

The Curious Advantage Podcast
The Curious Advantage
The Curious Advantage Podcast explores how curiosity drives success in the digital age. Hosted by authors and business leaders Paul Ashcroft, Simon Brown, and Garrick Jones, each episode features conversations with global experts across business, science, and culture.
Paul Ashcroft and Garrick Jones are co-founders of Ludic Group and authors of The Curious Advantage and ALIVE: Digital Humans and Their Organizations. Simon Brown is Global Learning & Development Leader, Partner, Talent at EY, and co-author of The Curious Advantage. Together, they share insights and practical tools to help individuals and organizations unlock their potential through curiosity.
Learn more at curiousadvantage.com.
Paul Ashcroft and Garrick Jones are co-founders of Ludic Group and authors of The Curious Advantage and ALIVE: Digital Humans and Their Organizations. Simon Brown is Global Learning & Development Leader, Partner, Talent at EY, and co-author of The Curious Advantage. Together, they share insights and practical tools to help individuals and organizations unlock their potential through curiosity.
Learn more at curiousadvantage.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 1, 2025 • 39min
87: Stefaan van Hooydonk: How Curiosity Fuels Growth, Leadership, AI & Resilience (Founder, Global Curiosity Institute)
In this episode of The Curious Advantage podcast, Garrick Jones is joined by Stefaan van Hooydonk, founder of the Global Curiosity Institute. Together, they explore how curiosity fuels personal growth, leadership, and organizational success. From permission, awareness, and intentionality in building a culture of curiosity, to surprising data insights, the role of language, and the impact of environment — this conversation unpacks the forces that spark or stifle curiosity. They also discuss the challenges of conformity, the many dimensions of curiosity, and what the rise of AI means for our curious minds. Stefaan also shares his unexpected journey into farming, and how it continues to inspire resilience and curiosity in his life.
Learn More
Explore the Global Curiosity Institute: globalcuriosityinstitute.com
Connect with Stefaan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/stefaanvanhooydonk
About The Curious Advantage
The Curious Advantage is available on Amazon and Audible.
Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram, and discover more at curiousadvantage.com.
The Curious Advantage explores curiosity and its growing importance in the digital age. From history, neuroscience, and anthropology to business and culture, it takes the widest possible view of curiosity. At its heart is the ‘Sailing the 7C’s of Curiosity’ model, a practical framework to help individuals harness curiosity as a power skill for growth and transformation.
Credits
The Curious Advantage Podcast is executive produced by Jessica Wickham and Aliki Paolinelis.
Audio editing by Danny Cross | Video editing by Jessica Wickham.

Sep 17, 2025 • 43min
86: Scott Blanchard: Curious About Leadership, Trust & Psychological (CEO, Blanchard)
In this episode of The Curious Advantage Podcast, Simon Brown, Garrick Jones, and Paul Ashcroft are joined by Scott Blanchard, CEO and co-owner of Blanchard. Drawing on more than 30 years of leadership experience, Scott shares why the success or failure of any business can be traced directly to its leaders — and why leadership is a sacred responsibility.
From his early curiosity (and fear) about technology to leading through the pandemic shift to virtual learning, Scott reflects on how curiosity shapes resilience and adaptation. He explores the essential ingredients of great leadership: building trust, creating psychological safety, and asking simple but powerful questions like “How do you add value here?”
Scott also discusses the traits of leaders who succeed versus those who fail, the importance of unconditional trust, and why love and humanity are at the core of leadership. Finally, he shares his curiosity about AI and its impact on coaching, work, and the human side of leadership.
A must-listen for anyone curious about the future of leadership, trust, and technology.
Follow Scott on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-blanchard-leadership/
Get your copy of The Curious Advantage on Amazon
The Curious Advantage Audiobook is also available on Audible
Follow The Curious Advantage on LinkedIn and Instagram
About The Curious Advantage Podcast
Join the authors of The Curious Advantage in an exploration of how individuals and organizations can harness the power of curiosity to drive success in our new digital reality. In each episode, they engage in enlightening conversations with world-leading experts from a diversity of disciplines to bring to life the latest understanding of curiosity in a way that’s useful to anyone looking to embark on a journey of discovery, navigate challenges, and unlock opportunities.
