The hugely influential psychologist Walter Mischel will be joined by New York based journalist and author Oliver Burkeman, as they discuss Walter Mischel's famous marshmallow test.

Walter Mischel has been described as one of the most influential psychologists of the 20th century. Best known for devising the famous marshmallow experiments in the 1960s as part of his research on delayed gratification, Walter’s work has reinvented the very concept of what willpower is and how we can wield it.

The marshmallow studies have proven to predict – to a surprising degree – a child’s chances for future success. This evening is an opportunity to gain some insight not just on what this test has revealed over decades of ground breaking research but will also be a chance to learn how his findings can help us all achieve our goals – whether we’re aiming for a better job, a happier marriage or calmer children.

With profound implications for the choices we make in parenting, education, public policy and self-care, this evening will change the way we think about who we are and what we can be.

Joining Walter is the New York based journalist and author Oliver Burkeman. Best known for his regular writing in The Guardian, This Column Will Change Your Life has become essential reading for those interested in social psychology, self-help culture, productivity and the science of happiness. Oliver is also a long-standing member of faculty at The School of Life.