This week on If/Then, we’re sharing an episode of The Future of Everything, a podcast hosted by Stanford School of Engineering professor and friend of the show Russ Altman.
Everyone has goals — some are monumental, others modest — but every goal matters. Szu-chi Huang, an associate professor of marketing at Stanford Graduate School of Business, is an expert on sustaining enthusiasm for individuals, customers, and employees across global corporations and organizations.
On this episode, Huang shares what it takes to stay motivated over time — not just at the beginning of a goal, when energy runs high, or at the end, when the finish line is in sight, but through the toughest part: the middle. She explains why motivation is a dynamic process that requires different tools at different stages, and offers practical advice drawn from her research on everything from retirement savings and loyalty programs to children’s health and social apps. Along the way, she and Altman explore how purpose, progress, and even a little social pressure can help us keep going — and how AI might someday coach us through.
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If/Then is a podcast from Stanford Graduate School of Business that examines research findings that can help us navigate the complex issues we face in business, leadership, and society.
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
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