The Business Of Thinking

Richard Reid
  • 5.0 (1)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT

“The Business of Thinking” is the only podcast that gives ambitious leaders evidence-based psychological strategies for peak performance, decision-making, and resilience. Are you a founder, CEO, or senior executive struggling with decision fatigue, stress, or imposter syndrome? You're not alone. The challenges of modern leadership are primarily psychological. Join Richard Reid, organisational psychologist and leadership coach, as he cuts through the noise to deliver actionable mental models from psychology and behavioural science. In 30-45 minute deep-dives and conversations with global experts, you'll learn how to master the inner game of leadership, build resilient teams, and leverage your mind for competitive advantage. In every episode, you will: Discover the hidden cognitive biases sabotaging your strategic decisions.Learn to build psychological safety in your team for innovation and high trust.Find out the evidence-based secrets to sustained resilience without burnout. Stop managing your business. Start mastering your mind. Want the actionable takeaways and resources mentioned in the episodes? Find more information on www.richard-reid.com.  Subscribe today for your weekly mental upgrade!

  1. 6D AGO

    Less Is Your Competitive Advantage - Simplicity, Burnout, and Why Doing Less Gets More Done

    What if the secret to doing more was actually doing less? In this episode, Richard Reid sits down with author, coach, and keynote speaker Chris Lovett to explore why busyness has become one of the biggest threats to performance and how simplification might be the sharpest competitive advantage most leaders are ignoring. It all started with a CD case, a Fawlty Towers moment, and a one-way ticket to Copenhagen. Chris shares how stepping on a Mark Morrison CD in 2016 triggered a complete unravelling of his life, selling his flat, his car, and almost everything he owned — before returning to the corporate world with a radical new perspective. Now working with banks, tech firms, and leadership teams globally, Chris helps people strip back the noise, protect their energy, and deliver what actually matters. Key Takeaways  Busyness is a badge and it's making us worse at our jobs.  Back-to-back meetings drain decision-making capacity far faster than most leaders realise.  The best ideas don't come from screens.  The incubation effect, showers, walks, boredom is scientifically proven to unlock creativity.  Simplicity is a competitive advantage, not a retreat.  Your lunch break might be one of the highest-performing things you can protect. Episode Highlights The Mark Morrison CD case moment and the ripple effect that changed everything"Entrenched narratives" - the stories we keep telling ourselves long after they've expiredLeaving meetings five minutes early: the smallest rebellion that becomes a cultural shiftThe Volkswagen diesel scandal - what happens when people are pushed too farJK Rowling, Keith Richards, Joni Mitchell and what boredom actually producesRelentless, the business book designed for people who don't have time to read oneTimestamps 00:00 Welcome and introduction01:15 The CD case moment that started everything04:14 Selling the flat, the car, and going around the world05:42 Returning to corporate life with fresh eyes09:36 The smallest act of rebellion — leaving five minutes early11:57 Simplicity as competitive advantage21:27 Mistakes caused by pushing people beyond their limits29:09 Three things to free time and energy right now33:25 Boredom, JK Rowling, and the incubation effect41:53 About Relentless — and why it tells you to put it down 🔗 Connect With Chris Lovett  Find Relentless by Chris Lovett on Amazon, Waterstones, and Barnes & Noble. ⭐️ Connect And Subscribe  Thank you for joining us on The Business of Thinking podcast. If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe and leave a rating! It helps us bring more insightful content on the psychology of high performance. Find more about Richard Reid's work at www.richard-reid.com. Download the first two chapters of Richard's Charisma Unlocked, audio or PDF version for free: https://richard-reid.com/master-authentic-charisma/ Production Credit: Edited and produced by @the32collective_ / https://www.the32collective.co/

