561. Building Trust Through Vulnerability w/ Leslie John

561. Building Trust Through Vulnerability w/ Leslie John

Author: Melina Palmer January 22, 2026 Duration: 40:57

In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer sits down with Leslie John, a behavioral scientist at Harvard Business School and author of the thought-provoking book, Revealing: The Underrated Power of Oversharing. Together, they challenge the conventional wisdom surrounding sharing personal information, arguing that the real risk lies not in oversharing, but in undersharing.

Leslie's research reveals that revealing more about ourselves can strengthen connections, foster trust, and enhance decision-making in both personal and professional contexts. As they explore the nuances of sharing, Melina and Leslie discuss the importance of context, the dynamics of vulnerability versus transparency, and how these concepts play out in workplace interactions, especially during high-stakes scenarios like job interviews.

Listeners will be encouraged to reflect on their own sharing habits and consider how a little more openness might improve their relationships and effectiveness at work. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their communication skills and build deeper connections with others.

In this episode:

  • Discover the concept of TLI (Too Little Information) and its impact on relationships.
  • Learn how oversharing can actually lead to stronger connections and trust.
  • Understand the difference between transparency and vulnerability in communication.
  • Explore strategies for effectively sharing information in workplace settings.
  • Gain insights into the role of authenticity in job interviews and professional interactions.

Get important links, top recommended books and episodes, and a full transcript at thebrainybusiness.com/561.

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Melina Palmer hosts The Brainy Business | Understanding the Psychology of Why People Buy | Behavioral Economics, a podcast built on the idea that consumer behavior is often surprising and counterintuitive. As a sales conversion expert, Melina translates the often dense academic research from behavioral economics into clear, practical strategies. Each episode digs into the psychological forces that guide decisions, explaining why customers frequently act in ways that contradict their own stated intentions. You’ll hear specific examples of these principles in action, from pricing and product placement to communication and website design. The focus is always on providing listeners with immediately usable insights to create a more effective, brain-friendly business. This isn’t about abstract theory; it’s about understanding the real-world science behind why people choose to buy-or walk away. For anyone involved in marketing, leadership, or entrepreneurship, this podcast serves as a regular source of grounded, evidence-based advice. Melina’s approach makes the complex wonderfully accessible, turning the weirdness of consumer psychology into a tangible advantage. Tune in to learn how subtle shifts in framing and choice architecture can lead to significant improvements in how your business connects with and serves its audience.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Brainy Business | Understanding the Psychology of Why People Buy | Behavioral Economics
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