We are not finished products.

In this episode of The Connection Effect, host Bill Groner sits down with psychologist, researcher, author, and self-actualization coach, Scott Barry Kaufman to explore what it really means to explore and grow—not as a race toward achievement or happiness, but as a lifelong process of becoming who we are capable of being.

Drawing from his work revisiting and reimagining Abraham Maslow's ideas, Scott challenges the oft-cited "pyramid" of human needs and offers a more dynamic metaphor: a sailboat.

In this model, self-actualization isn't a final destination at the top, but an ongoing journey—one that depends on safety, connection, and self-esteem, which gives rise to exploration, creativity, and purpose.

Throughout the conversation, Bill and Scott explore why growth is deeply personal and often misunderstood, how rigid labels can limit human potential, and why growth and creating your best-self is less about producing something impressive and more about expressing what feels most alive within us. Scott also reflects on vulnerability, what it is to transcend, and the role of purpose as a compass rather than a destination.

This episode moves beyond self-improvement shortcuts to invite a more humane, patient, and hopeful approach to personal development—one that honors individuality, inner work, and connection as essential to becoming fully ourselves.

00:00 Introduction: The Journey of Self-Actualization

00:40 Meet Scott Barry Kaufman: A Modern Take on Maslow

03:47 Redefining Human Intelligence and Education

05:09 Exploring Self-Actualization and Creativity

10:12 The Sailboat Metaphor: A New Model for Growth

14:01 The Dynamics of Connection and Security

21:37 States vs. Traits: Understanding Human Potential

24:39 Measuring Love and Personality

25:34 Understanding Purpose in Life

28:42 Defining Transcendence

33:03 Self-actualization vs happiness and achievement

35:24 Practical Steps to Self-Actualization

37:07 Self-actualization is a Unique Journey

43:57 Hope for the Future

45:39 Final Reflections and Invitations

• Substack: https://www.beautifulminds-newsletter.com/
• Website: https://scottbarrykaufman.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ScottBarryKaufman
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottbarrykaufman/
• Books (Rise Above, Transcend, Wired to Create, Choose Growth and more): https://scottbarrykaufman.com/books/

• Join the community and conversation on The Connection Effect Substack connection.net/substack
• Questions? Guest inquiries? Email: podcast@connection.net