The Occupational Philosophers - A not-so-serious business podcast to spark Creativity, Imagination and Curiosity The Occupational Philosophers

Professor of Engineering Innovation and expert in creative problem solving
In Episode 94, The Occupational Philosophers chat with Dr David Cropley, a Professor of Engineering Innovation at the University of South Australia. He specialises in helping people and organisations become better, more effective, problem solvers. 
After serving for four years in the United Kingdom’s Royal Navy, David joined the School of Engineering at the South Australian Institute of Technology (SAIT) in 1990,. Following the establishment of the University in 1991, he completed a PhD in Measurement Systems Engineering in 1997, and a Graduate Certificate in Higher Education in 2002.
He has taught a variety of courses on engineering, including digital electronics, linear electronics, systems engineering, and engineering design. He teaches creativity and innovation across programs, from gifted education through to management, and his research interests span creativity in education, the assessment of creativity and innovation in organisations, the role of creativity and innovation in terrorism and crime, and the nexus of creative problem-solving and engineering. Most recently, he has been researching the intersection of creativity and artificial intelligence (AI).
David is author/co-author of 10 books including Creativity in Education: A user’s guide for educators, parents and students (Hawker Brownlow, 2022), Core Capabilities for Industry 4.0 – Foundations of the Cyber-Psychology of Engineering (Wbv Media, 2021) and The Psychology of Innovation in Organizations (Cambridge University Press, 2015).
He is also a recognised expert in creative problem solving and innovation, Dr David Cropley was a scientific consultant and on-screen expert for the Australian ABC TV Documentaries Redesign My Brain (2013), Life at 9 (2014) and Redesign My Brain, Series 2 (2015). For more than 25 years, he has helped schools and organisations in Australia, the US, and Europe develop more effective, creative problem solvers.
 
In this episode, they explore:
The gap between creativity research and application
What is the difference between creativity and innovation
Whether David has built an intergalactic transporter or it’s still just an idea
The different phases of innovation
How personality, motivations, past experience and environment  affects our ability to be creative 
What ‘Life at 9’ discovered about children’s levels of creativity as they grow
How AI and LLMs will improve opportunities to objectively measure creativity
What assessments provide the most holistic measure of creativity in individuals 
What is ‘malevolent creativity’? 
How we can cultivate creativity as a habit
What three things do we need to provide teams to unleash their creativity?
Why creativity is like spinach….and why we need to start eating more of it!
 
And as ever, enjoy the Thought Experiment …this time it’s:
Malevolent or Benevolent?
 
 
Learn more about David
 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidcropley
 
https://unisa-au.academia.edu/DavidCropley
 
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dark-Side-Creativity-David-Cropley/dp/0521139600
 
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Homo-Problematis-Solvendis-Problem-solving-Man-Creativity/dp/9811331006
 
References
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Habituation
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/2024/miami-grand-prix/results
https://www.unsw.edu.au/newsroom/news/2018/06/a-winning-formula--new-professor-of-practice-richard-hopkins
https://www.abc.net.au/contentsales/programsandgenres/life-9/13962452
https://studylib.net/doc/8167692/the-test-for-creative-thinking---drawing-production
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Against-Gods-Remarkable-Story-Risk/dp/0471295639
 
Say Hello to the Occupational Philosophers
www.occupationalphilosophers.com
Their day jobs:
JOHN: www.bowlandconsulting.com
SIMON: www.simonbanks.com.au
SIMON SHOWREEL: https://youtu.be/YZQdJI6qGvg

In this short, sharp inbetweener episode The Occupational Philosophers explore Synesthesia...when senses get their wires crossed...
Amongst other things, they discuss:
How artists notice the world through multiple senses
What happens when different senses blend together
How does synesthesia affect how Pharrell Williams composes music?
Why we should listen to our 'gut brain' more often 
What does Billy Joel smell when he plays piano?
The Occupational Philosophers hope you enjoy the show! 
FYI: The Inbetweeners episodes are just that - smaller episodes 'in between' the longer format episodes designed to give a little kickstart to enable you to be the most curious, creative and imaginative cat you can be - and have some fun in the process
Say 'Hello'...
www.occupationalphilosophers.com
Their day jobs
JOHN: https://www.bowlandconsulting.com
SIMON: www.simonbanks.com.au
SIMON SHOWREEL: https://youtu.be/YZQdJI6qGvg
Get in touch 
letschat@simonbanks.com.au 

