The Decision Corner

The Decision Lab

The Decision Corner connects you with cutting-edge insights from the world's best applied behavioral scientists to bring wisdom to your daily and professional life.

Rather than talking about nudges and trying to codify science into design principles, TDC goes deep and finds out just how the world's brightest minds solve complex real-world problems using the social sciences.

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70 episodes
Updated Oct 11, 2022

Episodes70

Newest first

Sep 27, 2021 · 40 min
The Elements of Choice with Eric Johnson
In this episode of The Decision Corner podcast, Brooke is joined by Eric Johnson, director of the Center for Decision Sciences at Columbia University and author of the upcoming release, The Elements of Choice. Johnson’s expertise lies in how we make decisions, but also how those decisions are influenced by how our choices are perceived. This conversation details important topics from the book, such as what choice architecture is, and how it relates to choice engines. It also dives into how, if we are aware of how choice architecture works, we can actually use it to our benefit, and make better decisions. Some of the topics discussed include: - Differentiating choice architecture from nudges - What are designers, and how do they influence others' decisions? - Assembled preferences and how they influence our decision making - How choice engines differ from choice architecture - The gradual convergence of choice architecture and choice engine design - Using choice architecture to our benefit, and to improve or create new interventions
Sep 20, 2021 · 29 min
Algorithms that Run the World with Cathy O’Neil
In this episode of The Decision Corner, Brooke Struck sits down with Cathy O’Neil, CEO of ORCAA and author of the New York Times bestseller Weapons of Math Destruction. Having studied and worked at some of the most prestigious universities in the world, including Harvard, MIT, Barnard College, and Columbia, O’Neil has been outspoken about the social risks of algorithms. In this conversation, O’Neil dives into some of the “invisible” problems that algorithms pose for society, and how decision-makers can create more responsible algorithms to better outcomes for society. This episode includes discussions about: - The political nature of algorithms - How algorithms don’t predict the future, but create conditions for future events to occur - How algorithms influence predictive policing - How these biases invade hiring platforms and processes - The purpose of algorithms, which tend to serve those who create them - How policymakers and decision-makers can generate more responsibility among technicians
Sep 13, 2021 · 34 min
What Boomers can Learn from Millennials with Karl Moore
In this episode of The Decision Corner, Brooke is joined by Karl Moore, Oxford University Associate Fellow and McGill University Professor, and author of the upcoming book, OK Boomer: Working With Millennials and Generation Z. With 12 years of sales and marketing management experience, Karl has been named one of the top four business professors in Canada, and one of the world’s greatest business thinkers by Business Strategy Review. He has also interviewed hundreds of leaders for his research on extroverted, ambiverted, and introverted leadership styles, including leaders like Justin Trudeau, Muhammad Yunus, and Sir Richard Branson. This conversation applies Karl’s management knowledge to intergenerational workforces, including topics such as: - The modern and postmodern worldview that differentiates Boomers and Millennials - The impact of worldview on work style, including our perception of truth - Why Boomers should make room for empathy in their workplaces - Why some life lessons become less relevant as we age - The six lessons for senior executives from OK Boomer - Casual workplace connection in the age of WFH
Aug 23, 2021 · 35 min
Humanizing the Workplace with Ryan Stelzer
In this episode of The Decision Corner podcast, Brooke is joined by Ryan Stelzer, co-founder of Strategy of Mind and co-author of the upcoming book, Think, Talk, Create. Stelzer’s expertise lies in management consultancy and pulling in aspects of psychology, philosophy and cognitive science to optimize the workplace. This conversation details important topics from the book, such as the importance of humanizing the workplace again, psychological safety and the consequences of taking a numbers-only approach. It also dives into small changes that individuals can incorporate into their daily lives to promote change. Some of the topics we discuss include: How the over-emphasis on numbers in organizations has caused us to de-humanize the workplace The issues surrounding short-term value-oriented decision making The importance of practicing active inquiry at all levels of the company hierarchy The secret to financial success and how it lies in psychologically safe organizations How psychological safety relies on all stakeholders to work together How to create a healthy blend of values within an organization How a ledger-only approach can limit your upward mobility
