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The Curious Advantage Podcast

The Curious Advantage

The Curious Advantage Podcast explores how curiosity drives success in the digital age. Hosted by authors and business leaders Paul Ashcroft, Simon Brown, and Garrick Jones, each episode features conversations with global experts across business, science, and culture.

Paul Ashcroft and Garrick Jones are co-founders of Ludic Group and authors of The Curious Advantage and ALIVE: Digital Humans and Their Organizations. Simon Brown is Global Learning & Development Leader, Partner, Talent at EY, and co-author of The Curious Advantage. Together, they share insights and practical tools to help individuals and organizations unlock their potential through curiosity.

Learn more at curiousadvantage.com.

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  • 21 episodes
  • fortnightly
  • Avg 44 min
  • English
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  • #105
    August 26 · 48 min

    105: The Power of Great Questions: Staying Human in the Age of AI with Larry Robertson

    What makes a great question, and why might asking better ones be one of our most important human skills in the age of AI? In this episode, Simon Brown and Garrick Jones are joined by award-winning author and innovation advisor Larry Robertson to explore the power of questioning, curiosity and intellectual humility. They discuss why we are born questioning, how great questions help us navigate uncertainty, what humans need to retain as AI becomes more capable, and why sometimes the simplest way to go deeper is just to say: “Tell me more.” A conversation about curiosity, AI, uncertainty and why the questions we ask may shape what happens next. Learn more about iVentiv: https://iventiv.com/curiousadvantage

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  • #104
    August 12 · 49 min

    104: From Particle Physics to AI: Rewiring How Organisations Work with Markus Bernhardt (Endeavour Intelligence)

    Paul Ashcroft and Garrick Jones are joined by Markus Bernhardt, founder of Endeavour Intelligence, to explore what is really changing as organisations adopt AI. Drawing on his background in particle physics and his research into AI strategy and organisational transformation, Markus argues that the biggest shift isn’t simply the arrival of new tools. It is the quieter rewiring of how work gets done, how decisions are made and where accountability sits. The conversation explores the difference between the visible “surface wave” of AI adoption and the deeper organisational undercurrent; why AI capability should not be confused with autonomy; the shift from AI literacy to AI fluency; and why human judgement may become more valuable, rather than less, as machines take on more execution. They also discuss agentic AI, governance, the limits of large language models and why organisations may achieve more by redesigning one workflow well than launching another large-scale AI transformation programme. Ultimately, Markus offers a practical starting point: don’t begin by asking where you can add AI. Look for where AI has already quietly changed the work, and redesign from there. Find out more about Markus work: Markus LinkedIn Page https://endeavorintel.com/ https://endeavorintel.com/diagnostic/ The Curious Advantage explores curiosity and its growing importance in the digital age. From history, neuroscience, and anthropology to business and culture, it takes the widest possible view of curiosity. At its heart is the ‘Sailing the 7C’s of Curiosity’ model, a practical framework to help individuals harness curiosity as a power skill for growth and transformation. The Curious Advantage Podcast is executive produced by Jessica Wickham and Aliki Paolinelis. Audio editing by Danny Cross and video editing by Jessica Wickham.

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  • #103
    July 29 · 52 min

    103: Inside Heathrow: Leading One of the World’s Most Complex Operations with Javier Echave (COO, Heathrow Airport)

    In this episode of The Curious Advantage Podcast, Paul Ashcroft, Simon Brown and Garrick Jones speak with Javier Echave, Chief Operating Officer of Heathrow Airport, about what it takes to lead one of the world’s most complex operations. Heathrow is more than an airport. It is a city of 90,000 people, bringing together 400 companies and serving around 85 million passengers every year. Javier explains how curiosity, clear communication and disciplined decision-making help keep this vast interconnected system moving. Drawing on his experience leading through the pandemic and Heathrow’s 2025 power outage, Javier shares how leaders can make difficult decisions with imperfect information, create psychological safety during a crisis and design organisations for reliability rather than recovery. He also explores why leadership is not about making people great, but reminding them how great they already are. Find out more about Javiers work: Javiers LinkedIn Heathrow Airport Website The Curious Advantage explores curiosity and its growing importance in the digital age. From history, neuroscience, and anthropology to business and culture, it takes the widest possible view of curiosity. At its heart is the ‘Sailing the 7C’s of Curiosity’ model, a practical framework to help individuals harness curiosity as a power skill for growth and transformation. The Curious Advantage Podcast is executive produced by Jessica Wickham and Aliki Paolinelis. Audio editing by Danny Cross and video editing by Jessica Wickham.

