Evolving with Gratitude
Evolving with Gratitude
Lainie Rowell
#151 - David Yeager on the Mentor Mindset
45 minutes Posted Mar 31, 2026 at 1:03 pm.
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What if the way we lead young people is the very thing holding them back?

In this episode, Dr. David Yeager, psychologist at UT Austin and author of 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People, shares the “mentor mindset,” a practical approach built on high standards and high support. You will hear why wise feedback works, how the stories we tell ourselves shape motivation, and what real support looks like when it removes barriers without taking over.

Thrive Global Article: David Yeager on the Mentor Mindset


About Our Guest:

David Yeager, PhD, is a professor of psychology at the University of Texas at Austin and the cofounder of the Texas Behavioral Science and Policy Institute. He is best known for his research conducted with Carol Dweck, Angela Duckworth, and Greg Walton on short but powerful interventions that influence adolescent behaviors such as motivation, engagement, healthy eating, bullying, stress, mental health, and more. He has consulted for Google, Microsoft, Disney, and the World Bank, as well as for the White House and the governments in California, Texas, and Norway. His research has been featured in The New York Times MagazineThe New York TimesThe Wall Street Journal, Scientific American, CNN, Fox News, The GuardianThe Atlantic, and more. Prior to his career as a scientist, he was a middle school teacher and a basketball coach. He earned his PhD and MA at Stanford University and his BA and MEd at the University of Notre Dame. He lives in Austin, Texas, with his wife and their four children.

About Lainie:

Lainie Rowell is a bestselling author, award-winning educator, and TEDx speaker. She is dedicated to human flourishing, focusing on community building, emotional intelligence, and honoring what makes each of us unique and dynamic through learner-driven design. She earned her degree in psychology and went on to earn both a post-graduate credential and a master's degree in education. An international keynote speaker, Lainie has presented in 41 states as well as in dozens of countries across 4 continents. As a consultant, Lainie’s client list ranges from Fortune 100 companies like Apple and Google to school districts and independent schools. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linktr.ee/lainierowell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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