It’s hard to be human
in a complex world.
Because our mental shortcuts trip us up.
My focus is these blind spots.
And their remedies.
Ted Cadsby, MBA, CFA, ICD.D
Ted is a bestselling author whose work reveals the mental shortcuts that lead us astray when we navigate complex challenges. He has served as a corporate director on a number of for-profit and non-profit boards. As the executive vice president of Retail Distribution at CIBC, he led 18,000 employees in wealth management and banking services. He was President and CEO of CIBC Securities Inc., Chairman of CIBC Trust Corp., and Chairman of CIBC Private Investment Counsel Inc.
Ted has been interviewed by the national media about human decision making, investing, leadership and human fulfillment. In addition to four books, he has written for a variety of publications including Harvard Business Review, The Globe and Mail and Toronto Star.
Writing
Ted writes about our struggle with complex problems. His fourth book, published by Dundurn Press, explores the challenge of being human.
Speaking
Ted has delivered keynote speeches to audiences of 1,800 people, conducted workshops for twelve, and addressed every group size in between.
Media
Ted has been interviewed by numerous media outlets on the many ways that human thinking goes astray and how to avoid the common pitfalls.
A Complex World Demands
Complex Thinking
The world no longer conforms to our default mental shortcuts, such as:
- Oversimplifying (causal relationships)
- Overconfidence (in our preliminary conclusions)
- Overreaction (to each other)
There are better ways to dissect, discuss and manage complexity.
How We Perceive Things:
How Things Actually Work:
“Ted Cadsby has done us all a favour with this lucid tour of thinking through complexity.”
Roger Martin, former Dean of the Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto
“Your keynote was identified in evaluations as one of the top 3 highlights of our conference, with comments such as ‘very inspiring’ and ‘perfect opener’.”
Robert P. Taylor, PhD, CEO of the Institute of Public Administration of Canada
“Brimming with insight, professionals in all fields will find Cadsby’s book highly valuable.”
Phil Rosenzweig, PhD, Professor of strategy and international management, IMD
“Cadsby’s ideas are vital … Read them and prosper.”
Don Tapscott, Executive Chairman of the Blockchain Research Institute
“Cadsby expertly outlines why humans possess instinctive responses and provides actionable tips..his presentation is creative and informative.”
Kirkus Book Reviews
“This wide-ranging book distills the latest research in complexity theory and cognitive science to think and act more effectively.”
David Orrell, PhD, mathematician and best-selling author
“Loved Cadsby’s Closing the Mind Gap…must-read for anyone wanting to tackle complexity!”
Amanda Lang, Anchor of BNN Bloomberg
“Ted brought together insights in a compelling presentation that provided practical steps leaders can take.”
John Brewer, Director, The Conference Board of Canada
“A courageous synthesis of psychology, complexity and systems theory. Cadsby provides practical implications for improving decision-making.”
Gary Klein, PhD, Senior Scientist MacroCognition LLC
“William James said we are only half awake. Ted Cadsby shows there is a lot of scientific truth wrapped inside that metaphorical truth.”
Philip Tetlock, PhD, Professor of Psychology, Wharton School of Business
“A very sophisticated and extremely valuable read.”
Gordon Pape, best-selling author and investment commentator
“A must read for Canadians who are serious about investing.”
Moshe Milevsky, PhD, Professor of Finance, Schulich School of Business
“Ted’s case would make any fair judge rule: ‘Case closed.’ Readers who follow his advice will be duly enriched.”
John Bogle, Founder and Former Chairman of The Vanguard Group
“Ted Cadsby has provided a valuable addition to investment finance. This book can immediately be put into action.”
Eric Kirzner, PhD, Professor of Finance, Rotman School of Management
“Cadsby has established himself as an author who must be read.”
Andrew Allentuck, Globe and Mail
“Cadsby offers a wealth of advice…It’s a keeper for any investor.”
Jade Hemeon, Toronto Star
“Ted’s speech provided very illuminating insight into cutting-edge research, as evidenced by the extended Q&A.”
“Cadsby draws masterfully on a wide range of scientific findings. His book is a remarkable wake-up call. We owe him thanks.”
Robin Hogarth, PhD, Emeritus Professor of Economics, Universitat Pompeu Fabra