The future of motivation

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

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

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 / .css-j9qmi7{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:1rem;margin-top:2.8rem;width:100%;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:start;justify-content:start;padding-left:5rem;}@media only screen and (max-width: 599px){.css-j9qmi7{padding-left:0;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;}}.css-j9qmi7 svg{fill:#27292D;}.css-j9qmi7 .eagfbvw0{-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;color:#27292D;}