
The Curious Advantage Podcast
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: http://curiousadvantage.com
Get your copy on Amazon (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Curious-Advantage-Paul-Ashcroft-ebook/dp/B08931WBT9/)
The Curious Advantage Audiobook is now available on audible (https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/The-Curious-Advantage-Audiobook/B0B916YKSY?qid=1660223133&sr=1-2&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_2&pf_rd_p=c6e316b8-14da-418d-8f91-b3cad83c5183&pf_rd_r=Q2QA788N5EEKV73BGPNG)
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.
Latest episodes

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.

Oct 30, 2024 • 44min
S6 Ep9: #72 Problem Solving, Enormous Data Sets & AI with Alexia Cambon (Senior Director of Research, Microsoft)
Join Alexia Cambon, Senior Director of Research at Microsoft, as she shares her journey from law to corporate research. Discover how AI is reshaping workplace dynamics and the vital role curiosity plays in leveraging this technology. Alexia highlights the gap between enthusiastic employees and cautious leadership regarding AI adoption. She addresses the implications for critical thinking and decision-making, while emphasizing the importance of preserving essential human skills in an increasingly AI-driven world.

Oct 16, 2024 • 55min
S6 Ep8: #71 Curious About ... The Future of Work and Environments with Ali Ganjavian & Key Portilla-Kawamura (Co-founders, Studio Banana & OSTRICHPILLOW®)
Dive into the transformative power of physical spaces in enhancing collaboration and community. Discover how intentional design fosters creativity through playful rituals and adaptable environments. Learn about the impact of serendipity on innovation and how hybrid spaces can encourage idea exchange and well-being. The discussion emphasizes the importance of leaders listening to their teams to create meaningful work settings. Explore how tailored environments can boost productivity and connection in this ever-evolving landscape of work.

Oct 2, 2024 • 39min
S6 Ep7: #70 Boulders & Pebbles: Pragmatic Tools for Enabling Curiosity in a Global Organization with Chris Smart (CLO, MetLife)
In this engaging conversation, Chris Smart, Chief Learning Officer at MetLife, shares insights on the power of curiosity in driving organizational change. He discusses how MetLife fosters a culture of experimentation through initiatives like hackathons and an experimentation fund. Chris reflects on the challenges of the pandemic and the shift to virtual learning, emphasizing the role of AI in future learning strategies. With personal anecdotes, he illustrates how curiosity fuels both personal and professional growth, reshaping the landscape of learning and innovation.

Sep 16, 2024 • 33min
S6 Ep6: #69 Art and an Extraordinary Life Lived Extraordinarily with Sir Michael Craig-Martin
In this episode, Garrick Jones sits down with Sir Michael Craig-Martin, a monumental figure in contemporary British art, whose career spans over six decades. From his iconic transformations of everyday objects to his pioneering role as an educator, Craig-Martin shares fascinating insights into his creative journey and artistic philosophy.
Explore his upcoming major retrospective at the Royal Academy of Arts, opening in September 2024, which will feature over 120 works spanning his entire career. This exhibition marks a rare opportunity for Craig-Martin to reflect on his life's work, and he discusses the excitement and challenges of reviewing his artistic evolution.
Learn more about Michael Craig-Martin’s time teaching at Goldsmiths, where he mentored many of the Young British Artists (YBAs), including Damien Hirst, and the broader impact they had on the UK art scene. He also delves into his advocacy for arts education, the role of curiosity in creativity, and the importance of everyday objects in his art.
In addition, Michael delves into a discussion about his digital portraits, a forward-thinking exploration of cutting-edge technologies, and how curiosity drives his work and life. This engaging conversation offers a deep dive into the mind of one of the most influential artists of our time.
Dates and Opening Hours for the Royal Academy of Arts
Press view: Tuesday 17 September 2024, 10am-2pm
Dates: Saturday 21 September – Tuesday 10 December 2024
10am – 6pm Tuesday to Sunday
10am – 9pm Friday
Tickets
Advance booking with pre-booked timed tickets is recommended for everyone, including Friends of the RA. Tickets can be booked in advance online (royalacademy.org.uk) or over the phone (0207 300 8090).
Social Media
Join the discussion about the exhibition online at:
Facebook /royalacademy
Instagram @royalacademyarts
Threads @royalacademyarts
Twitter / X @royalacademy
#RAMichaelCraigMartin
About the Curious Advantage Podcast Series
The Curious Advantage Podcast series, hosted by the authors of The Curious Advantage book – Paul Ashcroft (co-founder & partner, Ludic Group), Simon Brown (Global Learning & Development Leader, Partner, EY), and Garrick Jones (co-founder & partner, Ludic Group) – explores how curiosity is a driving force for success in both individual lives and organizations, particularly in our evolving digital landscape. This podcast distills insights from neuroscience, anthropology, history, art and behaviorism to make the concept of curiosity accessible and applicable to everyone.
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.
#CuriousAdvantage #CuriousAdvantagePodcast #CuriosityPodcast #7CsofCuriosity #DigitalSuccess #NeuroscienceInsights #BusinessCuriosity #PodcastSeries #Audiobook #Amazon #DigitalAge #Sailingthe7Cs #7CsofCuriosity #PowerSkill #CuriosityModel #Curisosity #ThriveDigitally #PodcastInsights #AuthorPodcast #LeadershipCuriosity #DigitalLandscape #CuriosityBook #LinkedInPodcast

