Confidence vs. Competence

In the latest episode of Workforce, Dr. Grace Lordan takes us on an intriguing journey through the behavioural science of workplace success. The conversation opens with a bold statement: confidence often carries more weight than competence when it comes to career advancement, but is this fair? And more importantly, is it beneficial for individuals and organisations in the long run? Grace and her expert guests delve into the historical context of confidence as a signal for competence, discussing its evolutionary roots and its shaky relevance in today's complex professional landscape. They also shine a light on the power of rivalry as a motivator and how technology can help identify true competence, leveling the playing field for all job seekers.

Listen, learn, and let's transform the workplace together. Subscribe, rate, and review Work FORCE on your favourite podcast platform and join Dr. Grace Lordan in dismantling the "bullstuff" that holds us back. Visit www.gracelordan.com for more insights and to share your thoughts on future topics. Produced by Decimal Creatives, this is Work FORCE – where we work smarter, not harder, for a workplace that works for all.

Work FORCE is a podcast hosted by Dr Grace Lordan (www.gracelordan.com), author of Think Big, Take Small Steps and Build the Future You Want and professor at the London School of Economics. You can buy Think Big Here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Think-Big-Small-Steps-Future/dp/0241420164/kacey123-21

Work FORCE unravels the behavioural science behind things that happen in the workplace that impact your success and wellbeing, blending academic evidence with real life experiences.

Follow Grace on X or Instagram @profgracelordan; on LinkedIn drgracelordan

Joining the WorkFORCE discussion are:

Jonah Oliver

Jonah is one of the World’s leading performance psychologists having worked with some of the World's most elite athletes and executive leaders. With expertise in sports psychology and neuroscience, he offers a unique, effective approach to optimising performance. Over two decades, he's assisted PGA Major winners, Olympic gold medalists, executives, and surgeons, fostering success on grand stages. Trusted by multinational corporations, he currently aids global companies to facilitate peak performance in the finance, construction, and technology startups sectors. Known for simplifying complex theories, Jonah delivers engaging presentations and continues to publish and speak internationally.

For more information about Jonah’s work head to https://www.northframework.com/

Frida Polli

Frida Polli, PhD, MBA, is a Harvard and MIT-trained neuroscientist and entrepreneur. She's the CEO and co-founder of Pymetrics, a talent-matching platform using behavioural science and AI to improve workforce decisions. Pymetrics has global clients like BCG, Kraft Heinz, and McDonald’s, matching hundreds of thousands to ideal jobs while reducing bias. Frida is a leading voice on ethical AI and HR tech, featured on CNN, BBC, CNBC, and more. She speaks at events like WEF's Annual Meeting in Davos and has been published in scientific journals and popular press including HBR and FastCompany. Recognized in lists like Inc's Female Founders 100, Entrepreneur's 100 Powerful Women, and Fortune's Most Powerful Women NextGen, she's also won awards like the MIT 100K Entrepreneurship Competition and Harvard Business School Life Science Award.

Find out more about Pymetrics at

Dive into the world of workplace dynamics with Dr. Grace Lordan in this eye-opening episode of Work FORCE. Grace and her guests dissect the subtle yet pervasive culture of mediocrity and conformity in the corporate landscape. With insights from behavioural scientist Teresa Almeida and distinguished guests Dr. Margaret Heffernan, Manfred Kets de Vries and Petra Velzeboer, we unravel the psychological underpinnings that push employees toward average performance and the profound impact this has on innovation and organisational success. Tune in to discover strategies for breaking the mould and fostering a culture of excellence.

Listen, learn, and let's transform the workplace together. Subscribe, rate, and review Work FORCE on your favourite podcast platform and join Dr. Grace Lordan in dismantling the "bullstuff" that holds us back. Visit www.gracelordan.com for more insights and to share your thoughts on future topics. Produced by Decimal Creatives, this is Work FORCE – where we work smarter, not harder, for a workplace that works for all.

Work FORCE is a podcast hosted by Dr Grace Lordan (www.gracelordan.com), author of Think Big, Take Small Steps and Build the Future You Want and professor at the London School of Economics. You can buy Think Big Here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Think-Big-Small-Steps-Future/dp/0241420164/kacey123-21

Work FORCE unravels the behavioural science behind things that happen in the workplace that impact your success and wellbeing, blending academic evidence with real life experiences.

