A one day roundtable for leaders and emerging changemakers
In a world of tight budgets, time pressure, and public scrutiny, even the best intentioned decisions can go wrong. From poor infrastructure planning leading to water and road management problems, to quality failures in Boeing’s 737 MAX and massive automotive recalls, to misguided small business decisions, there is often a gap between what’s pragmatically possible and what we settle for.
Many of our biggest challenges arise not just from poor choices, but from a failure to imagine better alternatives. People are often unaware of what is possible. Even under difficult time and budget constraints: we repeat old patterns, overlook viable alternatives, and substitute urgency for clarity.
Are we doomed to live this way? No! Viable alternatives often exist - but they depend on utilizing a systematic framework for more discerning evidence and values based decision making. Business optimization is not enough. What values are we optimizing?
Debugging Decision Making is a fast paced, one day roundtable that helps participants uncover hidden assumptions, test values, and avoid the traps that distort well intentioned choices. Participants in this inclusive roundtable use real-world case studies, open dialogue, and a systematic decision framework to build stronger, more resilient decision habits. The result: turning good intentions into more possibilities for future actions, and better outcomes
Led by Neil Jacobstein, an Aspen Institute moderator and technologist with decades of industry and government systems and seminar experience. Neil led three longer versions of this successful program, including one with Māori leadership and two in the NZ Parliament Beehive.
“This program has equipped me with the skills to make informed, effective policy choices that genuinely reflect the needs and values of our communities. The comprehensive approach to integrating evidence with ethical considerations has profoundly enhanced my ability to contribute to the betterment of our society and country. I am confident that the knowledge gained will significantly impact my work in public service.” - Nancy Lu, National List MP, May 2024
“This thought-provoking course gave me a practical framework I now apply in every leadership decision. A brilliant return on investment.” - Evidence Based Decision Making Alumnus, November 2024
Why it matters
The stakes are high. Every sector - from business and government to social impact and innovation - faces decisions made under pressure with incomplete information.
The opportunity is real. A systematic decision making framework can improve performance, resilience, and public trust - whether leading a boardroom, project, or policy team.
Inside the day
Through guided roundtable discussions, a systematic decision framework, and shared reflection, participants will:
Identify recurring decision traps and patterns.
Learn to surface hidden assumptions and frame problems more effectively.
Explore how values and evidence work together to improve decision-making.
Engage with a framework built from New Zealand and international experience.
Who should attend
Leaders, managers, and community members who want to:
Make better choices under complexity and constraint.
Strengthen ethical and strategic decision making.
Build the capacity to act with clarity, courage, and impact.
Join us
Debugging Decision Making: A Framework for Improved Outcomes
Tuesday 24 February 2026, 9am - 6pm
In person at Taramea, Queenstown
Unrecorded, candid format - Chatham House Rule applies.
$1,000 (incl. gst) per participant; includes lunch and award ceremony.
Limited to 24 people
