In this episode of Ask a Decision Engineer, Michelle Florendo responds to David's question about making decisions in the face of risk and uncertainty. She introduces the Relief-Regret framework, a practical tool she developed to help decision-makers navigate uncertain outcomes when perfect information isn't available.

In this episode of Ask a Decision Engineer, Michelle Florendo shares a deeply personal journey through a high-stakes decision involving family, health, and values. Joined by Shanice Webb, the conversation dives into applying decision-making frameworks to real-life challenges where outcomes are uncertain, and the stakes are significant.

In this episode of Ask a Decision Engineer, Michelle Florendo addresses a thoughtful question from a listener about balancing emotions during decision-making. Tackling the dual challenge of distancing oneself from emotions while still taking them into account, Michelle reframes emotions as valuable sources of data. Through frameworks, practical steps, and real-world examples, she demonstrates how emotions, when noticed and named, can guide better decisions.

In this heartfelt episode of Ask a Decision Engineer, Michelle Florendo opens up about her personal experience of facilitating an end-of-life retreat for her mother-in-law, Joyce, following a stage-four terminal cancer diagnosis. Joined by Shanice Webb, Michelle explores how decision-making frameworks, emotional clarity, and collaboration can guide families through some of life’s most challenging moments. Through personal anecdotes and decision-making insights, Michelle offers listeners a deeply reflective guide to navigating emotions, fostering communication, and finding clarity amidst uncertainty.

"What is an entry point into these conversations about heavy things? It’s this question of, ‘How do you want to feel?’" – Michelle Florendo

Life often presents us with decisions we are unprepared to face—ones steeped in uncertainty and emotion. In this episode, Michelle shares one such personal experience: navigating the final months of her mother-in-law’s life after a devastating cancer diagnosis.

In this episode, Michelle Florendo explores a question people often ask her privately: Why are decisions so hard? She addresses the common feeling of isolation when struggling with decisions and delves into how technology and societal changes have impacted our decision-making processes.

In this highly anticipated return season of her podcast, Stanford-trained Decision Engineer Michelle Florendo invites listeners to explore the art and science of decision-making through a uniquely personal lens.

In this highly anticipated return season of her podcast, Stanford-trained Decision Engineer Michelle Florendo invites listeners to explore the art and science of decision-making through a uniquely personal lens.

So often in the midst of change or the unknown where our mind goes first is what are we going to do?

Whenever I teach about decision making, inevitably, the comment comes up, "These frameworks are great and all, but what do I do about the other people in the room?"

In all my years of teaching about decision making, no topic generates more angst than the need to know.

Risk. For some people, the very thought sends chills down their spines, yet for others, the topic prompts a sense of thrill.

Confidence is a critical part of decision making and being an effective leader. Not enough confidence and you won't move a decision to the action or be able to cultivate the support needed to move it forward.

Decisions. They are the way we can steer our lives forward, yet how much thought do people give to how they are making them?

Decision-making is not just a cognitive exercise; there are benefits to approaching it as a whole person.

How can you know you've made a good decision, even before you know how things turn out? It’s all about understanding decision quality.

Making decisions as an individual has its challenges, but having to make decisions as a group adds many other layers of complexity.

Decisions about what you want to do next in life feel big- they can literally change your life. That's why so many people feel stuck in the process.

Decisions about what you want to do next in life feel big- they can literally change your life. That's why so many people feel stuck in the process.

In this fourth season of the podcast, I'm bringing folks on the show who have influenced my work on decision-making. And who better to start with than Seth Godin, without whom this podcast would not exist.

In season four of my podcast, Ask A Decision Engineer, I'll be interviewing guests on the show who will share insights, strategies, and tools to help you work through your decision-making challenges.