Contacts
Info
People are often described as the largest asset in most organisations. They are also the biggest single cause of risk. This podcast explores the topic of 'human risk', or "the...
show more
People are often described as the largest asset in most organisations. They are also the biggest single cause of risk. This podcast explores the topic of 'human risk', or "the risk of people doing things they shouldn't or not doing things they should", and examines how behavioural science can help us mitigate it. It also looks at 'human reward', or "how to get the most out of people". When we manage human risk, we often stifle human reward. Equally, when we unleash human reward, we often inadvertently increase human risk.
show less
The Human Risk Podcast
The Human Risk Podcast
Victoria Sena on Saving The Surprise
25 JUL 2024 · 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 psychology behind the “Save the Surprise” campaign, and the incredible volunteer effort led by Danny Boyle.
Back then, the opening ceremony director 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗻𝘆 𝗕𝗼𝘆𝗹𝗲 faced a dilemma.
He needed to hold a dress rehearsal to ensure nothing went wrong on the night. But to make it as realistic as possible, he’d need a stadium full of test viewers.
Boyle wanted the details of the opening ceremony to be a surprise. Having 62,000 people who’d seen it ahead of time posed a potential risk.
So he did something clever.
Since some people aren’t good at keeping secrets, Boyle spoke directly to his test audience and asked them to help '𝘴𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘦’.
Knowing they’d likely want to share their experience on social media, he suggested they use the hashtag https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?keywords=savethesurprise&highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A7195309250129096704. While he encouraged them to share as much as they liked about their experience, he asked them not to divulge specific details of the show.
It worked exactly as he’d hoped.
I wrote about this recently on LinkedIn, and a former colleague Victoria Sena, got in touch to say that she was part of the ceremony and had some insights to share. So, I invited her to the show to get an insider's view of what happened.
Guest Bio
Victoria Sena started her career at the UK Financial Services Authority, worked at the Bank of England, and has since moved into the private sector as a COO. She played a significant role in the London 2012 Olympic ceremonies and brings a unique perspective on the intersection of large-scale event planning and compliance.
AI-generated Timestamped Summary:
• [00:00:00] - Introduction and context of the episode.
• [00:01:00] - The “Save the Surprise” story from “Humanising Rules.”
• [00:03:00] - Victoria’s background and career journey.
• [00:05:00] - Decision-making around volunteering for the Olympics.
• [00:09:00] - The audition process and commitment required.
• [00:14:00] - The role of psychology and selling the dream.
• [00:20:00] - The meticulous planning and the role of professionals.
• [00:27:00] - Problem-solving during rehearsals.
• [00:32:00] - The “Save the Surprise” campaign’s impact on secrecy.
• [00:39:00] - Final thoughts on the success of the London 2012 ceremonies.
Links
Find Victoria on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vlnsena/
Six Degrees Wealth Management: https://thisis6.com/
The London 2012 Olympic Ceremony: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4As0e4de-rI
The LinkedIn post that prompted Victoria to get in touch with me: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/humanrisk_savethesurprise-ethics-compliance-activity-7195309250129096704-dwyM?
To read the first few chapters of my book 'Humanizing Rules' for free: www.humanizingrules.com
Shabnaz Habib on Airplane Mode
21 JUL 2024 · 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 perspective.
IIn the book and in our discussion, you'll hear all about passport privilege, how those of us with first-world passports can travel relatively freely while others with less powerful ones struggle.
Discover how the creation of guidebooks, their online successors, and social media have influenced our travel choices in ways that aren't necessarily always good.
We also explore the politics of mobility, whether travel is always necessary or indeed a good thing, its environmental impact, the role of the tourism industry in shaping our travel desires, and the often-overlooked mundane aspects of travel that contribute to our overall experience.
This isn’t an episode about why you shouldn’t travel — Shahnaz was on vacation while we recorded it — rather, it’s about questioning why and how we do it.
