Episode #148: Dr. Hengchen Dai

In this episode, Osi is accompanied by Dr. Hengchen Dai as they explore the intricate science behind goal setting and motivation. They discuss effctive strategies for setting long term goals, the "Fresh Start" effect, how others’ behaviors and judgments shape people’s motivation, and more.

Dr. Hengchen Dai is a distinguished scholar in the field of judgment and decision-making with a specialized focus on behavioral science applications in business and healthcare. She serves as a faculty member at the UCLA Anderson School of Management and contributes significantly to the Behavioral Decision Making area.

In her research, Dr. Dai investigates from three primary perspectives: intrapersonal, focusing on self-control and motivation through 'fresh starts'; interpersonal, analyzing how external expectations and goals influence individual decisions; and policy-oriented, designing interventions that promote long-term beneficial decision-making. Her work involves collaboration with a broad range of industries, from corporations to healthcare systems, conducting field studies that uncover deep insights into what drives human behavior and motivation, especially in the vibrant business and tech ecosystem of Los Angeles.