The Curious Advantage Podcast

The Curious Advantage
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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.

  1. Functional Mushrooms, Building a Premium Brand, Authenticity & Curiosity with Finn Hall | CEO, Headstrong

    APR 1

    Functional Mushrooms, Building a Premium Brand, Authenticity & Curiosity with Finn Hall | 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 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.

    37 min
  2. Leadership, Curiosity, Building an Intelligence Culture and the Power of Pause with Shawn Vanderhoven | Partner, Wiseman

    MAR 18

    Leadership, Curiosity, Building an Intelligence Culture and the Power of Pause with Shawn Vanderhoven | 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 LinksShawn's LinkedInWiseman GroupPause: 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 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.

    44 min
  3. How to Apply a Navy SEAL’s Attributes Mindset to Your Work and Leadership with Rich Diviney | Performance Expert

    FEB 25

    How to Apply a Navy SEAL’s Attributes Mindset to Your Work and Leadership with Rich Diviney | Performance Expert

    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 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 InstagramDiscover 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.

    43 min
  4. The You-Then-Me Principle: The Communication Hack Every Leader Needs with Salvatore Manzi | Leadership Coach

    FEB 11

    The You-Then-Me Principle: The Communication Hack Every Leader Needs with Salvatore Manzi | Leadership Coach

    Today we are joined by Salvatore Manzi, a communication and leadership coach who helps data-driven leaders turn expertise into influence. For over 20 years, Salvatore has guided executives and founders through high-stakes moments, from boardrooms and investor meetings to global stages such as SXSW and the United Nations, and even a U.S. presidential campaign. His work focuses on one critical shift. Moving from information delivery to human connection. In this episode, he explores why empathy is not a soft skill but a leadership advantage, and introduces his powerful You-Then-Me Principle, starting with acknowledgment, validation, and reflection before sharing your own message. The result is collaboration instead of resistance. In his book Clear and Compelling: Communication Strategies for Big Thinkers with Bold Ideas, he distills two decades of experience into practical tools that help leaders transform complex ideas into messages that resonate, inspire, and drive action. Show Links Find out more about Salvatore Manzi and his work here Find Salvatore on LinkedIn here 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 Audible.Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram, and discover more at curiousadvantage.com. The Curious Advantage Podcast is executive produced by Jessica Wickham and Aliki Paolinelis. Audio editing by Danny Cross | Video editing by Jessica Wickham.

    39 min
  5. The AI Dilemma: Responsible AI, Bias & Human Values with Art Kleiner | Author

    JAN 28

    The AI Dilemma: Responsible AI, Bias & Human Values with Art Kleiner | Author

    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 here 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. The Curious Advantage Podcast is executive produced by Jessica Wickham and Aliki Paolinelis. Audio editing by Danny Cross | Video editing by Jessica Wickham.

    59 min
  6. The Future of Work, Frontier Firms, Agent Bosses, AI & 2025 Work Trend Index with Alexia Cambon (FBF)

    JAN 23

    The Future of Work, Frontier Firms, Agent Bosses, AI & 2025 Work Trend Index with Alexia Cambon (FBF)

    FBF -- Flashback Friday  In this throwback episode of The Curious Advantage Podcast, Simon Brown, Paul Ashcroft and Garrick Jones speak with Alexia Cambon, Senior Director of Research at Microsoft, about how AI is transforming work and what sets today’s Frontier Firms apart. They explore insights from Microsoft’s Work Trend Index—including Agent Bosses, digital labour, and Intelligence on Tap—and discuss how curiosity, leadership, and HR are evolving in an AI-powered world. 🎧 Listen & explore the 2025 Work Trend Index:https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/worklab/work-trend-index/2025-the-year-the-frontier-firm-is-born

    49 min
  7. Curiosity in the Flow of Work with Josh Bersin | FBF

    JAN 16

    Curiosity in the Flow of Work with Josh Bersin | FBF

    FBF -- Flashback Friday In 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

    33 min
  8. Tips for Leaders & Fostering Positive Failure with Amy Edmondson | FBF

    JAN 9

    Tips for Leaders & Fostering Positive Failure with Amy Edmondson | FBF

    FBF — Flashback Friday In this episode, Amy Edmondson, Novartis Professor at Harvard Business School, explores curiosity, leadership, and psychological safety in the digital age. Drawing on The Right Kind of Wrong (named the Financial Times’ #1 Business Book), she shares practical insights on productive failure, learning, and building high-performing teams. This episode was originally published January 2024. Want to go deeper?Discover Amy Edmondson’s work in Right Kind of Wrong or  3 book collection of the Right Kind of Wrong, Leader as Healer & Staring Down the Wolf Follow Amy Edmondson on LinkedIn here Get your copy of The Curious Advantage on AmazonThe Curious Advantage Audiobook is also available on AudibleFollow The Curious Advantage on LinkedIn and Instagram

    42 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    The Curious Advantage
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Paul Ashcroft, Simon Brown, Garrick Jones
  • Show Website
    The Curious Advantage Podcast

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