The Human Risk Podcast

Finance Professor Alex Edmans discusses the prevalence of misinformation, cognitive biases in decision-making, pitfalls of biased research, debunking popular beliefs like the 10,000 hours rule, importance of cognitive diversity, and navigating misinformation in a polarized world. He emphasizes critical thinking, statistical literacy, and ethical dilemmas in business practices.

What is the Rainbow Ceiling, and why does it matter? On this episode, I’m speaking to the author of a new book that explains the significance and the ways we can help to remove it. A rainbow ceiling is similar to a glass ceiling, a metaphor for the various structural barriers that hold down women or minority groups as they try to climb the career ladder and prevent them from reaching top jobs—but applied to LGBTQ+ people.It’s a rainbow partly because it symbolises LGBTQ+ people but also because the concept of the arc of a rainbow suggests that different people are affected in different ways. If, like me, you’re straight, you might not ever have given much thought to what it’s like to be LGBTQ+ and why those who are can find life more difficult.My guest, Dr Layla McCay, is the author of a brand new book called ‘Breaking the Rainbow Ceiling: How LGBTQ+ people can thrive and succeed at work’ As you’ll hear, although this is ostensibly a book to help LGBTQ+ people, it’s also incredibly insightful for everyone else. That is why I wanted to get Layla onto the show. In reading it, I had some revelations: I recognised that I didn’t really understand some of the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ people.  I figured that if that applied to me, it might apply to others as well. But my revelations went further than a lack of understanding. I also came to realise that I had often inadvertently either helped to foster a work environment that wasn’t as inclusive as it could have been or not done simple things that I could have done to make it. I think inclusion is important, not just because it’s the right thing to do but also because by excluding people, we’re not getting the best out of everyone or the cognitive diversity we really need.TopicsOn the show, we explore:What the Rainbow Ceiling is and how it manifests itself;How everyday business practices, such as business travel, pose unique challenges and discomfort for LGBTQ+ professionals;Why many LGBTQ+ people are forced to go ‘back into the closet’ at work, and what impact that has;The challenges of ‘coming out’ at work;How policies can unintentionally exclude LGBTQ+ people, and what we can do to make them more inclusive;The importance of visible symbols of support; the transformative power of LGBTQ+ visibility in leadership; And much, much more. Resources Layla’s book “Breaking The Rainbow Ceiling’: https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/breaking-the-rainbow-ceiling-9781399410762/ Layla on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/LaylaMcCay Her NHS profile: https://www.nhsconfed.org/people/dr-layla-mccay For more on what LGBTQ+ means:  https://www.verywellmind.com/what-does-lgbtq-mean-5069804A crash course on LGBTQ+: https://www.cps.edu/globalassets/cps-pages/services-and-supports/health-and-wellness/healthy-cps/healthy-environment/lgbtq-supportive-environments/key-terms-for-understanding-lgbtq-identities.pdf

What can we learn from artists about decision-making?  More than you might think. We often see decision-making in binary terms and whether decisions are good or bad.  But what if they’re more subjective and akin to the way an artist looks at the world?  That’s what my guest explores in her new book. That guest is Elspeth Kirkman, Chief Programme Officer at the innovation agency Nesta and a Visiting Senior Research Fellow at King's College London's Policy School and Exeter University's Business School.  She works at the intersection of design, data, and experimentation to solve societal problems. Elspeth’s book ‘Decisionscape’ explores how the decisions we make are influenced by a variety of factors, many of which are personal to each of us. In our discussion, we explore: Elspeth’s career and work;What Decisionscapes are and how using an artistic lens can help us to understand how and why we make decisions;How factors like social capital can lead people to make seemingly counter-intuitive decisions;Parallels between the creative process in writing and decision-making;the impact of everyday choices on life's narrative and long-term happiness;the significance of small, habitual decisions in shaping our lives;the concept of counterfactual thinking and finding contentment in reality;the enjoyment of making decisions, even without complete information;why embracing imperfection in decision-making can help us live more satisfied livesand much, much more. Links to topics we discuss during the showThe Green Day concert where the audience sings Bohemian Rhapsody - https://youtu.be/cZnBNuqqz5g?si=SSkpKTIZ1OVv4qfn Oliver Burkeman’s Book ‘Four Thousand Weeks’ -  https://www.oliverburkeman.com/books Pablo Picasso’s Picture of a Bull - https://drawpaintacademy.com/the-bull/ Links to Elspeth and her work Decisionscape - https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262048941/decisionscape/ Behavioural Insights, the book she co-authored with Michael Hallsworth - https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/647522/behavioral-insights-by-michael-hallsworth-and-elspeth-kirkman/ Elspeth’s work at Nesta - https://www.nesta.org.uk/team/elspeth-kirkman/ Her profile on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/elspethkirkman Twitter/X - https://twitter.com/Karminker Previous episodes of the showI have featured topics related to decision-making in many episodes of the show, which are available at www.humanriskpodcast.com. Two recent episodes of particular relevance are my discussions with: Dr Melina Moleskis -  https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/dr-melina-moleskis-on-decision-making-part-one/ and Ben Cattaneo - https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/ben-cattaneo-on-decision-making-part-two/

