The Human Risk Podcast

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 h...

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 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...

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 goin...

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 th...

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 o...

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...

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 ris...

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 t...

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...