    48 min

  2. APR 28

    Why Getting Everything You Want Still Feels Empty — with Jamie Smart

    What if the clarity, confidence, and peace of mind you've been searching for were already inside you? In this episode, Richard Reid sits down with bestselling author, coach, and keynote speaker Jamie Smart to explore why so many high-performers feel stuck - and the surprisingly simple shift that changes everything. As Jamie puts it, clarity is your mind's natural state. The problem isn't that you don't have it. You've simply been taught a misunderstanding of how your mind works. Jamie shares how he went from running large IT projects to discovering principles for psychology that he believes are as fundamental as the discovery of germs was to medicine. From a client who more than doubled his business turnover after a three-day intensive, to the Harvard Business Review research linking calm, happy states to peak performance, this episode is packed with insight on what truly drives results in business and life. Key Takeaways Your experience is created from the inside out — not by external circumstances. Happiness, wellbeing and clarity are internally generated, not dependent on achievement, relationships or bank balances. Entrepreneurs often mistake what they've built for the source of their success, when the real source is the mindset that built it. Over 93% of 700+ senior executives performed at their best when calm, happy and energised. Clarity is your mind's natural state. Overthinking fills it - understanding clears it. Episode Highlights Jamie's journey from IT project manager to Sunday Times bestselling author.  The "Ian formula" - how subtracting misunderstanding unlocks creativity and freedom. The rope bridge metaphor - navigating AI, exponential change, and humanity's future. Timestamps 00:00 Welcome and Introduction01:00 Jamie's background and career pivot 04:27 The inside-out nature of experience 18:20 The three steps to real change 29:34 Reception in coaching and therapy communities 33:48 The future — AI, exponential thinking, and the rope bridge 38:00 Where to find Jamie Smart 🔗 Connect With Jamie Smart  Website: www.JamieSmart.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiesmartclarity/  YouTube: www.youtube.com/clarityjamiesmart ⭐️ Connect And Subscribe Thank you for joining us on The Business of Thinking podcast. If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe and leave a rating! It helps us bring more insightful content on the psychology of high performance. Find more about Richard Reid's work at www.richard-reid.com. Download the first two chapters of Richard's "Charisma Unlocked", audio or PDF version for free and begin your transformation towards authentic charisma: https://richard-reid.com/master-authentic-charisma/ Production Credit: Edited and produced by @the32collective_ / https://www.the32collective.co/

    40 min

  3. APR 21

    From Navy SEALs to Reality TV: The Science of Peak Performance with Dr. Steven Stein

    What does it really take to perform at your best under pressure?  In this episode, Richard Reid sits down with Dr. Steven Stein - clinical psychologist, author, and globally recognised expert in emotional intelligence - to explore how EQ shapes leadership, decision-making, and resilience. Steven shares insights drawn from 40+ years of research and work with elite groups including Navy SEALs, the FBI, and professional athletes. From managing anger constructively to trusting your gut in high-stakes moments, this conversation is packed with practical, research-backed strategies. As Steven puts it: "Find your purpose, and then find out how emotional intelligence can help you get there." Key Takeaways Emotional intelligence involves three core skills: awareness, management, and use of emotions. People tend to be either over-emotional or under-emotional, and both create problems.  Hardiness - built on Commitment, Challenge, and Control - is a proven framework for resilience. Daily small wins matter more than big rewards for sustained motivation.  In the age of AI, emotional intelligence will become even more critical for leadership. Episode Highlights EQ in elite military units - what Navy SEALs taught Steven about psychological safety and leadership.  Anger as a tool - how to manage it constructively rather than suppress or explode.  Gut instinct vs. analysis - when to trust your intuition and when to slow down.  The Three C's of Hardiness - Commitment, Challenge, and Control explained with real-world examples.  AI and the future of EQ - why human emotional skills will be the differentiator in an automated world. Timestamps 03:37 — Common EQ challenges: over and under-emotion  05:12 — Managing anger effectively  07:46 — Working with Navy SEALs and elite military groups  13:14 — Instinct vs. emotional intelligence in fast decisions  16:24 — Practical EQ strategies for busy professionals  20:00 — Managing back-to-back meetings and mental load 22:11 — The power of daily small wins and positive emotions  25:30 — Hardiness: the three C's framework  40:34 — Steven's next book: life lessons from reality TV  43:44 — Final advice: find your purpose and use EQ to get there 🔗 Connect With Steven Stein Website:  LinkedIn:  Instagram:  Facebook:  YouTube: ⭐️ Connect And Subscribe Thank you for joining us on The Business of Thinking podcast. If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe and leave a rating! It helps us bring more insightful content on the psychology of high performance. Find more about Richard Reid's work at www.richard-reid.com. Download the first two chapters of Richard's "Charisma Unlocked", audio or PDF version for free and begin your transformation towards authentic charisma: https://richard-reid.com/master-authentic-charisma/ Production Credit: Edited and produced by @the32collective_ / https://www.the32collective.co/