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  • #102
    July 1 · 44 min

    102: Written Off by School. Recruited by Harvard: Brandon P. Fleming’s Story on Curiosity, Mentorship and Potential

    In this powerful episode of The Curious Advantage Podcast, Simon Brown and Garrick Jones speak with award-winning educator, author and entrepreneur Brandon Fleming about his extraordinary journey from joining a gang at 12 and selling drugs at 14 to becoming one of the youngest debate coaches recruited by Harvard University. Brandon shares how a single teacher challenged everything he had been told about himself, recognised his hidden gifts and transformed the direction of his life. Determined to pay that opportunity forward, he created an educational pathway for young people from underserved communities in Atlanta, helping his students become seven-time consecutive champions at the Harvard Debate Council Summer Workshops. That mission now continues through The Veritas School, where Brandon is reimagining education around connection, belonging, critical thinking and the belief that every young person has potential when given the right environment. He explains why students are often not disinterested but disengaged—and why it is the responsibility of teachers and leaders to create the conditions in which people can thrive. The conversation explores the powerful relationship between curiosity and exposure, why talent is so often overlooked or mislabelled, and what it takes to turn potential into performance. Brandon also shares why great leaders should never “blame the seed,” how educators can make learning feel personal, and why young people must develop logic and independent thinking before relying on AI. This is an inspiring conversation about education, leadership, curiosity, human potential and our collective responsibility to use our gifts to improve the lives of others. Find out more about Brandon's work: https://bpfleming.com/ The Veritas School Miseducation: A memoir LinkedIn The Curious Advantage explores curiosity and its growing importance in the digital age. From history, neuroscience, and anthropology to business and culture, it takes the widest possible view of curiosity. At its heart is the ‘Sailing the 7C’s of Curiosity’ model, a practical framework to help individuals harness curiosity as a power skill for growth and transformation. The Curious Advantage Podcast is executive produced by Jessica Wickham and Aliki Paolinelis. Audio editing by Danny Cross and video editing by Jessica Wickham.

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  • #101
    June 17 · 40 min

    101: Why "Just Be Yourself" Is Terrible Leadership Advice with Dr Laura Sicola (Cognitive Linguist)

    Most leaders focus on what they say. Dr. Laura Sicola argues that how you say it matters just as much. In this episode of The Curious Advantage Podcast, executive communication coach, cognitive linguist and author Dr. Laura Sicola explores the concept of the "leadership voice"—the combination of your literal voice and your unique perspective. Together, they shape how your message lands, how others perceive you, and ultimately, how much influence you have. Laura shares practical insights from her work with leaders at organisations including Amazon, Intel and the US Department of Commerce, revealing how communication can be adapted without sacrificing authenticity. In this conversation, we explore: • The difference between influence, persuasion, manipulation and performance • Why authenticity isn't the same as staying in your comfort zone • How the "prismatic voice" helps leaders adapt to different audiences and situations • The role of curiosity, empathy and emotional intelligence in effective communication • Why video feedback can uncover communication blind spots and accelerate growth • How leaders can communicate with clarity and confidence in an increasingly complex world Laura's LinkedIn Laura Sicolas website Speaking to Influence website Free Tool: The Leadership Communication Blind Spot Checklist here Speaking to Influence: Mastering your Leadership Voice on Amazon The Curious Advantage explores curiosity and its growing importance in the digital age. From history, neuroscience, and anthropology to business and culture, it takes the widest possible view of curiosity. At its heart is the ‘Sailing the 7C’s of Curiosity’ model, a practical framework to help individuals harness curiosity as a power skill for growth and transformation. The Curious Advantage Podcast is executive produced by Jessica Wickham and Aliki Paolinelis. Audio editing by Danny Cross and video editing by Jessica Wickham.

