Episodes

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...

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...

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...

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 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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

What is decision science, and how can it help us to make better decisions?On this episode, I'm joined by decision-making expert Dr Melina Moleskis, who explains how she combines decision science and behavioural science to help her clients make...

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...

Why do we lie and cheat and why might it not always be a bad thing?On this episode, I’m speaking to a research professor who has studied lying and cheating in the natural world and what we can learn about it in the human world.    My guest, Dr...

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...

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,...

How can we make better decisions?  By paying attention to good advice or information and ignoring the opposite.  In a world where we're overloaded with data and opinions, it can be hard to determine what is good and what is bad advice.My guest Nuala...

What does storytelling have to do with managing risk? On this episode, I’m speaking to novelist, playwright, and screenwriter Preethi Nair.  She also helps people who want to tell their stories to identify the one that will resonate and tell them in...

What can business learn from improvisation? If you listened to the previous episode of the shwo, you'll know the answer. If you haven't yet done so, then I recommend dojgn that before listening to this. Because this is Part Two of my discussion with...

What can business learn from improvisation? On the face of it, a form of entertainment that involves making things up as you go along, seems to be filled with human risk and not at all helpful in the business world.But actually, the skills that...

What is burnout, and how can we prevent it?We're increasingly hearing about the idea of 'burnout', which the World Health Organisation has defined as a condition "resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed"....

What is Healthcare Coaching?If I say the word ‘doctor’ to you — in a medical, not academic, sense— you’ll probably think of someone in a white coat with a stethoscope who makes medical assessments and prescribes treatments and drugs to patients....

How can businesses do the right thing? What does that even mean and why does or should it matter?What is Business Ethics? Business ethics used to be a case of dealing with things like bribery and fraud, which companies tried to — and often did —...