Seeing Sideways - How The Anchoring Bias Controls Your Decisions

Get in touch with us! We’d appreciate your feedback and comments. “Generational clashes at work aren’t just inevitable—they’re opportunities to learn new ways of thinking.” - Nick SheirffIn this episode of It’s an Inside Job, I sit down with workplace strategist Nick Sheriff to explore how we can bring together technology, empathy, and generational diversity to create workplaces that are both efficient and deeply human. You’ll hear practical strategies to adapt to rapid tech change, build inclusive cultures, and support well-being at work.What if the real secret to thriving in the age of technology isn’t more tools, but more empathy?Key Takeaway Insights and ToolsTechnology is only a tool—creativity makes it valuable.Nick explains that the biggest barrier isn’t tech itself but the lack of creative training in how to use it. (00:05:00)Early adopters show how small tech habits save time and reduce stress.We talked about examples like AI transcription and automated meeting summaries that free people to listen fully instead of multitasking. (00:09:18)Generational diversity is both a challenge and an opportunity.Nick shares how boomers, Gen X, millennials, and Gen Z bring different values and work habits—and how technology can bridge these divides when used thoughtfully. (00:13:18)Inclusion works best when it’s genuine, not tokenistic.We dug into why organizations thrive when roles are filled based on merit, passion, and values rather than demographics. (00:24:29)Workplace well-being requires reflection spaces and cultural shifts.Nick described how quiet rooms, walk-and-talks, and leadership-led breaks can transform burnout into breakthrough. (00:39:34)Nick Sheriff is a workplace strategist and the founder of Media Monday Oslo, a platform he first developed in Dubai during the financial crisis to reframe challenges as opportunities. Nick now helps organisations harness technology, bridge generational divides, and foster inclusive workplace cultures. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-sheriff/Website: https://www.disrupt.no/If this conversation sparked some ideas for you, share the episode with a colleague and hit subscribe to It’s an Inside Job. That way you won’t miss future episodes where we explore the tools and stories that help us build resilience, lead with intent, and strengthen well-being.Support the showSign up for the weekly IT'S AN INSIDE JOB NEWSLETTER takes 5 seconds to fill out receive a fresh update every Wednesday

Get in touch with us! We’d appreciate your feedback and comments. “Clarity is resilience. Resilient thinkers don’t lock themselves into a decision just because it was the first one available.”Why do first impressions and initial numbers have such a strong grip on our thinking? In this episode of Seeing Sideways, I unpack The Anchoring Bias—how our brains latch onto early information—and shares practical tools to reclaim clarity, flexibility, and sound judgment in everyday decisions.What if the first thing you heard—or thought—was quietly steering every decision you've made since?Key Takeaway Insights and Tools (with Timestamps):Anchoring Bias: When the Beginning Becomes the BenchmarkThe first number, impression, or idea becomes the mental anchor—shaping how we judge everything that follows.[01:03]The Trap of the First InputWhether it's pricing, people, or predictions, anchoring bias distorts judgment—even if the starting point is random or irrelevant.[02:09]Mental Reversals to Break the FrameAsk: “What if the first number had been different?” or “What if I’d heard praise instead of criticism first?” These exercises reveal how much the anchor influences your view.[06:29]Delay Judgment and Let Experience LeadInstead of jumping to conclusions, allow space for context to develop. A second impression often tells you more than the first.[06:54]Clarity Is ResilienceResilient thinkers don’t treat the first input as sacred—they stay flexible, compare perspectives, and make better-calibrated decisions.[07:48]5. Additional Suggested Sections:Referenced Tools & Concepts:Mental Reversals: Imagine the first input was totally differentFirst Impression Filter: Ask yourself, “Would I feel differently if I heard this second?”Information Expansion: Deliberately seek out additional data pointsDelay Rule: Wait before reacting to emotionally charged first impressionsBio:Jason Birkevold Liem is a resilience and leadership coach, keynote speaker, and author of Seeing Sideways. He helps individuals and teams think more clearly, lead more intentionally, and make better choices in uncertain environments. His podcast It’s an Inside Job explores the psychology behind mindset, emotion, and decision-making.Support the showSign up for the weekly IT'S AN INSIDE JOB NEWSLETTER takes 5 seconds to fill out receive a fresh update every Wednesday

