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Nicolas Pokorny

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ADAPT or dieADAPT or dieNicolas Pokorny: Leading the People Who Do the BusinessOn this episode of Adapt or Die: Transformative Leadership Conversations, Andreas Pettersson sits down with Nicolas Pokorny, neuroscientist, global executive, and Founder & CEO of Mammoth Leadership Sciences. With over 30 years of experience leading multicultural teams, Nicolas unpacks a pivotal leap: moving from managing a small group of direct reports to guiding a large, layered organization. His approach—rooted in neuroscience, organizational behavior, and strategic transformation—has helped shape cultures so strong, one was accused of being “too good to be true.”Challenge → Nicolas went from leading a team of 8 to overseeing a 100-person department through multiple leadership layers, cu...2025-07-2232 minThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Mammoth in the RoomSTOP Retaliating! The Counter-Intuitive Leadership Strategy That Actually WinsIn today’s high-stakes business environment, many leaders unknowingly fall prey to a primal impulse: retaliation. It feels justified, even righteous. But the moment we act from status anxiety rather than strategy, we risk turning boardrooms into battlegrounds—and profits into collateral damage. In this episode, we examine two historical case studies that illustrate how short-term revenge can profoundly impact industries and undermine alliances for generations. We'll unpack the evolutionary wiring that makes retaliation feel so right, even when it's the wrong move for long-term growth and trust. Plus, you’ll learn actionable leadership strategi...2025-07-1709 minThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Truth Behind Global Trade Wars: Leadership Lessons from HistoryWhy do leaders sometimes make unexpected or counterintuitive decisions in times of crisis? In today’s episode, we explore how deeply rooted human instincts can influence global leadership—particularly by adopting inward-looking trade and policy decisions.Drawing on two historical case studies, we examine well-intentioned efforts to protect local industries that ultimately led to unintended economic consequences. We also reflect on how similar patterns can emerge in today’s world, and how leaders can better navigate the delicate balance between protection and long-term prosperity.As a leader, it’s crucial to pause and assess whether you’re r...2025-07-1010 minThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Outsider CEO Who Broke Every IBM Rule (And Saved The Company!)In this week’s episode, we explore the incredible story of how IBM pulled off one of the most remarkable turnarounds in business history. It's not just about the right strategy—it's about having the courage to shift everything, from company culture to core values. You’ll learn how bold leadership, strategic pivots, and a relentless focus on solving real-world problems can transform any business. It is time to rethink the way you lead and approach change. Tune in for insights that will reshape your mindset and transform your business.Don’t forget to order my...2025-07-0308 minThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Company That Built America, Then Destroyed ItselfWhat if your greatest strength today becomes the very thing that destroys you tomorrow? In this episode, I take you inside the dramatic collapse of Bethlehem Steel, once America's industrial backbone that built the Empire State Building and over 1,100 warships in World War II. We explore three brutal leadership lessons from their downfall that you need to implement today. Bethlehem didn't die from weakness—they died from inflexibility, protecting sunk costs instead of future fitness. The hard truth? Standing still in a moving world means falling behind. As leaders, we must ask: what part of o...2025-06-2608 minThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Greed That Toppled an Empire: The Fall of the British East India CompanyWhat happens when a company gets so powerful, starts behaving like a country, and then forgets it was ever a business? Well, today we dive into the story of the British East India Company, a cautionary tale for modern leaders navigating unchecked growth, internal drift, and the dangers of forgetting your mission. I’ll walk you through the rise and spectacular collapse of what was once the most powerful corporation on earth. You'll hear how coalitions of resistance form long before they’re noticed, why absolute power isn’t just unstable, and how mission drift silently erodes even th...2025-06-1908 minThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Mammoth in the RoomHow BlackBerry Lost 80 Million Users in 5 Years (And What Every CEO Must Learn)Have you ever wondered how a global powerhouse like BlackBerry, once dominating half the U.S. smartphone market, could collapse so dramatically? This week’s episode dives into the leadership blind spots that turn success into vulnerability. I’ll walk you through the rise and fall of BlackBerry, unpacking