The Human Risk Podcast

Human Risk
  • 5.0 (14)
  • SOCIAL SCIENCES
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

People are often described as the largest asset in most organisations. They are also the biggest single cause of risk. This podcast explores the topic of 'human risk', or "the risk of people doing things they shouldn't or not doing things they should", and examines how behavioural science can help us mitigate it. It also looks at 'human reward', or "how to get the most out of people". When we manage human risk, we often stifle human reward. Equally, when we unleash human reward, we often inadvertently increase human risk. To pitch guests please email guest@humanriskpodcast.com

  1. Dr Carissa Véliz on Prophecy

    1D AGO

    Dr Carissa Véliz on Prophecy

    What if prediction isn’t about knowing the future, but controlling it?  On this episode, I'm joined by a leading thinker on digital ethics, privacy and technology to explore the idea of prophecy. Episode Summary My guest is Dr Carissa Véliz and in our discussion, we talk about humanity’s long-standing obsession with predicting what comes next, and why today’s algorithms may be the most powerful (and dangerous) prophets we’ve ever created.  From ancient oracles and court astrologers to modern AI systems and tech executives, we explore how prediction has always been less about knowledge and more about power. What becomes clear is that while the tools have changed, the underlying dynamics haven’t. We still crave certainty, we still look for authority, and we’re still willing to trust those who claim to see the future. The difference now is scale: predictive technologies don’t just forecast behaviour; they shape it. And the more accurate they appear, the less likely we are to question them.  We then explore responsibility. If prediction influences reality, then our willingness to accept it matters. This episode is a reminder that the future isn’t something that simply happens to us, but something we’re actively participating in, whether we realise it or not. Guest Bio Dr Carissa Véliz is Associate Professor of Philosophy at the Institute for Ethics in AI and a Fellow at Hertford College at the University of Oxford. She is a leading thinker on digital ethics, privacy, and technology. She is the author of several books including her latest release 'Prophecy: Prediction, Power and the Fight for the Future, from Ancient Oracles to AI' and 'Privacy Is Power: Why and How You Should Take Back Control of Your Data ' Her work explores how data, AI, and predictive systems reshape society—often in ways that are invisible but deeply consequential. Drawing on philosophy, history, and real-world systems, she examines how power operates through technology and what individuals and institutions can do to resist it. AI-Generated TImestamped Summary [00:00:00] Opening: prediction as something that shapes—not reveals—the future[00:01:00] Why prophecy is a lens for understanding modern AI[00:04:00] Kings, prophets, and the risks of getting predictions wrong[00:06:00] Survival strategies of ancient astrologers[00:08:00] Why humans crave certainty—and who exploits it[00:10:00] The danger of mistaking wealth for wisdom[00:12:00] Prediction as a tool of power throughout history[00:14:00] Surveillance as the foundation of modern prediction[00:16:00] How predictions shape behaviour (self-fulfilling dynamics)[00:17:00] Publishing as a case study in manufactured success[00:21:00] The strange economics of pre-orders and attention[00:23:00] Insurance: from solidarity to individualised risk[00:26:00] The hidden systemic risks of personalised prediction[00:30:00] Why citizens need to reclaim agency[00:31:00] Laziness vs values: why we default to algorithms[00:33:00] Tech creating problems it then claims to solve[00:34:00] The role of humour as truth-telling[00:35:00] Why algorithms would have killed Seinfeld[00:40:00] Practical alternatives: preparation over prediction[00:42:00] The importance of serendipity[00:43:00] Rediscovering the analogue world[00:46:00] Algorithms shaping culture and environments[00:48:00] Optimism vs doom in thinking about technology[00:50:00] Writing as exploration, not predictionLinks Carissa's website - https://www.carissaveliz.com/ Her new book, Prophecy - https://www.carissaveliz.com/prophecy Her previous book Privacy Is Power - https://www.carissaveliz.com/books Carissa's faculty page - https://www.oxford-aiethics.ox.ac.uk/dr-carissa-veliz Carissa on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/carissa-v%C3%A9liz-a5781555/

