The Mammoth in the Room

Nicolas Pokorny, PhD, MBA
  • 5.0 (2)
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  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Can leaders learn how to harness the evolutionary foundations of human behavior to create better business outcomes? How much do evolutionary forces shape our own individual behaviors, decisions, and group dynamics? In each episode, multinational executive leader and author Nicolas Pokorny shares practical, research-based strategies, and stories about how to align humans around common goals and lead them effectively through ever-changing markets and times. The Mammoth in the Room is an engaging listen of interest to leaders who wish to better lead their people by understanding the evolutionary foundations of human behavior and how to harness them.

  1. 2D AGO

    Hard vs Soft Power: Are You Using the Right Power in Leadership?

    Power is a multifaceted tool in leadership, not a single monolithic force. Join me as we kick off a brand new miniseries that will dissect the nuances of power, from its evolutionary origins to its modern-day application in leadership.  We begin by examining the foundational elements of power, focusing on the distinctions between hard and soft power. Drawing on insights from social psychologists, we break down the various bases of power that underpin effective leadership strategies, which can make or break team dynamics. Leaders who master these different bases and know when to apply each will not only improve their influence but also enhance motivation and engagement within their organizations. Join the conversation to deepen your understanding of how to diversify your leadership toolkit and lead with both authority and respect. In this episode: - Introduction to leadership and power - Evolutionary roots of power - The bases of social power - Hard power vs. soft power - Strategies to apply the manual of power - Final thoughts and takeaways Resources Used in the Episode: French, J. R. P., & Raven, B. (1959). The bases of social power: https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1960-06701-004   Wisse, B., Faber, N. R., van Vugt, M., & Evers, A. (2019). Fear of losing power corrupts those who wield it: https://research.vu.nl/en/publications/fear-of-losing-power-corrupts-those-who-wield-it-the-combined-eff/   Peyton, T., Zigarmi, D., & Fowler, S. (2020). Examining the Relationship Between Leaders' Power Use, Followers' Motivational Outlooks, and Followers' Work Intentions: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6367254/  Get Your Copy of The Mammoth in the Room: https://mammothleadershipsciences.com/book/ Get in Touch:  Website: https://www.mammothleadershipscien ces.com     LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolaspokorny  YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MammothLeadershipSciences

    8 min

  2. OCT 30

    How to Handle a Selfish Teammate Without Creating More Conflict

    A selfish team member is a common yet tricky issue that every leader faces. When a colleague hoards resources, withholds vital information, and prioritizes personal success over collective progress, it can undermine trust, morale, and ultimately, productivity. How should you respond to such behavior and turn things around?  In today’s episode, we explore the roots of selfishness in teams, tracing it back to evolutionary psychology, where human survival depended on both cooperation and hoarding resources. We unpack the psychological and social factors that drive selfish behavior today and explore tips for turning a selfish team member into a collaborative one.  As a leader, your actions set the tone for the entire team. You must address both the selfish behavior and the culture it creates to foster a climate of collaboration and trust in your organization. In this episode: - Evolutionary roots of selfishness in teams - The role of psychological safety in collaboration - Practical strategies to combat selfishness - Key takeaways and call to action Resources Used in the Episode: Boehm, C. (1999). Hierarchy in the Forest: The Evolution of Egalitarian Behavior. Harvard University Press: https://www.hup.harvard.edu/books/9780674006911   Grant, A. (2013). Give and Take: A Revolutionary Approach to Success. Viking. https://a.co/d/30A7pbi  Henrich, J., & Gil‑White, F. J. (2001). The evolution of prestige: freely conferred deference as a mechanism for enhancing the benefits of cultural transmission. Evolution and Human Behavior, 22(3), 165–196: https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2001-17993-001   Van Vugt, M., & Smith, J. E. (2019). A dual model of leadership and hierarchy: evolutionary synthesis. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 23(11), 952–967: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31629633/  Get Your Copy of The Mammoth in the Room: https://mammothleadershipsciences.com/book/ Get in Touch:  Website: https://www.mammothleadershipscien ces.com     LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolaspokorny  YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MammothLeadershipSciences

