Marc Ross on Communication Strategy

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 interests are in connecting behaviour, evolution, psychology, and economics.  In his latest book, The Liars of Nature and the Nature of Liars, Lixing explores how nature is rife with cheating and, perhaps surprisingly, how dishonesty has given rise to diversity. By exploring how everything from microscopic organisms to highly intelligent birds and mammals engage in lying and deception he explains how cheating in nature relies on basic rules which also apply to humans. In his book and in our discussion, Lixing explains the prevalence of cheating in human society and identifies the kinds of cheating that spur innovation and cultural vitality and lays down a blueprint for combatting malicious cheating such as fake news and disinformation. ResourcesLixing’s faculty page: https://www.cwu.edu/academics/biology/directory/lixing-sun.php Lixing on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lixing-sun-7ba5067/ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/LSun5 His book ‘The Liars of Nature and the Nature of Liars’: https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691198606/the-liars-of-nature-and-the-nature-of-liars The Psychology Today article he referred to on the show:https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/lies-and-deception/202311/how-to-outsmart-yourself

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 him. In the late 1990s, she signed an NDA, as part of a settlement which for years prevented her from speaking out about her experiences. However, motivated by the emergence of other allegations against Weinstein and the rise of the MeToo campaign, Zelda chose to break her silence and speak publicly about her experiences and the culture of secrecy enabled by NDAs. Her story has been pivotal in the global discussion about sexual harassment in the workplace, the misuse of power, and the legal and ethical implications of non-disclosure agreements. Zelda is the co founder of Can't Buy My Silence, a campaign group that is committed to end the misuse of NDAs to buy victims silence. In our discussion, we discuss Zelda’s experiences, what motivated her to break the NDA, what drives her campaigning, and what it’s like to be at the heart of a new story. You'll hear about the stresses and strains and her experience of something that nothing can really prepare you for. It's one of the most revealing discussions I've ever had on this show, with insights that are relevant to whistleblowing, transparency, campaigning, and the way organizations and society treat those who dare to speak up about injustice or wrongdoing. LinksZelda on Twitter/XThe Can’t Buy My Silence campaign, including resources for those being asked to sign NDAs or who are already subject to them.The FT article Zelda mentions in our discussion: https://www.ft.com/content/1dc8a8ae-b7e0-11e7-8c12-5661783e5589 The NYTimes article Zelda refers to: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/05/us/harvey-weinstein-harassment-allegations.html An interview Zelda gave to The Guardian newspaper: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/dec/23/zelda-perkins-there-will-always-be-men-like-weinstein-all-i-can-do-is-try-to-change-the-system-that-enables-them

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 & Applied Decision-Making at Leeds Business School. She's a psychologist by training, with a specific interest in decision-making under risk and uncertainty, folk beliefs in the unconscious, as well as an interest in examining the effectiveness of methods of behavioural change.In our discussion, we explore:why we need to prioritise risk and the challenges of doing so;the benefits of group wisdom, and the reasons we might not always find it;the risks posed by a need to drive for consensus;how social dynamics influence decision-making;the power of cognitive diversity and much, much more.To find out more about Magda, her research and her work, visit her website.  You can also find her on LinkedIn.To hear previous episodes of the show featuring Magda (in the order they were recorded):'On Behavioural Interventions that Fail' 'On Unconscious Bias - what is it & can we train people to not display it?''On Compliance, Coercion & Competence''On Misinformation'

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 and the risks of using the wrong information to make them. What are the risks of mishearing, misinformation and misjudgement, and what can we do to pay attention to helpful inputs and ignore unhelpful ones?In our discussion, we explore:Nuala's unique expertise in behavioural science, investment, and consultingHow her book "Tune In" focuses on making smart decisions amid information overloadThe significance of personal and professional stories in shaping decision-makingHow Cognitive biases and 'decision friction' affect our judgmentThe balance between intuition and deliberate thought in ethical decisionsCorporate speed in decision-making vs. the importance of careful deliberationThe 'trilogy of error'—blind spots, deaf spots, and dumb spots—in perception. 'Perimeter traps' that represent pitfalls in judgment and decision-makingNuala's personal transformation through writing and its impact on legacy; Practical advice on applying smarter decision-making in everyday life.and much, much more.To learn more about Nuala, her work and 'Tune In': https://www.nualagwalsh.com/