    45 min

  4. APR 14

    The Psychology Of Breaking Barriers In Law With Caroline Flanagan

    What does it mean to go from feeling like the only one to becoming the first? Richard is joined by Caroline Flanagan - The Coach for Black Lawyers - for a powerful conversation about identity, imposter syndrome, resilience, and the mindset shift that changes everything. From studying on a makeshift desk of car tyres while facing eviction, to holding a Cambridge offer, Caroline's story is one of radical reframing. You have never been the only one. You are the first. Key Takeaways Imposter syndrome is rooted in being the only one in the room - awareness is the first step. Survival mode drains your bandwidth and limits your performance. Reframing from victim to first-mover changes how you show up entirely. Hard work alone won't get you promoted - visibility and strategic relationships do. Episode Highlights Caroline's defining moment at five: the only Black child in her school assembly hall. Growing up between two worlds - excelling at boarding school while facing poverty at home. Studying for A-levels while facing eviction, with a Cambridge offer on the table. Why technical excellence alone won't get you to partner level. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction  01:06 From law to coaching  03:26 The defining moment  06:41 Imposter syndrome and self-fulfilling prophecies  12:21 Survival mode vs flow  16:06 Family pushback on aspiration  23:39 The car tyre desk story  28:31 Who Caroline coaches and how  33:35 Is the dial moving on DEI? 3 8:28 You are the first — closing message 🔗 Connect with Caroline Flanagan  Website: https://carolineflanagan.com/about-caroline/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolineflanagan00/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolineflanagan00/photos YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@carolineflanagan-coach ⭐️ Connect and Subscribe Thank you for joining us on The Business of Thinking podcast. If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe and leave a rating! It helps us bring more insightful content on the psychology of high performance. Find more about Richard Reid's work at www.richard-reid.com. Download the first two chapter of Richard's "Charisma Unlocked", audio or PDF version for free and begin your transformation towards authentic charisma: https://richard-reid.com/master-authentic-charisma/ Production Credit: Edited and produced by @the32collective_ / https://www.the32collective.co/

    42 min

  5. APR 7

    Nearly Dying Was the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me - Sherilyn Shackell

    What happens when external success starts fracturing your soul? Sherilyn Shackell, founder of the Marketing Academy, didn't walk away from a lucrative headhunting career — she was forced out of it by burnout and a serious illness that made her rethink everything. What came next was one of the most extraordinary not-for-profit leadership organisations in the world, built entirely on generosity, reciprocity, and the belief that exceptional talent deserves exceptional development. In this conversation with Richard Reid, Sherilyn talks candidly about the moment she realised she was living a discordant life — professionally successful, personally unfulfilled — and how that near-death wake-up call became the catalyst for founding the Marketing Academy in 2010. Fifteen years on, the Academy now runs free, highly selective leadership programs across the UK, US, Australia and Asia, with over 1,400 alumni in 40 countries and a virtual campus reaching 10,000 people. Sherilyn and Richard dig into the psychology of the "treadmill of doom" — how we end up chasing success in careers we didn't consciously choose, driven by parental expectations, peer pressure and external validation — and what it actually takes to step off it. They also explore the CMO-to-CEO pipeline the Academy is quietly building, the power of human-first leadership, and why Sherilyn believes you have 100% ownership over how you choose to think — even when the world feels like it's heading towards Armageddon. Timestamps 01:24 Why marketing, media and advertising can change the world 02:18 From headhunter to founder — Sherilyn's unconventional route in 05:33 Intrinsic motivation — being good at something vs. loving it 06:18 Living a discordant life — when joy and purpose aren't aligned 08:42 The treadmill of doom — how parental expectations shape careers 10:51 Inside the Marketing Academy programs — scholars, fellows and alumni 29:48 The ripple effect — CMOs becoming CEOs, alumni feeding back in 31:39  What's next — virtual campus, geographic expansion and alumni investment 🔗 Connect with  Sherilyn Shackell — Founder & CEO, The Marketing Academy Website:marketingacademy.org Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/sherilynshackelllinkedin.com/in/sherilynshackell Insta: https://www.instagram.com/sherilyn_tma/ ⭐️ Connect and Subscribe Thank you for joining us on The Business of Thinking podcast. If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe and leave a rating! It helps us bring more insightful content on the psychology of high performance. Find more about Richard Reid’s work at www.richard-reid.com. Download the first two chapter of Richard’s “Charisma Unlocked”, audio or PDF version for free and begin your transformation towards authentic charisma: https://richard-reid.com/master-authentic-charisma/ Production Credit: Edited and produced by @the32collective_ / https://www.the32collective.co/