AI generatedTimestamped Summary
[00:00] Introduction and welcome
[00:45] Shahnaz introduces herself and her background
[02:00] The inspiration behind “Airplane Mode”
[06:00] Discussing ‘passport privilege’ and its implications
[14:00] The environmental impact of travel
[19:00] Questioning the necessity of travel and ‘wanderlust’
[25:00] The history and influence of guidebooks on travel
[32:00] Embracing the mundane aspects of travel
[38:00] Shahnaz’s personal travel principles
[46:00] Reflecting on travel inequities and geopolitical impacts
[56:00] Closing thoughts and future work
Links
Airplane Mode - https://books.catapult.co/books/airplane-mode/
Shahnaz’s website - https://www.shahnazhabib.com/
Fergus Flanagan and Neb Maciver on Talking Magic
14 JUL 2024 · 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 personal struggles and how those experiences have shaped their professional relationship and the creation of Talk Magic.
We also discuss the multifaceted journey of becoming a successful magician, why mastering responsibilities like website building, PR, and social media is as important as the performance.
Neb and Fergus share insights on how magicians market themselves to become essential at events and create emotional connections with potential clients. Learn about the significance of collaboration, spontaneity, and maintaining engaging performances.
Hear how the bond between Fergus and Neb forms the foundation of their unique workshops, blending magic with valuable life lessons for personal and professional growth.
Finally, we explore the versatility and impact of incorporating magic into corporate events and workshops. Discover how Fergus and Neb ensure each magic trick is relevant and actionable for their audience, making their sessions engaging and memorable.
We also touch upon the ethics and intrigue of magic, balancing the maintenance of illusions with audience curiosity. With reflections on the privilege and absurdity of being magicians, our conversation reveals how magic serves as a universal equaliser, creating a level playing field for all participants.
Key Discussion Points (AI generated)
1. Introduction to Fergus and Neb:
- [00:01:00] Their individual journeys into magic.
- [00:04:30] Fergus's career beginning with Children's BBC and Neb’s transition from music to magic
- [00:08:15] The formation of their collaborative venture, Talk Magic.
2. The Art of Magic Beyond Illusions:
- [00:12:00] The importance of storytelling, creativity, and mental health awareness in their performances.
- [00:15:45] The behind-the-scenes work that goes into becoming a successful magician, including PR, social media, and creating emotional connections with clients.
3. Creating Impactful Performances and Workshops:
- [00:20:30] How Talk Magic combines magic with life lessons to foster personal and professional growth.
- [00:24:10] The significance of keeping performances fresh and spontaneous.
4. Magic in Corporate Workshops and Events:
- [00:28:45] The balance between maintaining the mystique of magic and engaging the audience.
- [00:32:20] The role of magic as a universal equaliser in corporate settings.
5. The Business and Ethics of Magic:
- [00:37:00] The multifaceted responsibilities of magicians, from website building to accountancy.
- [00:41:25] Ethical considerations in magic, such as balancing the audience's curiosity with the need to maintain the illusion.
6. Magic as a Tool for Learning and Connection:
- [00:46:10] Magic's effectiveness in stealth learning and creating emotional connections.
- [00:50:00] The profound impact of combining magic with valuable life lessons.
7. Personal Struggles and Professional Synergy:
- [00:54:30] How Fergus and Neb’s shared struggles have shaped their professional relationship.
- [00:58:20] Their commitment to supporting each other through difficult times.
8. Building and Naming the Brand:
- [01:02:45] The journey of naming their brand "Talk Magic" and its significance.
- [01:06:15] The impact of their tagline "magicians who love to share secrets."
9. Engaging Corporate Clients:
- [01:10:40] The challenges and successes of making magic relevant and actionable for corporate audiences.
- [01:15:00] The importance of clear communication and demonstrating practical benefits.
10. Continuous Improvement and Authenticity:
- [01:19:30] Their obsessive approach to refining their workshops and performances. -
- [01:23:45] The value of maintaining high standards in both magic and the educational content they provide.
11. Magic's Universal Appeal:
- [01:28:10] How magic can connect individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
- [01:32:00] The influence of a magician's mindset on everyday problem-solving and awareness.
