The Human Risk Podcast

We’ve all heard the phrase ‘the show must go on’.  But when shouldn’t the show go on?  To help me answer that, I’m speaking to someone who has spent 35 years managing some of Australia’s most iconic large-scale events — from Taylor Swift concerts to public city spectacles with crowds over 200,000, and corporate experiences — and has often faced the question: when should the show really stop?My guest is Iain Morrison, wh,o as well as having a background in events, is now the CEO of a startup that builds hyper‑accurate 3D and VR plans for event venues.Episode SummaryIn this episode, I dig into what happens when the entertainment world’s credo — “the show must go on” — becomes a liability, and what it feels like backstage to carry that kind of responsibility. Iain explains the importance of having show‑stop protocols long before trouble arrives — whether it’s crowd crush, heart attacks in the crowd, or approaching severe weather. He explains how event organisers need to make decisions in advance so that nobody freezes under pressure, and ensure everyone is aligned on who can stop the show, and how and when to restart it. We also delve into the emotional toll of the event industry — the brutal hours, constant touring, adrenaline highs, and the realities of burnout. Ian talks candidly about putting people at risk by cutting critical breaks and how easily event teams can burn out. Finally, he walks me through his pivot: building a tech startup that uses 3D planning and virtual models to give event teams a fully visual planning tool — reducing surprises, improving safety, and supporting better decisions from the very first draft. GUEST BIOGRAPHYIain is an event manager with over three decades of experience in running major concerts, festivals, and public spectacles across Australia. He has helped deliver live shows for acts like Taylor Swift, U2, Foo Fighters, major public events on the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Domain Concert series, with crowds ranging from 5,000 to over 200,000. From high school theatre beginnings to early work at Opera Australia and the Sydney Opera House, Ian transitioned into corporate events, the Olympics, and large public outdoor events. He has worked in high-pressure environments where crowd safety, terrorism threats, public order, and weather call-offs were part of the job on a daily basis. About two years ago, he moved from event delivery to event technology — as CEO and co‑founder of The Imagination Collaborative, Ian now leads a startup building hyper‑accurate 3D and VR planning tools. These digital twins help event teams visualise venue layouts, crowd flows, sightlines, signage, camera positions, evacuation routes and more—before anything is built on site.AI-GENERATED TIMESTAMPED SUMMARY[00:00:00] Introduction[00:02:00] Ian’s backstory: school theatre → university → Opera House → major events[00:05:00] Scale of events: from 5,000 attendees to crowds of over 200,000[00:08:00] Types of risk at live events: crowd crush, terrorism threats, medical events[00:12:00] Why events remain largely unregulated worldwide[00:15:00] Concept of a “show stop”: planning for what enables safe cancellation or pause[00:20:00] Decision‑making under stress: protocols versus ego-based pressure[00:25:00] Real scenarios: thunderstorms, crowd reaction, and restart challenges[00:28:00] Emotional cost on crews: burnout, long hours, compressed touring schedules[00:32:00] Industry taboo around mental health and burnout; making it safer for staff[00:36:00] Ian’s use of social media to spark conversations on stress, safety and standards[00:40:00] Introduction to Ian’s startup: detailed planning with 3D environments and VR[00:44:00] How the tool works: drone scans, venue models, client interaction in virtual space[00:48:00] Benefits: fewer surprises, better sightlines, optimised signage, cost savings[00:51:00] Future plans: integrating crowd simulation, digital twin models, global expansion[00:55:00] Final reflections: the trade‑offs of delivering magic vs ensuring safety[00:57:00] Wrap‑upLINKS Iain on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/iainmorrison1/Iain’s website - https://iainmorrison.global/ Iain’s startup, The Imagination Collaborative - https://www.theimaginationcollaborative.com/

