The Innovation Show

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.

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.

Sangeet Paul Choudary, bestselling author and platform strategist, dives into the battle between startups and incumbents like Figma and Adobe. He discusses how mindset shifts are essential for embracing new tech rather than just adopting it. Sangeet explores AI's transformative impact on workflows and career paths, emphasizing the need for governance-led infrastructure in organizations. He highlights why forgetting previous paradigms is more crucial than merely learning new ones, offering a roadmap to thrive in a rapidly changing knowledge economy.