    11 min

  3. OCT 23

    How to Build Trust as a New Leader (Without Forcing Authority)

    Today, we kick off a new series, "Mammoth Encounters," with Anton Luchner, a seasoned leader with diverse expertise ranging from business to sports. We explore leadership from a raw, real perspective as Anton shares pivotal moments in his career where he faced hidden forces, or what we call the "mammoths," shaping his decisions and actions. Anton opens up about the challenges of transitioning from peer to leader, where emotional responses like fear and overconfidence from others can feel like mammoths lurking in the room. He also shares the impact of trust-building as a key strategy for navigating such situations and explains how leadership isn't just about solving problems but also about understanding the evolutionary forces that influence human behavior. Leadership is a constant learning process. Even the toughest leadership moments hold valuable lessons for those willing to reflect and adapt. Join me in this series as we go beyond conventional advice and learn from leadership challenges faced by real leaders in real situations. In this episode: - Introduction to "Mammoth Encounters" series - Mammoths in the room: Transitioning from peer to leader - The power of building trust in leadership - Handling small vs large mammoths as a leader - The importance of asking questions in leadership - Leadership in soccer: Confidence and trust dynamics - Balancing confidence and overconfidence in leadership - The continuous challenge of spotting small "mammoths" - Conclusion and what to expect from "Mammoth Encounters" Resources Mentioned in the Episode: - The Mammoth in the Room by Nicolas Pokorny: https://mammothleadershipsciences.com/book/  - Questions Are the Answer by Hal Gregersen: https://a.co/d/fkEQlIQ  Get in Touch With Anton Luchner: LinkedIn: https://at.linkedin.com/in/anton-m-luchner-38439825  Get in Touch With Me:  Website: https://www.mammothleadershipscien ces.com     LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolaspokorny  YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MammothLeadershipSciences

    35 min

  4. OCT 16

    How to Lead When One Team Member Dominates the Room

    We’ve all been there. A team meeting is derailed by one person who can’t stop talking. The “gunner” who jumps in, interrupts others, and takes over the conversation. In this episode, we explore what’s really behind that behavior and how leaders can turn it from a frustration into a strength.  Through the lens of evolutionary psychology, we uncover why some people seek dominance in groups and how our brains respond to unfairness. You’ll learn why these ancient instincts still shape today’s workplace dynamics and how you can use them to restore balance and collaboration in your team.  Plus, we share four actionable strategies to redirect over-talkers, foster fairness, and build a culture rooted in prestige-based leadership, not dominance. If you’ve ever struggled with a domineering colleague or want to make your meetings more inclusive and effective, this one is for you. In this episode: - Evolutionary roots of dominance and prestige - Tip 1: Establish fair participation norms - Tip 2: Channel the gunner’s energy into teaching roles - Tip 3: Use private coaching to increase awareness - Tip 4: Model prestige-based leadership & psychological safety - Key takeaways and course of action Resources Used in the Episode: Boehm, C. (1999). Hierarchy in the Forest: The Evolution of Egalitarian Behavior. Harvard University Press: https://www.hup.harvard.edu/books/9780674006911   Henrich, J., & Gil‑White, F. J. (2001). The evolution of prestige: freely conferred deference as a mechanism for enhancing the benefits of cultural transmission. Evolution and Human Behavior, 22(3), 165–196: https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2001-17993-001   Van Vugt, M., & Smith, J. E. (2019). A dual model of leadership and hierarchy: evolutionary synthesis. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 23(11), 952–967: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31629633/  Get Your Copy of The Mammoth in the Room: https://mammothleadershipsciences.com/book/ Get in Touch:  Website: https://www.mammothleadershipscien ces.com     LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolaspokorny  YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MammothLeadershipSciences

