Every organisation is in the behaviour change business
James is fascinated by human behaviour and wants to use behavioural science to create a world where organisations are designed for humans as we really are, not how the economists and management theorists would like us to be.
He's the founder and Managing Director of The Behaviour Boutique, a behavioural science consultancy practically applying insights from Anthropology, Behavioural Economics, Neuroscience, Psychology, and Sociology to help organisations address their most critical challenges.
James previously co-founded and led Deloitte’s global Behavioural Science offering for five years. He has extensive experience leading behavioural, cultural and technological transformation in global organisations. James has led projects in more than 60 countries on 6 continents in industries including banking, insurance, mining, oil & gas, construction, transportation, government, education, health, human services, and aged care.
James hosts “The B-Word”, a popular podcast featuring leading figures from the social and behavioural sciences exploring what it means to be human and how organisations can better understand and influence behaviour.
He's the author or co-author of three books: "The Future of Change Management", "Adopting AI: A people first approach", and the forthcoming "BS At Work: Why so much of modern work is BS and how behavioural science can make it better."
Talking Points
Change Management is Dead
The world is changing, society is changing, technology is changing. Organisations' ability to successfully handle change has never been more important. Change Management is Dead
Yet so much of what know as "Change Management" hasn't changed in decades.
Why do so many organisations rely on outdated and thoroughly debunked approaches, and what should they do instead?
Every Organisation is in The Behaviour Change Business. How well does yours do it?
Have you ever made a New Year's Resolution? Have you ever kept one? Every Organisation is in The Behaviour Change Business. How well does yours do it?
If you're like most of us, it turns out that making even simple changes to your own behaviour is really hard. But if you can't change your own behaviour, how do you expect to change anyone else's?
If you work in Sales, Marketing, Compliance, CyberSecurity, Human Resources, IT, or in fact in any role that interacts with other humans, that's a problem.
Why is understanding humans and human behaviour THE crucial skill you and your organisation need to succeed? Where do you start?
Adopting AI: How to work with your Newest, Strangest, Smartest Colleague
"I'm sorry Dave, I'm afraid I can't do that", said HAL 9000 in the iconic line from 2001: A Space Odyssey. Adopting AI: How to work with your Newest, Strangest, Smartest Colleague
Newsflash: it's coming to a workplace near you, very soon.
Artificial Intelligence is the most exciting, most terrifying, most important technological development in human history. Every organisation in every industry needs to grapple with it sooner rather than later.
But where to begin? How on earth do we understand, let alone work with these strange new entities?
You are The Weakest Link: Why Humans are The Ultimate Cybersecurity Vulnerability
What do secret Iranian nuclear plants, giant British engineering firms, and your Nan have in common? You are The Weakest Link: Why Humans are The Ultimate Cybersecurity Vulnerability
It turns out they're all great targets for a cyber attack. Here's the thing: so am I, so are you, so is everyone else.
Why is human Psychology the ultimate cyber weakness? Why is cyber awareness training almost never effective? And what should your organisation do instead?
The Behaviour Factory: Culture Change Beyond Shared Values
Organisational culture... a mysterious, amorphous concept often spoken of in hushed tones. The Behaviour Factory: Culture Change Beyond Shared Values
Everyone agrees it's crucially important, and everyone agrees it's almost impossible to define, let alone change.
Into this void stepped a strange concept: "Shared Values". Why did it become fashionable for every organisation in the world to choose a small number of trite, meaningless buzzwords and proudly proclaim them on websites, posters, and screensavers? Does it achieve anything? And if it doesn't, what should you do instead?
