Nudge

Adam Galinsky, a Columbia Business School professor and author of Inspire, dives into the age-old debate of whether leaders are born or made. He explores captivating examples like how Tammy J. Schultz's calming presence during a crisis reassured passengers. Adam emphasizes the influence of vivid, expressive language in leadership, revealing how small gestures, like emailing staff on birthdays, can have a significant impact. He also discusses the power of repetition in enhancing memory and engagement, highlighting that effective leaders cultivate specific behaviors rather than relying solely on innate traits.

In this enlightening discussion, Richard Shotton, a behavioral scientist and author of "Hacking the Human Mind," reveals the psychology behind Guinness's marketing triumph. He explains how the brand turned its slow pour flaw into a marketing advantage with the slogan "Good things come to those who wait." They explore the impact of iconic ads and the pratfall effect, demonstrating that admitting flaws can enhance appeal. Shotton shares insights on how time and effort signal quality, illustrating that effort can make brands more relatable and credible.

Richard Shotton, an applied behavioral scientist and bestselling author, delves into the fascinating psychology behind Five Guys’ menu strategy, revealing how simplicity fueled their rapid growth. He discusses Kraft's clever reformulation of Mac & Cheese to retain consumers while altering the recipe. The conversation also touches on the elusive appeal of seasonal products like the Pumpkin Spice Latte, illustrating how limiting availability preserves excitement and demand. Brace for insights that transform the way we think about food and marketing!

Michael Hallsworth, Chief Behavioural Scientist at the Behavioural Insights Team and author of The Hypocrisy Trap, explores the intense voter backlash from Partygate. He reveals how leaders breaking their own rules feels like betrayal, damaging public trust. Discussion includes why hypocrisy is easily spotted, the dangers of over-policing it, and how it ties to social status. Michael also explains schadenfreude, showing how exposing hypocrites can feel satisfying, and emphasizes that admitting mistakes can mitigate backlash.

Kipp Bodnar, HubSpot’s CMO and AI expert, shares his insights on integrating AI into marketing. He explains how rapid advancements in AI are reshaping creative production and consumer interactions. Kipp argues that designers will shift focus from repetitive tasks to strategy as AI handles production. He also discusses the importance of tailored messaging and the evolving role of AI in enhancing brand discovery, while emphasizing that human creativity remains irreplaceable. His four tips highlight adapting to AI for rapid insights and content strategy improvements.

In this discussion, Adrian North, a psychology professor at Curtin University and expert on music's effect on consumer behavior, reveals fascinating truths about how our senses influence purchasing decisions. He explains how Coca-Cola's white can altered taste perception despite no change in formula. Adrian discusses sound symbolism's impact on perception, the role of music in selecting wines, and how ambient factors like tablecloths can enhance taste. He shares surprising insights on scent's influence on quality perception and how tempo affects shopping habits.

Colin Fisher, an Associate Professor at UCL School of Management and author of The Collective Edge, critiques the classic team-building framework by Tuckman. He argues that success often creates team cohesion faster than trust-building exercises. Colin discusses how norms can quickly form and influence performance, substantiated by notable studies. He also highlights the importance of social sensitivity and its correlation with collective intelligence, emphasizing that designing motivating work environments is essential for team success.

Join Colin Fisher, an Associate Professor at UCL and author of 'The Collective Edge', as he dives into the surprising downsides of teamwork. He discusses social loafing and how group size can impact individual contributions. Colin shares insights on when collaboration is beneficial and when going solo might yield better results. Plus, discover fascinating research on group dynamics, challenging the notion that teamwork is always the key to productivity. Unpack the delicate balance between collective effort and individual brilliance!

Matt Johnson, a Professor of Consumer Psychology at Harvard, discusses the intriguing disconnect between our attraction to AI-generated art and our emotional responses once we know its origin. He explores how storytelling enhances the value of art, and why human creativity remains unmatched. Johnson reveals that while AI can mimic human qualities, it often lacks the emotional depth that connects us to genuine art. He also touches on branding challenges for AI in the creative realm, suggesting a future where AI collaborates with human artistry.

Phil Graves, a consumer psychologist and author of 'Consumerology,' dives into the surprising factors that influence voter behavior. He reveals that emotions and social norms often outweigh logical reasoning when choosing candidates. The conversation explores how minor changes in speech can sway opinions during debates and the significant role of social proof in marketing and politics. Additionally, Phil discusses the impact of perception and opinion polling on electoral outcomes, highlighting how these psychological insights can reshape political strategies.