Super Deciders

Chapter 11Becoming Better at Making Decisions

Claudio Feser, Daniella Laureiro-Martinez, and Stefano Brusoni

Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.

—Leo Tolstoy

Isabelle and Eve met for breakfast at Milchbar, a trendy café in Zurich, the following morning. Breakfast was the only activity Isabelle was able to accommodate in her busy schedule. They had agreed to meet for a breakfast a few weeks earlier and Isabelle didn't want to cancel it this time, even though she was in the middle of a major crisis. Given the confidential nature of the situation at ATG, she didn't plan to discuss ATG this time. She just wanted to finally meet Eve in person again and give her a hug.

Isabelle arrived a few minutes late. She had had problems falling asleep the night before and had overslept. It wasn't the first time in the past months, and lack of sleep wasn't the only matter plaguing her. She often felt restless, had difficulty concentrating, was irritable, often felt worthless, and had lost interest in her hobbies.

Eve stood up to greet her, as always with a big smile on her face.

“Long time since we flew to London together. I really wanted to hug you and say thank you for all these wonderful and really helpful conversations we had in the past year,” said Isabelle taking Eve.

“It is so nice to see you in person,” said Eve, “but you look tired. Is everything OK?” She had noticed Isabelle yawning when she entered the café.

“How did you spot that?”

“You ...