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.

Read 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/

The 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, Garrick Jones is joined by Stefaan van Hooydonk, founder of the Global Curiosity Institute. Together, they explore how curiosity fuels personal growth, leadership, and organizational success. From permission, awareness, and intentionality in building a culture of curiosity, to surprising data insights, the role of language, and the impact of environment — this conversation unpacks the forces that spark or stifle curiosity. They also discuss the challenges of conformity, the many dimensions of curiosity, and what the rise of AI means for our curious minds. Stefaan also shares his unexpected journey into farming, and how it continues to inspire resilience and curiosity in his life.

Explore the Global Curiosity Institute: globalcuriosityinstitute.com

Connect with Stefaan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/stefaanvanhooydonk

The 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, 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 Amazon

The Curious Advantage Audiobook is also available on Audible

Follow The Curious Advantage on LinkedIn and Instagram

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.

The 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.com

The 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, Paul Ashcroft, Simon Brown, and Garrick Jones speak with Kentaro Toyama, W.K. Kellogg Professor at the University of Michigan School of Information and author of Geek Heresy.

Together they explore the limits of technology in driving social change, why AI and digital tools often amplify human intent, and the urgent need for ethics and regulation. From AI in education to inequality, the future of work, and questions of consciousness, this is a thought-provoking conversation on how curiosity can help us navigate the digital age.

Get your copy of The Curious Advantage on Amazon

The Curious Advantage Audiobook is also available on Audible

Follow The Curious Advantage on LinkedIn and Instagram

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.

The 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.com

The 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.

Recrafting Employees’ Psychological Contract to Boost Engagement – Forbes

Vyla Rollins Career Profile – Rubato Global Consulting

Get your copy of The Curious Advantage on Amazon

The Curious Advantage Audiobook is also available on Audible

Follow The Curious Advantage on LinkedIn and Instagram

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.

The 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.com

The 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, futurist Jamais Cascio introduces the BANI framework—Brittle, Anxious, Non-linear, and Incomprehensible—as a powerful alternative to the outdated VUCA model.

Joined by hosts Simon Brown and Paul Ashcroft, the conversation explores how leaders, organizations, and individuals can thrive in today’s chaotic world. They dive into the shift from VUCA to BANI, the growing impact of anxiety and information overload, and how to lead through non-linear change. Cascio shares insights on the importance of interconnectedness, improvisation, and human adaptability—and how resilience, neuroflexibility, and empathy are critical to navigating uncertainty.

Perfect for anyone in leadership, future foresight, change management, HR, L&D, or organizational strategy, this episode offers a timely and practical guide to future-proofing your approach in an unpredictable world.

Navigating the Age of Chaos: A Sense-Making Guide to a BANI World That Doesnt Make Sense available on Amazon 

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.

The 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.com

Follow The Curious Advantage on LinkedIn and Instagram

The 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, 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:

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.

00:00 Introduction to Curiosity and Learning Leadership

02:42 The Evolution of Learning and Development

05:34 Rethinking Leadership Training

08:52 Agility in Learning Functions

11:36 Frameworks for Modern Learning

14:45 Building a Talent Pipeline

17:28 Integrating Learning with Business Needs

20:42 The Future of Learning and Development

27:14 The Connection Between Learning and Talent Management

33:44 Women in Learning Leadership: Bridging the Gap

38:06 AI's Impact on Learning and Development

44:42 Navigating Sensory Overload and Environmental Impact

50:24 The Future of Learning: Curiosity and Organizational Learning

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.

The 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.com

Follow The Curious Advantage on LinkedIn and Instagram

The 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, Paul Ashcroft, Simon Brown, and Garrick Jones are joined by Dr. Giles Yeo—geneticist, author, and professor at the University of Cambridge to explore the science behind appetite, genetics, and weight loss.

Dr. Giles Yeo explains how our eating behaviours are more biological than we think, shaped by the brain’s role in decision-making and our unique genetic makeup. He unpacks the truth behind obesity and reveals why weight management is far more complex than just calorie counting.