What if the real risk of AI isn’t job loss but brain atrophy?Episode SummaryIf you've spent any time on social media recently, you'll be familiar with the flood of low-quality AI-generated sludge. And on this episode, I'm speaking to someone who is leading a one-woman campaign against it and in favour of human-generated content. Her name is Zsike Peter and she's the fiercely human founder of an agency called Vampire Digital; you'll hear why its called that on the show.  Zsike is also the author of a new book called Thinkbait: The Definitive Guide to Reclaiming Human Creativity in the Age of AI which seeks to highlight and combat the prevalence of AI-generated low-quality content.Her mission is a passionate defence of human creativity in an age where generative AI threatens to dull our minds and voices. Its a rallying cry for intentional, thoughtful use that keeps our agency intact. In a fascinating discussion, we explore her extraordinary backstory, from growing up in communist Transylvania to being arrested after escaping a toxic UK host family that hired her as an au pair. And you'll hear the remarkable story about how she went undercover in a brothel to win a journalism scholarship. These stories aren’t just great anecdotes, they reveal a mindset of relentless curiosity, courage, and independence that informs her work today.What makes Zsike's objection to AI so compelling is that initially she embraced it.  But after having tried it out, she flipped from embracing generative AI to warning against its effects on our thinking. You'll hear her talk about the concept of Thinkbait as an alternative to clickbait; content that stimulates rather than stupefies. Along the way, we unpack how language creates culture, why writing is thinking, and what it means to preserve our humanness in a machine-saturated world.And much, much more.Guest Biography: Zsike Peter Zsike is the founder of Vampire Digital — a content agency with a “fiercely human heart,” known for producing sharp, human-written copy in a world drowning in AI sludge. She is also the author of Thinkbait: The Definitive Guide to Reclaiming Human Creativity in the Age of AI — a book that serves as both a practical framework and a philosophical manifesto. Her background in journalism, corporate communications, and digital marketing now powers a mission to help people reclaim their voices (and their thinking) in a world increasingly seduced by generative AI.LinksThinkbait  - https://thinkbait.co.uk/Vampire Digital, Zsike's agency - https://www.vampiredigital.biz/Zsike on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/zsike-peter/AI-Generated Timestamped Summary(yes, I know, ironic, given the subject!)[00:00:00] Introduction [00:02:00] Zsike's childhood in communist Transylvania and family escape story[00:13:00] Going undercover in a brothel to win a journalism competition[00:19:00] Her arrest and start in the UK after fleeing abuse[00:24:00] Building a career in communications and founding Vampire Digital[00:28:00] Why she chose the vampire brand and what it represents[00:31:00] How her agency captures authentic voice in client content[00:33:00] Her shift from embracing to warning against generative AI[00:36:00] The dangers of outsourcing thinking and writing to machines[00:41:00] Why individuality and voice matter in a world of sameness[00:44:00] Thinkbait as a framework, manifesto, and act of defiance[00:48:00] The bedtime story moment that triggered a rethink on AI[00:53:00] The rise of fake authority and automated engagement online[00:57:00] Language loss, writing in a third language, and cultural identity[01:03:00] How hardship shaped her creative drive and ethical stance[01:07:00] Final reflections

What if we treated mental health like a capability instead of a crisis? On this episode, I'm talking to a business school professor and a counselling psychologist about their new book that looks at practical ways we can manage mental health. Not after it manifests itself, but beforehand.Episode SummaryMental health has become part of the workplace conversation, but all too often, that conversation stops at slogans and superficial gestures. On this episode, I explore what it really means to build mental wellbeing into the culture of an organisation with two guests who bring very different — and deeply complementary — perspectives.Dr. Kiran Bhatti is a counselling psychologist working one-on-one with individuals experiencing anxiety, trauma, and burnout. Professor Thomas Roulet is an organisational sociologist at the University of Cambridge who researches the social dynamics of modern workplaces.Together, they've written Wellbeing Intelligence, a book that offers a smarter, more integrated approach to mental health at work. Our conversation blends the clinical and the organisational.We talk about why mental health needs to be treated not just as an emergency response but as a proactive skillset, why high performers are often the most vulnerable, and why grand programmes can fall flat if they don’t feel human. Kiran explains how physical symptoms can mask deeper emotional struggles, and Thomas highlights the invisible tensions that can shape how teams feel and function. We unpack how leaders can signal care without being intrusive, and how a culture of safety is built more through micro-interactions than policies. This episode is for anyone trying to build workplaces that support — rather than erode — human wellbeing. It’s full of practical insight, honest reflection, and just the right amount of theory to make it stick. You’ll also hear what parenting a newborn has taught them about emotional intelligence and stress, and why the best mental health support often starts with listening, not fixing.And we break new ground