People I (Mostly) Admire

34. Maya Shankar Is Changing People’s Behavior — and Her Own

Jul 3, 2021
Maya Shankar, a behavioral economist who shaped policy in the Obama administration and now influences Google, dives into the power of behavioral economics. She discusses how people respond to change and shares her personal journey, from a Juilliard violin prodigy to learning Mandarin after adopting two daughters. The conversation touches on the ethical implications of nudging, the importance of personal growth, and rediscovering joy through music. Maya's insights blend science and storytelling, offering a fresh lens on meaningful change.
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ANECDOTE

Landing a White House Role

  • Maya Shankar, with no policy experience, pitched the White House a behavioral scientist position at age 26.
  • She then championed creating a team, recognizing her individual limitations.
ADVICE

Gaining Buy-In

  • Align incentives and find existing problems agencies want to solve.
  • Demonstrate behavioral science's value through practical pilots.
ANECDOTE

Untapped Expertise

  • Steve Levitt recounts his experience in management consulting, discovering valuable insights from lower-level employees.
  • These individuals possessed crucial knowledge but were rarely consulted.
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