

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 30, 2024 • 44min
72: Alexia Cambon: Problem Solving, Data Sets & AI (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
71: Ali Ganjavian & Key Portilla-Kawamura: The Future of Work and Environments (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
70: Chris Smart: Pragmatic Tools for Enabling Curiosity in a Global Organization (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
69: Sir Michael Craig-Martin: Art and an Extraordinary Life Lived Extraordinarily (Artist)
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
68: Dr Diane Hamilton: Curiosity Unleashed & Measuring its Value and the Curious Bottom Line (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
67: John Harris Dunning: Graphic Novels, Monsters & Curiosity (Author)
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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Jul 17, 2024 • 41min
66: Warren Berger: Questionology! & How to Ask Better Questions (Questionologist, Author, Speaker)
Join as the hosts explore the art of questioning with Warren Berger, a questionologist, author, and speaker. They discuss fostering a culture of enquiry, enemies of effective questioning, nurturing a questioning mindset, power of 'mission questions', and thought-provoking questions.

Jul 3, 2024 • 48min
65: Lisa Rowland & Dan Milton-Klein: Improvisation & Storytelling in the Corporate World (Professors, Stanford University)
Join improv experts Lisa Rowland and Dan Milton-Klein as they discuss the power of improvisation in enhancing communication skills and fostering confidence. They explore the origins of improv, the impact of curiosity on personal growth, and the practical applications of improv in business and organizations. Discover how embracing failure, saying yes, and fostering a curiosity mindset can lead to success in various contexts.

Jun 21, 2024 • 44min
64: David E. Carney: Diversity & LGBTQIA+ (Globally-Recognized Management Consultant)
Join business transformation leader David E. Carney as he discusses his journey as part of the LGBTQ+ community in the US Navy and the importance of curiosity in fostering diversity and inclusion. Explore the impact of political interventions, historical progress in the armed services, and the strategic imperative of embracing diversity. Dive into how curiosity drives organizational growth and personal development.

May 1, 2024 • 48min
65: Jaeden Schafer: Unlocking the Potential of AI (CEO & Co-Founder, AI Box)
Join hosts Paul Ashcroft, Simon Brown, and Garrick Jones as they dive into the world of artificial intelligence with Jaeden Schafer, the visionary behind the top AI podcasts, "AI Chat," "AI Applied," and "AI Hustle," collectively boasting over 2 million annual listens.
In this episode, discover the origins of Jaeden's passion for AI and the journey that led him to become a trailblazer in the field. Gain exclusive insights into the inner workings of his acclaimed podcasts and explore Jaeden's unique approach to content curation, driven by a commitment to quality and authenticity.
Jaeden shares his mission to democratize AI through AI Box's innovative no-code app builder and marketplace, shedding light on the challenges he's faced and the vision driving his work. Learn how he envisions a future where AI is accessible to all, and explore the exciting advancements and applications shaping the AI landscape.
Drawing from his extensive experience, Jaeden also offers practical advice for leveraging AI effectively, empowering individuals and businesses to unlock its full potential.
Want to learn more?
Visit AI Box: https://aibox.ai/
Find Jaeden Schafer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaeden-schafer
Find Jaeden Schafer on X: https://x.com/jaeden_ai
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 (CLO, Novartis), 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 #AI #Podcast