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 here is that if we want people to do the things we want them to do, and not do the things we don’t, then stories are a powerful tool in persuading them. In our discussion, we explore:What makes a great story;Why storytelling matters;Why we can often find it hard to tell the right stories;What we can do to identify the stories we could and should be telling;How Preethi came to be a storyteller;And much, much more.  Including, of course, Preethi’s own story. Additional EpisodeIf you enjoy this episode, then I also recommend listening to my discussion with James Victore on “Creative Courage’.  James helps people (in his words) to ‘get paid to do what they love’. Many of the topics we discussed here chime with that discussion.  You’ll find it here: https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/james-victore-on-creative-courage/ Links To find out more about Preethi, her books and her consulting work -  https://preethinair.com/Preethi on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/preethi-nair-author-keynote-speaker-md-29471a4/ The NYTimes ‘Significant Objects’ study - https://significantobjects.com/ The Encyclopaedia Britannica - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Encyclop%C3%A6dia_Britannica

What can business learn from improvisation? If you listened to the previous episode of the shwo, you'll know the answer. If you haven't yet done so, then I recommend dojgn that before listening to this. Because this is Part Two of my discussion with Heather Urquhart and it lfows naturally on from Part One.Meet Heather UrqhuhartMy guest Heather Urquhart is a professional improviser who not only performs improv but also works to help busineses to manage uncertainty and drive creativity via her firm 'And Also Improv'.In Part Two of our discussion, we look at the behind the scenes of improv. How can an improv compoany have a code of conduct?How do you design rules for a business that is about creativity?Why is it so difficult for people to say 'I don't know'.And much more. This is Part Two of a two part discussion. Part One is here: https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/heather-urquhart-on-improvisation-part-one/Links The moment when Hollywood Director Michael Bay leaves the stage during a launch event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=R4rMy1iA268Heather’s website: https://www.heatherurquhart.co.uk/Her company ‘And Also’ Improv: https://andalsoimprov.com/The MayDays, the Improv troop that heather is part of: https://www.themaydays.co.uk/speaker/heather-urquhart/ 'Showstoppers The Musical': https://showstopperthemusical.com/

What can business learn from improvisation? On the face of it, a form of entertainment that involves making things up as you go along, seems to be filled with human risk and not at all helpful in the business world.But actually, the skills that improvisers use to entertain us, are incredibky useful in businesses to drive better decision-making, The techniques that allow them to respond to unexpecte situations or come up with creative ideas, are incredibly helpful in a business context.Having previously explored some of the dynamics of improv with Comedy Store director, author and perfomer Neil Mullarkey, I wanted to dive a little deeper into the subject.Meet Heather UrqhuhartMy guest on this episode Heather Urquhart is a professional improviser who not only performs improv but also works to help busineses to manage uncertainty and drive creativity via her firm 'And Also Improv'.In our discussion, we look how the dynamics inherent in improv can help to improce the quality of decision-making and ideas within businesses.Amongst other things, we look at how active listening, a non-judgmental approach to creative ideas can transform all aspects of an organization, not just the traditionally 'creative' ones. True to the theme, Heather and I set out on our conversation with an open agenda. Not only did that take us to some intesting and unexpected places, but it also meant that we just kept going. So much so, that there’s too much for just one episode. So, this is Part one of a two part discussion. Part Two is coming soon.Links My previous discussion with Neil Mullarkey: https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/neil-mullarkey-on-being-in-the-moment/Heather’s website: https://www.heatherurquhart.co.uk/Her company ‘And Also’ Improv: https://andalsoimprov.com/The MayDays, the Improv troop that heather is part of: https://www.themaydays.co.uk/speaker/heather-urquhart/ 'Showstoppers The Musical': https://showstopperthemusical.com/

What is burnout, and how can we prevent it?We're increasingly hearing about the idea of 'burnout', which the World Health Organisation has defined as a condition "resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed". Recent high profile resignations, including Jacinda Ardern the former PM of New Zealand and Jürgen Klopp, the Manager of Liverpool Football Club — both citing not having enough energy to continue to do their jobs — are merely illustrative of a dyanmic that can impact us all.On this episode, I'm speaking to Sabrina Ahmed, who helps people to manage the risks of burnout using art, creativity, curiosity and playfullness.In our discussion, we explore:the signs and causes of burnout;how burnout can impact the self-employed, as much as the employed;the benefits of art, creativity, curiosity and playfeullness in combatting the effects of burnout;how aligning our personal values ith our professional lives can help mitigate burnout;the power of job craftingand much,much more.Sabrina AhmedTo find out more about Sabirna and the owrk that she does visit her website https://openintrovert.com/You can find her on Twitter/X at: https://twitter.com/sabrinacoachingSabrina's Substack blog: https://sabrinaahmed.substack.com/

