Avoiding Value Drain in Dealmaking – Game Theoretic Strategies | with Paul Papayoanou
Game Changer - the game theory podcast
Release Date: 07/01/2024
Too Sure for Our Own Good? The Hidden Cost of Overconfidence | with Philipp Strack
Game Changer - the game theory podcast
In this episode, we sit down with Philipp Strack to explore the hidden consequences of overconfidence. From distorted learning to discrimination and systemic bias, Philipp explains to us how overestimating ourselves can quietly shape our decisions, relationships, and even society — and why it’s not always a bad thing. Philipp Strack is a professor of Economics at Yale University with a secondary appointment as Professor of Computer Science. His research focus lies in decision-making and behavioral economics in dynamic contexts as well as in concepts like information cost and...
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The marriage penalty – how the church rewired cooperation networks | with Jonathan Schulz
Game Changer - the game theory podcast
In this episode we explore how historical kinship structures, shaped in part by decisions of the Catholic Church, may have fundamentally changed the way humans are able to cooperate on a large scale. Using game theoretic concepts like reciprocity and network structure, we uncover how bans on cousin marriages and even modern Facebook data can help explain patterns of trust and cooperation today. Jonathan Schulz is Assistant Professor in the Department of Economics at George Mason University and Co-Principal Investigator of the interdisciplinary Historical Psychology Project. His research...
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Why Climate Agreements Fail: An Innovative Solution Based on Mechanism Design | with Klaus M. Schmidt
Game Changer - the game theory podcast
In this episode together with our guest Klaus M. Schmidt, we explore the economic challenges behind global climate agreements. We discuss why past agreements like the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement struggled to deliver the desired results and examine how a new negotiation design centered on a uniform CO₂ price could lead to better outcomes. Klaus also shares insights from experimental studies testing this approach in practice. Klaus M. Schmidt is an economics professor at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, and an expert in social preferences and contract theory, among...
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Globalization and Protectionism – A Game Theoretic View | with Claudia Steinwender
Game Changer - the game theory podcast
In this episode, we explore how globalization has shaped trade and innovation—and why rising protectionism is challenging its benefits. What happens when countries impose tariffs and trade restrictions? And how can policymakers navigate the balance between open markets and domestic interests? Claudia Steinwender is a Professor of Economics at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich. Her research focuses on international trade, innovation, and economic history, with a particular emphasis on how globalization shapes firm behavior and trade dynamics.
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How to achieve cooperation: Learnings from fieldwork with the Turkana people | with Sarah Mathew
Game Changer - the game theory podcast
In this episode we are speaking with Sarah Mathew about cooperation – especially how cooperation is achieved in the absence of institutions. Sarah gives some theoretical background, shares the concept of free rider problems and the relationship to punishment. She then illustrates the background based on her fieldwork: She has studied how the Turkana people achieve cooperation when going on raids with possibly even deadly consequences for individual warriors. Sarah Mathew is Associate Professor at the School of Human Evolution and Social Change at Arizona State University. Her...
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The Truth About Misinformation: Myths, Reality, and Rational Beliefs | with Daniel Williams
Game Changer - the game theory podcast
In this episode we are speaking with philosopher Daniel Williams about misinformation—what it is, how it spreads, and whether it is truly on the rise in the form of “fake news”. We also explore why people cling to irrational beliefs and how rationalization shapes public discourse. Finally, Daniel shares strategies for tackling misinformation and engaging with those who hold questionable beliefs. Daniel Williams is a philosopher and researcher at the University of Sussex. His research is focused on the social functions and causes of beliefs with a special interest in...
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Mastering High-Stakes Deals: The Power of Game Theory | with Matthias Schranner & Sebastian Moritz
Game Changer - the game theory podcast
In our 100th episode, we bring together Matthias Schranner of the Schranner Negotiation Institute and Sebastian Moritz from TWS Partners to celebrate the power of Game Theory in high stakes negotiations. We explore real-world negotiation cases, discuss the Game Theory perspective on successful strategies, and highlight how the two intersect to empower decision-makers. Join us as we reflect on 100 episodes of insights and celebrate the partnership between Schranner Negotiation Institute and TWS Partners! Matthias Schranner is an FBI trained negotiation expert who together with his team...
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Can Game Theory help solve international conflicts? – Commitment and Negotiations | with Topi Miettinen
Game Changer - the game theory podcast
In this episode, Topi Miettinen shares his view and research on insights from Game Theory on international conflicts. We start discussing different examples of conflicts, e.g. complex negotiations within the EU and even war. Based on the examples Topi shares his research on the role of commitment to finding agreements. He also shares how his research extends from a bilateral negotiation (as in a war of two parties) situation to a multilateral situation (as in the EU). Topi Miettinen is professor of economics at Hanken School of Economics and Helsinki Graduate School of...
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How did morality evolve? - Game Theory, Evolution and Philosophy | with J. McKenzie Alexander
Game Changer - the game theory podcast
In this episode, we discuss with our guest J. McKenzie Alexander evolutionary game theory and its applications. We start discussing different models from evolutionary game theory starting with the local interaction model and then moving to the replicator model. Based on that we then turn to applications in social theory especially when discussing proto-moral behaviour. J. McKenzie Alexander is Professor of Philosophy at the London School of Economics. His research explores the intersection of game theory, philosophy, and social theory. J. McKenzie Alexander has put together simulations of...
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Why We Don’t Get the Politicians We Want: On Corruption, Polarization, and Voter Bias | with Raymond Fisman
Game Changer - the game theory podcast
In this episode, our guest Raymond Fisman explains to us the persistent challenge of corruption and the surprising ways in which political polarization and so called “wedge issues” help to sustain it. He shares his insights into why anti-corruption reforms remain elusive despite widespread public demand for honest governance and the creative measures some leaders have taken to battle corruption. Raymond Fisman is the Slater Family Professor in Behavioral Economics at Boston University. His research explores the complex ways in which corruption and other informal behaviors...
info_outlineIn this episode, we delve into the common pitfalls that negotiators face which lead to value drain in dealmaking. Our guest Paul Papayoanou identifies four types of value-destructive behaviours and shares insights on avoiding these traps. He also outlines the characteristics of an effective dealmaker, emphasising the importance of being a savvy strategist who can balance toughness with fairness. Furthermore, we explore the role of preparation and reputation in successful negotiations, and how game theory can be applied to enhance negotiation strategies.
Paul Papayoanou is a Senior Advisor with Decision Frameworks, a boutique consultancy based in Houston, Texas, serving clients worldwide. He has taught at the University of California San Diego and Harvard University, and is the author of "Game Theory for Business: A Primer in Strategic Gaming." Paul's extensive experience in game theory and dealmaking provides invaluable insights for anyone looking to improve their negotiation skills. You can read his recent article on addressing value drain in dealmaking here (or e-mail Paul for the pdf version: [email protected]).
Paul has already been a guest on our show. You can check out his episode on how to bid in an auction here or here.