The Innovation Show

In this final part of our compelling trilogy, Manu Kapur, author of Productive Failure, returns to uncover the psychology behind effective learning. Discover why failing first can drive deeper understanding, greater retention, and lasting mastery. Hosted by Aidan McCullen, this episode explores real-world strategies rooted in research—from the Zeigarnik Effect to motivational boosts like loss aversion, endowed progress, and goal gradients. Whether you’re an educator, leader, or lifelong learner, this episode offers tools to rethink failure as a powerful ally in personal growth and innovation. What You’ll Learn: Why failure can enhance memory and understanding The science of loss aversion and how to hack it for learning Endowed progress and goal gradient theory in practice How to spark curiosity and mastery in children and adults Building learning resilience and overcoming imposter syndrome A practical model for designing learning for yourself and others Resources & Links: 🧠 Manu Kapur’s Book: Productive Failure – https://amzn.to/3WzFuZD 🌐 Manu Kapur’s Website: www.manukapur.com 🔗 Kyndryl Institute: www.kyndryl.com/institute 🎙️ Host: Aidan McCullen – www.TheInnovationshow.io Timestamps (Chapters): 00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message 00:38 Welcoming the Guest: Manu Kaur 01:15 Understanding the Zeigarnik Effect 04:00 Affective Boost Levels: Loss Aversion and Endowed Progress 08:16 Goal Gradient and Personal Motivation 12:44 Growth Mindset and Effort 16:46 Children, Uncertainty, and Learning 21:51 Achievement Goals vs. Mastery Goals 26:27 Phenomenological Primitives and Learning 29:01 Understanding the Role of Context in Learning 31:49 The Power of Comparison and Contrast 34:34 Learning Through Metaphors and Case Studies 38:58 Addressing Imposter Syndrome and Embracing Challenges 41:14 Productive Failure in Learning and Growth 45:17 Designing Effective Learning Tasks 49:44 The Importance of Affective Draw in Mastery 56:13 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

Simon Hill, author of Expected Value (xV), reveals how to measure and prove the real value of innovation—avoiding theatre, zombie projects, and wasted budgets with his groundbreaking xV framework. Simon introduces his Expected Value (xV) framework, a new system that combines confidence, predicted value, time sensitivity, and strategic fit to prove innovation’s worth in terms business leaders and CFOs understand. From case studies to the role of AI, Simon shows how xV helps organizations escape wasted budgets, align innovation with strategy, and create lasting competitive advantage. We discuss: Why most companies fail at measuring innovation The pitfalls of innovation theatre and zombie projects How the xV formula works in real-world organizations Kill credits, project evaluation, and stopping bad investments early The role of AI and data science in innovation decisions Case studies including Nvidia and the S-Curve of technology adoption   👉 Get Simon’s Book: https://xvbook.com 👉 Learn more about Wazoku: https://wazoku.com 👉 About our sponsor Kyndryl: https://kyndryl.com/institute This episode is essential listening for innovation leaders, CFOs, strategists, and business executives who want to move beyond activity metrics and finally prove the real value of innovation.  

Michael Raynor, a strategy scholar and co-author with Clayton Christensen, dives into why most strategies fail. He explains the Resource Allocation Process (RAP) model and its impact on decision-making. Listeners learn about BCE's diversification journey and how leadership can navigate strategic uncertainty. Raynor highlights the importance of CEO intervention and the challenges of aligning divisional goals with corporate strategy. With insights on managing risks and integrating unique units, this conversation reveals practical lessons for today's business leaders.

Manu Kapur, a learning scientist and author of *Productive Failure*, joins to discuss how failure can drive deeper learning. He unveils the Basic Knowledge Fallacy and debates direct instruction versus discovery learning. The conversation highlights the Four A’s of Learning: Activation, Awareness, Affect, and Assembly. Manu emphasizes the benefits of variability and struggle in learning, revealing how pretesting and embracing difficulties can enhance adaptability and retention. This engaging dialogue transforms perspectives on teaching and learning.

Manu Kapur, author of *Productive Failure*, is a global thought leader in education innovation who transitioned from aspiring athlete to educator after an injury. In a captivating discussion, he argues that failure can be a catalyst for growth and creativity. Kapur highlights how structured experiences of failure enhance learning and innovation, and he introduces the psychology behind resilience and adaptation. Listeners will gain insights on transforming setbacks into learning opportunities, making this conversation invaluable for educators, leaders, and entrepreneurs.

In this insightful conversation, Philip Atkinson, an organizational coach, beekeeper, and author of 'Bee Wise: 12 Leadership Lessons from a Busy Beehive,' uncovers how bees reflect powerful lessons for modern leadership. He explains why the queen bee isn't the true leader, how the waggle dance exemplifies effective communication, and the necessity of job mobility for growth. Atkinson emphasizes the significance of teamwork, diversity, and innovation in successful organizations, urging us to learn from the collaborative spirit of the hive.

