The Business Of Thinking

Richard Reid
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  • 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. 5D AGO

    Neuroscience Secrets for Modern Leadership and Productivity with Dean Burnett

    In this episode of The Business of Thinking, Richard Reid sits down with neuroscientist and best-selling author Dr. Dean Burnett to pull back the curtain on the “Idiot Brain.” They dive into common misconceptions that plague the corporate world, from the debunked 10% brain usage myth to how our brains handle maturity, stress, and performance. As Dean notes, “The brain is an incredibly resource-hungry organ,” and understanding its limitations is the first step toward genuine high performance. The conversation explores the friction between our primitive instincts and the demands of the modern workplace. Dean explains why uncertainty is the default “bad thing” for our species and why acknowledgment and autonomy often outweigh a pay rise when it comes to long-term worker satisfaction. Whether you are a leader looking to build a more harmonious team or an individual striving for efficiency without burnout, this episode offers a grounded, scientific perspective on the business of thinking. Key Takeaways The 10% brain usage myth is scientifically inaccurate. While we use all of our brain, we can only actively trigger a small fraction of neurons at once to avoid being overwhelmed.Human brains are instinctively stressed by uncertainty, making clear communication and reassurance vital during organizational change.True job satisfaction is heavily tied to autonomy and the ability to see the tangible results of your labor.Multitasking is largely a fallacy; the brain generally has one attention stream and relies on a “buffer” to jump between tasks, which can collapse if overloaded.Episode Highlights Why the brain is too resource-hungry to ever leave 90% of itself untapped, consuming nearly 25% of our fuel reserves.The “operating system” analogy explaining friction between modern thinking and older, impulsive instincts.Why “10 morning rituals of successful CEOs” are often retroactive wish fulfillment rather than scientific guidance.The importance of pushing the brain to its limits to form new neural connections.Why forced happiness is not a sustainable corporate strategy.Timestamps 00:52 – Debunking the 10% brain usage myth  05:21 – Brain evolution and instinctive friction  10:36 – Why uncertainty stresses the brain  16:07 – Autonomy and tangible workplace results  22:12 – The dangers of siloed working  31:32 – The truth about multitasking  37:58 – Improving brain capacity  42:29 – Why forced happiness fails 🔗 Connect with Dr. Dean Burnett Website: https://www.deanburnett.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-burnett-16303117/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdeanburnett/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeanBurnettAuthor/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl5o4NIxNFNKT6XdZ5jpdCg/videos ⭐️ Subscribe & Connect Thank you for joining The Business of Thinking. If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe and leave a rating. Find more about Richard Reid’s work at www.richard-reid.com Production Credit: Edited and produced by @the32collective_ | https://www.the32collective.co/

    47 min

  2. FEB 17

    Dopamine, Serotonin, and the Psychology of Performance with Loretta Breuning

    In this episode of The Business of Thinking, Richard Reid sits down with Loretta Breuning, founder of the Inner Mammal Institute, to explore the primal neurochemistry driving human behavior. Loretta reveals how "happy chemicals" like dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin were designed for animal survival and how these ancient pathways still dictate our professional lives and personal success today. Key Takeaways Our brains are wired by early childhood experiences, creating neural "highways" that influence our adult reactions to competition and reward.  Understanding the mammal brain allows high achievers to move beyond surface-level motivation and master their emotional responses to workplace stress and social hierarchies. Episode Highlights Loretta discusses the reality of social hierarchies and why the drive for status is a natural biological impulse rather than a character flaw.  She breaks down the role of cortisol in decision-making, explaining how the brain decides when to "persist with a chase" or "cut losses" in a business context.  Finally, she provides a roadmap for retraining the brain through repetition to build new, healthier habits. Timestamps 00:50 Loretta’s journey from professor to brain behavior expert  06:17 The four happy chemicals and survival behavior  12:42 Serotonin, social dominance, and workplace competition  19:49 Oxytocin and the evolutionary need for protection  31:29 Lion’s perspective: Using cortisol for better business decisions  35:11 Strategies for retraining childhood neural pathways 🔗 Connect with Loretta Breuning Website: InnerMammalInstitute.org  Free 5-day Happy Chemical Jumpstart: https://InnerMammalInstitute.org/newsletter LinkedIn: Loretta Breuning  Instagram: @inner.mammal.inst  Facebook: LorettaBreuningPhD YouTube: @InnerMammalInstitute ⭐️ 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. Production Credit: Edited and produced by @the32collective_ / https://www.the32collective.co/

