Dare to be Naive: How Innovation Thrives on Curiosity and Empathy with Joshua Berry

How can leaders embrace intentional naivete to drive innovation? In this episode, Dr. Helen Fagan sits down with Joshua Berry, co-founder of Econic and author of Dare To Be Naive, to explore how adaptability and curiosity can revolutionize leadership and innovation. Joshua shares his journey—from moving 15 times by age 15 to his work in inclusive leadership—and how these experiences shaped his mindset for personal growth and professional development.

Key Takeaways:

• Intentional naivete can be a powerful tool for fostering empathy, curiosity, and innovation in leadership.

• Innovation thrives when leaders are willing to challenge their beliefs and embrace vulnerability.

• Leadership development is closely tied to creating inclusive environments where people feel valued and understood.

• Self-awareness and empathy are essential for leaders to navigate systems-level barriers to innovation.

• The importance of practice and intentionality in building inclusive and innovative organizations.

Resources and Links: Explore more about Joshua Berry and Econic at Econic, and check out his book Dare To Be Naive at JoshuaBerry.com.

Learn about Dr. Helen Fagan's work on inclusive leadership at Helen Fagan & Associates.