87. Jon Levy

The Iowa Idea: Jon Levy

“You’re Invited.”

In this episode of The Iowa Idea Podcast, I’m joined by Jon Levy. Jon is a behavioral scientist best known for his work in influence, human connection, and decision making. More than a decade ago, Jon founded The Influencers Dinner, a secret dining experience for industry leaders ranging from Nobel laureates, Olympians, celebrities, and executives, to artists and musicians. Guests cook dinner together, but can’t discuss their career or give their last name, and once seated to eat, they reveal who they are.

Jon’s second book, You’re Invited: The Art and Science of Cultivating Influence, will be on May 11. In it, he demonstrates the importance of human connection, trust, and community to accomplish what is most important to us.

We dig into Jon’s journey as an author and behavioral scientist. Our conversation explores some of the key concepts of Jon’s new book, You’re Invited, and ways that we might improve connection through trust and community. Jon shares the surprising impact our social networks have on our lives. Jon shares some intriguing concepts from behavioral science including the Ikea Effect and the Peak End Rule.

We discuss the powerful story of Daryl Davis and how, through the power of invitation, Daryl convinced over 200 members to leave the KKK.

It was a pleasure having Jon join me on the podcast. I hope you enjoy the episode…and if you could do me a favor. If you enjoy the podcast, please give it a positive rating and review on Apple Podcasts.

About Jon

Jon Levy is a behavioral scientist best known for his work in influence, human connection, and decision making. Jon specializes in applying the latest research to transform the ways companies approach marketing, sales, consumer engagement, and culture. His clients range from Fortune 500 brands, like Microsoft, Google, AB-InBev, and Samsung, to startups.

More than a decade ago, Jon founded The Influencers Dinner, a secret dining experience for industry leaders ranging from Nobel laureates, Olympians, celebrities, and executives, to artists, musicians, and even the Grammy winning voice of the bark from “Who Let the Dogs Out.” Guests cook dinner together, but can’t discuss their career or give their last name, and once seated to eat, they reveal who they are. Over time, these dinners developed into a community. With thousands of members, Influencers is the largest community of its type worldwide.

Jon’s second book, You’re Invited: The Art and Science of Cultivating Influence, will be released May of 2021. In it, he demonstrates the importance of human connection, trust and community to accomplishing what is most important to us.

In his free time, Jon works on outrageous projects. Among them spending a year traveling to all 7 continents, or to the world’s greatest events (Grand Prix, Art Basel, Burning Man, Running of the Bulls, etc.) and barely surviving to tell the tale. These Adventures were chronicled in his first book: The 2 AM Principle: Discover the Science of Adventure

Links

The Influencers (TED Talk & NY Times)

Jon’s Latest Book –  You’re Invited: The Art & Science of Cultivating Influence

Jon’s website – https://www.jonlevytlb.com/

Credits

Episode produced by Spark Consulting Group (www.inspiredbyspark.com) in Iowa City, with support from Executive Podcast Solutions (https://www.executivepodcastsolutions.com/).

The Iowa Idea Podcast theme music written and performed by Paisley Bible (https://paisleybible.bandcamp.com/).