    41 min

  3. FEB 11

    The Life Switch: How to Master Your Mindset with Joel Steele

    In this episode of The Business of Thinking, Richard Reid sits down with entrepreneur and author Joel Steele to discuss the psychology of resilience.  Joel shares his raw journey from facing borderline bankruptcy and life-threatening situations to building a thriving financial services business. He introduces the concept of the "Life Switch" - the internal choice to stop coasting and start living with intentionality. Key Takeaways Awareness is the first step toward high performance. Joel explains that we all possess internal assets and "pre-wiring" for success, but they remain dormant until we consciously "power them on" through vision and action. He emphasises that failure is only final if you accept it as a dead end rather than a pivot point. Episode Highlights Joel discusses how he transformed a failed restaurant venture and half a million dollars in debt into the foundation for a successful financial career.  He provides a masterclass on channeling anxiety into activity, explaining how to use fear as high-octane fuel for your goals.  The conversation also covers the importance of "self-actualization" and why tuning out digital distractions is essential to tuning into your purpose. Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction to Joel Steele  02:43 - Overcoming bankruptcy and near-death experiences  05:55 - Transforming $500k of debt into a winning business  08:39 - The power of vision and your internal "GPS"  14:36 - Embracing the "Hard Road" and avoiding regret  18:18 - Converting anxiety and fear into productive activity  31:25 - How to extract your ideas and make them tangible  32:41 - The "Life Switch" mission and a $1M charity goal 🔗 Connect with Joel Steele Website: BookJoelSteele.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-steele-9685888 Instagram: @lifeswitchofficial ⭐️ 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. Production Credit: Edited and produced by @the32collective_ / https://www.the32collective.co/

    36 min

  4. FEB 3

    The Psychology of Medical Trauma and Recovery with Vanessa Abraham

    In this episode of The Business Of Thinking, host Richard Reid is joined by Vanessa Abraham, a dedicated speech-language pathologist whose career and life took a dramatic turn in 2019. Vanessa shares her harrowing journey from being a medical provider to becoming a patient paralyzed by a sudden neurological disorder that left her unable to speak or eat. She provides a raw look into the psychological toll of medical trauma, describing the "profound depression" and "invisible disabilities" that often go unaddressed after a patient leaves the ICU. Vanessa discusses her transformation into a "crazy researcher," diving into neuroplasticity and innovative healing modalities like the Neubie device to reclaim her life. Her story is a powerful testament to the psychology of high performance and the importance of purpose, reminding listeners that "when people have a purpose, they’re willing to withstand pretty much anything". Key Takeaways The episode explores Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS), highlighting the cognitive deficits, anxiety, and PTSD that survivors face long after physical recovery. Vanessa emphasizes the necessity of a trauma-informed approach in healthcare, looking at a patient’s mental state and nervous system functioning as the primary foundation for physical healing. A major theme is the power of intellectual humility, where putting aside pride and asking "dumb questions" becomes the ultimate tool for innovation and recovery. The conversation delves into the shift from sympathetic to parasympathetic drive, explaining how creating a relaxed state allows the body and brain to repair itself. Episode Highlights Vanessa describes the rapid onset of her illness, going from a healthy, active lifestyle to being ventilated in the ICU within 48 hours. She explains the "missing piece" of healthcare: the lack of mental health support once a patient is discharged and the support system of the hospital slips away. The discussion covers Vanessa's book, Speechless, which serves as a guide for clinicians and survivors to understand the human side of medical trauma. Vanessa shares her future mission, including hosting workshops and retreats to educate medical providers on the realities of PICS and medical trauma. Timestamps 00:12 - Introduction to Vanessa Abraham and speech pathology  01:32 - Transition from clinician to paralyzed patient  03:56 - The rapid onset of a life-changing neurological disorder  08:28 - Discussing Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS)  11:37 - Researching neuroplasticity and natural healing modalities  16:44 - The grieving process and losing one's identity  22:59 - How the Neubie device aids in neurological recovery  26:55 - Redefining trauma-informed care in medical practice  31:50 - Upcoming workshops and the Speechless book 🔗 Connect with Vanessa Abraham Website: www.aneuhealing.com Instagram: @speechless_slp To purchase book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/cjvA4ao Facebook: Speechless SLP ⭐️ 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. Production Credit: Edited and produced by @the32collective_ / https://www.the32collective.co/

    34 min

  5. JAN 27

    The Psychology of AI: Religion, Hallucinations, and Critical Thinking with Beth Singler