About The Curious Advantage Book
The Curious Advantage is an exploration of the idea of Curiosity and its increasing importance for thriving in the digital age. Taking the widest possible exploration of things Curious – historical, contemporary, neuro-scientific, anthropological, behavioural, semantic and business-focused. At the heart of the book is our model of Curiosity, called ’Sailing the 7C’s of Curiosity’. This model provides individuals with a practical framework for how to be successfully Curious and use Curiosity as a power skill to unlock their own potential. To find out more visit: curiousadvantage.com
The Curious Advantage Podcast is executive produced by Jessica Wickham and Aliki Paolinelis. Audio editing is done by Danny Cross and video editing by Jessica Wickham.

Sep 3, 2025 • 46min
85: Kentaro Toyama: AI, Ethics, Consciousness & Rescuing Us from the Cult of Technology (University of Michigan School of Information)
In this episode of The Curious Advantage Podcast, Paul Ashcroft, Simon Brown, and Garrick Jones speak with Kentaro Toyama, W.K. Kellogg Professor at the University of Michigan School of Information and author of Geek Heresy.
Together they explore the limits of technology in driving social change, why AI and digital tools often amplify human intent, and the urgent need for ethics and regulation. From AI in education to inequality, the future of work, and questions of consciousness, this is a thought-provoking conversation on how curiosity can help us navigate the digital age.
Get your copy of The Curious Advantage on Amazon
The Curious Advantage Audiobook is also available on Audible
Follow The Curious Advantage on LinkedIn and Instagram
About The Curious Advantage Podcast
Join the authors of The Curious Advantage in an exploration of how individuals and organizations can harness the power of curiosity to drive success in our new digital reality. In each episode, they engage in enlightening conversations with world-leading experts from a diversity of disciplines to bring to life the latest understanding of curiosity in a way that’s useful to anyone looking to embark on a journey of discovery, navigate challenges, and unlock opportunities.
About The Curious Advantage Book
The Curious Advantage is an exploration of the idea of Curiosity and its increasing importance for thriving in the digital age. Taking the widest possible exploration of things Curious – historical, contemporary, neuro-scientific, anthropological, behavioural, semantic and business-focused. At the heart of the book is our model of Curiosity, called ’Sailing the 7C’s of Curiosity’. This model provides individuals with a practical framework for how to be successfully Curious and use Curiosity as a power skill to unlock their own potential. To find out more visit: curiousadvantage.com
The Curious Advantage Podcast is executive produced by Jessica Wickham and Aliki Paolinelis. Audio editing is done by Danny Cross and video editing by Jessica Wickham.

Aug 20, 2025 • 41min
84: Vyla Rollins: Curiously Recrafting the Psychological Contract (London Business School)
In this episode of The Curious Advantage podcast, hosts Garrick Jones and Paul Ashcroft sit down with organizational psychologist Vyla Rollins to explore how leadership is evolving in today’s digital age.
Together they discuss why the psychological contract between employers and employees is central to engagement and how leadership is shifting from a title to a set of behaviors. Vyla highlights the practices modern leaders need most - resilience, reflection, curiosity, and context and explains how these traits drive sustainable performance.
The conversation also uncovers why feedback should be a dynamic two-way dialogue, how asking open questions fosters trust and alignment, and why focusing on just one or two practices can create meaningful improvement.
Whether you’re leading teams, shaping culture, or navigating complex change, this episode offers practical insights to help you lead with curiosity, build stronger relationships, and thrive in today’s fast-moving organizations.
Further Reading
Recrafting Employees’ Psychological Contract to Boost Engagement – Forbes
Vyla Rollins Career Profile – Rubato Global Consulting
Get your copy of The Curious Advantage on Amazon
The Curious Advantage Audiobook is also available on Audible
Follow The Curious Advantage on LinkedIn and Instagram
About The Curious Advantage Podcast
Join the authors of The Curious Advantage in an exploration of how individuals and organizations can harness the power of curiosity to drive success in our new digital reality. In each episode, they engage in enlightening conversations with world-leading experts from a diversity of disciplines to bring to life the latest understanding of curiosity in a way that’s useful to anyone looking to embark on a journey of discovery, navigate challenges, and unlock opportunities.