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  • #100
    June 3 · 28 min

    100: 100 Episodes Later: Why Curiosity Has Gone from an Advantage to an Imperative

    In this milestone 100th episode of The Curious Advantage Podcast, Paul Ashcroft, Simon Brown and Garrick Jones reflect on six years of conversations exploring curiosity, leadership, learning, AI and the future of work. What began during lockdown has grown into a global platform for ideas spanning neuroscience, psychology, education, business transformation, technology and the arts. In this special episode, the team looks back at the guests, themes and moments that shaped the first 100 episodes and explores why curiosity has moved from being an advantage to becoming an imperative. They discuss standout conversations with guests including Amy Edmondson, Alexia Cambon and Giles Yeo, while also introducing the thinking behind their upcoming book, The Curious Imperative. You’ll hear reflections on how curiosity helps us navigate AI, disruption, uncertainty and change and why asking better questions may be one of the most important human skills for the future. Resources The Curious Advantage Website Learn more about The Curious Imperative Buy The Curious Advantage The Curious Advantage explores curiosity and its growing importance in the digital age. From history, neuroscience, and anthropology to business and culture, it takes the widest possible view of curiosity. At its heart is the ‘Sailing the 7C’s of Curiosity’ model, a practical framework to help individuals harness curiosity as a power skill for growth and transformation. The Curious Advantage Podcast is executive produced by Jessica Wickham and Aliki Paolinelis. Audio editing by Danny Cross and video editing by Jessica Wickham.

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  • #99
    May 20 · 1 hr 5 min

    99: Prof. Robert Kegan on Curiosity, Self-Authorship, Adult Development and Why Change Is So Hard (Harvard Graduate School of Education)

    Professor Robert “Bob” Kegan (Harvard Graduate School of Education) joins The Curious Advantage Podcast to explore curiosity, adult development, and why meaningful change is often so difficult. Bob explains curiosity as a “delight in the knowing gap” and shares how adults grow through different stages of psychological development, from the socialised mind to self-authorship and the self-transforming mind. He also introduces the idea of “immunity to change,” revealing how hidden assumptions and internal defences can prevent us from making the changes we genuinely want to make. The episode also looks at AI, digital transformation, leadership, feedback, and how curiosity can help us test our assumptions, build self-authorship, and adapt in a rapidly changing world. Resources mentioned: Immunity to Change by Robert Kegan and Lisa Lahey In Over Our Heads by Robert Kegan The Curious Advantage by Paul Ashcroft, Simon Brown & Garrick Jones Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Bob and Curiosity and Adult Development 01:30 Defining Curiosity as Delight in the Knowing Gap 04:50 Curiosity and Psychological Growth 08:19 Learning vs. Development: Transcending Frames 12:28 Stories of Development: The Olympic Skater and Lincoln 17:21 Stages of Adult Development: Socialized to Self-Transforming 22:13 The Small Percentage Achieving Self-Transforming Mind 39:02 Immunity to Change: Why Change is Difficult 56:22 AI and Development: Opportunities and Challenges 01:10:00 The Power of Inner Inquiry and Self-Understanding 01:14:48 Conclusion and Key Takeaways The Curious Advantage explores curiosity and its growing importance in the digital age. From history, neuroscience, and anthropology to business and culture, it takes the widest possible view of curiosity. At its heart is the ‘Sailing the 7C’s of Curiosity’ model, a practical framework to help individuals harness curiosity as a power skill for growth and transformation. The Curious Advantage Podcast is executive produced by Jessica Wickham and Aliki Paolinelis. Audio editing by Danny Cross and video editing by Jessica Wickham.

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  • May 8 · 33 min

    FBF | Vas Narasimhan & Steven Baert: The CEO & The Chief People and Organization Officer Perspective

    Vas Narasimhan, the Novartis CEO and Steven Baert, Novartis’ Ex-Chief People and Organization Officer join the authors of The Curious Advantage Simon Brown, Paul Ashcroft and Garrick Jones, to discuss the importance of Curiosity in Business. They talk about how Novartis has worked to ‘unleash the power of their people’ and change the culture driven by an ‘Inspired’, ‘Curious’ and ‘Unbossed’ people strategy. Why is curiosity becoming more important in the digital age? Why is it important to have curious leaders? What does it mean to have a curious mind and how can curiosity impact individuals and organisations? Subscribe to this exclusive podcast today to listen to this fascinating conversation.

