Corporate Lectures, Seminars and Workshops

Dr. Steven Novella – Yale Neurologist for 30 years, Internationally recognized science
communicator, author, and producer of the popular and award-winning science podcast,
The Skeptics’ Guide to the Universe.
Available individually or with his co-podcasters and co-authors, the SGU Rogues –
Bob Novella, Dr. Cara Santa Maria, Jay Novella, and Evan Bernstein.

We offer not ordinary self-help style content, but truly science-based skills in critical
thinking, media competency, scientific literacy, and futurism.
We have years of experience, speaking for NASA, Google, Pixar, USDA, CIA, AAAS,
numerous universities and international science conferences.

Some of our more popular offerings include:
Science, Skepticism, and Critical Thinking
How to Distinguish Between Credible and Non-Credible Claims
In today’s information-rich world, employees are constantly faced with a flood of
competing claims. This seminar provides practical tools for evaluating evidence,
identifying reliable sources, and spotting red flags in arguments. Attendees will leave
with a systematic approach to assessing credibility that can be applied in both
professional and personal contexts.
Key takeaways:

• Criteria for identifying trustworthy vs. unreliable information
• How to spot logical fallacies and misleading tactics
• A framework for making evidence-based decisions

How to Separate What’s Real from What’s Not Real
Critical thinking is about balancing skepticism with open-mindedness. This seminar
explores the difference between questioning responsibly and becoming cynical. Using
case studies and interactive discussion, participants will learn how to apply structured
skepticism to avoid being misled while staying receptive to genuine innovation.

Key takeaways:

• How to avoid “false balance” thinking
• Practical methods for evaluating extraordinary claims
• Strategies to encourage a culture of thoughtful inquiry

Why People Fall for Fake Experts
From self-proclaimed gurus to charismatic pseudoscientists, fake experts have an
outsized influence in business and society. This seminar delves into the psychological,
cultural, and cognitive factors that make us susceptible to authority signals and
persuasive storytelling. Participants will learn to spot the difference between genuine
expertise and its imitations.

Key takeaways:

• The role of authority bias and social proof in persuasion
• How to recognize the hallmarks of legitimate expertise
• Tools to safeguard decision-making from misleading “experts”

Cognitive Biases
Every decision-maker is influenced by unconscious mental shortcuts—cognitive
biases—that can distort judgment. This session examines the most common biases
affecting corporate environments, from confirmation bias to sunk-cost fallacy.
Participants will practice identifying biases in real-world examples and learn strategies
to minimize their impact.

Key takeaways:

• Overview of major cognitive biases in business settings
• Exercises to identify biases in action
• Practical debiasing techniques to improve group and individual decisions

Technology and the Future
How to Think About Future Technology

The corporate world is saturated with predictions about AI, automation, biotech, and
beyond—but not all forecasts are created equal. This seminar equips participants with
the skills to separate hype from genuine transformative potential. Attendees will learn
methods for evaluating claims about future tech and making sound strategic decisions
in uncertain landscapes.

Key takeaways:

• Tools for assessing technology forecasts
• Common pitfalls in tech predictions
• Balancing innovation with realistic planning

Social Media, Misinformation, and Disinformation
Social media is both a tool for growth and a vector for harm. This seminar explores how
misinformation spreads online, the tactics used by disinformation campaigns, and the
real-world consequences for businesses. Attendees will gain insights into protecting
corporate reputation, improving digital literacy, and fostering resilience against false
narratives.

Key takeaways:

• The psychology of viral misinformation
• Case studies of corporate impacts from online disinformation
• Best practices for digital literacy and media hygiene

Healthcare and Pseudoscience
Pseudoscience in Corporate Management Seminars
Not all training programs are created equal—many are based on pseudoscientific ideas
or untested methods. This seminar uncovers the prevalence of pseudoscience in
corporate management training and provides tools to evaluate such programs before
investing time and money.

Key takeaways:

• Common pseudoscientific themes in corporate training
• How to evaluate management seminars for scientific validity
• Evidence-based alternatives that drive measurable outcomes

Leadership and People Management
How to Manage People (Using Evidence-Based Strategies)
Managing people effectively requires more than intuition—it requires evidence-based
practices grounded in psychology and organizational science. This seminar moves
beyond management fads, equipping leaders with proven approaches to motivation,
communication, and team-building.

Key takeaways:

• Evidence-based principles of motivation and leadership
• Practical strategies for conflict resolution and performance improvement
• How to build resilient, collaborative teams

The SGU team has spent years honing the art of teaching critical thinking in real-
world contexts. Our seminars are designed to bring that expertise into the corporate,
healthcare, and technology spaces, where evidence-based decision-making is more
vital than ever.
What sets us apart:

• Credibility: Backed by decades of experience in medicine, science education,
  and communication.
• Engagement: Our teaching style blends solid science with humor and
  storytelling, making challenging concepts accessible and memorable.
• Customization: We adapt content to fit your industry’s needs—whether in
  leadership, healthcare, technology, or professional development.
• Proven Impact: From sold-out live events to thousands of listener testimonials,
  our track record demonstrates an ability to inspire, inform, and empower.

Bring the Skeptics’ Guide to Your Organization
Partner with SGU to give your team the tools they need to thrive in an age of
information overload, emerging technologies, and shifting social landscapes. Whether
you’re looking for a keynote speaker, a professional development seminar, or a multi-

day training program, SGU delivers evidence-based, practical, and unforgettable
learning experiences.
Book an SGU Seminar Today – and bring the power of science, skepticism, and
critical thinking to your organization.