In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer is joined by Steve Martin, the acclaimed author of Influence at Work and a leading expert in the psychology of persuasion. Steve is known for his collaboration with Robert Cialdini and his extensive work in applying influence and persuasion science to business and public policy. 

Steve shares insights into his influence equation, a framework designed to simplify the complex nature of influence by integrating evidence, economics, and emotion. The conversation explores the transformational potential of influence beyond mere transactional interactions, emphasizing its role in organizational and global change. Steve also highlights the importance of context in determining the balance of these elements and shares practical examples from his research and experiences.

In this episode:

• Explore the influence equation and learn how to apply it for transformational change.
• Understand the role of reciprocity in building relationships and networks.
• Discover strategies for influencing large organizations towards consumer-centric approaches.
• Gain insights from Steve's most frequently asked questions on influence.
• Learn about the importance of context in crafting successful influence strategies.

00:00:00 - Introduction Melina Palmer introduces Steve Martin and his work in influence and persuasion.

00:04:12 - Steve's Background Steve discusses his journey and collaboration with Robert Cialdini.

00:10:30 - Influence Equation Introduction to the influence equation and its components: evidence, economics, and emotion.

00:20:45 - Reciprocity and Relationships The role of reciprocity in influence and relationship-building.

00:30:12 - Transformational Change Strategies for influencing large organizations towards consumer-centric approaches.

00:40:50 - Top 10 Influence Questions Steve shares his answers to frequently asked questions about influence.

00:50:35 - Conclusion What stuck with you while listening to the episode? What are you going to try? Come share it with Melina on social media -- you'll find her as @thebrainybiz everywhere and as Melina Palmer on LinkedIn.

Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show. 

Let’s connect:

• [email protected]
• The Brainy Business® on Facebook
• The Brainy Business on Twitter
• The Brainy Business on Instagram
• The Brainy Business on LinkedIn
• Melina on LinkedIn
• The Brainy Business on Youtube

Connect with Steve:

• LinkedIn

Learn and Support The Brainy Business:

Check out and get your copies of Melina’s Books. 

Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode:

• What Your Employees Need and Can't Tell You, by Melina Palmer
• Influence, by Robert Cialdini
• influence Is Your Superpower, by Zoe Chance
• Influence at Work, by Steve Martin
• Invisible Influence, by Jonah Berger

Top Recommended Next Episode: Robert Cialdini Interview (ep 312)

Already Heard That One? Try These: 

• Social Proof (ep 87)
• Reciprocity (ep 238)
• Zoe Chance Interview (ep 308)
• Unity (ep 216)
• Vanessa Bohns Interview (ep 318)

Other Important Links: 

Brainy Bites - Melina’s LinkedIn Newsletter

In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer explores the fascinating world of social proof, a cornerstone of behavioral economics and a powerful tool for influencing decision-making. Melina goes beyond mere ratings and reviews, emphasizing our inherent tendency as a herding species to look to others for guidance in decision-making. She discusses how businesses can effectively leverage social proof to build trust and credibility, using real-world examples and the six types of social proof: expert, celebrity, user, wisdom of the crowd, wisdom of friends, and certification.

In this episode:

• Learn about the origins of social proof and its significance in behavioral science.
• Discover the six types of social proof and how they can be utilized in business strategies.
• Explore practical examples of social proof in action, from testimonials to celebrity endorsements.
• Understand the psychological mechanisms behind social proof and its impact on consumer behavior.
• Gain insights into how to incorporate social proof into your business effectively.

00:00:00 - Introduction Melina Palmer introduces the episode and the relevance of social proof in behavioral economics.

02:30:00 - The Origin of Social Proof Discussion on Robert Cialdini's introduction of social proof in his book Influence.

11:00:00 - Types of Social Proof Overview of the six types of social proof: expert, celebrity, user, crowd wisdom, friends' wisdom, and certification.

