Shows / R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness
R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness
Professor David Maslach talks about graduate school, research, science, Innovation, and entrepreneurship. The R3ciprocity project is my way to give back as much as I possibly can. I seek to provide insights and tools to change how we understand science, and make it more democratic.
Episodes
- R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness
I Often Don’t Believe Research Now That I See How The Sausage Is Made
I don’t believe a lot of research now that I understand how it’s actually made. When you realize when you get into it is how challenging it actually is and how…
- R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness
Not Everyone Wants To Learn
You will tun into many people at all walks of life that will not want to learn from you. The only thing that you can do is say, bless your heart and move on.
- R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness
Why Going Back to School for Something “Irrelevant” Is the Smartest Move You’ll Make
People think going back to school later in life should be about learning something practical or current. But that’s missing the point. The real value of…
- R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness
I Teach Entrepreneurship—But I Teach People You Are A Fool If You Do It
I teach entrepreneurship and innovation, but here’s the truth: I wouldn’t recommend jumping in full-time. It’s extraordinarily risky, and you will inevitably…
- R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness
The Productivity Killer: Caring Too Much About What Others Think
So often, I find myself walking the line between rational thinking and sounding like a conspiracy theorist when I talk about how people strategize to get…
- R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness
The Productivity Trap: Why You Should Focus on This Instead
Productivity is overrated. The more you chase it, the more you burn out, stress out, and feel like you’re never doing enough. But here’s the irony: the less…
- R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness
What You Perceive As Negative Is A Gift
What you perceive are disadvantages are gifts.
- R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness
The Cruelty of “Anyone Can Do Anything,” the Flywheel That Won’t Turn, and the Frustration of Getting Selection All Wrong
The cruelest lie is telling people they can do anything when the system is designed to make sure they can’t. Talent isn’t just about skill—it’s about being…
- R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness
Do You Exist Outside Academia? Every Scholar’s Crisis
Academia consumes everything—your time, your energy, your identity. You chase prestige, publications, and impact, but at what cost? If you weren’t a…
- R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness
Get the Salary You Deserve—Negotiation Without the Sleaze
Negotiating your salary doesn’t have to feel awkward, aggressive, or manipulative. The trick? Stop thinking of it as a battle and start treating it as a…
- R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness
Your Anxiety Is Engineered—Here’s How to Take Back Control
The stress, anxiety, and overwhelm you feel? It’s not an accident. It’s engineered. Every day, you’re bombarded with messages designed to make you feel like…
- R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness
Stop Buying Into Fear—Take One Step Forward Every Day
Fear is everywhere. It’s sold to you in academia, in the job market, in society—telling you to stay safe, stay small, don’t take risks. But here’s the truth…
- R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness
How to Protect Yourself in PhD Life and Research
In academia, research, and high-stakes careers, one of the hardest lessons to learn is this: don’t trust too easily. You will have your expectations shattered…
- R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness
Why PhDs Fear Looking Stupid—And Why That’s a Problem
So many PhDs and researchers hold themselves back—not because they lack ideas, but because they’re afraid. Afraid of looking foolish. Afraid of stepping…
- R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness
Skating on Thin Ice: My Journey Through the Highs and Lows of Scientific Influence
I share my personal journey through the unpredictable world of research. I open up about the exhilarating moments when our work shines and the challenging…
- R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness
The Hidden Gift of Growing Up with Less: Why Not Keeping Up with the Joneses Made Me Stronger
I feel incredibly fortunate that my parents instilled in me the mindset that I didn’t need to keep up with the Joneses. Growing up in a big family with a…
- R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness
Why We Struggle to Predict the Future (And What to Do About It)
We like to believe that we’re rational, that we can analyze the world and predict what’s coming next. But the truth is, we’re terrible at it. Why? Because…
- R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness
Why PhD Research Feels Miserable (And Why It’s Still a Privilege)
Doing PhD research often feels like a perfect storm for sadness, burnout, and self-doubt. Ambiguous feedback, relentless rejection, and the endless cycle of…
- R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness
Ch 20: Leaning Into The Nothingness—At Least You Tried
I want to end this book with one simple truth: the most important thing you can do when venturing into the unknown is to practice self-forgiveness. There is no…
- R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness
The Flashy Hustle Guru Myth: Why You Don’t Want Their Life
Watch out for the tatted, steroid-pumped guy selling you lifestyle advice about making money and being successful. They’re not offering a real life that real…
- R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness
Ch 19: Leaning Into The Nothingness—The Romance of Venturing
Venturing is often framed as a calculated risk, something that should follow an economic or rational formula. But the deeper truth is this: venturing is about…
- R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness
The Hidden Role of Dumb Luck in Success (and Why We Misunderstand It)
Popular narratives about success often emphasize habits and tools like waking up early, meditating, or eating gummy bears. But what if the truth is far…
- R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness
Ch 18: Leaning Into The Nothingness—Recognition Comes from having a Story to Tell
You’ll only be recognized once you have a story to tell. It’s not the work itself, but the journey—the misery, the struggle, the isolation, the messiness—that…
- R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness
Ch. 17: Leaning Into The Nothingness—This Might Seem Defeatist, But It’s Not
Everything I’ve said so far might sound negative—like venturing is all struggle, uncertainty, and pain. And it’s true that much of it is hard. The challenges…
- R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness
Stop Avoiding Struggle: It’s the Shortcut to Real Success
The moments that test you the most—the messy, painful, and deeply frustrating ones—are almost always the ones that bring the most growth. They force you to…
- R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness
Ch 16: Leaning Into The Nothingness—You’re Not in Control Anyway
One of the hardest lessons you’ll learn when you venture into something new is that you’re not really in control of anything. The outcomes you envision, the…
- R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness
Ch. 15: Leaning Into The Nothingness—The Myth of Perfection
When you venture into something new, the urge to be perfect is overwhelming. The negative emotions that come with creating something different—fear, doubt, and…
- R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness
Ch. 14: Leaning Into The Nothingness—Embracing Embarrassment
When you invest in something ambiguous, something without clear outcomes, embarrassment is inevitable. People will question your choices, looking at you as if…
- R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness
Ch.13: Leaning into the Nothingness—The Isolation of Innovation: Why Venturing Feels Lonely and How to Embrace It
When you choose a path of venturing—whether it’s starting something new, taking risks, or stepping into the unknown—you’ll quickly realize how lonely it can…
- R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness
Why PhD Researchers & Innovators Waste Their Time on ‘Useless’ Ideas (And Why You Should Too)
Ever wonder why researchers, entrepreneurs, and innovators spend years working on ideas others dismiss as pointless? In this video, I dive into why so-called…
- R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness
Ch. 12 : Leaning Into The Nothingness—Loving the Invisible
In a world obsessed with metrics and measurable progress, venturing into the unknown feels like stepping into an uncharted void. Modern culture thrives on…
- R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness
Ch. 11: Leaning Into The Nothingness—Certifications Are Just the Beginning
Certifications and formal knowledge feel like milestones, like proof that you’re ready to take on the world. But here’s the reality: they’re just the entry…
- R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness
Ch. 10: Leaning Into The Nothingness—You’ll Never Feel Like You Have Enough Time
In venturing, you’ll always feel like you’re running out of time. It’s inevitable. You’re constantly trading today’s known and understood for tomorrow’s…
- R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness
Ch. 9: Leaning Into The Nothingness—The Seduction of the Easy Path
When things get hard—and they always do—you’ll find yourself seduced by the idea that it must be easier for other people. Whether it’s seeing your peers…
- R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness
Ch 8: Leaning Into The Nothingness - Sooner or Later, You’re Going to Want to Quit
There’s a point in every venture, every project, every journey, where you hit the grind. Nothing about the experience is fun anymore. All the excitement, all…
- R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness
Ch. 7: Leaning Into The Nothingness: The Mirage of the Ideal Future
In our pursuit of ambitious goals, we often construct an idealized vision of the future—a destination where all our sacrifices culminate in ultimate…
- R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness
Being Serious Will Prevent You From Trying
Almost always being serious prevents you from trying anything that is worthwhile. Everything is a growth process, and you have to start with an open heart.
