In this engaging discussion, Erika Ferszt, branding expert and founder of Scintillate Brand Consulting, teams up with Harvard researcher Jennifer Lerner, who specializes in emotions and decision-making. They delve into how fear underpins authoritarian control and influences democratic societies, exacerbating populism. The guests also explore the commercial benefits of anger and outrage marketing, revealing how society profits from emotional manipulation. The conversation highlights the vicious cycle where fear and anger blind critical thinking, complicating our decision-making.

Dr. Jennifer Lerner, Harvard Professor & former Chief Decision Scientist at U.S. Navy, talks about celebrating failure, terminating initiatives while keeping team confidence, and the surprising impact of anger on optimism in decision-making.