How to say NO without guilt at work I The Psychology of Approval-Seeking
You say yes to another task. Even though your plate is already full. You stay late, again. You avoid pushing back, just in case it makes you seem less committed.In this episode, Martin Wolf and Dr. Verena Seibert-Giller unpack the psychology behind our struggle to say “no” at work and how chronic approval-seeking can quietly erode both performance and well-being.They explore the emotional cost of always being available, the hidden belief systems behind overcommitment, and the risk of tying your worth solely to output and recognition.Together, they explore:– Why saying “no” feels threatening to our self-image– How the need for approval hijacks smart decision-making– What happens when your value is tied only to visible contribution– Why setting boundaries is a sign of clarity, not weakness– Small shifts to rewire your inner narrative without losing ambitionThis episode offers psychological clarity for anyone caught between being a team player and protecting their focus and reveals how saying “no” can actually fuel long-term drive, not diminish it.
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15:42
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15:42
How to beat the Monday blues I Motivation, Meaning & the Predictive Brain
That heavy feeling on Sunday night. The snooze button on repeat. The slow drag into Monday meetings. We call it “the Monday blues” but underneath it lies something deeper: your brain bracing for stress and lack of meaning.In this episode, Martin Wolf and Dr. Verena Seibert-Giller explore how our brain’s predictive nature shapes how we feel about Mondays and why motivation crashes when we expect the worst.They discuss how anticipated stress, low perceived control, and disconnected tasks can turn the start of the week into an emotional and cognitive burden — and more importantly, how to shift it.Together, they explore:– Why your brain starts reacting before Monday even begins– How lack of purpose and vague planning kill motivation– What predictable stress does to your cognitive performance– The connection between emotional forecasting and real experience– How to prime your brain with better Monday cuesThis episode is a psychological reframe for anyone who dreads the new workweek with science-backed tools to start your Mondays with more clarity, motivation, and meaning.
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13:05
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13:05
Why does it feel impossible to decide at Work I The Paradox of Choice
Ever sat in a meeting where no one could land on a direction - even though all the options were on the table? Or delayed a decision for days, hoping that “just a bit more info” would make things easier?In this episode, Martin Wolf and Dr. Verena Seibert-Giller unpack the psychology behind indecision in the workplace — and how "too much choice" doesn’t empower teams, it overwhelms them.They dive into the paradox of choice, a cognitive bias that shows how an overload of options can sabotage clarity, delay action, and drain energy — especially in complex, high-stakes environments.Together, they explore:– Why our brain wants options but struggles to process them rationally– How more choice often leads to less satisfaction with the final decision– What leaders unintentionally do that makes team decisions harder– How psychological safety plays into faster, better group decisions– Simple mental cues to reduce overthinking and increase commitmentThis episode offers clarity for anyone navigating strategic decisions, project forks, or leadership choices — and shows how reducing options can actually increase confidence and progress.
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10:47
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10:47
Why some people say they "knew it all along" I The Hindsight Effect
A decision flops, a deadline slips, a plan fails — and suddenly everyone “knew” it would happen. But did they? Or are we rewriting the past to protect our pride?In this episode, Martin Wolf and Dr. Verena Seibert-Giller explore Hindsight Bias, the brain’s sneaky habit of altering memories once an outcome is known. It feels harmless — but it quietly undermines accountability, distorts learning, and poisons feedback culture.They dive into:– Why we mistake outcome clarity for past insight– How hindsight bias makes leaders overconfident (and team members hesitant)– The risk of punishing others for what wasn’t knowable at the time– Why complex systems (like startups or politics) are especially vulnerable– A concrete reflection hack to track knowledge as it evolvesThis episode helps you separate memory from reality, protect psychological safety in post-mortems, and replace shallow blame with better decision hygiene — especially when things go wrong.
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9:13
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9:13
How to deal with multi-layered stress? I The Allostatic Load
It’s not just a deadline. It’s pressure from five directions — tasks, emotions, people, and a brain that won’t shut off. You’re functioning, but just barely. And the scariest part? You might not even notice how far your system is overstretched.In this episode, Martin Wolf and Dr. Verena Seibert-Giller unpack the concept of Allostatic Load — the cumulative wear and tear on your body and mind when chronic stress becomes your baseline. It’s what happens when recovery is skipped, and survival becomes the mode.They explore:– Why high performers mislabel overload as laziness or lack of focus– How chronic input erodes memory, emotion, and executive function– What leaders miss when they ignore stress signals in their teams– Red flags that show up before burnout hits– A science-backed hack to reset your system in just 5–10 minutesThis episode helps you name the fog, understand the real cost of “pushing through,” and build micro-habits that support long-term clarity and energy — even when life won’t slow down.
Business & Psychology – hosted by author and leadership advisor Martin Wolf (The Psychology of Workplace Dynamics) and psychologist Dr. Verena Seibert-Giller (founder of the UX Psychology Lens) – explores the human side of business with clarity, science, and zero fluff.
Each episode unpacks one powerful psychological insight behind everyday workplace behavior. From team tensions to decision traps, Verena and Martin break it down with real facts, smart perspectives, and practical hacks for leaders and employees who want to understand why humans tick the way they tick – and how to work better because of it.
Real psychology. Real business. Real impact.
Österreich