on the show. Not just by having the first couple on as guests, but also because we're joined by their newborn son, who plays his part in making the show more human!Guest BiographiesDr. Kiran Bhatti is a counselling psychologist with over 15 years of experience working with individuals and organisations on issues related to mental health, trauma, and emotional wellbeing. She describes herself as someone who works at the intersection of science and soul — blending evidence-based psychological techniques with a deep respect for human complexity. In her practice, she focuses on empowering clients to make sense of their experiences and build sustainable emotional resilience.Professor Thomas Roulet is a Professor of Organisational Sociology and Leadership at Cambridge Judge Business School and a Fellow at King's College, University of Cambridge. His research explores the social dynamics of organisations, including topics like stigma, conformity, culture, and leadership. He’s published widely on how organisations manage tensions, and how individuals navigate identity and meaning at work. His writing has appeared in Harvard Business Review, The Conversation, and major academic journals. Together, they co-authored Wellbeing Intelligence: Building Better Mental Health at Work, combining their clinical and organisational expertise to offer a fresh approach to workplace wellbeing that moves beyond tokenistic initiatives.AI-Generated Timestamped Summary[00:00:00] Introduction and the concept of "wellbeing intelligence"[00:03:52] Why mental health should be viewed as a spectrum, not a binary[00:07:10] The limitations of performative wellbeing initiatives[00:09:24] How leaders can signal real care without being intrusive[00:13:17] The interplay between physical and emotional symptoms[00:16:45] Why psychological safety needs to be lived, not just stated[00:21:06] What makes high performers especially vulnerable to burnout[00:26:08] Cultural tensions: hybrid work, visibility, and presenteeism[00:29:33] Real-life stories of clients struggling in 'healthy' work cultures[00:34:12] What we can learn from parenting a newborn about stress response[00:38:05] Thomas on data vs experience in mental health measurement[00:41:52] Kiran on the role of micro-connections in building trust[00:44:30] Why middle managers are often the most squeezed and unsupported[00:48:17] The risk of "outsourcing" care via tech or tools[00:52:01] Final thoughts on how to embed wellbeing into everyday leadership[00:55:12] Outro and links to the book and guest profilesLinksDr Khiran Bhatti - https://www.drkiranbhatti.com/Professor Thomas Roulet - https://www.thomasroulet.com/Wellbeing Intelligence - https://profilebooks.com/work/wellbeing-intelligence/Thomas' previous appearance on the show on Negative Social Evaluations - https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/dr-thomas-roulet-on-negative/

What if joy became the most important metric when we organised events? Or, to put it another way, why are so many events uninspiring and not very joyful?Episode SummaryOn this episode, I’m joined by event strategist, educator, and author Tahira Endean to explore a provocative question: what if we measured events not just by financial metrics, but by the joy they deliver?Drawing from her new book Our KPI is Joy: How Live Events Catalyze Happiness, Productivity and Trust, Tahira shares deep insights from decades of experience curating and designing events at scale, including her work with IMEX, one of the largest global gatherings in the meetings and events industry. We discuss why so many events feel soul-crushingly mediocre and how that reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of what people really need when they come together. Tahira challenges the industry’s obsession with surface-level logistics and proposes a reorientation around human experience.She unpacks everything from the science of connection and discomfort to the power of design, food, space, and unexpected joy to foster trust and productivity. Whether you’re an event professional, a business leader, or simply someone who’s sat through one too many lifeless conferences, this conversation will challenge how you think about convening people. We discuss beanbags, sound baths, shrimp, secret handshakes, and how small design decisions can profoundly impact how people feel, learn, and connect. And that’s what makes joy — not an emoji or indulgence — but a powerful performance indicator.Guest Bio: Tahira EndeanTahira is an experienced event strategist, educator, and co-founder of Strategy Table. She serves as Head of Programme for IMEX, where she curates content for two of the world’s largest MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions) industry gatherings in Frankfurt and Las Vegas. With over three decades in the events industry, Tahira has developed a reputation for her forward-thinking approach to event design and human-centric experiences. She teaches event strategy and design, is a passionate advocate for experiential