Join Erik and Zarak for a new episode with guest Dr. Julian Jamison, member of the Mind/Behavior/Development (eMBeD) Team at the World Bank. Julian’s focus is on behavioral applications in international policy development in economics, health, and finance. His background includes a Ph.D. in Economics from M.I.T. and experience working with the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, as well as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in Washington, D.C.
In 2015 the World Bank came out with a World Development Report titled “Mind, Society, Behavior.” Since then, there’s been an overt focus on using behavioral science in order to improve the way the World Bank attempts to fulfill its mission around the world. Julian discusses how the World Bank utilizes behavioral economics to tackle global issues such as poverty, early childhood development, household finance, health, and climate change. Follow the eMBeD Team’s current projects and publications on their website: http://www.worldbank.org/en/programs/embed.
Julian also shares the behavioral similarities that are essentially universal to all human beings, and others that differ from culture to culture. He also discusses the history of field experiments and how his team utilizes them in their work.
Dr. Rory Gallagher is a member of the Behavioural Insights Team and co-author of “Think Small: The Surprisingly Simple Ways to Reach Big Goals." His interview focuses on the application of behavioral concepts to government, to create better public policies and services that benefit citizens in myriad ways, and personal development. His new book co-authored with Owain Service, “Think Small: The Surprisingly Simple Ways to Reach Big Goals,” details how behavioral science can help people achieve their goals.
Mariel Beasley, Senior Applied Researcher at the Center for Advanced Hindsight and Co-Director of the Common Cents Lab, covers various behavioral science topics, such as the pros and cons of mental accounting and simple ways local governments can get citizens to recycle more. Her research and application experience, coupled with studies she’s run with Dan Ariely, make for a wide-ranging and fascinating conversation with the Action Design Radio hosts.
Behavioral Scientist Matt Wallaert joins Erik and Zarak to chat about how and why organizations should create a Chief Behavioral Officer position. Matt shares insights and examples from his 15+ years of behavioral science experience to explore how academic concepts can be practically and efficiently applied to businesses. Ethical considerations are discussed, always keeping the public good in mind. Low operational costs and high efficacy make the creation of a CBO position a savvy idea for businesses.
Your hosts Erik Johnson and Zarak Khan introduce themselves and give listeners a brief insight into what Action Design stands for and what to expect from the podcast.