealing that the glamorous world of Shark Tank is very much staged!

• The Vision Behind EventBeep: EventBeep started with a simple idea: encourage students to engage with the real world. Saurabh talked about his frustration with rote learning in Indian colleges and how he wanted to create a platform where students could experience more practical, engaging activities.

• Scaling Up and Learning the Hard Way: Saurabh's growth from 60,000 to 500,000 users didn't come easily. He shared his journey, including hard lessons in hiring and managing a team, and learning the importance of delegation in scaling EventBeep.

• Life Goals and Daily Routines: Saurabh is a big believer in setting and pursuing goals daily. He even has a stack of journals filled with goals he’s ticked off, including giving a TEDx talk to over 1,500 people. His ambitions for the next five years include scaling EventBeep globally and achieving some personal milestones, like summiting Mount Everest!

Takeaways

1. Believe in Yourself: Saurabh’s story reminds us that success isn’t about where you start but about believing in your potential and working hard toward it.

2. Embrace Growth, Even When It’s Hard: From hiring the right people to setting a high standard for his team, Saurabh learned that growth often requires tough decisions.

3. Keep Your Eye on the Bigger Picture: Saurabh’s daily goal-setting habit is a proof that big dreams are achievable when broken into small, actionable steps.

Key Links for the Guest

• EventBeep Website: eventbeep.com

• LinkedIn: https://www.instagram.com/curlyhairedfounder/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curlyhairedfounder/

• Twitter: https://x.com/yosaurabh9?lang=en

About the Guest

Amit Gupta is an inspiring entrepreneur and founder of companies like Photojojo and Sudowrite. In 2011, he was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, an aggressive form of blood cancer, which led him on a journey of resilience, friendship, and new perspectives. Amit's experiences of overcoming significant health challenges and founding multiple ventures have shaped his unique approach to life and business.

Key Topics Discussed

• The Leukemia Diagnosis: Amit shares the life-changing moment of his leukemia diagnosis and the journey that followed, including the search for a stem cell donor and the community-driven effort that saved his life.

• Life After Illness: Post-treatment, Amit recounts how he rediscovered his passions, embraced new hobbies, and found fresh perspectives, including his move away from tech-heavy San Francisco to Honolulu.

• Founding Sudowrite: Amit discusses the inspiration behind Sudowrite, an AI tool designed to assist novelists. He and his co-founder, James, envisioned it as a “Photoshop for writers,” helping to streamline the creative process.

• Balancing Life as a Founder: Amit reflects on the personal growth that comes with founding companies and how his passions evolve as he transitions from creator to builder.

Takeaways

1. Community and Resilience: Amit’s story underscores the power of community support and resilience in facing life-threatening challenges.

2. Innovative Storytelling: With Sudowrite, Amit highlights the growing intersection of creativity and AI, advocating for tools that enhance the writer’s voice rather than replace it.

3. Life’s Perspective Post-Crisis: Amit’s journey is a reminder that life’s challenges can lead to powerful personal transformation and a renewed sense of purpose.

Key Links for the Guest

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amitgupta/

• Twitter: https://x.com/superamit

• Website: http://www.amitgupta.com/

About the Guest

Our very first guest on the Curious Mavericks podcast, Jyoti Guptara, is an accomplished storyteller and bestselling author who has been helping people and businesses tell powerful stories. Dropping out of school at 15, Jyoti published his first book just three years later, setting a record as one of the world’s youngest bestselling novelists. Today, he works with companies and individuals to improve their storytelling, focusing on both mindset and method. He also leads the Ambassador Programme for the Global Peter Drucker Forum and has been featured by the BBC, Business Standard, and Times of India, among others.

Key Topics Discussed

In our conversation with Jyoti, we delved into various aspects of storytelling and its application in business and everyday life:

• Why We Struggle with Storytelling: Jyoti breaks down why so many teachers, managers, and corporate leaders struggle to tell engaging stories. He believes it’s a combination of mindset and method—and a misunderstanding of the subtle power of stories.

• Jyoti’s Four-Part Storytelling Framework: Jyoti shares his framework for effective storytelling, emphasizing spotting, storing, shaping, and sharing stories in a structured way. His advice encourages us to identify story-worthy moments in our daily lives.

• Personal Stories in Business: Jyoti explores the importance of sharing personal anecdotes in professional settings, giving an example of how adding a touch of personality can enhance communication and engagement.

• Storytelling Techniques: We discussed techniques like suspense, stakes, surprise, and humor that add depth to stories. Jyoti shared insights on structuring stories for maximum impact, from setting up the context to creating a memorable payoff.

• The Evolving Role of AI in Writing: As an author who has experienced the rapid changes in publishing and storytelling, Jyoti offered his thoughts on the role of AI in writing, acknowledging both its benefits and ethical concerns.

Takeaways

1. Mindset Matters: Without the right mindset, people often struggle to communicate effectively. Jyoti encourages businesses to embrace storytelling not just as a method but as a fundamental approach to engagement.

2. Spot, Store, Shape, and Share: Jyoti’s framework for storytelling is a practical approach anyone can use. By recognizing and capturing stories around us, we can find powerful ways to connect with others.

3. Personal Touch: Bringing elements of our personal journey into professional contexts can create stronger bonds and help others relate to us. As Jyoti says, sometimes the smallest details can make the biggest impact.

4. Storytelling with AI: While AI tools can aid creativity, Jyoti stresses the importance of human intuition and quality. He uses AI as a brainstorming partner rather than as a replacement for his unique voice.

Key Links for the Guest

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jyotiguptara/

• Twitter: https://x.com/JyotiGuptara

• Website: https://www.guptara.com/