Follow Grace on X or Instagram @profgracelordan; on LinkedIn drgracelordan

Joining the Work FORCE discussion are:

Manfred Kets de Vries

Manfred is the co-founder of KDVI. Bringing to bear his knowledge and experience of economics, management, and psychoanalysis, he scrutinises the interface between international management, psychoanalysis, psychotherapy, and dynamic psychiatry. He is Professor of Leadership Development and Organisational Change at INSEAD and was the Founding Director of INSEAD’s Global Leadership Centre. The Financial Times, Le Capital, Wirtschaftswoche, and The Economist have judged Manfred as one of the world’s leading thinkers on leadership. Manfred is a global consultant in executive leadership development to leading US, European, African and Asian companies. As an educator and consultant, he has worked in more than forty countries. Manfred is the author, co-author or editor of more than 50 books and has published over 400 scientific papers. He is a regular writer for the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, Fortune, Business Week, The Economist, Financial Times and International Herald Tribune.

For more information head to www.kdvi.com

Dr. Margaret Heffernan

Dr. Margaret Heffernan spent 13 years creating BBC programs before venturing to the US, where she led multimedia endeavours for Intuit, The Learning Company, and Standard&Poors. She held executive roles at InfoMation Corporation, ZineZone Corporation, and iCast Corporation, earning recognition as one of Streaming Media magazine's "Top 25" and The Hollywood Reporter's "Top 100 Media Executives." With six authored books, her work, including "Willful Blindness," hailed by the Financial Times as a pivotal business text, has garnered acclaim. Her TED talks, reaching over fifteen...

In this episode of Work FORCE, host Dr. Grace Lordan explores the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on employment. With a diverse panel of experts, Dr. Lordan delves into the complexities of AI integration and its implications for the future of work. Grace navigates the complex intersection of technology and creativity, shedding light on the transformative potential and ethical considerations of AI adoption.

Listen, learn, and let's transform the workplace together. Subscribe, rate, and review Work FORCE on your favourite podcast platform and join Dr. Grace Lordan in dismantling the "bullstuff" that holds us back. Visit www.gracelordan.com for more insights and to share your thoughts on future topics. Produced by Decimal Creatives, this is Work FORCE – where we work smarter, not harder, for a workplace that works for all.

Work FORCE is a podcast hosted by Dr Grace Lordan (www.gracelordan.com), author of Think Big, Take Small Steps and Build the Future You Want and professor at the London School of Economics. You can buy Think Big Here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Think-Big-Small-Steps-Future/dp/0241420164/kacey123-21

Work FORCE unravels the behavioural science behind things that happen in the workplace that impact your success and wellbeing, blending academic evidence with real life experiences.

Follow Grace on X or Instagram @profgracelordan; on LinkedIn drgracelordan

Joining the Work FORCE discussion are:

Caitlin Bentley

Caitlin Bentley is a Lecturer in AI Education, actively shaping the future of responsible AI through education. She is a member of the Delivery Team on the UKRI Responsible Artificial Intelligence UK (RAI UK) programme and co-director of the UKRI Safe and Trusted AI Centre for Doctoral Training. Previously, she served on the UKRI Trustworthy Autonomous Hub Skills Committee, Syllabus Lab, and EDI working group. Caitlin’s multi-disciplinary academic background includes includes a PhD in Human Geography, ICT4D, from Royal Holloway, University of London, a Masters in Educational Technology from Concordia University, and a BA in Computer Science from McGill University. Caitlin has been researching how professionals across various sectors will need a variety of technical, professional and strategic skills to be effective.

Find out more about Caitlin Bentley's work at King's College: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/people/caitlin-bentley

Chris Pissarides

Sir Christopher Pissarides is the Regius Professor of Economics at the London School of Economics, and co-chairs the Institute for the Future of Work. He specialises in the economics of labour markets, economic growth and structural change, especially as they relate to market imperfections, where his work has been especially influential. He has recently worked extensively on the employment implications of automation and artificial intelligence and on the implications of covid-19 for the future of work. In 2010 Sir Christopher was awarded the Nobel Prize for his work on the labour market, sharing it with Dale Mortensen of Northwestern University and Peter Diamond of MIT. He has since been honoured with several other awards, Prizes and Society fellowships. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2013. He is a frequent keynote speaker or panellist on the future of work and other issues related to employment, unemployment and structural change.

Find out more about Chris and his work at

Piotr Mirowski

Dr. Piotr Mirowski works as a research scientist in machine learning at a leading AI lab and is a visiting researcher...

