The Human Risk Podcast

Dr Melina Moleskis, a decision-making expert, discusses the importance of decision science and behavioral science in making better decisions. Topics include the need for decision-making education, recognizing behavioral factors, AI's role in decision-making, judging decisions by process not outcome, learning from failure, and practicing decision-making skills.

What is it that makes a job enjoyable and fulfilling?  While you’re likely to have your own very individual answers to that question, chances are it’ll be to do with what you’re required to do, how much freedom you have, whether you think it’s worthwhile and how well it plays to your skillsets and interests. Yet, all too often, companies focus more on profit and less on creating environments that truly allow people to flourish. My guest on this episode, Philippa White, thinks things can be done differently. She’s the founder of TIE Leadership and the author of a brand new book, Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the world. In her work and in her book, she argues that it’s possible and desirable to chart a new course—one that recognizes our shared humanity as the ultimate driver of innovation, resilience, and satisfaction in the workplace. If that sounds idealistic, it is, but it’s also realistic.In our discussion, we explore:Philippa's career and what led her to do what she does now, including a fascinating story about a member of her own family;How experiential learning can help people to recognise their own strengths and weaknesses;The TIE leadership approach and the benefits this brings;Why leadership that focuses on humans over profits is more sustainable and will yield better results;And much, much more.LinksTo discover more about Phillippa, TIE Leadership, and her book 'Return on Humanity': www.tieleadership.comTo hear her TIE Unearthed podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/tie-unearthed/id1521035846  Ernesto Soroli's TED Talk on the Italians and the Zambian Hippos: https://www.ted.com/talks/ernesto_sirolli_want_to_help_someone_shut_up_and_listen?language=en

Dr Lixing Sun, a research professor, discusses cheating in nature and its impact on diversity and innovation. He explores how deception is prevalent in various species, drawing parallels between animal behavior and human society. The podcast delves into the strategies of lying and cheating in politics, emphasizing the importance of combating scams. Dr Sun's book offers insights on nature's influence on human behavior, providing a new perspective on sexual selection.

What prompted a courageous former employee of Harvey Weinstein to break her Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)? On this episode I'm speaking to a campaigner who came to prominence as the individual who broke the silence surrounding the misconduct of Harvey Weinstein. Formerly an assistant to Weinstein, Zelda Perkins made headlines when she came forward with allegations of sexual harassment against him. In the late 1990s, she signed an NDA, as part of a settlement which for years prevented her from speaking out about her experiences. However, motivated by the emergence of other allegations against Weinstein and the rise of the MeToo campaign, Zelda chose to break her silence and speak publicly about her experiences and the culture of secrecy enabled by NDAs. Her story has been pivotal in the global discussion about sexual harassment in the workplace, the misuse of power, and the legal and ethical implications of non-disclosure agreements. Zelda is the co founder of Can't Buy My Silence, a campaign group that is committed to end the misuse of NDAs to buy victims silence. In our discussion, we discuss Zelda’s experiences, what motivated her to break the NDA, what drives her campaigning, and what it’s like to be at the heart of a new story. You'll hear about the stresses and strains and her experience of something that nothing can really prepare you for. It's one of the most revealing discussions I've ever had on this show, with insights that are relevant to whistleblowing, transparency, campaigning, and the way organizations and society treat those who dare to speak up about injustice or wrongdoing. LinksZelda on Twitter/XThe Can’t Buy My Silence campaign, including resources for those being asked to sign NDAs or who are already subject to them.The FT article Zelda mentions in our discussion: https://www.ft.com/content/1dc8a8ae-b7e0-11e7-8c12-5661783e5589 The NYTimes article Zelda refers to: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/05/us/harvey-weinstein-harassment-allegations.html An interview Zelda gave to The Guardian newspaper: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/dec/23/zelda-perkins-there-will-always-be-men-like-weinstein-all-i-can-do-is-try-to-change-the-system-that-enables-them

How, in a world of limited resources, can we prioritise risk? Which ones should we focus on more than others?This isn't just something we need to think about in a work context.  It also applies to our personal lives; where should we spend our money, time and headspace?My guest is a friend of the show who has appeared four times before (links below).Professor Magda Osman is a Professor of Basic & Applied Decision-Making at Leeds Business School. She's a psychologist by training, with a specific interest in decision-making under risk and uncertainty, folk beliefs in the unconscious, as well as an interest in examining the effectiveness of methods of behavioural change.In our discussion, we explore:why we need to prioritise risk and the challenges of doing so;the benefits of group wisdom, and the reasons we might not always find it;the risks posed by a need to drive for consensus;how social dynamics influence decision-making;the power of cognitive diversity and much, much more.To find out more about Magda, her research and her work, visit her website.  You can also find her on LinkedIn.To hear previous episodes of the show featuring Magda (in the order they were recorded):'On Behavioural Interventions that Fail' 'On Unconscious Bias - what is it & can we train people to not display it?''On Compliance, Coercion & Competence''On Misinformation'