evolutionary leadership lessons that you can apply in your business. From assigning challenger roles on your team to separating vision from ego and embedding exploration alongside exploitation, you’ll learn how to protect your leadership against extinction. So, if you want to avoid becoming the next cau...2025-06-1208 minThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Mammoth in the RoomWhat Blockbuster Didn’t See Coming (This Could Destroy Your Business!)What if the very instincts that made you successful are now putting your business at risk? Dominant leaders often double down on what's worked in the past instead of seeing the world as it's becoming. In today’s episode, we unpack the real reason Blockbuster failed—and it’s not just about missing the tech wave. It’s about biology!We explore how the fear of loss can stall innovation and how Netflix thrived by doing the exact opposite: evolving early and often. Plus, I’ll share actionable strategies to help you break free from the t...2025-06-0508 minThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Evolution of Alliances: Why Smart Leaders Build Coalitions, Not EmpiresAs leaders, our instinct might be to dominate, but true power lies in finding complementary strengths and negotiating shared wins. Today, we explore how coalitions, not empires, are nature's secret to enduring power. The evolutionary truth is simple: groups that collaborate grow stronger together, while those driven by dominance alone eventually crumble. Throughout history, from the Allied powers in World War II to modern corporate partnerships like Starbucks and Spotify, coalitions have proven to be the key to long-term success. Leaders who build ecosystems of cooperation create lasting, sustainable success for everyone involved. Tune in...2025-05-2908 minThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Mammoth in the RoomStatus Anxiety in Business: Why Rivals Push You to Make Bad DecisionsWhat drives your decisions as a leader? Is it strategy or primal instincts? Today, we explore the status anxiety—the subtle force that drives many leadership decisions and often leads to missteps. Even when your business is thriving, seeing competitors succeed can trigger panic, pushing you to act without a clear strategy. Through historical examples such as the Cold War arms race and Kodak's downfall, we uncover how status anxiety can cloud judgment and lead to disastrous outcomes. It's not about how well you're doing, but how well you’re doing relative to others. Unders...2025-05-2208 minThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Fairness Instinct: Why Pride, Not Profit, Breaks Billion-Dollar DealsHave you ever walked away from a great deal just because something “felt” unfair? You are not alone! In this week’s episode, we explore the primal instinct of fairness—an ancient force wired deep into our brains that still shapes billion-dollar decisions today. From workplace resentment to the Treaty of Versailles, I share how perceived unfairness destroys trust faster than any spreadsheet can measure, and why logic alone can’t fix what emotion breaks. Plus, I’ll walk you through three powerful leadership strategies to defuse fairness-based conflicts before they explode. Whether...2025-05-1508 minThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Real Cost of Dominance: How Pride Undermines Business LeadershipIn today's fast-paced business world, it’s easy to overlook the ancient forces still shaping the way we lead. As leaders, we often react to challenges out of pride, signaling dominance to assert control and protect our position. But this primal drive—rooted in evolutionary psychology—can cloud our judgment and lead to costly mistakes. In this episode, we dive into how primal instincts influence decision-making and the potential consequences on your business. Rather than acting on impulse, you’ll learn how to manage emotional reactions, de-escalate conflicts, and rise above primal instincts. We’ll also explore three pract...2025-05-0809 minThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Mammoth in the RoomWheelchair-Bound and Unstoppable: How Sir Frank Williams Turned Adversity into TriumphWhat does it take to lead a team through adversity and still come out on top? In this week’s episode, we explore the leadership principles exemplified by Sir Frank Williams, founder of the legendary Williams Racing Formula One team. Frank’s journey from humble beginnings to world championship provides powerful lessons for leaders in any field. We’ll discuss how Frank's bold vision inspired his team to achieve the seemingly impossible, and how fostering innovation played a key role in his success. His story also highlights the importance of resilience—how, even after a life-altering accident, he was ab...2025-05-0115 minThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Mammoth in the RoomWhy Playing It Safe Could Be the Riskiest Move You’re MakingHave you ever walked into a strategy meeting, reviewed a well-polished forecast, and felt confident it was solid, only to watch everything unravel months later? You’re not alone. In this episode, we dive into one of the most dangerous yet overlooked pitfalls in leadership: the forecasting trap. We unpack the three most prominent ways this decision making pitfall shows up and  sabotages strategic business decisions: the overconfidence, recallability, and prudence traps. These aren’t just theories—they’re rooted in evolutionary psychology and backed by compelling case studies, from Boeing’s multi-billion-dollar delay to Blackberry’s market misfire...2025-04-2412 minThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Mammoth in the RoomWhy Apple Fired Steve Jobs (And Why It Made Him Unstoppable)As leaders, we're fascinated by Steve Jobs' legendary impact, but what really made him one of history's most iconic business figures? In today’s episode, we explore the depths of Jobs' leadership genius and flaws to reveal the evolutionary psychology behind his extraordinary yet controversial success.From his theatrical product launches to his infamous fish tank demonstration, we examine why Jobs' leadership style worked—and where it went terribly wrong. You'll discover why vision without execution fails, how demanding excellence can either inspire or destroy, and why simplicity is the ultimate soph...2025-04-1709 minThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Hidden Framing Bias That Could Ruin Your Business Decisions (Fix This NOW!)Today, we are uncovering the sneakiest cognitive trap that every corporate leader needs to be aware of—the framing trap. I'll walk you through how your brain processes information in ways that skew your decision-making, showing how small shifts in framing can dramatically change outcomes, often for the worse.We’ll look at real-world examples, such as Kodak’s failure to adapt to Apple’s innovative approach with the iPhone, to reveal the true cost of falling into the framing trap, where decisions are made based on how options are presented rather than the underlying realities.So, if...2025-04-1010 minThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Confirming Evidence Trap - The Hidden Bias That’s Killing Your Business GrowthAs leaders, we’re wired to favor the familiar, but this can blind us to critical shifts in the market and the emergence of disruptive innovations. In today’s episode, we are talking about the confirming evidence trap—a bias that can skew even the sharpest minds, causing you to cling to beliefs and data that reinforce what you already think. We’ll explore how this evolutionary shortcut leads to costly mistakes and why leaders must confront their assumptions to make better decisions. From Blackberry’s downfall to Nokia’s missed opportunity, we’ll dive into real-world examples of bil...2025-04-0310 minThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Mammoth in the RoomHow a $10 Billion Mistake Could Have Been Avoided (The Sunk Cost Trap)In today’s episode, we uncover yet another dangerous psychological trap that keeps leaders pouring money and resources into failing projects—simply because they’ve already invested too much to walk away. I’m talking about the sunk cost fallacy.Using examples from history, such as the Concorde jet, Quibi's billion-dollar flop, and Kodak's disastrous delay in embracing digital photography, we'll explore why leaders sometimes double down on doomed investments instead of cutting their losses. I'll also share actionable strategies to recognize and break free from this trap.Don't let your past investments dictate your future...2025-03-2709 minThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Mammoth in the RoomHow Kodak, Blockbuster, and Microsoft Lost Billions by Playing It SafeWhat if I told you the biggest threat to your business isn’t the competition but your brain? Leaders make costly decisions daily because of one mind trap— the status quo bias. It’s the reason billion-dollar companies collapse, why once-great leaders fail to adapt, and why you might be unknowingly sabotaging your success.So, today, I take you inside the shocking failures of Kodak, Blockbuster, and Microsoft— companies that refused to adapt, believing that what worked yesterday would work forever. I’ll show you how to spot the status quo bias in your leadership...2025-03-2012 minThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Mammoth in the RoomHow The Anchoring Bias Hijacks Your Business Decisions (And How to Stop It)Ever wondered why smart business leaders, even the best of the best, fall for irrational decisions? It’s not lack of intelligence—it’s the unseen mental shortcuts, like anchoring bias, that subtly shape their decisions. This deceptive cognitive trap influences everything from negotiations and pricing to hiring decisions, shaping your choices without you even realizing it. So, today we are exploring how the anchoring bias manipulates your perception, sometimes to genius effect, sometimes to disastrous consequences. I’ll share three powerful strategies to break free from the anchoring effect and reveal the shocking valuation...2025-03-1309 minThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Mammoth in the RoomSTOP Letting