The Power of Saying “No” | Dr. Sunita Sah

In today’s episode, we discuss the science of human decision-making and behavior with Dan Ariely, a world-renowned expert in psychology and behavioral economics. As the James B. Duke Professor of Psychology and Behavioral Economics at Duke University, Dan has dedicated his career to uncovering the irrational patterns that drive our decisions. He’s the author of multiple bestselling books, including Predictably Irrational, The Upside of Irrationality, and The Honest Truth About Dishonesty, where he explores the predictable mistakes we make and how understanding them can lead to better outcomes in life, business, and relationships.  Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Dan Ariely as he explores the hidden biases and patterns that influence our decisions, from everyday choices to life-altering moments. Why do we often invest more time deciding on small purchases than major life decisions? How does regret shape our behavior, and why do we favor inaction over action? Dan shares powerful insights into the psychological forces at play in our decision-making, the tension between market and social norms, and how to build habits and environments that support better outcomes.  What to Listen For Introduction – 00:00:00 What is regret, and how does it bias us toward inaction over action? How did Dan’s experience in the hospital lead to groundbreaking research on irrational behaviors? Why do people spend more time on medium-sized decisions than life-changing ones like marriage or buying a house? What does Dan’s research reveal about indecision and its long-term costs? Overcoming Indecision and the Role of Regret – 00:07:24 How does regret influence our tendency to avoid taking action? What mental strategies can we use to frame decisions more effectively and reduce indecision? Why is setting a deadline a critical tool for making tough choices? Building Habits and Simplifying Decisions – 00:17:45 Why is it essential to focus on process rather than outcome when evaluating decisions? How can creating rituals and habits reduce decision fatigue and lead to better outcomes? What are Dan’s personal strategies for avoiding temptation and building productive habits? Market Norms vs. Social Norms – 00:31:56 What are market norms and social norms, and why do they often conflict? How can introducing financial incentives harm social motivations? Why is it difficult to shift back to social norms once market norms dominate a relationship? Trust, Relationships, and Long-Term Success – 00:40:02 How does trust develop in long-term relationships, and why does it thrive under social norms? What role does empathy play in fostering trust and cooperation? Why are open-ended interactions more effective at building trust than transactional exchanges? Actionable Insights for Better Decision-Making – 00:46:00 How can we overcome regret, procrastination, and indecision in daily life? Why should we prioritize the quality of our decision-making process over the unpredictability of outcomes? What steps can leaders take to cultivate trust and align their organizations with social norms? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, we show you the cheat code to building deep relationships with AJ, Johnny, and Coach Michael.  Discover the secret language of connection in today’s episode as AJ, Johnny, and Coach Michael dive into the concept of emotional bids — the small, powerful moments that make or break our relationships. Why are emotional bids so vital to our personal and professional lives? How can we recognize them, and what happens when we ignore them? AJ and Johnny break down the science of emotional bids, share practical strategies to strengthen your connections, and reveal how simple shifts in awareness can transform the way you interact with others. Whether you're looking to deepen your personal relationships or enhance your influence at work, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you build lasting, meaningful bonds. What to Listen For Introduction – 00:00:00 What are emotional bids, and how do they serve as subtle invitations to connect? Why do so many relationships fail due to a lack of awareness about emotional bids? Why is recognizing emotional bids a critical skill for relationship success? How does ignoring your partner’s emotional bids lead to disconnection and eventually the end of the relationship? The Science of Emotional Bids – 0:07:30 How can you predict the success or failure of a relationship based on 3 minutes of interaction? What role does active listening play in identifying emotional bids during everyday conversations? Why is it essential to focus on the emotions behind the words, rather than just the words themselves? What strategies can make you more memorable and likable after just one conversation?  How to Identify Emotional Bids – 0:18:48 What exactly is an emotional bid and how do you recognize them in conversation or in your relationship? What are the Most Common Emotional Bids? – 0:27:30 What are common types of emotional bids, such as bids for attention or emotional support? What does it mean to "turn toward" an emotional bid, and why is it the foundation of lasting relationships? How can "turning away" or "turning against" emotional bids contribute to relationship breakdowns? What are the three ways to respond to emotional bids, and which response guarantees failure? Leverage Emotional Bids for the Strongest Relationship – 0:48:02 What simple exercises can help you become more aware of emotional bids in your daily interactions? How can a lack of attention to emotional bids lead to divorce or long-term relationship issues? Why do emotional bids reflect vulnerability, and how does responding positively encourage deeper connection and trust? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, we talk about the value of tribalism with Michael Morris, the Chavkin-Chang Professor of Leadership at Columbia Business School and a Professor of Psychology at Columbia University. A renowned expert in leadership, negotiation, and cultural psychology, he has published over 200 articles in leading journals and recently released his book Tribal, exploring how leaders can harness shared cultural identities to unite and mobilize teams.  