January 23, 2025Humanizing Change Podcast

Gina Merchant on humanizing change around self-efficacy (podcast episode #6)

By Darrick Hays (he/him)

On today’s episode, Ari has a conversation with Gina Merchant, Director of Design Research at Tandem Diabetes Care.

Ari’s chat with Gina covers several topics, including the human need for feelings of competency, autonomy, and relatedness (Self-Determination Theory), harnessing the concept of self-efficacy rather than self-esteem, and the pros and cons of global social media.

The conversation begins with Gina sharing her early experiences growing up around alcoholism in Topanga Canyon, CA, how they inspired a psychology-based course of study, and how that helps her focus on behavioral changes with understanding and compassion. Produced by Ari Abraham and Darrick Hays, with artwork by Chris Roettger.

autonomy competency curiosity Gina Merchant humanizing change humanizing change podcast interview leadership mindfulness podcast self efficacy Tandem Tandem Diabetes Care