The Innovation Show

Framing is a cognitive muscle we can strengthen to improve our lives, work and future. Today's book shows us how." We heartily welcome back the author of "Framers: Make Better Decisions In The Age of Big Data", Kenneth Cukier Find Kenneth here: http://www.cukier.com @kncukier https://www.economist.com/books-and-arts/2021/05/11/imaginative-framing-is-the-key-to-problem-solving

Framing is a cognitive muscle we can strengthen to improve our lives, work and future. Today's book shows us how." We welcome the author of Framers: Make Better Decisions In The Age of Big Data Kenneth Cukier Find Kenneth here: http://www.cukier.com @kncukier https://www.economist.com/books-and-arts/2021/05/11/imaginative-framing-is-the-key-to-problem-solving  

In this episode, we explore the strategic brilliance of Taylor Swift with Kevin Evers, author of There's Nothing Like This. From genre-shifting reinventions to billion-dollar tours, Taylor's evolution isn't just musical—it's a masterclass in brand, resilience, and audience engagement. 🎯 We cover: The pivot from country to global pop dominance How Taylor handled public backlash & the Kanye/Kardashian controversy Her savvy response to the streaming revolution Ownership battles over her masters and how it reshaped the industry Building the Eras Tour as a pinnacle of fan-first strategy What businesses can learn from Taylor's "anti-fragile" mindset Whether you're a fan, a founder, or fascinated by the music business, this is a powerful look at how strategy meets stardom. 🔗 Learn more about Kevin's book: nothinglikethisbook.com 🎧 Subscribe and leave a review to support the show! https://thethursdaythought.substack.com  

In this episode, Aidan McCullen welcomes Kevin Evers, editor at Harvard Business Review Press and author of There's Nothing Like This: The Strategic Genius of Taylor Swift. Together, they explore how Taylor Swift built not just a music career—but a global business empire. From fearless reinvention and blue ocean strategy to her mastery of fan engagement and brand evolution, Taylor Swift's rise is a masterclass in innovation, leadership, and vision. Learn how her career mirrors the strategic moves of top businesses, and what leaders, entrepreneurs, and creators can take away from her story. Tune in for: The psychology and strategy behind Swift's career decisions How she shaped fan culture and digital engagement Lessons in brand authenticity, creative growth, and leadership What businesses can learn from Swift's reinvention and market disruption Whether you're a Swiftie, strategist, or business leader, this episode offers sharp insights into how to turn art into lasting impact. Find Kevin: https://www.nothinglikethisbook.com  

📘 Guest: Joel Schwartzberg, author of Get to the Point & The Language of Leadership In this episode, we cut through the noise and get straight to the point—literally. Communication expert and author Joel Schwartzberg returns to discuss the art and science of clarity in communication. Whether you're a leader, innovator, speaker, or simply want to stop rambling and start resonating, this episode is packed with practical, game-changing advice. We explore: Why having a clear point is the cornerstone of influence How to sharpen your message with Joel's "I believe" and "XY" tests The power of pausing, volume, and emotional contagion in speech How to handle interruptions with grace and still deliver your message Real-life analysis of effective speeches (including a powerful moment from Demi Moore) The role of AI in crafting and questioning your communication Sticking the landing: how to end your message with lasting impact 💡 If you've ever struggled to communicate a big idea or felt your message wasn't landing—this episode is your ultimate toolkit. 🔗 Show Notes & Resources: Joel's website: joelschwartzberg.net Book: Get to the Point (Updated 10-Year Anniversary Edition) Sponsored by: Kyndryl.com Innovation Show https://thethursdaythought.substack.com

