We’ve all been told to “trust our gut.” But how do you know when intuition is steering you right — or leading you astray? In this episode, host Brett Hendrie explores the science and strategy behind gut feelings with Laura Huang, professor of management and organizational development at Northeastern University. She explains why our gut is always right, how we can train ourselves to listen to what it’s telling us, and how to turn that intuiting process into a real decision-making tool — not just a hunch.

Show notes:

[0:00] Brett Hendrie reflects on what it means to really listen to your gut.

[1:19] Meet Laura Huang, professor of management and organizational development at Northeastern University, and author of You Already Know: The Science of Mastering Your Intuition.

[2:15] What is our gut instinct and how does it differ from intuition?

[5:03] Why is it important to disentangle our intuition from our emotions? (Hint: give yourself time.)

[6:59] There are four types of decisions we need to make — simple, complicated, complex and chaotic — and we should really only use our gut for the latter two.

[9:24] Your gut never lies. It’s 100% accurate. Why? Because it’s more like a compass than a right/wrong switch.

[11:34] Our gut and intuiting process — like most things in life — aren’t linear. They pull data points from across our lives.

[13:12] The three types of gut reactions: Eureka, Aha and Uh-Ohs.

[15:55] To train yourself to trust your gut, start by identifying what type of reaction you’re having. (What is your body actually telling you?)

[16:19] Training tip: Consider the rule of three (meet someone in three different settings) to test your gut.

[19:09] Become an “expert novice.” Think brushing your teeth with your non-dominant hand. Try that, but with a job task.

[21:39] What’s collective intuition?

[22:02] Your gut is like a whisper trying to break through the noise around you. “And so we kind of shove that aside, and the more we shove that aside, the more the whispers are buried in this sea of screams, and so I would say, listen to what whispers and not what screams. And the more we do that, the more we'll be able to master our intuition.”

If you enjoyed this episode, why not give some of our back catalogue a listen? To stay on theme, check out our conversations with Richard Davis on mastering your ability to judge people, or Nuala Walsh on tuning out the wrong type of information when making decisions.

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To explore more leadership tips and tricks from the Rotman School of Management, check out our Rotman Executive Summary podcast, featuring the latest research and thought-leadership from our esteemed faculty. Check it out onApple,Spotifyor wherever you get your podcasts. And be sure tosubscribeto theRotman Insights Hubbi-weekly newsletter for even more insights shaping business and society.

In a world that never stops asking for more, how can we focus on what truly matters? In the season premiere of Visiting Experts, Brett Hendrie sits down with Oliver Burkeman, author of Meditations for Mortals and 4,000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals, to explore the power of accepting our limits.

Oliver shares insights on why striving for perfection can hold us back, how embracing imperfection can unlock ambition, and why small, deliberate actions often lead to the biggest impact. From navigating work and life like a kayak on a river to tackling intimidating tasks “one step at a time,” this conversation offers practical strategies for reclaiming control, reducing stress, and making time for what counts.

Show notes

[0:00] Brett Hendrie reflects on the myth of “zero inbox”

[1:26] Meet Oliver Burkeman, author of 4,000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals and Meditations for Mortals, expert on productivity, time management and personal effectiveness.

[3:39] Understanding what it means to be a finite human in an infinite world, and how embracing your human limits can be freeing.

[5:52] The dangers of perfectionism in professional and personal life, and why imperfectionism can boost efficiency.

[7:19] Making conscious trade-offs instead of trying to do everything: practical tips for prioritization and decision-making.

[9:10] Oliver’s “kayak vs. superyacht” analogy for navigating uncertainty and making meaningful progress in life and work.

[10:37] Long-term, detailed plans for change can be destined for failure. Instead, start small: take action today without trying to control every outcome.

[12:21] The “just going to the shed” concept: confronting tasks and projects you’ve been avoiding to reduce decision paralysis and procrastination.

[14:43] The liberating idea: every choice on how you spend your time has a cost, and once you accept that reality, you’re free to choose which set of costs you’re willing to pay.

[16:42] Integrating imperfectionism with realistic ambition to achieve more without burnout.

[19:14] Applying these ideas as a leader or manager: balancing control and autonomy to empower teams and increase organizational productivity.

[21:18] “Obviously, what people want is like the three practices you can do every day, and then you've got this nailed. But a big part of what I'm trying to say in this book is life doesn't work like that. And so, if you actually want the change, I think you do need to work on developing the patience to sort of try these things bit by bit.

“If you were to ask me for like, what's one thing that people can do, then my answer would be: there is something in your work or your life that you know is really meaningful to you… Do 10 minutes of that thing today and actually do it.”

To explore more leadership tips and tricks from the Rotman School of Management, check out our Rotman Executive Summary podcast, featuring the latest research and thought-leadership from our esteemed faculty. Check it out on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. And be sure to subscribe to the Rotman Insights Hub bi-weekly newsletter for even more insights shaping business and society.

Big ideas. Bold conversations. Rotman Visiting Experts returns September 30. Join host Brett Hendrie as he chats with the influential thinkers and leaders featured in our acclaimed speakers series. This season, learn how to embrace imperfectionism, master your intuition and lead like a maverick.

Season 4 launches September 30 — follow now so you don't miss an episode.