What makes communicating effectively such a critical skill in today’s world? On this episode, I dive into the fascinating world of communication with Amy Kean, a psychosociologist, educator, and the founder of Good Shout, a company redefining how we teach and communicate. Amy brings her unique blend of humour, honesty, and sharp insights to a conversation that will leave you thinking differently about how you connect with others. We explore Amy’s journey from advertising to launching a learning ...
Nov 29, 2024•1 hr 3 min
How does one become a political cartoonist? And what lessons can we learn from their craft? Episode Summary In this episode, I sit down with legendary political cartoonist Steve Bell to explore the artistry and challenges behind his provocative work. From his early struggles as a teacher to his meteoric rise as a satirical voice at The Guardian , Steve shares the experiences that shaped his unique style. We delve into his creative process, the evolution of his iconic characters, and his reflecti...
Nov 23, 2024•1 hr 17 min
How do tiny changes in our surroundings create big impacts on our daily lives? And what does that have to do with house flies? Episode Summary In this episode, I’m thrilled to welcome Dr. Eva Van Den Broek and Tim Den Heijer to discuss their new book, The Housefly Effect, which explores the hidden ways behavioral science influences our daily decisions. We dive into fascinating examples of nudges, from a simple housefly sticker in a urinal to placebo buttons at pedestrian crossings. They reveal h...
Nov 14, 2024•1 hr 8 min
What if embracing randomness could unlock better decision-making in your work? In this episode, I welcome back Matt Ballantine , a returning guest known for his insightful and playful take on work and life. This time, Matt dives into the concept of randomness and how it can be a strategic tool in navigating complex problems that defy traditional solutions. From engaging discussions on how randomness applies to decision-making to his creative uses of tarot-like card decks for ideation, Matt demon...
Nov 04, 2024•1 hr 5 min
What would you do if someone you trusted turned out to be living a double life? Episode Summary On this episode, I speak with Anna Rowe , a brave and resilient advocate for victims of romance fraud. Anna shares her deeply personal story of being deceived by someone who led a double life, manipulating her emotions and trust for over a year. Her journey from victim to activist is one of courage and determination to bring awareness to the emotional trauma caused by these scams. During our conversat...
Oct 25, 2024•1 hr 14 min
How can road trips and curiosity shape our perspectives on life? In this episode, I speak with Dr Holly Bell, a former professor, author, and spontaneous traveller. Holly’s diverse background, which includes teaching economics, writing thrillers, and even working in corporate management at a Fortune 100 company, is rooted in her insatiable curiosity and love of reinvention. Together, we discuss her fascinating career journey and how she continuously evolves by following her passions and embracin...
Oct 18, 2024•1 hr 4 min
What role does creativity play in navigating an unpredictable world? On this episode, I sit down with Carissa Carter and Scott Doorley , both members of the Stanford d.school faculty. Together, they’ve co-authored Assembling Tomorrow , a fascinating exploration of how design influences the future, especially amidst the rapid rise of emerging technologies like AI and synthetic biology. We discuss how design shapes the environments we live and work in and why getting it right can help people make ...
Oct 11, 2024•1 hr 3 min
How can we be better at influencing others? On this episode, I explore the world of influence with behavioural scientist Steve Martin. Steve has made a career out of studying the art and science of persuasion, and in this conversation, we dive deep into his latest book Influence at Work . Together, we unpack how influence is a key part of all aspects of life, including compliance. We discuss why 'influence' often gets a bad rap as manipulative, and how it’s misunderstood as a 'dark art.' We disc...
Oct 05, 2024•1 hr 10 min
How can watching Disney movies, help create more inclusive environments? The answer is in the word Enchantment. On this episode, I'm speaking to Chloé Valdary , the founder of an organisation called The Theory of Enchantment , to explore her unique approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) training. If you're someone for whom DE&I conjures up negative thoughts, then you're going to want to hear this. Because Chloé's approach is nothing like traditional DE&I. This episode is...
Sep 26, 2024•1 hr 5 min
How does moral polarization challenge even the most well-intentioned leaders? In this episode, I speak with Morgan Hamel , who talks frankly about her journey from working in business ethics to launching her own ethical fashion business. In our conversation, Morgan reflects on the complex dynamics of running a business that sought to balance purpose and profit and how that vision was tested by the demands of a polarized world. Morgan’s story offers a candid look at the pressures business leaders...