Aug 16, 2021 · 28 min
What We Say Versus What We Do with Kate Laffan
Kate Laffan, Marie Curie Fellow at University College Dublin, explains why we struggle to reach the goals we set for ourselves: the intention-behaviour gap. One of the ways this gap manifests is in our environmentally-conscious behaviour. We can work personally and collectively to better align our behaviours to our intentions, and make the world a little better off by doing so. This podcast delves deep into changes we can bring about on an individual and organizational level to benefit the environment, including topics such as: Key behaviours that we can change, such as meat consumption, air travel, and our housing Reducing intention-behaviour gaps on the organizational level, through strategies that include prosocial incentives, green defaults, and decision aids Creating change on an individual level through implementation intentions, monitoring, and reflection Using COVID-19 induced changes in work environments as opportunities for behavioural change
Aug 9, 2021 · 43 min
Health Equity for Black Communities with Dr. Onye Nnorom
In this episode of the podcast, Brooke is joined by Dr. Onye Nnorom, president of the Black Physicians’ Association of Ontario and an experienced physician who helps people understand how factors of racism impact marginalized groups, especially in the context of health. Also known as “Dr. O” on her podcast “Race, Health, and Happiness,” the two discuss racialized communities’ experiences with the health system, vaccines, strategies to build trust, and optimism for the future. Supported with important real-world examples of systemic shortcomings and effective ways to increase trust within Black communities, the conversation explores COVID-19 through a much-needed racialized lens. Some specific topics include: Drivers behind low vaccine uptake rates within Black communities in Canada. The importance of lived experience and intergenerational wisdom. The history of Black communities being exploited by public health systems. The need for open discussions around vaccine distrust, rather than forcing uptake. Integrating cultural humility into all levels of the healthcare system. The three stages of vaccine rollout and how they’ve been experienced by Black communities in Canada. Barriers that prevent respect for, and acknowledgment of, racialized intergenerational wisdom from the dominant culture. Strategies to increase Black communities’ trust in the public health system. How to navigate difficult discussions on vaccine hesitancy.
Aug 2, 2021 · 40 min
Confronting our (Un)conscious Bias with Dr Lasana Harris
UCL Professor of Behavioral Science Dr Lasana Harris joins Brooke for this episode of the podcast. In a fascinating discussion that questions the ‘unconscious’ nature of what most psychologists would refer to as unconscious bias, Dr Harris draws from research in the fields of neuroscience and social psychology to help explain why human beings experience bias, how it manifests in our behaviour, and what we can do to overcome it, beyond ‘box-checking’ debias training. Some of the things discussed include… The neuroscience behind the origins of our bias. Hint: it relates to our natural ‘fight or flight’ response. Why we are often aware of our own bias, but tend to attribute it to the wrong factors. Debiasing - why most bias trainings provided by organisations are done to fulfill legal obligations or improve corporate image, and how they can be improved. Embracing our individual responsibility to educate ourselves around bias while acknowledging that systemic change is required to address the environmental factors that fuel it. The ‘statue debate’ and whether cancel culture is erasing potential lessons from the past, or a sign of progress in the direction of a more inclusive society.
Jul 26, 2021 · 39 min
The Human Error Behind Fake News with David Rand
In this episode of the podcast, Brooke is joined by David Rand, professor of Management Science and Brain and Cognitive Sciences at MIT. Together, the two explore David’s research on misinformation, trying to understand why people believe fake news, why it is spread in the first place, and what people can do about it. Brooke and David also discuss real life applications of strategies to prevent misinformation, especially as it pertains to social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and news outlets. Specific topics include: The categories of fake news, including blatant falsehoods, hyperpartisan news, and health misinformation The roles that bots, algorithms, and humans play in the dissemination of fake news How algorithms fail to analyze why people pay attention to certain information The tension between our preferences and our limited cognitive abilities How our beliefs can be tied to our social identities How media platforms can do create healthier ecosystems for information processing Platforms’ imperative to be proactive, rather than playing catch up with misinformation And does controlling the spread of misinformation infringe on the freedom of speech?
