In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer shares her reflections on the most important books she read in 2025. With a focus on behavioral economics and psychology, Melina categorizes her top picks into seven key themes, showcasing the insights and lessons that shaped her understanding throughout the year.

Listeners will discover a diverse range of books, from foundational texts like Lucky by Design by Judd Kessler, which explores choice architecture, to Ask This Book by Vicky Tan, an interactive guide to better questioning. Each category highlights a top book and an honorable mention, offering a comprehensive overview of impactful reads that can enhance both personal and professional growth.

As you tune in, consider how these books might inspire your own journey in understanding the psychology of decision-making and improving your business strategies. Melina also provides resources for further exploration, including a supporting article that lists all the featured books and links to additional materials on her website.

In this episode:

• Explore the top books in the categories of Foundations, Asking Better Questions, Productivity and Goals, Self Leadership, Leadership of Others, Experience, and Pricing and Sales.
• Learn about the importance of choice architecture and how it influences decision-making.
• Discover the value of asking better questions in both personal and professional contexts.
• Gain insights into leadership dynamics and the impact of power on decision-making.
• Understand how to create engaging customer experiences and effective sales strategies.

Get important links, top recommended books and episodes, and a full transcript at thebrainybusiness.com/557.

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In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer speaks with Muriel Wilkins, author of Leadership Unblocked: The Beliefs That Limit Your Potential. Together, they delve into the often-hidden beliefs that can hinder effective leadership and personal growth. Muriel, an executive coach with over 20 years of experience, shares insights from her extensive work with C-suite leaders, revealing seven common beliefs that can create barriers to success.

The conversation explores how these beliefs—such as "I need to be involved" and "I can't make a mistake"—shape our behaviors and decision-making processes. Muriel emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and shifting mindset to overcome these challenges, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own assumptions and the narratives they tell themselves. As you tune in, think about which beliefs may be holding you back and how you can reclaim your agency as a leader.

In this episode:

• Discover the seven hidden beliefs that can limit leadership potential.
• Learn how to recognize the narratives that shape your experiences.
• Explore practical strategies for shifting mindset and overcoming barriers.
• Gain insights into the importance of external feedback and self-reflection.
• Understand how to take actionable steps toward personal and professional growth.

Get important links, top recommended books and episodes, and a full transcript at thebrainybusiness.com/556.

Looking to explore applications of behavioral economics further?

• Learn With Us on our website.
• Subscribe to Melina's Newsletter, Brainy Bites.

Let's connect:

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• Follow Melina on LinkedIn
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In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer welcomes Bastian Bergman, author of the insightful book, Press Play: Why Every Company Needs a Gaming Strategy. Together, they delve into the transformative power of gaming and how understanding the psychology of play can enhance engagement across various industries.

Bastian, co-founder and COO of Solsten, shares his expertise in leveraging psychological insights to design experiences that captivate consumers. The discussion covers the misconceptions surrounding gamification, the importance of understanding your audience, and how brands like Chipotle and Burberry have successfully integrated gaming strategies to foster loyalty and connection. Listeners will learn how to shift their approach from compliance to curiosity, creating immersive experiences that resonate with their target market.

As you tune in, reflect on how your business can harness the principles of play and gaming to create deeper engagement with your audience. This episode is essential for anyone looking to innovate and connect in today's competitive landscape.

In this episode:

• Explore the psychology behind gaming and its relevance to consumer engagement.
• Learn how brands can effectively integrate gaming strategies into their marketing efforts.
• Discover real-world examples of successful gaming initiatives from companies like Chipotle and Burberry.
• Understand the importance of audience insights and authenticity in gaming strategies.
• Gain actionable steps for implementing a gaming strategy in your own business.

Get important links, top recommended books and episodes, and a full transcript at thebrainybusiness.com/555.

Looking to explore applications of behavioral economics further?

• Learn With Us on our website.
• Subscribe to Melina's Newsletter Brainy Bites.

Let's connect:

• Send Us a Message
• Follow Melina on LinkedIn
• The Brainy Business on Youtube
• The Brainy Business on Instagram