Links
Talk Magic - https://www.wearetalkmagic.com/
Talk Magic on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wearetalkmagic
Talk Magic on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/talkmagic/
Neb’s website - https://nebmagic.com/ Fergus’ website - https://fergusflanagan.com/
The tweet by Derren Brown that first made Neb aware of Fergus - https://x.com/DerrenBrown/status/253536114269372416
Koen Smets & Dr Bart Derre on Solving Wicked Problems
4 JUL 2024 · 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 relish. By using innovative methods, Koen and Bart try to bring behavioural change to the organisations they work with.
On the episode, delve into their unique approach that combines design science research, self-regulated learning, and data-driven methodologies to tackle complex challenges.
Bart and Koen share their experiences and insights on the importance of context, the role of leadership in training, and the dynamics of compliance versus entrepreneurial behaviour. You'll hear about self-regulated learning and the experimental nature of their work.
Koen Smets is a behavioural economist and consultant who teaches at St. Louis University. He's best known for his online moniker Koenfucius, where he blogs about all things behavioural.
Dr Bart Derre is is the Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship at the University of Applied Science in Ghent. Together, they have co-authored a book on entrepreneurial behaviour and founded the consultancy firm, The Bee.
Links:
The Bee Consultancy - https://www.dercon.be/team
Koen on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/koensmets/
Koen's blog - https://koenfucius.wordpress.com/
Koen on Twitter - https://twitter.com/koenfucius
Bart on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bartderre/
Timestamped Summary (AI generated)
- [00:01:00] Introducing the guests: Koen Smets and Dr. Bart Dero.
- [00:02:00] Background on Koen and Bart's expertise in behavioural science and their unique insights.
- [00:04:00] Discussion on their entrepreneurial organization and approach to behavioural change.
- [00:06:00] Explanation of self-regulated learning and its significance.
- [00:08:00] Tackling compliance challenges using behavioural science.
- [00:10:00] Real-world applications and case studies of their methodologies.
- [00:12:00] The role of leadership in implementing and supporting behavioural change.
- [00:14:00] Balancing organizational goals with regulatory requirements.
- [00:16:00] Examples of key behavioural indicators (KBIs) versus key performance indicators (KPIs).
- [00:20:00] Insights into creating a safe environment for self-regulated learning.
- [00:22:00] Discussion on the importance of feedback loops and continuous improvement.
- [00:24:00] The need for trust and psychological safety within organizations.
- [00:28:00] Addressing challenges in regulated industries and the importance of flexible compliance.
- [00:32:00] The significance of qualitative data in understanding and improving behaviours.
- [00:36:00] The impact of organizational structures on behaviour and performance.
- [00:40:00] Encouraging innovation and creativity within structured environments.
Paul Orlando on 'Why Now?' - how good timing makes great products
23 JUN 2024 · 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 Products," 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 frameworks he developed for timing analysis.
Bio
Paul is a seasoned entrepreneur, advisor, and author, known for his expertise in unintended consequences and systems thinking. 'Why Now' explores the crucial aspect of timing in innovation.
Summary of Key Points:
- 00:00: Introduction and welcome back to Paul Orlando.
- 01:00: Paul's shift from unintended consequences to the topic of timing.
- 02:00: The significance of timing in startup success.
- 05:00: Historical examples of timing, including AT&T and mobile telephony.
- 10:00: Frameworks and methodologies for analyzing timing.
- 14:00: Case study of YouTube and earlier attempts at video streaming.
- 20:00: The role of social and behavioral changes in timing.
- 30:00: How businesses can apply timing analysis in decision-making.
- 35:00: Personal reflections on the impact of timing on life and work.
Links
Paul's book: 'Why Now: How Good Timing Makes Great Products' - https://www.amazon.com/Why-Now-Timing-Makes-Products/dp/B0CYXSNMT3
Paul's website: https://startupsunplugged.com/
Paul's previous appearance on the show on Unintended Consequences: https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/paul-orlando-on-unintended-consequences/
Dr Ludmila Praslova on The Canary Code
14 JUN 2024 · 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 organizational psychologist with a background in global diversity, intercultural relations, and, more recently, neurodiversity in the workplace.