innovation, and brings a behavioural lens to the way we bring people together. She believes in the power of micro-moments, psychological safety, and events as catalysts for human connection and organisational trust.AI-Generated Timestamp Summary0:00:02 - 0:14:48: Maximizing Event Joy for ProductivityThe episode kicks off with a discussion on how joy can be a key performance indicator (KPI) for events. Tahira Endeen, an experienced event strategist, talks about why many events end up being mediocre and how small design changes can significantly enhance the experience. The conversation highlights the importance of joy in fostering happiness, productivity, and trust during gatherings, challenging the traditional business mindset to value joy as much as other KPIs. 0:14:48 - 0:29:08: Designing Events for Human ConnectionThis segment delves into the principles of intentional event design. Tahira and the host explore how creating environments that balance comfort and stimulation can lead to more meaningful interactions and learning experiences. They discuss examples like the 11th International Conference on AIDS, where well-designed events led to groundbreaking innovations. The focus is on nurturing individual experiences over catering to the masses.0:29:08 - 0:37:32: Designing Thoughtful & Engaging EventsThe focus here is on fostering connections and joy in professional events through thoughtful design. Strategies like facilitating introductions by senior managers and organising diverse breakout sessions are explored. The segment underscores the importance of measuring engagement and joy, emphasizing a human-centered approach that considers attendees' needs and enhances productivity and satisfaction.0:37:32 - 0:49:24: Embracing Experimentation and FailureTahira shares insights on the value of experimentation and adaptability in event planning. Through a personal anecdote, she illustrates how innovative ideas, initially met with scepticism, can yield significant benefits. The conversation encourages making small changes, embracing failures as learning opportunities, and maintaining a proactive attitude to achieve unexpected successes. 0:49:24 - 1:01:30: Navigating Event Chaos for SuccessThe episode explores the beauty of embracing imperfections in event planning. Tahira and the host discuss how handling mistakes with grace and humour can add charm to events. They advocate for flexibility in event processes to enhance experiences for both speakers and attendees, maintaining the magic even amidst logistical challenges.LinksIMEX Events - https://imexevents.com/Strategy Table - https://strategytable.co/Our KPI is Joy Book - https://www.amazon.com/Our-KPI-Joy-Happiness-Productivity-ebook/dp/B0DXVX6XX8Tahira on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tahira-endean-msc-citp-cmp-ced-918a868/?

Why is getting shit done so hard, and what can we do about it?Episode Summary Getting shit done isn’t just about motivation or tools, it’s about design. In this episode, I speak to Claus Raasted: consultant, author, speaker, experience designer, and someone who describes himself — with tongue firmly in cheek — as an “overpaid rockstar consultant.” But behind the flair is a deep understanding of how to remove friction, reframe work, and help people build systems that actually work for them. Claus and I talk about his Little Book of Getting Shit Done, why productivity isn’t about speed or optimisation, and how to shift from overthinking to action.We also explore the difference between solving problems and designing for them, and how creativity, humour, and even a bit of absurdity can help us rethink how we work. Whether you're the kind of person who loves productivity hacks or someone who's suspicious of all things “optimised,” Claus has a way of making the serious playful and the playful serious. It’s a fun, insightful conversation that just might change the way you approach your to-do list. 🔹Guest Biography Claus describes himself as an “overpaid rockstar consultant,” but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. He’s a prolific author (46 books and counting), a speaker known for delivering insights with humour, and a designer of transformative experiences, everything from corporate innovation workshops to immersive fantasy roleplay events. He’s the Director at the College of Extraordinary Experiences  Claus has also worked with organisations like IKEA, PwC, and Boston Consulting Group. You’ll often find him on stage in a Batman suit, not because he wants to be a superhero, but because he understands the power of breaking expectations.LinksClaus' website - https://www.clausraasted.com/Claus on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/clausraasted/Claus Raasted's Little Guide To Getting Shit Done - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DSbVsv6W3CzKbhd3PqU7CBjQUm08uQY1/view?usp=sharingThe College of Extraordinary Experiences - https://www.extraordinary.college/AI-Generated Timestamped Summary0:00:02 - Introduction0:02:02 - Humour and Productivity0:03:43 - The Overpaid Rockstar Consultant Approach0:09:43 - Strategic Pricing and Branding0:16:15 - Innovative Approach to Motivation and Productivity0:19:15 - Combining Gaming with Exercise0:21:37 - The Human Approach to Sales0:27:37 - Thoughtful Engagement in Sales0:34:04 - Reimagining Event Experiences0:36:34 - Immersive Design in Events0:39:30 - Expanding Perspectives and Creative Problem-Solving0:46:30 - Balancing Safety and Creativity0:53:41 - Resistance to Creative Solutions0:58:41 - Embracing Unconventional Ideas1:02:46 - The Value of Time and Connection1:06:46 - Questioning Hourly Payment Models