Video
James Healy | Intro | Saxton Speakers
Meet James Healy—author, speaker, and founder of The Behaviour Boutique—as he delves into the power of behavioral science to reshape modern workplaces. With a career spanning over 60 countries across six continents, James has led transformative projects in industries ranging from finance and healthcare to education and government. In this engaging introduction, James shares insights from his extensive experience, highlighting how understanding human behaviour can drive meaningful organizational change. Drawing from disciplines like anthropology, neuroscience, and psychology, he offers a fresh perspective on creating workplaces designed for humans as they truly are—not as traditional models assume them to be. Key Insights: - The role of behavioural science in organizational transformation - Strategies for aligning workplace design with human nature - Real-world examples of successful behavioural interventions - The importance of empathy and understanding in leadershipJames Healy | Change Management is Dead | Saxton Speakers
In this compelling talk, James Healy—author, speaker, and founder of The Behaviour Boutique—challenges the traditional paradigms of change management. Drawing from behavioural science, James critiques outdated models and introduces a human-centric approach to organizational transformation. Key Insights: - Why traditional change management models often fall short in today's dynamic environment - The limitations of applying psychological models like the Kübler-Ross grief stages to organizational change - The pitfalls of relying on personality assessments such as Myers-Briggs in change initiatives - How behavioral science offers practical strategies for effective and sustainable change James advocates for a shift from rigid frameworks to adaptable, evidence-based approaches that consider the complexities of human behavior. This perspective aligns with emerging views that emphasize change leadership and resilience over traditional management techniques.James Healy | Every Organisation is in the Behaviour Change Business | Saxton Speakers
In this thought-provoking session, James Healy—founder of The Behaviour Boutique and host of The B-Word podcast—explores a fundamental truth: every organisation is in the business of behaviour change. Drawing from disciplines like anthropology, neuroscience, and behavioural economics, James challenges traditional management approaches and offers insights into designing workplaces that align with human nature. Key Insights: - Recognising behaviour change as central to organisational success - Applying behavioural science to drive effective transformation - Moving beyond outdated models to embrace human-centric design - Building cultures that support sustainable change Whether you're a leader, manager, or change agent, this talk offers valuable perspectives on creating organisations that truly understand and influence behaviour.James Healy | Adopting Ai | Saxton Speakers
In this insightful session, James Healy—author, speaker, and founder of The Behaviour Boutique—explores the transformative impact of artificial intelligence in the workplace. Drawing from his co-authored book Adopting AI: The People-First Approach, James presents AI not merely as a tool, but as a new kind of colleague—intelligent, unpredictable, and unlike any team member you've encountered. Key Insights: - Understanding AI as a unique form of workplace intelligence - Strategies for integrating AI into existing team dynamics - The importance of a people-first approach in AI adoption - Navigating the ethical considerations of AI in the workplace Whether you're a business leader, HR professional, or tech enthusiast, this talk offers valuable perspectives on embracing AI in a way that enhances human collaboration and organisational culture.James Healy | You Are the Weakest Link | Saxton Speakers
In this compelling session, James Healy—author, speaker, and founder of The Behaviour Boutique—delves into the critical role humans play in cybersecurity. While organisations invest heavily in advanced security technologies, human behaviour often remains the most exploitable vulnerability. James examines how social engineering tactics, such as phishing and vishing, capitalise on human trust and error, leading to significant security breaches. Key Insights: - Understanding the human element as a central factor in cybersecurity - Real-world examples of breaches caused by social engineering - Strategies to transform employees from vulnerabilities into defenders - The importance of fostering a security-aware organisational culture Whether you're a business leader, IT professional, or simply interested in cybersecurity, this talk offers valuable perspectives on strengthening your organisation's human defences.James Healy | The Behaviour Factory | Saxton Speakers
In this insightful session, James Healy—author, speaker, and founder of The Behaviour Boutique—challenges the traditional reliance on "shared values" as the cornerstone of organisational culture. Drawing from behavioural science, James critiques the effectiveness of value statements and introduces the concept of the "Behaviour Factory," emphasising that culture is shaped more by actions and environments than by slogans. Key Insights: - The origins and limitations of the "shared values" concept in organisational culture - Why stated values often fail to influence actual employee behaviour - How organisational systems, processes, and environments drive behaviour - Strategies for designing workplaces that promote desired behaviours Whether you're a leader, HR professional, or organisational change agent, this talk offers practical perspectives on building a culture that aligns with real human behaviour.