She’s also the author of a new book called 'The Canary Code: A Guide to Neurodiversity, Dignity, and Intersectional Belonging at Work’ which takes a concept you’ve heard of — the canary in the coal mine — and applies it to the world of inclusion.
Her simple yet fascinating idea is that if we can focus on meeting the needs of those who are most sensitive to negative workplace dynamics and then create an environment that allows them to flourish, we can create an environment where everyone can flourish.
Episode Description:
In our discussion, we explore the importance of removing barriers in the workplace, the pitfalls of traditional hiring practices, and how the Canary Code works in practice. You'll hear
insights on creating inclusive environments, addressing workplace biases, and why something I've often done, viewing neurodivergent traits as 'superpowers', is actually unhelpful.
AI-generated timestamp summary
[00:00:00] - Introduction
- Christian Hunt introduces Dr. Ludmila Praslova, discussing her book "The Canary Code" and its focus on inclusive work environments.
[00:01:00] - Ludmila's Background
- Ludmila, an industrial-organizational psychologist, specializes in global diversity, intercultural relations, and neurodiversity.
[00:03:00] - Interest in Diversity
- Ludmila's journey into diversity began with global diversity and now focuses on intersectional inclusivity and neurodiversity.
[00:07:00] - The Canary Code Concept
- The concept suggests that addressing the needs of the most vulnerable employees can improve conditions for all.
[00:11:00] - Flexibility in the Workplace
- Emphasizes creating flexible work environments to reduce workplace toxicity and improve productivity.
[00:18:00] - Neurodiversity Explained
- Neurodiversity includes ADHD, dyslexia, autism, and other neurological differences that impact workplace experiences.
[00:22:00] - Managerial Concerns
- Managers don't need to specialize in every condition but should create generally inclusive and flexible environments.
[00:25:00] - Job Matching and Crafting
- Focus on matching jobs to individual strengths and job crafting to optimize roles.
[00:28:00] - The Limits of Flexibility
- Some roles require specific skills and cannot be flexible, but many roles can adapt to a diverse workforce.
[00:31:00] - Validity in Hiring Practices
- Emphasizes the need for valid, job-relevant assessments in hiring to ensure fairness and effectiveness.
[00:39:00] - Resistance to Change
- Some organizations resist flexible work practices, but modern, flexible practices can help attract and retain talent.
[00:46:00] - Book Structure
- "The Canary Code" is structured to be accessible to CEOs, diversity professionals, and neurodivergent individuals, with stories, research, and practical advice.
[00:58:00] - The Superpower Myth
- While neurodivergent individuals may see their traits as superpowers, using this as a hiring argument is problematic.
[01:02:00] - Conclusion
- Advocates for creating environments where everyone can thrive without needing extraordinary measures. Encourages more inclusive and flexible workplace practices.
Links
Ludmila's Faculty Page - https://www.vanguard.edu/about/history
The Canary Code - https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/742858/the-canary-code-by-ludmila-n-praslova-phd/
Ludmila on Social Media
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ludmila-praslova/
Twitter/X - https://x.com/ludmilapraslova
A piece explaining the point we discussed on the show about why neurodiversity isn't a 'superpower' - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/positively-different/202405/healing-the-invalidation-the-complex-truth-of-autism
Geoff White on Rinsed - Money Laundering in a Digital World
8 JUN 2024 · 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, launder it so that they can make use of it?
In a wide-ranging disucssion, we also talk about Geoff’s work as an investigative reporter — how does he get his information, what are the risks in doing what he does and you’ll hear the astonishing reasons why people you might not expect would want to talk to him, actually do.
