Everyone has goals — some are monumental, others modest — but every goal matters. Join guest Szu-chi Huang, an expert in sustaining enthusiasm for individuals, customers, and employees across global corporations and organizations, as she delves into the science of motivation. Discover how the gap between where you are and where you want to be is bridged by a dynamic blend of psychology, sociology, behavioral economics, neuroscience, and the latest in AI. The secret to achieving your goals? Stay adaptable. If one approach falters, switch gears to keep your drive alive, Huang tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.
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Episode Reference Links:
- Stanford Profile: Szu-chi Huang
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- Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website
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Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
Russ Altman introduces Szu-Chi Huang, professor of marketing at Stanford GSB.
(00:03:31) Studying Motivation
Szu-chi shares what led her to study motivational science
(00:04:03) Defining Motivation
Motivation as the drive to close the gap between current and ideal self.
(00:04:57) The Science of Motivation
Studying motivation through behavioral and neurological data.
(00:05:48) Why It Matters in Business
How motivation science applies to leaders, teams, and customers.
(00:06:39) Motivation Framework
The strategies needed in order to stay motivated over time.
(00:07:42) The Mindset of Motivation
The different mindsets needed throughout the stages of motivation.
(00:09:21) Motivating Kids to Choose Healthy
A Collaboration with UNICEF to study what motivates children.
(00:10:55) Gamified Coupons in Panama
A study using gamified coupons to influence children's food choices.
(00:14:26) Loyalty Programs as Motivation
How customer reward programs act as structured goal journeys.
(00:16:47) Progress Versus Purpose
The different incentives needed in each stage of loyalty programs.
(00:18:29) Retirement Saving Lessons
How financial institutions apply motivational science to long-term goals.
(00:21:12) Motivation in Social Context
The role of social connections in goal pursuit and sustaining motivation.
(00:26:10) Designing Apps for Motivation
How redesigning user interfaces can help users stay motivated.
(00:27:20) AI as a Motivation Coach
Using AI to personalize feedback across all stages of goal pursuit.
(00:30:09) Starting and Sustaining a Goal
Practical strategies for launching and sustaining a goal.
(00:31:57) Conclusion
Connect With Us:
Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website
Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon
Connect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook