The Curious Advantage Podcast

Hosted by The Curious Advantage

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108

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Aug 2026

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About the show

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 .

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60 recent

August 12, 2026Episode 10449 min

104: From Particle Physics to AI: Rewiring How Organisations Work with Markus Bernhardt (Endeavour Intelligence)

Paul Ashcroft and Garrick Jones are joined by Markus Bernhardt, founder of Endeavour Intelligence, to explore what is really changing as organisations adopt AI. Drawing on his background in particle physics and his research into AI strategy and organisational transformation, Markus argues that the biggest shift isn’t simply the arrival of new tools. It is the quieter rewiring of how work gets done, how decisions are made and where accountability sits. The conversation explores the difference between the visible “surface wave” of AI adoption and the deeper organisational undercurrent; why AI capability should not be confused with autonomy; the shift from AI literacy to AI fluency; and why human judgement may become more valuable, rather than less, as machines take on more execution. They also discuss agentic AI, governance, the limits of large language models and why organisations may achieve more by redesigning one workflow well than launching another large-scale AI transformation programme. Ultimately, Markus offers a practical starting point: don’t begin by asking where you can add AI. Look for where AI has already quietly changed the work, and redesign from there. Find out more about Markus work: Markus LinkedIn Page https://endeavorintel.com/ https://endeavorintel.com/diagnostic/ 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. The Curious Advantage Podcast is executive produced by Jessica Wickham and Aliki Paolinelis. Audio editing by Danny Cross and video editing by Jessica Wickham.

July 29, 2026Episode 10352 min

103: Inside Heathrow: Leading One of the World’s Most Complex Operations with Javier Echave (COO, Heathrow Airport)

In this episode of The Curious Advantage Podcast , Paul Ashcroft, Simon Brown and Garrick Jones speak with Javier Echave, Chief Operating Officer of Heathrow Airport, about what it takes to lead one of the world’s most complex operations. Heathrow is more than an airport. It is a city of 90,000 people, bringing together 400 companies and serving around 85 million passengers every year. Javier explains how curiosity, clear communication and disciplined decision-making help keep this vast interconnected system moving. Drawing on his experience leading through the pandemic and Heathrow’s 2025 power outage, Javier shares how leaders can make difficult decisions with imperfect information, create psychological safety during a crisis and design organisations for reliability rather than recovery. He also explores why leadership is not about making people great, but reminding them how great they already are. Find out more about Javiers work: Javiers LinkedIn Heathrow Airport Website 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. The Curious Advantage Podcast is executive produced by Jessica Wickham and Aliki Paolinelis. Audio editing by Danny Cross and video editing by Jessica Wickham.

July 1, 2026Episode 10244 min

102: Written Off by School. Recruited by Harvard: Brandon P. Fleming’s Story on Curiosity, Mentorship and Potential

In this powerful episode of The Curious Advantage Podcast , Simon Brown and Garrick Jones speak with award-winning educator, author and entrepreneur Brandon Fleming about his extraordinary journey from joining a gang at 12 and selling drugs at 14 to becoming one of the youngest debate coaches recruited by Harvard University. Brandon shares how a single teacher challenged everything he had been told about himself, recognised his hidden gifts and transformed the direction of his life. Determined to pay that opportunity forward, he created an educational pathway for young people from underserved communities in Atlanta, helping his students become seven-time consecutive champions at the Harvard Debate Council Summer Workshops. That mission now continues through The Veritas School, where Brandon is reimagining education around connection, belonging, critical thinking and the belief that every young person has potential when given the right environment. He explains why students are often not disinterested but disengaged—and why it is the responsibility of teachers and leaders to create the conditions in which people can thrive. The conversation explores the powerful relationship between curiosity and exposure, why talent is so often overlooked or mislabelled, and what it takes to turn potential into performance. Brandon also shares why great leaders should never “blame the seed,” how educators can make learning feel personal, and why young people must develop logic and independent thinking before relying on AI. This is an inspiring conversation about education, leadership, curiosity, human potential and our collective responsibility to use our gifts to improve the lives of others. Find out more about Brandon's work: https://bpfleming.com/ The Veritas School Miseducation: A memoir LinkedIn 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. The Curious Advantage Podcast is executive produced by Jessica Wickham and Aliki Paolinelis. Audio editing by Danny Cross and video editing by Jessica Wickham.