  • #98
    April 22 · 40 min

    98: Tara May: The Unexpected Superpowers of Autistic Minds That Transform Business Success (CEO, Aspiritech)

    Join Simon Brown and Paul Ashcroft as they explore Tara May's inspiring journey from journalism to leading Aspirtech, a company championing neurodiversity and harnessing the unique strengths of autistic adults. Discover how curiosity drives innovation, leadership, and social impact in the digital age. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Neurodiversity and Leadership 02:59 Tara's Journey: From Journalism to CEO 06:06 Understanding Aspirotech's Mission and Model 08:48 Defining Autism and Neurodiversity 11:51 The Unique Strengths of Neurodivergent Individuals 15:13 The Role of Technology and Human Collaboration 18:08 Creating a Supportive Workplace Environment 20:56 Fostering Neurodiversity in Organizations 23:50 The Impact of Creativity and Problem Solving 26:56 Global Efforts and Collaborations for Neurodiversity 29:59 Leadership Lessons and the Importance of Kindness Resources Aspirtech NeuroWorks HAPI The Curious Advantage Podcast Simon Brown LinkedIn Paul Ashcroft LinkedIn Tara May LinkedIn The Curious Advantage explores curiosity and its growing importance in the digital age. From history, neuroscience, and anthropology to business and culture, it takes the widest possible view of curiosity. At its heart is the ‘Sailing the 7C’s of Curiosity’ model, a practical framework to help individuals harness curiosity as a power skill for growth and transformation. The Curious Advantage is available on Amazon and Audiobook Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram Discover more about The Curious Advantage here The Curious Advantage Podcast is executive produced by Jessica Wickham and Aliki Paolinelis. Audio editing by Danny Cross and video editing by Jessica Wickham.

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  • #97
    April 1 · 36 min

    97: Finn Hall: Functional Mushrooms, Building a Premium Brand, Authenticity & Curiosity (CEO, Headstrong)

    Unlock the secret to building an authentic, high-quality brand in a saturated market. In this episode, we’re joined by Finn Hall, CEO of Headstrong and former Team GB cyclist, who is redefining the functional mushrooms space through an uncompromising focus on quality, design and curiosity. Finn shares his journey from elite sport to young entrepreneurship, revealing how a personal discovery sparked a mission to challenge industry standards and build a brand people can genuinely trust. He opens up about the realities of starting and scaling a premium brand in a saturated market, and what it takes to stay authentic while growing fast. We explore how curiosity fuels innovation, why authenticity is non-negotiable in today’s landscape, and how social media and community have become powerful drivers of modern brand success. From building trust with your audience to creating a loyal following, Finn shares what it really takes to turn a product into a movement. From the science behind functional mushrooms and extraction quality, to the role of design, storytelling and digital presence, this conversation is packed with insight for anyone building a brand today. Show Links Headstrong Website Headstrong Instagram Finn Hall LinkedIn The Curious Advantage explores curiosity and its growing importance in the digital age. From history, neuroscience, and anthropology to business and culture, it takes the widest possible view of curiosity. At its heart is the ‘Sailing the 7C’s of Curiosity’ model, a practical framework to help individuals harness curiosity as a power skill for growth and transformation. The Curious Advantage is available on Amazon and Audiobook Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram Discover more about The Curious Advantage here The Curious Advantage Podcast is executive produced by Jessica Wickham and Aliki Paolinelis. Audio editing by Danny Cross and video editing by Jessica Wickham.

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  • #96
    March 18 · 44 min

    96: Shawn Vanderhoven: Leadership, Curiosity, Building an Intelligence Culture and the Power of Pause (Partner, Wiseman)

