475. Productive Failure with Dr. Manu Kapur

Learning, innovation, and growth all rely on failure. The discomfort of failure bakes important lessons into our brains. The uncertainty that precedes the point of failure expands our minds. Dr. Manu Kapur joins the show today to explain why we should deliberately design for failure in our businesses and personal lives.

Dr. Manu Kapur heads the Future Learning Initiative at ETH University Zurich and recently wrote a book called, “Productive Failure: Unlocking Deeper Learning through the Science of Failing.” He marries scientific research and practical insights to help leaders find the optimal “failure signal.”

We get into details around “motivational hacking,” failure stories, performance appraisals, and how to build a psychologically safe work culture. 

Don’t worry, this episode isn’t a celebration of failure itself. It’s a clear-eyed discussion about the value of accepting struggle and growing from it. Take a listen.

If you're a bold risk taker who wants to dream big and achieve a higher level of success in your life or business, visit the1thing.com.

To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods.

We talk about:

• Why exploration should come before expert knowledge in a learning sequence
• How to maintain motivation in the midst of failure 
• What it looks like to design for productive failure

Links & Tools from This Episode:

• Read “Productive Failure”
• Learn more at ProductiveFailure.com
• Learn more at ManuKapur.com
• Connect with Dr. Manu Kapur on LinkedIn
• Follow Dr. Manu Kapur on Instagram
• Email Dr. Manu Kapur at manukapur@ethz.ch
• Free Resources
• Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email podcast@the1thing.com

Produced by NOVA Media