In this episode, we sit down with Gary Klein, author of Seeing What Others Don't, to explore the fascinating science behind insights and how organizations can foster smarter thinking and innovation. Klein dives deep into over 120 real-world stories he's collected—ranging from Daniel Boone to Napoleon—and explains the two powerful triggers behind most breakthroughs: connections and anomalies. Discover how organizations often suppress insights, and why a focus on predictability and perfection can kill innovation. Learn about his new concept of Insight Audits and how leaders can shift their environments to better capture the power of spontaneous insight. 00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message 00:27 Guest Introduction: Gary Klein 00:59 Collecting Stories of Success 02:19 The Down Arrow vs. The Up Arrow 04:43 Investigating Insights 05:38 Themes of Insight: Connections and Discrepancies 07:10 Historical Models of Insight 09:16 Organizational Barriers to Insight 11:17 The Perfection and Predictability Traps 15:06 Case Studies: Missed Discoveries 25:14 The Garden Path Phenomenon 32:30 Insight Audits in Organizations 36:48 Ideas That Escape: Case Studies and Suppression 37:27 The Battle of Midway: Intelligence and Strategy 41:38 The 1973 Yom Kippur War: Ignored Warnings 47:23 Napoleon's Tactical Genius at Toulon 50:58 Creative Desperation: The Mann Gulch Fire 58:42 Yellow Fever: The Mosquito Hypothesis 01:06:46 Daniel Boone: Abandoning the Project Plan 01:10:47 Conclusion and Resources   Find Gary here: https://www.shadowboxtraining.com/our-team/people/gklein/   Find Seeing What Others Don't: The Remarkable Ways We Gain Insights here: https://amzn.to/4qNlekq   Don't forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review if you enjoy these deep dives into cognitive science, decision-making, and innovation.   More at theinnovationshow.io   Gary Klein, insight generation, organizational innovation, decision making, cognitive psychology, seeing what others don't, leadership, business strategy, Aidan McCullen, the innovation show

In this timeless episode of The Innovation Show, Aidan McCullen sits down with Scott Galloway, Clinical Professor of Marketing at NYU Stern, for a prescient conversation that remains highly relevant today. Recorded nearly a decade ago, this episode dives deep into: The rise of the algorithm-driven economy How tech giants like Amazon and Facebook dominate using data and intelligence The decline of traditional media and the shift to subscription-based models The retail apocalypse and how Amazon continues to reshape consumer behavior The emerging power of voice technology and screenless interaction   Scott also offers strategic insights into the future of media, marketing, and retail, with takeaways that still resonate in today's digital landscape. This episode is brought to you with thanks to our sponsor, Kyndryl, helping global enterprises harness the power of AI and digital infrastructure for competitive advantage. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:15 Algorithm-Driven Economy 08:46 Subscription Models 12:48 Traditional Media Challenges 24:40 Retail Apocalypse & Amazon 29:02 Rise of Voice Technology 33:01 Conclusion and Sponsor Message   Learn more at: https://www.kyndryl.com Subscribe to The Innovation Show for weekly insights into innovation, transformation, and leadership.

🔮 Navigating the Accelerated S-Curve with Paul Nunes | Big Bang Disruption & Shark Fin Strategy Welcome to episode 2 of our exclusive Harvard Business School series! 🎓 Join host Aidan McCullen as he interviews Paul Nunes, renowned as the King of the S-Curve, in a masterclass on navigating today's fast-evolving business cycles. 📈 Discover how exponential technology change is collapsing traditional life cycles and creating "Shark Fin" business models—where sudden success can be catastrophic and strategic timing is everything. Paul explains how companies like Netflix, Apple, Peloton, and Intel navigated (or missed) these cycles and what it means for your business. 🔥 Learn about Big Bang Disruption, the death of early adopters, managing multiple S-curves, the rise of orchestrator firms, and how strategy must evolve for verticalized industries, fleeting advantage, and supply chain complexity.   ⏰ Timestamps for Key Topics: 00:00 - Introduction and Welcome 00:26 - The Evolution of S-Curves 01:43 - What is the Shark Fin Strategy? 03:52 - Managing Multiple S-Curves 05:29 - Rapid Market Change & Business Lifecycle 07:42 - Case Studies: American Giant & Peloton 10:30 - The New Supply Chain Realities 18:01 - Is Vertical Integration Still Viable? 24:13 - Strategy in the Age of Compression 24:34 - Industry Diversification & Component Thinking 25:17 - Nvidia, Intel, and Strategic Orchestration 27:02 - Innovation vs. Manufacturing Models 33:15 - Capital Investment, Risk & Timing 39:06 - Why the Chief Strategy Officer Role is More Crucial Than Ever 47:55 - Final Reflections & Thank Yous 💡 Whether you're a strategist, innovator, entrepreneur, or business leader, this episode is a must-watch to future-proof your thinking and strategy. 📚 Based on Paul's seminal works: Jumping the S-Curve, Big Bang Disruption, and Pivot to the Future 🔗 Watch, learn, and subscribe for more expert-led strategy content! #SCurve #BigBangDisruption #PaulNunes #SharkFinStrategy #BusinessStrategy #Innovation #ChiefStrategyOfficer #AidanMcCullen #HBS #Nvidia #Intel #Netflix #Apple #Peloton #ExponentialChange #FutureOfBusiness

Based on a ten-year study, Teresa Amabile reveals why retirement—and any major life transition—requires far more psychological work than we expect. In this special episode of The Innovation Show, recorded at Klarman Hall at Harvard Business School, Aidan McCullen sits down with renowned psychologist and researcher Teresa Amabile to explore one of the most underestimated transitions we face: the move out of a long-held role and into what comes next. Drawing on a ten-year study of 120 professionals—many healthy, financially secure, and highly accomplished—Amabile reveals a striking insight: when people hear the word retirement, their dominant associations are fear, uncertainty, and loss of identity. And that fear has little to do with money or health. This conversation reframes retirement as a broader human challenge: how we navigate endings, detach from identities that once defined us, and rebuild a life structure that still allows for progress, meaning, and contribution. Amabile outlines the four core tasks people must work through when leaving a career, why these tasks rarely happen in a neat sequence, and why "it takes work to stop working." The discussion also examines the role organisations play—often poorly—in this transition. From sidelining experienced contributors to missing opportunities for knowledge transfer, Aidan and Teresa explore how meaningful final assignments, creative work, rituals, and continued post-retirement connection can dramatically improve outcomes for both individuals and institutions. Along the way, Amabile introduces the Four A's framework—Alignment, Awareness, Agency, and Adaptability—as a practical lens for navigating not only retirement, but any major life or career transition. The episode closes with a nuanced exploration of purpose, showing how meaning in later life often shifts away from grand missions toward day-to-day quality, relationships, and contribution. This is not an episode about "retiring early" or financial planning. It's about renewal, identity, and preparing—psychologically, relationally, and structurally—for the transitions we all know are coming, but rarely prepare for. Episode Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Welcome 00:13 The Concept of Preparing for the Future 00:37 Introducing Theresa Am Abate 00:43 Gifts and Gratitude 01:47 Sponsor Acknowledgment 02:04 The Word 'Retirement' and Initial Reactions 02:39 Research Findings on Retirement Perceptions 05:21 The Four Tasks of Retirement 07:01 Framework for Renewal and Organizational Change 13:16 The Role of Organizations in Supporting Retirees 18:50 The Importance of Rituals and Celebrations 24:37 Life Structure and Retirement 31:24 Practical Actions and The Four A's Framework 37:17 Finding Purpose in Retirement 40:45 Final Thoughts and Messages Recorded live at Harvard Business School with thanks to the production team Dave, Ellie and Simona and sponsor Kyndryl.

