Our Research
When people believe in your potential—and support it strategically—you rise.
That's the Pygmalion Effect. And it's the core of our system at The Board of Life.
Our Research
& Findings
A short sentence about why it matters that leader take real steps to making higher commitments.
The Power of Unpaid, Self-Selected Advisors
Accountability is stronger when it's earned—not assigned. Advisors chosen by the leader—based on respect and alignment, not compensation—create more powerful, enduring accountability. In one study, 88% of mentees with self-selected mentors reported strong progress, versus just 44% with assigned ones.
95% Commitment Rate
Leaders who engage in intentional goal-setting and commit to regular check-ins with trusted advisors achieve their goals at a rate more than 2x higher than those in traditional coaching models
The Power of Unpaid, Self-Selected Advisors
Accountability is stronger when it's earned—not assigned. Advisors chosen by the leader—based on respect and alignment, not compensation—create more powerful, enduring accountability. In one study, 88% of mentees with self-selected mentors reported strong progress, versus just 44% with assigned ones.
Layered Accountability Multiplies Impact
Research shows that goal-setting alone leads to ~25% success. Add a plan: ~50%. Add commitment to another person: ~65%. Add intentional, recurring check-ins with that person? 95% success rate
AI + Human Feedback = Accelerated Learning
Tools like Generative Reflection™ enhance self-awareness and decision-making by combining behavioral research with real-time insights, while the Intentional Progress Model™ turns commitment into meaningful, measurable action.
Why It Works
Our model is combines research across behavioral science, performance psychology, and human motivation to create three essential drivers of sustained growth:
Intrinsic Motivation
Anchored in autonomy, purpose, and connection
Interpersonal Accountability
Feedback from trusted, non-transactional relationships
Intentional Goal Integration
Progress tracking, reflection, and action alignment
Backed by Experts. Built for Results.
With direct input from our Board of Advisors, we turn cutting-edge research into practical systems that help leaders grow—with intention and follow-through.
Research
Shaped By Experts
Our systems are shaped by leading experts in behavior change, decision science, and leadership development—including members of our Board of Advisors such as:
Katy Milkman on habit formation and sustained change
Adam Grant on motivation, purpose, and leadership psychology
Cassie Kozyrkov on decision intelligence and direction under pressure
Esther Perel on trust, relationships, and emotional resilience
Sanyin Siang on values-based leadership and adaptive mentoring
Report
Bottom Line
The Board of Life isn’t built on inspiration. It’s built on science.
And the result is clear: leaders don’t just grow—they transform, sustain, and exceed what they thought was possible.
And the result is clear: leaders don’t just grow—they transform, sustain, and exceed what they thought was possible.