Join us for a thought-provoking conversation about the profound role of tribalism in shaping civilization and fostering healthy societies. Why is tribalism more than just a relic of the past? How does the social brain hypothesis explain our innate drive to connect and form groups? Michael Morris sheds light on how human mimicry sets us apart from other species, why tribalism has become such a heated topic, and how it can create vastly different perceptions of reality among people we interact with daily. Discover how politicians leverage tribalism to gain influence, when it becomes toxic to society, and the best ways to navigate relationships in a world divided by differing values.  What to Listen For Introduction – 00:00:00 Why is tribalism a blessing to civilization and a healthy society? What is the social brain hypothesis and how does it impact you tribally? The Hardwiring of Tribalism in Your Brain – 00:12:44 What are the 3 instincts that are hardwired into your brain? How does tribalism protect you, your family, your culture, and nation? How does mimicry set humans apart from other animals that also exhibit mimicry? The Big Deal of Tribalism – 00:23:46 Why and when did tribalism become a controversial topic? Why do certain tribes have such different values?  How Tribalism Shapes Your Worldview – 00:30:17 How can tribalism create a completely different perception of reality from people you interact with everyday? What factors influence the development or destruction of a tribe? Tribalism, Politics, and Grass Roots Movements – 00:41:34 How do politicians leverage tribalism to gain popularity and influence? At what point does tribalism become toxic to a society and what’s the best way to handle it when you know people in other tribes? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, we explore the transformative power of entrepreneurship and the ownership mindset with Codie Sanchez, an innovative investor, entrepreneur, and author. Codie is the visionary behind Main Street Millionaire, a groundbreaking book that redefines wealth creation by focusing on acquiring small, profitable businesses instead of starting from scratch. With a background in finance and years of experience at powerhouse firms like Goldman Sachs and Vanguard, Codie has become a leading voice in the art of creative deal-making and sustainable business growth. She’s helped thousands transition from the 9-to-5 grind to financial freedom, leveraging strategies that prioritize cash flow, scalability, and lifestyle design.  Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Codie Sanchez as she reveals the untapped potential of acquiring small, profitable businesses to build financial freedom and a life of purpose. What makes buying an existing business less risky—and often more lucrative—than starting one from scratch? How can shifting from an employee to an owner mindset transform your career and lifestyle? Codie dives into the strategies and mindset shifts needed to uncover undervalued opportunities, negotiate creative deals, and scale businesses to achieve cash flow and equity growth. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned professional looking to make a leap, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you think like an owner, build wealth, and take control of your future. What to Listen For Introduction – 00:00:00 What does Codie see as the deeper purpose behind entrepreneurship and financial independence? How can you shift from thinking like an employee to thinking like an owner? What limiting beliefs hold people back from pursuing entrepreneurship, and how can they overcome them? The Power of Small, Profitable Businesses – 00:10:44 How can you uncover undervalued businesses and transform them into lucrative opportunities? Why is it essential to learn from others’ experience, and how can “stealing” their 10,000 hours accelerate your journey? How can creative deal structures make owning a business more accessible than most people think? Building Wealth Through Acquisitions – 00:17:42 How can strategic acquisitions help you grow your income, expand your customer base, or attract top talent? Why does Codie believe buying multiple small businesses compounds both wealth and freedom? What steps can you take to apply the “rich” framework (Research, Invest, Command, Harness) in your journey to business ownership? Finding Your First Business to Buy – 00:30:17 What should you look for in your first acquisition to ensure it’s a wise investment? In what ways can leveraging your skills and network make the difference in finding the right business to buy? Why do “boring” businesses often lead to higher profits and lower competition? What should you look for in a potential business partner and mentor? Where should you look to get great deals on businesses for sale? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, we cover the art of negotiation, power dynamics, and effective leadership with Dr. Alison Fragale, a leading authority in organizational behavior. As a distinguished professor at the Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Alison has dedicated her career to understanding how individuals acquire and exercise power and status within organizations. She is the author of the insightful new book, "Likeable Badass: How Women Get the Success They Deserve," combining her rich academic background with real-world applications, Alison empowers women to assert themselves authentically and achieve their career goals.  Join us for an insightful conversation with Dr. Alison Fragale as she unveils the hidden dynamics of power and status that shape our careers and personal lives. Discover how to balance assertiveness with likability, gain respect without compromising your true self, and build authentic status—even if you're new to an organization or battling imposter syndrome. Alison offers actionable strategies to inspire others to advocate on your behalf, navigate conversations that elevate your influence, and become a more impactful leader in your career and beyond. What to Listen For Introduction – 00:00:00 What inspired Alison Fragale to develop an interest in organizational psychology? Why understanding the difference between power and status is crucial for building a fulfilling career and personal life. How do you acquire status and then leverage it to gain power? The Catch 22 of Acquiring Power – 00:07:55 What do most people get wrong about what it takes to gain power in your professional and personal life? Can you be true to yourself if you are trying to acquire status and power? The Secret to Balancing Assertiveness with Likability – 00:20:48 What is the key to being respected? How can you be assertive without making people dislike you? What strategy can you use to build your status authentically? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices