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The Human Risk Podcast

Human Risk
The Human Risk Podcast
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  • Tahira Endean on Joy as a KPI (or why live events need to be more joyful)
    What if joy became the most important metric when we organised events? Or, to put it another way, why are so many events uninspiring and not very joyful?Episode SummaryOn this episode, I’m joined by event strategist, educator, and author Tahira Endean to explore a provocative question: what if we measured events not just by financial metrics, but by the joy they deliver?Drawing from her new book Our KPI is Joy: How Live Events Catalyze Happiness, Productivity and Trust, Tahira shares deep insights from decades of experience curating and designing events at scale, including her work with IMEX, one of the largest global gatherings in the meetings and events industry. We discuss why so many events feel soul-crushingly mediocre and how that reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of what people really need when they come together. Tahira challenges the industry’s obsession with surface-level logistics and proposes a reorientation around human experience.She unpacks everything from the science of connection and discomfort to the power of design, food, space, and unexpected joy to foster trust and productivity. Whether you’re an event professional, a business leader, or simply someone who’s sat through one too many lifeless conferences, this conversation will challenge how you think about convening people. We discuss beanbags, sound baths, shrimp, secret handshakes, and how small design decisions can profoundly impact how people feel, learn, and connect. And that’s what makes joy — not an emoji or indulgence — but a powerful performance indicator.Guest Bio: Tahira EndeanTahira is an experienced event strategist, educator, and co-founder of Strategy Table. She serves as Head of Programme for IMEX, where she curates content for two of the world’s largest MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions) industry gatherings in Frankfurt and Las Vegas. With over three decades in the events industry, Tahira has developed a reputation for her forward-thinking approach to event design and human-centric experiences. She teaches event strategy and design, is a passionate advocate for experiential innovation, and brings a behavioural lens to the way we bring people together. She believes in the power of micro-moments, psychological safety, and events as catalysts for human connection and organisational trust.AI-Generated Timestamp Summary0:00:02 - 0:14:48: Maximizing Event Joy for ProductivityThe episode kicks off with a discussion on how joy can be a key performance indicator (KPI) for events. Tahira Endeen, an experienced event strategist, talks about why many events end up being mediocre and how small design changes can significantly enhance the experience. The conversation highlights the importance of joy in fostering happiness, productivity, and trust during gatherings, challenging the traditional business mindset to value joy as much as other KPIs. 0:14:48 - 0:29:08: Designing Events for Human ConnectionThis segment delves into the principles of intentional event design. Tahira and the host explore how creating environments that balance comfort and stimulation can lead to more meaningful interactions and learning experiences. They discuss examples like the 11th International Conference on AIDS, where well-designed events led to groundbreaking innovations. The focus is on nurturing individual experiences over catering to the masses.0:29:08 - 0:37:32: Designing Thoughtful & Engaging EventsThe focus here is on fostering connections and joy in professional events through thoughtful design. Strategies like facilitating introductions by senior managers and organising diverse breakout sessions are explored. The segment underscores the importance of measuring engagement and joy, emphasizing a human-centered approach that considers attendees' needs and enhances productivity and satisfaction.0:37:32 - 0:49:24: Embracing Experimentation and FailureTahira shares insights on the value of experimentation and adaptability in event planning. Through a personal anecdote, she illustrates how innovative ideas, initially met with scepticism, can yield significant benefits. The conversation encourages making small changes, embracing failures as learning opportunities, and maintaining a proactive attitude to achieve unexpected successes. 0:49:24 - 1:01:30: Navigating Event Chaos for SuccessThe episode explores the beauty of embracing imperfections in event planning. Tahira and the host discuss how handling mistakes with grace and humour can add charm to events. They advocate for flexibility in event processes to enhance experiences for both speakers and attendees, maintaining the magic even amidst logistical challenges.LinksIMEX Events - https://imexevents.com/Strategy Table - https://strategytable.co/Our KPI is Joy Book - https://www.amazon.com/Our-KPI-Joy-Happiness-Productivity-ebook/dp/B0DXVX6XX8Tahira on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tahira-endean-msc-citp-cmp-ced-918a868/?
