Tessa West

Tessa West, NYU psychology professor who studies group dynamics, unpacks how social status, secrecy, and selective inclusion kept Epstein’s inner circle intact. Nick Cernak, AI scholar and author, surveys the economics, architecture, and risks of generative AI. Wanda Bertram, researcher at the Prison Policy Initiative, breaks down the $445 billion annual costs and budget trends driving mass incarceration.

Tessa West, a professor of psychology and author of "Jerks at Work," dives into the seven types of workplace jerks: the kiss-up/kick-downer, credit stealer, bulldozer, free rider, micromanager, neglectful boss, and gaslighter. She provides insights into their behaviors and discusses how they disrupt team dynamics. Tessa highlights strategies for dealing with each type, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and conflict resolution skills. Her research-backed advice offers listeners practical tools to navigate these challenging personalities at work.

In this conversation, Tessa West, an NYU psychology professor and author renowned for studying workplace dynamics, discusses the subtle danger of frenemies in professional settings. She reveals how these seemingly friendly colleagues can undermine your confidence and career. Tessa emphasizes the importance of consistency over kindness and shares behavioral cues to watch for discomfort and distrust. Listeners learn how to collect data on workplace relationships and address the challenges posed by 'nice' colleagues who may actually be obstacles.

Tessa West, a social psychology professor who studies workplace behavior, and Leanne ten Brinke, a researcher of deception and dark traits, explain how a small number of harmful people cause outsized damage. They discuss why most people are helpful. They unpack psychopathy and manipulation, show how jerks rise to power, and offer science-backed tactics to spot, contain, and neutralize toxic behavior.

Tessa West, a social psychology professor at NYU and author of "Jerks at Work", dives into the seven types of workplace jerks, including the micromanager and the gaslighter. She emphasizes the importance of conflict management skills for navigating toxic dynamics. The discussion reveals that these jerks often harm themselves too. Tessa shares tips on handling credit theft and ensuring your contributions are recognized. Furthermore, she highlights the need for building social connections to combat workplace challenges and avoid becoming a jerk yourself.