    In this episode, Simon Brown and Garrick Jones speak with leadership expert Shawn Vanderhoven about how curiosity, and the often overlooked power of pausing, can transform leadership, decision-making, and team performance. In a world that rewards speed and constant action, Shawn challenges the assumption that great leaders need to move faster. Instead, he explores how creating space, through better questions, clearer priorities, and intentional pauses, can unlock stronger thinking and more meaningful contributions across teams. Drawing on insights from his book Pause: How to Lead Brilliant Work in a Busy World, Shawn shares practical strategies for building an intelligence culture, avoiding common leadership traps, and helping teams focus on what truly matters. The conversation offers a fresh perspective on how leaders can shift from doing more to enabling better work. Show Links Shawn's LinkedIn Wiseman Group Pause: How to Lead Brilliant Work in a Busy World available on Amazon The Curious Advantage explores curiosity and its growing importance in the digital age. From history, neuroscience, and anthropology to business and culture, it takes the widest possible view of curiosity. At its heart is the ‘Sailing the 7C’s of Curiosity’ model, a practical framework to help individuals harness curiosity as a power skill for growth and transformation. The Curious Advantage is available on Amazon and Audiobook Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram Discover more about The Curious Advantage here The Curious Advantage Podcast is executive produced by Jessica Wickham and Aliki Paolinelis. Audio editing by Danny Cross and video editing by Jessica Wickham.

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  • #95
    February 25 · 42 min

    95: Rich Diviney: How to Apply a Navy SEAL’s Attributes Mindset to Your Work and Leadership (Performance Expert)

    In this episode of The Curious Advantage, former Navy SEAL officer and human performance expert Rich Diviney joins Simon Brown and Garrick Jones to explore what truly drives leadership, performance under pressure, and the neuroscience behind stress and fear. Drawing on two decades in the SEAL Teams, Rich breaks down why attributes and not skills determine success in high-pressure, high-uncertainty environments. Rich explains how elite performers build situational awareness, adaptability, and neural agility, and why concepts like dynamic subordination are essential for modern leadership. He dives into the neuroscience of stress management, the role of curiosity in high-stakes decision-making, and how understanding duration, pathway, and outcome can help the brain stay calm under uncertainty. Whether you’re leading teams, navigating complexity or curious about the psychology behind human performance, this conversation offers powerful insights into attributes, curiosity, and the mindsets required to thrive in chaotic environments. Show Links: Attributes Website Attributes Hub Rich Diviney LinkedIn The Attributes: 25 Hidden Drivers of Optimal Performance book is available on Amazon The Curious Advantage explores curiosity and its growing importance in the digital age. From history, neuroscience, and anthropology to business and culture, it takes the widest possible view of curiosity. At its heart is the ‘Sailing the 7C’s of Curiosity’ model, a practical framework to help individuals harness curiosity as a power skill for growth and transformation. The Curious Advantage is available on Amazon and Audiobook Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram Discover more about The Curious Advantage here The Curious Advantage Podcast is executive produced by Jessica Wickham and Aliki Paolinelis. Audio editing by Danny Cross and video editing by Jessica Wickham.

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  • #94
    February 11 · 38 min

    94: Salvatore Manzi: The You-Then-Me Principle: The Communication Hack Every Leader Needs (Leadership Coach)

    Today we are joined by Salvatore Manzi, a communication and leadership coach who helps data-driven leaders turn expertise into influence. For over 20 years, Salvatore has guided executives and founders through high-stakes moments, from boardrooms and investor meetings to global stages such as SXSW and the United Nations, and even a U.S. presidential campaign. His work focuses on one critical shift. Moving from information delivery to human connection. In this episode, he explores why empathy is not a soft skill but a leadership advantage, and introduces his powerful You-Then-Me Principle, starting with acknowledgment, validation, and reflection before sharing your own message. The result is collaboration instead of resistance. In his book Clear and Compelling: Communication Strategies for Big Thinkers with Bold Ideas, he distills two decades of experience into practical tools that help leaders transform complex ideas into messages that resonate, inspire, and drive action. Show Links Find out more about Salvatore Manzi and his work here Find Salvatore on LinkedIn here The Curious Advantage explores curiosity and its growing importance in the digital age. From history, neuroscience, and anthropology to business and culture, it takes the widest possible view of curiosity. At its heart is the ‘Sailing the 7C’s of Curiosity’ model, a practical framework to help individuals harness curiosity as a power skill for growth and transformation. The Curious Advantage is available on Amazon and Audible. Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram, and discover more at curiousadvantage.com. The Curious Advantage Podcast is executive produced by Jessica Wickham and Aliki Paolinelis. Audio editing by Danny Cross | Video editing by Jessica Wickham.

