Too often, leaders think their biggest job is solving problems and driving results. But in the process, they unintentionally become task machines: skipping the “hello,” missing the human moments, and delivering feedback like checklists. That’s a sure way to build a culture where people feel unseen, unappreciated, and disconnected.

In this episode of the Happiness Squad Podcast, Ashish Kothari and Dr. Julien Mirivel explore a new model of communication with small, intentional practices that help leaders strengthen relationships, elevate performance, and bring more humanity into the way work gets done.

Dr. Julien C. Mirivel is a professor of applied communication at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, an author specializing in positive communication, and a professional speaker. He is the co-author of multiple books, including The Art of Positive Communication and Positive Communication for Leaders.

Dr. Julien reveals in this episode how you can communicate more intentionally to build stronger relationships at work and in life.

Things you will learn in this episode:

• Redefining communication from exchanging information to building relationships

• The six foundational behaviors of positive communication

• How positive communication can create connection, trust, and performance at work

• Why leaders must learn to see and reflect the effort behind the work—not just the outcome.

• How to reframe tough conversations through curiosity and open-ended questions.

This episode will leave you with practical tools and deep insights you can start using today to communicate with more humanity and impact. Tune in now!

Resources:✅

• The Art of Positive Communication: https://positiveorgs.bus.umich.edu/wp-content/uploads/Model-of-Positive-Communication-Copyright-Julien-C-Mirivel.pdf

• The Six Keys to Positive Communication (article by Dr. Julien Mirivel): https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/the_six_keys_to_positive_communication

• Dr. Julien Mirivel’s website: https://www.julienmirivel.com/

• TEDx with Dr. Julien Mirivel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmmlA19WLgs

Books:✅

• Positive Communication for Leaders by Alexander Lyon and Julien Mirivel: https://a.co/d/ahFgouG

• The Art of Positive Communication by Julien Mirivel: https://a.co/d/24bwU1k

• Hardwired for Happiness by Ashish Kothari: https://a.co/d/3uUuteQ