About The Curious Advantage Book
The Curious Advantage is an exploration of the idea of Curiosity and its increasing importance for thriving in the digital age. Taking the widest possible exploration of things Curious – historical, contemporary, neuro-scientific, anthropological, behavioural, semantic and business-focused. At the heart of the book is our model of Curiosity, called ’Sailing the 7C’s of Curiosity’. This model provides individuals with a practical framework for how to be successfully Curious and use Curiosity as a power skill to unlock their own potential. To find out more visit: curiousadvantage.com
The Curious Advantage Podcast is executive produced by Jessica Wickham and Aliki Paolinelis. Audio editing is done by Danny Cross and video editing by Jessica Wickham

Aug 6, 2025 • 41min
83: Jamais Cascio: Navigating the Age of Chaos: BANI Explained (Futurist & Author, Institute for the Future)
In this episode of The Curious Advantage Podcast, futurist Jamais Cascio introduces the BANI framework—Brittle, Anxious, Non-linear, and Incomprehensible—as a powerful alternative to the outdated VUCA model.
Joined by hosts Simon Brown and Paul Ashcroft, the conversation explores how leaders, organizations, and individuals can thrive in today’s chaotic world. They dive into the shift from VUCA to BANI, the growing impact of anxiety and information overload, and how to lead through non-linear change. Cascio shares insights on the importance of interconnectedness, improvisation, and human adaptability—and how resilience, neuroflexibility, and empathy are critical to navigating uncertainty.
Perfect for anyone in leadership, future foresight, change management, HR, L&D, or organizational strategy, this episode offers a timely and practical guide to future-proofing your approach in an unpredictable world.
Navigating the Age of Chaos: A Sense-Making Guide to a BANI World That Doesnt Make Sense available on Amazon
About The Curious Advantage Podcast
Join the authors of The Curious Advantage in an exploration of how individuals and organizations can harness the power of curiosity to drive success in our new digital reality. In each episode, they engage in enlightening conversations with world-leading experts from a diversity of disciplines to bring to life the latest understanding of curiosity in a way that’s useful to anyone looking to embark on a journey of discovery, navigate challenges, and unlock opportunities.
About The Curious Advantage Book
The Curious Advantage is an exploration of the idea of Curiosity and its increasing importance for thriving in the digital age. Taking the widest possible exploration of things Curious – historical, contemporary, neuro-scientific, anthropological, behavioural, semantic and business-focused. At the heart of the book is our model of Curiosity, called ’Sailing the 7C’s of Curiosity’. This model provides individuals with a practical framework for how to be successfully Curious and use Curiosity as a power skill to unlock their own potential. To find out more visit: curiousadvantage.com
Get your copy of The Curious Advantage on Amazon
The Curious Advantage Audiobook is also available on Audible
Follow The Curious Advantage on LinkedIn and Instagram
The Curious Advantage Podcast is executive produced by Jessica Wickham and Aliki Paolinelis. Audio editing is done by Danny Cross and video editing by Jessica Wickham.

Jul 23, 2025 • 46min
82: Dr Serena Gonsalves-Fersch: Curious About Learning, Curiosity, AI, Leadership, Talent & Women in Leadership (Software One)
"L&D is dead - Long Live Learning"
In this episode of The Curious Advantage Podcast, Simon Brown and Paul Ashcroft speak with Dr. Serena Gonsalves-Fersch, Global Head of Talent at SoftwareOne, to explore the intersection of curiosity, learning, leadership, and the future of work.