Jul 19, 2021 · 39 min
Creating Great Choices with Roger Martin
In this episode of the podcast, Brooke is joined by Roger Martin, an experienced strategy advisor, former Dean of the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto, and co-author of Creating Great Choices. Together, the two explore business models and how we can make great choices when faced with incongruity. Supported with real-world examples, the discussion addresses how we should move forward when we don’t get the outcomes we hoped for. Some specific topics include: Our disinclination toward compromise and how to get around making “either/or” decisions Bob Young and his company Red Hat, who took two unappealing choices and built a superior model amidst the free software movement The ladder of inference that leads us to focus on monoliths How the Toronto International Film Festival overcame the power of monoliths and became the most important film festival in the world The three steps for integrative thinking, an alternative to accepting polarized situations How Roger transformed the Rotman School of Management into one of the highest-ranked business schools in research How people can work toward integrative thinking through their everyday choices
Jul 12, 2021 · 30 min
Health Journalism in an Infodemic with André Picard
André Picard, renowned Canadian health journalist, converses with Brooke about the value of clear public health communication and the importance of teasing out truthful information from the tangle of misinformation. Picard discusses the responsibilities of stakeholders in curbing the COVID infodemic, from publishers and writers to readers. Several thought-provoking ideas explored in this podcast: The COVID infodemic The influence of public health communication strategies How to prepare students for an infodemic The necessity of skepticism without cynicism The value of service journalism and the trouble with media polarization
Jul 5, 2021 · 56 min
Cyber Scenario Planning with Alan Iny, Sanjay Khanna, and Michael Coden
In this episode of the podcast, Brooke chairs a roundtable discussion at the intersection of risk, scenario planning and cybersecurity. His guests are Sanjay Khanna, Strategic Advisor and Foresight Expert, and Advisor to The Decision Lab; Alan Iny, Global Lead for Creativity and Scenarios at the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), and Michael Coden, Global Lead for BCG Platinion’s Cybersecurity Practice. Together they discuss the human and systemic vulnerabilities that expose us to cybersecurity risks, and how scenario planning and creative problem solving can help mitigate such threats. Drawing from countless real-world examples of major global crises, they argue that although our best thought-out plans may never materialize, the process of planning itself is invaluable. Some topics discussed include: The guests’ recent thought leadership on cybersecurity, including two potential future cybersecurity scenarios - one reflecting greater multi-stakeholder cooperation, the other reflecting a more fragmented, individualistic response. Balancing a need for individual awareness and responsibility around cybersecurity with a wider systematic approach to the challenge. If human error is the root cause of cybersecurity breaches, how can we help people avoid such errors? The case for scenario planning, not as a prediction tool, but as a mechanism to prepare for a range of plausible scenarios. Real-world examples of how scenario planning has enabled international organisations to prepare for risks that bear similarities to events such as Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jun 28, 2021 · 37 min
The Fun in Boredom with James Danckert
In this episode of The Decision Corner, Brooke is joined by James Danckert, professor of Psychology at the University of Waterloo and co-author of Out Of My Skull: The Psychology of Boredom. They dive into the purpose of boredom and how we can make these dull moments important and meaningful. This podcast covers: Why boredom is so important for finding meaning in your life How the ‘Goldilocks Zone’ can help you get focused What Chris Hadfield, farming, and the myth of “only boring people get bored” all have in common Why COVID-19 has made us more bored than ever before How the “Dark Room Problem” means our brains can’t operate as predictive machines Why you should sometimes binge watch Keeping Up With the Kardashians
Jun 21, 2021 · 47 min
