In keeping with our themes of mattering, meaning, and connection this June, we wanted to reshare a conversation with had with author Emily Falk. In this conversation, we decode what goes on behind the scenes with our decisions - everything from what to eat for breakfast to how to respond to trolls on social media - and how emotional, rational, and social information is integrated by the brain to guide our choices. Emily's book is now available on paperback wherever you get your favorite reads.

©20256 Behavioral Grooves

[0:00] Intro and Speed Round with Emily Falk

[8:29] Understanding Value Calculations

[12:58] Research Methods and fMRI

[18:01] Self-Relevance and Social Relevance Systems

[28:41] Defensiveness and Social Norms

[40:49] The Importance of Being "In Sync"

[58:17] The Role or Music in Self/Social Relevance

[1:07:45] Grooving Session: Communication, Social Norms, and Behavioral Science at Work

©2025 Behavioral Grooves

About Emily

What We Value by Emily Falk

Why do smart organizations become slow, bureaucratic, and resistant to change? Phil Le-Brun and Jana Werner, authors of The Octopus Organization, explore why so many companies fall into the trap of becoming “Tin Man Organizations” and what leaders can do instead. We discuss distributed decision-making, psychological safety, incentives, organizational learning, and why adaptability, not control, is often the key to long-term success.

[0:00] Introduction and Speed Round with Jana Werner and Phil Le-Brun

[9:25] What “Bulls!t Bingo” Reveals About Corporate Language

[17:18] Psychology as a Leadership Tool

[25:14] Explaining Octopus Organization

[32:10] Challenges of Tin Man Organizations

[39:13] The Role of Psychology for Transformation

[45:56] Complex vs Complicated Systems

[50:50] Building an “Octopus Soundtrack”

[54:13] Grooving Session: Incentives, Rewards, and Recreating Systems

©2026 Behavioral Grooves

The Octopus Organization by Phil Le-Brun and Jana Werner

About Jana

About Phil

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Octopus Garden - The Beatles

Changes - David Bowie

In our June throwback episode (and in honor of Immigrant Heritage Month), we're revisiting our conversation with Marin Gonzalez about leadership, self-doubt, and the challenges of building a successful team. Martin shared with us his experience as both an immigrant and an entrepreneur, offering a candid look at how he overcame imposter syndrome, navigated uncertainty, and ultimately helped create organizational cultures where people could thrive. We loved the vulnerability, insights, and practical lessons Martin brought to our conversation, and we hope it inspires you to solve problems and find greater fulfillment in your professional life.

[5:58] Introduction and Speed Round

[10:16] What is a bonfire moment?

[14:02] Why soft skills are more important than soft skills

[17:54] Leadership styles and their impact on success

[22:37] Common start-up traps

[32:10] Startup myths, leadership, and best practices

[41:11] Overcoming blind spots and insecurities in leadership

[46:43] Imposter Syndrome and gender stereotypes

[55:04] Productivity, creativity, and music preferences

[1:01:14] Grooving Session: Leadership, emotional intelligence, and scaling business

©2026 Behavioral Grooves

“The Bonfire Moment - Bring Your Team Together to Solve the Hardest Problems Startups Face” by Joshua Yellin and Martin Gonzales

About Martin