Your Brain Fool You! The Truth About Decision-Making BiasesAs leaders, we like to think we’re in control, but millennia of evolution have wired us to react on instinct, often leading us straight into decision-making traps. In this episode, we expose the hidden biases that can derail even the smartest leaders and share three powerful strategies to outthink your own brain.From the anchoring trap that skews salary negotiations to the status quo bias that made Blockbuster ignore Netflix, we break down how these cognitive biases play out in real business scenarios. Don’t let your instincts run your business unfiltered. Tune in now a...2025-03-0610 minThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Mammoth in the RoomEvolutionary Truths That Make You An Outstanding Leader (Most Leaders Ignore These!)What if the key to becoming a better leader wasn’t found in boardrooms or business schools—but in the survival instincts of our ancestors? In this episode, we explore The Mammoth in the Room by Nicolas Pokorny, a groundbreaking look at how evolutionary psychology shapes modern leadership. We break down the fundamental drivers of human behavior—self-interest and collaboration—and how they shape company culture. Pokorny’s leadership-followership matrix will help you assess your influence, while his four-level transformation framework offers a roadmap for sustainable growth. We also discuss why personal leadership—your health, mindset, and ability to ma...2025-02-2824 minThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Mammoth in the RoomHow a 'Failed' President Became One of the Most Admired Leaders in HistorySome leaders leave office and fade into history—others redefine what leadership means long after their tenure ends. In today’s episode, we explore the legacy of Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, a leader who proved that true influence isn’t confined to a title. From his bold honesty during his presidency to his post-office humanitarian work that nearly eradicated Guinea worm disease, Carter demonstrated that true leadership is measured by the lives we touch, not just the positions we hold. The question is: What will your legacy be when your current role ends?2025-02-2010 minThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Mammoth in the RoomDoes Your Team Secretly Call You ‘Micromanager-in-Chief’? Here’s How to Fix ItMost leaders obsess over their own abilities, but the real magic happens when you unlock what your team can do. Here's the truth. The best leaders don't create clones; they cultivate champions by recognizing and amplifying individual strengths. So today, we’re exploring why every team member is already a champion—and how you can help them prove it.We’ll break down the evolutionary psychology behind why appreciation fuels performance, how great leaders like Oprah Winfrey and Satya Nadella built high-impact cultures, and the step-by-step framework you need to create a thriving, strengths-based team. Tune in...2025-02-1307 minThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Mammoth in the RoomNever Ask Your Team to Collect Wood— Inspire Them to Do This InsteadImagine leading a team that’s fully engaged, motivated, and driven by a shared purpose. The secret? It’s not about assigning tasks or managing checklists—it’s about igniting a deep desire for the mission. Today, we explore why the most effective leaders don’t just tell people what to do; they inspire them with a vision that fuels action. Drawing from historical moments, neuroscience, and business insights, we uncover how great leaders—from Eisenhower to NASA’s janitor—created cultures of commitment, not compliance. We’ll explore why humans are hardwired to seek purpose, how dopamine fuels moti...2025-02-0610 minThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Mammoth in the RoomWhat Today’s Business Leaders Can Learn from Ancient Rome’s Greatest Leaders (Countdown to the GOAT)Today we explore the powerful legacies of Ancient Rome’s most influential leaders. From resilience under pressure to bold decision-making, the strategies these leaders used are as relevant now as they were centuries ago.Their stories offer powerful insights into how vision, adaptability, and even humility can drive sustainable success in business. But they also highlight the dangers of unchecked ambition and the importance of ethical decision-making.We’ll also explore the risks of nepotism, the ethics of power, and why aligning leadership with values is more important than ever. These ancient less...2025-01-3012 minThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Mammoth in the RoomWhat Today’s Leaders Can Learn From Ancient China’s Greatest Leaders (The Countdown to the GOAT)In today’s episode, I take you on a journey into the dynastic era of ancient China, uncovering the leadership strategies of its most remarkable figures. From adaptability to moral integrity, we explore how these timeless principles still resonate in modern organizations. Trust me, the lessons, including what NOT to do, are as relevant now as they were thousands of years ago.I rank the top five leaders of ancient China, delving into their achievements, failures, and the transformative power of their strategies.The episode isn’t just about history; it’s a roadmap for naviga...2025-01-2314 minThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Mammoth in the RoomChallenge and Be Challenged: Lessons from Microsoft’s Satya Nadella, Netflix, & WeWorkAre you brave enough to let your team challenge you? What if the greatest threat to your team’s success isn’t the market, competition, or economy—but you? Today, we’ll uncover why the most transformative leaders don’t just embrace challenges—they actively invite them, even when it means questioning their own ideas.Through compelling stories of leaders like Satya Nadella of Microsoft and cautionary tales like Adam Neumann of WeWork, we’ll explore why fostering a culture of open dialogue is the ultimate key to innovation and growth. We’ll discuss how radical transpare...2025-01-1611 minThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Mammoth in the RoomHow to Foster Growth and Create High-Performing TeamsWhat if the key to unlocking your team’s full potential isn’t driving results but investing in their growth? Today, I dive deep into what it truly means to be a leader who inspires individual and team growth from day one. Together, we’ll explore how investing in individual development creates a ripple effect of motivation, engagement, and innovation. You’ll learn why prioritizing regular feedback, offering tailored learning opportunities, and celebrating milestones are game-changers for any organization. Plus, I’ll reveal the common pitfalls leaders must...2025-01-0913 minThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Mammoth in the RoomKnow Your People: The Secret to Leadership SuccessDo you really “know” your team? Effective leadership isn’t about issuing directives or setting goals—it’s about understanding the unique individuals who make up your team. In this episode, I reveal why knowing your people on a deeper level is the key to unlocking loyalty, creativity, and high performance.Drawing from real-world examples, I share how tailoring your approach to each team member’s strengths and motivations can transform your leadership style. From crafting personalized feedback to leveraging individual talents for the greater good, these insights will help you create a company culture where every person feels...2025-01-0213 minThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Mammoth in the RoomWalking Your Talk: How Authentic Leadership Builds Trust and RespectWhat does it truly mean to "walk your talk" as a leader? Today, I’m exploring one of the most foundational principles of authentic leadership: aligning your actions with the values you preach. You’ll understand why consistency and authenticity are non-negotiable when building high-performing teams.Drawing from neuroscientific and evolutionary insights, I’m sharing practical strategies to embody effective leadership in your everyday actions. From work-life balance to timely communication, I reveal how small, consistent behaviors create a culture of trust and respect. You’ll learn how common pitfalls—like hypocrisy and inauthenticity—can quickly under...2024-12-2612 minThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Mammoth in the Room6 Practical Steps to Manage Fear, Stress, and Anxiety at WorkDid you know that nearly 31% of U.S. adults will experience an anxiety disorder in their lifetime? That’s a significant portion of any workforce. Hence, as leaders, we must understand how fear and anxiety shape our teams and directly impact innovation, productivity, and trust.In this episode, I explain the key differences between stress, fear, and anxiety—terms we often use interchangeably but that have very distinct roles. You’ll learn about the real-world consequences of unmanaged fear in the workplace. I’ll also share insights from the Great Resignation, where chronic stress pushed quit rates to a 20...2024-12-1921 minThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Mammoth in the RoomHow To Manage Fear And Anxiety In The Corporate ContextFear is a powerful force that drives both individual and social behavior. Good leaders understand and manage fear effectively to foster optimal team performance. Today, we explore the science of fear and anxiety, exploring their evolutionary roots and the role they play in modern organizations. We’ll discuss the neurobiology of fear, highlighting the dual pathways in the brain that govern our responses to both immediate and distant threats. You’ll understand how uncertainty amplifies fear and how chronic anxiety, prevalent in today’s competitive environments, impacts mental health and decision-making.Li...2024-12-1219 minThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Leadership Mistakes that Demotivate EmployeesMany companies struggle with employee motivation and job satisfaction despite their best efforts. Drawing on Frederic Herzberg's Motivation Hygiene Theory, we explore the critical difference between hygiene factors, like salary and working conditions, which prevent