What happens when a British communications expert takes her political instincts and corporate storytelling skills to Germany? 🎙️ Overview On this episode, I speak with Katy Diggory, who’s done exactly that — and learned a lot about tone, culture, and translation along the way. It’s a brilliant conversation that blends politics, international business, and linguistic nuance. We explore the difference between translating and localising a message, why AI struggles to sound human, and how tone of voice can make or break communication, from Ryanair’s snark to a politician’s speech. Katy gives me a behind-the-scenes look at her journey from UK Parliament to advising German corporates and monitoring elections in Eastern Europe. This episode is packed with insight for anyone trying to make themselves understood, especially across borders, cultures, or platforms. Katy is witty, reflective, and razor-sharp, and I think you’ll enjoy hearing from her as much as I did. 👤 Guest bio: Katy Diggory Katy Diggory is a communications expert specialising in campaign design and management, copywriting, proofreading and editing in English and political training. She is based in Munich.She helps individuals and organisations — especially in politics and corporate life — communicate more effectively across languages, cultures, and sectors. Her approach blends UK political communications experience with an understanding of German corporate tone and messaging. Katy has worked in the UK Parliament and across public and private sectors, and has monitored elections for the OSCE and other international bodies. Fluent in German, she brings bilingual sensitivity and cultural fluency to everything from speechwriting to branding. ⏱️ AI-Generated Timestamped summary [00:00] Introduction[01:30] Katy’s background in UK politics and how she got into comms[04:40] The shift from UK politics to working with German corporate clients[08:05] Cultural differences in tone of voice between British and German organisations[10:25] Why humour doesn’t always translate — and how that shapes messaging[13:15] When corporate tone feels robotic or insincere[15:00] Can you really ask AI to write like a human?[17:45] The difference between translating and truly localising content[20:10] Ryanair as an example of strategic tone on social media[22:30] What makes a ‘bad’ tone of voice — and how to recognise it[24:55] Being bilingual: how switching languages also means switching personas[27:40] Why German culture may be more accepting of seriousness[30:15] Behind the scenes of international election monitoring[34:00] How trust is earned — and lost — in political comms[36:50] Politicians as one-person media organisations[39:10] Communication risks in cross-border work[42:30] Katy’s final thoughts on what makes communication human🔗 Relevant LinksKaty’s official website: https://www.katherinediggory.com/Katy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katy-diggory-b1b31425/Ryanair’s Twitter/X account: @Ryanair

What can a global pop icon teach us about business strategy? In the case of Taylor Swift, more than you might think.Episode SummaryOn this episode, I’m joined by Kevin Evers, senior editor at Harvard Business Review and the author of There's Nothing Like This: The Strategic Genius of Taylor Swift. We dive deep into what makes Swift not just a pop icon but a master strategist — someone who has repeatedly made bold, counterintuitive business decisions and turned them into career-defining moments. Kevin and I explore how Taylor has managed her brand like a founder, handling everything from customer loyalty to product lifecycle planning, channel distribution to reputation management. He explains how she’s cultivated extraordinary fan intimacy, exercised long-term thinking, and turned public conflict into strategic advantage; all while maintaining creative and commercial dominance. One of the key moments we reflect on is her decision to re-record her early albums to reclaim ownership of her masters — and since we recorded this episode, there’s been a major update: she’s now reportedly bought back the original masters. It’s a case study in asset control, strategic patience, and sticking to your values, and whether or not you’re a Swiftie, there’s a lot to learn.Guest Biography Kevin is a senior editor at Harvard Business Review, where he focuses on strategy, innovation, and leadership. He is the author