The Curious Advantage Podcast

"L&D is dead - Long Live Learning"  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: * The evolution of Learning & Development (L&D) * The role of AI in shaping modern learning strategies * The importance of women in leadership * How talent management and organizational change go hand in hand * Why agility and curiosity are critical skills for future-ready organizations 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. Chapters 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 About The Curious Advantage Podcast 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. About The Curious Advantage Book 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 [http://curiousadvantage.com] [http://curiousadvantage.com/] Get your copy of The Curious Advantage on Amazon [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Curious-Advantage-Paul-Ashcroft-ebook/dp/B08931WBT9/] The Curious Advantage Audiobook is also available on Audible [https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/The-Curious-Advantage-Audiobook/B0B916YKSY?qid=1660223133&sr=1-2&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_2&pf_rd_p=c6e316b8-14da-418d-8f91-b3cad83c5183&pf_rd_r=Q2QA788N5EEKV73BGPNG] Follow The Curious Advantage on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/65416363/admin/feed/posts/] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/curiousadvantage/] 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.

What really drives the way we eat? 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 [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 About The Curious Advantage Podcast 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. About The Curious Advantage Book 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 [http://curiousadvantage.com] [http://curiousadvantage.com/] Get your copy of The Curious Advantage on Amazon [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Curious-Advantage-Paul-Ashcroft-ebook/dp/B08931WBT9/] The Curious Advantage Audiobook is also available on Audible [https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/The-Curious-Advantage-Audiobook/B0B916YKSY?qid=1660223133&sr=1-2&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_2&pf_rd_p=c6e316b8-14da-418d-8f91-b3cad83c5183&pf_rd_r=Q2QA788N5EEKV73BGPNG] Follow The Curious Advantage on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/65416363/admin/feed/posts/] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/curiousadvantage/] 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.

"AI needs humans as much as we need AI" - Alexia Cambon 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. Topics include: * What defines a Frontier Firm in today’s AI-powered economy * How “Agent Bosses” are changing leadership and team dynamics * The role of AI in enhancing human productivity * Why curiosity is essential in navigating transformation * The future of HR and organizational design in the AI era Chapters 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 Discover Microsoft’s 2025 Work Trend Index: The Year the Frontier Firm Is Born https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/worklab/work-trend-index/2025-the-year-the-frontier-firm-is-born [https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/worklab/work-trend-index/2025-the-year-the-frontier-firm-is-born] About The Curious Advantage Podcast 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. About The Curious Advantage Book 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 [http://curiousadvantage.com] [http://curiousadvantage.com/] Get your copy of The Curious Advantage on Amazon [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Curious-Advantage-Paul-Ashcroft-ebook/dp/B08931WBT9/] The Curious Advantage Audiobook is also available on Audible [https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/The-Curious-Advantage-Audiobook/B0B916YKSY?qid=1660223133&sr=1-2&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_2&pf_rd_p=c6e316b8-14da-418d-8f91-b3cad83c5183&pf_rd_r=Q2QA788N5EEKV73BGPNG] Follow The Curious Advantage on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/65416363/admin/feed/posts/] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/curiousadvantage/] 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 About the Curious Advantage Podcast Series 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. About The Curious Advantage Book 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 [http://curiousadvantage.com] [http://curiousadvantage.com/] Get your copy of The Curious Advantage on Amazon [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Curious-Advantage-Paul-Ashcroft-ebook/dp/B08931WBT9/] The Curious Advantage Audiobook is also available on Audible [https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/The-Curious-Advantage-Audiobook/B0B916YKSY?qid=1660223133&sr=1-2&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_2&pf_rd_p=c6e316b8-14da-418d-8f91-b3cad83c5183&pf_rd_r=Q2QA788N5EEKV73BGPNG] Follow The Curious Advantage on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/65416363/admin/feed/posts/] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/curiousadvantage/] 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.

In this episode of the Curious Advantage podcast, Alison Coward discusses the concept of workshop culture and its significance in fostering collaboration and creativity within teams. She shares her journey from the creative industries to becoming a facilitator and author, emphasizing the importance of intentional collaboration and the role of curiosity in team dynamics. The conversation explores practical steps for improving meetings, leading through uncertainty, and the impact of AI on workshop culture. Alison also outlines the five pillars of high-performing teams: alignment, cohesion, communication, design, and change, and highlights the need for organizations to create environments that support these elements. 00:00 Introduction to Workshop Culture 03:03 The Journey to Facilitation 06:01 Defining Workshop Culture 08:52 Practical Steps for Effective Collaboration 11:51   Leading Through Uncertainty 15:05 The Role of Online vs In-Person Workshops 17:56 Five Pillars of High Performing Teams 23:59 Curiosity in Team Dynamics 26:47 Balancing Creativity and Productivity 30:07 Leveraging AI in Workshop Culture 33:57 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways Bracket : www.bracketcreative.co.uk [http://www.bracketcreative.co.uk/] Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/alisoncoward [http://www.linkedin.com/in/alisoncoward] Workshop Culture: A Guide to Building Teams That Thrive (book):www.bracketcreative.co.uk/workshopculture [http://www.bracketcreative.co.uk/workshopculture] (visit: https://practicalinspiration.com/book/workshop-culture [https://practicalinspiration.com/book/workshop-culture] (UK) or https://indiepubs.com/products/workshop-culture-1/ [https://indiepubs.com/products/workshop-culture-1/] (US) and use code WRKCULT30 for a 30% discount) About the Curious Advantage Podcast Series 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. About The Curious Advantage Book 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 [http://curiousadvantage.com] [http://curiousadvantage.com/] Get your copy of The Curious Advantage on Amazon [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Curious-Advantage-Paul-Ashcroft-ebook/dp/B08931WBT9/] The Curious Advantage Audiobook is also available on Audible [https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/The-Curious-Advantage-Audiobook/B0B916YKSY?qid=1660223133&sr=1-2&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_2&pf_rd_p=c6e316b8-14da-418d-8f91-b3cad83c5183&pf_rd_r=Q2QA788N5EEKV73BGPNG] Follow The Curious Advantage on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/65416363/admin/feed/posts/] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/curiousadvantage/] 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.