Get in touch with us! We’d appreciate your feedback and comments. "Your self-doubt isn’t you. It’s your survival brain talking.” - Mitchell WeisburghDiscover how to break free from survival mode with Mitchell Weisberg, creator of the Mind-Shifting Method. Learn practical tools to quiet self-doubt, reframe stress, and build long-term resilience, creativity, and collaboration.Have you ever wondered if your self-doubt is really you—or just your survival brain talking?Key Takeaway Insights and ToolsRecognize the Survival Trap (00:08:51)Stress triggers the limbic system—your brain’s survival mode—which floods your system with cortisol and adrenaline. This shuts down creativity and clear thinking, leaving you stuck in fight, flight, freeze, or herd responses.Third-Party Your Thoughts (00:22:02)Label negative self-talk as your “limbic brain” or “Part X” instead of identifying with it. This creates distance and makes it easier to choose a constructive response.Practical Techniques for Resetting (00:24:03–00:25:57)Four core strategies:Self-awareness/metacognition (“Am I in limbic mode?”)Healthy distraction (mindfulness, movement, or sensory resets)Positive self-talk that opens possibilities (“Perhaps I can…”)Trusted sparring partners for perspective and groundingThe “Perhaps I Can” Technique (00:32:10–00:37:05)A powerful reframe that shifts the brain from “I can’t” to possibility. This simple phrase helps unlock self-efficacy and problem-solving capacity.Compound Growth of Resilience (00:42:16–00:43:04)Practice one or two techniques consistently for months. Small improvements compound over time, shifting emotional patterns and building lasting resilience.Bio:Mitchell Weisburgh is on a mission to free high-achieving leaders from the invisible survival-mode traps that sabotage creativity, resilience, and leadership. After eight years of deep research across neuroscience, cognitive psychology, military strategy, and organizational development, he developed the Mind Shifting Method — a practical system for rewiring the brain for calm power, critical thinking, and collaborative success.Unlike traditional motivation or mindset hacks, Mitchell’s work focuses on upgrading a leader’s internal operating system. His method empowers entrepreneurs, executives, and coaches to lead and create from sustainable strength, not stress. By shifting the way leaders respond under pressure, they gain clarity, authority, and the ability to stay grounded through challenges.Detailed Resources & LinksMind Shifting: Stop Your Brain from Sabotaging Your Happiness and Success (Amazon)Website: https://www.mindshiftingwithmitch.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mweisburghInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/weisburghm/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/Support the showSign up for the weekly IT'S AN INSIDE JOB NEWSLETTER takes 5 seconds to fill out receive a fresh update every Wednesday

Get in touch with us! We’d appreciate your feedback and comments. “What grabs your attention is not always what deserves it.”Why do we fear shark attacks more than slipping in the bathtub? In this episode of Seeing Sideways, I explore The Availability Heuristic—a cognitive bias that tricks us into overestimating the importance of what’s most vivid, recent, or emotionally charged—and offers practical tools to reclaim clarity and balanced thinking.Are your fears and decisions based on facts—or just what’s easiest to recall?Key Takeaway Insights and Tools (with Timestamps):The Brain Confuses Vivid with TrueThe availability heuristic makes rare, dramatic events feel more likely simply because they’re easier to recall—like fearing plane crashes over car accidents.[01:03]Emotional Urgency Isn't the Same as RelevanceWhat grabs your attention doesn’t always deserve it. Ask yourself: “Would this still matter if I hadn’t just seen it?”[05:24]Zoom Out to See Patterns, Not Just StoriesOne viral video or negative review isn’t the full picture. Anchor your thinking in broader data and long-term trends.[05:55]Introduce Delay Before ReactingStrong emotional reactions distort decision-making. Build a habit of waiting 24 hours before acting on emotionally charged information. [06:37]Diversify Your InputsRelying on one feed or viewpoint skews your perspective. Seek out varied, quieter sources to gain a more accurate picture of reality.[07:14]If this episode gave you a fresh way to reflect on your decisions, share it with someone who could use more clarity in a noisy world—and follow It’s an Inside Job for weekly tools to help you lead from the inside out.Jason Birkevold Liem is a leadership coach, speaker, and author of Seeing Sideways. He specializes in helping professionals build emotional resilience, lead with intention, and reframe unhelpful thinking patterns. Through his podcast It’s an Inside Job, Jason explores the psychology and tools behind leading oneself and others through complexity and change.Support the showSign up for the weekly IT'S AN INSIDE JOB NEWSLETTER takes 5 seconds to fill out receive a fresh update every Wednesday

