In this episode, we're exploring how to approach your career and job search with an Agile mindset, borrowing from both modern product development thinking and from an unexpected source of inspiration: the Japanese concept of Ikigai, a philosophy around your "reason for being" and what brings you purpose, joy and fulfillment.

We talk about how small experiments can lead to big clarity, why progress beats perfection and how staying flexible helps you respond to change without losing your sense of self.

To discuss this topic, we're delighted to welcome Pepe Valiente, who is a UC Berkeley Extension instructor, and global product and innovation leader with more than 25 years of experience driving complex initiatives across aerospace, the electric sector, consulting, retail and software.

Read the transcript @https://bit.ly/4vK1m57

Learn more about UC Berkeley Extension @https://bit.ly/4eC2KAw

We live in a moment where speed is celebrated, productivity is prized and new tools—especially AI—promise to help us do more, faster, with less friction. But somewhere along the way, many of us have started acting like machines ourselves: optimizing every minute, competing with algorithms and measuring our worth by output alone.

In today's episode, we explore a different idea: That stillness isn't a luxury, it's a necessity. It's a conscious choice to pause, assess and reconnect with what actually matters. When work is evolving faster than we can process, our mental health, our relationships and our sense of purpose are in need of TLC.

So in this moment when productivity is prized, we look at moving from being a "human doing" to "human being." Let's explore how trust, wisdom and building connections—uniquely human strengths—should define our roles and how companies need to foster cultures that prioritize well-being, not burnout.

To guide this conversation, we welcome Jordan Peace, co-founder and CEO of Fringe.

Read the transcript @https://bit.ly/4uSvjj6

Learn more about UC Berkeley Extension @https://bit.ly/4uMuUyx

AI is changing how we think about money—from budgeting apps and digital investment assistants to tools that promise personalized financial guidance in seconds. But knowing when to use AI, when not to and when to bring in a personal financial professional isn't always obvious.

In this episode, we unpack where AI truly helps with personal financial planning; where its blind spots show up; and why context, critical thinking and human judgment still matter. We also explore how today's financial planners are using AI to focus more on what clients need: clarity, confidence and guidance through life's biggest decisions.

If you're navigating financial choices in an AI-powered world, this conversation will help you use the tools wisely—and know when it's time to talk to a human.

To guide this conversation, we welcome Craig Kirkpatrick, who is the co-founder of Optimal AdvisorAI, the AI Learning Partner for financial services firms.

Read the transcript @https://bit.ly/4aQnhhs

Learn more about UC Berkeley Extension @https://bit.ly/4cdnX2L