    39 min

  6. MAR 31

    When Cults Go Corporate: Coercive Control Explained (Chris Shelton, ex-Scientologist)

    In this compelling episode, Richard is joined by Chris Shelton, former Scientology member of 25 years, cult recovery consultant, and expert in coercive control. Chris shares his extraordinary personal journey from being raised inside Scientology to working for the Church for decades, enduring physical and psychological abuse, and ultimately escaping in 2012. Chris breaks down the mechanics of manipulation, how coercive control shows up in business, relationships, and politics, and why no one regardless of intelligence is immune to being manipulated. A vital listen for anyone interested in the psychology of influence, group dynamics, and self-protection. Key Takeaways Cults Are Closer Than You Think  — Coercive control isn't limited to religious groups.  How Cognitive Dissonance Keeps People Trapped Information Control Is The Mechanism - Restricting what people can read, watch, or think about is how destructive groups maintain power. Emotions Are The Achilles Heel — We are feeling creatures who rationalise, not thinking creatures who feel. Predators exploit that gap. Trust Your Gut And Slow Down — When someone gets you pressured to decide fast, that's a red flag.  Episode Highlights Growing Up Inside Scientology — Chris describes how a childhood inside the Church created a sealed worldview where Scientology was simply "normal." 25 Years, $20 A Week — Working for the Church's inner circle meant sleep deprivation, physical abuse, and near-zero pay  The Moment Everything Unravelled — Gaining unfiltered internet access in 2013 triggered four months of daily reading: testimonials, FBI files, and historical records that dismantled everything he believed Cult Dynamics In The Business World — From Enron to predatory entrepreneurship, Chris draws clear parallels between cult control tactics and common business manipulation. Why Smart People Fall For It — No one is too intelligent to be manipulated. Emotional exploitation doesn't care about IQ. Timestamps 00:00 — Introduction 00:21 — Chris's background: growing up in Scientology  03:30 — Working for the Church for 25 years  05:36 — What triggered his exit in 2012  08:42 — Cognitive dissonance and the process of waking up  14:30 — Internet restrictions and thought policing inside Scientology  18:00 — The emotional aftermath of discovering the truth  21:34 — How cult dynamics appear in business and everyday life  28:01 — Family fallout and post-cult recovery  33:38 — Why emotions are our greatest vulnerability  35:32 — Red flags to watch for: how to protect yourself  41:25 — Enron and YOLO business culture as cult behaviour  43:16 — Why three out of four people go along with the crowd  48:36 — Critical thinking and emotional awareness  52:03 — Closing reflections 🔗 Connect With Chris Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChrisSheltonMsc/  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF326xyA0QHI7Z5xAwKQDJg ⭐️ Connect And Subscribe Thank you for joining us on The Business of Thinking podcast. If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe and leave a rating! It helps us bring more insightful content on the psychology of high performance. Find more about Richard Reid's work at www.richard-reid.com. Download the first two chapters of Richard's "Charisma Unlocked", audio or PDF version for free and begin your transformation towards authentic charisma: https://richard-reid.com/master-authentic-charisma/ Production Credit: Edited and produced by @the32collective_ / https://www.the32collective.co/

