Episode 19: Dan Ariely - Professor of Behavioral Economics and Psychology at Duke University

This week, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dan Ariely, one of the most influential voices in behavioral economics and a pioneer in understanding the irrational forces that drive human behavior. A bestselling author whose books—including Predictably Irrational, The Honest Truth About Dishonesty, and Dollars and Sense—have sold millions of copies worldwide, Dan has helped reshape how leaders across business, healthcare, and policy think about decision-making. His TED Talks have garnered over 10 million views, and his research at Duke University continues to inspire both academic and corporate communities around the globe.Dan’s personal story is as powerful as his professional work. After surviving a traumatic accident as a teen in Israel, he became deeply fascinated by how people experience pain, make choices, and navigate complexity—insights that fuel his mission to design systems that support better, more human decisions.While this podcast usually features financial leaders, I knew I had to bring Dan on because understanding the why behind decisions is just as critical as the strategies themselves. In our conversation, we explored his early life, the behavioral patterns that shape utility and trust, and what it takes to create environments where both employees and ideas can thrive.Dan’s blend of scientific insight, practical wisdom, and human empathy makes this episode uniquely powerful—and one I believe every leader should hear.