The Curious Advantage Podcast

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 LinksHeadstrong Website Headstrong Instagram Finn Hall LinkedInThe 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 InstagramDiscover more about The Curious Advantage hereThe Curious Advantage Podcast is executive produced by Jessica Wickham and Aliki Paolinelis. Audio editing by Danny Cross and video editing by Jessica Wickham.

In this episode of The Curious Advantage, former Navy SEAL officer and human performance expert Rich Diviney joins Simon Brown and Garrick Jones to explore what truly drives leadership, performance under pressure, and the neuroscience behind stress and fear. Drawing on two decades in the SEAL Teams, Rich breaks down why attributes and not skills determine success in high-pressure, high-uncertainty environments.Rich explains how elite performers build situational awareness, adaptability, and neural agility, and why concepts like dynamic subordination are essential for modern leadership. He dives into the neuroscience of stress management, the role of curiosity in high-stakes decision-making, and how understanding duration, pathway, and outcome can help the brain stay calm under uncertainty.Whether you’re leading teams, navigating complexity or curious about the psychology behind human performance, this conversation offers powerful insights into attributes, curiosity, and the mindsets required to thrive in chaotic environments.Show Links: Attributes WebsiteAttributes HubRich Diviney LinkedInThe Attributes: 25 Hidden Drivers of Optimal Performance book is available on AmazonThe 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 InstagramDiscover more about The Curious Advantage hereThe Curious Advantage Podcast is executive produced by Jessica Wickham and Aliki Paolinelis. Audio editing by Danny Cross and video editing by Jessica Wickham.

In this episode of The Curious Advantage, Art Kleiner — author of The AI Dilemma — joins Simon Brown & Garrick Jones for a conversation about what it really means to build Responsible AI.Together, they explore the tensions at the heart of today’s AI landscape: rapid innovation vs accountability, efficiency vs empathy, and the risks of bias, misinformation and unintended consequences. Drawing on the “five fundamental principles” from The AI Dilemma, Art explains why responsible technology requires human judgment, transparency, and a deep understanding of our social systems.The discussion dives into: How AI systems amplify human behaviour — good and bad The rising challenge of misinformation and synthetic media Where bias enters the system and how organisations can address it Why empathy, forgiveness and human values are essential to AI governance What leaders must understand as AI becomes embedded in everyday work A thoughtful, human conversation about technology, responsibility and how we navigate the future.Lean More about Art Kleiner and his work hereAbout The Curious AdvantageThe 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.The Curious Advantage Podcast is executive produced by Jessica Wickham and Aliki Paolinelis. Audio editing by Danny Cross | Video editing by Jessica Wickham.

FBF -- Flashback FridayIn this episode, global HR and HR technology analyst Josh Bersin, Founder & CEO of The Josh Bersin Company, joins the authors of The Curious Advantage — Paul Ashcroft, Simon Brown and Garrick Jones — to explore curiosity in the flow of work.They discuss the role of curiosity in learning and people development, how curiosity supports adaptability in a digital-first world, and why curious leaders are critical during periods of disruption.This episode was originally published on 5th May 2020. Want to go deeper?Get your copy on AmazonThe Curious Advantage Audiobook is also available on audible#FlashbackFriday #CuriousAdvantage #CuriosityAtWork #Learning #7Cs

In this episode of the Curious Advantage podcast, hosts Simon Brown and Garrick Jones talk with Christian Kressman, an actor, systemic coach, and PhD holder in creativity. The conversation explores how curiosity fuels creativity and problem-solving, the importance of asking the right questions, and the role of diversity in fostering innovative solutions. Christian shares his personal journey, including a life-changing misdiagnosis that led him to embrace creativity in overcoming challenges. The discussion also touches on the impact of AI on learning and the importance of immersive environments in education.Christian LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiankressmann/ Christian Website https://christian-kressmann.de/podcastAbout The Curious AdvantageThe 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.The Curious Advantage Podcast is executive produced by Jessica Wickham and Aliki Paolinelis. Audio editing by Danny Cross | Video editing by Jessica Wickham.

