Masters in Business At The Money: Cass Sunstein on Shifting Your Career Focus
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Jun 12, 2025 
Cass Sunstein, a Harvard Law School professor and co-author of the influential book 'Nudge', shares his insights on career transitions. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on what you love, even when shifting within the legal profession. Sunstein recounts his journey from clerking at the Supreme Court to teaching at the University of Chicago, exploring the marriage of intellectual challenge with practical relevance. He also reflects on behavioral economics, examining how subtle nudges can shape decision-making without compromising individual freedom.
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Early Career Pivot to Teaching
- Cass Sunstein shifted from practicing law to teaching early in his career after being impressed by University of Chicago Law School's intellectual energy.
- He saw teaching as continuous with law practice but more theoretical and engaging.
Criticism Led to New Collaboration
- Cass faced criticism from orthodox economists for his behavioral economics paper urging him to stop writing it.
- This led him to discover Richard Thaler and become excited about behavioral economics instead.
Forming a Key Collaboration
- Cass wrote a fan letter to Dick Thaler who initially didn't respond but later invited him to lunch.
- They became great friends and collaborators soon after connecting at University of Chicago.