Links
Hear Geoff's previous appearance on the show talking aboiut The Lazarus Heist:
https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/geoff-white-on-the-lazarus-heist/
His BBC World podcast of the same name - https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w13xtvg9/episodes/downloads
Learn more about his new book 'Rinsed' - https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/455031/rinsed-by-white-geoff/9780241624838
Geoff's website - https://geoffwhite.tech/
Timestamped Notes (generateed by AI)
[00:00:00] - Introduction
- Christian welcomes Geoff White back to the podcast.
- Geoff's new book "Rinsed" and updates since his last appearance.
[00:01:00] - North Korea's Cyber Activities
- Discussion on North Korea's cyber operations and the Axie Infinity hack.
- The scale and speed of the $625 million cryptocurrency theft.
[00:02:00] - Money Laundering Techniques
- The importance of money laundering in cybercrime.
- How hackers collaborate with financial experts to launder money.
[00:03:00] - Evolution of Money Laundering
- The shift from traditional cash-based laundering to digital methods.
- Examples of how different criminal groups use technology to launder money.
[00:04:00] - Money Laundering as a Service
- The concept of "Money Laundering as a Service."
- Comparison with "Hacking as a Service."
[00:05:00] - Classic Money Laundering Stages
- Explanation of the three stages: placement, layering, and integration.
- Historical context with examples from the 1980s.
[00:09:00] - Digital Era of Money Laundering
- Challenges of tracing digital money.
- The global nature of digital money laundering and its implications.
[00:10:00] - International and Technological Aspects
- How criminals use technology to launder money across borders.
- The role of cryptocurrency in modern money laundering.
[00:13:00] - Role of Financial Institutions
- The involvement of traditional financial institutions in money laundering.
- How compliance teams can combat these activities.
[00:14:00] - Investigating Money Laundering
- Geoff's research methods and challenges in uncovering these stories.
- The importance of firsthand accounts and digital breadcrumbs.
[00:17:00] - Notable Cases
- Key cases from Geoff's book, including the Axie Infinity hack and others.
- The significance of technology in these crimes.
[00:20:00] - Interaction with Law Enforcement
- Experiences with law enforcement agencies during investigations.
- The case of the Instagram influencer Hushpuppi.
[00:23:00] - Personal Safety and Cyber Risk
- Geoff's approach to managing personal cyber risk.
- The importance of separating public and private online personas.
[00:26:00] - The WannaCry Ransomware Attack
- Challenges in tracing ransomware payments.
- A specific investigation into the WannaCry attack.
[00:28:00] - Future of Cyber Risk
- Geoff's views on the future of cyber risk and AI.
- The potential for AI to assist both criminals and investigators.
[00:34:00] - Regulation and Technology
- The need for proactive regulation in tech and finance.
- Challenges faced by regulators in keeping up with rapid technological advancements.
[00:40:00] - Title and Cover of the Book
- The process behind choosing the book's title, "Rinsed."
- Importance of a compelling cover and subtitle.
[00:42:00] - Continuous Learning in Cybercrime
- The evolving nature of cybercrime stories.
- The impact of new developments on the book's content.
[00:46:00] - Tech Enablers and Libertarian Views
- Common traits among tech enablers in money laundering.
- The vision of a new world driven by innovative financial technologies.
[00:51:00] - Advice for Regulators
- Geoff's perspective on how regulators can keep pace with technological change.
- The balance between enabling innovation and preventing crime.
[00:55:00] - Conclusion
- Geoff's final thoughts and a reminder about his book "Rinsed."
- Encouragement to support local bookstores through Bookshop.org.
Sarah Abramson on Speaking To The Human
3 JUN 2024 · 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 enough, Speak To The Human.
I had such a brilliant time and met so many amazing people — some of whom have been guests on the show, links below — that not only did I do what keynote speakers hardly ever do and stick around for the rest of the day after I’d done my presentation, but I’m also going back to this year’s event as an attendee.
It’s taking place this week, and since Speak To The Human is a very small invite-only event, you can’t buy tickets, and it isn’t recorded or streamed, I thought I’d ask Sarah, as event organizer, to join me on a special episode of this show to share some of the magic that grabbed my attention.
