The Brainy Business | Understanding the Psychology of Why People Buy | Behavioral Economics

Barry Conchie, founder of Conchie Associates, and Sarah Dalton, a partner at the same firm, unveil their research on leadership effectiveness. They identify five critical talents that predict extraordinary performance in leaders. The discussion highlights the importance of innate traits in hiring over mere likability, urging organizations to reassess their selection criteria. Barry and Sarah emphasize the need for diversity in teams and the role of self-assessment in leadership development. Listeners will gain insights into crafting effective interview questions to find top talent.

Dr. Agnis Stibe, a leading expert in behavioral economics and transformation design, joins the discussion to illuminate the fascinating world of hyper-performance. He reveals how overcoming psychological barriers can lead to remarkable success, using the Stibe Method. The conversation dives into the role of AI in enhancing human decision-making and the power of social proof for punctuality in meetings. Agnis also shares innovative solutions like the lottery incentive for waste management, proving how technology can drive collective behavior change for cleaner urban spaces.

In this conversation, Ann Chow, the former CEO of AT&T Business and a trailblazer for inclusive leadership, shares her insights on what it means to 'lead bigger.' She discusses the need for empathy and understanding diverse identities in effective leadership. Ann emphasizes the shift in work culture post-pandemic, highlighting the importance of human connection and flexible leadership that integrates personal and professional lives. Listeners gain valuable perspectives on fostering belonging and inclusion while adapting to evolving workforce expectations.

Discover the transformative power of vulnerability loops in building trust and deeper connections. Embrace vulnerability as a leadership superpower that fosters openness within teams. Learn a five-step process to create meaningful relationships, both personally and professionally. Get practical tips on cultivating a safe environment for team communication. Find out how asking the right questions can lead to genuine connections and enhanced collaboration. Dive into insights that challenge the perception of vulnerability as a weakness.

Bob Gerard, Learning Ingenuity lead at Accenture and co-host of the Learning Geeks podcast, shares insights on transforming corporate training into engaging experiences. He introduces eight principles of durable learning, emphasizing relevance, engagement, and reflection. Bob explores how technology, including AI, personalizes learning, and the importance of social interactions in retention. He highlights the shift towards innovative, immersive methods that cater to shorter attention spans, paving the way for impactful and lasting behavior change in the corporate world.

Nate Andorsky, an entrepreneur and author of Decoding the Why, dives into how behavioral science shapes business strategies. He shares his journey into this field, influenced by the book Nudge. Discover how understanding the 'why' behind decisions can transform product design, especially in technology. Nate discusses leveraging principles like social norms and commitment devices to enhance user engagement, alongside real-world examples in sectors like nonprofit and education. He emphasizes the role of testing and insights in refining strategies for better user experiences.

Dr. Polly Kang, a postdoctoral scholar at INSEAD, discusses her groundbreaking research on the 'streak end rule' and its effects on workplace motivation and job satisfaction. She reveals how reordering tasks can significantly decrease employee turnover—by up to 22%! Polly emphasizes the importance of balancing challenging and enjoyable tasks and shares insights from a study on a crisis hotline. Her findings provide practical strategies for organizations to enhance job design without resorting to financial incentives, leading to happier, more committed employees.

Discover how mental clutter impacts decision-making and leads to poor choices. Explore the fascinating 'chocolate cake study' that illustrates the effects of cognitive overload. Learn practical decluttering strategies for your workspace and digital life, including the effective KonMari method. Dive into productivity tools like Trello, Gantt charts, and Gmail's Snooze function to enhance focus. Uncover how organizing your mind can boost productivity and improve overall well-being.

In this thought-provoking conversation, Dr. Adam Galinsky, a professor at Columbia Business School and author of "Inspire," shares vital insights on leadership. He introduces the "leader amplification effect," highlighting how leaders' words and actions profoundly influence their followers. Adam discusses inspiring leadership traits such as being a visionary, exemplar, and mentor.Through personal anecdotes, he illustrates the importance of reflection and gratitude, emphasizing that small behavioral changes can significantly enhance leadership effectiveness, fostering a positive growth environment.

Madeline Quinlan, a behavioral scientist and co-founder of Salient, shares her fascinating journey from finance to behavioral science. She emphasizes the power of reframing failure as a learning opportunity. The discussion dives into integrating qualitative and quantitative research for effective behavioral interventions, highlighting the need for personalized approaches in understanding consumer behavior. Madeline also addresses the significance of identifying the right problems before applying behavioral insights, shedding light on innovative techniques developed during the COVID-19 pandemic.