What makes us more or less likely to comply with rules or laws? My guest, Benjamin Van Rooij, knows all about this subject. He is a Professor of Law and Society at the University of Amsterdam who  researches and writes about behavioural law; in other words, the impact laws have on human behaviour and the behavioural science behind law. This is Benjamin’s fifth appearance on the show, which tells you that he’s incredibly engaging and insightful. I invited Benjamin to come back onto the show to discuss his latest research project on the  ‘Obligation to Obey’; the question of whether we feel obliged to comply with Rules or the Law, simply because they are Rules or the Law.  We did talk about that and some of his other research.  But we also got into a much wider conversation about Compliance — what it’s there to do and the behavioural drivers behind it — and fascinatingly, some insights into Benjamin’s own propensity to comply, what drives his intellectual curiosity and his observations about Compliance In The Wild.In our discussion, we explored:The Roots and Evolution of Compliance;Why it can be hard to prove the effectiveness of Compliance programs;The difference between Reactive vs. Preventive Compliance;How Compliance Functions are evolving;Why Behavioural Science, Testing and Experimentation are important in meeting Compliance objectives;How and Why Social Norms can drive Compliance:How curiosity and challenge can benefit Compliance;And much, much more.Resources To find out more about Benjamin and his research, visit his faculty page. You can listen to the previous episodes of the show in which we discussed:To hear his four previous appearances on the show:COVID Compliance The Behavioral Code which explores the book of the same name, which he co-authored with Dr Adam Fine.  Compliance 2.0 Measuring Compliance, where we discussed the book of the same name that he co-authored with Professor Melissa Rorie. 

What goes into human decision-making? If you listened to the previous episode of the show with Dr Melina Moleskis on decision-making, then you’ll know what’s coming next.   If you didn’t, then don’t worry; you can listen to that after this.My guest on this episode is Ben Cattaneo, a friend of the show and the founder of The Decision-Making Studio, a startup that helps clients to make better decisions. In our discussion, we pick up some of the themes I discussed with Melina and explore others. Since Ben’s background is in risk — he hosts the All Things Risk podcast — we explore how, in an uncertain world, making good decisions is critical. On the episode, you'll hear about: Ben's experiences of founding The Decision Making Studio;the importance of integrating human elements into decision-making processes;the FOCUS framework for improving decision quality;the need to blend art and science in making decisions;the flaws in classic MBA case studies for teaching decision-making and the benefits of looking at less-known examples for deeper insights;the need to shift towards embracing uncertainty as a natural part of decision-making;the complexity and importance of decision-making in both personal and organizational contexts.and much more.Resources Part One of this series with Dr Melina Moleskis on Decision-Making: https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/dr-melina-moleskis-on-decision-making-part-one/ Blockbuster Netflix story: https://finshots.in/archive/the-incredible-netflix-story-you-didnt-know/ Comedian Des Bishop on Mindfulness: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yU_wLC0NlgU James Clear on Tattoos, Haircuts & Hats: https://jamesclear.com/3-2-1/february-1-2024 You can find Ben via his Decision Making Studio website: https://thedecisionmaking.studio/ Ben’s All Things Risk podcast is available on all platforms and here:  https://www.allthingsrisk.co.uk/ The episode of his show featuring Paula Reid who cycled across Ukraine: https://www.allthingsrisk.co.uk/2024/04/02/ep-215-paula-reid-on-cycling-across-ukraine/ The Decision-Making Studio https://thedecisionmaking.studio/ Ben’s Decision Reaction Videos are available via his account on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-cattaneo/ The specific episodes he refers to on the show: Mark Gilmour’s race in Morocco: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ben-cattaneo_decisionmaking-decisionreactions-activity-7183537246388518912-jBQR?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop The movie ‘Gung Ho’: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ben-cattaneo_decisionmaking-activity-7155084173228077056-iX2H?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop Relevant episodes of the Human Risk podcast: Ben on ‘All Things Risk': https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/all-things-human-risk-crosscast/Alison Taylor on 'Doing The Right Thing': https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/alison-taylor-on-doing-the-right-thing/Professor Bent Flyvbjerg on 'How Big Things Get Done': https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/professor-bent-flyvbjerg-on-how-big-things-get-done/

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'