Reaching the Subconscious: How Behavior Actually Changes with Kristin Malek

In this episode of Uncover the Human, Cristina and Alex sit down with Kristin Malek, founder of the Behavior Change Design Institute, to explore how real change happens—whether in individuals, organizations, or society. Kristin draws from her diverse background in neuroscience, psychology, and event design to explain why simply declaring new values or pushing positive affirmations rarely works. Instead, she emphasizes the importance of believable steps, curiosity as a gateway to openness, and the need to address both the conscious and unconscious mind when designing for mindset and behavior change.

The conversation moves from the science of how our brains process negativity to the pitfalls of corporate messaging, the difference between change management and true behavior change, and the risks of toxic positivity. Kristin shares practical insights—like the power of neutral language, the importance of self-awareness, and why negative thoughts require multiple positive reinforcements to rebalance. Engaging, insightful, and often humorous, this episode highlights the intersection of authenticity, values, and transformation, leaving listeners with both inspiration and tangible strategies for personal growth and organizational leadership.