of The Strategic Genius of Taylor Swift, a book that applies a business lens to the career of one of the most commercially successful musicians of our time.In the book — and this conversation — Kevin explores how Swift’s strategic decision-making offers lessons in branding, IP management, customer engagement, and more. In addition to his work at HBR, Kevin has also edited and collaborated on several bestselling business books, including titles in the HBR Guide series.AI Generated Timestamp Summary0:00:00 - Intro (7 Minutes)Introduction to Taylor Swift's strategic acumen in brand management.Discussion with Kevin Evers on how Swift has built a resilient brand and fostered fan loyalty.Highlighting her decision to re-record albums as an example of her entrepreneurial instincts.0:06:49 - Taylor's Bold Career Evolution (7 Minutes)Exploration of Swift's transition from country star to pop icon.Examination of key career moments, including the 2009 MTV VMA incident.Analysis of how Swift turns challenges into opportunities.0:13:46 - Taylor Swift's Collaborative Evolution (14 Minutes)Swift's strategic collaborations and her fear of stagnation.Insights into her partnership with producer Max Martin and how it helped evolve her sound.Comparisons to the Beatles' ability to adapt and innovate.0:27:26 - Taylor Swift's Evolving Content Strategy (4 Minutes)Discussion on Swift's adaptation to the music industry's changing dynamics.Her shift from releasing albums every two years to more frequent releases.Analysis of her blend of abundant content and scarce online presence.0:31:51 - Taylor Swift's Fan-Obsessed Strategy (14 Minutes)Exploration of Swift's marketing strategy focused on fan engagement.Use of subtle clues and inside jokes to create anticipation among fans.Examination of her decision to re-record albums and its impact on fan loyalty.0:46:14 - Taylor Swift's Founder Mentality and Risk (10 Minutes)Examination of Swift's instinct-driven career decisions.Comparison of her strategy to tech giants like Apple and Amazon.Discussion on her music-first philosophy and founder mentality.0:56:10 - Taylor Swift's Resilient and Innovative Career (12 Minutes)Analysis of Swift's ability to adapt and thrive in the streaming age.Examination of her strategic pivots and their impact on her career.Reflection on her focus on passions and connection with superfans.Links There's Nothing Like This - https://www.nothinglikethisbook.com/HBR Summary: https://hbr.org/2025/03/the-strategic-genius-of-taylor-swiftKevin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-evers1/

Why do people have affairs? What lessons can we learn from infidelity?It's estimated that an affair will impact one in five of us, yet it tends to be a taboo subject.  So, on this episode, I'm going to break that taboo and explore the hidden world of affairs with psychoanalyst and author Juliet Rosenfeld.Juliet’s book, Affairs: Stories of Love, Lies, Hope and Desire, is an intimate look at why people have affairs, how those relationships shape us, and what they reveal about the unconscious forces at work in our lives.Episode SummaryIn a fascinating discussion, we talk about the stories she gathered for the book, how she approached them ethically, and what she’s learned about the powerful, often destructive, pull of infidelity.I also ask Juliet about her own experience as a psychoanalyst; how she balances her clinical insights with the need to write in a way that’s both honest and protective of the people involved. Juliet explains how she turned the consulting room into a space for exploration, not exposure, and how the stories she’s collected show just how deeply affairs touch the lives of everyone they involve. From the idea of the couple to the unconscious roots of our desires, we unpack some of the most complex questions about relationships and risk. Throughout our conversation, Juliet brings a refreshingly human — and humane — perspective to a topic that’s often shrouded in shame and secrecy. Whether you’ve ever experienced an affair yourself or just want to understand why people cross these lines, this episode offers insights that go far beyond the headlines. Guest Biography Juliet Rosenfeld is an author and a psychoanalyst working in private practice in London. She is particularly interested in the unconscious forces that shape our relationships and behaviours.Juliet’s second book, Affairs: Stories of Love, Lies, Hope and Desire, explores the complex terrain of infidelity through a psychoanalytic lens, blending real stories with her own reflections and insights. She is a member of professional psychotherapy and psychoanalysis associations in the UK and is deeply engaged in thinking about the ethical dimensions of her work. Beyond her practice, Juliet has also been a board member of the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) and is passionate about making the insights of psychoanalysis accessible to a general audience.AI-Generated Timestamp Summary[00:00:00] Introduction to the episode and Juliet