Have you ever felt penalised for your success? Dr. Grace Lordan dives into the murky waters of workplace envy and exclusion with her exploration of Tall Poppy Syndrome. Tall Poppy Syndrome, a cultural phenomenon, manifests in various ways, from downplaying achievements to engaging in negative talk. Discover the hidden dynamics that lead to high-achievers being cut down by their peers, and learn from international experts how this phenomenon affects productivity, innovation, and personal well-being. Whether you're climbing the corporate ladder or just starting out, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to navigate the complexities of success and the backlash it can bring.

Work FORCE is a podcast hosted by Dr Grace Lordan (www.gracelordan.com), author of Think Big, Take Small Steps and Build the Future You Want and professor at the London School of Economics. You can buy Think Big Here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Think-Big-Small-Steps-Future/dp/0241420164/kacey123-21

Work FORCE unravels the behavioural science behind things that happen in the workplace that impact your success and wellbeing, blending academic evidence with real life experiences.

Joining the Work FORCE discussion are:

Dr. Mathew Marques

Dr Marques received his PhD in Social Psychology from Swinburne University of Technology, Australia, investigating the role of anti-intellectualism and the tall poppy syndrome in attitudes towards high achievers. Mathew uses social psychology to understand the role of psychological mechanisms (e.g., trust, conspiracy theories) in the formation of attitudes towards socially contentious scientific research (e.g., genetically modified foods, and vaccinations). He is also interested in and researches the tall poppy syndrome, examining the effects of differing ideologies, status and factors such as deservingness on attitudes towards tall poppies and underdogs.

Find out more about Dr. Marques and his work on his website here: https://www.mdmarques.com

Rumeet Bilan

Dr. Rumeet Billan is an award-winning, internationally recognised entrepreneur, learning architect, and humanitarian. Her mission is to transform workplace cultures through research, training, and experiences that enable trust, foster belonging, and build resilience. Dr. Billan is the CEO and Owner of Women of Influence and President and CEO of Viewpoint Leadership. She completed her PhD at the University of Toronto and has designed and facilitated programs, courses, and training sessions across industries and sectors. She led the groundbreaking research study on Tall Poppy Syndrome which reveals the impact of the silent systemic syndrome on women in the workplace and co-led the Canadian Happiness at Work study in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association. Dr. Billan was named a Top 10 Power Women in 2020 and has been twice named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women.

Learn more at www.rumeet.com

Kay Xander Mellish

Kay is a writer, podcaster, and keynote speaker who grew up in the USA and has lived in Denmark for more than 10 years. She has been on staff at large Danish companies including Danske Bank and Carlsberg and now runs KXMGroup, a thought leader on Danish working culture and the internationalisation of the Danish workplace, and How to Live in Denmark, which helps newcomers understand Danish culture.

A native of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, Kay attended New York University in...

The pervasive phenomenon of Imposter Syndrome takes centre stage in our latest Work FORCE episode. Offering expert insights and lessons from personal experiences, the discussion delves into triggers like perfectionism and workplace dynamics. Strategies for managers, such as fostering trust and promoting psychological safety, are discussed, alongside the need for organisational changes. From advocating for cultural shifts in leadership to utilising action-oriented mantras, the conversation underscores the importance of addressing Imposter Syndrome for overall workplace well-being.

Listen, learn, and let's transform the workplace together. Subscribe, rate, and review Work FORCE on your favourite podcast platform and join Dr. Grace Lordan in dismantling the "bullstuff" that holds us back. Visit www.gracelordan.com for more insights and to share your thoughts on future topics. Produced by Decimal Creatives, this is Work FORCE – where we work smarter, not harder, for a workplace that works for all.

Work FORCE is a podcast hosted by Dr Grace Lordan (www.gracelordan.com), author of Think Big, Take Small Steps and Build the Future You Want and professor at the London School of Economics. You can buy Think Big Here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Think-Big-Small-Steps-Future/dp/0241420164/kacey123-21

Work FORCE unravels the behavioural science behind things that happen in the workplace that impact your success and wellbeing, blending academic evidence with real life experiences.

Follow Grace on X or Instagram @profgracelordan; on LinkedIn drgracelordan

Joining the Work FORCE discussion are:

Dr. Ivan Joseph

Dr. Ivan Joseph is an award-winning performance coach, leadership expert and internationally renowned speaker. His TEDx talk, “The Skill of Self-Confidence,” has over 28 million views and was named by Forbes as one of the 10 Best TED Talks on the Meaning of Life. Ivan currently serves as the Vice President of Students at Wilfrid Laurier University with 25 years of experience in higher education. He holds a PhD in Psychology and has successfully applied research and theory to leading cultural transformation and creating cohesive teams. At Graceland University, Ivan coached the men’s and women’s soccer teams to #1 national rankings winning a national championship. Later as the Director of Athletics at Toronto Metropolitan University, Ivan spearheaded the landmark $100M renovation of the historic Maple Leaf Gardens and led TMU’s teams to win the first provincial and national championships in the university’s history. Most recently he led Guyana’s Women’s National Team to be undefeated in the 2021 Concacaf World-Cup Qualifiers.

