The Mammoth in the Room

Nicolas Pokorny, PhD, MBA
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The Mammoth in the Room

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. 4 DAYS AGO

    Practical Tips Every Leader Needs to Build Lasting Team Motivation

    Grab your copy of Nicolas' book, The Mammoth in the Room, here: https://mammothleadershipsciences.com/book/ Motivation strategies are essential for any leader looking to build a productive, engaged team—without depending on bonuses or promotions. In today’s episode, we will explore intrinsic motivation and how you, as a leader, can foster it within your team.  Drawing on research by Ayelet Fishbach and Kaitlin Woolley, we will discuss why intrinsic motivation—doing work for the sheer joy it brings rather than for external rewards—has the power to transform team dynamics. We will also explore the “means-ends fusion” concept, where the activity itself becomes rewarding. The conversation highlights the value of immediate rewards and the three psychological needs that sustain intrinsic motivation: autonomy, competence, and social connection. By finding the right balance between intrinsic and extrinsic motivators, you can create a more engaged, motivated team.  Join the conversation now to learn how you can build a work environment where motivation comes from within. In this episode: - What is intrinsic motivation? - The role of immediate rewards - Meeting basic psychological needs - Balancing intrinsic and extrinsic motivation - Practical motivation tips for leaders Resource Mentioned in the Episode: Fishbach, Ayelet, and Kaitlin Woolley. "The structure of intrinsic motivation." Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior 9, no. 1 (2022): 339-363. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/356062770_The_Structure_of_Intrinsic_Motivation  Get in Touch:  Website: https://www.mammothleadershipsciences.com     LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolaspokorny  YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MammothLeadershipSciences

    12 min

  2. NOV 14

    7 Tips to Adhere to Build a Team That’s Truly Yours

    Grab your copy of Nicolas' book, The Mammoth in the Room here: https://mammothleadershipsciences.com/book/ Stepping into a new leadership role often means leading an inherited team, which brings its own unique set of challenges. Acceptance and respect isn’t instant. You need to foster trust, develop relationships, and understand your team’s development needs. Today’s episode will guide you on this journey. We’ll cover seven essential steps to building a team that feels like your own. You’ll learn how to build on the initial trust you’ll be granted and gain genuine respect from your team. Start by bringing a trusted “lieutenant” by your side—someone who shares your values and has your back. Trusting your gut is equally crucial, especially in hiring decisions, as intuition often reveals insights beyond resumes and interviews. Instead of letting employees go after mistakes, invest in their growth to help them learn and improve. Plus, consider appointing a “court jester” who can provide unfiltered feedback to keep you grounded. Tune in to the full episode to learn how these and other strategies can help you create a high-performing team aligned with your leadership vision. For more insights, check out my book, The Mammoth in the Room. In this episode: - Tip 1: Bring a trusted individual to the team - Tip 2: Trust your gut instinct - Tip 3: Trust is given, not earned - Tip 4: Don’t invest in your competition - Tip 5: Appoint a ‘court jester’ for honest feedback - Tip 6: Hire for your blind spots - Tip 7: Avoid team complacency Get in Touch:  Website: https://www.mammothleadershipsciences.com     LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolaspokorny  YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MammothLeadershipSciences