dissatisfaction, and true motivators, such as autonomy and recognition, which drive engagement and performance.We’ll talk about how management often burdens employees with fixing systemic issues like bureaucracy, which only worsens the problem instead of addressing its root cause. We’ll also discuss why focusing on hygiene factors leads to frustrated employees and missed opportunities for meaningful change.2024-12-0513 minThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Biggest Myth in Leadership: Can You Really Motivate Others?Grab your copy of Nicolas' book, The Mammoth in the Room, here: https://mammothleadershipsciences.com/book/We continue our discussion on motivation and tackle one of the most persistent myths in leadership: the idea that leaders can directly motivate others. We’ll explore the science and psychology of motivation to understand why leaders can’t truly motivate others but instead must focus on creating environments where people motivate themselves.We’ll explore the difference between intrinsic motivation—doing something because it’s personally fulfilling—and extrinsic motivation, which relies on rewards like bonuses or recognition. I’ll explain...2024-11-2817 minThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Mammoth in the RoomPractical Tips Every Leader Needs to Build Lasting Team MotivationGrab your copy of Nicolas' book, The Mammoth in the Room, here: https://mammothleadershipsciences.com/book/Motivation strategies are essential for any leader looking to build a productive, engaged team—without depending on bonuses or promotions. In today’s episode, we will explore intrinsic motivation and how you, as a leader, can foster it within your team. Drawing on research by Ayelet Fishbach and Kaitlin Woolley, we will discuss why intrinsic motivation—doing work for the sheer joy it brings rather than for external rewards—has the power to transform team dynamics. We will also explore th...2024-11-2112 minThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Mammoth in the Room7 Tips to Adhere to Build a Team That’s Truly YoursGrab your copy of Nicolas' book, The Mammoth in the Room here: https://mammothleadershipsciences.com/book/Stepping into a new leadership role often means leading an inherited team, which brings its own unique set of challenges. Acceptance and respect isn’t instant. You need to foster trust, develop relationships, and understand your team’s development needs. Today’s episode will guide you on this journey.We’ll cover seven essential steps to building a team that feels like your own. You’ll learn how to build on the ini...2024-11-1413 minThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Mammoth in the RoomHow to Manage Your Energy in a New Leadership Role to Avoid BurnoutNicolas' book, The Mammoth in the Room, is available now! Grab your copy here: https://mammothleadershipsciences.com/book/Corporate leadership involves endless meetings, presentations, customer interactions, and travel, which require energy. Hence, you must prioritize managing your physical, mental, and emotional energy rather than just focusing on time management to avoid burnout.Today, we’ll explore research-backed strategies for maintaining peak performance through physical fitness, balanced nutrition, hydration, and emotional resilience. We’ll highlight studies linking regular exercise with improved cognitive function, decision-making, and deali...2024-11-0716 minThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Mammoth in the RoomOffice Politics Are Rigged Against You—Here’s How to WinWhy do people hold such strong political beliefs? How can we effectively manage political tensions in the workplace? Today, drawing from evolutionary biology and psychology, we will discuss why political beliefs are so deeply ingrained, how they impact team dynamics, and what leaders can do to navigate them effectively.You’ll understand how political behavior has evolved as a survival tool rooted in group cohesion and intergroup competition. Our ancestors developed specific psychological mechanisms for forming groups, responding to leaders, and handling conflicts – traits that continue to influence our modern political behavior.2024-10-3120 minThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Psychology Behind Corporate Greed: Lessons from Bernie Madoff’s Ponzi SchemeIn today’s episode, we continue with last week’s conversation and study one of the most infamous cases of corporate greed—Bernie Madoff’s Ponzi scheme. Madoff defrauded investors of billions of dollars, leaving thousands in financial ruin. We’ll explore the psychological and evolutionary factors that allow leaders like Madoff to manipulate entire systems for personal gain. Through the lens of evolutionary psychology, you’ll learn about how cognitive biases affect leadership selection.You’ll also discover how adaptations for dominance lead to unethical leadership and...2024-10-2425 minThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Mammoth in the RoomCorporate Greed and the Surprising Post-Pandemic CEO-to-Employee Pay RatioThe CEO pay ratio increased by 26% in 