From Self-Doubt to Self-Trust: Emily Prinsloo of Rice University on Decision-Making and Career Growth — Part 2

In this part two episode with Emily Prinsloo, Rebecca and Emily talk about decision-making and seizing opportunities we often overlook. Emily is an Assistant Professor of Marketing at Rice University with a PhD from Harvard Business School and a master's from the University of Cambridge. She teaches product management with a focus on entrepreneurship and studies how people make decisions in product and business settings.

Emily introduces her research on "Opportunity Neglect" - the tendency to undervalue low-probability opportunities, especially when there's little to no cost involved. She shares personal examples, from not applying to Harvard initially because she assumed she wouldn't get in, to entrepreneurs avoiding customer interviews because they assume people won't respond. The conversation explores how self-rejection often keeps us from opportunities that could be transformative for our careers and lives.

They discuss how getting comfortable with rejection builds confidence and agency, whether it's applying for jobs with salary ranges that seem "too high," negotiating for raises, or simply asking for what we want. Emily emphasizes that not taking an opportunity is equivalent to a rejection anyway, but without the upside potential.

Timestamps

1. Understanding "Opportunity Neglect" and low-probability opportunities – 0:00
2. Self-rejection vs. letting others make decisions – 4:30
3. Building comfort with rejection in dating, academics, and career – 8:15
4. Salary negotiations and asking for promotions – 12:45
5. Daily advice: Put away distractions and connect authentically – 16:20

Connect with Emily Prinsloo 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-prinsloo-50965261/

For more insights on turning hidden minutes into your greatest asset, connect with Rebecca and follow the podcast on LinkedIn! 

Shout-out to Graham Duncan from East Rock Capital for the "Time Billionaires" concept that inspired our show name - originally shared on The Tim Ferriss Show.