    In this episode of The Business of Thinking, Richard Reid is joined by Beth Singler, anthropologist and leading expert on digital religion and artificial intelligence. Together, they explore how AI is reshaping belief systems, decision-making, and critical thinking — not just in religious contexts, but across business, education, and society at large. From AI being treated as god-like by some users, to the dangers of outsourcing our thinking and blindly trusting machine-generated “truths,” Beth offers a grounded, thoughtful perspective on why healthy scepticism and critical reasoning matter more than ever in an AI-driven world. Key Takeaways AI is not a neutral tool. The language and narratives we use to describe it directly influence how people trust, adopt, and rely on it. Large language models do not reason like humans. They predict probabilities, meaning everything they generate follows the same process — some outputs are correct, others are not. Blind reliance on AI risks eroding critical thinking, particularly in education, leadership, and decision-making environments. Enthusiasm for AI often mirrors religious-style belief systems, especially within corporate culture and technological evangelism. Implementing AI in organisations should be treated as a change management project, not just a technical upgrade. Episode Highlights Beth explains how religious language and symbolism frequently appear in discussions about AI, even in secular corporate settings. The episode explores emerging AI-led spiritual practices and why some people experience large language models as god-like entities. Beth outlines the dangers of misinformation, fake expertise, and AI-generated authority entering education and professional spaces. The conversation highlights the tension between efficiency and truth, and how speed can undermine reflection and judgement. Business leaders are encouraged to learn from religious responses to AI, particularly around authenticity, trust, and ethical boundaries. Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to The Business of Thinking 00:37 – What digital religion is and how Beth entered the field 02:56 – AI, spirituality, and god-like perceptions of language models 04:02 – AI evangelism and corporate enthusiasm 05:07 – Hallucinations, critical thinking, and education 07:04 – Why people trust AI answers too quickly 09:25 – Misinformation and the blurring of truth 10:41 – Building guardrails and thinking critically about AI 12:36 – Authenticity, sermons, and AI in religious spaces 14:47 – Utopia vs dystopia: where AI may be heading 17:13 – Beth’s research journey into AI and religion 18:59 – Advice for business leaders implementing AI 20:11 – AI as a change management challenge 21:56 – Final reflections on healthy scepticism 🔗 Connect with Beth Singler Website: https://bvlsingler.com LinkedIn: Beth Singler Instagram: @bethsingler Facebook: Beth Singler YouTube: Beth Singler ⭐️ 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. Production Credit: Edited and produced by @the32collective_ / https://www.the32collective.co/

    22 min

  6. JAN 20

    The Psychology of a World Without Work with Calum Chase

    In this thought-provoking episode of The Business of Thinking, Richard Reid is joined by AI expert, author, and futurist Calum Chace for a wide-ranging conversation on artificial intelligence, superintelligence, and what the future may hold for humanity. Calum breaks down where AI is today, where it’s heading next, and why we may be sleepwalking into one of the biggest transitions our species has ever faced. From AI agents and automation to consciousness, work, and the possibility of a post-jobs economy, this episode challenges assumptions and asks uncomfortable but essential questions about power, responsibility, and preparedness. Key Takeaways Artificial intelligence is already transforming how work gets done, but AI agents capable of acting with partial autonomy will dramatically accelerate this change. Superintelligence may arrive far sooner than most people expect, potentially within the lifetime of today’s workforce. Automation could eliminate most human jobs, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the end of purpose, meaning, or motivation. The biggest risk is not technological failure, but lack of planning, poor governance, and unequal distribution of wealth. Humanity may only get one chance to influence how superintelligence treats us, making decisions about safety and values critically important now. Episode Highlights Calum explains the difference between narrow AI, AGI, and superintelligence, and why the transition could happen incredibly fast. The conversation explores AI agents, verification, and why unsupervised systems raise serious safety concerns. Richard and Calum discuss the economic singularity and what happens when machines can do all paid work. Calum shares an optimistic but realistic view of a future where humans focus on learning, creativity, and connection rather than jobs. The episode ends with a fascinating discussion on AI consciousness and whether making machines conscious could actually make them safer. Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to The Business of Thinking 01:05 – Calum’s background and early interest in AI 02:23 – The two big breakthroughs that changed AI 03:20 – Large language models and their limitations 04:34 – AI agents and partial autonomy 06:18 – Verification, supervision, and AI safety 07:43 – AGI, superintelligence, and the 2029 debate 09:53 – Fear, optimism, and extinction risk 11:52 – Automation and the end of human jobs 12:59 – Wealth distribution and global inequality 14:16 – Governments, politics, and lack of preparation 15:59 – Work, identity, and human motivation 18:42 – What businesses should focus on right now 21:52 – Common sense, world models, and timelines 22:49 – Becoming the second smartest species 25:10 – Conscious vs unconscious superintelligence 28:22 – Why we probably won’t stop AI development 30:33 – Current projects and future priorities 32:26 – Where to find Calum’s work 🔗 Connect with Calum Chace Website: https://www.calumchace.com LinkedIn: Calum Chace Instagram: Calum Chace Facebook: Calum Chace YouTube: Calum Chace ⭐️ 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. Production Credit: Edited and produced by @the32collective_ / https://www.the32collective.co/