21:00:00 - Expert and Celebrity Influence How experts and celebrities can provide social proof and the importance of alignment with brand values.

31:00:00 - User and Crowd Wisdom The role of user testimonials and crowd wisdom in influencing decisions.

36:00:00 - Friends' Wisdom and Certification Leveraging friends' recommendations and certifications for credibility.

41:00:00 - Ethical Considerations Discussion on the ethical use of social proof in marketing and business.

43:00:00 - Conclusion What stuck with you while listening to the episode? What are you going to try? Come share it with Melina on social media -- you'll find her as @thebrainybiz everywhere and as Melina Palmer on LinkedIn.

Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show. 

Let’s connect:

• [email protected]
• The Brainy Business® on Facebook
• The Brainy Business on Twitter
• The Brainy Business on Instagram
• The Brainy Business on LinkedIn
• Melina on LinkedIn
• The Brainy Business on Youtube

Learn and Support The Brainy Business:

Check out and get your copies of Melina’s Books. 

Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode:

• What Your Customer Wants and Can't Tell You, by Melina Palmer
• Nudge, by Richard Thaler & Cass Sunstein
• Thinking Fast and Slow, by Daniel Kahneman
• What Your Employees Need and Can't Tell You, by Melina Palmer
• Sludge, by Cass Sunstein

Top Recommended Next Episode: Prefactual Thinking: How to Turn “What If” Into “Why Not” (ep 71)

Already Heard That One? Try These: 

• Unlocking the Secrets of the Brain (ep 1)
• Framing (ep 296)
• Priming (ep 252)
• NUDGES and Choice Architecture: Introduction (ep 35)
• Habits (ep 256)

Other Important Links: 

• Brainy Bites - Melina’s LinkedIn Newsletter
• Principles of Persuasion The Psychology of Marketing: 18 Ways to Use Social Proof to Boost Your Results The Open Psychology Journal
• 20 Examples of Social Proof in Action in 2020
• Principles of Persuasion
• The Psychology of Marketing: 18 Ways to Use Social Proof to Boost Your Results
• The Open Psychology Journal

In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer is joined by DJ Sprague, an expert in e-commerce, enterprise sales, and reputation management. DJ has worked with major brands such as Hyundai, Toyota, and NASCAR, and has a wealth of experience in improving online brand reputation and increasing site traffic and conversions. As the CMO of Shopper Approved, DJ shares insights into creating an integrated marketing strategy that delivers a cohesive brand experience to delight customers.

The conversation kicks off with DJ's entrepreneurial journey, including his early success in the limousine business, where he differentiated his service by providing a five-star experience. This strategy of exceeding customer expectations is a recurring theme throughout the episode. DJ emphasizes the importance of an integrated marketing strategy, where every department aligns to deliver on the brand promise, ensuring a consistent and memorable customer experience.

In this episode:

• Discover how to create a five-star customer experience that delights and retains clients.
• Learn the importance of an integrated marketing strategy for brand consistency.
• Understand the role of reputation management in driving traffic and conversions.
• Explore strategies for leveraging reviews and Q&A content to enhance SEO and brand authority.
• Gain insights into the peak-end rule and its impact on customer satisfaction.

00:00:00 - Introduction Melina Palmer welcomes DJ Sprague and introduces the topic of integrated marketing and reputation management.

00:04:00 - DJ's Background DJ shares his journey from running a limousine business to becoming CMO of Shopper Approved.

00:12:45 - Creating a Five-Star Experience DJ discusses the importance of exceeding customer expectations to create memorable experiences.

00:22:00 - Integrated Marketing Strategy The conversation explores how integrated marketing ensures consistency across brand touchpoints.

00:35:00 - Reputation Management DJ explains how effective reputation management can boost traffic and sales.

00:45:30 - Leveraging Q&A for SEO Strategies for using Q&A content to improve search rankings and brand credibility.

