Daniel Gilbert, Renowned Social Psychologist & the Edgar Pierce Professor of Psychology at Harvard University
“Dan Gilbert is captivated by a single fact—the world is not as it appears—and he uses science to uncover the illusions high performing entrepreneurs have about the world, themselves, and each other.” − Pete Worrell
In the world of business and investment, decisions are often guided by projections—projections of market trends, financial returns, and, more subtly, our own emotional responses to success and failure.
However, as Harvard psychologist Daniel Gilbert’s research on affective forecasting reveals, these projections are often deeply flawed. Whether it’s the anticipated euphoria of a liquidity event or the dread of a failed venture, our minds construct exaggerated narratives that rarely align with reality.
For high-performing entrepreneurs navigating uncertainty, the lesson is clear: embrace the unknown with a disciplined awareness of cognitive distortion. By integrating psychological adaptability into strategic decision-making, entrepreneurs can intentionally move beyond emotional miscalculations and engage with risk in a way that is both measured and informed. The real edge lies not in eliminating uncertainty, but in understanding the mind’s natural tendency to misinterpret it.
Daniel Gilbert is a renowned social psychologist and the Edgar Pierce Professor of Psychology at Harvard University, widely recognized for his research on the cognitive and emotional processes that underline human judgment and decision-making.
His popular book, Stumbling on Happiness, spent 6 months on The New York Times bestseller list, has sold more than a million copies worldwide, was awarded the Royal Society’s General Book Prize for best science book of the year, and has become a classic in the field of psychology.
He is the host and co-writer of the award-winning NOVA television series This Emotional Life which was seen by more than 10 million viewers in its first airing. He is also a contributor to Time, The New York Times, and NPR’s All Things Considered; he has been a guest on numerous television programs including The Today Show, The Colbert Report, and The Late Show.