What happens when startups like Figma outpace industry giants like Adobe? In this episode of The Innovation Show, Aidan McCullen sits down with bestselling author Sangeet Paul Choudary (Platform Revolution, Reshuffle) to explore how AI, cloud technology, and mindset shifts are reshaping the future of work, design, and competition. Discover why incumbents often fail—not from lack of innovation, but from failing to unlearn old architectures. Using the case of Figma vs. Adobe, we unpack how element-based design, governance-led workflows, and AI-first thinkingare redefining industries from design to law to construction. Key takeaways: Why adapting mindsets matters more than adopting tools How AI is unbundling knowledge work and rewriting career paths The importance of governance in enterprise-wide collaboration Why the forgetting curve is as critical as the learning curve   Perfect for innovators, leaders, and professionals navigating the knowledge economy, this episode is a roadmap for thriving in a world of structural uncertainty where AI and cloud-native startups are rewriting the rules. 00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message 00:17 The Hammer and the Nail: Misreading New Technology 00:28 Adobe vs. Figma: A Case Study in Innovation 01:03 The Importance of Mindset in Technological Shifts 01:20 Guest Introduction: Sanjeet Paul Choudary 01:49 Figma vs. Adobe: A Deep Dive 04:07 Technological Shifts and Organizational Change 05:57 The Impact of AI on Work and Careers 17:00 Governance vs. Execution in Modern Enterprises 18:22 The Future of Competition and Industry Structure 21:40 The Need for Unlearning in the Age of AI 24:34 Preparing for the Future: Skills and Careers 36:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 38:05 Closing Remarks and Sponsor Message   📚 Resources & Links • Reshuffle: Who Wins When AI Reshapes the Knowledge Economy → https://amzn.to/3HWwj1I • Platform Revolution → https://amzn.to/4mBq2aQ • Sangeet’s Substack → https://substack.com/@platforms/posts • Aidan’s show notes → https://thethursdaythought.substack.com 🎙️ Listen now to learn how to reshuffle your thinking, your organization, and your career for the AI-driven future.    

Harvard Business School legends Joe Bower and Clark Gilbert dive deep into the essence of strategy, challenging conventional top-down approaches. They emphasize the critical role of resource allocation in driving innovation, revealing how strategic decisions often emerge from internal dynamics. The duo shares insights on structural barriers to innovation, the importance of customer-centric problem-solving, and the disconnection between academia and practical application. Their rich experience offers invaluable wisdom for innovators and leaders alike.

Elise Loehnen, author of "On Our Best Behaviour," discusses how societal pressures shape women’s behaviors through the lens of the seven deadly sins. She shares her personal struggles, critiques the idea of perfection, and highlights the importance of embracing both masculine and feminine energies. The conversation delves into the complexities of envy, portraying it as a guide towards unfulfilled desires. Additionally, Elise explores the impact of historical narratives and gender dynamics, advocating for authenticity and emotional expression in both personal and professional spheres.

Unveiling the Gut-Brain Connection: Dr. Steven Gundry on Leaky Gut, Microbiome, and Health   In today's episode, we dive deep into the fascinating world of the gut-brain connection with Dr. Steven Gundry, a prolific author and expert on the subject. Starting with a brief introduction about our sponsor, Kyndryl, we explore the historical context of medical insights from figures like Hippocrates and Ignaz Semmelweis. Dr. Gundry shares compelling stories from his practice, including miraculous patient turnarounds attributed to gut health. We discuss the latest in microbiome research, the concept of leaky gut, and how our gut's terrain influences overall health. Learn about the critical role of bacteria in our body's ecosystem, the intelligence of microorganisms, and their impact on our well-being. Join us as we unlock the secrets of a balanced inner terrain and its implications for a healthier life.   00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message 00:30 Dedications and Historical Insights 02:06 Guest Introduction: Stephen Gundry 03:04 Remarkable Patient Stories 07:19 The Gut-Brain Connection 12:52 Historical Debate: Pasteur vs. Bechamp 16:58 Microbiome Discoveries and Implications 19:08 Bacterial Intelligence and Communication 26:29 Elephant Communication and Eavesdropping 27:04 Understanding Leaky Gut 27:52 Aging Research and Sea Elegans 29:45 The Role of Tight Junctions in Gut Health 32:46 Impact of Diet and Antibiotics on Gut Health 36:44 Environmental Toxins and Autoimmune Diseases 37:40 Lipopolysaccharides and Immune Response 42:03 The Rise of Food Sensitivities and Allergies 47:05 Gut Microbiome and Food Cravings 48:10 Conclusion and Resources Find Steven: https://drgundry.com