Holistic, Human, and Honest Financial Planning with Cary List
In this episode of The Decision Corner, Brooke is joined by Cary List, the past president and CEO of FP Canada, an organization designed to professionalize financial planning. Throughout this episode, he provides his expert perspective on the changing industry of financial planning. Zeroing in on the transformational power of technology, behavioral science, and improved professional standards, List paints a picture of a brighter future for the field of financial planning. Some specific topics of this episode include: The seismic shift in the financial planning industry from a sales first industry to a people-first industry How the pandemic impacted trust in the financial services companies The innovative digital techniques of fintech organizations, and how they may be falling behind the curve What roles human financial advisors will play in an increasingly automated world How Cary’s “3H model” can transform financial planning into a more holistic, human, and honest profession
Jun 14, 2021 · 30 min
Situation normal all futured up (SNAFU) with Sanjay Khanna
In this episode of The Decision Corner, Brooke is joined by Sanjay Khanna, a strategic advisor and foresight expert. Sanjay’s job is to be ahead of the curve on wide-ranging issues, whether they be geopolitical, socioeconomic, sociocultural, psychosocial, technological, or ecological. This has led him to have a unique and interesting career, with his evidence-based insights informing scholarship, innovation and foresight practice at a global law firm, numerous businesses, governments and NGOs, including a senior advisor to Biden’s transition team. Drawing on his knowledge, this conversation focuses on issues such as converging crises, how to model plausible future scenarios, and how behavioral science can help us understand the future.
Jun 7, 2021 · 48 min
Ethics for Aesthetics with Jonathan Haidt and Alison Taylor
In this episode of the Decision Corner, Brooke speaks with Jonathan Haidt, the Thomas Cooley Professor of Ethical Leadership at the Stern School of Business NYU, and Alison Taylor, the executive director at Ethical Systems and an adjunct professor at NYU. In today’s episode, they discuss the role of ethics and values in business, including the challenges associated with Generation Z, and the workplace culture changes that have been fuelled by the evolution of social media and increasing polarization in countries like the United States. They talk about the challenge of hearing from all members of the workforce, and not just the most polarized who are shouting the loudest. If you’re curious about whether businesses should remain politically neutral, have an interest in business ethics and the changing landscape of modern corporate leadership, this episode is for you! Some of the topics discussed include: The challenges that come with leading a multi-generational and politically motivated workforce. Should businesses take a stance on social issues? Is neutrality a viable position? Business ethics as a way of conducting business, as opposed to being a safeguard against legal action or public outcry. Fostering a safe culture where employees feel comfortable expressing their opinions without fear of backlash from the public, or their co-workers. The role of behavioral science in business - beyond the marketing department.
May 31, 2021 · 45 min
AlphaGO, Two Triangles, and your Political Intuitions Walk into a Bar with Jordan Ellenberg
In this episode of The Decision Corner, Brooke speaks with Jordan Ellenberg, best-selling author and Professor of Mathematics at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. Through his research and his books, which include How Not to be Wrong, and more recently, Shape, Jordan illustrates how abstract mathematical and geometric equations can be brought to life, and indeed used to address some of the major challenges facing the world today. In today's episode, Jordan and Brooke talk about: The different types of ‘games’ or problems that people and society in general face, and why they require different types of solutions. The interplay between human decision-making and AI or algorithmic approaches, and understanding which methods should take precedence in which situations. Gerrymandering, electoral system design and finding better ways to facilitate democracy. Understanding how AI can be an effective safeguard when we humans develop the rules of the game.
