is a lecturer, author, and speaker with a background in politics, psychology, and fitness. She writes for Psychology Today and researches how the body and mind affect our choices. Her books on politics and leadership include Evolution, Politics and Charisma: Why do Populists Win?, Leadership: Performance Beyond Expectations, and Post Truth Politics: A Brave New World? (Routledge). She has also worked at leading universities and has spoken at conferences across Europe, America and Asia.
In her talk, which is now available to view on YouTube, Elesa Zehndorfer discusses the psychology behind fake news. She demonstrates how emotions, storytelling, and human instincts make us vulnerable to misinformation. She uses examples from politics, science fiction, and social media trends, explaining how it uses emotions, stories, and our natural instincts to play on our fears and negativity.
She holds a PhD in Sport and Exercise Science from Loughborough University which has provided a background that has influenced her work as a personal trainer and pilates coach, and her research into how the body impacts emotions and decision-making in politics, business and finance.