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I Speak globally on innovation and decision-making, Invest in early-stage deep tech, and Apply behavioral insights to drive social change.

Some of the exceptional teams that I have had a privilege to work with

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“Easily the best lecture I’ve ever attended.”

Martin, UX Salon 2018

Keynotes & Big Ideas

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Move Fast, Think Deep:
How Winning Startup Teams Really Work

Startups are built under pressure—limited time, high uncertainty, and constant change. So why do some teams break while others break through? In this talk, we’ll dive into the psychology, culture, and mental models that distinguish truly resilient, high-performing startup teams. From co-founder dynamics to decision-making under stress, you’ll learn what it really takes—not just to move fast, but to think deep and build something that lasts.

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Natural Stupidity
in the Age of
Artificial Intelligence

While machines evolve rapidly, our cognitive biases remain stubbornly human. This talk explores the gap between technological progress and human decision-making. From algorithmic blind spots to emotional overconfidence, I reveal how “natural stupidity” shapes our AI-driven world. It’s a humorous yet sharp look at what makes us brilliantly flawed—and how to lead with that awareness.

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The Psychology
of Smart Decisions

Great decisions aren’t just rational—they’re behavioral. Drawing from behavioral economics and real-world case studies, I unpack how managers, teams, and citizens actually choose. You’ll learn how to design environments that nudge better outcomes without forcing them. From boardrooms to city halls, smart choices start with understanding human nature.

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"Alex empowered us to own our story"

Sabarina, Nomad Bootcamp 2025

They Put Me on TV, So It Must Be True

 REAL       LIFE

Behavioral
Case  Studies 

A hospital wanted to implement a decision-support tool for physicians, but faced resistance to changing long-standing habits—especially from senior doctors skeptical of AI.

Our behavioral solution:

We reframed the AI tool not as a “decision-maker” but as a junior colleague seeking input. We designed onboarding around peer stories and subtle defaults, so physicians felt in control—yet increasingly relied on the system.

🧠 Behavioral Challenge

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A government office aimed to boost citizen adoption of digital services but struggled to convert users from legacy channels despite significant investments in new tech.

Our behavioral solution:

We identified emotional friction points and shifted focus from platform features to timing and trust. A simple nudge: “Most people in your area already use the app” increased adoption by over 30%.

📢 Public Policy

2

An insurance company wanted to create a new digital offering for young adults—but struggled to articulate its value in a way that resonated.

Our behavioral solution:

We co-developed the product positioning using behavioral segmentation—not just demographics. By anchoring the product in real-life milestones (like first job, apartment, or trip), we tapped into relevant emotional triggers.

✏️ Product Management

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A large multi national corporate faced poor customer satisfaction due to long response times in digital support systems.

Our behavioral solution:

Instead of trying to cut actual wait time, we focused on perceived wait. We introduced smart feedback loops: progress bars, status updates, and even “we haven’t forgotten you” nudges—leading to a 40% drop in frustration scores.

💬 Service Design

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"“What Alex did in one week changed six months of our roadmap.”"

Sharon, VP Product 2024

Ideas in 5 min read 

Are You a Founder?

If you’re an early-stage founder leading a strong team with a proven track record or a clear edge in your field—and you’re building something that goes beyond pure software—I’d love to hear from you. We believe the next wave of transformative value will come from tackling harder, deeper problems at the intersection of science, engineering, and human insight.

Advising Founders & Investors

I work with founders and investors to sharpen strategy, assess teams, and navigate the psychological dynamics that shape startup success. This includes evaluating product–market fit, refining value propositions, and tackling UX challenges from a behavioral perspective. Whether supporting early-stage teams or helping VCs make better bets, I bring a deep understanding of how people think, decide, and act—on both sides of the table.

Alex Shilman

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About


Contact:
+972547229020
Consulting / alex@shilmanalex.com
Venture / alex@newgate.capital

© 2025 by Team Alex Shilman

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