The Curious Case of Simon Brown

How a top CLO, author and podcaster transforms learning strategy.

In this special 100th episode of The Learning Hack podcast, we celebrate a milestone by diving deep into curiosity and corporate learning with Simon Brown, Global Learning and Development Leader at EY and best-selling author of The Curious Advantage. Simon, formerly CLO at Novartis, shares his insights on the pivotal role curiosity plays in driving personal and organizational growth. We explore how AI is reshaping learning landscapes, and Simon offers invaluable lessons on fostering innovation, building effective learning strategies, and navigating rapid change. Join us for an engaging conversation that marks our centenary episode with a true thought leader.

• 00:00 - Start
• 00:41 - Intro
• 03:26 - Why curiosity?
• 11:22 - Simon’s journey to top CLO
• 16:09 - How did he form his team at Novartis?
• 21:15 - How did he get the resources and C-Suite buy-in for the change?
• 26:58 - How specific is his take on strategy to the sectors he has worked in?
• 31:34 - His role at EY
• 36:07 - Is there substance behind the skills hype?
• 39:34 - Will AI-driven learning shut down curiosity?
• 47:47 - How does he pursue his own learning, and what sources does he follow?
• 53:25 - End

Sponsor link:

• https://iventiv.com/learninghack

Follow Simon

• Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/simoncbrown1
• The Curious Advantage (podcast): https://open.spotify.com/show/0fhW2Xj66JcumYeh6gljZ
• The Curious Advantage (book): https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53731453-the-curious-advantage

Contact John Helmer

• X: @johnhelmer
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnhelmer/
• Website: https://learninghackpodcast.com/
• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LearningHack