    33 min

  7. JAN 13

    Decision Making and Consequences at 20,000 Feet with Nigel Vardy

    In this powerful episode of The Business of Thinking, Richard Reid is joined by mountaineer, engineer, and keynote speaker Nigel Vardy, often known as Mr Frostbite. Nigel shares the extraordinary story of surviving a near-fatal storm high on Denali in Alaska, an experience that resulted in severe frostbite, multiple amputations, and a complete redefinition of his life. This conversation goes far beyond mountaineering. Nigel explores resilience, decision-making under pressure, personal responsibility, and what it truly means to adapt when control is taken away. Drawing on decades of experience in extreme environments and high-stakes engineering roles, he offers lessons that are deeply relevant to leadership, business, and life. Key Takeaways Calm decision-making under pressure is a learned skill, built through experience, not panic or reaction. Adversity strips away illusion and forces clarity about what truly matters and what is actually possible. Progress is rarely linear. Moving forward often includes setbacks, repetition, and patience. Real adaptability comes from learning how to use your body, mind, and environment differently, rather than waiting for perfect tools or solutions. Long-term success comes from commitment, apprenticeship, and persistence, not quick wins or overnight breakthroughs. Episode Highlights Nigel recounts the Denali storm that nearly killed him and the night spent fighting to survive in extreme conditions. He reflects on losing control in hospital and the psychological challenge of depending entirely on others. The episode explores identity, visible difference, and learning to move forward after life-altering injury. Nigel shares how hands-on problem solving and engineering thinking helped him reclaim independence. He explains why calm leadership, reassessment, and experience matter more than speed or bravado. Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to The Business of Thinking 01:07 – Growing up outdoors and early influences 02:23 – Engineering, mountaineering, and decision-making 03:20 – The Denali expedition and sudden crisis 04:34 – Surviving the storm and rescue 06:39 – Losing control and life in hospital 09:28 – The physical and emotional impact of frostbite 11:49 – Recovery, setbacks, and patience 13:33 – The IKEA moment and taking back control 17:35 – Learning to adapt without relying on gadgets 18:57 – Lessons from adversity and leadership under pressure 21:09 – Experience, intuition, and risk awareness 24:04 – Returning to the mountains and redefining success 26:22 – Comfort zones and real learning 28:16 – Apprenticeship, mastery, and long-term growth 30:17 – Decision-making when conditions change 31:10 – Supporting others and sharing knowledge 32:00 – Documentary and where to find Nigel’s work 🔗 Connect with Nigel Vardy Website: www.mrfrostbite.com LinkedIn: Nigel Vardy Instagram: Nigel Vardy Facebook: Nigel Vardy YouTube: Nigel Vardy ⭐️ 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. Production Credit: Edited and produced by @the32collective_ / https://www.the32collective.co/

    33 min

  8. JAN 6

    The Psychology of High-Stakes Negotiation with Nigel Taberner

    In this episode of The Business of Thinking, former police hostage negotiator Nigel Taberner joins Richard Reid to reveal how the high-stakes world of crisis negotiation translates into powerful leadership and influence. Taberner shares his journey from a bus-building factory to counter-terrorism and saving over 130 lives, emphasizing that listening is a professional superpower. Discover why "less is more" in any boardroom or domestic dispute and how managing your own ego and emotions is the key to mastering difficult conversations. Key Takeaways The core skill of negotiation is listening to understand and making others feel heard rather than just smooth talking. Restoring rational thought requires balancing the emotional seesaw by addressing feelings before tackling substantive issues. Effective influence is built on authenticity and aligning actions with an individual’s personal values and beliefs. Episode Highlights Nigel discusses his transition from Moss Side's "baptism by fire" to elite counter-terrorism and hostage roles. The importance of "tell me" questions and fillers over direct questioning to keep others talking and sharing information. Practicing the first 60 seconds of any interaction is a game-changer for establishing warmth and competence. Nigel explains how to approach the "elephant in the room" using the phrase "I get the impression that...". Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to the psychology of high performance  01:29 From Wigan factory worker to saving 130 lives  08:21 Listening as a negotiator’s secret superpower  11:28 Why most negotiators fail by not being authentic  21:31 Balancing the seesaw between emotion and rational thought  26:23 The power of "tell me" questions in business and life  34:28 Mastering the first 60 seconds of any conversation 🔗 Connect with Nigel Taberner Website: nigeltaberner.com  LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nigel-taberner Showreel: youtube.com/watch?v=X_DpmrizY1s&feature=youtu.be linkedin.com/in/nigel-taberner-b97b0a1a0/ ⭐️ 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. Production Credit: Edited and produced by @the32collective_ / https://www.the32collective

    44 min
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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
    17
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Business Of Thinking
  • Show Website
    The Business Of Thinking