If no one ever told you, you may not have realized what a tremendous networking tool hosting a podcast can be. Especially an interview-driven one like Read to Lead. It’s thanks in no small part to a young gentleman named Clark Buckner that you’re hearing this episode today. Clark was kind enough to recommend, and then introduce me to our guest. Her name is Ellen Petry Leanse, and she is the author of a recent book called The Happiness Hack: How to Take Charge of Your Brain and Program More Happiness Into Your Life. Ellen contends that we have more control over our minds than we think. Read her book, and check out our conversation, to learn how you can “train your brain” to create the life and future you want. Join in on our chat below Subscribe: iTunes | Stitcher | RSS In today’s episode, I ask Ellen to share about: * The impact technology is having on our ability to make real connections * Simple steps you can take every day to foster real connections * One key thing successful people have in common * …and plenty more! This Episode is Sponsored By Cloud Accounting Software FreshBooks FreshBooks cloud accounting software is currently offering a month of unrestricted use to all RtLP listeners – totally free right now. And, you don’t need a credit card for the trial. To claim your free month, click here and be sure and enter ReadToLead in the “How Did You Hear About Us?” section. If your business uses Freshbooks, and you’d like to share your experience with the Read to Lead audience, click the contact tab at the top of this page and let us know. Be sure and include “FreshBooks” in the subject line. Ellen’s Latest Book You can order The Happiness Hack: How to Take Charge of Your Brain and Program More Happiness Into Your Life right now! Ellen in Action Books Ellen Recommends Sapiens: A Brief History of Human Kind by Yuval Noah Harari Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintainance: An Inquiry Into Values by Robert M. Pirsig (Set of 48) Field Guides by Robert Tory Peterson Check Out These Resources Visit Ellen’s website for more about her and her work. Grab a copy of Ellen‘s book now. Find out more about hiring Ellen to speak to your group