Find out more about Dr. Ivan Joseph on his website: www.drivanjoseph.com

Lisa Orbé-Austin

Dr. Lisa Orbé-Austin is a licensed psychologist and executive coach. She earned her doctorate in Counselling Psychology from Columbia University. Her expertise on imposter syndrome is regularly sought by the media and she has appeared in outlets such as The Financial Times, The Today Show, Good Morning America, Forbes, The Huffington Post, Refinery29. She has also been honoured twice as a Top Voice on LinkedIn in the areas of Job Search and Careers and Mental Health. Dr. Orbé-Austin has been an invited speaker at various national conferences. She recently gave a TEDx talk entitled "The Impostor Syndrome Paradox: Unleashing the Power of You."

She was trained as a clinician and researcher and her work is focused on providing practical, achievable results through research-backed science. She is...

We delve into the complex world of unwritten rules and how they shape, and sometimes distort, our workplace dynamics. Dr. Grace Lordan is joined by a panel of experts who unpack the invisible codes of conduct that everyone seems to know, except when you're the new kid on the block. From the subtle cues about lunchtime etiquette to the silent expectations of communication, these unspoken norms can be a minefield for the uninitiated, and even more so for neurodivergent individuals. We explore the tangible steps organisations can take to create a more transparent, communicative, and inclusive culture.

Listen, learn, and let's transform the workplace together. Subscribe, rate, and review Work FORCE on your favorite podcast platform and join Dr. Grace Lordan in dismantling the "bullstuff" that holds us back. Visit www.gracelordan.com for more insights and to share your thoughts on future topics. Produced by Decimal Creatives, this is Work FORCE – where we work smarter, not harder, for a workplace that works for all.

Work FORCE is a podcast hosted by Dr Grace Lordan (www.gracelordan.com), author of Think Big, Take Small Steps and Build the Future You Want and professor at the London School of Economics. You can buy Think Big Here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Think-Big-Small-Steps-Future/dp/0241420164/kacey123-21

Work FORCE unravels the behavioural science behind things that happen in the workplace that impact your success and wellbeing, blending academic evidence with real life experiences.

Follow Grace on X or Instagram @profgracelordan; on LinkedIn drgracelordan

Joining the Work FORCE discussion are:

Dan Haris

Dan Harris is the founder and CEO of the Neurodiversity in Business charity. NIB has been set up to transform the employment prospects of the 15 to 20% of the population who are neurodivergent. As a neurodivergent leader and advocate, Dan is passionate about raising awareness and understanding of the strengths and challenges of neurodiversity, and empowering neurodivergent individuals to thrive in their careers. Founded in 2022, over 600 global corporate members and community partners have joined NiB’s mission in the past 18 months. The charity remains powered by a team of 100 volunteers committed to raising awareness across multiple sectors, industries and countries. The time for #neuroinclusion is now.

Find out more at: https://neurodiversityinbusiness.org

Lyric Rivera

Lyric Rivera, founder of NeuroDivergent Consulting and author of the best-selling business ethics book Workplace Neurodiversity Rising, named “Trend for 2023” and praised in Forbes as “an excellent ‘how to manual’ based on lived experience and professional competence.”

Lyric runs the blog NeuroDivergent Rebel and is known as the pioneer of the #AskingAutistics hashtag, where simple questions prompt open-ended responses that Autistic people can quickly chime in with and invites participants to engage each other in conversations related to the topic. This hashtag connects people who would not otherwise have a reason to engage with each other and fosters a collective understanding of the Autistic Experience.

For more information check out www.NeuroDivergentRebel.com and www.NeuroDivergentConsulting.org

Giles Turnbull

Giles helps organisations communicate more like humans do: ...

What does resilience truly mean? Why is it crucial, and how can you improve it? Dive into its multifaceted nature as we investigate the research on genetic and environmental factors that actively shape an individual's sensitivity to both positive and negative outcomes. Uncover the impact of childhood experiences on our ability to confront setbacks. In addition to delving into the science, we'll also spotlight practical strategies, empowering you to skilfully navigate life's challenges. Join us on a dynamic journey through the intricacies of the human spirit, enhancing your understanding of what is means to be resilient in today's world.