    11 min

  5. OCT 9

    The Ultimate Guide to Designing Effective Leadership Hierarchy

    Powerful leadership doesn’t have to mean rigid hierarchies. We wrap up our hierarchy miniseries with a practical playbook on how to design effective and scalable hierarchies that lead to success. We’ll explore lessons learned from our evolution and how to adapt traditional structures to modern leadership needs, ensuring clarity, fairness, and transparency. We’ll show you how to create a system where prestige, not coercion, is the primary mode of leadership. You’ll also learn how to build an organization that values competence and fairness while maintaining a flexible and adaptable structure.  In this episode: - How to design effective hierarchies - Building equality into hierarchies - Cultivating a service-oriented culture - The complete hierarchy playbook Get Your Copy of The Mammoth in the Room: https://mammothleadershipsciences.com/book/ Get in Touch:  Website: https://www.mammothleadershipscien ces.com     LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolaspokorny  YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MammothLeadershipSciences

    9 min

  6. OCT 2

    Why Prestige Is a More Powerful Leadership Tool Than Dominance

    In this week’s episode, we explore the concept of prestige as a form of leadership influence. Unlike dominance, which compels obedience through fear, prestige attracts followership through admiration and respect. This distinction is crucial for modern leaders who wish to build lasting, trust-based influence that empowers others to excel.  Through an exploration of evolutionary biology and historical context, we examine how prestige evolved as a way to coordinate around competence, fairness, and shared knowledge. We’ll uncover how prestige fosters trust, learning, and collaboration in organizations.  Mastering the balance of prestige and dominance will enable you to create a robust leadership style that thrives in both calm and crisis situations. If you are ready to build long-term influence, this one is for you. In this episode: - Introduction to prestige and its evolution - Group-level payoffs of prestige leadership - Limits of prestige & the dual strategy model - Final thoughts on the power of prestige Get Your Copy of The Mammoth in the Room: https://mammothleadershipsciences.com/book/ Resources Used in the Episode:  Henrich, J., & Gil-White, F. J. (2001). The evolution of prestige: freely conferred deference as a mechanism for enhancing the benefits of cultural transmission. Evolution and Human Behavior, 22(3), 165–196: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11384884/  Van Vugt, M., & Smith, J. E. (2019). A dual model of leadership and hierarchy: Evolutionary synthesis. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 23(11), 952–967: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31629633/   Boehm, C. (1993). Egalitarian behavior and reverse dominance hierarchy. Current Anthropology, 34(3), 227–254: https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1993-41011-001  Cheng, J. T., Tracy, J. L., Foulsham, T., Kingstone, A., & Henrich, J. (2013). Two ways to the top: Dominance and prestige as distinct routes to social rank. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 104(1), 103–125: https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2012-31075-001  Margoni, F., Baillargeon, R., & Surian, L. (2018). Infants distinguish between leaders and bullies. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 115(38), E8835–E8843: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30181281/  Get in Touch:  Website: https://www.mammothleadershipscien ces.com     LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolaspokorny  YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MammothLeadershipSciences

    10 min

  7. SEP 25

    Fear vs Respect in Leadership: What Ancient China Reveals About Lasting Authority

    Throughout history, leaders have relied on fear, intimidation, and punishment to compel obedience. But does dominance actually sustain power? In today’s episode, we explore the paradox of coercive leadership: why it works in moments of crisis yet almost always collapses over time. We’ll talk about the hidden costs of fear-based leadership, why dominance is so tempting to executives under pressure, and how business leaders can avoid its most dangerous traps. Don’t settle for short-term obedience fueled by fear. Start cultivating the kind of authority that earns respect, unlocks innovation, and sustains long-term performance in your organization. In this episode: - Dominance in leadership & its evolutionary roots - Why dominance works - Fragility of fear-based leadership - The human side of dominance: China's unifications - Why leaders fall back on dominance despite its costs Get Your Copy of The Mammoth in the Room: https://mammothleadershipsciences.com/book/ Resources Used in the Episode:  Henrich, J., & Gil-White, F. J. (2001). The evolution of prestige: freely conferred deference as a mechanism for enhancing the benefits of cultural transmission. Evolution and Human Behavior, 22(3), 165–196: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11384884/  Turchin, P., & Gavrilets, S. (2009). Evolution of complex hierarchical societies. Social Evolution & History, 8(2), 167–198: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/266884396_Evolution_of_Complex_Hierarchical_Societies  Van Vugt, M., & Smith, J. E. (2019). A dual model of leadership and hierarchy: Evolutionary synthesis. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 23(11), 952–967: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31629633/   Get in Touch:  Website: https://www.mammothleadershipscien ces.com     LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolaspokorny  YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MammothLeadershipSciences