The conversation dives into the impact of ultra-processed foods, food environments, and weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro, along with what happens when people stop taking them. They also explore the idea of a red, amber and green food labelling system to help guide healthier choices.

Together, they examine how curiosity, empathy and a deeper understanding of human biology can challenge diet myths and shape more supportive approaches to wellness.

Why Calories Don't Count: How We Got the Science of Weight Loss Wrong  available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Why-Calories-Dont-Count-Science/dp/B08LZPDT4W/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=Dv6kL&content-id=amzn1.sym.6b6d4bc1-013f-4684-8a3d-174e5cf88d17&pf_rd_p=6b6d4bc1-013f-4684-8a3d-174e5cf88d17&pf_rd_r=262-0311421-9608643&pd_rd_wg=R2KmB&pd_rd_r=4da738c0-df01-4abe-9167-ab9a06df2b89&ref_=aufs_ap_sc_dsk

00:00 Introduction to Genetics and Dr. Giles Yeoh

01:13 Giles Yeoh's Journey in Genetics

04:15 Understanding Eating Behaviors

11:00 The Role of DNA in Eating Responses

14:19 Appetite and the Brain's Influence

18:58 Implications for Weight Management

24:24 The Impact of Ultra-Processed Foods

25:46 Understanding Ultra-Processed Foods

28:42 The Complexity of Calories

30:18 Rethinking Food Quality and Nutrition Labels

33:41 The Role of Dietary Choices

40:38 Weight Loss Medications: Mechanisms and Implications

52:30 The Social Perspective on Obesity

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.

The 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.com

Follow The Curious Advantage on LinkedIn and Instagram

The 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, 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.

00:00 Introduction to the Curious Advantage Podcast

01:02 Curiosity in Research and AI Integration

02:14 Defining the Frontier Firm

04:39 Intelligence on Tap: Redefining Expertise Access

06:29 The Rise of Human-Agent Teams

11:49 The Concept of the Agent Boss

19:32 Empowering Employees in the AI Era

25:32 The Nature of Digital Labor

30:36 AI as a New Workforce

36:08 The Future of Work and AI Integration

44:31 Becoming a Frontier Firm

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/worklab/work-trend-index/2025-the-year-the-frontier-firm-is-born

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.

The 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.com

Follow The Curious Advantage on LinkedIn and Instagram

The 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, Simon Brown and Paul Ashcroft speak with Ari Popper, Founder & CEO of SciFutures, to explore the intersection of science fiction, innovation, and leadership.

Ari shares his journey from experiencing a midlife crisis to founding SciFutures, where he helps organizations envision and prepare for the future through storytelling and strategic foresight. The conversation delves into the role of narrative in shaping our understanding of emerging technologies, the evolving nature of leadership in an AI-driven world, and the importance of curiosity, adaptability, and ethical awareness.

Together, they explore how science fiction can serve as a powerful tool for sparking innovation, cultivating future-ready mindsets, and navigating the challenges of rapid technological advancement.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to SciFutures and Ari Popper's Journey

03:10 Understanding the Future: Methodologies and Insights

06:01 The Role of Storytelling in Shaping Futures

08:57 Predicting the Future: Successes and Misses

11:57 Emerging Technologies and Their Impacts

15:10 Preparing for the Future: Education and Leadership

17:58 Human Skills in an AI-Driven World

20:59 The Future of Leadership and Organizational Change

26:42 The Art of Time Travel on a Budget

28:04 Mindsets for Future Thinking

29:50 Distilling Challenges in Innovation

30:58 Minding the Gap in Leadership

32:59 Curiosity and Information Synthesis

38:06 Optimism in the Age of AI

40:58 Exploring Emerging Technologies

45:06 The Skill of Future Thinking

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.

The 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.com

Get your copy of The Curious Advantage on Amazon

The Curious Advantage Audiobook is also available on Audible

Follow The Curious Advantage on LinkedIn and Instagram

The 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.