00:49:47 - Conclusion

What stuck with you while listening to the episode? What are you going to try? Come share it with Melina on social media -- you'll find her as @thebrainybiz everywhere and as Melina Palmer on LinkedIn.

Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show. 

Let’s connect:

• [email protected]
• The Brainy Business® on Facebook
• The Brainy Business on Twitter
• The Brainy Business on Instagram
• The Brainy Business on LinkedIn
• Melina on LinkedIn
• The Brainy Business on Youtube

Connect with DJ:

• LinkedIn

Learn and Support The Brainy Business:

Check out and get your copies of Melina’s Books. 

Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode:

• Reputation King, by Scott Brandley and DJ Sprague
• What Your Customer Wants and Can't Tell You, by Melina Palmer
• Choice Hacking, by Jennifer Clinehens
• Elements of Choice, by Eric Johnson
• Alchemy, by Rory Sutherland

Top Recommended Next Episode: Robert Cialdini Interview (ep 157)

Already Heard That One? Try These: 

• Disney (ep 144)
• Rory Sutherland Interview (ep 373)
• Surprise & Delight (ep 60)
• Peak-End Rule: Why Averages Don’t Always Matter (ep 97)
• Roger Hurni Interview (ep 405)

Other Important Links: 

Brainy Bites - Melina’s LinkedIn Newsletter

In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer dives into the topic of negative reviews and how to approach them with insights from behavioral economics. Melina shares personal anecdotes and expert insights, including a fascinating tidbit from her friend Kurt Nelson and Dr. Robert Cialdini about the ideal star rating sweet spot for conversions. She explores why negative reviews stick with us more than positive ones, touching on psychological concepts like herding instincts, social proof, the focusing illusion, and cognitive dissonance. With practical advice on responding to reviews and understanding your brand's core values, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to turn negative feedback into a positive learning experience.

In this episode:

• Learn why negative reviews can be beneficial and how to reframe your perception of them.
• Understand the psychological reasons behind why negative reviews affect us more than positive ones.
• Discover strategies for responding to negative reviews that align with your brand's values.
• Explore the importance of knowing your customer and focusing on those who resonate with your brand.
• Gain insights into how to handle reviews without apologizing unnecessarily.

00:00:00 - Introduction Melina Palmer introduces the episode's focus on negative reviews and behavioral economics.

00:02:30 - The Sweet Spot for Reviews Melina shares insights from Kurt Nelson and Dr. Cialdini about the ideal star rating for conversions.

00:11:00 - Why Negative Reviews Stick Discussion on psychological factors like herding instincts and the focusing illusion.

00:20:15 - Responding to Reviews Tips on how to respond to reviews thoughtfully and align with your brand's values.

00:30:00 - Knowing Your Customer The importance of focusing on customers who resonate with your brand.

00:40:00 - Apologizing and Acknowledging How to acknowledge feedback without unnecessary apologies.

00:48:47 - Conclusion What stuck with you while listening to the episode? What are you going to try? Come share it with Melina on social media -- you'll find her as @thebrainybiz everywhere and as Melina Palmer on LinkedIn.

Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show. 

Let’s connect:

• [email protected]
• The Brainy Business® on Facebook
• The Brainy Business on Twitter
• The Brainy Business on Instagram
• The Brainy Business on LinkedIn
• Melina on LinkedIn
• The Brainy Business on Youtube

Learn and Support The Brainy Business:

Check out and get your copies of Melina’s Books. 

Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode:

• What Your Customer Wants and Can't Tell You, by Melina Palmer
• Influence, by Robert Cialdini
• Alchemy, by Rory Sutherland
• Nudge, by Richard Thaler & Cass Sunstein
• Metaphors We Live By, by George Lakoff and Mark Johnson

Top Recommended Next Episode: Surprise & Delight (ep 276)

Already Heard That One? Try These: 

• Framing (ep 296)
• Priming (ep 252)
• The Most Important Step In Applying Behavioral Economics: Understanding the Problem (ep 126)
• Anchoring & Adjustment (ep 394)
• How To Create a Brainy Brand (Refreshed Episode) (ep 230)

Other Important Links: 

Brainy Bites - Melina’s LinkedIn Newsletter

In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer welcomes Dr. Robert Kurzban, author of Why Everyone Else Is a Hypocrite, for an enlightening discussion on the modular nature of our brains and the evolutionary psychology behind our behaviors. Robert shares his extensive background in psychology and evolutionary biology, offering insights into how our brains are compartmentalized with different modules responsible for various functions and beliefs.

Throughout the conversation, Melina and Robert explore fascinating concepts such as strategic ignorance, the power of nonverbal communication in social interactions, and the complex interplay of competing motives within our minds. They also explore real-world applications of these ideas, including how subtle changes in context can significantly influence behavior.

In this episode:

• Understand the concept of modularity in the brain and its implications for human behavior.
• Explore the idea of strategic ignorance and how it plays out in everyday life.
• Learn about the impact of nonverbal communication on social interactions and cooperation.
• Discover the role of context in shaping behavior and the importance of considering it in behavioral economics.
• Gain insights into Robert's entrepreneurial venture, Bondzy, which uses behavioral economics principles to encourage reliability and commitment.

00:00:00 - Introduction Melina Palmer introduces Dr. Robert Kurzban and the focus of today's episode on the modular brain and evolutionary psychology.

00:04:30 - Robert's Background Robert shares his journey in psychology and evolutionary biology, highlighting his work on modularity in the brain.

00:15:45 - Strategic Ignorance Discussion on the concept of strategic ignorance and how it manifests in real-world scenarios.

00:25:00 - Nonverbal Communication and Cooperation Exploration of how nonverbal cues can enhance cooperation and social bonds.

00:35:50 - The Role of Context Understanding the importance of context in influencing behavior and decision-making.

00:45:00 - Bondzy and Behavioral Economics Introduction to Bondzy, Robert's app that uses behavioral economics to promote reliability and commitment.

00:50:30 - Conclusion What stuck with you while listening to the episode? What are you going to try? Come share it with Melina on social media -- you'll find her as @thebrainybiz everywhere and as Melina Palmer on LinkedIn.

Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show. 

Let’s connect:

• [email protected]
• The Brainy Business® on Facebook
• The Brainy Business on Twitter
• The Brainy Business on Instagram
• The Brainy Business on LinkedIn
• Melina on LinkedIn
• The Brainy Business on Youtube

Connect with Robert:

• LinkedIn
• Substack

Learn and Support The Brainy Business:

Check out and get your copies of Melina’s Books. 

Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode:

• Why Everyone (Else) Is a Hypocrite, by Robert Kurzban
• Indistractable, by Nir Eyal
• How to Change, by Katy Milkman
• Happier Hour, by Cassie Holmes
• Thinking Fast and Slow, by Daniel Kahneman

Top Recommended Next Episode: Sludge (ep 384)

Already Heard That One? Try These: 

• Habits (ep 256)
• Status Quo Bias (ep 376)
• Katy Milkman Interview (ep 151)
• Tapping into the Power of Habit (ep 368)
• Wendy Wood Interview (ep 428)

Other Important Links: 

• Brainy Bites - Melina’s LinkedIn Newsletter
• Bondzy

In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer revisits a key topic from the foundational series on nudges, emphasizing the importance of feedback in correcting expected errors and guiding decision-making. Melina explores how thoughtful feedback mechanisms can keep individuals on track by providing timely and relevant cues, whether it's in daily life or within business processes.

Melina shares practical examples of feedback in action, such as the use of flashing lights on speed limit signs or the innovative pink-to-white ceiling paint by Glidden, highlighting how feedback can be effectively integrated into various contexts to improve outcomes. She also discusses the significance of feedback in sales processes and customer interactions, encouraging businesses to design thoughtful interventions that prevent errors and enhance customer satisfaction.

In this episode:

• Understand the role of feedback in the nudge framework and its impact on decision-making.
• Explore real-world examples of feedback mechanisms in everyday life and business.
• Learn how to design effective feedback interventions to prevent errors and enhance customer experience.
• Discover strategies for incorporating feedback into sales processes and customer interactions.
• Gain insights into the importance of thoughtful communication and follow-up in maintaining customer relationships.

00:00:00 - Introduction, Melina introduces the 450th episode and its focus on the "Give Feedback" concept in nudges.

00:05:30 - Importance of Feedback Melina discusses the significance of feedback in preventing errors and guiding decision-making.

00:10:45 - Practical Examples Examples of feedback in action, such as speed limit signs and Glidden's ceiling paint, are explored.

00:20:00 - Feedback in Sales Processes Strategies for incorporating feedback into sales processes to enhance customer experience.

00:30:00 - Thoughtful Communication The importance of thoughtful communication and follow-up in maintaining customer relationships.

00:40:00 - Conclusion What stuck with you while listening to the episode? What are you going to try? Come share it with Melina on social media -- you'll find her as @thebrainybiz everywhere and as Melina Palmer on LinkedIn.

Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show. 

Let’s connect:

• [email protected]
• The Brainy Business® on Facebook
• The Brainy Business on Twitter
• The Brainy Business on Instagram
• The Brainy Business on LinkedIn
• Melina on LinkedIn
• The Brainy Business on Youtube

Learn and Support The Brainy Business:

Check out and get your copies of Melina’s Books. 

Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode:

• What Your Customer Wants and Can't Tell You, by Melina Palmer
• Nudge, by Richard Thaler & Cass Sunstein
• Thinking Fast and Slow, by Daniel Kahneman
• What Your Employees Need and Can't Tell You, by Melina Palmer
• Sludge, by Cass Sunstein

Top Recommended Next Episode: NUDGES and Choice Architecture: Introduction (ep 35)

Already Heard That One? Try These: 

• Unlocking the Secrets of the Brain (ep 1)
• Framing (ep 296)
• Priming (ep 252)
• Habits (ep 256)
• Prefactual Thinking: How to Turn “What If” Into “Why Not” (ep 71)

Other Important Links: 

• Brainy Bites - Melina’s LinkedIn Newsletter
• Glidden® Pink to White Ceiling Paint
• Nissan ECO-Pedal
• THE ENERGY ORB: Visualize Electricity Consumption!
• Domino’s Track Your Order
• stickK

In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer is joined by Dr. Kari Leibowitz, a health psychologist, speaker, and writer. Kari, who holds a PhD in social psychology from Stanford University, shares her insights on the power of mindsets and how they influence our health and well-being. She discusses her research on how people in the Arctic embrace winter, as well as her new book, How to Winter, which explores the opportunities that winter presents both literally and metaphorically.

As the episode is released on Thanksgiving, it serves as a timely reminder to shift our mindsets from viewing winter as a bleak season to one full of potential and joy. Kari shares practical strategies for embracing winter, such as focusing on the positive aspects of the season and adapting our routines to align with the natural rhythms of winter. She also delves into the broader application of these mindset shifts, offering insights on how to navigate personal "winters" in our lives, such as career setbacks or health challenges.

In this episode:

• Discover how mindsets influence our perception of winter and how to shift from a "winter is dreadful" to a "winter is wonderful" mindset.
• Learn practical strategies for embracing winter, including adapting to the season and finding joy in winter activities.
• Explore the metaphorical application of winter mindsets to personal challenges and how to find opportunities in adversity.
• Understand the power of rituals and how they can transform mundane tasks into meaningful experiences.
• Gain insights into the role of light and creativity, and how dim lighting can enhance creativity and intimacy.

00:00:00 - Introduction Melina Palmer introduces Dr. Kari Leibowitz and the topic of embracing winter mindsets.

