The Innovation Show

Jamais Cascio, a futurist at the Institute for the Future and co-author of the BANI framework, teams up with Bob Johansen, a distinguished fellow and leadership expert. They delve into the BANI framework (Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, Incomprehensible) as a new lens for understanding today's chaotic world. The duo explores how traditional models like VUCA are outdated, the impact of anxiety on society, and the fragility of systems. They also highlight the importance of resilience and actionable responses amid rising complexity.

In this engaging conversation, Chuck House, a former Hewlett-Packard executive and author, shares his journey as a serial intrapreneur. He discusses the challenges of innovating within large corporations, emphasizing how internal resistance often leads to 'permission denied.' Chuck reveals insights on navigating technological shifts, the pivotal role of customer engagement, and the emotional weight of having to kill a beloved project. His anecdotes reflect on the balance of perseverance, leadership, and the true cost of honesty in the workplace.

In this engaging discussion, Samuel Arbesman, a scientist and polymath author, delves into the fascinating interplay of code and reality. He explores how digital language connects art, biology, and technology, likening code to DNA. Their conversation touches on artificial life and how digital evolution mirrors biological processes. Arbesman also tackles the simulation hypothesis, challenging listeners to consider reality as a program. Ultimately, he emphasizes the importance of curiosity and humility in navigating our tech-driven world.

Join complexity scientist Samuel Arbesman, author of Overcomplicated, as he unravels the challenges of modern technology. He discusses how unexpected system failures, like the NYSE shutdown and Toyota's acceleration issues, stem from technological accretion and interconnectedness. Samuel emphasizes the importance of understanding the limits of human comprehension, the balance between generalists and specialists in innovation, and the necessity of intellectual humility when navigating complex systems. A fascinating dive into the intricacies of our digital world!

Facts change — and that's a good thing. In this episode, Samuel Arbesman, complexity scientist and author of The Half-Life of Facts, joins Aidan McCullen to explore how what we know — and believe to be true — constantly evolves. Together, they unpack how facts have a "half-life," why collaboration matters in a changing world, and how exponential knowledge growth reshapes science, strategy, and society. In this episode: Why facts and truths decay over time How science self-corrects — from the Brontosaurus myth to the spinach iron story The concept of "meso-facts" — slowly changing knowledge How exponential growth drives innovation and discovery Why curiosity, humility, and adaptability are essential for leaders 📚 Guest: Samuel Arbesman — author of The Half-Life of Facts, Overcomplicated, and The Magic of Code. 🌐 https://arbesman.net | https://arbesman.substack.com 🎙️ Hosted by Aidan McCullen — international keynote speaker on change, transformation, and innovation, author of Undisruptable, and host of The Innovation Show. 💼 Brought to you by Kyndryl – helping leaders harness the power of technology for smarter decisions and faster innovation. 👉 https://www.kyndryl.com/ie/en/institute 📘 Connect with Aidan McCullen: 🌐 https://theinnovationshow.io 📰 Substack: https://thethursdaythought.substack.com 📕 Book: Undisruptable 🎤 Speaking: https://aidanmccullen.com

Why couldn't Adobe—with all its resources—stop Figma? In this power-packed episode of The Innovation Show X, Aidan McCullen dives deep into disruption, transformation, and the future of work with Howard Yu (Leap) and Sangeet Paul Choudary (Reshuffle, Platform Revolution). You'll learn why Adobe's shift to the cloud was just Act 2, and why surviving in the new economy requires mastering Act 3—orchestration, data flows, and multiplayer collaboration. 💡 Topics include: Why collaboration isn't just a feature—it's a business model How AI is reshaping the architecture of value creation What John Deere, Shein, and Tesla can teach legacy companies The hidden difference between execution and orchestration How to make your business future-ready 📚 Books discussed: Leap by Howard Yu and Reshuffle by Sangeet Paul Choudary 🔗 Follow the guests: Howard Yu – Substack: One Inch Ahead https://howardyu.substack.com Sangeet Paul Choudary – Substack: Platforms https://platforms.substack.com Aidan McCullen https://thethursdaythought.substack.com 🎙 Hosted by Aidan McCullen | Sponsored by Kyndryl #InnovationShow #AdobeVsFigma #BusinessStrategy #DigitalTransformation #FutureOfWork #AI #PlatformEconomy

Manu Kapur, a prominent researcher and author of 'Productive Failure,' dives deep into how struggling with tasks can enhance learning. He reveals the Zeigarnik Effect's role in boosting memory through unfinished tasks. Kapur discusses the power of loss aversion and goal gradients to drive motivation and resilience. He emphasizes the importance of curiosity in children, breaking down goals into manageable steps, and combating imposter syndrome. With practical strategies, he redefines failure as a crucial tool for personal and educational growth.

Simon Hill, author and innovation expert at Wazoku, shares insights on revolutionizing how businesses measure innovation. He introduces the Expected Value (xV) framework, designed to distill complex projects into finance-friendly metrics. Discover how to avoid "zombie projects" and the pitfalls of innovation theatre. Hill explains the importance of aligning innovation with strategic goals and demonstrates the role of AI in enhancing decision-making. Packed with real-world examples, this discussion is essential for anyone looking to prove the 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.