Book & podcast collection

Lucky by Design: The Hidden Economics You Need to Get More of What You Want

Economist Judd Kessler explains how hidden rules, incentives, and market designs shape who receives scarce opportunities and resources. Using examples from education, employment, health, charitable giving, and everyday transactions, he shows why effort alone does not determine outcomes and how understanding a system can improve one's chances. The book translates insights from behavioral and experimental economics into strategies for navigating competition without pretending luck can be eliminated. It also asks how institutions can design fairer processes so that useful knowledge is not reserved for insiders.

Publisher: Little Brown & Company
Publication date: 2025
Format: Print edition
Pages: 288
ISBN: 9780316566827

Subjects

Business & Economics: Economics – Social & Behavioral Self-Help

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Interview with the Author

7 available interview links

1. People and Projects Podcast: Project Management Podcast — PPP 499 | How Much of Success Is Luck or Something Else, with Wharton's Judd KesslerChecked