The Human Risk Podcast

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 gen...

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 h...

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...

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 th...

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...

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 trav...

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 con...

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,...

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 mo...

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 Or...

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...

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 l...

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 a...

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...

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—...

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 Visi...

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 other words, the impact laws have on human behaviour and the behavioural science behind law. This is Benjamin’s fifth appearance on the show, which tells...

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 on this episode is Ben Cattaneo , a friend of the show and the founder of The Decision-Making Studio , a startup that helps clients to make better de...

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 better decisions. In a wide-ranging discussion, we explore: how decision-making education is often overlooked in schools and businesses; why decisions are...

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 worthwhile and how well it plays to your skillsets and interests.   Yet, all too often, companies focus more on profit and less on creating environments tha...

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 Lixing Sun is a Research Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Central Washington University. While his research focuses on biology, his in...

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 Harvey Weinstein. Formerly an assistant to Weinstein, Zelda Perkins made headlines when she came forward with allegations of sexual harassment against...

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, time and headspace? My guest is a friend of the show who has appeared four times before (links below). Professor Magda Osman is a Professor of Basic...

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 Walsh , is the author of a new book called ' Tune In! How to make smarter decisions in a noisy world '.  In it, she highlights how we make decisions...

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 the best possible way.   We all know the power of storytelling.  It’s how we learn as kids and how we share information as adults. The risk angle her...