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  • #93
    January 28 · 59 min

    93: Art Kleiner: The AI Dilemma: Responsible AI, Bias & Human Values with (Author, The AI Dilemma)

    In this episode of The Curious Advantage, Art Kleiner — author of The AI Dilemma — joins Simon Brown & Garrick Jones for a conversation about what it really means to build Responsible AI. Together, they explore the tensions at the heart of today’s AI landscape: rapid innovation vs accountability, efficiency vs empathy, and the risks of bias, misinformation and unintended consequences. Drawing on the “five fundamental principles” from The AI Dilemma, Art explains why responsible technology requires human judgment, transparency, and a deep understanding of our social systems. The discussion dives into: How AI systems amplify human behaviour — good and bad The rising challenge of misinformation and synthetic media Where bias enters the system and how organisations can address it Why empathy, forgiveness and human values are essential to AI governance What leaders must understand as AI becomes embedded in everyday work A thoughtful, human conversation about technology, responsibility and how we navigate the future. Lean More about Art Kleiner and his work here About The Curious Advantage The Curious Advantage is available on Amazon and Audible. Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram, and discover more at curiousadvantage.com. The Curious Advantage explores curiosity and its growing importance in the digital age. From history, neuroscience, and anthropology to business and culture, it takes the widest possible view of curiosity. At its heart is the ‘Sailing the 7C’s of Curiosity’ model, a practical framework to help individuals harness curiosity as a power skill for growth and transformation. The Curious Advantage Podcast is executive produced by Jessica Wickham and Aliki Paolinelis. Audio editing by Danny Cross | Video editing by Jessica Wickham.

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  • January 23 · 48 min

    The Future of Work, Frontier Firms, Agent Bosses, AI & 2025 Work Trend Index with Alexia Cambon (FBF)

    FBF -- Flashback Friday In this throwback episode of The Curious Advantage Podcast, Simon Brown, Paul Ashcroft and Garrick Jones speak with Alexia Cambon, Senior Director of Research at Microsoft, about how AI is transforming work and what sets today’s Frontier Firms apart. They explore insights from Microsoft’s Work Trend Index—including Agent Bosses, digital labour, and Intelligence on Tap—and discuss how curiosity, leadership, and HR are evolving in an AI-powered world. 🎧 Listen & explore the 2025 Work Trend Index: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/worklab/work-trend-index/2025-the-year-the-frontier-firm-is-born

  • January 16 · 33 min

    Curiosity in the Flow of Work with Josh Bersin | FBF

    FBF -- Flashback Friday In this episode, global HR and HR technology analyst Josh Bersin, Founder & CEO of The Josh Bersin Company, joins the authors of The Curious Advantage — Paul Ashcroft, Simon Brown and Garrick Jones — to explore curiosity in the flow of work. They discuss the role of curiosity in learning and people development, how curiosity supports adaptability in a digital-first world, and why curious leaders are critical during periods of disruption. This episode was originally published on 5th May 2020. Want to go deeper? Get your copy on Amazon The Curious Advantage Audiobook is also available on audible #FlashbackFriday #CuriousAdvantage #CuriosityAtWork #Learning #7Cs

  • January 9 · 41 min

    Tips for Leaders & Fostering Positive Failure with Amy Edmondson | FBF

    FBF — Flashback Friday In this episode, Amy Edmondson, Novartis Professor at Harvard Business School, explores curiosity, leadership, and psychological safety in the digital age. Drawing on The Right Kind of Wrong (named the Financial Times’ #1 Business Book), she shares practical insights on productive failure, learning, and building high-performing teams. This episode was originally published January 2024. Want to go deeper? Discover Amy Edmondson’s work in Right Kind of Wrong or 3 book collection of the Right Kind of Wrong, Leader as Healer & Staring Down the Wolf Follow Amy Edmondson on LinkedIn here Get your copy of The Curious Advantage on Amazon The Curious Advantage Audiobook is also available on Audible Follow The Curious Advantage on LinkedIn and Instagram

  • #92
    Dec 17, 2025 · 33 min

    92: Christian Kressman: How Curiosity Drives Creativity, Problem-Solving and Innovation (Systemic Coach)