Together, they unpack:
The evolution of Learning & Development (L&D)
The role of AI in shaping modern learning strategies
The importance of women in leadership
How talent management and organizational change go hand in hand
Why agility and curiosity are critical skills for future-ready organizations
Whether you're in leadership, L&D, HR, or talent development, this conversation offers fresh insights into the skills, mindsets, and strategies shaping high-performing, future-focused organisations.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Curiosity and Learning Leadership
02:42 The Evolution of Learning and Development
05:34 Rethinking Leadership Training
08:52 Agility in Learning Functions
11:36 Frameworks for Modern Learning
14:45 Building a Talent Pipeline
17:28 Integrating Learning with Business Needs
20:42 The Future of Learning and Development
27:14 The Connection Between Learning and Talent Management
33:44 Women in Learning Leadership: Bridging the Gap
38:06 AI's Impact on Learning and Development
44:42 Navigating Sensory Overload and Environmental Impact
50:24 The Future of Learning: Curiosity and Organizational Learning
About The Curious Advantage Podcast
Join the authors of The Curious Advantage in an exploration of how individuals and organizations can harness the power of curiosity to drive success in our new digital reality. In each episode, they engage in enlightening conversations with world-leading experts from a diversity of disciplines to bring to life the latest understanding of curiosity in a way that’s useful to anyone looking to embark on a journey of discovery, navigate challenges, and unlock opportunities.
About The Curious Advantage Book
The Curious Advantage is an exploration of the idea of Curiosity and its increasing importance for thriving in the digital age. Taking the widest possible exploration of things Curious – historical, contemporary, neuro-scientific, anthropological, behavioural, semantic and business-focused. At the heart of the book is our model of Curiosity, called ’Sailing the 7C’s of Curiosity’. This model provides individuals with a practical framework for how to be successfully Curious and use Curiosity as a power skill to unlock their own potential. To find out more visit: curiousadvantage.com
Get your copy of The Curious Advantage on Amazon
The Curious Advantage Audiobook is also available on Audible
Follow The Curious Advantage on LinkedIn and Instagram
The Curious Advantage Podcast is executive produced by Jessica Wickham and Aliki Paolinelis. Audio editing is done by Danny Cross and video editing by Jessica Wickham.

Jul 9, 2025 • 49min
81: Dr. Giles Yeo: Weight Loss, Ozempic, and the End of Calorie Counting? (Geneticist, University of Cambridge Professor, Author)
What really drives the way we eat?
In this episode of The Curious Advantage Podcast, Paul Ashcroft, Simon Brown, and Garrick Jones are joined by Dr. Giles Yeo—geneticist, author, and professor at the University of Cambridge to explore the science behind appetite, genetics, and weight loss.
Dr. Giles Yeo explains how our eating behaviours are more biological than we think, shaped by the brain’s role in decision-making and our unique genetic makeup. He unpacks the truth behind obesity and reveals why weight management is far more complex than just calorie counting.
The conversation dives into the impact of ultra-processed foods, food environments, and weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro, along with what happens when people stop taking them. They also explore the idea of a red, amber and green food labelling system to help guide healthier choices.
Together, they examine how curiosity, empathy and a deeper understanding of human biology can challenge diet myths and shape more supportive approaches to wellness.
Why Calories Don't Count: How We Got the Science of Weight Loss Wrong available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Why-Calories-Dont-Count-Science/dp/B08LZPDT4W/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=Dv6kL&content-id=amzn1.sym.6b6d4bc1-013f-4684-8a3d-174e5cf88d17&pf_rd_p=6b6d4bc1-013f-4684-8a3d-174e5cf88d17&pf_rd_r=262-0311421-9608643&pd_rd_wg=R2KmB&pd_rd_r=4da738c0-df01-4abe-9167-ab9a06df2b89&ref_=aufs_ap_sc_dsk
00:00 Introduction to Genetics and Dr. Giles Yeoh
01:13 Giles Yeoh's Journey in Genetics
04:15 Understanding Eating Behaviors
11:00 The Role of DNA in Eating Responses
14:19 Appetite and the Brain's Influence
18:58 Implications for Weight Management
24:24 The Impact of Ultra-Processed Foods
25:46 Understanding Ultra-Processed Foods
28:42 The Complexity of Calories
30:18 Rethinking Food Quality and Nutrition Labels
33:41 The Role of Dietary Choices
40:38 Weight Loss Medications: Mechanisms and Implications
52:30 The Social Perspective on Obesity
About The Curious Advantage Podcast
Join the authors of The Curious Advantage in an exploration of how individuals and organizations can harness the power of curiosity to drive success in our new digital reality. In each episode, they engage in enlightening conversations with world-leading experts from a diversity of disciplines to bring to life the latest understanding of curiosity in a way that’s useful to anyone looking to embark on a journey of discovery, navigate challenges, and unlock opportunities.