    14 min

  3. NOV 7

    How to Manage Your Energy in a New Leadership Role to Avoid Burnout

    Nicolas' book, The Mammoth in the Room, is available now!  Grab your copy here: https://mammothleadershipsciences.com/book/ Corporate leadership involves endless meetings, presentations, customer interactions, and travel, which require energy. Hence, you must prioritize managing your physical, mental, and emotional energy rather than just focusing on time management to avoid burnout. Today, we’ll explore research-backed strategies for maintaining peak performance through physical fitness, balanced nutrition, hydration, and emotional resilience. We’ll highlight studies linking regular exercise with improved cognitive function, decision-making, and dealing with stress effectively.  Business is not a sprint. It's a marathon. So, don't burn your energy in the first hundred meters. Listen to the full episode for practical tips to gain and maintain the energy and resilience necessary for lasting leadership success. In this episode: - Why energy management is critical for leaders - Physical fitness and leadership performance  - The role of nutrition in leadership success - The importance of staying hydrated - Practical steps to manage your energy - The big 3s of role changes: Lessons Learned  Resources Mentioned in the Episode: Schwartz, T., & McCarthy, C. (2007). Manage Your Energy, Not Your Time. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2007/10/manage-your-energy-not-your-time Fernandes, Rafael M., Marcio G. Correa, Marcio AR Dos Santos, Anna PCPSC Almeida, Nathalia CF Fagundes, Lucianne C. Maia, and Rafael R. Lima. "The Effects of Moderate Physical Exercise on Adult Cognition: A Systematic Review." Frontiers in Physiology, 9 (2018): 667. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6002532/  Imboden, M. (2024). Maintaining Brain Health: An Imperative for Successful Aging and Business Performance. American Journal of Health Promotion, 38(4), 576-589. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/08901171241232042 World Health Organization. (2020). Physical Activity Guidelines. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240015128 Get in Touch:  Website: https://www.mammothleadershipsciences.com     LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolaspokorny  YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MammothLeadershipSciences?sub_confirmation=1

    16 min

  4. OCT 31

    Navigating Workplace Politics: Evolutionary Insights for Corporate Leaders

    Why do people hold such strong political beliefs? How can we effectively manage political tensions in the workplace? Today, drawing from evolutionary biology and psychology, we will discuss why political beliefs are so deeply ingrained, how they impact team dynamics, and what leaders can do to navigate them effectively. You’ll understand how political behavior has evolved as a survival tool rooted in group cohesion and intergroup competition. Our ancestors developed specific psychological mechanisms for forming groups, responding to leaders, and handling conflicts – traits that continue to influence our modern political behavior. I’ll also share actionable strategies for corporate leaders to navigate political differences while maintaining team effectiveness, such as addressing tensions directly, making it a group endeavor to find solutions, and refocusing team members on their shared goals and identity as a corporate "tribe."  If you’re a leader looking to foster collaboration and productivity in a politically divided team, this episode provides essential strategies to help you navigate these challenges. I also invite you to explore my book, "The Mammoth in the Room," for more evolutionary leadership insights. In this episode: - Evolutionary roots of political behavior - The role of group dynamics in political evolution - Leadership and political behavior - The impact of upbringing on political behavior - Evolutionary roots of group loyalty - Modern political polarization - Leadership tips for navigating political tensions - Leveraging tensions as opportunities Resources Mentioned in the Episode: Alford, J.R., & Hibbing, J.R. (2004). The Origin of Politics: An Evolutionary Theory of Political Behavior. Perspectives on Politics, 2, 707 - 723. https://www.uky.edu/AS/PoliSci/Peffley/pdf/Alford%20&%20Hibbing%202004%20Perspectives%20The%20Origin%20of%20Politics_%20An%20Evolutionary%20Theory%20of%20Political%20Behavior.pdf  Get in Touch:  Website: https://www.mammothleadershipsciences.com     LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolaspokorny  YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MammothLeadershipSciences