In our discussion, we talk about the event, how Sarah goes about curating it and some of the unusual elements she incorporates to make it less a conference and more of a gathering of itnersting people. What she has to say is a fascinating blueprint for thinking about live events in a post-pandemic world.
Before we get to that, Sarah talks about Acteon's work — you’ll hear some fascinating case studies of human risk-related problems being solved creatively. She tells me about the importance of understanding human behaviour — not the theory of what people should do, but the realities of what they actually do — how storytelling can help effective communication and how to create belonging and connection within organisations.
And we hear about Sarah’s passion for marathon running and coaching, exploring the parallels between athletic training that seeks to get teh best out of individual runners and getting the best of of employees at work
Key Topics:
- Introduction to Sarah Abramson and Acteon [00:00:00]
- Sarah’s role at Acteon and her background in marketing communications.
- Overview of Acteon’s work in communication and learning.
- Translating Strategy into Actions [00:02:00]
- The challenge of making boardroom strategies actionable for employees.
- Examples of how Acteon supports clients in implementing strategies.
- Moments that Matter [00:04:00]
- Identifying critical actions that significantly impact strategic success.
- Case study on health and safety compliance in care homes.
- Building a Positive Remote Work Culture [00:05:00]
- Strategies for maintaining company culture in a hybrid work environment.
- The importance of inclusive and high-quality hybrid meetings.
- Behavioural Science Framework: COM-B [00:07:00]
- Explanation of the COM-B model: Capability, Motivation, and Opportunity.
- How Acteon uses this model to influence employee behaviour.
- Storytelling in Communication [00:26:00]
- The power of storytelling to engage and influence employees.
- Examples of effective storytelling in corporate settings.
- Sarah’s Experience in Marathon Running and Coaching [00:45:00]
- Insights from Sarah’s dual role as a marathon runner and coach.
- Parallels between athletic training and corporate behaviour.
- Parental Insights into Human Behaviour [00:34:00]
- How parenting skills translate into professional skills.
- The value of understanding human behaviour through parenting experiences.
- Speak to the Human Event [01:00:00]
- Overview of Acteon’s annual event focusing on human connection.
- Themes and unique elements of the event include music and magic.
Links to Relevant Resources:
- https://www.acteoncommunication.com/
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-abramson/
- https://thedecisionlab.com/reference-guide/organizational-behavior/the-com-b-model-for-behavior-change
- https://chimpmanagement.com/books-by-professor-steve-peters/the-chimp-paradox/
- https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/56314/thinking-fast-and-slow-by-kahneman-daniel/9780141033570
- https://www.acteoncommunication.com/landing-pages/speak-to-the-human-2024-belonging-and-connection/
- https://www.acteoncommunication.com/podcast/ featuring https://www.acteoncommunication.com/podcast/episode-2/.
Previous episodes of this show featuring people I met at last year's Speak To The Human:
Hannah Williams on The Art of Live Scribing: https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/hannah-williams-on-the-art-of-live-scribing/
Heather Urquhart on Improvisation two-part special: https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/heather-urquhart-on-improvisation-part-one/
Manda Scott on Human Power
1 JUN 2024 · 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 up strong. Change is coming and is centred around a protagonist named Lan, a woman on her deathbed who makes a promise to her grandson, Finn. Realising he is struggling with the idea of living in a world without her, she vows to be there for him even after her death. As she passes away, she steps into a shamanic realm known as the void, where she learns to navigate and influence the timelines of the future.
Lan's journey is marked by her attempts to keep her promise to Finn, acting from beyond the grave to guide and protect him. The narrative explores the complex interplay between life and death, human connection, and the power of shamanic practices. Lan discovers that she can impact the physical world through the digital realm, using online gaming to connect with Finn and help him in his moments of need.
During our discussion; we explore Manda’s career, what drives her writing and the topics she explores in Any Human Power.
