The Business Of Thinking
The Business of Thinking is a podcast for ambitious leaders seeking evidence-based psychological strategies for peak performance, decision-making, and resilience. Hosted by organisational psychologist and leadership coach Richard Reid, it features deep-dives and conversations with global experts. Each episode covers cognitive biases, psychological safety, and resilience without burnout. The podcast aims to help founders, CEOs, and senior executives master the inner game of leadership.
Episodes
Why Your Hardest Moments Are Your Greatest Gifts ft. Mark DeBellis
Adversity is something most of us try to avoid — yet it may be the most powerful force shaping who we become. In this thoughtful episode, Richard is joined by Mark DeBellis, founder of the Gifts of Adversity Project, who spent years collecting stories of people who have turned their hardest moments into their greatest strengths. Drawing on his own experience of homelessness and family breakdown in
You Have To Be Selfish To Be Selfless ft. Espree Devora
What if the biggest thing standing between you and your potential is your own belief system and you've never been taught how to change it? In this rich and wide-ranging episode, Richard is joined by Espree Devora, founder of the Women in Tech and We Are LA Tech podcasts, entrepreneur, and fierce champion of human potential. Espree shares the daily practices that have transformed how she opera
Why Being Busy Is Killing Your Business Growth ft. Christopher Adams
Are you busy all day but not actually moving forward? In this episode, Richard is joined by Chris Adams, strategic growth advisor and founder of CJA Consulting, who works with professional services firms and business owners across the world to cut through overwhelm and build clear, focused growth strategies. Chris breaks down why the biggest block to business growth isn't technical skill — it
Why 70% Of Disabled Talent Is Being Left Out ft. Joyce Bender
What if the thing that nearly killed you became the catalyst for changing thousands of lives? In this powerful episode, Richard is joined by Joyce Bender, founder of Bender Consulting Services and the Bender Leadership Academy, whose personal experience of epilepsy and a near-fatal seizure led her to transform how corporate America employs people with disabilities. Joyce pulls no punches: hiring p
Shot, Captured And Sentenced To Death: A Story Of Survival ft. Aubrey Brooks
What happens when an ordinary man finds himself on death row? In this gripping episode, Richard is joined by Aubrey Brooks, author of Death Row in Paradise, whose extraordinary life story spans mercenary combat, a failed coup d'état in the Seychelles, 18 months on death row, and nine months in solitary confinement — all underpinned by an unshakeable belief in himself and in something greater.
Less Is Your Competitive Advantage - Simplicity, Burnout, and Why Doing Less Gets More Done
What if the secret to doing more was actually doing less? In this episode, Richard Reid sits down with author, coach, and keynote speaker Chris Lovett to explore why busyness has become one of the biggest threats to performance and how simplification might be the sharpest competitive advantage most leaders are ignoring. It all started with a CD case, a Fawlty Towers moment, and a one-way ticket to
Why Getting Everything You Want Still Feels Empty — with Jamie Smart
What if the clarity, confidence, and peace of mind you've been searching for were already inside you? In this episode, Richard Reid sits down with bestselling author, coach, and keynote speaker Jamie Smart to explore why so many high-performers feel stuck - and the surprisingly simple shift that changes everything. As Jamie puts it, clarity is your mind's natural state. The problem isn&a
From Navy SEALs to Reality TV: The Science of Peak Performance with Dr. Steven Stein
What does it really take to perform at your best under pressure? In this episode, Richard Reid sits down with Dr. Steven Stein - clinical psychologist, author, and globally recognised expert in emotional intelligence - to explore how EQ shapes leadership, decision-making, and resilience. Steven shares insights drawn from 40+ years of research and work with elite groups including Navy SEALs, the FB
The Psychology Of Breaking Barriers In Law With Caroline Flanagan
What does it mean to go from feeling like the only one to becoming the first? Richard is joined by Caroline Flanagan - The Coach for Black Lawyers - for a powerful conversation about identity, imposter syndrome, resilience, and the mindset shift that changes everything.From studying on a makeshift desk of car tyres while facing eviction, to holding a Cambridge offer, Caroline's story is one o
Nearly Dying Was the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me - Sherilyn Shackell
What happens when external success starts fracturing your soul? Sherilyn Shackell, founder of the Marketing Academy, didn't walk away from a lucrative headhunting career — she was forced out of it by burnout and a serious illness that made her rethink everything. What came next was one of the most extraordinary not-for-profit leadership organisations in the world, built entirely on generosity