- R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness
Ch.6 Leaning Into the Nothingness: Isolation Vs Courage
Venturing means that you do things that nobody else is done before and as a consequence, you have to feel isolated alone. By simply changing the conversation…
- R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness
Ch.3: Leaning Into The Nothingness - Building in the Void
The R3ciprocity Project didn’t come from following a conventional path. It began with an attempt to create a university spinoff in the traditional way, but…
- R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness
Ch. 5 - Leaning Into Nothingness - Emotional Exhaustion: Learning to Play
Venturing often leaves me emotionally exhausted. The constant trade-off between today and tomorrow, between immediate comfort and uncertain future gains…
- R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness
The Importance Of Psychological Safety In Academia - Amy Edmondson
The Importance Of Psychological Safety In Academia
- R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness
Ch 4 - Leaning Into Nothingness: You Never Know, and You Never Will
Much of the world is ambiguous, and it always will be. You’ll never know the “right” answers until many years down the road. You won’t even know if the choices…
- R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness
Chapter 2: Leaning Into Nothingness - The Glamour and the Grind: The Mundane Reality of Bold Choices
We glamorize big life decisions—getting an education, starting a family, launching a venture. These choices are celebrated as bold, exciting, and…
- R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness
Chapter 1: Leaning Into Nothingness: The Emotional Truth of Creating - The Weight of Today
Entrepreneurship, innovation, and even education are often celebrated as inherently positive pursuits—acts of courage, creativity, and vision. At their core…
- R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness
From Humble Beginnings to Research Impact: Why I Won’t Quit
Research, especially at a high level, can feel like a deeply thankless job. You work alone, face endless struggles, and rarely get recognition. But over the…
- R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness
Why People Don’t Understand You—And Why It Doesn’t Matter
Most people won’t take the time to truly understand what you’re about. They only see a few words, a few actions, and then get angry or frustrated when it…
- R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness
How to Create Change: Turning Rough Rocks into Smooth Stones
To make significant change, you must first believe that the world can be changed. Change isn’t instant—it’s like waves wearing down rocks on the beach. Over…
- R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness
The Surprising Wealth Advantage of Growing Up Without Money
Growing up with nothing can actually give you a significant financial advantage—if you’re taught the right skills. When you start with less, you learn to save…
- R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness
Why Do We Keep Falling for These Cartoon Versions of Success?
We know the flashy depictions of wealth and success—fancy cars, private jets, and entourages of scantily dressed followers—are pure fiction. Most successful…
- R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness
How to Build a Tech Startup as a Solopreneur (When No One Thinks You Can)
In the tech industry, everyone talks about co-founders and collaboration, but being a solopreneur—running the show on your own—can actually have major benefits.
- R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness
Why the Conventional Path in Your Career Won’t Make You Happy: The Value of Hard, Underrewarded Work
Chasing publications, citations, and tenure often defines success in academia, but this relentless pursuit can leave you feeling empty and unfulfilled. The…
- R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness
The Implausible Can Become Plausible
The implausible can become plausible, you simply often just have to wait enough time.
- R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness
Why So Many People Quit Their PhD & Academic Research: The Seductive Struggle of Research
Doing research during a #PhD can feel like being in a toxic relationship—it’s seductive and abusive at the same time. It’s like the “hot” guy or girl that…
- R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness
Why We Don’t Do Allowances: Teaching Kids to Work for Money
In our household, we’ve decided not to give allowances. Instead, our kids earn money by working. This approach has taught them resilience and given them a…
- R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness
Why I Stopped Believing in Strategy Research as A Strategy Professor.
After years as a #strategy professor, I no longer believe in most of the frameworks I once taught. The idea of “getting ahead at all costs” feels hollow to me…
- R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness
What Drives Us to Tackle Painful and Miserable Tasks?
I’m fascinated by what motivates us to tackle tasks that seem hard, miserable, or even pointless in the short term. Why do people voluntarily pursue challenges…
- R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness
Why Focusing on Performance Alone Will Break You
Focusing solely on performance can destroy someone’s heart and spirit. True improvement comes from emphasizing effort, resilience, and the process itself. When…
- R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness
But, The Market Is Supposed To Crash By Now!
Every day you see the stock market climbs makes you nervous. However, you can’t predict where the stock market will be. If you believe it will crash, and you…
- R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness
Learning How To Define Your Identity As A Dual Career Professional
One of the most important things I’ve learned is learning how to not care so much. Learning how to say no and learning how to feel like you’re disappointing…