Join us for a special edition of The Innovation Show, recorded at Harvard Business School, featuring Scott D. Anthony, Clinical Professor at the Tuck School of Business and co-author of Seeing What's Next with the late Clay Christensen. Scott joins us to discuss his latest book, "Epic Disruptions: 11 Innovations That Shaped Our Modern World." In this episode, Scott shares insights from his groundbreaking book, Epic Disruptions: 11 Innovations That Shaped Our Modern World. Through compelling historical parallels and modern business cases, he uncovers the hidden patterns that define true disruptive innovation and how leaders can respond with resilience and creativity. From Henry Ford and the Model T to the fall of Constantinople, from Netflix vs. Blockbuster to the scientific revolution, Scott connects past transformations to today's urgent innovation challenges. He unpacks powerful concepts like emergent strategy, value networks, and the critical role of business models in enabling — or blocking — change. Whether you're a startup founder, corporate leader, or curious learner, this episode delivers practical, thought-provoking guidance on navigating disruption in real time. Special thanks to the Harvard Business School Publishing team for hosting us, and to our sponsor Kyndryl for their continued support of forward-thinking conversations on The Innovation Show. What You'll Learn: The difference between sustaining vs. disruptive innovation Why innovation diffusion is often slower than we think Lessons from the Honda Super Cub and Kodak's collapse How McDonald's, the printing press, and scientific revolutions disrupted systems — not just products Actionable frameworks like the ABCs of Dual Transformation Episode Chapters & Highlights 00:00 Introduction and Acknowledgements 00:22 Introducing Today's Guest: Scott D. Anthony 01:38 Defining Innovation and Disruption 04:10 Sustaining vs. Disruptive Innovation 07:03 Netflix vs. Blockbuster: A Case Study 07:47 The Value Network and Market Dynamics 16:50 Emergent Strategy and the Honda Super Cub 18:37 Gunpowder and the Innovator's Dilemma 23:03 The Fall of Constantinople: A Lesson in Disruption 32:42 The Printing Press: Collaboration and Consequences 35:50 The Slow Diffusion of Innovations 38:24 The Kodak Story: A Tale of Missed Opportunities 44:17 The ABCs of Dual Transformation 50:10 The Historical Impact of the Scientific Revolution 56:04 McDonald's: Revolutionizing the Fast Food Industry 01:05:07 The Persistence of Henry Ford and the Model T 01:09:25 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections   Quotes from the Episode: "Innovation is something different that creates value... Disruption takes things that were complicated and expensive, makes them simple and affordable, and changes market dynamics." — Scott D. Anthony  "History doesn't repeat, but it often rhymes... The walls that stood for a thousand years collapsed in 47 days. What is your equivalent to the Theodosian Walls?" — Scott D. Anthony  Links & Resources: Book: Epic Disruptions by Scott D. Anthony Website: EpicDisruptions.com Connect with Scott: LinkedIn Connect with The Innovation Sho Connect with Aidan:  LinkedIn Tags/Keywords: Disruptive Innovation, Scott D. Anthony, Clayton Christensen, Business Strategy, Corporate Transformation, History of Innovation, Dual Transformation, McDonald's Case Study, Kodak, Artificial Intelligence, The Innovation Show, Aidan McCullen.  

The Innovation Show with Aidan McCullen | Guest: Chuck House How do you drive real innovation inside a large organisation—without getting shut down by hierarchy, process, or short-term thinking? In this episode of The Innovation Show, host Aidan McCullen is joined by legendary Hewlett-Packard intrapreneur Chuck House, author of Permission Denied, for a deep dive into intrapreneurship, corporate innovation, and innovation leadership. Drawing on decades of experience building breakthrough technologies at HP, Chuck shares the 7 rules of intrapreneurship, explains why most organisations unintentionally kill innovation, and reveals what both intrapreneurs and leaders must do differently to succeed. In this episode, you'll learn: The key differences between entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs Why intrapreneurs need air cover, not permission The 7 rules every intrapreneur must follow Why doing your own market research is non-negotiable How asking "why" relentlessly leads to breakthrough innovation Why great intrapreneurs often look like troublemakers How leaders can identify, fund, and empower intrapreneurs Why traditional KPIs and program reviews fail exploratory innovation Lessons from Hewlett-Packard, Apple, and major corporate innovation efforts The conversation also explores the rarely discussed discipline of managing intrapreneurs, including how executives can create the conditions for innovation without smothering it with metrics, timelines, or control systems designed for incremental work. This episode is essential listening for: Innovation leaders and executives Transformation and strategy teams Corporate intrapreneurs Product leaders and change agents Anyone trying to innovate inside a complex organisation About the Host Aidan McCullen is a Thinkers50 Global Innovation Award winner (2025), founder of the Reinvention Summit, and host of the globally acclaimed Innovation Show. A bestselling author and former international rugby player, Aidan advises global organisations on innovation, transformation, and leadership. About the Guest Chuck House is a pioneering intrapreneur whose work at Hewlett-Packard helped shape modern computing and systems innovation. His book Permission Denied is widely regarded as essential reading for corporate innovators. 🔔 Subscribe to The Innovation Show for conversations with the world's leading thinkers on innovation, transformation, leadership, and the future of work.