Work FORCE is a podcast hosted by Dr Grace Lordan (www.gracelordan.com), author of Think Big, Take Small Steps and Build the Future You Want and professor at the London School of Economics. You can buy Think Big Here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Think-Big-Small-Steps-Future/dp/0241420164/kacey123-21

Work FORCE unravels the behavioural science behind things that happen in the workplace that impact your success and wellbeing, blending academic evidence with real life experiences.

Follow Grace on X or Instagram @profgracelordan; on LinkedIn drgracelordan

Joining the WorkFORCE discussion are:

Michael Pluess

Michael Pluess, PhD, is a Professor in Developmental Psychology at the School of Psychology, University of Surrey. His research focuses on three areas: 1) individual differences in Environmental Sensitivity, the notion that some people are more affected by the same experience than others due to being more sensitive to environmental influences, 2) Positive Development, such as the development and evaluation of interventions aimed at promoting the development of psychological well-being in children and adults, and 3) Mental Health and Resilience in Humanitarian Crises, including longitudinal studies and randomised controlled trials on mental health interventions in humanitarian settings. His research has been published in the leading journals of the field.

To find out more about Michael’s work head to https://sensitivityresearch.com/

Erika Brodnock MBE

Erika Brodnock is a PhD candidate and Research Officer at LSE TII, and Co-Founder at Extend Ventures where she is leading research that aims to understand and diversify access to venture capital and innovation finance for ethnically diverse entrepreneurs. Erika is also an MBA and multi-award-winning entrepreneur with a track record in creating and in building products and services that disrupt and spearhead a path out of outdated systems. She is the founder of software companies Kinhub (formerly Kami) and Karisma Kidz. Erika also serves on the advisory board for the APPG for Entrepreneurship and the Good Play Guide.

Find out more about Kinhub here: https://www.kinhub.com/

Read Erika’s research on Diversity Beyond Gender here: https://www.extend.vc/diversity-beyond-gender-single

Josh Connolly

As one of the UK’s most influential mental health advocates, Josh regularly speaks on BBC, ITV & Channel 5 news. He has

Is perfectionism a positive trait or is it detrimental to productivity and well-being? We aim to shed light on the often-overlooked downsides of perfectionism. We'll discuss the impact of perfectionism on individuals, and its role in different professions. Our guests provide practical tips and tools for managing and mitigating its effects to navigate it in your personal and professional life.

Work FORCE is a podcast hosted by Dr Grace Lordan (www.gracelordan.com), author of Think Big, Take Small Steps and Build the Future You Want and professor at the London School of Economics. You can buy Think Big Here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Think-Big-Small-Steps-Future/dp/0241420164/kacey123-21

Work FORCE unravels the behavioural science behind things that happen in the workplace that impact your success and wellbeing, blending academic evidence with real life experiences.

Follow Grace on X or Instagram @profgracelordan; on LinkedIn drgracelordan

Joining the Work FORCE discussion are:

Dr. Thomas Curran, Professor, Psychology

Dr Thomas Curran is the world's leading expert on perfectionism, author of the best-selling book The Perfection Trap, and acclaimed associate professor of psychology at the London School of Economics. His TED Talk on perfectionism received over three million views, he has written for major international publications such as TIME magazine and the Harvard Business Review, and his work has been featured in the BBC, New Scientist, New York Times, CNN, and Wall Street Journal.

Buy Thomas’ book The Perfection Trap: The Power of Good Enough in a World That Always Wants More here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Perfection-Trap-Power-Enough-Always/dp/B0BFFZ5N3J/

Find out more about Thomas and his work on his website: www.thomcurran.com

Pandora Paloma, Visibility & Business Mastery Coach

Pandora is a Visibility and Business Mastery Coach, bringing 20+ years in Communications and a unique fusion of Strategy meets Spirituality to female entrepreneurs ready to scale to their next level. She does this through her three masterminds for every stage of business.

Find out more about Pandora’s coaching methods at www.pandorapaloma.com

Or follow her on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/pandorapaloma_/

Charly Haversat, Program & Strategy Consultant

Working across a myriad of industries, from working in finance to her background as a pro athlete turned yoga instructor, and even running for public office. Charly's career has focused on providing people-centric strategic consulting that focuses on sustainable solutions.

Follow Charly on LinkedIn at