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  • Claus Raasted on Getting Shit Done
    Why is getting shit done so hard, and what can we do about it?Episode Summary Getting shit done isn’t just about motivation or tools, it’s about design. In this episode, I speak to Claus Raasted: consultant, author, speaker, experience designer, and someone who describes himself — with tongue firmly in cheek — as an “overpaid rockstar consultant.” But behind the flair is a deep understanding of how to remove friction, reframe work, and help people build systems that actually work for them. Claus and I talk about his Little Book of Getting Shit Done, why productivity isn’t about speed or optimisation, and how to shift from overthinking to action.We also explore the difference between solving problems and designing for them, and how creativity, humour, and even a bit of absurdity can help us rethink how we work. Whether you're the kind of person who loves productivity hacks or someone who's suspicious of all things “optimised,” Claus has a way of making the serious playful and the playful serious. It’s a fun, insightful conversation that just might change the way you approach your to-do list. 🔹Guest Biography Claus describes himself as an “overpaid rockstar consultant,” but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. He’s a prolific author (46 books and counting), a speaker known for delivering insights with humour, and a designer of transformative experiences, everything from corporate innovation workshops to immersive fantasy roleplay events. He’s the Director at the College of Extraordinary Experiences  Claus has also worked with organisations like IKEA, PwC, and Boston Consulting Group. You’ll often find him on stage in a Batman suit, not because he wants to be a superhero, but because he understands the power of breaking expectations.LinksClaus' website - https://www.clausraasted.com/Claus on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/clausraasted/Claus Raasted's Little Guide To Getting Shit Done - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DSbVsv6W3CzKbhd3PqU7CBjQUm08uQY1/view?usp=sharingThe College of Extraordinary Experiences - https://www.extraordinary.college/AI-Generated Timestamped Summary0:00:02 - Introduction0:02:02 - Humour and Productivity0:03:43 - The Overpaid Rockstar Consultant Approach0:09:43 - Strategic Pricing and Branding0:16:15 - Innovative Approach to Motivation and Productivity0:19:15 - Combining Gaming with Exercise0:21:37 - The Human Approach to Sales0:27:37 - Thoughtful Engagement in Sales0:34:04 - Reimagining Event Experiences0:36:34 - Immersive Design in Events0:39:30 - Expanding Perspectives and Creative Problem-Solving0:46:30 - Balancing Safety and Creativity0:53:41 - Resistance to Creative Solutions0:58:41 - Embracing Unconventional Ideas1:02:46 - The Value of Time and Connection1:06:46 - Questioning Hourly Payment Models
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  • Katy Diggory on communicating across borders
    What happens when a British communications expert takes her political instincts and corporate storytelling skills to Germany? 🎙️ Overview On this episode, I speak with Katy Diggory, who’s done exactly that — and learned a lot about tone, culture, and translation along the way. It’s a brilliant conversation that blends politics, international business, and linguistic nuance. We explore the difference between translating and localising a message, why AI struggles to sound human, and how tone of voice can make or break communication, from Ryanair’s snark to a politician’s speech. Katy gives me a behind-the-scenes look at her journey from UK Parliament to advising German corporates and monitoring elections in Eastern Europe. This episode is packed with insight for anyone trying to make themselves understood, especially across borders, cultures, or platforms. Katy is witty, reflective, and razor-sharp, and I think you’ll enjoy hearing from her as much as I did. 👤 Guest bio: Katy Diggory Katy Diggory is a communications expert specialising in campaign design and management, copywriting, proofreading and editing in English and political training. She is based in Munich.She helps individuals and organisations — especially in politics and corporate life — communicate more effectively across languages, cultures, and sectors. Her approach blends UK political communications experience with an understanding of German corporate tone and messaging. Katy has worked in the UK Parliament and across public and private sectors, and has monitored elections for the OSCE and other international bodies. Fluent in German, she brings bilingual sensitivity and cultural fluency to everything from speechwriting to branding. ⏱️ AI-Generated Timestamped summary [00:00] Introduction[01:30] Katy’s background in UK politics and how she got into comms[04:40] The shift from UK politics to working with German corporate clients[08:05] Cultural differences in tone of voice between British and German organisations[10:25] Why humour doesn’t always translate — and how that shapes messaging[13:15] When corporate tone feels robotic or insincere[15:00] Can you really ask AI to write like a human?