

The Innovation Show
The Innovation Show
A Global weekly show interviewing authors to inspire, educate and inform the business world and the curious. Presented by the author of "Undisruptable", this Global show speaks of something greater beyond innovation, disruption and technology. It speaks to the human need to learn: how to adapt to and love a changing world. It embraces the spirit of constant change, of staying receptive, of always learning.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 18, 2025 • 29min
Manu Kapur: The Science of Productive Failure & The Four A’s of Learning
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.

Sep 10, 2025 • 1h 17min
Why Failure Fuels Success with Manu Kapur | The Power of Productive Failure
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.

Sep 4, 2025 • 58min
Bee Wise 12 Leadership Lessons from a Busy Beehive with Philip Atkinson
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.

Aug 27, 2025 • 39min
Sangeet Paul Choudary - Reshuffle: Figma Adobe and Just about Everything
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.

Aug 20, 2025 • 1h 4min
Joe Bower and Clark Gilbert - From Resource Allocation To Strategy
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.

13 snips
Aug 12, 2025 • 1h 31min
Elise Loehnen - On Our Best Behaviour
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.

Aug 7, 2025 • 49min
Steven Gundry - The Gut Brain Paradox
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

Jul 29, 2025 • 1h 27min
Debunking Business Failures: Blockbuster, Kodak, Xerox
In this episode of the Innovation Show we delve into the myths and realities of business failures with Greg Satell and Paul Nunes. Join us as we explore classic case studies of companies like Blockbuster, Kodak, and Xerox, and uncover the untold stories behind their perceived failures. We discuss the complexities of decision-making, the importance of controlling the narrative, and the crucial lessons business leaders can learn from past mistakes. 00:00 Welcome to the Innovation Show 01:55 The Innovator's Dilemma: A Classic Quote 02:05 Introducing the Guests: Greg Satel and Paul Nula 02:43 The Myth of Learning from Failures 03:07 Greg's Experience with Misaligned Case Studies 05:07 Paul's Perspective on Research and Interviews 05:17 The Complexity of Decision-Making in Organizations 15:30 The Blockbuster vs. Netflix Case Study 21:44 The Role of Leadership and Context in Business Decisions 43:45 Milking the Cash Cow: Challenges and Strategies 45:21 Blockbuster's Rapid DVD by Mail Transition 46:30 Adobe's Cloud Shift and Kodak's Digital Dilemma 48:42 Kodak's Struggle with Digital Photography 54:43 Fuji's Diversification Success 58:29 Intel's Missed Opportunities and Target Fixation 01:06:40 Xerox's Innovation and the Birth of the Laser Printer 01:20:44 Lessons from Xerox and Pixar's Origins 01:24:26 Empowering Emerging Leaders and Final Thoughts Perfect for business leaders, strategists, and innovation professionals who want to move beyond the clichés and understand what truly drives long-term success—or failure. Find Greg: https://gregsatell.com Find Paul: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-nunes-5351773/ 🔗 Listen on your favorite podcast platform or visit: https://theinnovationshow.io 🧠 Featuring: Greg Satell – Author of Mapping Innovation Paul Nunes – Global Managing Director of Thought Leadership, Accenture Research Host: Aidan McCullen – Author of Undisruptable

Jul 15, 2025 • 59min
Gary Hamel - Humanocracy Finale Reinventing Roche
In this episode, we conclude the comprehensive series on Gary Hamel and 'Humanocracy,' diving deep into the principles and practices that can transform entrenched bureaucracies into more dynamic and innovative organizations. Host Aidan interviews Gary Hamel to discuss the persistent issue of bureaucracy stifling economic growth and the groundbreaking transformation at Roche as a case study. The conversation covers the increasing bureaucracy in global companies, the decline in productivity, and innovative methods like outcome-based planning and cross-functional squads to elevate organizational efficiency. The episode also emphasizes personal accountability and offers actionable steps for leaders aiming to foster a more adaptive and resilient work environment. This informative discussion is a must-watch for CEOs and business leaders looking to revolutionize their companies. 00:00 Introduction and Giveaway Announcement 00:52 The Problem with Bureaucracy in Organizations 06:16 Case Study: Roche's Transformation 11:16 Leadership Reboot and Principles at Roche 20:31 Implementing Change: Design Teams and I Squads 26:34 Outcome-Based Planning and Resource Allocation 29:53 Resource Allocation and Organizational Ethos 31:16 Resilience in the Face of Challenges 32:59 Leadership and Change Management 37:47 Cross-Functional Squads and Collaboration 42:43 Patient-Centric Approach 46:31 Personal Accountability and Bureaucracy 50:30 Experimentation and Innovation 56:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Find Gary https://www.garyhamel.com

Jul 14, 2025 • 1h 25min
Gary Hamel on Nucor & Haier: Humanocracy in Action
Gary Hamel, a Visiting Professor at London Business School and a prominent business thinker, discusses the groundbreaking principles from his book 'Humanocracy.' He highlights how companies like Nucor and Haier empower employees to act as entrepreneurs, fostering innovation. The conversation delves into the importance of decentralized decision-making, micro-enterprises, and a culture built on trust. Hamel emphasizes the need for a profound organizational reset to thrive in a rapidly changing landscape, showcasing how these models enhance efficiency and adaptability.