    1h 3m
  2. Dr C Thi Nguyen on How to stop playing someone else's game

    APR 12

    Dr C Thi Nguyen on How to stop playing someone else's game

    We like to think we choose what matters. But what if the goals we’re chasing… aren’t actually ours? Episode Summary My guest on this episode is Dr. C. Thi Nguyen, philosopher and author of The Score: How to Stop Playing Somebody Else’s Game, a book about how metrics, scoring systems, and “games” shape our behaviour—often without us realising it. Thi explains how his work on games led him to a deeper question: why do scoring systems make games feel meaningful, but make real life feel distorted? The answer lies in how metrics redefine success—quietly shifting us from what we care about to what we can measure. In a wide-ranging discussion, we explore the idea of “value capture”, why institutions rely on simplified proxies, and how the very features that make metrics useful also make them dangerous. We also discuss expertise, transparency, gamification, and why removing metrics altogether doesn’t solve the problem. This is a conversation about control: who sets the rules, who keeps score, and what happens when we stop questioning the game we’re playing.  Guest Bio Dr. C. Thi Nguyen is a philosopher whose work explores how games, metrics, and social systems shape human behaviour and values. A professor of philosophy at the University of Utah, his research sits at the intersection of ethics, decision-making, and the philosophy of agency, with a particular focus on how the structures around us influence what we care about and how we act. Alongside his academic work, Thi is also a keen gamer, rock climber, and cook; interests that inform his thinking about play, challenge, and the richness of human experience beyond what can be easily measured. AI-Generated Timestamped Summary 00:00 – Introduction: games, metrics, and meaning 03:00 – How Thi came to study games and philosophy 07:00 – What games are (and why they matter) 10:00 – Achievement vs striving play 13:00 – Cheating and misunderstanding the point of games 16:00 – Games, struggle, and meaningful activity 18:00 – Cooking, recipes, and rules 22:00 – Metrics as simplified rule systems 25:00 – Value capture and how metrics reshape goals 29:00 – Why institutions rely on measurement 32:00 – Quantification and loss of context 36:00 – Rules, algorithms, and expertise 40:00 – Standardisation and the cost of consistency 43:00 – Transparency, trust, and unintended consequences 47:00 – Metrics and the loss of expert judgment 50:00 – Ungrading and the limits of removing metrics 54:00 – Designing better scoring systems 58:00 – Gamification and why it misses the point 01:02:00 – Choosing your own game 01:06:00 – Final reflections and closing Relevant Links Thi’s personal website – https://objectionable.net/ His faculty page - https://profiles.faculty.utah.edu/u6021584 The Score: How to Stop Playing Someone Else’s Game - https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/457380/the-score-by-nguyen-c-thi/9780241653975 Thi on Bluesky – https://bsky.app/profile/add-hawk.bsky.social