Sep 4, 2024 • 46min
S6 Ep5: #68 Curiosity Unleashed: Measuring its Value and the Curious Bottom Line with Dr Diane Hamilton (Founder & CEO, Tonerra)
In this episode of The Curious Advantage Podcast, we speak with Dr. Diane Hamilton, Founder and CEO of Tonerra, and author of the new book Curiosity Unleashed: Achieving Business Excellence by Challenging the Status Quo. Dr. Hamilton shares her insights on how curiosity has shaped her journey and why it's a crucial driver for business success.
Discover the strategies used by companies like Google and Disney to foster a culture of curiosity, the financial benefits of embracing curiosity, and the dangers of sticking to the status quo. We also explore the role of artificial intelligence in curiosity and what the future holds for human curiosity in the digital age.
Join us to learn how to unlock the power of curiosity to drive innovation and success in both your personal and professional life.
Dr Diane Hamilton Website: https://drdianehamilton.com/
Dr Diane Hamilton LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdianehamilton/
About the Curious Advantage Podcast Series
The Curious Advantage Podcast series, hosted by the authors of The Curious Advantage book – Paul Ashcroft (co-founder & partner, Ludic Group), Simon Brown (Global Learning & Development Leader, Partner, EY), and Garrick Jones (co-founder & partner, Ludic Group) – explores how curiosity is a driving force for success in both individual lives and organizations, particularly in our evolving digital landscape. This podcast distills insights from neuroscience, anthropology, history, art and behaviorism to make the concept of curiosity accessible and applicable to everyone.
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.
#CuriousAdvantage #CuriousAdvantagePodcast #CuriosityPodcast #7CsofCuriosity #DigitalSuccess #NeuroscienceInsights #BusinessCuriosity #PodcastSeries #Audiobook #Amazon #DigitalAge #Sailingthe7Cs #7CsofCuriosity #PowerSkill #CuriosityModel #Curisosity #ThriveDigitally #PodcastInsights #AuthorPodcast #LeadershipCuriosity #DigitalLandscape #CuriosityBook #LinkedInPodcast