Sep 21, 2024•1 hr 8 min
What do you think of when you hear the words Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) ? If it's something negative, then this is the episode for you; because I'm exploring how we can transform DE&I from something theoretical but impractical to something that can really work and have a positive impact for everyone. In other words, how we can de-polarize it? On this milestone 300th episode of the Human Risk podcast, I’m joined by three remarkable guests— Chloé Valdary, Morgan Hamel , and P...
Sep 14, 2024•55 min
How does neurodiversity impact creativity? On this episode, I explore the challenges of mental health and how it can be both a driver of astonishing creativity and the cause of significant pain. I believe that having conversations about mental health is crucial if we want to create an inclusive society and get the best out of everyone. To discuss this topic, I’m joined by the incredibly talented Matt Ottley, an author, illustrator, composer, and musician whose work spans multiple mediums and tou...
Sep 07, 2024•1 hr 9 min
What makes a digital workplace truly effective? In this episode, I talk to Sharon O'Dea, co-founder of Lithos Partners, about the intricacies of navigating the digital workplace. Sharon brings her wealth of experience in digital communications and workplace strategies to the table, sharing insights on how organizations can leverage technology to enhance employee performance and mitigate human risk. The conversation delves into the practical challenges of managing digital workplaces, from AI inte...
Aug 30, 2024•1 hr 2 min
Introducing the Decision-Making Studio Podcast If you’re a regular listener to the show, you’ll know that it’s all about the risks of human decision-making. I try to bring you guests who can help us to better understand them and what we can do to mitigate them. One of those guests is Ben Cattaneo , the host of his own podcast, which was one of the inspirations for this show. Ben’s show used to be called The All Things Risk podcast , but he recently rebranded it to The Decision-Making Studio podc...
Aug 27, 2024•6 min
How can passion and irritation lead to innovation and community building ? In this episode, my guest is Danielle Letayf , the founder of Badassery , a dynamic community designed for unconventional thought leaders dedicated to igniting change. In our discussion, we delve into the essence of community building, exploring how cognitive diversity and shared values can create spaces that foster genuine connection and innovation. Danielle shares her journey from being the daughter of immigrant parents...
Aug 24, 2024•1 hr 6 min
What if we saw Artificial Intelligence as a mirror rather than as a form of intelligence? That’s the subject of a fabulous new book by Professor Shannon Vallor , who is my guest on this episode. In our discussion, we explore how artificial intelligence reflects not only our technological prowess but also our ethical choices, biases, and the collective values that shape our world. We also discuss how AI systems mirror our societal flaws, raising critical questions about accountability, transparen...
Aug 16, 2024•1 hr 11 min
Is there such a thing as an original idea? What if everything were actually a remix? Episode Summary In this episode, I'm exploring the fascinating concept of creativity with filmmaker, educator, and speaker Kirby Ferguson . Kirby is best known for his groundbreaking video series “ Everything Is A Remix ,” which delves into the idea that creativity is all about copying, transforming, and combining existing ideas to form something new. During our conversation, Kirby shares his insights into how c...
Aug 10, 2024•1 hr 13 min
What would motivate someone to cycle 4,000 miles across America, and what stories might they uncover along the way? Episode Summary On this episode, I speak with travel writer Simon Parker , who recently cycled 4,000 miles across America. Simon's journey, from Seattle to Key West, was a mission — ahead of the US election in November — to understand the current social and cultural landscape of the United States by speaking with everyday people. Throughout the episode, listeners will hear about th...
Aug 03, 2024•58 min
How do you get 𝟲𝟮,𝟬𝟬𝟬 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 to keep a 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁? By not calling it a secret. With the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics later today, on this episode, I'm looking back 12 years to the London 2012 Olympics . In this episode, we dive into the behind-the-scenes secrets of the London 2012 Olympic Opening and Closing Ceremonies with Victoria Sena, a participant and former colleague of mine from the UK Financial Services Authority. We discuss the meticulous planning, the psycho...
