The Science Behind Making Better Decisions with Decision Scientist Cheryl Strauss Einhorn

In this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, we speak with Cheryl Strauss Einhorn - decision scientist, founder and CEO of Decisive, educator at Cornell and Columbia, and author of Problem Solved, Problem Solver, and her newest book The Human Edge: Smarter Decisions in the Age of AI.

Drawing from her research and the development of the AREA Method, Cheryl explains how individuals and organizations can improve judgment, navigate cognitive bias, and approach complex decisions with greater clarity and confidence. The conversation also explores her concept of Problem Solver Profiles, which reveal the different ways people naturally approach problem-solving - and how understanding these styles can improve leadership, teamwork, and communication.

Together, we discuss the intersection of human judgment and artificial intelligence, and why the future isn’t about replacing human thinking with machines — but learning how to lead AI with curiosity, skepticism, and discernment.

Topics discussed in this episode include:

• Why good decision-making is a learnable skill

• The hidden biases that shape how we think and judge

• Understanding your Problem Solver Profile

• How leaders and teams can make more thoughtful decisions

• Why human judgment still matters in the age of AI

• How AI can augment — rather than replace — our thinking

Cheryl’s work offers a powerful reminder that while technology can process vast amounts of information, the most important decisions will always require human insight, values, and responsibility.

Learn more about Cheryl Strauss Einhorn and the AREA Method: https://areamethod.com