May 25, 2021 · 48 min
Beyond Bias with Olivier Sibony
In this episode of The Decision Lab podcast, Brooke is joined by Olivier Sibony, co-author of Noise, and experienced consultant and researcher focused on how to improve the quality of decision-making. He is currently a professor at HEC Paris, and Associate Fellow at Saïd Business School at Oxford University. This episode explores the three categories of noise, and how they can affect our decision making in ways that can be incredibly difficult to detect. Olivier draws on real-life examples to illustrate this and proposes several strategies to mitigate and avoid noise when making important decisions. Some topics we discuss include: Biases versus noise: how they differ How to conceptualize a judgment and judgment error What the three different categories of noise look like, and how they can skew decision making Why companies that depend on the judgments of many people should conduct a noise audit Decision hygiene and preventative strategies to improve decision making Practical steps that can be integrated into organizations to optimize judgments and reduce noise
May 17, 2021 · 37 min
Talking through a pandemic: Khan Bouba-Dalambaye
In this episode of The Decision Corner, Brooke sits down with Khan Bouba-Dalambaye, high school guidance counsellor, EDI consultant, and curriculum designer. Through counselling work, Bouba-Dalambaye’s clients have taught him that the pandemic has triggered a wide-spread dip in motivation, communication, and relationship maintenance. During this episode, he offers listeners tips on how to get more in touch with our own feelings and needs, and increase our motivation to meet our goals. His most important takeaway: start small. Some specific topics of this episode include: Intuitive (easy) versus intentional (effortful) communication and how our reliance on the latter impacts our mood The need to interact with others in creative ways How and why we are currently affected by a lack of motivation How communication through technology has played a role Specific coping strategies for the pandemic and WFH life How to “meaningfully engage with” - rather than “kill” - time
May 10, 2021 · 36 min
The Conversations We're Not Having: Wendy De La Rosa
In this episode of the Decision Lab, Brook speaks with Wendy De La Rosa, co-founder of the Common Cents Lab, and host and creator of the new TED series; Your Money and Your Mind. Wendy was a founding member of Google’s behavioural economics unit, helping over 30 teams to optimize product strategy and design, customer engagement and retention, as well as revenue. In their discussion, Brooke and Wendy discuss the changes in the economy caused by the pandemic, as well as strategies and techniques that business and individuals can use to help improve their financial standing. Some of the topics include: The way we make financial decisions, and why more education is not necessarily the best solution to our financial difficulties. How to ensure your environment is set up for success. Removing the shame surrounding financial failure, and the benefits of having more open conversations about our finances. How employers can help support their teams’ productivity by taking some of the stress out of their financial situations through initiatives like Financial Health Days. The importance of discussing finances in our personal relationships.
May 3, 2021 · 29 min
From the perfect life we don’t have to the good life we could: Paul Dolan
In this episode of the Decision Corner, Brooke speaks with Paul Dolan, Professor of Behavioural Science at the London School of Economics. Paul is globally recognised for his work on the measurement of happiness, its causes and consequences, and its implications for public policy. His experience includes working with the British Office for National Statistics and the government's Behavioural Insights Team – also known as the 'nudge' unit. He is the author of two bestselling books, and has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles. In his conversation with Brooke, Paul discusses some of his most influential work on the topic of well-being and public policy. He gives his view on what’s needed to address some of the burning policy issues facing governments all around the world today. Some of the topics discussed include: Measuring well-being through a WELLBY - what it is, and how it can be used to help craft good policy. Why the idea of a universal ‘perfect life’ is a myth, and how we need to find our individual balance of purpose and pleasure, based on our own experiences. The difference between equity and equality. How inequality can be fair in some instances, but too much inequality is unjust, and the need for a general consensus around that point. An appeal for diversity in policymaking - how policy makers are generally from a specific age group or demographic, and why having a broader range of input into policies and decisions could help inspire greater public confidence. The different lenses through which people of different cultures and demographics see the world, and the need to accept and include diverse perspectives. The impossibility of certainty when it comes to policy making, taking the pandemic response as a real-time example. Why we should be wary of individuals who display blind certainty, and fail to accept uncertainty in decision-making.