Jul 25, 2024•53 min
Why do we travel? Obviously, sometimes we do it to go to work or visit family. But lots of us also do it for fun, becuase we can. And we naturally presume that’ it’s an unalloyed good. But is it? My guest, whose new book ‘ Airplane Mode’ explores some of the complexities and contradictions of travel and tourism, is Shahnaz Habib . She’s a writer and translator, but intriguingly, isn’t a travel writer or affiliated with the travel industry, which means she can approach the subject with a unique p...
Jul 21, 2024•1 hr 9 min
What can we learn from magic? On this episode, I’m joined by two magicians, Fergus Flanagan and Neb Maciver , founders of Talk Magic and both accomplished magicians in their own right, who join me to share their unique journeys, from Fergus's early days working on Children's BBC to Neb’s transition from band life to full-time magician. Through their Talk Magic partnership, they aim to inspire conversations around storytelling, creativity, and mental health. You’ll hear them open up about their p...
Jul 14, 2024•1 hr 17 min
How can we solve 'wicked problems' within complex organisations? A wicked problem is a social or cultural problem that's difficult or impossible to solve because of its complex and interconnected nature . Wicked problems lack clarity in both their aims and solutions and are subject to real-world constraints which hinder risk-free attempts to find a solution. If that sounds like a big challenge, it is. But it's precisely the kind of thing my guests on this episode, Koen Smets & Dr Bart Derre ...
Jul 04, 2024•59 min
Why do some great ideas succeed while others fail despite having everything else in place? On this episode, we welcome back Paul Orlando , an expert on unintended consequences and systems thinking. Paul introduces his new book, " Why Now: How Good Timing Makes Great Product s," and discusses the pivotal role timing plays in the success of startups and innovation. Through historical examples and modern-day insights, Paul explains how to identify the right moment for launching new ventures and the...
Jun 23, 2024•1 hr 3 min
What can canaries in coalmines teach us about diversity and inclusion ? In this episode, I’m speaking to an academic who has some fascinating ideas and insights into how we can create more inclusive work environments and cultures — in other words, how to get the best out of all employees. Guest Bio My guest, Dr. Ludmila Praslova , is a Professor and the Founding Director of Graduate Programs in Organizational Psychology at Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, California . She is an industrial orga...
Jun 14, 2024•1 hr 4 min
How is technology impacting money laundering ? On this episode, I'm welcoming investigative journalist Geoff White back onto the show. In 2022, Geoff joined me to talk about his book and podcast The Lazarus Heist , the story of how North Korean hackers launched an attack on Sony Pictures in 2014. This time, he's back to talk about his brand new book ' Rinsed ' which looks at money laundering in a digital world. In it, Geoff explores how thieves who steal digital money that’s highly traceable, la...
Jun 08, 2024•57 min
How can organisations get the best out of the humans they employ and empower them to help deliver desired outcomes? The answer is by focusing on the decisions taken that are critical in determining whether or not the right outcome is achieved. On this episode, I speak to Sarah Abramson , Head of Marketing at Acteon , a communication and learning agency in Cambridge, UK. I came across Acteon last year after they approached me to be the keynote speaker at their annual event called, appropriately e...
Jun 03, 2024•1 hr 13 min
What might the future of society look like & how can we get there? On this episode, I’m speaking to a best-selling author who has written an extraordinary book about her vision for the future. Unusually, the book is a work of fiction for the show, but the issues it addresses are very relevant to Human Risk. My guest is Manda Scott , who began her career as a veterinary surgeon and is now an award-winning writer and podcaster. Her new book, Any Human Power , has the subtext Dream deeply. Rise...
Jun 01, 2024•1 hr 3 min
Why is misinformation so prevalent, and what can we do about it? On this episode, I’m speaking with Alex Edmans , a London Business School Finance Professor who has written a book called ‘May Contain Lies: How Stories, Statistics, and Studies Exploit Our Biases and What We Can Do About It’. Alex’s areas of focus are purposeful business, sustainable investing, corporate governance, and behavioural finance. He’s also very prepared to use his platform to challenge people who propagate inaccuracies ...
May 27, 2024•1 hr 3 min
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...
May 20, 2024•57 min
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 Sch...
May 12, 2024•59 min