    10 min

  8. SEP 18

    Why Every Flat Organization Eventually Turns Into a Hierarchy When Scaling Up

    In every growing business, there comes a breaking point when the flat, egalitarian model that once fueled creativity begins to collapse under its own weight. In this episode, we explore why hierarchies emerge as organizations scale and how leaders can use them not as power plays, but as vital tools for efficiency and clarity. Through history, research, and practical examples, we uncover how hierarchy reduces chaos, fosters specialization, and makes large groups manageable. From military structures to modern corporations, hierarchy has repeatedly proven itself as the backbone of human coordination.  The challenge lies not in rejecting hierarchy, but in designing it well so that it empowers your team. Join me for a clearer understanding of how to implement hierarchy thoughtfully, ensuring your organization remains agile, adaptive, and human-centered as it grows. In this episode: - The necessity of hierarchy when scaling - Hierarchy as a tool for specialization - Military and historical examples of hierarchy - Conclusion and leadership insights on hierarchy Get Your Copy of The Mammoth in the Room: https://mammothleadershipsciences.com/book/ Resources Used in the Episode:  Garvin, D. A. (2013). How Google Sold Its Engineers on Management. Harvard Business Review, December 2013 Issue:  https://hbr.org/2013/12/how-google-sold-its-engineers-on-management  Grant, R. M. (2008). Contemporary Strategy Analysis (6th ed.). Wiley-Blackwell. (See Chapter 6 on hierarchy and modularity for discussion of coordination benefits) https://www.blackwellpublishing.com/content/GrantContemporaryStrategyAnalysis/6th_Edition/CSAA01.pdf   Mengistu, H., Huizinga, J., Mouret, J.-B., & Clune, J. (2016). The evolutionary origins of hierarchy. PLoS Computational Biology, 12(6), e1004829: https://journals.plos.org/ploscompbiol/article?id=10.1371/journal.pcbi.1004829   Perret, C., Hart, E., & Powers, S. T. (2020). From disorganized equality to efficient hierarchy: how group size drives the evolution of hierarchy in human societies. Proceedings of the Royal Society B, 287(1928), 20200693: https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2020.0693  Simon, H. A. (1962). The architecture of complexity. Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society, 106(6), 467–482: https://faculty.sites.iastate.edu/tesfatsi/archive/tesfatsi/ArchitectureOfComplexity.HSimon1962.pdf   Get in Touch:  Website: https://www.mammothleadershipscien ces.com     LinkedIn: a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolaspokorny" rel="noopener...

    11 min
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About

Can leaders learn how to harness the evolutionary foundations of human behavior to create better business outcomes? How much do evolutionary forces shape our own individual behaviors, decisions, and group dynamics? In each episode, multinational executive leader and author Nicolas Pokorny shares practical, research-based strategies, and stories about how to align humans around common goals and lead them effectively through ever-changing markets and times. The Mammoth in the Room is an engaging listen of interest to leaders who wish to better lead their people by understanding the evolutionary foundations of human behavior and how to harness them.

Information

  • Creator
    Nicolas Pokorny, PhD, MBA
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    68
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Nicolas Pokorny, PhD, MBA
  • Show Website
    The Mammoth in the Room