AN MSA PODCAST

SEASON 2 IS HERE! Catch all Episodes to date.

New voices, new insights, same mission.
Season II explores the future of learning through the people building it.

EPISODE 11: THE SEASON FINALE !

The Science of Motivation, Regret, and Leading Change with Dan Pink

“Regret is one of the most productive emotions we have, if we treat it right.” Dan Pink

What really motivates people to change?

In this season finale episode of Evolution Stories, MSA President Christian Talbot sits down with NY Times bestselling author Dan Pink to unpack decades of research on motivation, leadership, timing, regret, and the future of human skills.

Drawing from his work in Drive, When, To Sell Is Human, and The Power of Regret, Dan explains why traditional reward systems often fail in schools and organizations, why autonomy and purpose outperform control, and how leaders can avoid the trap of under-communicating change.

The conversation also explores the science of breaks and timing, why regret can improve decision-making, and what educators must prioritize as AI transforms how knowledge is created and distributed.

This episode is essential listening for leaders navigating complexity, uncertainty, and wise change.

Guest Bio

Daniel Pink is the author of seven bestselling nonfiction books on a range of topics, from human motivation to the science of timing to a graphic novel career guide.

His books include the New York Times bestsellers The Power of Regret, A Whole New Mind, and When—as well as the #1 New York Times bestsellers Drive and To Sell is Human. His deeply researched works have been translated into 46 languages and have sold more than five million copies around the world.

Over the years, he has also hosted a National Geographic television series, given one of the 20 most popular TED talks of all time, worked as a columnist at the Sunday Telegraph and the Washington Post, served as chief speechwriter to Vice President Al Gore, and been a clue on Jeopardy. He lives in Washington, DC, with his family.

Key Topics Covered

  • • Why traditional “if-then” rewards fail in complex environments
    • Autonomy, mastery, and purpose as drivers of performance
    • Why leaders default to control-based motivation
    • Resistance to change and the role of trust
    • The curse of knowledge and under-communication
    • The science of timing in schools
    • Why breaks improve cognitive performance
    • Reframing “selling” as influence and positive-sum leadership
    • The power of regret as a leadership tool
    • Self-compassion and reflective practice
    • Skills students need in an AI-abundant world
    • Why taste, iteration, and integrity matter more than ever

Official Website: https://www.danpink.com/

  • Books: The Power of Regret, A Whole New Mind, and When, Drive, To Sell is Human.

Social Media

    • X (Twitter): @danpink

    • LinkedIn: Dan Pink

Missed The First SEASON? Catch all Episodes to date here.