

The Curious Advantage Podcast
The Curious Advantage
About the Curious Advantage Podcast Series
Join the authors of The Curious Advantage in an exploration of how the power of curiosity drives 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.
The Curious Advantage Podcast is executive produced by Jessica Wickham and Aliki Paolinelis. Audio editing is expertly by Danny Cross. Video editing by Jessica Wickham.
To speak with Paul Ashcroft, Simon Brown and/or Garrick Jones, or for PR Enquiries, Speaking Engagements or any other request, contact us at info@curiousadvantage.com or Jessica.wickham@curiousadvantage.com
About The Curious Advantage
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 7 C’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 on Amazon
The Curious Advantage Audiobook is now available on audible
About the Authors
PAUL ASHCROFT
Paul is the Co-Founder & Partner at Ludic Group, Author of the Book ‘ALIVE: Digital Humans and Their Organizations’, Author of The Curious Advantage, Keynote Speaker and Facilitator.
SIMON BROWN
Simon is the Global Learning & Development Leader, Partner, Talent, Author of The Curious Advantage Keynote Speaker, Facilitator and Senior Fellow.
GARRICK JONES
Co-Founder and Partner at Ludic Group, Author of the Book ‘ALIVE: Digital Humans and Their Organizations’, Author of The Curious Advantage, Keynote Speaker and Facilitator.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 23, 2025 • 46min
#82 Curious About Learning, Curiosity, AI, Leadership, Talent & Women in Leadership
"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 Weight Loss, Ozempic, and the End of Calorie Counting? A Conversation with Dr. Giles Yeo (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 The Future of Work: Frontier Firms, Agent Bosses, and AI from Microsoft’s 2025 Work Trend Index with Alexia Cambon (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 Imagining the Future - Where Sci-Fi Meets Curiosity with Ari Popper (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 Curious About How Workshops Can Boost Team Culture with Alison Coward (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.

Apr 30, 2025 • 47min
#77 The Experience Machine - Is Reality All in Your Head? with Andy Clark (Cognitive Philosopher)
What if your brain isn’t just reacting to the world, but actually helping to create it?
In this episode, Paul Ashcroft and Garrick Jones are joined by world-renowned cognitive philosopher Andy Clark to explore the fascinating ideas behind his latest book, The Experience Machine.
Together, they dive into how the brain acts less like a camera and more like a prediction engine, constantly guessing what’s coming next and shaping the way we experience reality. From the link between curiosity and mistakes to the surprising ways our expectations influence pain and mental health, this is a rich conversation about perception, learning, and the stories we tell ourselves.
They also look at how embracing uncertainty drives growth and innovation, and how AI, algorithms, and education are shaping the way we think.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Curious Advantage Podcast
01:55 The Journey of Andy Clark
02:21 The Brain as a Prediction Machine
06:59 Balancing Predictions and Sensory Input
11:25 Error, Curiosity, and Learning
18:26 Wired to Reduce Uncertainty
21:16 Pain, Expectation, and Mental Health
25:45 Curating Uncertainty for Better Predictions
28:34 The Role of Environment in Shaping Reality
31:07 Art, Literature, and Predictive Systems
32:49 The Impact of Algorithms on Human Experience
34:34 AI and Human Predictive Models
40:23 The Future of AI and Human Collaboration
46:20 Education and Embracing Error
49:15 Practical Applications of Predictive Processing
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 and Aliki Paolinelis. Audio editing is expertly by Danny Cross. Video editing is done by Jessica Wickham.

Apr 15, 2025 • 35min
#76 Navigating Trust in the Age of AI with Charles H. Green (Founder, Trusted Advisor Associates)
In this episode of the Curious Advantage podcast, Simon Brown and Garrick Jones talk with Charles H. Green, a renowned expert on trust. They explore the concept of trust, its importance in personal and professional relationships, and how it can be cultivated.
Charles shares insights on the trust equation, which includes credibility, reliability, intimacy, and self-orientation. The conversation also delves into the implications of trust in sales, the impact of AI on trust, and the importance of personal agency in fostering trust and connection in a rapidly changing world. They also discuss the growing presence of AI-generated scams, deep fakes, and the challenges these pose to building and maintaining trust in the digital age.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Trust and Curiosity
18:13 The Trust Equation Explained
24:30 Trust in Sales: The Meat Sandwich Model
33:40 Trust in the Age of AI
41:58 Personal Agency and Change
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 and Aliki Paolinelis. Audio editing is expertly by Danny Cross. Video editing by Jessica Wickham and John McGinty.

Apr 3, 2025 • 43min
#75 Curious about Futurism with Bob Johansen
In this episode Simon Brown, Paul Ashcroft, and Garrick Jones are joined by futurist Bob Johansen, who brings nearly five decades of experience in forecasting what’s next. Together, they dive into the power of curiosity and "future-back" thinking in navigating today’s uncertain world. From VUCA to BANI, Bob unpacks the frameworks shaping how we understand complexity—and why generative AI is a game-changer for leadership.
Discover the essential skills leaders need for the future, including augmented clarity and bioengaging, and hear how cross-generational collaboration is key to thriving in disruption. With reflections on faith, hope, and decision-making in an age of ambiguity, this conversation offers a hopeful yet grounded roadmap for staying curious in the face of the unknown.
00:00 The Journey of a Futurist
03:11 Understanding the Role of a Futurist
05:51 Engaging with Future Signals
09:00 The VUCA and BANI World
11:53 The Impact of Generative AI
15:05 Curiosity and Future Leadership
24:01 Curiosity and Future-Back Thinking
25:52 Key Skills for Future Leadership
32:10 Practical Augmentation for Leaders
36:21 Faith and Hope in a Changing World
42:01 Cross-Generational Collaboration and Neuroscience
48:05 Optimism in a Frightening Future
Interested in purchasing the book? Contact bookorders@bkpub.org for exclusive group discounts and bulk order offers for The Curious Advantage listeners.
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 expertly by Danny Cross. Video editing by Jessica Wickham and John McGinty.

Mar 24, 2025 • 48min
#74 Wilful Blindness, "The Naked Truth" and Super Chickens with Margaret Heffernan
In this episode of The Curious Advantage podcast, Simon Brown and Garrick Jones speak with renowned author and speaker Margaret Heffernan about curiosity, leadership, and organizational culture. She shares insights from her diverse career, exploring the impact of questioning conventional wisdom, the dangers of wilful blindness, and the role of playwriting in research.
Heffernan discusses how curiosity and helpfulness drive productivity and collaboration, warning against excessive competition and the ‘super chicken’ effect—where individual performance overshadows team success. She advocates for rethinking workplace culture to foster learning, connection, and innovation.
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 expertly by Danny Cross. Video editing by Jessica Wickham and John McGinty.

31 snips
Nov 13, 2024 • 48min
S6 Ep10: #73 Shifting the Planet - Pragmatic Tools for Planetary Transformation with Indy Johar (Co-founder, Dark Matter Labs)
Indy Johar, co-founder of Dark Matter Labs, dives into the democratization of city-making and the urgent need to address systemic global challenges like climate breakdown. He advocates for new business languages and constructs to transform our economy. The discussion emphasizes shifting from command-and-control leadership to coaching and learning. Indy highlights the role of technology, including AI, in navigating complexity and fostering innovation. The conversation concludes with a powerful call for collective action toward a more sustainable and equitable future.