Building a We Culture: In memory of Dr. Isaac Prilleltensky

A Note Before You ListenWe are sharing this episode in memory of Dr. Isaac Prilleltensky, who passed away on May 7, 2026. Isaac was a giant in the field of positive psychology — a scholar, a humanist, and a tireless advocate for fairness and well-being. He touched the lives of tens of thousands of students, researchers, and practitioners around the world, and his influence on this podcast, and on our work, runs deep. We are grateful this conversation exists, and we hope it introduces him — or reintroduces him — to a new generation of listeners.About This EpisodeDr. Isaac Prilleltensky was Mautner Endowed Chair in Community Well-Being and Professor of Educational and Psychological Studies at the University of Miami — as well as an internationally renowned keynote speaker, author, researcher, and well-being advocate.In this conversation, Andrew and Isaac explore the importance of meaningful work and mattering. Drawing from decades of scholarly research on justice, fairness, and well-being, Isaac makes the case that we cannot thrive as individuals unless the systems around us are designed to help us do so. He unpacks what it truly means to feel valued through recognition while adding value through meaningful contribution — and why these are among the most overlooked drivers of workplace engagement.For people managers and leaders, this episode offers concrete ways to foster what Isaac called a "WE culture" — where fairness, dignity, and belonging are prioritized over individual pursuits, and where everyone has a fighting chance to matter.There is no wellness without fairness. That was Isaac's north star. We think you'll feel it in every minute of this conversation.