    1h 9m
  3. Phil Dobson on Cognitive Leadership

    APR 4

    Phil Dobson on Cognitive Leadership

    We tend to assume that if we’re working hard, we’re working well. But what if that isn’t true? Episode Summary My guest on this episode is Phil Dobson, author of The Brain Book and founder of Brain Workshops, about what he calls 'cognitive leadership': using neuroscience and psychology to help people sustain performance, think more clearly, and navigate uncertainty. Phil explains how a broken ankle led him from music and sales into hypnotherapy, neuroscience, and leadership development, and why he believes most of us are never properly taught how our brains actually work. In a wide-ranging discussion, we explore the difference between productivity and effectiveness, why attention may be our most valuable asset, and how modern working life often undermines flow, creativity, and good decision-making. We also discuss stress, workload, digital distraction, the limits of measurement, and what organisations get wrong when they try to manage people as if more time always equals more value. Discover how leaders can create better conditions for thinking, resilience, creativity, and change; and why understanding the human brain matters far beyond the workplace. Episode Summaruy why most of us are taught far too little about how our brains workPhil’s unusual route from musician to hypnotherapist to neuroscience-based leadership adviserthe difference between being productive and being effectivewhy self-employment sharpened Phil’s focus on impact rather than activityhow experimentation, iteration, and reflection shape better ways of workingthe distinction between fun and fulfilmentflow states and why modern life makes them harder to accessthe growing importance of attention in a world of distractionwhy stress management has to include workload management, not just breathing techniqueshow rest, breaks, and so-called “unproductive” time often drive insight and creativitywhy measuring people too narrowly can damage performancehow understanding the brain helps leaders navigate change and uncertaintywhy improving human decision-making matters not just for performance, but for reducing costly mistakesAI-Generated Timestamped Summary 00:00 — Introduction: busyness vs effectiveness 02:00 — Phil’s journey into cognitive leadership 07:00 — Productivity vs effectiveness (and the 80/20 shift) 12:00 — Experimentation, habits, and fulfilment 17:00 — Flow, focus, and attention under pressure 22:00 — Attention as a critical (and under threat) asset 27:00 — Why knowing isn’t the same as doing 31:00 — Rethinking productivity: energy, creativity, and insight 36:00 — The neuroscience of better thinking (default mode network) 40:00 — Measurement, management, and leadership challenges 45:00 — Human performance beyond the workplace 50:00 — Human error, decision-making, and risk 55:00 — Evolving work: shorter weeks and smarter working 58:00 — Leading change with a brain-based approach 01:03:00 — Final reflections and closing Relevant Links Phil's website - https://phildobson.com/ Brain Workshops - https://brainworkshops.co.uk/ Phil on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brainworkshops/ The Brain Book - https://www.amazon.com/Brain-Book-Smarter-Concise-Advice/dp/1910649732

    1h 10m
  4. Professor Mark Stoyle on The Western Rising of 1549

    MAR 22

    Professor Mark Stoyle on The Western Rising of 1549

    What lessons does a religious protest that led to an uprising  in 1549 have to do with human risk? At first glance, not very much. It’s easy to see it as a distant historical event — something about religion, kings, and a very different world. But as my guest, Professor Mark Stoyle explains, the Western Rising of 1549 is far more than that. It’s a powerful example of what happens when authority imposes change without understanding how people will react.  Episode Summary This episode started on a train journey to Exeter, where I was due to give a talk. Looking for a local story to make my presentation more relevant, I stumbled across a battle that had taken place just outside the venue in 1549. The more I read, the clearer it became that this wasn’t just history, it was a case study in compliance, behaviour, and unintended consequences. Guest Profile Mark is a historian and leading expert on what he calls the Western Rising of 1549. In this conversation, we explore how sweeping religious changes imposed by those in power triggered resistance, how small incidents escalated into a major rebellion, and why identity, belief, and emotion played such a critical role. Along the way, we discuss how history is written (and biased), why changing language can provoke outrage rather than acceptance, and what this story reveals about leadership, risk, and human behaviour today. AI-Generated Timestamped Summary 00:00 – Introduction: a compliance failure in 1549 01:00 – The train journey to Exeter 02:00 – Discovering the rebellion 04:00 – Why this is a human risk story 05:15 – Introducing Professor Mark Stoyle 07:30 – Setting the historical context 10:00 – Power, authority, and instability 13:30 – What triggered the rising 17:00 – Why language change caused outrage 22:00 – Early resistance and local incidents 25:00 – The tipping point: violence begins 29:00 – How the rebellion spreads 33:00 – The siege of Exeter 37:00 – How history is written by the victors 41:00 – Crushing the rebellion 45:00 – Cultural consequences and language loss 48:00 – Lessons for today 52:00 – Polarisation and modern parallels 57:00 – Final reflections In this episode we discuss Key Topics Why imposed change can trigger resistanceHow small incidents escalate into major crisesThe role of identity, belief, and emotion in decision-makingWhy language and culture matter in complianceHow authority can misjudge human behaviourThe dangers of polarisation and “us vs them” thinkingWhy compromise becomes impossible in extreme positionsHow history is shaped by those who winThe unintended consequences of leadership decisionsWhat a 16th-century rebellion teaches us about modern riskGuest Profile Mark Stoyle is Professor of History at the University of Southampton. He specialises in Tudor rebellions, the English Civil War, and the history of witchcraft. Originally from Devon, his work on the Western Rising of 1549 draws on decades of research and a deep personal connection to the region where these events took place. Links The Western Rising of 1549, Mark's book - https://yalebooks.co.uk/book/9780300276886/the-western-rising-of-1549/ Mark's University of Southampton profile page - https://www.southampton.ac.uk/people/5wyxqy/professor-mark-stoyle Mark's publisher profile: - https://www.worldturnedupsidedown.co.uk/team/mark-stoyle/

