Anne-Laure Le Cunff, founder of Ness Labs and author of Tiny Experiments, reflects on her transition from a successful career at Google to a more fulfilling life through small experiments. She critiques traditional success scripts and highlights the importance of curiosity and adaptability. The conversation dives into the joys of experimentation, the impact of AI on personal growth, and how to frame procrastination as a signal for deeper self-understanding. Her insights inspire listeners to chart their own unique paths and embrace change.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Health Scare
Anne-Laure Le Cunff woke up with a black arm and went to the hospital.
She was more concerned about her work schedule than her health, which she realized was ridiculous.
insights INSIGHT
Boredom Realization
Despite external success, Anne-Laure Le Cunff felt empty and bored.
This realization, triggered by a simple question about her well-being, prompted her to quit Google.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Startup and Neuroscience
After quitting Google, Anne-Laure Le Cunff followed another script and started a startup, which failed.
She then pursued neuroscience out of curiosity, ignoring others' doubts.
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How to Live Freely in a Goal-Obsessed World
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In this book, neuroscientist and entrepreneur Anne-Laure Le Cunff argues that life should be approached as a playground for experimentation rather than being molded around linear goals. She provides a science-backed toolkit to help readers break free from limiting beliefs, harness the power of imperfection, and make smarter decisions in uncertain times. The book guides readers in discovering their true ambitions through tiny personal experiments, dismantling harmful beliefs about success, and making decisions true to their own aspirations. It emphasizes the importance of embracing uncertainty as a catalyst for growth and self-discovery.
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The documentary 'Maybe Logic: The Lives and Ideas of Robert Anton Wilson' delves into Wilson's unique perspectives on reality, perception, and the concept of 'Maybe Logic.' It reflects his contributions to counterculture and esoteric thought, including his work on the Illuminatus Trilogy and his advocacy for model-agnostic thinking.
My guest today is Anne-Laure Le Cunff, founder of Ness Labs and author of Tiny Experiments: How to Live Freely in a Goal-Obsessed World.
On paper, Anne-Laure had it all: top grades, a high-flying job at Google, and a life that seemed to hit all the markers of success.
But something was off. No matter how “traditionally” successful she became, she felt… “empty.”
So, she decided to do something about it. A neuroscience PhD, 100,000+ newsletter subscribers, and a newly published book later, she’s developed a new model of success — one built around conducting “tiny experiments” that help her build a life on her own terms.
She joins me to discuss how we get trapped in cognitive scripts, the hidden dangers of productivity culture, how we can experiment our way to a better life and MUCH more!
I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. For the full transcript, episode takeaways, and bucketloads of other goodies designed to make you go, “Hmm, that’s interesting!”, check out our Substack.
Infinite Loops 
