Evolutionary Ideas For Modern Problems - Sam Tatam

Sam Tatam is the Head of Behavioural Science at Ogilvy Growth & Innovation and an author. When it comes to solving modern problems, it turns out that evolution might have a lot of the answers. Rather than revolutionary ideas, evolutionary ideas and solutions that already exist in the animal kingdom can help us with all manner of challenges. Expect to learn how the wings of an owl helped fix problems in the bullet train, how the ears of a hare assist wind turbines, why Google Glass failed, how come Airline Tickets are so confusing, why all my rich friends drink sparkling water, how companies can aid customer decision without limiting choice and much more... Sponsors: Get 10% discount on your first month from BetterHelp at https://betterhelp.com/modernwisdom (discount automatically applied) Get 10% discount on all Optimal Carnivore’s products at www.amazon.com/optimalcarnivore (use code: WISDOMSAVE10) Get 15% discount on the amazing 6 Minute Diary at https://bit.ly/diarywisdom (use code MW15) (USA - https://amzn.to/3b2fQbR and use 15MINUTES) Extra Stuff: Buy Evolutionary Ideas - https://amzn.to/3ViYgD5 Follow Sam on Twitter - https://twitter.com/s_tatam Get my free Reading List of 100 books to read before you die → https://chriswillx.com/books/ To support me on Patreon (thank you): https://www.patreon.com/modernwisdom - 00:00 Intro 01:57 The Role of Evolution in Marketing 07:16 Different Species Evolve to Reach Same Results 16:50 Power of Simplification 27:05 Solving the Bullet Train’s Issues 35:41 How to Be Better at Making Decisions 44:38 Why do Rich People Drink Sparkling Water? 51:48 Optimising Duration & Experience 1:06:45 Where to Find Sam - Get my free Reading List of 100 life-changing books here - https://chriswillx.com/books/ Listen to all episodes on audio: Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2MNqIgw Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2LSimPn - Get in touch in the comments below or head to... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chriswillx Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/chriswillx Email: https://chriswillx.com/contact/

Sam TatamguestChris Williamsonhost

Oct 15, 20221h 7mWatch on YouTube ↗

EPISODE INFO

Released: October 15, 2022
Duration: 1h 7m
Channel: Modern Wisdom
Watch on YouTube: ▶ Open ↗

EPISODE DESCRIPTION

Sam Tatam is the Head of Behavioural Science at Ogilvy Growth & Innovation and an author. When it comes to solving modern problems, it turns out that evolution might have a lot of the answers. Rather than revolutionary ideas, evolutionary ideas and solutions that already exist in the animal kingdom can help us with all manner of challenges. Expect to learn how the wings of an owl helped fix problems in the bullet train, how the ears of a hare assist wind turbines, why Google Glass failed, how come Airline Tickets are so confusing, why all my rich friends drink sparkling water, how companies can aid customer decision without limiting choice and much more... Sponsors: Get 10% discount on your first month from BetterHelp at https://betterhelp.com/modernwisdom (discount automatically applied) Get 10% discount on all Optimal Carnivore’s products at www.amazon.com/optimalcarnivore (use code: WISDOMSAVE10) Get 15% discount on the amazing 6 Minute Diary at https://bit.ly/diarywisdom (use code MW15) (USA - https://amzn.to/3b2fQbR and use 15MINUTES) Extra Stuff: Buy Evolutionary Ideas - https://amzn.to/3ViYgD5 Follow Sam on Twitter - https://twitter.com/s_tatam Get my free Reading List of 100 books to read before you die → https://chriswillx.com/books/ To support me on Patreon (thank you): https://www.patreon.com/modernwisdom - 00:00 Intro 01:57 The Role of Evolution in Marketing 07:16 Different Species Evolve to Reach Same Results 16:50 Power of Simplification 27:05 Solving the Bullet Train’s Issues 35:41 How to Be Better at Making Decisions 44:38 Why do Rich People Drink Sparkling Water? 51:48 Optimising Duration & Experience 1:06:45 Where to Find Sam - Get my free Reading List of 100 life-changing books here - https://chriswillx.com/books/ Listen to all episodes on audio: Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2MNqIgw Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2LSimPn - Get in touch in the comments below or head to... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chriswillx Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/chriswillx Email: https://chriswillx.com/contact/

SPEAKERS

Sam Tatam
guest
Chris Williamson
host
Narrator
other

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode of Modern Wisdom, featuring Sam Tatam and Chris Williamson, Evolutionary Ideas For Modern Problems - Sam Tatam explores evolutionary Psychology Reveals Timeless Solutions To Modern Marketing Challenges Sam Tatam explains how evolutionary principles—both biological and psychological—can be systematically reused to solve contemporary marketing and behavioral problems. Using examples from nightclubs, airlines, factories, transport systems, and hospitality, he shows that “novel problems don’t require novel solutions” if you know where to look. He connects biomimicry (e.g., bullet trains inspired by birds) with a psychological TRIZ-style framework that maps recurring human challenges—trust, choice, anticipation, safety, time perception—to proven solution patterns. The conversation emphasizes cross-category learning, subtle behavioral design, and how small, well-targeted nudges can create outsized effects on behavior and experience.

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