Today we’re talking to Michael Platt, a Penn Integrates Knowledge professor with appointments in the Department of Neuroscience, the Department of Psychology, and the Department of Marketing in the University of Pennsylvania. Michael works at the intersection of economics, psychology, and neuroscience, and he is a former president of The Society for Neuroeconomics. Michael’s work has been featured in the New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, The Guardian, and National Geographic and his new book is called The Leader’s Brain.
In this week’s episode, we explore how understanding more about how our brain’s work can help us to thrive at work.
Connect with Michael Platt:

You’ll Learn:
- [01:47] – Michael shares why neuroscience is of relevance to leaders & workplaces
- [03:33] – Michael shares why our brains crave a sense of certainty
- [04:45] – Michael shows how leaders can create cohesive & effective teams
- [08:26] – Michael shares how we can keep the social networks in our brain firing even when working remotely
- [10:45] – Michael shares how our brain’s processing capacity impacts our reality
- [14:34] – Michael shares what leaders can do to communicate effectively given the brain’s processing limitations
- [20:41] – Michael shares ways that leaders can approach accountability, to help us have more productive outcomes
- [22:18] – Michael shares how a leaders style of leadership can trigger a response in the brain
- [23:40] – Michael enters the lightning round.
Thanks for listening!
Thanks so much for joining me again this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of this post.
Please leave an honest review for the Making Positive Psychology Work Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. They do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them. And don’t forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates. It’s free!
You can also listen to all the episodes of Making Positive Psychology Work streamed directly to your smartphone or iPad through stitcher. No need for downloading or syncing.
Until next time, take care! Thank you, Michael!


Free Leaders Survey Tool
Take our free five minute survey to minimize psychosocial risks and build on psychological safety
Learn More
Wellbeing Survey For Youth
Our free PERMAH Wellbeing Survey Tool For Youth is now available.
Learn More
Wellbeing Survey For Kids
Our FREE PERMAH Survey tool for Kids under 12 is now available.
Learn More
PODCAST
Listen to the world’s leading positive psychology researchers and practitioners as they share their insights on our top-rated podcast.
Listen Now
WELLBEING PROGRAM
Do you want to help boost people’s wellbeing, resilience & performance? Then join us for the next round of Certificate In Creating Wellbeing.
Learn MoreRelated Podcasts:
- Making Positive Psychology Work - Afterparty
Podcast with Chelle, Paige and Michelle
- Can You Unlock The Leader Within?
Podcast with Halla Tómasdóttir
- Could You Be A Positively Energizing Leader?
Podcast with Kim Cameron