When Cults Go Corporate: Coercive Control Explained (Chris Shelton, ex-Scientologist)
In this compelling episode, Richard is joined by Chris Shelton, former Scientology member of 25 years, cult recovery consultant, and expert in coercive control. Chris shares his extraordinary personal journey from being raised inside Scientology to working for the Church for decades, enduring physical and psychological abuse, and ultimately escaping in 2012.Chris breaks down the mechanics of manip
Why Rigid Organizations Fail and Neuro-Inclusive Ones Win with Robert Annis
In this episode of The Business Of Thinking, host Richard Reid sits down with Robert Annis, a business psychologist and founder of Neuro. They explore the transformative power of neurodiversity in the workplace, moving beyond "problem-solving" to embracing diversity of thought as a competitive advantage. Robert shares his personal journey of being diagnosed with autism and ADHD later in
Shot Two Weeks Before His First Race - A Story of Resilience
What happens when life keeps knocking you flat? Aaron Burros went from nearly 400 lbs to losing 178 lbs through running - then was shot two weeks before his debut ultra, followed by seven years of PTSD and a corporate cover-up. His message: treat the source, not just the symptoms.Key TakeawaysRunning is therapeutic, not therapy. You are the CEO of your health. Small steps compound. Serving others
Intentional Leadership: How To Unlock Your Team
What does it really take to build a leadership brand that people trust - even when you're not in the room? In this episode, Richard Reid sits down with Skot Waldron, keynote speaker, executive coach, and author of "Unlocked: A 52-Week Guide for the Intentional Leader". Skot shares how his journey from graphic design and global branding led him to uncover a powerful truth: your leade
The Future of Cognitive Performance in Business with Dr. Jon Finn
In this episode of The Business of Thinking, Richard Reid sits down with Dr. Jon Finn, founder of Tougher Minds and author of "The Habit Mechanic," to explore the neurobiology of high performance in an era of rapid technological change. Dr. Finn reveals the startling truth that we operate at only 2% consciousness, with 98% of our thoughts and actions driven by subconscious habits. "
Neuroscience Secrets for Modern Leadership and Productivity with Dean Burnett
In this episode of The Business of Thinking, Richard Reid sits down with neuroscientist and best-selling author Dr. Dean Burnett to pull back the curtain on the “Idiot Brain.” They dive into common misconceptions that plague the corporate world, from the debunked 10% brain usage myth to how our brains handle maturity, stress, and performance.As Dean notes, “The brain is an incredibly resource-hung
Dopamine, Serotonin, and the Psychology of Performance with Loretta Breuning
In this episode of The Business of Thinking, Richard Reid sits down with Loretta Breuning, founder of the Inner Mammal Institute, to explore the primal neurochemistry driving human behavior. Loretta reveals how "happy chemicals" like dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin were designed for animal survival and how these ancient pathways still dictate our professional lives and personal success
The Life Switch: How to Master Your Mindset with Joel Steele
In this episode of The Business of Thinking, Richard Reid sits down with entrepreneur and author Joel Steele to discuss the psychology of resilience. Joel shares his raw journey from facing borderline bankruptcy and life-threatening situations to building a thriving financial services business. He introduces the concept of the "Life Switch" - the internal choice to stop coasting and star
The Psychology of Medical Trauma and Recovery with Vanessa Abraham
In this episode of The Business Of Thinking, host Richard Reid is joined by Vanessa Abraham, a dedicated speech-language pathologist whose career and life took a dramatic turn in 2019. Vanessa shares her harrowing journey from being a medical provider to becoming a patient paralyzed by a sudden neurological disorder that left her unable to speak or eat. She provides a raw look into the psychologic
The Psychology of AI: Religion, Hallucinations, and Critical Thinking with Beth Singler
In this episode of The Business of Thinking, Richard Reid is joined by Beth Singler, anthropologist and leading expert on digital religion and artificial intelligence. Together, they explore how AI is reshaping belief systems, decision-making, and critical thinking — not just in religious contexts, but across business, education, and society at large.From AI being treated as god-like by some users
The Psychology of a World Without Work with Calum Chase
In this thought-provoking episode of The Business of Thinking, Richard Reid is joined by AI expert, author, and futurist Calum Chace for a wide-ranging conversation on artificial intelligence, superintelligence, and what the future may hold for humanity.Calum breaks down where AI is today, where it’s heading next, and why we may be sleepwalking into one of the biggest transitions our species has e
