Behavioral Scientist

Leslie John

Harvard Business School professor. Research on self-disclosure, privacy, and when sharing personal information helps vs. hurts.

Known For

Self-disclosure researchWhen oversharing backfires

Canon

Empathy Is a Trainable Skill, Not a Fixed Trait

Revealing Is a Learnable Skill: Strategic Vulnerability as Relational Competence

The True Self vs. False Self — Childhood Adaptations That Persist Into Adulthood

Validation Without Approval

Strategic Vulnerability Increases Trust and Liking

Episodes

#Why You Should Say the Thing You’re Afraid to Say | Leslie JohnAug 21, 2026 #Leslie John (on the power of oversharing)Jun 17, 2026 #The Surprising Case for OversharingJun 8, 2026 #The Psychological Cost of Holding Emotions In & The Underrated Power of Oversharing - With Dr. Leslie JohnMay 27, 2026 #578: Why Oversharing Is Actually Good For You and Your Relationships | Leslie John, PhDMay 25, 2026 #The Empathy GymMay 18, 2026 #The Cowboy PhilosopherMay 11, 2026 #The Upside of Oversharing, and the Surprising Downside of Restraint | Leslie JohnApr 2, 2026 #Why You're Afraid to Share (And What It's Costing You) | Leslie JohnFeb 23, 2026 #Why You’re Afraid to Open Up | Leslie JohnFeb 23, 2026 #Coming CleanFeb 9, 2026