2023, with executives earning 251 times the average employee salary. Additionally, female CEO compensation dropped by 26%, while male CEOs saw a 17% pay rise. In this week’s episode, we break the rhythm and unpack these troubling trends.Drawing on statistics and insights from Harvard and Forbes, we’ll discuss the stark rise in CEO compensation post-pandemic while average employee salaries continue to decline. We’ll also discuss emerging concepts like "greedflation" and "shrinkflation" with examples from companies like Amazon, Walmart, and Procter & Gamble. The convers...2024-10-1713 minThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Mammoth in the RoomAssessing Company Culture: The Critical Step Leaders Must Not Miss To Ensure Long-Term SuccessToday’s episode is a continuation what we started in episode 8 , where we discussed how to assess a new company or department as a leader. We’ll discuss why understanding corporate culture is just as crucial as evaluating financial metrics—while the numbers tell you where the business is heading , the culture reveals why it’s heading in a certain direction. We’ll cover culture related key performance indicators (KPIs) like employee turnover, engagement scores, internal communication, and absenteeism to gauge the health of a company’s culture. You’ll learn how to...2024-10-1019 minThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Mammoth in the Room10 Metrics Every Leader Must Understand to Drive Business Success (Part 2)Are you struggling to understand why your business isn't hitting its growth targets despite investing heavily in customers and employees? This episode reveals the key business metrics you might be overlooking that could transform your decision-making and help you drive long-term profitability.We’ll cover customer-related and performance metrics that are critical to assessing the effectiveness of your business strategy. You’ll learn how to evaluate customer acquisition cost (CAC) and its balance with lifetime value (LTV), ensuring your customer base remains profitable over time. You’ll also discover how reducing churn and improving customer retention can be mor...2024-10-0322 minThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Mammoth in the Room4 Financial Metrics Every Leader Needs to Drive Business Success and GrowthMastering financial metrics can make you invincible as a leader if you use them correctly and to your advantage. You can make informed decisions, set realistic goals, and manage risks to achieve long-term success. You simply need to focus on the right metrics to drive results.If you're a new leader and unsure where to start with the numbers, this episode breaks down four crucial financial metrics to help you assess and improve your business performance. You'll discover how to use revenue growth to gauge your company's health and market share for competitive positioning.2024-09-2618 minThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Mammoth in the RoomFrom KPIs to Cultural Dynamics: The Essential Leadership Insights You Need for Your First 100 DaysStepping into a new leadership role can feel like navigating uncharted waters, especially when you're pressured to act quickly without fully grasping the business's complexities. You need insight and the right strategy to navigate the first 2-3 months effectively.Today, you'll discover why understanding key performance indicators (KPIs) like revenue growth, profit margins, and cash flow is crucial for making informed decisions. We'll also discuss the importance of looking beyond the numbers to uncover underlying factors that affect your business. Understanding your organization's c...2024-09-1917 minThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Mammoth in the RoomWhy Great Leaders Must Also Be Great Followers: The Critical Balance for Long-term SuccessAs a leader, how often do you consciously step back and follow, recognizing the value of allowing others to lead in areas outside your expertise? Do you understand how balancing leadership with followership can impact your team’s success and cohesion?In this week’s episode, we explore the evolution of leadership and the often-overlooked importance of followership. Drawing on insights from early human societies to modern corporate environments, we’ll explore how leadership behaviors have developed as solutions to critical coordination problems. We’ll discuss the concept of task-specific leadership, where individua...2024-09-1218 minThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Mammoth in the RoomStarting Strong: Leadership Tips for Your First One-on-One InteractionIncreasing trust and credibility with a team as a new leader is essential. However, it's equally important for each team member to recognize your leadership qualities. Today, we’ll explore one of the most critical moments for any new leader—the first individual meeting with a team member.The initial one-on-one interaction sets the tone for your leadership journey and determines how your team will perceive you moving forward. You’ll learn how to make a powerful first impression beyond