About The Curious Advantage Book
The Curious Advantage is an exploration of the idea of Curiosity and its increasing importance for thriving in the digital age. Taking the widest possible exploration of things Curious – historical, contemporary, neuro-scientific, anthropological, behavioural, semantic and business-focused. At the heart of the book is our model of Curiosity, called ’Sailing the 7C’s of Curiosity’. This model provides individuals with a practical framework for how to be successfully Curious and use Curiosity as a power skill to unlock their own potential. To find out more visit: curiousadvantage.com
Get your copy of The Curious Advantage on Amazon
The Curious Advantage Audiobook is also available on Audible
Follow The Curious Advantage on LinkedIn and Instagram
The Curious Advantage Podcast is executive produced by Jessica Wickham and Aliki Paolinelis. Audio editing is done by Danny Cross and video editing by Jessica Wickham.

Jul 2, 2025 • 49min
80: Alexia Cambon: The Future of Work, Frontier Firms, Agent Bosses, AI & 2025 Work Trend Index (Microsoft, Senior Director of Research)
"AI needs humans as much as we need AI" - Alexia Cambon
In this episode of The Curious Advantage podcast, Simon Brown, Paul Ashcroft, and Garrick Jones are joined by Alexia Cambon, Senior Director of Research at Microsoft, to explore how AI is reshaping the workplace and what it means to be a Frontier Firm.
The discussion dives into key trends from Microsoft’s Work Trend Index, including the emergence of Agent Bosses, digital labor, and the idea of Intelligence on Tap, where AI enables instant access to expert insight. Together, they unpack how curiosity drives innovation, the critical role of HR, and how new organizational structures are forming in response to AI adoption.
From collaboration between humans and AI, to rethinking leadership and productivity, this episode explores the changing nature of work—and how forward-thinking organizations are learning, experimenting, and adapting in real time.
Topics include:
What defines a Frontier Firm in today’s AI-powered economy
How “Agent Bosses” are changing leadership and team dynamics
The role of AI in enhancing human productivity
Why curiosity is essential in navigating transformation
The future of HR and organizational design in the AI era
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Curious Advantage Podcast
01:02 Curiosity in Research and AI Integration
02:14 Defining the Frontier Firm
04:39 Intelligence on Tap: Redefining Expertise Access
06:29 The Rise of Human-Agent Teams
11:49 The Concept of the Agent Boss
19:32 Empowering Employees in the AI Era
25:32 The Nature of Digital Labor
30:36 AI as a New Workforce
36:08 The Future of Work and AI Integration
44:31 Becoming a Frontier Firm
Discover Microsoft’s 2025 Work Trend Index: The Year the Frontier Firm Is Born
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/worklab/work-trend-index/2025-the-year-the-frontier-firm-is-born
About The Curious Advantage Podcast
Join the authors of The Curious Advantage in an exploration of how individuals and organizations can harness the power of curiosity to drive success in our new digital reality. In each episode, they engage in enlightening conversations with world-leading experts from a diversity of disciplines to bring to life the latest understanding of curiosity in a way that’s useful to anyone looking to embark on a journey of discovery, navigate challenges, and unlock opportunities.
About The Curious Advantage Book
The Curious Advantage is an exploration of the idea of Curiosity and its increasing importance for thriving in the digital age. Taking the widest possible exploration of things Curious – historical, contemporary, neuro-scientific, anthropological, behavioural, semantic and business-focused. At the heart of the book is our model of Curiosity, called ’Sailing the 7C’s of Curiosity’. This model provides individuals with a practical framework for how to be successfully Curious and use Curiosity as a power skill to unlock their own potential. To find out more visit: curiousadvantage.com
Get your copy of The Curious Advantage on Amazon
The Curious Advantage Audiobook is also available on Audible
Follow The Curious Advantage on LinkedIn and Instagram
The Curious Advantage Podcast is executive produced by Jessica Wickham and Aliki Paolinelis. Audio editing is done by Danny Cross and video editing by Jessica Wickham.