June 17, 2026Episode 10140 min

101: Why "Just Be Yourself" Is Terrible Leadership Advice with Dr Laura Sicola (Cognitive Linguist)

Most leaders focus on what they say. Dr. Laura Sicola argues that how you say it matters just as much. In this episode of The Curious Advantage Podcast, executive communication coach, cognitive linguist and author Dr. Laura Sicola explores the concept of the "leadership voice"—the combination of your literal voice and your unique perspective. Together, they shape how your message lands, how others perceive you, and ultimately, how much influence you have. Laura shares practical insights from her work with leaders at organisations including Amazon, Intel and the US Department of Commerce, revealing how communication can be adapted without sacrificing authenticity. In this conversation, we explore: • The difference between influence, persuasion, manipulation and performance • Why authenticity isn't the same as staying in your comfort zone • How the "prismatic voice" helps leaders adapt to different audiences and situations • The role of curiosity, empathy and emotional intelligence in effective communication • Why video feedback can uncover communication blind spots and accelerate growth • How leaders can communicate with clarity and confidence in an increasingly complex world Laura's LinkedIn Laura Sicolas website Speaking to Influence website Free Tool: The Leadership Communication Blind Spot Checklist here Speaking to Influence: Mastering your Leadership Voice on Amazon 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. The Curious Advantage Podcast is executive produced by Jessica Wickham and Aliki Paolinelis. Audio editing by Danny Cross and video editing by Jessica Wickham.

June 3, 2026Episode 10028 min

100: 100 Episodes Later: Why Curiosity Has Gone from an Advantage to an Imperative

In this milestone 100th episode of The Curious Advantage Podcast, Paul Ashcroft, Simon Brown and Garrick Jones reflect on six years of conversations exploring curiosity, leadership, learning, AI and the future of work. What began during lockdown has grown into a global platform for ideas spanning neuroscience, psychology, education, business transformation, technology and the arts. In this special episode, the team looks back at the guests, themes and moments that shaped the first 100 episodes and explores why curiosity has moved from being an advantage to becoming an imperative. They discuss standout conversations with guests including Amy Edmondson, Alexia Cambon and Giles Yeo, while also introducing the thinking behind their upcoming book, The Curious Imperative . You’ll hear reflections on how curiosity helps us navigate AI, disruption, uncertainty and change and why asking better questions may be one of the most important human skills for the future. Resources The Curious Advantage Website Learn more about The Curious Imperative Buy The Curious Advantage 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. The Curious Advantage Podcast is executive produced by Jessica Wickham and Aliki Paolinelis. Audio editing by Danny Cross and video editing by Jessica Wickham.

May 20, 2026Episode 991 hr 5 min

99: Prof. Robert Kegan on Curiosity, Self-Authorship, Adult Development and Why Change Is So Hard (Harvard Graduate School of Education)

Professor Robert “Bob” Kegan (Harvard Graduate School of Education) joins The Curious Advantage Podcast to explore curiosity, adult development, and why meaningful change is often so difficult. Bob explains curiosity as a “delight in the knowing gap” and shares how adults grow through different stages of psychological development, from the socialised mind to self-authorship and the self-transforming mind. He also introduces the idea of “immunity to change,” revealing how hidden assumptions and internal defences can prevent us from making the changes we genuinely want to make. The episode also looks at AI, digital transformation, leadership, feedback, and how curiosity can help us test our assumptions, build self-authorship, and adapt in a rapidly changing world. Resources mentioned: Immunity to Change by Robert Kegan and Lisa Lahey In Over Our Heads by Robert Kegan The Curious Advantage by Paul Ashcroft, Simon Brown & Garrick Jones Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Bob and Curiosity and Adult Development 01:30 Defining Curiosity as Delight in the Knowing Gap 04:50 Curiosity and Psychological Growth 08:19 Learning vs. Development: Transcending Frames 12:28 Stories of Development: The Olympic Skater and Lincoln 17:21 Stages of Adult Development: Socialized to Self-Transforming 22:13 The Small Percentage Achieving Self-Transforming Mind 39:02 Immunity to Change: Why Change is Difficult 56:22 AI and Development: Opportunities and Challenges 01:10:00 The Power of Inner Inquiry and Self-Understanding 01:14:48 Conclusion and Key Takeaways 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. The Curious Advantage Podcast is executive produced by Jessica Wickham and Aliki Paolinelis. Audio editing by Danny Cross and video editing by Jessica Wickham.

May 8, 202633 min

FBF | Vas Narasimhan & Steven Baert: The CEO & The Chief People and Organization Officer Perspective

Vas Narasimhan , the Novartis CEO and Steven Baert , Novartis’ Ex-Chief People and Organization Officer join the authors of The Curious Advantage Simon Brown , Paul Ashcroft and Garrick Jones , to discuss the importance of Curiosity in Business. They talk about how Novartis has worked to ‘unleash the power of their people’ and change the culture driven by an ‘Inspired’, ‘Curious’ and ‘Unbossed’ people strategy. Why is curiosity becoming more important in the digital age? Why is it important to have curious leaders? What does it mean to have a curious mind and how can curiosity impact individuals and organisations? Subscribe to this exclusive podcast today to listen to this fascinating conversation.