  In this episode of The Innovation Show, Chuck House—legendary HP intrapreneur and author of Permission Denied—joins Aidan McCullen, host of The Innovation Show and a Thinkers50 Innovation Award recipient, to explore the real dynamics behind innovation inside large organizations. House shares how he repeatedly challenged assumptions, defied orders, built high-performing teams, and navigated the "corporate immune system" to create breakthrough technologies such as the logic analyzer and Pisces system. Together, Chuck and Aidan unpack why innovation is resisted, how success blinds leaders to the next paradigm shift, and what intrapreneurs must do to survive and thrive. Brought to you by Kyndryl, this conversation blends deep corporate experience with modern innovation thinking—from one of HP's most impactful engineers and one of the world's leading thinkers on transformation and change. Episode Highlights Why organizations punish failure while preaching innovation The paradox of permission: what leaders say vs. what innovators hear How established success blinds teams to new paradigms Emotional and psychological realities of intrapreneurs How to unlearn, relearn, and escape old mental models Why existing sales forces resist innovative products Hard-earned lessons from HP's logic analyzers & the Pisces project What leaders must do to build systems—not heroes—that drive innovation   Episode Timestamps 00:00 Intro & Sponsor 00:30 Chuck House returns 00:57 Defiant innovation at HP 01:44 Permission paradox 03:07 Amazon's failure philosophy 03:47 Radical transparency 05:16 Future architecture & vision 06:00 Chuck reflects on his journey 07:47 AMD recruitment story 17:02 Paradigm shifts 19:34 Organizational resistance 22:42 Innovation cycles 32:26 Unlearning & relearning 40:16 The irony of pointing fingers 40:45 Navigating new paradigms 44:18 Challenges of intrapreneurship 44:33 Winning the sales channel 45:09 Sales force resistance 51:44 Understanding real customers 53:08 Innovation vs incrementalism 01:03:03 Rise & fall of logic analyzers 01:08:00 Managing intrapreneurial projects 01:13:06 Quality, collaboration & culture 01:20:34 Closing reflections About the Guest Chuck House is an award-winning engineer, HP Fellow, and author of Permission Denied. His innovations shaped decades of computing and instrumentation, and his perspective on intrapreneurship remains profoundly relevant. About the Host Aidan McCullen is an author, global keynote speaker, innovation consultant, and host of The Innovation Show. A former international rugby player for Ireland, he later moved into transformation roles across media and technology. Aidan is the author of Undisruptable, lectures on emerging technology at Trinity College Dublin, and is recognised by Thinkers50 for his global contribution to innovation and reinvention. https://aidanmccullen.com