In this episode of The Curious Advantage podcast, hosts Garrick Jones and Simon Brown sit down with Jonathan Besser, co-author of 50 Ideas That Changed the World of Work, to explore how curiosity, leadership, and emotional intelligence shape the future of learning and innovation.From classic frameworks like SWOT and the Eisenhower Matrix to the impact of Black Swans and White Rhinos, the conversation examines how leaders can navigate uncertainty with a growth mindset and foster psychological safetywhere creativity, feedback, and experimentation thrive.Jonathan shares insights on overcoming imposter syndrome, using feedback for growth, and creating emotionally intelligent workplaces that inspire trust and collaboration. Discover how curiosity fuels adaptability in a post-COVID world and why questioning assumptions remains essential for effective leadership and continuous learning.Find out more:Jonathan LinkedInIntrepid Leadership50 Ideas That Changed the World of WorkAbout The Curious AdvantageThe 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.The Curious Advantage Podcast is executive produced by Jessica Wickham and Aliki Paolinelis. Audio editing by Danny Cross | Video editing by Jessica Wickham.

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 MoreRead 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 AdvantageThe 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.CreditsThe Curious Advantage Podcast is executive produced by Jessica Wickham and Aliki Paolinelis. Audio editing by Danny Cross | Video editing by Jessica Wickham.

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 AmazonThe Curious Advantage Audiobook is also available on AudibleFollow The Curious Advantage on LinkedIn and InstagramAbout 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 BookThe 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.comThe 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 ReadingRecrafting Employees’ Psychological Contract to Boost Engagement – ForbesVyla Rollins Career Profile – Rubato Global ConsultingGet your copy of The Curious Advantage on AmazonThe Curious Advantage Audiobook is also available on AudibleFollow The Curious Advantage on LinkedIn and InstagramAbout 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 BookThe 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.comThe 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.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Curiosity and Learning Leadership02:42 The Evolution of Learning and Development05:34 Rethinking Leadership Training08:52 Agility in Learning Functions11:36 Frameworks for Modern Learning14:45 Building a Talent Pipeline17:28 Integrating Learning with Business Needs20:42 The Future of Learning and Development27:14 The Connection Between Learning and Talent Management33:44 Women in Learning Leadership: Bridging the Gap38:06 AI's Impact on Learning and Development44:42 Navigating Sensory Overload and Environmental Impact50:24 The Future of Learning: Curiosity and Organizational LearningAbout 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 BookThe 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.comGet your copy of The Curious Advantage on AmazonThe Curious Advantage Audiobook is also available on AudibleFollow The Curious Advantage on LinkedIn and InstagramThe 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 CambonIn 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 Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Curious Advantage Podcast01:02 Curiosity in Research and AI Integration02:14 Defining the Frontier Firm04:39 Intelligence on Tap: Redefining Expertise Access06:29 The Rise of Human-Agent Teams11:49 The Concept of the Agent Boss19:32 Empowering Employees in the AI Era25:32 The Nature of Digital Labor30:36 AI as a New Workforce36:08 The Future of Work and AI Integration44:31 Becoming a Frontier FirmDiscover Microsoft’s 2025 Work Trend Index: The Year the Frontier Firm Is Bornhttps://www.microsoft.com/en-us/worklab/work-trend-index/2025-the-year-the-frontier-firm-is-bornAbout 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 BookThe 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.comGet your copy of The Curious Advantage on AmazonThe Curious Advantage Audiobook is also available on AudibleFollow The Curious Advantage on LinkedIn and InstagramThe 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

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 Culture03:03 The Journey to Facilitation06:01 Defining Workshop Culture08:52 Practical Steps for Effective Collaboration11:51 Leading Through Uncertainty15:05 The Role of Online vs In-Person Workshops17:56 Five Pillars of High Performing Teams23:59 Curiosity in Team Dynamics26:47 Balancing Creativity and Productivity30:07 Leveraging AI in Workshop Culture33:57 Final Thoughts and Key TakeawaysBracket : www.bracketcreative.co.ukLinkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/alisoncowardWorkshop 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 SeriesJoin 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 BookThe 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.comGet your copy of The Curious Advantage on AmazonThe Curious Advantage Audiobook is also available on AudibleFollow The Curious Advantage on LinkedIn and InstagramThe 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.