Links to relevant topics
Manda’s author’s website: https://mandascott.co.uk/
Her podcast ‘Accidental Gods’: https://accidentalgods.life/
Bayo Akomolafe - The Time's Are Urgent — Let's Slow Down:
https://www.bayoakomolafe.net/post/the-times-are-urgent-lets-slow-down
Francis Weller on the Trauma Culture vs Initiation Culture: https://medium.com/best-of-kosmos-journal/deschooling-dialogues-on-initiation-trauma-and-ritual-with-francis-weller-3f360fe26563
The evolution of Audrey Tang https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/27/taiwan-civic-hackers-polis-consensus-social-media-platform
How Audrey’s Tang crowdsourced government https://www.globalgovernmentforum.com/the-wisdom-of-crowds-an-interview-with-taiwans-unorthodox-digital-minister/
Wealth Supremacy by Marjorie Kelly https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/wealth-supremacy-how-the-extractive-economy-and-the-biased-rules-of-capitalism-drive-today-s-crises-marjorie-kelly/7452410?ean=9781523004775
The ‘Bankless’ podcast with Eliezer Yudkowsky http://podcast.banklesshq.com/159-were-all-gonna-die-with-eliezer-yudkowsky
Riversimple Future Guardian Governance model https://www.riversimple.com/governance/
Timestamp Highlights (AI generated)
[00:00:00] - Introduction
- Christian Hunt introduces Manda Scott and her background.
[00:01:00] - Manda's Journey
- Manda talks about her background in Scotland, starting as a veterinary surgeon, and transitioning to a novelist and podcaster.
- She highlights her work in intensive care for neonatal horses and her academic journey.
[00:02:00] - Transition to Writing and Podcasting
- Manda discusses her decision to leave academia and pursue writing.
- She explains the impact of her master's in regenerative economics on her career shift.
[00:03:00] - Regenerative Economics and Shamanic Dreaming
- Manda explains how her studies and shamanic dreaming influence her work and perspectives.
- Introduction to the concept of "Accidental Gods" podcast and its goals.
[00:04:00] - The Need for Systemic Change
- Discussion on the necessity for total systemic change and evolving human consciousness.
- Manda emphasizes changing our value set to create a thriving world.
[00:06:00] - Shamanic Practice and Creative Process
- Manda elaborates on shamanic dreaming and its role in her creative process.
- She shares how visions and instructions guide her writing.
[00:14:00] - Writing Inspiration and Process
- Manda describes the inspiration behind her latest book and her unique writing process.
- She explains the metaphor of splitting timelines and the challenges of writing about the future.
[00:19:00] - Online Gaming and Human Connection
- Discussion on the role of online gaming in building human connections.
- Manda shares personal experiences and the positive aspects of gaming communities.
[00:26:00] - Technology as a Tool for Change
- Manda highlights Audrey Tang's work in Taiwan and the potential of technology for positive societal change.
- The importance of using technology to build bridges and foster consensus.
[00:34:00] - Capitalism and Value Systems
- Discussion on the destructive nature of capitalism and the need for new value systems.
- Manda explains the concept of "Wealth Supremacy" and systemic change.
[00:41:00] - Writing Through Topia
- Manda talks about the difficulty of writing a realistic path to a better future.
- The importance of creating stories that resonate with people's current experiences and aspirations.
[00:49:00] - Human Connection and Creativity
- Manda discusses the power of human connection and creativity in building a sustainable future.
- Emphasis on embracing technology while evolving beyond Palaeolithic emotions and medieval institutions.
[00:53:00] - Call to Action
- Manda's call to action for systemic change and building a future for future generations.
- Importance of storytelling and creative imagination in driving change.
[00:59:00] - Closing Thoughts
- Christian and Manda discuss the impact of her book and provide practical information for listeners.
- Final remarks on the importance of community, technology, and systemic change.
Professor Alex Edmans on Misinformation
27 MAY 2024 · 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 or misleading information.
In our discussion, we explore why he wrote his book, the impact of cognitive biases on decision-making, and practical solutions to navigate a world rife with misinformation.
You’ll hear about the pitfalls of relying on research produced with an agenda in mind and why we need to be wary when we’re told that a particular academic establishment has published a piece of research.