Behavioral Expert, Author, Speaker and Curiosity Guru! 
Dr Diane Hamilton is an expert in curiosity, perception, emotional intelligence, and behavioural science with nearly four decades of real-world experience and creator of the Curiosity Code Index®, the Perception Power Index, and the author of five books sold worldwide.
She is a thought leader in the fields of leadership, sales, marketing, management, engagement, personality, curiosity, perception, and motivation and is known for increasing engagement, improving productivity and reducing conflict. 
Thinkers50 Radar, considered the Academy Awards for Leadership, chose her as one of the top minds in management and leadership. She was named to Global Leaders Today’s list of top leaders along with Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Richard Branson, and Sheryl Sandberg. LeadersHum included her on their list of 200 Biggest Voices in Leadership and in the Top 10 Most Powerful Women Leaders in HR.
(Pretty impressive hey...) 
In this episode they explore 
How curiosity is the spark to creativity, motivation, innovation and just about everything
Why fear, assumptions, technology and the environment we operate in are the factors which inhibit our curiosity 
What organisations can do to foster a culture of curiosity
How curiosity breaks down ‘status quo’ thinking
Why curiosity is the foundation of empathy
Why making sure you are not the smartest person in the room will accelerate your learning and curiosity
What will unlock curiosity in your teams 
How to ensure you don’t suffer the same FATE as Kodak
Just how much Diane loves history…..!
Learn more about Dr Diane
https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdianehamilton/
https://drdianehamilton.com/
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cracking-Curiosity-Code-Unlocking-Potential/dp/164237346X
References and show notes 
https://time.com/6837166/iris-apfel-dead-age-102-fashion-icon
https://ian-leslie.com/curious
https://www.waterstones.com/book/elon-musk/walter-isaacson/9781398527492
https://variety.com/2024/digital/news/george-carlin-ai-generated-comedy-special-1235868315/#!
https://www.charitywater.org/uk/about/scott-harrison-story
https://davidepstein.com/range/
 
Say Hello to the Occupational Philosophers
www.occupationalphilosophers.com
Their day jobs:
JOHN: https://www.bowlandconsulting.com/
SIMON: www.simonbanks.com.au
SIMON SHOWREEL: https://youtu.be/YZQdJI6qGvg

In Episode 91, The Occupational Philosophers chat with Dr. Anthony Simcoe, a multi-hyphenate, creative polymath! He is as comfortable on stage as he is in infrastructure projects in leadership, interpersonal and communication skills, and organisational culture.
He is an Australian actor, a graduate of the National Institute of Dramatic Arts in Sydney and has appeared in over 20 TV shows and films including everything from A Country Practice to The Inbetweeners Movie 2…!
He is widely adored for his portrayal of Steve Kerrigan in the 1997 film The Castle and Ka D'Argo in the science fiction television series Farscape  He was nominated for a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Television Series in 2002 for his work on the show. 
He holds a MFA specialising in Actor Training and has taught for NIDA, as well as teaching and directing at various other institutions including QUT. 
But that’s not all! 
He has a doctorate in creative industries, organisational storytelling and knowledge management, which enables him to create engaging, lively, and dynamic learning spaces where adults are challenged and inspired.
As a multi-hyphenate, with over 15 years of experience in training and coaching, Anthony is the company owner of a Consulting firm that links human potential to outstanding business results. 
Anthony has a global track record of success in assisting his partners to win work in the billions of dollars through his bid coaching services. He has also coached and facilitated top executives, leaders, and teams in various industries and sectors, helping them to improve their communication, influence, and leadership skills. 
Unsurprisingly, our guest leverages his background in the arts, to bring creativity, innovation, and pragmatism to his work.
In this episode, they explore:
How AI is changing the creative industry right here, right now!
What can you accomplish at the limit of your talent?
What Anthony discovered through his Doctorate in Creative Industries
How storytelling accelerates learning and knowledge transfer
Why great stories help you walk in someone else’s shoes
The art of leadership as demonstrated by Jodie Foster!
The advantages of being a polymath
What is the critical success factor when it comes to curiosity in teams 
Why you can’t ‘out body language, terrible content’! What a hashtag!
What will help you be a leader who inspires your organisation (Hint.. build a bridge to your audience)
Whether you should imagine your audience are naked when giving a presentation…
Why you should ‘Be like Bowie’ Another hashtag!
And as ever, enjoy the Thought Experiments …this time it’s: 
Film plot in 6 words or less!
Learn more about Anthony
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Simcoe 
https://www.linkedin.com/company/anthony-simcoe-consulting-asc/
https://www.anthonysimcoeconsulting.com/ 
 
