Ask a Decision Engineer

Michelle Florendo
Ask a Decision Engineer

Even the smartest people can get tied into knots when making big decisions. Get the tools to move through decisions with less stress and more clarity. Join Stanford Decision Engineer and Coach Michelle Florendo for a comprehensive and systematic way of untangling every decision - no matter how big or small. New to the podcast? - Dip into Season 1 for why this podcast exists and the first few pilot season episodes - Binge Season 2 for tips on how to untangle an upcoming big decision - Check out Season 3 for how to navigate emotions in the decision process - Season 4 brings you insights from experts in the field who have influenced my work - Season 5 is airing Fall 2025. For more about Michelle's work, visit https://www.poweredbydecisions.com

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  1. S5E1 | From Maternity Leave to 20,000 Listeners - Reflections on 5 Years of Decision Making Podcasting

    EPISODE 1

    S5E1 | From Maternity Leave to 20,000 Listeners - Reflections on 5 Years of Decision Making Podcasting

    In this special episode, Michelle Florendo reflects on five years of hosting "Ask a Decision Engineer." Joined by her friend Shanice Webb, Michelle shares insights about the podcast's evolution from a maternity leave project to an international resource for decision-making advice. They discuss overcoming fears, measuring impact, and the journey of adapting content to fit a global audience. Through moments of vulnerability, Michelle illustrates the importance of determination and continuous growth in her work.

    22 min
  2. S5E2 | Why is Decision-Making So Hard?

    EPISODE 2

    S5E2 | Why is Decision-Making So Hard?

    Michelle Florendo explores a question people often ask her privately: Why are decisions so hard? She addresses the common feeling of isolation when struggling with decisions and delves into how technology and societal changes have impacted our decision-making processes. Michelle offers insights into why decisions feel more difficult than ever before and provides reassurance that these struggles are normal and how the current environment does not set up decision-makers for success.

    26 min
  3. S5E3 | The End-of-Life Retreat: Finding Clarity Amidst Uncertainty

    EPISODE 3

    S5E3 | The End-of-Life Retreat: Finding Clarity Amidst Uncertainty

    In this heartfelt episode of Ask a Decision Engineer, Michelle Florendo opens up about her personal experience of facilitating an end-of-life retreat for her mother-in-law, Joyce, following a stage-four terminal cancer diagnosis. Joined by Shanice Webb, Michelle explores how decision-making frameworks, emotional clarity, and collaboration can guide families through some of life’s most challenging moments. Through personal anecdotes and decision-making insights, Michelle offers listeners a deeply reflective guide to navigating emotions, fostering communication, and finding clarity amidst uncertainty. "What is an entry point into these conversations about heavy things? It’s this question of, ‘How do you want to feel?’" – Michelle Florendo Life often presents us with decisions we are unprepared to face—ones steeped in uncertainty and emotion. In this episode, Michelle shares one such personal experience: navigating the final months of her mother-in-law’s life after a devastating cancer diagnosis.

    31 min

  4. EPISODE 4

    S5E04 | Decoding Emotions in Decision Making

    In this episode of Ask a Decision Engineer, Michelle Florendo addresses a thoughtful question from a listener about balancing emotions during decision-making. Tackling the dual challenge of distancing oneself from emotions while still taking them into account, Michelle reframes emotions as valuable sources of data. Through frameworks, practical steps, and real-world examples, she demonstrates how emotions, when noticed and named, can guide better decisions.

    34 min
  5. S5E5 | Real Application to Big Life Decisions

    EPISODE 5

    S5E5 | Real Application to Big Life Decisions

    In this episode of Ask a Decision Engineer, Michelle Florendo shares a deeply personal journey through a high-stakes decision involving family, health, and values. Joined by Shanice Webb, the conversation dives into applying decision-making frameworks to real-life challenges where outcomes are uncertain, and the stakes are significant.

    26 min
  6. S5E6 | The Relief-Regret Framework: Making Decisions Under Uncertainty

    EPISODE 6

    S5E6 | The Relief-Regret Framework: Making Decisions Under Uncertainty

    In this episode of Ask a Decision Engineer, Michelle Florendo responds to David's question about making decisions in the face of risk and uncertainty. She introduces the Relief-Regret framework, a practical tool she developed to help decision-makers navigate uncertain outcomes when perfect information isn't available.

    32 min

  7. SEASON 5 TRAILER

    Season 5 Trailer

    In this highly anticipated return season of her podcast, Stanford-trained Decision Engineer Michelle Florendo invites listeners to explore the art and science of decision-making through a uniquely personal lens. Drawing from her 15 years of experience coaching thousands through complex choices, Florendo reflects on her own five-year podcasting journey, which began with a friend's dare. The new season promises fresh insights into decision-making frameworks, candid discussions about her own challenging decisions, and practical applications of decision engineering principles. Through intimate storytelling and expert analysis, Florendo demonstrates that even the most daunting decisions can be approached with clarity and confidence.

    1 min
See All Season 5 (7)

Trailers

5
out of 5
32 Ratings

About

Even the smartest people can get tied into knots when making big decisions. Get the tools to move through decisions with less stress and more clarity. Join Stanford Decision Engineer and Coach Michelle Florendo for a comprehensive and systematic way of untangling every decision - no matter how big or small. New to the podcast? - Dip into Season 1 for why this podcast exists and the first few pilot season episodes - Binge Season 2 for tips on how to untangle an upcoming big decision - Check out Season 3 for how to navigate emotions in the decision process - Season 4 brings you insights from experts in the field who have influenced my work - Season 5 is airing Fall 2025. For more about Michelle's work, visit https://www.poweredbydecisions.com

Information

  • Creator
    Michelle Florendo
  • Episodes
    45
  • Seasons
    5
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2019 - 2022 Powered By Decisions, LLC
  • Show Website
    Ask a Decision Engineer

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