Jul 31, 2024 • 38min
S6 Ep4: #67 Graphic Novels, Monsters & Curiosity with John Harris Dunning (Writer)
WARNING: STRONG LANGUAGE AND ADULT THEMES. In this episode, Garrick sits down with John Harris Dunning, the brilliant mind behind graphic novels like "Salem Brownstone," "Tumult," and the newly released "Summer Shadows" from Dark Horse Comics. John shares his journey from aspiring writer to acclaimed graphic novelist, offering a glimpse into the creative process that brought his vivid stories to life.
We delve into the world of graphic novels, discussing their rising popularity and what sets them apart from traditional books. John explains why graphic novels resonate with readers, emphasizing the unique power of visual storytelling and the depth that illustrations can bring to a narrative.
John recounts his experience curating the groundbreaking "Comics Unmasked: Art and Anarchy in the UK" exhibition at the British Library. This prestigious exhibition highlighted the cultural and artistic significance of comics, drawing from the rich archives of the British Library.
Beyond his professional work, John reflects on the concept of curiosity—how it drives creativity and innovation. We discuss the role of curiosity in both human endeavors and artificial intelligence, and John reveals what he's personally curious about outside his professional sphere.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the art of storytelling, the impact of visual narratives, and the enduring appeal of graphic novels. Whether you're an avid reader of comics or simply curious about the genre, John's insights provide a deeper understanding of why graphic novels continue to enchant and inspire.
John Harris Dunning Social Media:
Instagrah: johnharrisdunning
Twitter/ X: johnhdunning
Instagram: darkhorsecomics
Twitter/ X: @DarkHorseComics
https://www.darkhorse.com/Comics/3012-386/Summer-Shadows-1
https://dailydead.com/summer-shadows-qa-john-harris-dunning-discusses-influences-collaborating-with-ricardo-cabral-and-the-vampire-storys-unique-setting/
https://www.comicbookcouplescounseling.com/post/john-harris-dunning-summer-shadows-interview
Comics Unmasked: Art and Anarchy in the UK
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Comics-Unmasked-Gravett-Harris-Dunning/dp/0712357750/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2NR9VWBHHPCEC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.S2si-FG4eQ2H5Ybo-1jSxuKPaEKgs8YO7AikbJuvULlxdtuFT5PI1HJ1EjIxNXmZhk3GI-bds-15MMzv7IVS1Q.Vzfde51w5aoxybqh2VybYHpwsS5ylTc5gJrfgug3_3o&dib_tag=se&keywords=john+harris+dunning&qid=1721904128&sprefix=john+harris+dunning%2Caps%2C106&sr=8-1
Salem Brownstone: All Along the Watchtowers
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Salem-Brownstone-All-Along-Watchtowers/dp/1406320528/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2NR9VWBHHPCEC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.S2si-FG4eQ2H5Ybo-1jSxuKPaEKgs8YO7AikbJuvULlxdtuFT5PI1HJ1EjIxNXmZhk3GI-bds-15MMzv7IVS1Q.Vzfde51w5aoxybqh2VybYHpwsS5ylTc5gJrfgug3_3o&dib_tag=se&keywords=john+harris+dunning&qid=1721904128&sprefix=john+harris+dunning%2Caps%2C106&sr=8-2
Tumult
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tumult-John-Harris-Dunning/dp/1910593486?dplnkId=5eee1388-c44e-4660-93cd-8c3d830cf1dd&nodl=1
Summer Shadows #1
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Summer-Shadows-John-Harris-Dunning-ebook/dp/B0D8L53ZYR/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?crid=2NR9VWBHHPCEC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.G7v8haXFHmsdpiGJX5w3gAsPj9fKv8TX59-L9b81yLpO_r4VdwctFmnudaJoL2h2dDnNE7nDKIG6tWTp5iLeJdCtoB6oD_Bg6K-GRhzBWrI.3LutHzrf5z6AUXAFDLbXt8QdKRvSu2EOze74vwWBEz0&dib_tag=se&keywords=john+harris+dunning&qid=1721904128&sprefix=john+harris+dunning%2Caps%2C106&sr=8-1-fkmr0
Wiper
https://www.darkhorse.com/Books/3008-843/Wiper-TPB
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wiper-John-Dunning/dp/1506733409?dplnkId=ce1a01b2-0842-4c89-a3ae-cca5ea2abfbf&nodl=1
About the Curious Advantage Podcast Series
The Curious Advantage Podcast series, hosted by the authors of The Curious Advantage book – Paul Ashcroft (co-founder & partner, Ludic Group), Simon Brown (Global Learning & Development Leader, Partner, EY), and Garrick Jones (co-founder & partner, Ludic Group) – explores how curiosity is a driving force for success in both individual lives and organizations, particularly in our evolving digital landscape. This podcast distills insights from neuroscience, anthropology, history, art and behaviorism to make the concept of curiosity accessible and applicable to everyone.
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.
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