    20 min

  5. OCT 24

    The Psychology Behind Corporate Greed: Lessons from Bernie Madoff’s Ponzi Scheme

    In today’s episode, we continue with last week’s conversation and study one of the most infamous cases of corporate greed—Bernie Madoff’s Ponzi scheme. Madoff defrauded investors of billions of dollars, leaving thousands in financial ruin.  We’ll explore the psychological and evolutionary factors that allow leaders like Madoff to manipulate entire systems for personal gain. Through the lens of evolutionary psychology, you’ll learn about how cognitive biases affect leadership selection. You’ll also discover how adaptations for dominance lead to unethical leadership and why unchecked power fosters corporate greed. Listen to the full episode for a thorough examination of how greed and power can corrupt even the most reputable leaders. In this episode: - The infamous Bernie Madoff scheme - Psychological mechanisms behind Madoff's manipulation - Evolved cognitive biases in leadership - Short-term vs long-term gain bias - Psychological adaptations for dominance - Machiavellian leadership and manipulation - Power and corruption in leadership - Final thoughts on corporate greed and reflections on leadership Preorder Nicolas’ book “The Mammoth in the Room: https://mammothleadershipsciences.com/book/ Resources Mentioned in the Episode: The Evolutionary Psychology Of Leadership: Theory, Review, And Roadmap: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/2041386613493635  When It Comes To Culture, Does Your Company Walk The Talk? MIT Sloan Management Review, 2020: https://sloanreview.mit.edu/article/when-it-comes-to-culture-does-your-company-walk-the-talk/  Alvesson, M., & Sveningsson, S. (2015). Changing Organizational Culture: Cultural Change Work in Progress. Routledge: https://www.routledge.com/Changing-Organizational-Culture-Cultural-Change-Work-in-Progress/Alvesson-Sveningsson/p/book/9781138918603?srsltid=AfmBOopywj4k3qgDQVa6ccTpQ-AW9li166qPFqm_U9mELaLe6tveabdV  Cultural Change That Sticks, Harvard Business Review: July–August 2012: https://hbr.org/2012/07/cultural-change-that-sticks  Begin with Trust, Harvard Business Review, 2018: https://hbr.org/2020/05/begin-with-trust  Get in Touch:  Website: https://www.mammothleadershipsciences.com     LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolaspokorny  YouTube: a...

    26 min

  6. OCT 17

    Corporate Greed and the Surprising Post-Pandemic CEO-to-Employee Pay Ratio

    The CEO pay ratio increased by 26% in 2023, with executives earning 251 times the average employee salary. Additionally, female CEO compensation dropped by 26%, while male CEOs saw a 17% pay rise. In this week’s episode, we break the rhythm and unpack these troubling trends. Drawing on statistics and insights from Harvard and Forbes, we’ll discuss the stark rise in CEO compensation post-pandemic while average employee salaries continue to decline. We’ll also discuss emerging concepts like "greedflation" and "shrinkflation" with examples from companies like Amazon, Walmart, and Procter & Gamble.  The conversation will challenge you to question corporate leadership and societal responsibility in light of these disturbing trends. Listen to this prelude and tune in next week as we analyze a real-world case of corporate greed, exposing the extremes of leadership failures and their ripple effects. In this episode: - Exploring CEO pay trends and disparities with employee earnings - The concepts of greedflation and shrinkflation  - The role of leadership in corporate decisions - The complexity of corporate greed Resources Mentioned in the Episode: An Early Look at CEO Pay Trends From Proxy Season 2024: https://corpgov.law.harvard.edu/2024/04/18/an-early-look-at-ceo-pay-trends-from-proxy-season-2024/  'Greedflation’ Statistics & Trends 2024:  https://www.forbes.com/advisor/credit-cards/greedflation-statistics-2024/  Get in Touch:  Website: https://www.mammothleadershipsciences.com     LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolaspokorny  YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MammothLeadershipSciences

    14 min

  7. OCT 10

    Assessing Company Culture: The Critical Step Leaders Must Not Miss To Ensure Long-Term Success

