What makes us human? | Robin Dunbar

--:--
Being human in a digital context

Robin Dunbar (Emeritus Professor of Evolutionary Psychology | Magdalen College, Oxford University)

In this first episode, Tracey Camilleri talks to Prof Robin Dunbar of "Dunbar number" * fame. He is Emeritus Professor of Evolutionary Psychology at Magdalen College, Oxford University. Robin brings his years of research and discovery about what make us human and how these insights can help leaders make better "human-shaped" decisions. The conversations ranges across topics from the importance of triggering the endorphin system - through mechanisms such as laughter - and its positive effect on productivity, to more pragmatic advice on how leaders can better facilitate virtual meetings and maintain the "musical flow" of conversation to arrive at more satisfaction and connection for their teams.

* Dunbar's number (150) is a suggested cognitive limit to the number of people with whom one can maintain stable social relationships - relationships in which an individual knows who each person is and how each person relates to every other person.
30 Apr 2020 English South Africa Business · Management

Other recent episodes

AI Readiness: A Practice, Not a Project | Karen Silverman

"The Readiness is all..." Hamlet (Act V, Sc ii) This conversation is with Karen Silverman, founder and CEO of Cantellus Group, a global company focused on helping leaders to do the hard work of bringing AI into organisations effectively and responsibly. Karen warns against the wishful thinking that AI will…
23 Oct 18 min

The New Frontier for Great Organisations | Reima Shakeir

In this short podcast, Reima Shakeir reflects on the current state of belonging and inclusion in business and academia. Reima sees a shared sense of belonging as the hallmark of advanced societies and communities - and the key to employee retention and happiness. As she says, "People want to be…
5 Dec 2022 26 min

Toxic Charisma | Jon Stokes

The problem with charismatic leaders. What is charisma, how does it benefit leaders, and how can it be toxic? Why do people follow charismatic leaders, even when it might not be good for them? Why should leaders develop an inspirational leadership style rather than relying on charisma? Jon Stokes is…
12 May 2022 37 min

The Dynamics of Power | Robert Rowland Smith

In my conversation with philosopher Robert Rowland Smith, we explore the dimensions of power. If power is the ability to make things happen in accordance with our will, why do some people crave more power than others? What are the real drivers of power? What do the philosophers say about…
6 May 2022 27 min

AI, Ethics, Oceans, The Metaverse, and Talking with Whales | Bryce Goodman

How Humans can Surprise Themselves Guest: Bryce Goodman, Chief Strategist for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at the Department of Defense’s Innovation Unit. Bryce works at the intersection of developing technologies and emerging societal needs. In this wide-ranging conversation he considers the governance challenges for business leaders as they strive…
11 Mar 2022 27 min