    1h 5m
  5. Jeffrey Ludlow on What A Sign Is...

    MAR 14

    Jeffrey Ludlow on What A Sign Is...

    What exactly is a sign?  At first glance, that might sound like a strange question. Signs are everywhere: telling us where to go, what to do, what not to do, and sometimes what might happen if we ignore instructions. But as my guest, Jeffrey Ludlow Saentz explains, signs are much more than bits of information on walls or beside roads. Episode Summary Jeffrey is a signage designer who works on complex buildings and environments around the world — airports, offices, museums, and other places where helping people find their way really matters. He’s also the author of A Sign Is..., a fascinating book exploring the history, meaning, and cultural significance of the signs that shape our everyday behaviour. In this conversation, we explore why good signage is often invisible, how buildings “speak” to us through wayfinding systems, and what signs reveal about power, trust, and human behaviour. Along the way we discuss hacked traffic signs, casino design, airport navigation, and why something as simple as an arrow carries centuries of history. AI-Generated Timestamped Summary 00:00 – Introduction: why signs are more interesting than they first appear 03:00 – How Jeffrey became a signage designer 04:00 – The challenge of helping people navigate complex buildings 07:00 – What actually is a sign? 09:00 – Why “everything can be a sign” 11:00 – The power dynamics behind signage and authority 13:00 – How designers observe signage in the real world 14:30 – Cultural differences in wayfinding and navigation 19:30 – Why Jeffrey wrote A Sign Is.. 22:00 – The fascinating history of fire safety signage 24:00 – Curiosity and the stories hidden behind everyday signs 27:00 – Hacked construction signs and unexpected messages 31:00 – Trust, authority, and information on signs 35:00 – Advertising, nudging, and attention 36:00 – Information overload and competing signals 39:00 – The learned language of signs and symbols 41:00 – Why good signage is “invisible” when it works 43:00 – Airports, trust, and wayfinding design 46:00 – How people become signage designers 47:30 – How casinos, airports, and museums use signs differently 50:00 – The psychology of navigation 54:00 – Why signage can’t work perfectly for everyone 57:00 – Why wayfinding is an art rather than a science 01:02:00 – Jeffrey’s book A Sign Is and where to find it 01:04:00 – What signs might look like in the future In this episode we discuss Key Topics Why signage is a form of behavioural communicationHow buildings “talk” to people through wayfinding systemsThe psychology of navigation and spatial awarenessWhy good signage is invisibleHow casinos deliberately make navigation harderWhy museums minimise signs while airports maximise themThe cultural differences in how places are navigatedWhat hacked traffic signs reveal about trust in authorityWhy signs act as nudges that shape behaviourThe limits of signage when designing for large groupsHow digital navigation may change our relationship with physical signsAbout Jeffrey Jeffrey Ludlow is a signage and wayfinding designer and founder of Point of Reference Studio, a design practice specialising in signage systems, environmental graphics, and branding for public environments. Trained as an architect, Jeffrey’s work sits at the intersection of architecture, graphic design, and behavioural psychology — helping people navigate complex spaces more intuitively. He is the author of A Sign Is, a book exploring the cultural, historical, and behavioural significance of the signs that surround us. Links Jeffrey's book 'A Sign Is...' - https://oroeditions.com/product/a-sign-is Point of Reference, the Madrid-based studio Jeffrey founded - https://pointofreference.studio/