Alex also explains why the popular belief that if you spend 10,000 hours on a particular activity, you’ll have to be skilled at it might not be all it seems and why popular management mantras like ‘start with why’ aren’t as effective as those who propose them might like us to believe.
He talks about his own experiences and why his judgement has been just as vulnerable to biases as ours. Find out why cognitive diversity matters and why we shouldn’t listen to everyone’s views.
Timestamp Highlights: (Produced by AI)
- [00:00:00] Introduction
- Christian introduces Professor Alex Edmans and discusses his impact on social media and public discourse.
- [00:01:00] Motivation for Writing "May Contain Lies"
- Alex explains his transition from academic research to writing about misinformation and the importance of discerning data accuracy over personal biases.
- [00:02:00] Cognitive Biases and Their Impact
- Discussion on confirmation bias and black-and-white thinking and how they affect our perception of data and evidence.
- [00:04:00] Personal Experiences with Bias
- Alex shares personal anecdotes illustrating how even experts can fall prey to biases and misinformation.
- [00:08:00] The 10,000 Hours Rule
- A critical look at Malcolm Gladwell's popular concept and its misinterpretations.
- [00:13:00] Research and Decision-Making
- The importance of scrutinising academic research and the pitfalls of relying solely on endorsements and institutional affiliations.
- [00:21:00] Statistical Literacy
- Alex emphasises the need for statistical literacy from an early age and practical ways to teach it.
- [00:23:00] Balancing Data and Anecdotes
- How to effectively use stories and data to make informed decisions.
- [00:25:00] Encouraging Cognitive Diversity
- The value of different perspectives in decision-making processes and organisational settings.
- [00:29:00] Flaws in Consultant Research
- Critique of research produced by consultancies like McKinsey and the difference between advocacy and genuine scientific inquiry.
- [00:36:00] Limits of Cognitive Diversity
- Discussing when it might be necessary to draw the line in accepting diverse viewpoints, especially in the context of misinformation.
- [00:41:00] Societal Solutions to Misinformation
- Proposals for improving transparency in endorsements and the peer review process to combat misinformation.
- [00:46:00] Role of Gatekeepers
- The diminishing role of traditional gatekeepers in the age of social media and the importance of self-regulation and critical thinking.
- [00:55:00] Ethical Presentation of Data
- Encouraging ethical behaviour in the presentation of data and the potential for individuals to influence organisational culture positively.
- [00:59:00] Closing Remarks
- Christian wraps up the conversation, highlighting the key takeaways from the discussion and thanking Alex for his insights.
Key Quotes:
- "Misinformation has always been around, but the ease with which it spreads today is unprecedented."
- "The goal is not to enslave the reader to think like a statistician but to allow them to live more freely by being discerning with information."
Resources Mentioned:
- Book: "May Contain Lies: How Stories, Statistics, and Studies Exploit Our Biases and What We Can Do About It" by Alex Edmans
- Website: http://maycontainlies.com
Follow Alex Edmans:
- https://twitter.com/aedmans
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/aedmans/
Subscribe & Follow:
- To discover episodes of the show you might have missed, visit the show's website
- Follow Christian on https://twitter.com/humanrisk and https://www.linkedin.com/in/humanrisk/.
People are often described as the largest asset in most organisations. They are also the biggest single cause of risk. This podcast explores the topic of 'human risk', or "the...
show more
People are often described as the largest asset in most organisations. They are also the biggest single cause of risk. This podcast explores the topic of 'human risk', or "the risk of people doing things they shouldn't or not doing things they should", and examines how behavioural science can help us mitigate it. It also looks at 'human reward', or "how to get the most out of people". When we manage human risk, we often stifle human reward. Equally, when we unleash human reward, we often inadvertently increase human risk.
show less
Information
| Author | Human Risk |
| Organization | Human Risk |
| Categories | Social Sciences |
| Website | www.human-risk.com |
| christian@human-risk.com |
Copyright 2024 - Spreaker Inc. an iHeartMedia Company
