About Motivation Insiders

Everyone wants high-performing teams and loyal customers, but how do we know what motivators will drive performance and engagement? Motivation Insiders brings together experts in the incentive industry and behavioural sciences to share their insider knowledge.

Created by Incentive & Engagement Solution Providers (IESP), each episode brings together experts to discuss different aspects of behavioural science and how you can use them to improve your incentive and recognition programs.

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Episodes

Rethinking Motivation in Sales: Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Drivers 

Episode 20 • May 13, 2026

This episode explores what really motivates sales professionals and how organizations should balance intrinsic and extrinsic motivation when designing performance programs.

Mastering the 2026 Incentive Strategy Roadmap with Group O 

Episode 19 • March 30, 2026

This episode explores the evolving landscape of incentive marketing, focusing on digital transformation, program experience, security, and future trends.

Data-Driven Incentive Insights 

Episode 18 • February 2, 2026

This episode of Motivation Insiders explores the data-driven revolution in incentives and recognition programs, emphasising the impact of data, analytics, and AI on program design.

Inside the Incentive Buyer’s Mind: Trends, Risks & Realities 

Episode 17 • December 4, 2025

In this episode, we explore insights from Inside the Incentive Buyer’s Mind: Trends, Risks & Realities, a new IESP resource built from the perspectives of more than fifty industry leaders.

Employee Recognition Best Practice Across the Generations 

Episode 16 • October 24, 2025

In this episode, we talk with two providers of recognition and workplace engagement services and one user of workplace incentives and recognition.

The Future of Employee Recognition: A Panel Discussion 

Episode 15 • July 2, 2025

In advance of the annual IMA Summit, we speak with three IESP executive-level members about the future of employee recognition programs and how data and AI are impacting incentive campaigns.

Putting the ‘Person’ in Personalization of Incentive Campaigns 

Episode 14 • March 25, 2025

In incentive campaigns, personalization can increase engagement and boost ROI for sponsoring companies. But what does personalization of incentive programs actually mean? And how is it accomplished? Take a closer look (or listen).

Beyond Borders & Generations: Designing Modern Travel Rewards 

Episode 13 • December 12, 2024

How do you design a travel incentive program that excites and motivates employees of all ages? Learn how tailored experiences designed with the younger generation in mind can guide your program to success.

Boost Sales Fast: Motivate Your Team to Master the Sales Process 

Episode 12 • July 25, 2024

When reps try shortening a long sales cycle, they miss vital steps that help earn trust and showcase value. A “Steps to the Sale” incentive program can motivate salespeople to check all the boxes that lead to a signed contract.

How to Keep Your Sales Kickoff Energy from Fizzling 

Episode 11 • February 21, 2024

In this episode, we talk with two leaders of incentive program providers about the science behind keeping the energy and enthusiasm generated by sales kickoffs going throughout the year.

Incentive Travel: The Incomparable Motivator 

Episode 10 • July 13, 2023

Uncover the evolving landscape of incentive travel programs, explore demographic shifts, the importance of planning at all stages, and ROI analysis in this captivating episode.

Technology's Role in Incentive Campaigns 

Episode 9 • March 14, 2023

Incentive and recognition campaigns that don’t take advantage of today’s software platforms may be missing out on ways to increase engagement and improve ROI. Learn about the impact technology can have on your team and your business goals.

5 Goal-Setting Sins to Avoid 

Episode 8 • October 18, 2022

Learn why motivation fizzles, the important role managers play in helping team members successfully meet goals, and 5 SMART tips to avoid goal-setting sins.

Preparing for the Future: Hear from Reward and Recognition Experts on How They Are Getting Ready 

Episode 7 • October 3, 2022

As the pandemic wanes, reward and recognition experts attending the IMA Summit 2022 advised organization leaders to return to a longer-term, more strategic viewpoint and to reinvest in the humanness of the organization.

Engaging Your Participants: 7 Tips on How To Persuade Them That Always Work 

Episode 6 • June 30, 2022

Successful engagement in reward and recognition programs relies on getting people involved. What if you were better at persuading people to get involved? This episode is packed with tips and tools on seven principles research has shown to work.

Three Trends for the Future to Help You Deal with Today 

Episode 5 • April 14, 2022

Our experts explore three workplace trends (Adaptive Elasticity, Authentic Transparency, Wellness to Wellbeing) and discuss how they impact your business today.

The Remarkable Power of Data: Design, Relationships and Strategy 

Episode 4 • December 14, 2021

Measuring ROI is only one way to use data. The real power of data comes from a multi-dimensional approach.

IMA Summit 2021: The Power of Socialization 

Episode 3 • October 20, 2021

Why would industry professionals travel from near and far for the IMA Summit, on the heels of the pandemic? Learn what attendees had to say and what experts have learned about the power of in-person networking.

The 2 Things Your Rewards Program is Desperately in Need Of 

Episode 2 • June 30, 2021

We think we know our own motivations – and others. But it turns out we’re generally wrong in both cases. What are the rewards that are most motivational? Hear from experts to learn how you should approach your next incentive or recognition program.

4 Fantastic Hacks to Improve the Design of Incentive Program Rules 

Episode 1 • May 12, 2021

In the first episode host Tim Houlihan and guests Dr. David Cox, Dr. Jana Gallus and Lincoln Smith, IP discuss simple mistakes people make when creating incentive program rules that can cause incentive programs to crash.

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