    1h 5m
  6. Marc Ross on The Art of The Negroni

    MAR 7

    Marc Ross on The Art of The Negroni

    What Can a Cocktail Teach Us About Curiosity and Creativity? At first glance, documenting Negronis around the world might sound like a frivolous hobby. But could a simple cocktail become a vehicle for curiosity, experimentation and creative thinking?   On this episode, I speaks with geopolitical strategist Marc A Ross about an unusual passion project: ordering and documenting Negronis wherever he travels. What began as a casual habit has evolved into a magazine-style project called 50 Negronis, capturing cocktails from elegant bars to chaotic airport lounges. Along the way, the project has revealed something deeper about travel, culture and the value of experimentation.   But as the conversation unfolds, it becomes clear this episode isn’t really about cocktails. Instead it’s about how curiosity leads to discovery, why creative side projects matter, and how experimentation can enrich both our professional and personal lives.   Curiosity Starts With Small Experiments Marc’s Negroni project began almost accidentally. While travelling frequently for his work as a geopolitical strategist, he started ordering Negronis and photographing them. What made the idea interesting wasn’t a search for the perfect drink. Instead, Marc documented the entire experience — the great cocktails, the mediocre ones, and the truly terrible ones. That curiosity created a lens through which to experience the world differently. Bars became places for conversation, experimentation and discovery, and the project grew into a collection of stories from cities across the globe.  Creativity Through Play A key theme of the conversation is the importance of playfulness. Marc deliberately avoids treating the project too seriously. The photos are simple smartphone snapshots, the documentation is intentionally loose, and the goal isn’t perfection. That approach mirrors how many creative projects evolve; by removing the pressure to produce something “definitive,” the project becomes an experiment. And in the process, it becomes easier to create, learn and iterate.  Authenticity, Communication and Personality We also explore how side projects can sharpen professional skills. Marc argues that communicators, leaders and even politicians should experiment creatively and share aspects of their personality. Authenticity matters. Whether it’s documenting cocktails, running unconventional events, or experimenting with new formats, people connect more with ideas that feel genuine. Sometimes the most powerful way to communicate is simply to follow an idea that genuinely interests you. AI-Generated Timestamped Summary 00:00 – A cocktail as a conversation starter Introduction; why Negronis might seem like an unusual topic for a podcast about human behaviour and yet… 02:00 – Recording in Sundance, Utah Marc describes the Brigadoon gathering and its focus on conversation rather than traditional conference formats. 04:00 – The origins of the Negroni Marc explains the history of the cocktail and why it remains a classic drink. 07:00 – The “50 Negronis” project A disappointing airport Negroni sparks the idea of documenting the drinks Marc encounters while travelling. 10:00 – Capturing cocktails around the world Marc explains how he photographs the drinks and records the ingredients when possible. 13:00 – Cocktail culture and experimentation They discuss how bartenders experiment with ingredients and create new variations. 18:00 – Why the details don’t matter The project becomes less about recipes and more about stories, places and experiences. 22:00 – Learning through experimentation Christian reflects on how creative side projects can help people learn and explore new ideas. 30:00 – Lessons for communicators and politicians Marc explains why authenticity and personality matter in leadership. 37:00 – Staying curious and having fun The conversation turns to persistence, creativity and the value of pursuing ideas simply because they’re interesting. 42:00 – Where to follow Marc’s work Marc shares details about Brigadoon events and his geopolitical newsletter. Links Caracal Global, Marc’s consultancy and advisory firm - https://www.caracal.global/ Brigadoon, Marc’s series of lovingly curated events - https://www.brigadoon.live/ Marc on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcaross/ Marc’s previous appearance on the show - https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/marc-ross-on-communication-strategy/  Sundance Mountain Resort - https://www.sundanceresort.com/