    Today’s episode is a continuation what we started in episode 8 , where we discussed how to assess a new company or department as a leader. We’ll discuss why understanding corporate culture is just as crucial as evaluating financial metrics—while the numbers tell you where the business is heading , the culture reveals why it’s heading in a certain direction.  We’ll cover culture related key performance indicators (KPIs) like employee turnover, engagement scores, internal communication, and absenteeism to gauge the health of a company’s culture.  You’ll learn how to align your leadership strategy with the existing culture rather than working against it, leverage the organization’s strengths while addressing its weaknesses, and enhance or build out  trust within the organization. If you're stepping into a leadership role and aiming to create a thriving, cohesive organizational culture, this episode is for you! Tune in for actionable tips on leading with confidence by mastering both the numbers and the culture of your team. In this episode: - Why cultural assessment is critical - Key performance indicators (KPIs) of corporate culture - Employee engagement and communication - Employee performance, productivity, and wellness - Interpreting KPIs in context - Timing and storytelling in leadership - Practical tips for new leaders Resources Mentioned in the Episode: When It Comes To Culture, Does Your Company Walk The Talk? MIT Sloan Management Review, 2020. https://sloanreview.mit.edu/article/when-it-comes-to-culture-does-your-company-walk-the-talk/ Alvesson, M., & Sveningsson, S. (2015). Changing Organizational Culture: Cultural Change Work in Progress. Routledge: https://www.routledge.com/Changing-Organizational-Culture-Cultural-Change-Work-in-Progress/Alvesson-Sveningsson/p/book/9781138918603?srsltid=AfmBOopywj4k3qgDQVa6ccTpQ-AW9li166qPFqm_U9mELaLe6tveabdV Cultural Change That Sticks, Harvard Business Review, July–August 2012: https://hbr.org/2012/07/cultural-change-that-sticks Begin with Trust, Harvard Business Review, 2018: https://hbr.org/2020/05/begin-with-trust Preorder Nicolas’ book “The Mammoth in the Room: https://mammothleadershipsciences.com/book/  Get in Touch:  Website: https://www.mammothleadershipsciences.com     LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolaspokorny  YouTube: a...

    19 min

  8. OCT 3

    10 Metrics Every Leader Must Understand to Drive Business Success (Part 2)

    Are you struggling to understand why your business isn't hitting its growth targets despite investing heavily in customers and employees? This episode reveals the key business metrics you might be overlooking that could transform your decision-making and help you drive long-term profitability. We’ll cover customer-related and performance metrics that are critical to assessing the effectiveness of your business strategy. You’ll learn how to evaluate customer acquisition cost (CAC) and its balance with lifetime value (LTV), ensuring your customer base remains profitable over time. You’ll also discover how reducing churn and improving customer retention can be more cost-effective than acquiring new customers. We’ll explore workforce productivity metrics to help you measure how efficiently your workforce contributes to overall profitability. Additionally, we will talk about return on investment (ROI) and show you how to calculate and optimize the profitability of your business initiatives. Tune in to learn how mastering these metrics can make you "invincible" in leadership and decision-making. In this episode: - Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) - Customer Lifetime Value (LTV) - Understanding churn rate - Employee productivity insights - Strategy implementation metrics - Return on Investment (ROI) - Final thoughts and personal learnings Resources Mentioned in the Episode: The Mastery of Customer Acquisition Cost: https://matrixmarketinggroup.com/mastery-customer-acquisition-cost/ How Valuable Are Your Customers? https://hbr.org/2014/07/how-valuable-are-your-customers How to Reduce Churn: https://useinsider.com/reduce-churn/ Why Is Productivity Important in Economics? https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/040615/why-productivity-important-concept-economics.asp Guide To Key Performance Indicators: https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/audit-services/corporate-reporting/assets/pdfs/uk_kpi_guide.pdf The Most Common Mistake People Make In Calculating ROI: https://hbr.org/2015/04/the-most-common-mistake-people-make-in-calculating-roi Preorder Nicolas’ book “The Mammoth in the Room": https://mammothleadershipsciences.com/book/ Get in Touch: Website: https://www.mammothleadershipsciences.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolaspokorny YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MammothLeadershipSciences

    22 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.

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  • Creator
    Nicolas Pokorny, PhD, MBA
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 Nicolas Pokorny, PhD, MBA
  • Show Website
    The Mammoth in the Room

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