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Matt Wallaert
Behavioral Scientist, Author, and Entrepreneur
Matt Wallaert is a prominent figure in the field of behavioral science, currently serving as the Head of Behavioral Science at frog, a design and strategy firm that is part of Capgemini. He has a rich background in applying behavioral science to practical problems across various sectors, including startups and large corporations.
Career Overview
Wallaert has nearly two decades of experience in behavioral science, having transitioned from academia to executive roles. His notable positions include:
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Founder of BeSci.io (Behavioral Science in Organizations) since August 2022, where he helps organizations integrate behavioral science into their operations.
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Chief Behavioral Officer at Clover Health (August 2017 - March 2020), where he focused on applying behavioral insights to healthcare.
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Director of Behavioral Science at Microsoft (December 2012 - November 2016), contributing to the company's understanding of user behavior.
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Author of "Start At The End" (June 2019), a book that outlines how to design products and services that effectively change behavior.136
Contributions to Behavioral Science
At frog, Wallaert emphasizes a structured approach to behavioral science, which includes defining behavioral goals, conducting mixed-methods research, and implementing interventions based on insights gathered. He has developed a comprehensive model for applying behavioral science that integrates strategy, design, and evaluation, which he actively teaches to colleagues and clients.234
Personal Background
Wallaert holds degrees in psychology and education from Swarthmore College and has pursued advanced studies in social psychology at Cornell University. He is also known for his commitment to equity and social change, having initiated projects like GetRaised, which helps underpaid women negotiate salary increases.35
In addition to his professional endeavors, Wallaert enjoys surfing and resides in San Diego, California. He maintains an approachable style, aiming to make behavioral science accessible to a broad audience.36
Highlights
TLDR: Learning is not a smooth curve; we frequently grow in spurts and jumps. But those rarely align with external validation like graduation or licensing. Credentialism isn’t just inequitable, it is a business and cultural liability.
