Decisions That Count Podcast: How One Decision Changed Travel Safety For Every Family With Steve Okun
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- 6 hours ago
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The Unchecked Leader: Why Great Decisions Demand Checks, Balances, and Empathy — with Steve Okun
When the stakes are high, one mind isn’t enough.In this episode of Decisions That Count, neuroscientist Dr. Shawn Watson and biotech CMO Michelle O’Brien sit down with Steven “Steve” Okun—ranked #2 on LinkedIn for Geopolitics & International Relations in Singapore (Favikon, July 2025)—to explore why the best leaders design decision systems: collaboration, diverse perspectives, and real accountability.
They unpack the science and strategy behind decision-making—from “the 8 p.m. mistake window” and decision fatigue to hyper-partisanship, regulatory pressure, and how today’s polycrisis world collides with business strategy and responsible investing.
What You’ll Learn
Why unchecked leaders are disadvantaged: Decision quality depends on who’s around the table.
Decision fatigue in action: “80% of mistakes happen after 8 p.m.”—how to build guardrails against it.
Science + soul: Balancing risk, empathy, and economics to avoid brittle leadership choices.
From policy to P&L: Turning geopolitics into business advantage—revenue up, risk down.
Operating in a polycrisis: Seeing second- and third-order effects before they hit.
Key Takeaways for Leaders & Operators
Make “we” decisions: Curate the right mix of expertise before choosing a path.
Time your calls: Avoid the fatigue line—build “sleep-on-it” defaults.
Price the trade-offs: Pair scientific reasoning with human impact for resilient outcomes.
Follow the money: Translate geopolitical risk into revenue protection and cost savings.
See the system: Anticipate ripple effects—that’s where the surprises hide.
Hosts:Dr. Shawn Watson – Neuroscientist & Founder Michelle O’Brien – Marketer, Mum, Marathon Runner