Get in touch with us! We’d appreciate your feedback and comments. Support the showSign up for the weekly IT'S AN INSIDE JOB NEWSLETTER takes 5 seconds to fill out receive a fresh update every Wednesday

Get in touch with us! We’d appreciate your feedback and comments. “It’s not about adapting to chaos—it’s about reinventing ourselves and our organizations from the ground up.” - Caroline StokesWhat if the leadership frameworks you rely on today are the very reason your organization won’t survive the next decade?In this episode, I speak with Caroline Stokes, author of Aftershock to 2030: A CEO’s Guide to Reinvention in the Age of AI, Climate and Societal Collapse. Together we explore why outdated leadership models no longer work, how to embrace radical reinvention, and how AI, trauma-aware systems, and resilience can prepare leaders and organisations for the seismic challenges ahead.Key Takeaway Insights and ToolsThe BANI Framework replaces VUCA – Leadership must move beyond volatility, uncertainty, complexity, ambiguity to face a world that is brittle, anxious, nonlinear, and incomprehensible. (00:09:37)Shareholder confidence depends on reinvention – Companies clinging to quarterly results risk irrelevance; resilient organizations align with climate, AI, and societal disruption. (00:15:49)Radical Listening with AI – Using AI as a tool for systematic listening across employees and stakeholders enables leaders to identify gaps, opportunities, and emerging risks. (00:19:14)Reinvention requires a reset – Leaders need to let go of outdated models and adopt new cognitive scaffolding, shared language, and trauma-informed systems to thrive. (00:22:48)Resilience is rooted in neuroplasticity – Leaders can cultivate adaptability by embracing growth as a practice, rewiring their brains through learning, reflection, and constructive conversation. (00:55:28)Bio:Carolyn Stokes is a leadership strategist for the 5th Industrial Revolution and author of AfterShock to 2030: A CEO’s Guide to Reinvention in the Age of AI, Climate, and Societal Collapse. Her work offers a radical roadmap for navigating disruption, grounded in trauma-aware systems, emotionally intelligent AI, and adaptive intelligence.A Sony alum who helped launch PlayStation, Caroline has evolved from executive headhunter to a globally recognized authority on psychological and strategic leadership reinvention. She works with CEOs, boards, and executive teams to build sovereign, trust-based systems that align with today’s complex, polycrisis environment.She is also the author of Elephants Before Unicorns (Entrepreneur Press, 2019), co-author of the HBR Guide to Navigating the Toxic Workplace (2024), and contributor to Coach Me! (Wiley, 2022). Her insights have appeared in outlets including Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, Forbes, and The Globe and Mail.Books & Concepts Mentioned:Carolyn Stokes – Aftershock to 2030: A CEO’s Guide to Reinvention in the Age of AI, Climate and SocieSupport the showSign up for the weekly IT'S AN INSIDE JOB NEWSLETTER takes 5 seconds to fill out receive a fresh update every Wednesday

