The Human Optimization Project

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Mayo Clinic Human Optimization Project
The bar for human performance is higher than it’s ever been. As a result, we all feel the need to do MORE. At the same time, we are becoming increasingly aware of the value of sleep, rest, recovery, and wellness. Accordingly, we also feel the need to do LESS. If you’re like most people, it can be challenging to reconcile this conflict of feeling the need to do MORE and LESS simultaneously, and that is likely contributing to high rates of burnout and decreased performance. So how do we reconcile these seemingly competing desires? That is where Human Optimization comes in. Human Optimization is the process of achieving more (however you define that for yourself) while simultaneously improving your wellness and well-being. Although it’s not easy, it’s certainly possible. Not only is it possible, but it is becoming increasingly essential. In this Mayo Clinic Talks Mini-Series, we are going to dive into the topic of Human Optimization and will focus on a few key areas including: exercise, nutrition, culture, emotional intelligence, and finding joy in all you do.

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Mayo Clinic Human Optimization Project 31: E31 The Art & Science of Positive Influence: Practical Steps for Inspiring Yourself and Others

24 de septiembre de 2025 casimedicos The Human Optimization Project 00:52:19 0 Comments

Host: Christopher L. Camp, M.D., Creator & Guide | Mayo Clinic Human Optimization Project

Guest: Roshanak (Roshy) Didehban, FACHE, Chief Administrative Officer | Mayo Clinic – Arizona, Interim Chief Information Officer – Mayo Clinic

 

If you interact with others, then you influence others. Whether you like it or not, we all influence the people around us. Hopefully this is mostly in a positive way, but if you aren’t thoughtful and intentional, that may not always be the case. Knowing that you are going to have an impact on the people around you, you might as well invest the time to figure out how to influence them positively. This is obviously true for leaders, but it really applies to all of us in all relationships, no matter our position.  

 

Our expert here to discuss this topic with us is Roshy Didehban, and the three big questions we are going to tackle are:

1. What exactly is positive influence and why does it matter?

2. Why is it often hard for us to positively inspire ourselves and others?

3. What practical steps can we take to positively influence others so they can be their best selves?

 

How to start a Mayo Clinic Human Optimization Project “Pod-Club”:
Step 1: Find 2-30 friends who want to get better
Step 2: Choose your episodes (can be focused on specific themes or random)
Step 3: Listen to/watch the episodes
Step 4: Meet with your group to work through the provided discussion questions for each episode, and feel free to add your own!
Step 5: Celebrate the fact that you are turning passive knowledge into action!

 

Discussion Questions for this Episode:

  1. Roshy Didehban defines influence as «the ability to shape thought, shape behavior, and shape direction… through trust, inspiration, and credibility,» rather than control or authority. How does this definition align with or challenge your previous understanding of influence?  

  2. The podcast emphasizes that positive influence is rooted in intention and may not always feel «warm and fuzzy» in the moment. Positive influence sometimes requires uncomfortable feedback. Think about a time when you had to deliver or receive «tough medicine» that ultimately led to positive influence or growth and discuss as a pod club! 

  3. Roshy shares her personal journey of learning to lead without «leaving bodies in her wake» and embracing risk over perfection. What personal experiences or feedback have most shaped your approach to influencing others? How has your approach changed over time? 

  4. The discussion highlights that influence is not tied to title or hierarchy, and that «anytime there’s more than one person gathered, there’s influence happening in all directions.» How might you exert positive influence in your daily interactions, regardless of your formal position? Think of one step you can take this week to do so. 

  5. The concept of «dissonance» (when words and actions don’t align) is identified as a major killer of influence. How might you ask for another person’s perspective on your consistency? Do your words and actions align?  

  6. Roshy stresses the importance of emotional intelligence, particularly self-awareness and understanding others, as foundational for effective influence. How do you currently check in with your own emotional state before engaging in influential conversations? This week, seek to understand the other person’s perspective in at least one conversation. 

  7. The podcast offers several small, actionable behaviors to increase positive influence, such as using people’s names, being consistent, pausing in discussions, acknowledging effort, and following through. Which of these «small behaviors» do you feel you could most easily integrate into your routine this week? 

  8. The call to action in this episode encourages listeners to reflect on their intention for influencing others (altruistic vs. selfish). This week, examine your motives before trying to influence someone. Take a few moments to write down your self-reflection about leadership and relationships. 

 

Learn more about the Human Optimization Project at: https://ce.mayo.edu/optimize
X: @MayoHumanOpProj
Instagram: @MayoHumanOpProj
YouTube: The Human Optimization Project – YouTube
Email: optimize@mayo.edu

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