Most people think good outcomes mean good decisions. But according to Annie Duke, that’s one of the biggest mistakes leaders make.
In this episode, Philip Meissner speaks with Annie Duke, former World Series of Poker champion and author of Thinking in Bets, about why decision-making under uncertainty is one of the most critical skills in leadership today.
Drawing on poker, behavioral science, and real-world business examples, Annie explains how cognitive biases distort our judgment and how leaders can make smarter, more resilient decisions.
Key insights from the episode:
• Why judging decisions by outcomes leads to bad leadership
• The hidden bias that makes us blame luck for failures and credit ourselves for wins
• Why great decision makers are willing to change their minds
• How “thinking in bets” helps leaders navigate uncertainty
👉 Watch the full conversation to learn how the best decision makers think.
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:42 Why Decision Making Matters Today
02:02 Decisive vs Reckless Leadership
03:39 Why Changing Your Mind Matters
05:50 Poker Lessons for Leaders
09:35 The Problem with Outcome Bias
13:12 Improving Decision Quality
20:50 Thinking in Bets Explained
26:34 Incentives and Decision Quality
30:32 Annie Poker Journey & Self-Serving Bias
37:11 Progress Over Perfection Mindset
38:04 Why the Future of Decisions Is Bright
Connect with Philip Meissner:
Connect with Annie Duke:
\"What’s Next with Philip Meissner“
A journey through our future life and work, and the place to discover your next favorite strategy and innovation. With global perspectives and fresh thinking, brought to you by some of the most exciting thinkers, builders, and leaders across the globe. Philip Meissner hosts fantastic guests and speakers, who share their journeys and knowledge in the most authentic and deep-dive style – to guide you through our world of tomorrow. From economy to science, from tech policy to AI in a fast-changing world. Subscribe right now wherever you get your podcast!
Join our mailing list: www.philipmeissner.com/whatsnext to stay updated on the latest trends.
#DecisionMaking #AnnieDuke #ThinkingInBets #LeadershipSkills #CognitiveBias #DecisionScience #BetterDecisions #BusinessStrategy #LeadershipMindset #CriticalThinking #Uncertainty #BehavioralEconomics #ProbabilisticThinking #BusinessLeadership #StrategicThinking
","author_name":"Philip Meissner"}