The Curious Advantage Podcast

Simon Brown and Garrick Jones speak with Shannon Minifie, CEO of Box of Crayons, about overcoming fear, taming the “advice monster,” and building trust, psychological safety, and connection at work. Discover why curiosity is a power skill for leaders and how it shapes the future of learning and AI. Learn More Read the full white paper: Navigating a Fractured Workplace: https://46434064.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/46434064/Navigating_a_Fractured_Workplace_Box_of_Crayons.pdf  A short quiz: which advice monster are you? https://boxofcrayons.com/advice-monster-habit/ Visit the Box of Crayons website: https://boxofcrayons.com/ 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. 

Stefaan van Hooydonk, founder of the Global Curiosity Institute and former Chief Learning Officer at Cognizant, dives into the impact of curiosity on growth and leadership. He discusses a framework for fostering curiosity across organizations, as well as surprising insights from research revealing how environments and language influence inquisitiveness. Stefaan also contrasts curiosity with conformity, examines the pitfalls of AI, and shares his unexpected journey into farming that fuels his resilience and curiosity.

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. 

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. 

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

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. 

"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. 

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. 

"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

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.