About Peter Atwater

Peter AtwaterWhen Peter Atwater turned 45, his son said, “Dad you are halfway to ninety.” Three months later he left a very successful career in financial services to do something different. After helping several hedge funds successfully navigate the banking crisis, that “something” turned out to be studying confidence.

Tossing aside his academic training in economics and his experience on Wall Street, Atwater turned to social psychology and discovered that not only do we act as we feel, but we do so consistently, too. To paraphrase Mark Twain, history rhymes for a reason.

Today, Atwater is a recognized expert on the impact of confidence on individual and group decision-making.  He teaches classes on the topic at his alma mater, William & Mary.  When he isn’t in the classroom, you can find him leading corporate retreats, keynoting conferences, and offering his insights on current events on CNBC and Bloomberg Radio and in the Financial Times, the Wall Street Journal, and Time Magazine.

In his book, The Confidence Map, Atwater shares the tools and framework he uses in his work with business leaders, investors, coaches, and public policymakers.

THE CONFIDENCE MAP

The Confidence Map A groundbreaking framework for making better decisions by understanding – and mastering – confidence.
What does our desire for certainty and control have to do with our decision-making? According to behavioral economics pioneer Peter Atwater, the answer is simple: everything.
In The Confidence Map, Atwater explores the hidden role of confidence in the choices we make, and why events described as being unprecedented are often entirely predictable—if we know what to look for.
Using compelling stories from the past and present, Atwater shows readers how to apply the same tools he teaches the world’s leading institutional investors, corporations, and policymakers to help them make sense of complex situations and optimize strategy.
The Confidence Map is a book about why we do what we do, where we can and cannot trust our natural instincts, and how we can make sense of a world that too often feels senseless.
Whether you’re investing in technology stocks, designing menu items for a fast-food franchise, or running an emergency room, Atwater offers an all-weather guide to avoid psychological traps, spot opportunities, and navigate the road ahead with clarity and purpose.
Buy your copy HERE