Rosenfeld[00:01:00] Exploring what affairs are really about and how unconscious forces shape them[00:02:00] Juliet’s background as a psychoanalyst and the role of the unconscious[00:04:00] How relationship struggles underpin so many issues Juliet sees in her work[00:05:00] Why Juliet wrote the book and how affairs are inherently risky[00:07:00] The foundational idea of the couple and how it shapes us from birth[00:08:00] Ethical dilemmas of writing about real people’s affairs[00:11:00] Juliet’s approach: interviewing participants who weren’t her patients[00:13:00] Balancing her clinical mindset with the demands of writing[00:16:00] The role of supervision in psychotherapy and its relevance to Juliet’s work[00:18:00] The challenge of anonymising the stories while staying true to them[00:20:00] Juliet’s thoughts on police requests for therapist notes and patient confidentiality[00:22:00] The differences in the regulation of therapists in the UK vs the US[00:26:00] The importance of trust, supervision, and the intense relationship with a supervisor[00:30:00] Why Juliet believes statutory regulation of psychotherapy is important[00:34:00] How affairs spark intense public reactions and fascination[00:37:00] The long-term impact of divorce and affairs on children[00:42:00] How affairs can be a way of finding solutions to deep personal problems[00:45:00] The uniqueness of each affair story and the problem of generalisations[00:47:00] The role of disappointment and the challenges of long-term love[00:49:00] Juliet’s thoughts on how therapy can help couples[00:53:00] Why no one comes to see her at the start of an affair[00:56:00] The emotional investment and secrecy that affairs demand[00:59:00] The final reflections on why Juliet wrote the book and what it revealed to her[01:05:00] Closing remarks and where to find Juliet’s bookLinksJuliet’s website with details of her work and books: https://julietrosenfeld.co.uk/The UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP): https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/

Have you ever wondered how much of your success is down to luck? What if the world is far less fair and predictable than we’d like to think? On this episode, I explore the complex and fascinating role of luck in our lives and decisions with Dr. Chengwei Liu, Associate Professor of Strategy and Behavioural Science at Imperial College London. Chengwei shares how his research challenges our assumptions about skill, effort, and fairness – and why the outcomes we see are often far more random than we’d like to believe. We discuss why many successful strategies and best practices are built on shaky ground, and how our tendency to downplay luck creates illusions of control and reinforces unfair systems. Chengwei explains how beliefs in fairness – like the ‘just world’ hypothesis – shape everything from business cultures to political systems, and how luck and misperceptions of it can create cycles of privilege or disadvantage. Chengwei also shares practical insights on how to become a smart contrarian: someone who can harness the power of randomness and serendipity while avoiding the pitfalls of bias and overconfidence. From the dangers of blindly following the ‘successful’ to the need to look inward and embrace uniqueness, it’s a thought-provoking conversation that will change the way you think about risk, decision-making, and what it really means to get ahead. Guest BiographyDr. Chengwei Liu is an Associate Professor of Strategy and Behavioural Science at Imperial College London. He describes himself as someone fascinated by how luck, randomness, and human biases shape success and failure – both in business and in broader society. Chengwei’s work challenges mainstream management thinking and explores how much of what we attribute to skill is actually the result of random factors. His book, Luck: A Key Idea for Business and Society, examines these dynamics and how we can learn to navigate them. Beyond his academic roles, Chengwei has also worked as a management consultant, drawing on his experience in both research and practice to uncover how to harness luck and uncertainty. AI-Generated Timestamped Summary[00:00:00] Introduction[00:02:00] Chengwei explains his research focus on randomness and variance in firm performance [00:04:00] The overlooked 50% of variance in outcomes: luck and randomness [00:06:00] Defining luck as what lies beyond our control and foresight [00:08:00] The conflict between fairness beliefs and the reality of luck [00:10:00] Luck’s societal implications: why fairness perceptions differ across countries [00:11:00] Skill versus luck – how we confuse the two in our narratives [00:13:00] Why successful people over-attribute their success to skill [00:15:00] Managers vs entrepreneurs: how they differ in acknowledging luck [00:17:00] The challenges of researching an elusive concept like luck [00:18:00] Using mathematical models to understand Black Swan events [00:20:00] Why successful predictions of Black Swan events don’t indicate