Dr. Michael Orkin is a statistics professor at Berkeley City College and a consultant known for his work on probability and gambling games. He is the author of several books, including The Story of Chance - What's Luck Got To Do With It?.

Mentioned on the Show

• Read The Story of Chance: Beyond the Margin of Error, by Michael Orkin: https://a.co/d/0gFTe7oh
• Connect with Dr. Mike Orkin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr –mike –orkin –5600584
• O’Brien and Michael Orkin discuss several books including: Fooled by Randomness by Nassim Nicholas Taleb; The Black Swan by Nassim Nicholas Taleb; Beat the Dealer by Edward Thorp; Number Go Up by Zeke Faux; The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel; The Talent War

Timestamps
(00:00:00) – Michael Orkin, PhD joins O’Brien McMahon on People Business

(00:01:55) – Why are we so uncomfortable with randomness?

(00:02:38) – Where do we benefit from embracing randomness, and where should we fight for order?

(00:12:54) – Why are we so bad at gauging probability?

(00:15:30) – Should we stop talking in probabilities for complex things?

(00:21:44) – How do we know if we are skilled or it’s just chance (or luck)?

(00:22:36) – Does luck play a role in success?

(00:35:12) – Understanding the normal distribution curve

(00:37:22) – How can companies think about elevating the talent that they have?

(00:42:17) – What are the best ways to get feedback from our workforce or team?

(00:44:18) – What would be the best way to get insightful information from large groups?

(00:46:23) – The Lollapalooza story

(00:49:24) – Where to find the book The Story of Chance: Beyond the Margin of Error, by Michael Orkin

Dr. Donna Hicks is an Associate at the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs at Harvard University and the former Deputy Director of the Program on International Conflict Analysis and Resolution (PICAR). She facilitated dialogues in numerous unofficial diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Colombia, Cuba, Libya and Syria. She has taught courses in conflict resolution at Harvard and Columbia Universities and conducts seminars in the US and abroad on dignity leadership training and on the role dignity plays in resolving conflict. She has two books on Dignity, including Dignity: It’s Essential Role in Resolving Conflict and Leading with Dignity: How to Create a Culture That Brings Out the Best in People.

Mentioned on the Show

• Read Donna Hick’s book, Leading with Dignity: https://a.co/d/04lnHrUz
• Donna’s first book on dignity in conflict resolution: https://a.co/d/08CQSEgG
• Learn more about Donna Hicks, PhD: https://drdonnahicks.com/
• Donna and O’Brien discussed the Dignity Index, learn more here: https://www.dignity.us/

Timestamps
(00:00:00) – O'Brien McMahon welcomes dignity expert Donna Hicks, PhD to People Business

(00:02:52) – Why is dignity such an important factor in negotiation and conflict resolution?

(00:12:53) – Respect vs. Dignity: understanding and defining both concepts

(00:15:12) – How does understanding self-dignity (our own sense of dignity) affect our ability to give dignity to others?

(00:16:33) – How do we reconcile feelings of inadequacy and insecurity with the concept of “unleashing” our dignity?

(00:28:30) – Dignity work in practice: how to approach mediation when both sides in a conflict feel their dignity has been violated

(00:36:30) – How is someone's dignity and humanity honored while also accounting for bad behavior?

(00:39:01) – Are humans wired for revenge? How do we balance our impulses with dignity?

(00:48:57) – Closing thoughts on dignity from Donna Hicks, PhD

Aaron Levy is the Founder of Raise The Bar and Stride, two companies focused on helping companies create high- performing teams by building better leaders. He is the author of the bestselling book Open, Honest, & Direct, the host of Raising The Bar on Leadership Podcast, a Thrive Global contributor, an ICF Certified Coach, and a member of the Forbes Coaches Council. Over the last decade, Aaron has worked with 10,000 business leaders in various industries, inspiring them to define their goals, create tactical action plans, and achieve sustained success.

Mentioned on the Show

• Learn more about Aaron Levy on the Raise the Bar website: https://www.raisebar.co/team/aaron-levy-founder
• Read Aaron’s book Open, Honest, and Direct: https://a.co/d/081LR77O
• Connect with Aaron on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aelevy
• O’Brien discussed the book Talent is Overrated by Geoff Colvin: https://a.co/d/0iN1Z70x

Timestamps
(00:00:00) – Aaron Levy returns to People Business with O'Brien McMahon

(00:02:42) – What is Raise the Bar and how do you help develop leadership skills in teams?

(00:03:09) Have leadership lessons have evolved since the pandemic or if they remain the same?

(00:04:28) How has the hybrid work world changed how we need to lead people and what skill sets have become important?

(00:08:14) What opportunities exist now, post-pandemic, that didn't before?

(00:14:19) What key fundamental skills are foundational for leadership development?

(00:20:53) How is psychological safety created in the workplace?

(00:21:44) How can someone receive feedback constructively, “like a scientist”?

(00:23:51) What factors allow people to receive difficult feedback in a positive way?

(00:32:09) How can difficult, tough conversations be made in a way that helps?

(00:42:35) Millennials, Gen Z, are generational differences real or just examples of human nature across life stages?

(00:48:11) Is there anything about how Aaron leads Raise the Bar that surprises clients?