Get in touch with us! We’d appreciate your feedback and comments. “Clarity is resilience. And it doesn’t come from being unshakably sure—it comes from staying grounded while allowing your ideas to evolve.”What if your brain isn’t broken—but brilliantly biased? In this kick-off to the Seeing Sideways series, I explore how cognitive biases shape our perception, decision-making, and relationships—and how self-awareness helps us respond with clarity and build lasting resilience.Have you ever been absolutely certain you were right—only to discover your brain was playing tricks on you?Key Takeaway Insights and Tools (with Timestamps):Your Brain Isn’t Flawed—It’s EfficientCognitive biases aren’t defects. They’re evolutionary shortcuts that once kept us safe but now can distort modern decision-making.[01:20]Clarity Begins with CuriosityWhen you prioritise curiosity over certainty, you create space for growth, insight, and better judgment.[02:46]Confirmation Bias: A Belief MagnetOur brains filter information to support existing beliefs—whether in the workplace, relationships, or how we see ourselves. [09:06]Contrarian Thinking Builds ResilienceQuestioning your assumptions, rehearsing the opposite viewpoint, and seeking respectful contradiction help sharpen clarity and adaptability.[13:47–16:41]Track Your Thinking Over TimeKeeping a belief journal lets you reflect on how your perspectives evolve—and where your mind may be filtering reality.[16:41]Jason Birkevold Liem is a leadership coach, author, and host of It’s an Inside Job. With over two decades of experience in psychology-based coaching, Jason helps leaders and professionals build mental resilience, improve communication, and lead with clarity. His latest work, Seeing Sideways, explores how to reframe cognitive biases and lead from the inside out.Support the showSign up for the weekly IT'S AN INSIDE JOB NEWSLETTER takes 5 seconds to fill out receive a fresh update every Wednesday

Get in touch with us! We’d appreciate your feedback and comments. “Many leaders aren’t just performing for the public—they’re performing for themselves.” - Matthew KraytonLeadership today is less about perfection and more about presence. In this episode, Matthew Krayton, leadership advisor and co-founder of M2Aspire, shares how leaders can align strategy with values, manage emotional intensity, and drop the performance mask to lead with clarity and authenticity—especially in the spotlight.Are you leading from who you truly are—or from a version of yourself designed to meet others' expectations?Key Takeaway Insights & Tools (with Timestamps)You’ll never please everyone—stop trying.Strong leadership begins with letting go of the need to satisfy all audiences and instead anchoring decisions in your values.[08:24]Pause before responding.Emotional reactions often outweigh data in leadership decisions. Build the habit of pausing before reacting to create distance from emotional triggers.[13:50]Use emotional labeling to regulate tough conversations.Internally or aloud, naming emotions—like "This is frustration"—helps shift from reaction to response.[19:32]Curiosity beats defensiveness.In tense situations, lead with curiosity instead of argument. Phrases like “Help me understand” reduce conflict and build connection.[18:06]Don’t skip mindset work.Leaders often jump to tactics and execution without building the internal foundation to handle pressure. Emotional fitness and clarity are prerequisites to effective leadership.[34:50]BioMatthew Krayton is the Co-Founder of M2Aspire, where he helps founders, executives, and teams align strategy with story - especially during times of growth, reinvention, or internal misalignment. Through a blend of coaching, advisory, and communications strategy, he supports leaders navigating the emotional and strategic toll of visibility.Matt previously founded Publitics, a nationally recognized public affairs firm, where he advised campaigns at every level of government and worked on special projects during the 2020 presidential race, including helping to create President Joe Biden’s viral “We Just Did” hat.He also teaches in Centenary University’s Business Department, where he serves as an adjunct professor in their pioneering social media program. Earlier in his career, Matt worked at Fairleigh Dickinson University’s PublicMind Poll and taught in the Law in the Liberal Arts program.Website: m2aspire.comLinkedIn: Matthew KraytonSubstack: M2Aspire on SubstackInstagram: @m2aspireRelated Past Episodes:[Leading Through Change and Chaos with Marianne B. Hagen][Building Psychological Safety at Work with Dr. Chika Oriuwa]If this episode made you rethink how you show up as a leader, share it with someone navigating leadership challenges right now. And don’t forget to subscribe to It’s an Inside Job for more insights that help you lead from the inside out.Support the showSign up for the weekly IT'S AN INSIDE JOB NEWSLETTER takes 5 seconds to fill out receive a fresh update every Wednesday