just showing up early, creating an environment of trust and openness.You'll also discov...2024-09-0514 minThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Mammoth in the RoomFrom First Impressions to Lasting Impact: Top 3 Strategies for New LeadersThe first few weeks in a new leadership role are crucial as they set the tone for your tenure and shape how your team perceives you. In today’s episode, I’ll share three critical strategies you must master during this pivotal period. From the moment you step into your new role, your reputation begins to form, whether you realize it or not. Today, you’ll learn how to build a positive image by being approachable and showing genuine interest in those you meet. We’ll also discu...2024-08-2912 minThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Mammoth in the RoomHow Your First Meeting with a New Team Can Make or Break Your LeadershipHave you ever considered how much weight your first impression as a leader carries when meeting your team for the first time? That initial interaction could set the tone for your entire leadership journey with them. So what happens if you get it wrong?Today, you’ll learn how to choose the content and format of the first meeting, essential soft skills for effective communication, and practical tips for creating a positive, inclusive, and collaborative environment, such as being on time and focusing on team achievements rather than personal accolades....2024-08-2213 minThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Mammoth in the RoomLeveraging Game Theory for Effective LeadershipAre you aware of the game theory models in your organization? Team members constantly evaluate each other’s reputations and perceptions of fairness. Consequently, understanding and managing group behavior dynamics is critical for effective leadership.In this episode, we will explore the application of game theory models in corporate leadership. Using the ultimatum, dictator, and sanction game models, we’ll discuss how self-interest and group dynamics interplay in corporate settings. Through real-life examples and theoretical models, you’ll learn how to balance fairness, cooperation, and power to build stronger teams...2024-08-1524 minThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Mammoth in the RoomWhat Do The BEST Leaders Know And You Don’t? Here Is The Key And How To Use It!A positive business culture is the most important differentiating factor for success or failure. Such a culture drives higher shareholder returns and makes the company resilient during change. How can business leaders build a winning corporate culture?Today’s episode answers this question, emphasizing the significance of aligning individual goals with the company’s objectives. This approach contrasts with the common strategy of prioritizing company goals over personal aspirations.We’ll use the evolutionary theory of human behavior to understand how genetics and environmental factors shape how people behave in a b...2024-08-1525 minThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Mammoth in the Room: The Real Reason Why Businesses Succeed or FailMcKinsey & Company Research in 2018 revealed that companies in the top quartile for culture achieve a 60% higher return to shareholders than median companies and 200% higher than those in the bottom quartile. Further, organizations with unhealthy cultures face a 50% higher chance of failure during times of transformation.In this inaugural episode, we’ll unbundle these statistics and explore the pivotal yet complex factor behind business success or failure: human behavior. We will use parallels between ancient mammoth hunting and modern business collaboration to understand human behavior in a corporate setting.You’ll a...2024-08-1519 minThe Mammoth in the RoomThe Mammoth in the RoomWelcome to The Mammoth in the RoomCan leaders learn how to harness the evolutionary foundations of human behavior to create better business outcomes? How much do evolutionary forces shape our own individual behaviors, decisions, and group dynamics? In each episode, multinational executive leader and author Nicolas Pokorny shares practical, research-based strategies, and stories about how to align humans around common goals and lead them effectively through ever-changing markets and times. The Mammoth in the Room is an engaging listen of interest to leaders who wish to better lead their people by understanding the evolutionary foundations of human behavior and how t...2024-08-0503 minProgressive SoundsProgressive SoundsProgressive Sounds 34 - Part 1Hi all/Hola todxs. EN: New month and new episode as always with the latest, promos and new songs that are making a mess at the clubs and on streaming platforms. Apart from that a tiop tier guest, from Cordoba Argentina, Nicolas Irazoqui, But first, my set of an hour starting with organic and as always ending with good progressive. Covering the edges of the music that I like so much. I hope you like it as much as I like my recording. Much love to all who constantly support, this music is for you. As always all tracks are...2022-10-021h 01