forecasting skill [00:23:00] The problem with best practices from ‘successful’ firms [00:26:00] Selection bias in business books and the danger of survivor bias [00:29:00] The ‘too good to be true’ heuristic as a guide [00:31:00] Contrarian thinking as a survival strategy for uncertainty [00:33:00] The replication crisis and the problem with social science predictability [00:35:00] Human curiosity: the power of moderate surprises [00:37:00] The difference between luck and serendipity [00:39:00] How to encourage serendipity in our lives [00:41:00] Embracing uniqueness and avoiding conformity [00:44:00] Lessons for the age of AI and human creativity [00:46:00] The dangers of ignoring randomness: when biases become destructive [00:48:00] Exploiting others’ biases for strategic advantage [00:50:00] Why ‘smart contrarian’ thinking is more important than ever [00:53:00] Testing contrarian ideas like a scientist [00:56:00] The limits of trial and error: learning from mistakes [00:58:00] Chengwei’s ongoing research: minority decision-making in venture capital [01:00:00] How passion and variance link to VC investment strategies [01:02:00] Wrapping up with reflections on luck, curiosity, and human creativity LinksDr. Chengwei Liu’s book, Luck: A Key Idea for Business and Society: https://www.routledge.com/Luck-A-Key-Idea-for-Business-and-Society/Liu/p/book/9781138094260? Chengwei Liu’s Imperial College faculty webpage: https://profiles.imperial.ac.uk/c.liu

What is psychological harm, and can we really regulate it? Should an AI-companion app be allowed to dump the person who is using it?  📝 Episode Summary On this episode, I’m joined once again by Professor Magda Osman, someone who’s been on the show several times before, who always has something compelling to say.This time, we're talking about psychological harm, a term you’ve probably heard, but which remains vague, slippery, and surprisingly unhelpful when it comes to actually protecting people. Together, we explore what psychological harm really means, why defining it matters, and why regulating it, especially in digital contexts, is so tricky.We draw comparisons to physical harm, ask whether some emotional distress might be necessary, and consider what kinds of harm are moral rather than measurable. The conversation touches on loneliness, AI companions, consent, and even chainsaws!👤 Guest Biography Magda is a Principal Research Associate at the Judge Business School, University of Cambridge, and holds a Professorial position at Leeds Business School, University of Leeds, where she supports policy impact.She describes herself as a psychologist by training, with specific interests in decision-making under risk and uncertainty, folk beliefs in the unconscious, and behavioural change effectiveness.Magda works at the intersection of behavioural science, regulation, and public policy, offering practical insights that challenge assumptions and bring clarity to complex issues.  ⏱️ AI-Generated Timestamped Summary[00:00:00] Introduction and framing of psychological harm[00:02:00] The conceptual problems with defining psychological harm[00:05:00] Psychological harm and the precautionary principle in digital regulation[00:08:00] Social context, platform functions, and why generalisations don’t work[00:12:00] The idea of rites of passage and unavoidable suffering[00:15:00] AI companion apps and emotional dependency[00:17:00] Exploitation, data harvesting, and moral transparency[00:22:00] Frustration as normal vs. actual psychological damage[00:26:00] The danger of regulating the trivial and the need for precision[00:29:00] Why causal links are necessary for meaningful intervention[00:33:00] Legal obligations and holding tech companies to account[00:38:00] What users actually care about: privacy, data, trust[00:42:00] Society’s negotiation of what counts as tolerable harm[00:45:00] Why this isn’t an unprecedented problem — and how we’ve faced it before[00:50:00] The risk of bad definitions leading to bad regulation[00:54:00] Two contrasting examples of online services and their impacts[00:57:00] What kind of regulation might we actually need?[00:59:00] The case for rethinking how regulation itself is structured[01:01:00] Where to find Magda’s work and final reflections 🔗 LinksMagda's LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/magda-osman-11165138/Her website: https://www.magdaosman.com/ Magda’s previous appearances on the show exploring:Behavioural Interventions that fail:https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/dr-magda-osman-on-behavioural/ Unconscious Bias: what is it, and can we train people not to show it?https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/dr-magda-osman-on-unconscious/Compliance, Coercion & Competencehttps://www.humanriskpodcast.com/professor-magda-osman-on-compliance-coercion-competence/ Misinformationhttps://www.humanriskpodcast.com/professor-magda-osman-on-misinformation/ Risk Prioritisationhttps://www.humanriskpodcast.com/professor-magda-osman-on-risk-prioritisation/