#AIinWorkplace #WorkTrendsIndex #AIandProductivity #ArtificialIntelligence #FutureOfWork #AIEducation #DataDrivenDecisions #AIandCuriosity #HumanMachineCollaboration #AIBias #CuriousAdvantage #CriticalThinking #PowerOfAI #WorkplaceInnovation #AILeadership #CognitiveSkills
#AI #FrontierFirm #AgentBoss #DigitalLabor #Curiosity #HumanAgentCollaboration
#OrganizationalChange #Microsoft #SmartLab #TheCuriousAdvantage

Jun 11, 2025 • 41min
79: Ari Popper: Imagining the Future, Where Sci-Fi Meets Curiosity (Founder & CEO, SciFutures)
Ari Popper, Founder & CEO of SciFutures, shares his transformative journey from midlife crisis to innovating for the future through storytelling. He discusses how science fiction can inspire creativity and prepare organizations for change. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of leadership in an AI-driven world and emphasizes the need for curiosity, adaptability, and ethical awareness. Ari also reflects on the challenges of emerging technologies and the importance of integrating emotional intelligence into leadership.

May 28, 2025 • 36min
78: Alison Coward: Curious About How Workshops Can Boost Team Culture (Founder, Bracket)
In this episode of the Curious Advantage podcast, Alison Coward discusses the concept of workshop culture and its significance in fostering collaboration and creativity within teams. She shares her journey from the creative industries to becoming a facilitator and author, emphasizing the importance of intentional collaboration and the role of curiosity in team dynamics. The conversation explores practical steps for improving meetings, leading through uncertainty, and the impact of AI on workshop culture. Alison also outlines the five pillars of high-performing teams: alignment, cohesion, communication, design, and change, and highlights the need for organizations to create environments that support these elements.
00:00 Introduction to Workshop Culture
03:03 The Journey to Facilitation
06:01 Defining Workshop Culture
08:52 Practical Steps for Effective Collaboration
11:51 Leading Through Uncertainty
15:05 The Role of Online vs In-Person Workshops
17:56 Five Pillars of High Performing Teams
23:59 Curiosity in Team Dynamics
26:47 Balancing Creativity and Productivity
30:07 Leveraging AI in Workshop Culture
33:57 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways
Bracket : www.bracketcreative.co.uk
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/alisoncoward
Workshop Culture: A Guide to Building Teams That Thrive (book):www.bracketcreative.co.uk/workshopculture (visit: https://practicalinspiration.com/book/workshop-culture (UK) or https://indiepubs.com/products/workshop-culture-1/ (US) and use code WRKCULT30 for a 30% discount)
About the Curious Advantage Podcast Series
Join the authors of The Curious Advantage in an exploration of how individuals and organizations can harness the power of curiosity to drive success in our new digital reality. In each episode, they engage in enlightening conversations with world-leading experts from a diversity of disciplines to bring to life the latest understanding of curiosity in a way that’s useful to anyone looking to embark on a journey of discovery, navigate challenges, and unlock opportunities.
About The Curious Advantage Book
The Curious Advantage is an exploration of the idea of Curiosity and its increasing importance for thriving in the digital age. Taking the widest possible exploration of things Curious – historical, contemporary, neuro-scientific, anthropological, behavioural, semantic and business-focused. At the heart of the book is our model of Curiosity, called ’Sailing the 7C’s of Curiosity’. This model provides individuals with a practical framework for how to be successfully Curious and use Curiosity as a power skill to unlock their own potential. To find out more visit: curiousadvantage.com
Get your copy of The Curious Advantage on Amazon
The Curious Advantage Audiobook is also available on Audible
Follow The Curious Advantage on LinkedIn and Instagram
The Curious Advantage Podcast is executive produced by Jessica Wickham, Pasha Adam and Aliki Paolinelis. Audio editing is expertly by Danny Cross. Video editing is done by Jessica Wickham & Helena Gonzalez.