April 22, 2026Episode 9840 min

98: Tara May: The Unexpected Superpowers of Autistic Minds That Transform Business Success (CEO, Aspiritech)

Join Simon Brown and Paul Ashcroft as they explore Tara May's inspiring journey from journalism to leading Aspirtech, a company championing neurodiversity and harnessing the unique strengths of autistic adults. Discover how curiosity drives innovation, leadership, and social impact in the digital age. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Neurodiversity and Leadership 02:59 Tara's Journey: From Journalism to CEO 06:06 Understanding Aspirotech's Mission and Model 08:48 Defining Autism and Neurodiversity 11:51 The Unique Strengths of Neurodivergent Individuals 15:13 The Role of Technology and Human Collaboration 18:08 Creating a Supportive Workplace Environment 20:56 Fostering Neurodiversity in Organizations 23:50 The Impact of Creativity and Problem Solving 26:56 Global Efforts and Collaborations for Neurodiversity 29:59 Leadership Lessons and the Importance of Kindness Resources Aspirtech NeuroWorks HAPI The Curious Advantage Podcast Simon Brown LinkedIn Paul Ashcroft LinkedIn Tara May LinkedIn 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. The Curious Advantage is available on Amazon and Audiobook Follow us on LinkedIn and I nstagram Discover more about The Curious Advantage here The Curious Advantage Podcast is executive produced by Jessica Wickham and Aliki Paolinelis. Audio editing by Danny Cross and video editing by Jessica Wickham.

April 1, 2026Episode 9736 min

97: Finn Hall: Functional Mushrooms, Building a Premium Brand, Authenticity & Curiosity (CEO, Headstrong)

Unlock the secret to building an authentic, high-quality brand in a saturated market. In this episode, we’re joined by Finn Hall, CEO of Headstrong and former Team GB cyclist, who is redefining the functional mushrooms space through an uncompromising focus on quality, design and curiosity. Finn shares his journey from elite sport to young entrepreneurship, revealing how a personal discovery sparked a mission to challenge industry standards and build a brand people can genuinely trust. He opens up about the realities of starting and scaling a premium brand in a saturated market, and what it takes to stay authentic while growing fast. We explore how curiosity fuels innovation, why authenticity is non-negotiable in today’s landscape, and how social media and community have become powerful drivers of modern brand success. From building trust with your audience to creating a loyal following, Finn shares what it really takes to turn a product into a movement. From the science behind functional mushrooms and extraction quality, to the role of design, storytelling and digital presence, this conversation is packed with insight for anyone building a brand today. Show Links Headstrong Website Headstrong Instagram Finn Hall LinkedIn 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. The Curious Advantage is available on Amazon and Audiobook Follow us on LinkedIn and I nstagram Discover more about The Curious Advantage here The Curious Advantage Podcast is executive produced by Jessica Wickham and Aliki Paolinelis. Audio editing by Danny Cross and video editing by Jessica Wickham.

March 18, 2026Episode 9644 min

96: Shawn Vanderhoven: Leadership, Curiosity, Building an Intelligence Culture and the Power of Pause (Partner, Wiseman)

In this episode, Simon Brown and Garrick Jones speak with leadership expert Shawn Vanderhoven about how curiosity, and the often overlooked power of pausing, can transform leadership, decision-making, and team performance. In a world that rewards speed and constant action, Shawn challenges the assumption that great leaders need to move faster. Instead, he explores how creating space, through better questions, clearer priorities, and intentional pauses, can unlock stronger thinking and more meaningful contributions across teams. Drawing on insights from his book Pause: How to Lead Brilliant Work in a Busy World , Shawn shares practical strategies for building an intelligence culture, avoiding common leadership traps, and helping teams focus on what truly matters. The conversation offers a fresh perspective on how leaders can shift from doing more to enabling better work. Show Links Shawn's LinkedIn Wiseman Group Pause: How to Lead Brilliant Work in a Busy World available on Amazon 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. The Curious Advantage is available on Amazon and Audiobook Follow us on LinkedIn and I nstagram Discover more about The Curious Advantage here The Curious Advantage Podcast is executive produced by Jessica Wickham and Aliki Paolinelis. Audio editing by Danny Cross and video editing by Jessica Wickham.