    In this episode of the Curious Advantage podcast, hosts Simon Brown and Garrick Jones talk with Christian Kressman, an actor, systemic coach, and PhD holder in creativity. The conversation explores how curiosity fuels creativity and problem-solving, the importance of asking the right questions, and the role of diversity in fostering innovative solutions. Christian shares his personal journey, including a life-changing misdiagnosis that led him to embrace creativity in overcoming challenges. The discussion also touches on the impact of AI on learning and the importance of immersive environments in education. Christian LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiankressmann/ Christian Website https://christian-kressmann.de/podcast About The Curious Advantage The Curious Advantage is available on Amazon and Audible. Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram, and discover more at curiousadvantage.com. The Curious Advantage explores curiosity and its growing importance in the digital age. From history, neuroscience, and anthropology to business and culture, it takes the widest possible view of curiosity. At its heart is the ‘Sailing the 7C’s of Curiosity’ model, a practical framework to help individuals harness curiosity as a power skill for growth and transformation. The Curious Advantage Podcast is executive produced by Jessica Wickham and Aliki Paolinelis. Audio editing by Danny Cross | Video editing by Jessica Wickham.

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  • #91
    Nov 26, 2025 · 45 min

    91: Radhika Dutt: OHLs: The Curious Puzzle-Solving Framework for Better Results (Author, Radical Product Thinking: The New Mindset for Innovating Smarter)

    In this episode of The Curious Advantage Podcast, Simon Brown and Paul Ashcroft speak with Radhika Dutt, author of Radical Product Thinking, about how traditional goals can limit curiosity and drive organisations into the performance trap. Radhika introduces OHLs — Objectives, Hypotheses, and Learnings — a practical alternative that fuels creativity, psychological safety, and better problem-solving. Through real-world examples, she shows how curiosity can transform teams, leadership, and product thinking. Find out more: Radhika Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/radhika-dutt/ Radical Product: https://www.radicalproduct.com/ Radical Product Thinking: The New Mindset for Innovating Smarter on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Radical-Product-Thinking-Mindset-Innovating/dp/1523093315 About The Curious Advantage The Curious Advantage is available on Amazon and Audible. Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram, and discover more at curiousadvantage.com. The Curious Advantage explores curiosity and its growing importance in the digital age. From history, neuroscience, and anthropology to business and culture, it takes the widest possible view of curiosity. At its heart is the ‘Sailing the 7C’s of Curiosity’ model, a practical framework to help individuals harness curiosity as a power skill for growth and transformation. The Curious Advantage Podcast is executive produced by Jessica Wickham and Aliki Paolinelis. Audio editing by Danny Cross | Video editing by Jessica Wickham.

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  • #90
    Nov 11, 2025 · 47 min

    90: Jonathan Besser: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome, Leadership, Curiosity & Emotional Intelligence (Author, 50 Ideas that Changed the World of Work)

    In this episode of The Curious Advantage podcast, hosts Garrick Jones and Simon Brown sit down with Jonathan Besser, co-author of 50 Ideas That Changed the World of Work, to explore how curiosity, leadership, and emotional intelligence shape the future of learning and innovation. From classic frameworks like SWOT and the Eisenhower Matrix to the impact of Black Swans and White Rhinos, the conversation examines how leaders can navigate uncertainty with a growth mindset and foster psychological safetywhere creativity, feedback, and experimentation thrive. Jonathan shares insights on overcoming imposter syndrome, using feedback for growth, and creating emotionally intelligent workplaces that inspire trust and collaboration. Discover how curiosity fuels adaptability in a post-COVID world and why questioning assumptions remains essential for effective leadership and continuous learning. Find out more: Jonathan LinkedIn Intrepid Leadership 50 Ideas That Changed the World of Work About The Curious Advantage The Curious Advantage is available on Amazon and Audible. Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram, and discover more at curiousadvantage.com. The Curious Advantage explores curiosity and its growing importance in the digital age. From history, neuroscience, and anthropology to business and culture, it takes the widest possible view of curiosity. At its heart is the ‘Sailing the 7C’s of Curiosity’ model, a practical framework to help individuals harness curiosity as a power skill for growth and transformation. The Curious Advantage Podcast is executive produced by Jessica Wickham and Aliki Paolinelis. Audio editing by Danny Cross | Video editing by Jessica Wickham.

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