066: The Science of Extraordinary Experiences with Dr Paul Zak

In this episode of The Remarkable Project Jay reconnects with one of the Podcast’s first guests, high-impact scientist, author and public speaker Paul Zak, to talk about why simple explanations often signal deep understanding, how community-building bolsters brand love in the brain, and what S.I.R.T.A. means to extraordinary experiences.

Dr. Paul J. Zak, PhD, has been on a quest to understand the neuroscience of human connection, human happiness, and effective teamwork. His academic lab and companies he has started develop and deploy neuroscience technologies to solve real problems faced by real people.​

Paul was one of the first scientists to integrate neuroscience and economics into a new discipline: neuroeconomics. His research has identified the brain processes that support such behaviours as trustworthiness, generosity, and sacrifice.

His work has been ground breaking in the academic, public, and now in business and healthcare settings. Fascinated by how to reduce the amount of wasted energy in creating experiences that are of no actual value to the end user, Paul looks at ways to harness brain imaging to understand what truly delights our customers. In his new book, Immersion: The Science of the Extraordinary and the Source of Happiness, he discusses the transition to an experience economy, as people increasingly crave the extraordinary, with his research showing that there’s a scientific formula to consistently create remarkable experiences. 

A professor of economics, psychology, and management at Claremont Graduate University, he is the author of two other ground-breaking books – Trust Factor and The Moral Molecule – and also a regular TED speaker, four-time tech entrepreneur, and corporate consultant.

Remarkable Takeaways

• Why being able to slow down and explain a concept or subject in simple terms often signals deep understanding.
• How building a community around those who love your brand actually helps reinforce and enhance the brain basis for that love.
• The five key stages of creating an extraordinary experience – S.I.R.T.A.

Connect with Paul

Find him on Linkedin

Learn more about Paul’s work at his website

 Purchase the book on Amazon here