    54 min

  7. MAR 24

    Why Rigid Organizations Fail and Neuro-Inclusive Ones Win with Robert Annis

    In this episode of The Business Of Thinking, host Richard Reid sits down with Robert Annis, a business psychologist and founder of Neuro. They explore the transformative power of neurodiversity in the workplace, moving beyond "problem-solving" to embracing diversity of thought as a competitive advantage. Robert shares his personal journey of being diagnosed with autism and ADHD later in life and how that shift in perspective fueled his mission to help organizations build inclusive cultures where everyone can thrive. Key Takeaways  Neurodiversity is a natural variation of the human brain, affecting roughly 15-20% of the population. Organizations that foster psychological safety and diversity of thought are more innovative and less prone to "groupthink". Real cultural change must be driven by senior leadership who are willing to invest in long-term strategies rather than short-term wins. Inclusive environments designed for neurodivergent individuals often benefit the entire workforce, similar to how curb cuts help everyone, not just those in wheelchairs. Episode Highlights  Robert discusses the "Great Man Theory" and why traditional leadership models often resist radical, inclusive thinking. He introduces the "Neuro Standard," a three-level accreditation designed to guide organizations on a journey of continuous improvement. The conversation also touches on the "hidden costs" of excluding diverse thinkers, including lost potential and the risk of unvoiced concerns. Timestamps  00:00 - Introduction to Robert Annis and business psychology  02:43 - Robert’s personal diagnosis and shift in perspective  05:03 - The science of neurodiversity and hereditary elements  09:11 - Moving from groupthink to innovation  13:15 - Overcoming objections to inclusive leadership  17:22 - Identifying real risks in organizational culture  25:20 - Explaining the Neuro Standard accreditation  29:38 - The Neuro-Pathway from school to the workplace 🔗 Connect With Robert Annis  Website: neurocharity.org LinkedIn: Robert Annis⭐️ Connect and Subscribe Thank you for joining us on The Business of Thinking podcast. If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe and leave a rating! It helps us bring more insightful content on the psychology of high performance. Find more about Richard Reid’s work at www.richard-reid.com. Download the first two chapter of Richard’s “Charisma Unlocked”, audio or PDF version for free and begin your transformation towards authentic charisma: https://richard-reid.com/master-authentic-charisma/ Production Credit: Edited and produced by @the32collective_ / https://www.the32collective.co/

    37 min

  8. MAR 17

    Shot Two Weeks Before His First Race - A Story of Resilience

    What happens when life keeps knocking you flat? Aaron Burros went from nearly 400 lbs to losing 178 lbs through running - then was shot two weeks before his debut ultra, followed by seven years of PTSD and a corporate cover-up. His message: treat the source, not just the symptoms. Key Takeaways Running is therapeutic, not therapy.  You are the CEO of your health.  Small steps compound.  Serving others lifts you when depression hits. Episode Highlights A doctor's warning at 40 started it all.  Aaron lost 178 lbs, was shot saving colleagues, survived a smear campaign and near-fatal sleep deprivation.  Now heading to Tokyo for his Abbott Majors six-star finish. Timestamps 03:19 Walking to work 10:36 Running vs therapy 19:01 The shooting 25:53 Cover-up 37:41 50 marathons quest 58:19 Final advice 🔗 Connect with Aaron Burros LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-burros-0a9a98101/Instagram: @therunningservantFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/aaron.burros⭐️ Connect and Subscribe Thank you for joining us on The Business of Thinking podcast. If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe and leave a rating! It helps us bring more insightful content on the psychology of high performance. Find more about Richard Reid's work at www.richard-reid.com. Download the first two chapter of Richard's "Charisma Unlocked", audio or PDF version for free and begin your transformation towards authentic charisma: https://richard-reid.com/master-authentic-charisma/ Production Credit: Edited and produced by @the32collective_ / https://www.the32collective.co/

    1h 3m
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“The Business of Thinking” is the only podcast that gives ambitious leaders evidence-based psychological strategies for peak performance, decision-making, and resilience. Are you a founder, CEO, or senior executive struggling with decision fatigue, stress, or imposter syndrome? You're not alone. The challenges of modern leadership are primarily psychological. Join Richard Reid, organisational psychologist and leadership coach, as he cuts through the noise to deliver actionable mental models from psychology and behavioural science. In 30-45 minute deep-dives and conversations with global experts, you'll learn how to master the inner game of leadership, build resilient teams, and leverage your mind for competitive advantage. In every episode, you will: Discover the hidden cognitive biases sabotaging your strategic decisions.Learn to build psychological safety in your team for innovation and high trust.Find out the evidence-based secrets to sustained resilience without burnout. Stop managing your business. Start mastering your mind. Want the actionable takeaways and resources mentioned in the episodes? Find more information on www.richard-reid.com.  Subscribe today for your weekly mental upgrade!

Information

  • Creator
    Richard Reid
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    27
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Business Of Thinking
  • Show Website
    The Business Of Thinking