[17:45] The difference between translating and truly localising content[20:10] Ryanair as an example of strategic tone on social media[22:30] What makes a ‘bad’ tone of voice — and how to recognise it[24:55] Being bilingual: how switching languages also means switching personas[27:40] Why German culture may be more accepting of seriousness[30:15] Behind the scenes of international election monitoring[34:00] How trust is earned — and lost — in political comms[36:50] Politicians as one-person media organisations[39:10] Communication risks in cross-border work[42:30] Katy’s final thoughts on what makes communication human🔗 Relevant LinksKaty’s official website: https://www.katherinediggory.com/Katy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katy-diggory-b1b31425/Ryanair’s Twitter/X account: @Ryanair
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  • Kevin Evers on The Strategic Genius of Taylor Swift
    What can a global pop icon teach us about business strategy? In the case of Taylor Swift, more than you might think.Episode SummaryOn this episode, I’m joined by Kevin Evers, senior editor at Harvard Business Review and the author of There's Nothing Like This: The Strategic Genius of Taylor Swift. We dive deep into what makes Swift not just a pop icon but a master strategist — someone who has repeatedly made bold, counterintuitive business decisions and turned them into career-defining moments. Kevin and I explore how Taylor has managed her brand like a founder, handling everything from customer loyalty to product lifecycle planning, channel distribution to reputation management. He explains how she’s cultivated extraordinary fan intimacy, exercised long-term thinking, and turned public conflict into strategic advantage; all while maintaining creative and commercial dominance. One of the key moments we reflect on is her decision to re-record her early albums to reclaim ownership of her masters — and since we recorded this episode, there’s been a major update: she’s now reportedly bought back the original masters. It’s a case study in asset control, strategic patience, and sticking to your values, and whether or not you’re a Swiftie, there’s a lot to learn.Guest Biography Kevin is a senior editor at Harvard Business Review, where he focuses on strategy, innovation, and leadership. He is the author of The Strategic Genius of Taylor Swift, a book that applies a business lens to the career of one of the most commercially successful musicians of our time.In the book — and this conversation — Kevin explores how Swift’s strategic decision-making offers lessons in branding, IP management, customer engagement, and more. In addition to his work at HBR, Kevin has also edited and collaborated on several bestselling business books, including titles in the HBR Guide series.AI Generated Timestamp Summary0:00:00 - Intro (7 Minutes)Introduction to Taylor Swift's strategic acumen in brand management.Discussion with Kevin Evers on how Swift has built a resilient brand and fostered fan loyalty.Highlighting her decision to re-record albums as an example of her entrepreneurial instincts.0:06:49 - Taylor's Bold Career Evolution (7 Minutes)Exploration of Swift's transition from country star to pop icon.Examination of key career moments, including the 2009 MTV VMA incident.Analysis of how Swift turns challenges into opportunities.0:13:46 - Taylor Swift's Collaborative Evolution (14 Minutes)Swift's strategic collaborations and her fear of stagnation.Insights into her partnership with producer Max Martin and how it helped evolve her sound.Comparisons to the Beatles' ability to adapt and innovate.0:27:26 - Taylor Swift's Evolving Content Strategy (4 Minutes)Discussion on Swift's adaptation to the music industry's changing dynamics.Her shift from releasing albums every two years to more frequent releases.Analysis of her blend of abundant content and scarce online presence.0:31:51 - Taylor Swift's Fan-Obsessed Strategy (14 Minutes)Exploration of Swift's marketing strategy focused on fan engagement.Use of subtle clues and inside jokes to create anticipation among fans.Examination of her decision to re-record albums and its impact on fan loyalty.0:46:14 - Taylor Swift's Founder Mentality and Risk (10 Minutes)Examination of Swift's instinct-driven career decisions.Comparison of her strategy to tech giants like Apple and Amazon.Discussion on her music-first philosophy and founder mentality.0:56:10 - Taylor Swift's Resilient and Innovative Career (12 Minutes)Analysis of Swift's ability to adapt and thrive in the streaming age.Examination of her strategic pivots and their impact on her career.Reflection on her focus on passions and connection with superfans.Links There's Nothing Like This - https://www.nothinglikethisbook.com/HBR Summary: https://hbr.org/2025/03/the-strategic-genius-of-taylor-swiftKevin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-evers1/
