Every day, we make around 35,000 decisions, of which most of them are fast, subconscious, and driven by emotion rather than logic. So what does that mean for how we communicate change?

In this episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast, we sit down with Dr. Samantha Rush, a cognitive decision-making specialist, to unpack how decisions are really made, especially in complex, high-stakes environments.

Drawing on psychology, neuroscience, and her PhD research, Samantha explains why acceptability is the critical first step in any change. Before people adopt something new, they make a series of micro-decisions about whether it feels safe, what it means for them, and how it might impact their reputation or standing.

Together, we explore:

• Why logic-heavy communication often falls short
• The role of psychological safety in decision-making
• How fear, uncertainty, and self-perception shape responses to change
• Practical ways communicators can design messages that actually land
• What influences whether leaders align to, and follow through on, decisions

This episode challenges traditional approaches to change communication and offers a more human, realistic lens on how people think, feel, and decide.

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Dr. Samantha's website
• Dr. Samantha's LinkedIn
• 90 minute Strategy Power Session
• Public workshops and training
• Less Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s book
• Template packs
• Change Isn't Hard! - Mel's book
• Sign up here to the fortnightly mail out of free resources!

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