What is Healthcare Coaching? If I say the word ‘doctor’ to you — in a medical, not academic, sense— you’ll probably think of someone in a white coat with a stethoscope who makes medical assessments and prescribes treatments and drugs to patients. Which, of course, is what they do doBut a word that probably wouldn’t come to mind when you think of doctors is ‘coach’. Yet, that’s the role that my guest on this episode, Dr Ollie Hart, thinks is a key part of helping patients live longer, healthier lives. Having worked as a general practitioner in the UK’s NHS National Health Service, Ollie realised that in many cases, what would help patients weren’t prescriptions but rather the kind of support that you might, in other contexts, expect from coachesHe’s the co-founder of a Healthcare Coaching business that seeks to empower patients as part of the support they receive. As you’ll hear, he’s not suggesting coaching as a replacement for all forms of medical treatment, but for certain conditions, supporting patients through coaching can be incredibly powerful in increasing overall well-being.In our discussion, we explore Ollie’s medical career, how he came to see the value in healthcare coaching and how and where it can help patients. As well, of course, where it is less effective.As you’ll hear, several decades ago — let’s not worry about exactly how many — Ollie and I were classmates. And because one or two of our teachers liked to have the class sat in alphabetical order — presumably so they didn’t need to memorise anyone’s name, we’d often sit next to each other.Thanks to LinkedIn, we recently reconnected and got talking. In doing so, we realised that although we’re working in very different fields, the fundamental principle of thinking about the humans whose behaviour we’re trying to influence — in his case, in a medical context, in mine a compliance and ethics one — is identical, which is why I really wanted to get him onto the show.I think this is a fascinating approach that illustrates how, if we want to solve problems — particularly those obviously relating to humans — where a behavioural approach of understanding what I refer to as ‘not how we would like people to behave, but how they are likely to behave’ can be really powerful. And not just in the medical field. The ideas Ollie is sharing have a much wider resonance. Resources To learn more about Ollie and his work:Peak Health Coaching - www.peakhealthcoaching.comOllie on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ollie-hart-47669340/Ollie on Twitter/X - https://twitter.com/peakhealthcoachOther episodeIf you liked this episode, then you might also be interested in:Niall Downey, a cardiothoracic surgeon who became an airline pilot - https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/niall-downey-on-mistakes/ Dr Gordon Caldwell on medical bureaucracy - https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/dr-gordon-caldwell-on-medical-bureaucracy/

How can businesses do the right thing? What does that even mean and why does or should it matter?What is Business Ethics? Business ethics used to be a case of dealing with things like bribery and fraud, which companies tried to — and often did — manage with rules and processes. But nowadays, in a world where every employee and consumer has the ability to go viral on social media, it’s a much harder dynamic to manage.Businesses are under increasing scrutiny, not just for their business practices and supply chains but also for their position on issues such as racial injustice and quality.The idea that they’re simply there to maximise shareholder value, while not breaking the law is no longer a tenable approach. Meet Alison TaylorMy guest on this episode is Alison Taylor. She’s a friend of the show — this is her third appearance (links to the previous two below). Alison is a Clinical Associate Professor at NYU-Stern School of Business and Executive Director of Ethical Systems. She has spent the past two decades consulting with multinational companies on risk, anti-corruption, sustainability, human rights, culture and behaviour, stakeholder engagement, ESG, and ethics and compliance.She is also the author of a brand new book out this week called ‘Higher Ground: How Business Can Do The Right Thing In A Turbulent World’. What We DiscussIn our discussion, we explore:what inspired Alison to write the book;how she went about it;the parallels between corporate and personal decision-making;what she learned in writing it;the balance between profit, sustainability, and social/political responsibility.;the challenges of promoting diversity within organizations.and much, much more.LinksTo find out more about Alison, her work at NYU and Ethical Systems and her book ‘Higher Ground’ visit her website: www.alisontaylor.coTo hear the previous epsiodes of the show featuring Alison talking about:Ethics: what is it, why does it matter? 🎧 👉 https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/alison-taylor-on-ethics-/ESG: Environmental, Social & Governance 🎧 👉 https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/alison-taylor-on-environmental-social-governance/