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    1:08:05
  • Juliet Rosenfeld on Affairs
    Why do people have affairs? What lessons can we learn from infidelity?It's estimated that an affair will impact one in five of us, yet it tends to be a taboo subject.  So, on this episode, I'm going to break that taboo and explore the hidden world of affairs with psychoanalyst and author Juliet Rosenfeld.Juliet’s book, Affairs: Stories of Love, Lies, Hope and Desire, is an intimate look at why people have affairs, how those relationships shape us, and what they reveal about the unconscious forces at work in our lives.Episode SummaryIn a fascinating discussion, we talk about the stories she gathered for the book, how she approached them ethically, and what she’s learned about the powerful, often destructive, pull of infidelity.I also ask Juliet about her own experience as a psychoanalyst; how she balances her clinical insights with the need to write in a way that’s both honest and protective of the people involved. Juliet explains how she turned the consulting room into a space for exploration, not exposure, and how the stories she’s collected show just how deeply affairs touch the lives of everyone they involve. From the idea of the couple to the unconscious roots of our desires, we unpack some of the most complex questions about relationships and risk. Throughout our conversation, Juliet brings a refreshingly human — and humane — perspective to a topic that’s often shrouded in shame and secrecy. Whether you’ve ever experienced an affair yourself or just want to understand why people cross these lines, this episode offers insights that go far beyond the headlines. Guest Biography Juliet Rosenfeld is an author and a psychoanalyst working in private practice in London. She is particularly interested in the unconscious forces that shape our relationships and behaviours.Juliet’s second book, Affairs: Stories of Love, Lies, Hope and Desire, explores the complex terrain of infidelity through a psychoanalytic lens, blending real stories with her own reflections and insights. She is a member of professional psychotherapy and psychoanalysis associations in the UK and is deeply engaged in thinking about the ethical dimensions of her work. Beyond her practice, Juliet has also been a board member of the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) and is passionate about making the insights of psychoanalysis accessible to a general audience.AI-Generated Timestamp Summary[00:00:00] Introduction to the episode and Juliet Rosenfeld[00:01:00] Exploring what affairs are really about and how unconscious forces shape them[00:02:00] Juliet’s background as a psychoanalyst and the role of the unconscious[00:04:00] How relationship struggles underpin so many issues Juliet sees in her work[00:05:00] Why Juliet wrote the book and how affairs are inherently risky[00:07:00] The foundational idea of the couple and how it shapes us from birth[00:08:00] Ethical dilemmas of writing about real people’s affairs[00:11:00] Juliet’s approach: interviewing participants who weren’t her patients[00:13:00] Balancing her clinical mindset with the demands of writing[00:16:00] The role of supervision in psychotherapy and its relevance to Juliet’s work[00:18:00] The challenge of anonymising the stories while staying true to them[00:20:00] Juliet’s thoughts on police requests for therapist notes and patient confidentiality[00:22:00] The differences in the regulation of therapists in the UK vs the US[00:26:00] The importance of trust, supervision, and the intense relationship with a supervisor[00:30:00] Why Juliet believes statutory regulation of psychotherapy is important[00:34:00] How affairs spark intense public reactions and fascination[00:37:00] The long-term impact of divorce and affairs on children[00:42:00] How affairs can be a way of finding solutions to deep personal problems[00:45:00] The uniqueness of each affair story and the problem of generalisations[00:47:00] The role of disappointment and the challenges of long-term love[00:49:00] Juliet’s thoughts on how therapy can help couples[00:53:00] Why no one comes to see her at the start of an affair[00:56:00] The emotional investment and secrecy that affairs demand[00:59:00] The final reflections on why Juliet wrote the book and what it revealed to her[01:05:00] Closing remarks and where to find Juliet’s bookLinksJuliet’s website with details of her work and books: https://julietrosenfeld.co.uk/The UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP): https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/
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About The Human Risk Podcast

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.
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