In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer welcomes Dr. Nilanjana (Buju) Dasgupta, author of the thought-provoking book, Change the Wallpaper. Buju, a prominent social psychologist and founding director of the Institute of Diversity Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, shares her insights on implicit bias and the cultural patterns that influence our behaviors and decisions.

Together, Melina and Buju explore the metaphor of "wallpaper" in our lives—the subtle, often unnoticed influences that shape our attitudes and beliefs. They discuss how these cultural patterns can create barriers for individuals, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, and the importance of creating interventions that foster inclusivity and positive change. Buju emphasizes the need to recognize and disrupt these patterns to build more just communities.

In this episode:

• Discover the concept of "wallpaper" and how it influences our perceptions and actions.
• Learn about implicit bias and its impact on personal and professional environments.
• Explore the four types of cultural wallpaper that affect our behaviors and opportunities.
• Gain insights into practical strategies for changing the wallpaper in your workplace and community.
• Understand the importance of storytelling in shaping perceptions and inspiring change.

Get important links, top recommended books and episodes, and a full transcript at thebrainybusiness.com/493.

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In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer delves into the intriguing concept of functional fixedness—the mental block that limits our ability to see alternative uses for familiar objects. Drawing on the popular saying, "when all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail," Melina illustrates how this phenomenon can hinder creativity and problem-solving in both personal and professional contexts.

Through engaging anecdotes, including the famous Apollo 13 mission, she highlights the importance of reframing our thinking to unlock innovative solutions. Melina emphasizes that by stepping outside our established mindsets, we can discover new opportunities and enhance collaboration within teams. Listeners will gain valuable insights into how functional fixedness manifests in everyday life and learn practical strategies to overcome it.

In this episode:

• Explore the concept of functional fixedness and its impact on decision-making.
• Learn how reframing problems can lead to innovative solutions.
• Discover the significance of divergent thinking and its role in creativity.
• Understand the consequences of being too narrowly focused in professional settings.
• Gain insights into practical exercises to enhance creative thinking in your work.

Get important links, top recommended books and episodes, and a full transcript at thebrainybusiness.com/492.

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In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer sits down with Karen Eber, author of The Perfect Story, to explore the art of storytelling and its profound impact on communication in business. Karen, an award-winning author and CEO of Eber Leadership Group, shares her insights on how storytelling is not just an art but a crucial skill for leaders looking to connect with their teams and drive engagement.

Melina and Karen discuss the common misconceptions surrounding storytelling, including the idea that a story must be perfect or fully fleshed out to be effective. They explore the practical strategies for crafting compelling narratives, emphasizing the importance of context, conflict, and relatable characters. Karen provides valuable tips on how to gather and organize story ideas to ensure you are prepared when the moment arises to share a story that resonates.

In this episode:

• Discover why storytelling is essential for building understanding and connection in business.
• Learn how to identify and structure your stories for maximum impact.
• Explore the role of tension and conflict in storytelling and how to leverage them effectively.
• Understand the importance of audience perspective and how to tailor your stories accordingly.
• Gain insights into using storytelling to convey data and drive decision-making.

Get important links, top recommended books and episodes, and a full transcript at thebrainybusiness.com/491.

Looking to explore applications of behavioral economics further?

Learn With Us on our website.

Subscribe to Melina’s Newsletter Brainy Bites.

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