Maria Konnikova

Maria Konnikova is a talented author, speaker, and consultant whose work is centered around the concept of psychology and its myriad applications in everyday life. Born and raised in Moscow, Russia, Maria moved to the United States in 2001 to pursue a degree in psychology from Harvard University. In addition to her studies, Maria worked for many years as a journalist, creating articles for publications such as The Atlantic, The New York Times, Psychology Today, The Paris Review, and The New Republic.

Maria’s work has focused largely on the psychology of decision-making and the implications it has for the wider world. Her first book, Mastermind: How to Think Like Sherlock Holmes, delved deep into the workings of the legendary detective, uncovering the psychological principles at the heart of his success. She also wrote two additional books, The Confidence Game: Why We Fall For It… Every Time and The Russel Sage Foundation’s How We Think: Lessons From the Brain for Making Better Decisions in Business and Life.

In her books, Maria takes a detailed look at the components of decision-making and how they can be manipulated in positive, effective directions. By blending scientific data with stories and anecdotes, she effectively brings the principles of psychology to life in a way that both educators and laypeople can relate to. Her books are characterized by her deep analysis, enthusiasm, and unique ability to weave research together in cohesive and engaging narratives.

In addition to writing books, Maria is also a much-in-demand speaker and consultant. She has lectured at numerous prestigious universities, including Harvard, Yale, and Oxford, discussing the application of psychology to everyday life. Furthermore, she regularly advises startups, venture capitalists, and other companies on how to better apply the psychology of decision-making in business.

In her work, Maria’s primary goal has been to make the endlessly complex field of psychology accessible, understandable, and applicable to a wide audience. By drawing on her in-depth research and educational background, she has succeeded in this goal, shaping the way that people think about decision-making and the implications of those decisions in their daily lives. Maria’s ability to craft compelling stories that draw readers into her ideas has made her work much sought-after, and it’s clear that her work has only just begun.