Get in touch with us! We’d appreciate your feedback and comments. “Confrontation isn’t inherently bad. In fact, when handled well, it’s an essential tool for building trust.”Learn how to make confrontation less intimidating and more constructive. This episode explores the psychology behind conflict avoidance and offers practical strategies to handle tough conversations with clarity, empathy, and confidence.What if the very conversations you avoid—because they feel uncomfortable—are actually the key to stronger relationships? Key Takeaway Insights and ToolsFear of confrontation is natural, but not always accurateYour body's fight-or-flight response often treats difficult conversations like real threats—but understanding this can help you regain control.[01:07]Reframing confrontation as collaboration eases anxietyChange your internal narrative from “I need to confront them” to “How can we solve this together?”[03:45]Avoiding conflict often causes more damage than addressing itA story about a silent family member illustrates how not speaking up can actually intensify tension.[04:26]Practical conversation tools: I-statements, active listening, echoing, timingJason shares accessible, proven techniques to reduce defensiveness and promote open dialogue.[07:18]Handling defensive or withdrawn reactions with empathyWhen someone shuts down, stay calm, acknowledge their feelings, and suggest pausing rather than pushing.[09:54]Dealing with people you don’t like: focus on goals, facts, and respectYou don’t need to like someone to have a constructive conversation—shared purpose and professionalism go a long way.[11:57]Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe to It’s an Inside Job to get practical tools on leadership, resilience, and communication—new episodes every Monday and Friday.Support the showSign up for the weekly IT'S AN INSIDE JOB NEWSLETTER takes 5 seconds to fill out receive a fresh update every Wednesday

Get in touch with us! We’d appreciate your feedback and comments. “Leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room. It’s about knowing when to lower your voice, to meet others where they are, and to lead from that place of grounded service.” - Isreal DuranDiscover how servant leadership can build authentic influence through empathy, strength, and vision. In this episode, Israel Duran shares practical strategies—including the Four Laws of Influence and Four Questions of Purpose—that empower leaders to lead with clarity, kindness, and purpose.What if the true measure of leadership isn't control or charisma—but how clearly, compassionately, and consistently you show up for others?Key Takeaway Insights and ToolsThe Four Laws of Influence:Israel breaks down his leadership framework into four core areas—Strength, Empathy, Kindness, and Vision—that define a leader’s impact.Emotional vs. Cognitive Empathy:True leaders balance emotional attunement with objectivity. Israel and Jason discuss how cognitive empathy prevents burnout while still fostering genuine connection.The Four Questions of Purpose:A powerful self-reflection tool to uncover your calling: What do you love? What do you hate? What makes you cry? What or who annoys you?Clarity Is Kindness:Leadership requires setting firm boundaries and expectations early. Being clear—especially in moments of correction—is an act of respect, not harshness.Voice + Void = Vision:Great leaders identify a void, find their unique voice, and use both to inspire and influence others toward a shared vision.BioIsrael Duran is a sought-after speaker, business growth partner, and trainer who empowers purpose-driven leaders to align vision with strategy through meaningful communication and servant leadership. He is the creator of the "Service of Speaking" framework and has trained hundreds of leaders, including over 300 pastors in the past year. Learn more at israelduran.com or connect with him on Instagram by searching @israelduran and messaging the word “blueprint” for a free leadership guide.LinksFree Resource:DM the word “blueprint” to https://www.instagram.com/israelduranassociates/?hl=en for Israel’s Online Business Blueprint guide.Enjoyed this episode? Share it with someone navigating leadership with heart—and message Israel @israelduran with the word “blueprint” to receive his free Online Business Blueprint.Support the showSign up for the weekly IT'S AN INSIDE JOB NEWSLETTER takes 5 seconds to fill out receive a fresh update every Wednesday