00:02:00 - Kari's Background Kari shares her journey in health psychology and her research on winter mindsets in the Arctic.

00:10:00 - Winter Mindset Research Discussion on how people's mindsets about winter can influence their experience and well-being.

00:25:00 - Practical Strategies for Embracing Winter Kari shares tips for adapting to winter and finding joy in the season's unique opportunities.

00:35:00 - Metaphorical Winters Exploration of how winter mindsets can be applied to personal challenges and career setbacks.

00:45:00 - The Role of Rituals Discussion on how rituals can transform mundane tasks into meaningful experiences.

00:50:00 - Light, Creativity, and Intimacy Insights into how dim lighting can enhance creativity and intimacy.

00:55:00 - Conclusion What stuck with you while listening to the episode? What are you going to try? Come share it with Melina on social media -- you'll find her as @thebrainybiz everywhere and as Melina Palmer on LinkedIn.

Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show. 

Let’s connect:

• [email protected]
• The Brainy Business® on Facebook
• The Brainy Business on Twitter
• The Brainy Business on Instagram
• The Brainy Business on LinkedIn
• Melina on LinkedIn
• The Brainy Business on Youtube

Connect with Kari:

• LinkedIn
• Kari's Website 

Learn and Support The Brainy Business:

Check out and get your copies of Melina’s Books. 

Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode:

• Good Habits, Bad Habits, by Wendy Wood
• Indistractable, by Nir Eyal
• How to Change, by Katy Milkman
• Happier Hour, by Cassie Holmes
• How to Winter, by Kari Leibowitz

Top Recommended Next Episode: Tapping into the Power of Habit (ep 368)

Already Heard That One? Try These: 

• Habits (ep 256)
• Status Quo Bias (ep 376)
• Katy Milkman Interview (ep 151)
• Wendy Wood Interview (ep 428)
• Sludge (ep 384)

Other Important Links: 

Brainy Bites - Melina’s LinkedIn Newsletter

In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer delves into the world of familiarity bias, a psychological phenomenon that makes us favor the known over the unknown. Our brains are naturally inclined to prefer the familiar, which can impact decisions in both personal and business contexts. This episode revisits the topic, originally aired in April 2021, to explore how familiarity bias affects our choices and how we can leverage it to our advantage.

Melina discusses the implications of familiarity bias on business decisions and personal growth, highlighting how it can lead to holding onto outdated practices or resisting beneficial changes. She shares practical insights on overcoming this bias, encouraging listeners to embrace new opportunities despite initial discomfort. By understanding the subconscious preference for the familiar, businesses can better cater to customer preferences and avoid unnecessary changes that disrupt established trust.

In this episode:

• Understand the concept of familiarity bias and its impact on decision-making.
• Learn how to identify and overcome familiarity bias in personal and business contexts.
• Explore strategies to leverage familiarity bias for customer satisfaction and brand loyalty.
• Discover the balance between innovation and maintaining familiarity in marketing and product design.
• Gain insights into practical examples, including Disney's approach to nostalgia and familiarity.

00:00:00 - Introduction Melina Palmer introduces the topic of familiarity bias and its relevance in today's episode.

00:01:30 - Why Familiarity Bias Matters Explanation of how familiarity bias influences our choices and the importance of understanding it.

00:05:00 - Real-Life Examples Melina shares anecdotes illustrating how familiarity bias can affect our preferences, using music as an example.

00:10:00 - Business Implications Discussion on how familiarity bias can lead to poor business decisions and the dangers of the sunk cost fallacy.

00:18:00 - Overcoming Familiarity Bias Tips on recognizing and overcoming familiarity bias to embrace beneficial changes in life and business.

00:25:00 - Leveraging Familiarity in Marketing How businesses can use familiarity bias to their advantage, including examples from Target and Coca-Cola.

00:35:00 - Repurposing Content and Branding The benefits of maintaining recognizable branding and messaging to build customer loyalty.