Decision Making and Consequences at 20,000 Feet with Nigel Vardy
In this powerful episode of The Business of Thinking, Richard Reid is joined by mountaineer, engineer, and keynote speaker Nigel Vardy, often known as Mr Frostbite. Nigel shares the extraordinary story of surviving a near-fatal storm high on Denali in Alaska, an experience that resulted in severe frostbite, multiple amputations, and a complete redefinition of his life.This conversation goes far be
The Psychology of High-Stakes Negotiation with Nigel Taberner
In this episode of The Business of Thinking, former police hostage negotiator Nigel Taberner joins Richard Reid to reveal how the high-stakes world of crisis negotiation translates into powerful leadership and influence. Taberner shares his journey from a bus-building factory to counter-terrorism and saving over 130 lives, emphasizing that listening is a professional superpower. Discover why "
The Moral DNA of High-Performance Leadership with Roger Steare
In this episode of The Business of Thinking, Richard Reid sits down with corporate philosopher Roger Steare to dismantle the traditional corporate mindset. Steare explores why current economic models are "cancerous" and why heavy regulation often increases risk rather than safety. Drawing on his "moral DNA" research of over 170,000 individuals, he introduces a powerful decision
Unleash Your Self-Worth: Why Energy Is 80% Of Your Business Success with Hina Siddiqui
In this episode of The Business of Thinking podcast, host Richard Reid speaks with Hina Siddiqui, founder and CEO of Corporate Influence Media. Hina shares her journey from a chaotic childhood in India to becoming a published author and corporate coach, highlighting resilience, self-worth, and her “80% energy, 20% action” philosophy.She discusses leaving a stable corporate career, enduring five ye
The Hard Yards of High Performance: From Homelessness to Rally Champion with Penny Mallory
In this episode of The Business of Thinking podcast, host Richard Reid speaks with Penny Mallory, who shares her journey from a challenging childhood and homelessness to becoming a rally driver, boxer, and keynote speaker, highlighting the power of purpose in overcoming adversity and achieving high performance.Penny reflects on how hitting rock bottom became the catalyst for change, leading her to
Embracing Doubt: The New Rulebook for High-Performance Leadership with Dr. John Dentico
Welcome to The Business of Thinking, the podcast for high achievers seeking mastery over motivation, as Richard Reed is joined by author, leadership expert, and business coach, Dr. John Dentico. This episode delves into Dr. Dentico's background as a Naval Officer , and explores the pivotal role of trust in every organization and relationship. Dr. Dentico emphasizes that trust is not built thr
The Lost Art of Leadership and Sustaining High Performance with Jez Rose
Jez Rose joins Richard Reid on The Business of Thinking podcast to discuss his multifaceted career - from speaker and author to ceramic artist and the first certified carbon neutral honey farmer. Informed by personal experiences with loss, Jez explores the philosophy of "going all in" on life.He delves into the psychology of high performance, arguing that the focus must shift from achiev
Stop Telling People What to Do: The Data-Driven Psychology of Workplace Culture with Matt Phelan
This episode of The Business of Thinking features host Richard Reed in conversation with Matt Phelan, co-founder of The Happiness Index. They skip the surface level talk and go straight into the psychology of high performance , exploring Matt's unique background, the founding of his company, and the power of data in measuring and transforming workplace culture. Matt shares a powerful philosop
Too Resilient? Finding Balance and Beating Burnout, with Ali Cammelletti
In this episode, leadership coach and keynote speaker Ali Cammelletti shares her powerful personal backstory and philosophy on resilience. Ali discusses her upbringing, which led to high-achieving traits like perfectionism, hypervigilance, and a drive to earn self-worth through her career, ultimately taking a toll on her health. She shares candidly about managing life-altering stress - including a
How to Use Your Thinking Power to Lead and Stop Being Quiet, with Laura Camacho
In this conversation with leadership coach Laura Camacho, we explore the psychology of high-performance for introverted entrepreneurs and leaders. Laura, who specializes in communication for introverts, addresses the negative stigmas introverts face (e.g., being perceived as disinterested for not speaking up).Learn actionable strategies to manage your energy, increase visibility, and leverage your
The Business of Thinking: The Trailer
Forget the clichés and the fake gurus. Real success isn't just hard work - it's smart thinking.Welcome to The Business of Thinking, the podcast for high-achievers who want more than just motivation, they want mastery. Hosted by Richard Reid, we skip the basic motivational talk and dive deep into the real psychology of high performance.Each episode explores critical topics like:High-perfo
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