    46 min
  7. Tom & Sue Hardin On Wired On Wall Street

    FEB 28

    Tom & Sue Hardin On Wired On Wall Street

    What’s the difference between a mistake… and a bad decision? My guest knows this only too well. Tom Hardin has been on the show several times before. As Tipper X, he wore a wire for the FBI and helped build the largest insider trading investigation in US history.  Since then, he has spent nearly a decade speaking to organisations around the world about slippery slopes, rationalisation, and how good people drift into serious trouble. In this episode, he returns to discuss his new book, Wired on Wall Street. The book goes beyond the insider trading case many listeners already know. It explores the ambition, insecurity and desire for status that shaped his early career, and the patterns he only recognised years later when writing it down.  For the first time on a podcast, Tom is also joined by his wife, Sue. She played no role in the trades that changed his life, but her life was dramatically altered by them. She reflects on discovering the truth, keeping a secret that wasn’t hers, facing sentencing uncertainty, and what it means to rebuild together. This conversation isn’t really about insider trading; it’s about character. Key Themes Why calling something a “mistake” can soften accountabilityThe psychology of slippery slopes and rationalisationStatus anxiety and the need to belongResume virtues vs eulogy virtuesShame versus guilt — and why the distinction mattersThe hidden impact of ethical failure on spouses and familiesWhat writing a book can reveal that telling a story on stage cannotThe freedom that comes from having nothing left to hideTom’s story is unusual; the human dynamics behind it are not. AI-Generated Timestamped Summary 00:00 – More than insider trading Why this conversation is about character — guilt vs shame, mistakes vs bad decisions, and the cost of ethical drift. 02:30 – The story in brief Tom recaps becoming “Tipper X” and helping build the largest insider trading investigation in US history. 03:15 – Why write the book now? After a decade of speaking, Tom explains what finally pushed him to put the full story — childhood, ambition, insecurity — on paper. 08:00 – The deeper pattern From Georgia to the Ivy League to hedge funds: the outsider mindset, status anxiety, and the slippery slope. 16:00 – Small decisions, big consequences Early corner-cutting, rationalisation, and the fraud triangle in action. 26:00 – Resume virtues vs eulogy virtues How Tom’s definition of success changed — and the difference between shame and guilt. 31:00 – A simple test for integrity One question that could replace most Codes of Conduct: Are you willing to be held accountable for this decision? Sue’s Perspective 40:30 – The night she found out Shock, disbelief, and the future collapsing in an instant. 44:00 – Keeping a secret that wasn’t hers White lies, reputational fear, and the strain of silence. 49:00 – Sentencing day Why she insisted on being there — no matter the outcome. 52:30 – Reinvention and resilience Stay-at-home dad years, ultramarathons, and rebuilding a life together. Links Wired on Wall Street: www.tipperx.com/book Tipper X Website: www.tipperx.com Tom's previous appearances on the show: Tom's experience as FBI Informant Tipper X - https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/tom-hardin-on-his-experience/ Turning Crime Into A Calling - https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/tom-hardin-on-turning-a-crime-into-a-calling/ Tom's Substack: https://substack.com/@tipperx Tom on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tipperx/