00:45:00 - Conclusion, What stuck with you while listening to the episode? What are you going to try? Come share it with Melina on social media -- you'll find her as @thebrainybiz everywhere and as Melina Palmer on LinkedIn.

Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show. 

Let’s connect:

• [email protected]
• The Brainy Business® on Facebook
• The Brainy Business on Twitter
• The Brainy Business on Instagram
• The Brainy Business on LinkedIn
• Melina on LinkedIn
• The Brainy Business on Youtube

Learn and Support The Brainy Business:

Check out and get your copies of Melina’s Books. 

Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode:

• What Your Customer Wants and Can't Tell You, by Melina Palmer
• Nudge, by Richard Thaler & Cass Sunstein
• Thinking Fast and Slow, by Daniel Kahneman
• What Your Employees Need and Can't Tell You, by Melina Palmer
• Sludge, by Cass Sunstein

Top Recommended Next Episode: Priming (ep 252)

Already Heard That One? Try These: 

• Unlocking the Secrets of the Brain (ep 1)
• Framing (ep 296)
• NUDGES and Choice Architecture: Introduction (ep 35)
• Habits (ep 256)
• Prefactual Thinking: How to Turn “What If” Into “Why Not” (ep 71)

Other Important Links: 

Brainy Bites - Melina’s LinkedIn Newsletter

In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer welcomes Dr. Siobhan McHale, author of The Hive Mind at Work. Siobhan's fascination with bees from her childhood in Southern Ireland led her to explore human ecosystems and the power of group intelligence in transforming workplaces. With over 30 years of experience, she has guided leaders in creating agile and productive environments, drawing from her role as an executive in charge of transformation at international firms like ANZ Bank.

Throughout the episode, Siobhan discusses the concept of the hive mind and its application in business, emphasizing the importance of understanding group intelligence (GQ) alongside traditional IQ and EQ. She shares insights from her book, including case studies from her career, and explains how organizations can overcome challenges by diagnosing patterns and reframing roles. The conversation also delves into the nine laws of group dynamics and the role of storytelling in facilitating change.

In this episode:

• Discover the significance of group intelligence (GQ) in modern workplaces.
• Learn about the nine laws of group dynamics and how they can transform organizations.
• Explore the parallels between bee behavior and business ecosystems.
• Understand the role of storytelling in driving meaningful change.
• Gain practical insights into diagnosing and addressing group dynamics issues.

00:00:00 - Introduction Melina Palmer introduces Dr. Siobhan McHale and the topic of group intelligence in the workplace.

00:03:15 - Siobhan's Background Siobhan shares her journey from a small village in Ireland to a career in organizational psychology and transformation.

00:09:45 - The Hive Mind Concept Discussion on the inspiration behind The Hive Mind at Work and the lessons from bees.

00:15:30 - IQ, EQ, and GQ Explanation of group intelligence and its importance in navigating complex business environments.

00:22:00 - Diagnosing Organizational Patterns Insights into identifying and addressing hidden patterns in workplace dynamics.

00:30:00 - Case Study: ANZ Bank A detailed look at the successful transformation of ANZ Bank using group intelligence principles.

00:38:00 - The Nine Laws of Group Dynamics Overview of the laws and their application in business contexts.

00:45:00 - Storytelling and Change The role of storytelling in making complex ideas accessible and memorable.

00:52:00 - Conclusion What stuck with you while listening to the episode? What are you going to try? Come share it with Melina on social media -- you'll find her as @thebrainybiz everywhere and as Melina Palmer on LinkedIn.

Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show. 

Let’s connect:

• [email protected]
• The Brainy Business® on Facebook
• The Brainy Business on Twitter
• The Brainy Business on Instagram
• The Brainy Business on LinkedIn
• Melina on LinkedIn
• The Brainy Business on Youtube

Connect with Siobhan:

• LinkedIn
• Siobhan's Website

Learn and Support The Brainy Business:

Check out and get your copies of Melina’s Books. 

Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode:

• What Your Employees Need and Can't Tell You, by Melina Palmer
• Influence, by Robert Cialdini
• The Speed of Trust, by Stephen M.R. Covey
• Drive, by Daniel Pink
• The Hive Mind at Work, by Siobhan McHale

Top Recommended Next Episode: Change Management (ep 226)

Already Heard That One? Try These: 

• Confirmation Bias (ep 260)
• That’s not fair! (Inequity Aversion) (ep 224)
• Planning Fallacy (ep 346)
• Fundamental Attribution Error (ep 268)
• Manuj Aggarwall Interview (ep 192)

Other Important Links: 

Brainy Bites - Melina’s LinkedIn Newsletter

In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, host Melina Palmer revisits a fascinating topic: the sense of taste. Originally aired as episode 26, this episode is part of a series exploring the five senses and their impact on behavioral economics and decision-making. Whether your business is service-based or product-focused, Melina emphasizes the importance of considering all senses, including taste, in your strategy.

Melina delves into the intricate relationship between taste and smell, revealing that taste is 80% smell. She discusses the concept of anosmia, a condition where individuals lose their sense of smell, and how it significantly diminishes their sense of taste. The episode also explores the role of mirror neurons, which allow us to empathize with others' experiences, including taste.

Throughout the episode, Melina shares insights on how taste is influenced by all other senses, such as sight, sound, and touch, and how these can be leveraged in branding and marketing. From the impact of color on taste perception to the power of brand expectations, listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how to create a holistic sensory experience for their customers.

In this episode:

• Discover how taste and smell are interconnected and why taste is 80% smell.
• Learn about anosmia and its effect on taste perception.
• Explore the role of mirror neurons in experiencing taste and other senses.
• Understand how all senses, including sight, sound, and touch, contribute to the perception of taste.
• Gain insights on leveraging sensory experiences in branding and marketing.

00:00:00 - Introduction 00:02:00 - Both taste and smell use chemical receptors to the brain and are more primitive senses 00:09:16 - Mirror neurons were partially discovered because of taste and our desires to eat food 00:13:33 - Using food imagery in branding can backfire on you because of mirror neurons 00:17:16 - Sound and touch can impact taste, as well as texture and temperature 00:19:05 - Ambiance affects perceived flavor and the amount someone was willing to pay 00:28:00 - Conclusion What stuck with you while listening to the episode? What are you going to try? Come share it with Melina on social media -- you'll find her as @thebrainybiz everywhere and as Melina Palmer on LinkedIn.

Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show. 

Let’s connect:

• [email protected]
• The Brainy Business® on Facebook
• The Brainy Business on Twitter
• The Brainy Business on Instagram
• The Brainy Business on LinkedIn
• Melina on LinkedIn
• The Brainy Business on Youtube

Learn and Support The Brainy Business:

Check out and get your copies of Melina’s Books. 

Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode:

• What Your Customer Wants and Can't Tell You, by Melina Palmer
• Nudge, by Richard Thaler & Cass Sunstein
• Thinking Fast and Slow, by Daniel Kahneman
• What Your Employees Need and Can't Tell You, by Melina Palmer
• Sludge, by Cass Sunstein

Top Recommended Next Episode: Framing (ep 296)

Already Heard That One? Try These: 

• Unlocking the Secrets of the Brain (ep 1)
• Priming (ep 252)
• NUDGES and Choice Architecture: Introduction (ep 35)
• Habits (ep 256)
• Prefactual Thinking: How to Turn “What If” Into “Why Not” (ep 71)

Other Important Links: 

• Brainy Bites - Melina’s LinkedIn Newsletter
• Taste & Smell: Crash Course A&P #16
• What is Taste?
• How does our sense of taste work?
• Confusing Tastes and Smells: How Odours can Influence the Perception of Sweet and Sour Tastes
• Coke Won the Cola Wars Because Great Taste Takes More Than a Single Sip