The Mammoth in the Room
Can 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 to harness them.
72: 3 Research-Backed Ways to Design Power That Drives Performance
George Washington shocked the world by surrendering power after winning the Revolutionary War. That single decision didn’t just define a leader; it helped shape the foundations of modern democracy. It remains a powerful example of how intentional power design, not personal ambition, builds trust and resilience in organizations.
71: Why the Fear of Losing Power Makes Leaders Selfish (And How to Prevent It)
When leaders feel their authority slipping, something ancient is triggered. Fear triggers an instinct not just to survive, but to protect status at all costs. In this episode, we uncover the evolutionary psychology behind power loss and explore how fear can quietly corrupt even the most principled leadership.
70: The Hidden Saboteur: Why Your Team Is Falling Apart and How to Fix It
A silent saboteur can quietly dismantle team cohesion, sabotage leadership, and derail productivity without anyone realizing until it’s too late. In this episode, we explore the subtle yet destructive behavior of organizational sabotage, where colleagues, bosses, or subordinates undermine others and erode trust from within.
69: How Hard vs. Soft Power Affects Leadership Motivation and Success
Leadership is often about influence, but how you wield power matters. In today’s episode, we explore the evolutionary psychology of leadership and the profound difference between hard and soft power, exploring how leaders can leverage their power to not only get results but also foster long-term motivation in their teams.
68: How to Stop Free Riders in Your Team (Without Confrontation or Conflict)
Ever had a teammate show up just in time to take credit but rarely pitch in during the grind? In this episode, we confront a subtle yet corrosive leadership challenge: the piggyback rider. These are the team members who contribute little but expertly manage up, claiming wins and dodging accountability, all while morale takes a hit.
67: Hard vs Soft Power: Are You Using the Right Power in Leadership?
Power is a multifaceted tool in leadership, not a single monolithic force. Join me as we kick off a brand new miniseries that will dissect the nuances of power, from its evolutionary origins to its modern-day application in leadership.