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27 - From Gut Feelings to Brain Waves: The Science Behind Our Choices
27 — Understanding the Human Mind: Cognitive Neurology, Decision-Making, and the Role of AI
In this episode of the AI & Data Driven Leadership Podcast, host Dean Guida welcomes Ron Bonnstetter, Senior VP of Research & Development at Target Training International, to explore the science behind human decision-making, cognitive neurology, and the growing impact of AI on leadership. Ron, a recognized expert in brain science and human behavior, discusses how AI can complement human decision-making processes and the pivotal role emotional intelligence plays in business. This episode is packed with actionable advice for leaders looking to enhance self-awareness, make smarter decisions, and integrate AI effectively into their strategies.
The Intersection of Neuroscience and Decision-Making
Ron emphasizes that understanding decision-making goes far beyond simple logic—it’s rooted in emotional and cognitive processes. Most decisions, Ron explains, are driven by emotions that are often subconscious, with logic serving primarily to justify those choices afterward. This insight is crucial for leaders aiming to optimize decision-making, both on a personal level and within their teams. Recognizing emotional triggers can help leaders avoid biases and improve the quality of decisions made in high-pressure environments.
Ron also discusses the use of brain imaging techniques to uncover the underlying truths of our decisions, which goes far beyond traditional self-reports. Advanced methods like gamma wave analysis allow scientists to detect emotional responses in the brain before individuals are even consciously aware of them, offering a more accurate understanding of behavior. As these technologies evolve, Ron encourages business leaders to stay informed and consider incorporating them into leadership development and decision-making strategies.
While AI is an excellent tool for enhancing human cognition, Ron stresses that it should be seen as a complement to, not a replacement for, human insight. AI excels at processing large volumes of data and recognizing patterns, but it lacks the emotional context that humans bring to decision-making. Leaders should use AI to support their decision-making processes, enabling them to focus on more strategic, human-centered aspects of leadership.
About Ron Bonnstetter
Ron Bonnstetter is the Senior VP of Research & Development at Target Training International, a leader in talent development and assessment solutions. With years of experience in cognitive neuroscience, Ron focuses on understanding decision-making processes to help organizations optimize their leadership and talent strategies. He uses a combination of neuroscience and AI to empower business leaders and improve team performance.
About Target Training International
Target Training International specializes in providing high-quality assessments and development tools for organizations to better understand their talent and optimize decision-making processes. The company leverages cutting-edge research in neuroscience and human behavior to create impactful leadership solutions, helping businesses improve productivity, decision-making, and overall team performance.
Links Mentioned in This Episode
Key Highlights from This Episode
The role of emotional intelligence and cognitive neurology in decision-making
How brain imaging can uncover the emotional drivers behind decisions
Why AI should be used to support human decision-making, not replace it
The importance of recognizing emotional triggers and biases in leadership decisions
How AI can enhance productivity while preserving human insight and creativity
Conclusion
Ron Bonnstetter’s insights into the intersection of human cognition, decision-making, and AI provide valuable lessons for leaders looking to enhance their decision-making strategies. By integrating AI thoughtfully and embracing emotional intelligence, leaders can make more informed choices, build stronger teams, and drive business success. Understanding the underlying emotional and cognitive factors that influence decisions is key to unlocking greater leadership potential.
Explore more insights, tools, and strategies for next-generation leadership at Slingshotapp.io.
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About The Host
Tech entrepreneur and CEO Dean Guida knows there’s a limit to what you can build with grit alone.
At sixteen, Dean bought the first IBM PC and fell in love with writing software. He went on to receive a Bachelor of Science degree in operation research from the University of Miami. After graduating, he was a freelance developer and wrote many systems for IBM and on Wall Street. At twenty-three, he started Infragistics to build UX/UI tools for professional software developers.
Seemingly overnight, Dean had to go from early internet coder to business operator—a feat that forced him to learn some of business’s biggest lessons on the job. He immediately began navigating the nuances of scaling a company, hiring and growing teams, and becoming a leader, a manager, and a mentor.
Fast-forward thirty-five years, and Dean’s tech company now has operations in six countries. More than two million developers use Infragistics software, and its client roster boasts 100 percent of the S&P 500, including Fidelity, Morgan Stanley, Exxon, Intuit, and Bank of America.
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