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The Braintrust "Driving Change" Podcast

The Braintrust "Driving Change" Podcast

By: Evergreen Podcasts
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 This podcast is dedicated to help you better understand the biology, psychology and physiology of human decision making in order to help you become a more impactful communicator and a driving force for change. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/driving-change-podcast/supportAll Rights Reserved 2023 Economics
Episodes
  • Anxious? Angry? Your Brain’s Just Trying to Tell You This… with Angus Fletcher

    Anxious? Angry? Your Brain’s Just Trying to Tell You This… with Angus Fletcher
    Jun 17 2025
    In this episode of Driving Change, neuroscientist and storytelling expert Dr. Angus Fletcher returns to share insights from his latest book, Primal Intelligence. Drawing from his research with the U.S. Army Special Operations, Fortune 50 companies, and education systems, Fletcher unpacks how the brain’s ancient systems—emotion, imagination, intuition, and common sense—shape the way we think, lead, and connect. This isn’t just theory; it’s actionable neuroscience that rewires how we respond to stress, how we plan, and how we grow. Jeff and Angus explore everything from battlefield psychology to parenting to sales conversations, all through the lens of primal brain power. This episode will change how you view intelligence. If you’ve ever struggled with anxiety, leadership under pressure, communication breakdowns, or helping others grow, this conversation delivers practical tools rooted in science—not self-help fluff. Learn how elite military units build confidence, how to tap into your brain’s imagination for clearer decision-making, and why the stories you tell yourself matter more than any strategy. Whether you're a parent, leader, coach, or entrepreneur, this episode offers real techniques to become more grounded, resilient, and effective in how you show up. Emotion is the First Intelligence – Fear and anger aren’t enemies—they’re signals telling us how many plans we have. Four Primal Brain Powers – Imagination (planning), Intuition (opportunity spotting), Emotion (threat signaling), and Common Sense (choosing the best plan). Plan-Making Beats Panic – People freeze not from danger, but from having no plan. Teaching people how to plan reduces fear and anger. Storytelling is Neural – The brain organizes information through action-based narratives. It’s not once-upon-a-time—it’s how we think. Teach Planning, Not Just Plans – The goal of leadership is to develop planners, not just manage plans. Practice Under Low Stress – Communication habits formed in calm moments will show up under pressure. Authenticity Over Evasion – People can’t always detect truth, but they immediately sense evasiveness. Share what you fear. Counterfactual Thinking Builds Vision – Asking "what if" about small changes with big outcomes activates the brain’s default mode network. Kids (and Adults) Need Imperfect Practice – Tolerating messy planning helps grow initiative, resilience, and brain power. Sales = Story Anticipation – Great salespeople help others discover their own story faster and with more clarity than they could alone. 00:00 – Welcome + Book Launch Tease 01:45 – Ohio's Hidden Intelligence + Emotional Evolution 10:00 – Primal Intelligence Framework 13:00 – Special Ops and the Power of Plans 19:00 – Childhood Programming and Brain Plasticity 24:30 – Imagination as Thinking Tool 29:30 – Youth, Screens & Neural Pathways 33:00 – Leadership, Weird Ideas & Innovation 38:45 – Storytelling as Internal Narrative 43:00 – Relationships & Communication Needs 46:00 – Communicating Under Pressure 50:00 – Neurocentric Questions & Sales 54:30 – Authenticity, Fear, and Trust 58:00 – What Led to Primal Intelligence 1:00:00 – How to Learn More (Book, Quiz, Site) Primal Intelligence book page (Penguin Random House) – Available August 19 Free Quiz & Diagnostic: OperationHuman.com Why You Should ListenTop 10 Takeaways⏱️ Chapter Markings (by topic)How to find more from Dr. FletcherDr. Angus Fletcher on LinkedIn: LinkedIn Profile
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    57 mins
  • How to Be the Leader Everyone Remembers with Dr. Adam Galinsky

