GA 644 | Defining Propaganda with Owen Fitzpatrick

GA 644 | Defining Propaganda with Owen Fitzpatrick

Author: Ron Pereira: Lean Thinker & Co-Founder of Gemba Academy August 6, 2026 Duration: 44:01

Most leaders assume that the right argument, delivered clearly, will change minds. Owen Fitzpatrick has spent 30 years studying why that assumption is wrong. A psychologist who has worked inside some of the world’s most extreme propaganda environments, from North Korea to Rwanda to his own teenage years, Owen brings a framework to this conversation that reframes how belief actually changes. The implications for anyone trying to lead a continuous improvement effort are hard to ignore.

In this episode you’ll learn:

  • What the purpose of life being “defeated by greater things” reveals about continuous improvement (3:37)
  • How a single question changed the trajectory of Owen’s life and work (5:00)
  • Why the inner critic is the wrong label for what actually holds people back (9:18)
  • How propaganda works in three parts and why it mirrors what happens inside our own minds (14:35)
  • Why naive realism is the single biggest obstacle to influencing anyone (22:43)
  • How recognizing inner propaganda as propaganda changes the way your brain processes it (28:55)
  • Why logic comes last when beliefs actually change (33:40)
  • How the three conditions of belief change explain why great arguments still fail (35:12)

“Being right is not enough. Having the facts, having the data, having the information, table stakes, you need to have that. But it’s not enough to be persuasive.” – Owen Fitzpatrick

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If Owen’s point that buy-in requires more than logic resonates with how you lead change, the School of Leadership builds the skills that close that gap.
Learn More About School of Leadership at https://www.gembaacademy.com/leadership

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How do you define propaganda?


Hosted by Ron Pereira, a lean thinker and co-founder of Gemba Academy, the Gemba Academy Podcast is a deep and practical resource for anyone looking to build a better organization. The conversations here move beyond theory, focusing on the real-world application of methodologies like Lean Six Sigma and Toyota Kata. You’ll hear from practitioners and leaders who share stories from the front lines, detailing how they tackle complex problems, foster genuine productivity, and develop effective teams. Each episode feels like a candid workshop, breaking down concepts into actionable steps you can apply immediately. This isn't about abstract ideals; it's about the tangible work of improvement, from the shop floor to the executive suite. Tune in for a learning experience that challenges conventional wisdom and provides the tools for meaningful change. The Gemba Academy Podcast turns the philosophy of continuous improvement into a clear and accessible path forward for business professionals and educators alike.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

Gemba Academy Podcast: Lean Six Sigma | Toyota Kata | Productivity | Leadership
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