    1h 15m
  8. Charlie Hurst, Tom Noble and Will Sudlow on Flat White or F*ck Off

    FEB 22

    Charlie Hurst, Tom Noble and Will Sudlow on Flat White or F*ck Off

    What happens when someone runs with a business idea they've heard as a thought experiment on a podcast? Can a business have an expletive in its name? And is it possible to run a business that sells a single very specific product? Episode Summary On this episode, I’m joined by Charlie Hurst, Tom Noble and Will Sudlow — the founders of Flat White or F*ck Off*, a coffee brand inspired by a thought experiment by friend of the show,Rory Sutherland. The concept is simple: sell one thing — flat whites — and if you want something else… the answer’s in the name.   ⚠️ *Given the name of the business, this episode contains a lot of swearing! Within four months of hearing the idea on Jamie Laing’s Great Company podcast, they’d banded together — having never met but being isnpired to give the business a go — built a brand, grown an audience of tens of thousands, and served 1,500 flat whites in a single day at a London pop-up.   Most people would've treated Rory's idea as an interesting thought experiment. But Charlie, Tom and Will decided — with Rory's blessing — to actually build it. In an extended conversation, we explore what it means to: Build a brand before you have a productGrow an audience before you open a shopShare your financials publiclyDeliberately polarise rather than pleaseDiscover why Charlie, Tom and Will spent £22,000 on a one-day loss-making pop-that served as a live experiment; part marketing, part proof of concept, part behavioural case study. We discuss why constraint can be liberating, why queues affect perceived quality, how social proof shapes demand, and why narrowing your audience can be more powerful than trying to attract everyone. This isn’t just a story about coffee. It’s about conviction, creative constraint and what happens when you deliberately ignore conventional business wisdom. Guest Bios Charlie Hurst Designer and brand builder. Charlie created the original visual identity for Flat White or F*ck Off after seeing Rory’s idea online. Tom Noble Entrepreneur and digital builder. Tom documented the entire journey in public, helping grow the brand’s audience before a single coffee was sold. Will Sudlow Co-founder of experiential agency The Impossible. Will brought production expertise to turn the idea into a large-scale pop-up event. AI-Generated Timestamped Summary 00:00 – From Thought Experiment to Real Business: why this is more than a coffee story.  03:00 – Hearing Rory’s Idea: how Charlie, Tom and Will discovered the concept and decided to act on it. 08:00 – Building in Public: growing an audience before having a physical product; documenting everything online. 15:00 – One Product Only: why selling just flat whites is a strategic constraint — and a behavioural signal.  25:00 – The Pop-Up Experiment: erving 1,500 coffees in a day; spending £27,000 as a marketing investment. 35:00 – Polarisation & Backlash: criticism, online sceptics and why not being for everyone is the point. 50:00 – Perception, Queues & Behaviour: what they learned about speed, quality signals and social proof. 01:05:00 – Risk, Conviction & Entrepreneurship: why building something in public is both terrifying and liberating. 01:20:00 – What Happens Next: scaling, experimentation and staying true to the core idea. Links Rory on Jamie Laing’s Great Company podcast - https://shows.acast.com/great-company/episodes/rory-sutherland   Flat White or F*ck Off - https://flatwhiteorfckoff.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/flatwhiteorfckoff/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@flatwhiteorfckoff/  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/flat-white-or-fck-off/   The co-founders Tom on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasnoble1992/ Charlie on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-hurst-715364150/ Will on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/willsudlow/ Ask The Impossible - https://asktheimpossible.com/ Rory's appearances on this show: https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/rory-sutherland-on-compliance/ https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/rory-sutherland-paul-craven-on-alchemy-magic/ https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/gerald-ashley-rory-sutherland/ https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/rory-sutherland-gerald-ashley-paul-craven-at-abbey-road-part-one/

    1h 16m
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5
out of 5
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About

People are often described as the largest asset in most organisations. They are also the biggest single cause of risk. This podcast explores the topic of 'human risk', or "the risk of people doing things they shouldn't or not doing things they should", and examines how behavioural science can help us mitigate it. It also looks at 'human reward', or "how to get the most out of people". When we manage human risk, we often stifle human reward. Equally, when we unleash human reward, we often inadvertently increase human risk. To pitch guests please email guest@humanriskpodcast.com

Information

  • Creator
    Human Risk
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    367
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Human Risk
  • Show Website
    The Human Risk Podcast

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