    How to Be the Leader Everyone Remembers with Dr. Adam Galinsky
    Jun 3 2025
    In this episode of Driving Change, Jeff Bloomfield welcomes renowned behavioral expert and Columbia Business School professor Dr. Adam Galinsky. From his surprising birth as a twin to his evolution from clinical researcher to bestselling author, Galinsky unpacks the experiences that shaped his work on leadership, influence, and emotional intelligence. Together, Adam and Jeff explore the balance between competition and cooperation, the importance of self-awareness in leadership, and the power of inspiring versus infuriating behaviors. Galinsky shares powerful, research-backed frameworks from his books Friend and Foe and Inspire, along with practical tips leaders can implement right away. If you've ever struggled to communicate more effectively, motivate others without micromanaging, or turn self-awareness into impactful leadership behavior, this episode delivers. Adam Galinsky blends deep academic insight with compelling real-world stories—giving listeners practical strategies to elevate their personal and professional influence. Why You Should Listen🔟 Top 10 Takeaways Origin of Curiosity – Galinsky’s early life as a surprise twin and son of two academics set the stage for his lifelong fascination with human behavior. From Research to Practice – Practical application of research is what distinguishes meaningful work; Galinsky excels at this. Friend vs. Foe – Human dynamics constantly balance cooperation and competition; recognizing this helps leaders avoid toxic extremes. Inspiring vs. Infuriating Leaders – Traits that make a leader inspiring (visionary, exemplar, mentor) are universal across cultures. Leader Amplification Effect – Everything a leader says or does is amplified, intentionally or not—making self-awareness vital. Structural Interventions Beat Willpower – Setting up triggers, systems, and habits helps leaders manage emotional reactions better than willpower alone. Feedback vs. Feedforward – Asking for advice rather than feedback leads to more constructive, forward-looking insights. Preparation Wins – Like Andy Reid scripting plays, leaders who plan and script their communication perform better under pressure. Guilt Enables Growth, Shame Hinders – Leaders should embrace guilt as a mechanism for course correction, while avoiding the paralysis of shame. Elevating Others Elevates You – Regularly recognizing and praising others—through birthday notes or quick messages—builds trust, morale, and status. Chapter Markings 00:00 – Origin Story & Family Influence 06:00 – Harvard, Getting Fired, & Pivoting to Social Psychology 09:30 – Cockpit Crews & Self-Correcting Units 12:00 – Cooperation vs. Competition Explained 17:45 – Marriage, Weddings & Competitive Spouses 20:00 – Leader Amplification Effect 24:30 – Self-Awareness & Emotional Regulation 29:00 – How to Give Better Feedback 36:00 – Preparation, Negotiation & Andy Reid’s Strategy 42:00 – Ethical Behavior, Motivation, & Rivalry 47:00 – What Inspired 'Inspire' 50:00 – Visionary, Exemplar, Mentor Model 54:00 – Three Takeaways for Leaders 57:00 – Sabbatical in Singapore & What’s Next
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    58 mins
  • Breaking All The Rules with Anne Montgomery

    Breaking All The Rules with Anne Montgomery
    May 19 2025
    Anne Montgomery shares her extraordinary journey from overcoming childhood adversity and dyslexia to becoming a trailblazing sportscaster, referee, author, teacher, and foster mother. Her compelling story is filled with resilience, breaking barriers, and embracing life's unexpected turns. Anne Montgomery’s incredible life is a masterclass in resilience, persistence, and reinvention. Her experiences offer powerful lessons for C-suite executives and those involved in developing people and cultures, highlighting the importance of resilience in overcoming barriers, the value of embracing change and uncertainty, and how empathy and authenticity can significantly impact team performance and organizational culture. Anne’s story demonstrates practical strategies for fostering environments that encourage innovation, risk-taking, and continuous personal and professional growth. Resilience comes from facing adversity head-on, not avoiding it. Defying expectations can lead to groundbreaking achievements. You can't control others' opinions; focus instead on your own values. Personal struggles often forge inner strength and compassion. Life's unexpected paths often lead to the most meaningful experiences. Overcoming rejection and criticism is integral to lasting success. Real strength involves acknowledging mistakes and improving. Sports can teach invaluable lessons on teamwork and leadership. Empathy and kindness transform lives, especially in education. Every stage of life can bring new purpose and opportunities. (00:00–05:29) Intro & Background (05:30–10:12) Early Life & Values Formation (10:13–17:05) Breaking Barriers in Broadcasting (17:06–27:05) Challenges and Triumphs in Officiating (27:06–41:35) Career in Television: ESPN and Beyond (41:36–46:41) Pivot to Writing & Teaching (46:42–49:49) Becoming a Foster Mom (49:50–54:41) Reflections on Purpose & Legacy Anne Montgomery’s website: annemontgomerywriter.com Books available on Amazon Why You Should Listen:Top 10 Takeaways:Chapter Markings:Links Mentioned:
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    54 mins
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