Confidence vs. Competence

In the latest episode of Workforce, Dr. Grace Lordan takes us on an intriguing journey through the behavioural science of workplace success. The conversation opens with a bold statement: confidence often carries more weight than competence when it comes to career advancement, but is this fair? And more importantly, is it beneficial for individuals and organisations in the long run? Grace and her expert guests delve into the historical context of confidence as a signal for competence, discussing its evolutionary roots and its shaky relevance in today's complex professional landscape. They also shine a light on the power of rivalry as a motivator and how technology can help identify true competence, leveling the playing field for all job seekers.

Listen, learn, and let's transform the workplace together. Subscribe, rate, and review Work FORCE on your favourite podcast platform and join Dr. Grace Lordan in dismantling the "bullstuff" that holds us back. Visit www.gracelordan.com for more insights and to share your thoughts on future topics. Produced by Decimal Creatives, this is Work FORCE – where we work smarter, not harder, for a workplace that works for all.

Work FORCE is a podcast hosted by Dr Grace Lordan (www.gracelordan.com), author of Think Big, Take Small Steps and Build the Future You Want and professor at the London School of Economics. You can buy Think Big Here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Think-Big-Small-Steps-Future/dp/0241420164/kacey123-21

Work FORCE unravels the behavioural science behind things that happen in the workplace that impact your success and wellbeing, blending academic evidence with real life experiences.

Follow Grace on X or Instagram @profgracelordan; on LinkedIn drgracelordan

Joining the WorkFORCE discussion are:

Jonah Oliver

Jonah is one of the World’s leading performance psychologists having worked with some of the World's most elite athletes and executive leaders. With expertise in sports psychology and neuroscience, he offers a unique, effective approach to optimising performance. Over two decades, he's assisted PGA Major winners, Olympic gold medalists, executives, and surgeons, fostering success on grand stages. Trusted by multinational corporations, he currently aids global companies to facilitate peak performance in the finance, construction, and technology startups sectors. Known for simplifying complex theories, Jonah delivers engaging presentations and continues to publish and speak internationally.

For more information about Jonah’s work head to https://www.northframework.com/

Frida Polli

Frida Polli, PhD, MBA, is a Harvard and MIT-trained neuroscientist and entrepreneur. She's the CEO and co-founder of Pymetrics, a talent-matching platform using behavioural science and AI to improve workforce decisions. Pymetrics has global clients like BCG, Kraft Heinz, and McDonald’s, matching hundreds of thousands to ideal jobs while reducing bias. Frida is a leading voice on ethical AI and HR tech, featured on CNN, BBC, CNBC, and more. She speaks at events like WEF's Annual Meeting in Davos and has been published in scientific journals and popular press including HBR and FastCompany. Recognized in lists like Inc's Female Founders 100, Entrepreneur's 100 Powerful Women, and Fortune's Most Powerful Women NextGen, she's also won awards like the MIT 100K Entrepreneurship Competition and Harvard Business School Life Science Award.

Find out more about Pymetrics at