How can we make better decisions?  By paying attention to good advice or information and ignoring the opposite.  In a world where we're overloaded with data and opinions, it can be hard to determine what is good and what is bad advice.My guest Nuala Walsh, is the author of a new book called 'Tune In! How to make smarter decisions in a noisy world'.  In it, she highlights how we make decisions and the risks of using the wrong information to make them. What are the risks of mishearing, misinformation and misjudgement, and what can we do to pay attention to helpful inputs and ignore unhelpful ones?In our discussion, we explore:Nuala's unique expertise in behavioural science, investment, and consultingHow her book "Tune In" focuses on making smart decisions amid information overloadThe significance of personal and professional stories in shaping decision-makingHow Cognitive biases and 'decision friction' affect our judgmentThe balance between intuition and deliberate thought in ethical decisionsCorporate speed in decision-making vs. the importance of careful deliberationThe 'trilogy of error'—blind spots, deaf spots, and dumb spots—in perception. 'Perimeter traps' that represent pitfalls in judgment and decision-makingNuala's personal transformation through writing and its impact on legacy; Practical advice on applying smarter decision-making in everyday life.and much, much more.To learn more about Nuala, her work and 'Tune In': https://www.nualagwalsh.com/

Discover the power of storytelling in managing risk with Preethi Nair. Learn about crafting compelling narratives that resonate and persuade. Explore the challenges of telling the right stories and the impact of personal storytelling. Uncover the significance of authenticity, inclusivity, and resilience in leadership. Dive into rewriting narratives for personal fulfillment and embracing life's serendipitous nature.

What can business learn from improvisation? If you listened to the previous episode of the shwo, you'll know the answer. If you haven't yet done so, then I recommend dojgn that before listening to this. Because this is Part Two of my discussion with Heather Urquhart and it lfows naturally on from Part One.Meet Heather UrqhuhartMy guest Heather Urquhart is a professional improviser who not only performs improv but also works to help busineses to manage uncertainty and drive creativity via her firm 'And Also Improv'.In Part Two of our discussion, we look at the behind the scenes of improv. How can an improv compoany have a code of conduct?How do you design rules for a business that is about creativity?Why is it so difficult for people to say 'I don't know'.And much more. This is Part Two of a two part discussion. Part One is here: https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/heather-urquhart-on-improvisation-part-one/Links The moment when Hollywood Director Michael Bay leaves the stage during a launch event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=R4rMy1iA268Heather’s website: https://www.heatherurquhart.co.uk/Her company ‘And Also’ Improv: https://andalsoimprov.com/The MayDays, the Improv troop that heather is part of: https://www.themaydays.co.uk/speaker/heather-urquhart/ 'Showstoppers The Musical': https://showstopperthemusical.com/

What can business learn from improvisation? On the face of it, a form of entertainment that involves making things up as you go along, seems to be filled with human risk and not at all helpful in the business world.But actually, the skills that improvisers use to entertain us, are incredibky useful in businesses to drive better decision-making, The techniques that allow them to respond to unexpecte situations or come up with creative ideas, are incredibly helpful in a business context.Having previously explored some of the dynamics of improv with Comedy Store director, author and perfomer Neil Mullarkey, I wanted to dive a little deeper into the subject.Meet Heather UrqhuhartMy guest on this episode Heather Urquhart is a professional improviser who not only performs improv but also works to help busineses to manage uncertainty and drive creativity via her firm 'And Also Improv'.In our discussion, we look how the dynamics inherent in improv can help to improce the quality of decision-making and ideas within businesses.Amongst other things, we look at how active listening, a non-judgmental approach to creative ideas can transform all aspects of an organization, not just the traditionally 'creative' ones. True to the theme, Heather and I set out on our conversation with an open agenda. Not only did that take us to some intesting and unexpected places, but it also meant that we just kept going. So much so, that there’s too much for just one episode. So, this is Part one of a two part discussion. Part Two is coming soon.Links My previous discussion with Neil Mullarkey: https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/neil-mullarkey-on-being-in-the-moment/Heather’s website: https://www.heatherurquhart.co.uk/Her company ‘And Also’ Improv: https://andalsoimprov.com/The MayDays, the Improv troop that heather is part of: https://www.themaydays.co.uk/speaker/heather-urquhart/ 'Showstoppers The Musical': https://showstopperthemusical.com/

Sabrina Ahmed, a burnout prevention expert, discusses the alarming rise of burnout as defined by the World Health Organization. She delves into the signs and causes that affect both employees and the self-employed. The conversation highlights the transformative power of art, creativity, and playfulness as effective tools for combating burnout. Ahmed emphasizes the importance of aligning personal values with professional roles and introduces concepts like job crafting to enhance fulfillment. The insights provide a fresh perspective on navigating workplace challenges.