Brooklyn Nine-Nine Pt. 2: Win Hearts (not Arguments)
This week on WonderTour, Brian and Drew dive into Brooklyn Nine-Nine's interrogation episode “The Box” to explore leadership through the lens of game theory. As Jake and Holt face off with a smug suspect, we learn that winning isn’t about being the smartest — it’s about learning, adapting, and understanding what really motivates people.
🧠 Key Insight
Success often comes not from better facts, but from deeper insight into motivation. Jake cracks the case not by outsmarting the suspect, but by letting him feel like the smartest guy in the room.
🎯 Leadership Takeaway
In negotiation and influence, you win by iterating and shifting focus from your goals to the other person’s true desires. Let them be the hero.
💬 Quote of the Episode
“If you're trying to win the meeting, you’ll never get insight into somebody else's character and needs.”
🧠 Key Insight
Success often comes not from better facts, but from deeper insight into motivation. Jake cracks the case not by outsmarting the suspect, but by letting him feel like the smartest guy in the room.
🎯 Leadership Takeaway
In negotiation and influence, you win by iterating and shifting focus from your goals to the other person’s true desires. Let them be the hero.
💬 Quote of the Episode
“If you're trying to win the meeting, you’ll never get insight into somebody else's character and needs.”
Creators and Guests
Host
Brian Nutwell
Brian Nutwell is an experienced product, process, and analysis leader. He loves connecting with other people and their passions, taking absolutely everything back to first principles, and waking up each day with the hope of learning something new. He is delighted to join Wonder Tour, to help discover pragmatic leadership lessons in our favorite mythic stories.
Host
Drew Paroz
Drew Paroz leads at the intersection point of people, data, and strategy. For Drew, nothing is better than breaking down problems and systems into building blocks of thought except using those blocks to synthesize fresh models. Drew is on a lifelong Wonder Tour to help take those building blocks into life change in himself and others.
