Algorithmic trading — often called algo trading — uses computer programs to automatically identify and execute trades based on predefined rules.
In theory, this removes emotion. But in practice, many traders still interfere.
In this episode of Talking Trading, Louise Bedford sits down with systematic trading specialist Adrian Reid to explore why strong trading systems often fail — not because of faulty logic, but because of human behaviour.
They unpack the psychological traps that cause traders to override signals, abandon systems too early, or endlessly tweak strategies in search of perfection.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why automated systems still demand emotional discipline
- How traders sabotage profitable algos without realising it
- The illusion of control and why ‘just one tweak’ is so dangerous
- How to build trust in your trading system over time
- Simple, practical steps to stop interfering and start executing
If you trade mechanically, systematically, or algorithmically — and want your results to reflect your backtesting — this conversation could change the way you approach every trade.
Questions we discuss:
- Even with a well-coded algorithm, traders still override their systems. What’s really going on when logic loses to emotion?
- Why do fear and doubt creep in – even when traders know their algorithm has a statistically proven edge?
- You build mechanical systems for a living. What is the key to trusting your algo and not intervening mid-trade?
- Many traders keep tweaking their algos in search of a ‘perfect’ system. What’s the danger in that?
- What do you see as the core psychological difference between traders who let their algos run vs. those who can’t help interfering?
- You’ve said before that discipline is less about willpower and more about environment. How can algo traders use this idea to their advantage?
- What routines, rituals or review practices help traders stay aligned with their system instead of reacting emotionally?
- From your experience, what separates the trader who’s endlessly backtesting from the one who’s actually executing with confidence?
- Have you ever second-guessed your own algo? What did you do to regain trust in the system?
- For someone stuck in a cycle of fiddling and fine-tuning what’s one simple action they can take today to break that loop?
About Adrian Reid:
Adrian Reid is a full-time trader, trading coach, and the founder of Enlightened Stock Trading. With a background in engineering and a passion for data-driven decisions, Adrian specialises in helping traders develop robust, rule-based systems that suit their personality, goals, and risk tolerance.
After leaving a successful corporate career to pursue trading full-time, Adrian built a life of freedom through systematic strategies. Now Adrian teaches others to do the same. He’s coached hundreds of traders globally and is known for his practical, no-hype approach to mastering the markets.
When he’s not testing strategies or helping traders ditch the emotional rollercoaster, you’ll find him reading psychology books or off the grid with his family in nature.
Get in touch with Adrian
Website: www.enlightenedstocktrading.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stock-trading-course/
Email: adrian@enlightenedstocktrading.com
Free Gift for Talking Trading Listeners!
To help you trade with more consistency, confidence, and clarity, Talking Trading guest Adrian Reid is giving you full access to his Trader Acceleration Bundle – totally free.
You’ll get:
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- 2 powerful eBooks (including The 9 Secrets to Becoming a Profitable Global Stock Trader)
- 4 practical trading cheat sheets to boost performance
- 3 engaging video courses to sharpen your trading edge
- The Trader Quiz to pinpoint your next steps
- A fully coded Mean Reversion Trading System ready to use
- A curated checklist of the essential software and tools top traders rely on
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This is perfect if you want to stop second-guessing, avoid costly mistakes, and finally build a rules-based trading approach that fits your lifestyle.
About Louise Bedford
Louise Bedford has traded, taught, and written extensively about the financial markets for over 30 years, building a reputation as a highly accomplished and experienced trader, educator, and author.
She co-founded The Trading Game and has gained recognition for her unique approach to teaching trading psychology and market analysis.
Louise has authored several successful trading books. In particular, her titles include Trading Secrets, Charting Secrets, The Secret of Candlestick Charting, and Investing Psychology Secrets.
Louise runs her hugely popular, repeat-for-free Mentor Program Pro online course. Through this course, she shows you how to automate your trading so you can retire early and get on with your life.
Did you know you can book a free 30-minute call with Louise to discuss your current trading strategies?
Just click the button below to take the quick survey, and then you’ll be able to choose a time to talk to Louise.
Other ways to get in touch with Louise
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TradingGame/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheTradingGame
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/louise-bedford/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/tradinggame
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tradinggame.com.au
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tradinggame.com.au/
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Image by AI Google Labs