References
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-04-11/discrimination-ruling-mona-ladies-lounge-when-is-exclusion-ok/103690878
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-68384657
https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-coming-wave/mustafa-suleyman/michael-bhaskar/9781847927484
https://www.waterstones.com/book/leonardo-da-vinci/walter-isaacson/9781471166785
 
Say Hello to the Occupational Philosophers
www.occupationalphilosophers.com
Their day jobs:
JOHN: https://www.bowlandconsulting.com/
SIMON: www.simonbanks.com.au
SIMON SHOWREEL: https://youtu.be/YZQdJI6qGvg
 

In this short, sharp inbetweener episode The Occupational Philosophers explore Humility, and it's Sith brother, Hubris...
Amongst other things, they discuss:
How curiosity needs to be wedded to humility
What the Greeks made of humility and why hubris was a crime
Why you should listen to your father (Heads up Icarus!)
What is an 'Idea Baby' and why you need to let your baby be called ugly
How humility fuels learning and listening
What's a 'brumble'? And why is Linkedin full of them?
And finally, Simon and John are shocked, awed and humbled to be hosting a Top 10 (%) podcast....
The Occupational Philosophers hope you enjoy the show! 
FYI: The Inbetweeners episodes are just that - smaller episodes 'in between' the longer format episodes designed to give a little kickstart to enable you to be the most curious, creative and imaginative cat you can be - and have some fun in the process
Say 'Hello'...
www.occupationalphilosophers.com
Their day jobs
JOHN: https://www.bowlandconsulting.com/
SIMON: www.simonbanks.com.au
SIMON SHOWREEL: https://youtu.be/YZQdJI6qGvg
Get in touch 
letschat@simonbanks.com.au 

Have you been at a business event and someone, with a very serious face, stands on the stage and talks about a VUCA environment? If so, there is help! (and if not, still read on!)
In this short, sharp inbetweener episode The Occupational Philosophers dive into the world of acronyms used to describe the current business environment/s we are in. 
Amongst other things, they explore: 
What does VUCA mean? 
Why are all VUCA speakers so serious? 
What happens if you are VUCA'd? 
Why do people who speak about a TUNA environment seem happier? 
Will a TURD environment ever catch on? 
And seriously, (yes there was a moment), is it time to be a little more positive in the way we look at the world? 
What the acronym for the best and worst days may look and sound like 
The Occupational Philosophers hope you enjoy the show! 
FYI: The Inbetweeners episodes are just that - smaller episodes 'in between' the longer format episodes designed to give a little kickstart to enable you to be the most curious, creative and imaginative cat you can be - and have some fun in the process
 
Say Hello
www.occupationalphilosophers.com
 
Their day jobs
JOHN: https://www.bowlandconsulting.com/
SIMON: www.simonbanks.com.au
SIMON SHOWREEL: https://youtu.be/YZQdJI6qGvg
Get in touch 
letschat@simonbanks.com.au