In this special Thinkers50 edition of Innovation Show X, sponsored by Kyndryl, host Aidan McCullen brings together three of the world's most influential management thinkers—Alex Osterwalder, Howard Yu, and Sangeet Paul Choudary—to explore how AI is transforming the architecture of business. What makes this conversation extraordinary is that, unknown to everyone at the time of recording, each participant would receive a major Thinkers50 recognition just hours later: Sangeet Paul Choudary — Thinkers50 Strategy Award Howard Yu — reaffirmed in the Thinkers50 global ranking Alex Osterwalder — reaffirmed in the Thinkers50 global ranking Aidan McCullen — Thinkers50 Innovation Award This episode captures four award-winning perspectives before the accolades were announced—an unfiltered, spontaneous exchange on the real work of reinvention. 🎙️ Episode Overview AI is reshaping the business landscape, but most organisations focus on tools rather than the deeper question: How must business models, organisational structures, and leadership mindsets evolve in an AI-driven world? Together, Alex, Howard, Sangeet, and Aidan unpack: Why 95% of GenAI projects fail and what organisations miss How AI reshuffles entire industries, not just processes The hidden role of corporate antibodies in killing new ideas Why visionary leadership matters more than ever How modular, fluid organisations create a real edge What learning engines look like in practice Why the real value moves from "answers" to sensemaking How leaders can place better bets in uncertainty Why it's not an "AI strategy" you need, but a strategy for the world AI creates This is a masterclass in strategic reinvention from four globally recognised thinkers. ⏱️ Chapter Timestamps 00:00 Introduction & Sponsor Message (Kyndryl) 00:41 The Confusing Landscape of AI in Business 01:20 Amara's Law & Business Impact 01:43 Panel Introduction at Thinkers50 02:25 Sangeet on Containerisation & Second-Order Effects 06:59 Osterwalder on Business Model Innovation 09:34 Yu on Capabilities & Industry Shifts 12:51 FOTO, Metaverse Missteps & Strategic Priority 15:21 Leadership Vision & the Capability Gap 21:32 Modularity & Learning Engines 37:00 Codifying an Innovation Culture 38:20 Vision Cascading Through Organisations 40:01 Why Good Ideas Fail to Scale 41:41 Leadership's Role in Innovation 43:13 From Sensing to Sensemaking 44:31 Exploration, Exploitation & Fluid Organisations 46:37 Continuous Change & Industry Reshuffling 49:04 The Future of AI in Business 50:33 Killing Projects & Resource Allocation 01:02:27 Closing Thoughts — Business Basics in an AI World 🌍 About the Guests Alex Osterwalder – Prolific Author, Creator of the Business Model Canvas and co-founder of Strategyzer; Thinkers50 global thought leader. Howard Yu – Author of Leap, LEGO Professor of Management & Innovation (IMD); Thinkers50 global thought leader. Sangeet Paul Choudary – Author of Platform Revolution and Reshuffle; Thinkers50 Strategy Award winner. Aidan McCullen – Author of Undisruptable, Host of The Innovation Show and Innovation Show, keynote speaker, and Thinkers50 Innovation Award winner.   📚 Resources & Links • Strategyzer → https://www.strategyzer.com • Reshuffle: Who Wins When AI Reshapes the Knowledge Economy → https://amzn.to/3HWwj1I • Platform Revolution → https://amzn.to/4mBq2aQ • Sangeet's Substack → https://substack.com/@platforms/posts • Howard's Substack → https://howardyu.substack.com • Aidan's show notes → https://thethursdaythought.substack.com • Undisruptable → https://amzn.to/4pCEhgH   💡 About Our Sponsor: Kyndryl Kyndryl designs, runs, and reimagines the mission-critical technology systems that power the world's largest organisations. Their AI-powered consulting and unmatched managed services help leaders make smarter decisions, accelerate innovation, and build enduring competitive advantage. Learn more at Kyndryl.com. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with world-leading thinkers on AI, strategy, reinvention, and organisational transformation.

Episode Summary: In Part 1 of this two-episode series, Aidan McCullen is joined by futurists Bob Johansen and Jamais Cascio, co-authors of Navigating the Age of Chaos: A Sensemaking Guide to a BANI World That Doesn't Make Sense. The trio unpacks the BANI Framework — Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, Incomprehensible — and explores how it helps us make sense of a world where traditional models like VUCA no longer apply.   Discover how anxiety, complexity, systemic fragility, and incomprehensible change are reshaping our lives and futures — and what we can do to adapt and thrive in the face of it all.   Key Discussion Points: From VUCA to BANI: Why old models fail System fragility and the myth of stability Psychological burnout in the age of anxiety Non-linear risk and delayed cause-effect dynamics Incomprehensibility and the collapse of trust in truth   Links & Resources: 🌐 Book: Navigating the Age of Chaos – https://ageofbani.com 📘 Bob Johansen – https://www.iftf.org 🧠 Jamais Cascio – https://www.openthefuture.com 🎙️ Sponsored by Kyndryl – https://kyndryl.com 🎓 Host and Irish Keynote Speaker Aidan McCullen and The Innovation Show is the first podcast to be recognised by Thinkers50, the global ranking body for management thinkers. https://aidanmccullen.com For those wondering what the anime mentioned by Jamais is: One Piece, in particular the group in the series called the "Straw Hat Pirates." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_Piece_(1999_TV_series) https://www.npr.org/2025/10/05/nx-s1-5560980/gen-z-protesters-one-piece-pirate-flag 00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message 00:21 Reflecting on the Decade: 2015-2025 01:41 Introducing the B.A.N.I. Framework 02:24 Meet the Authors: Bob Johansen and Jamais Cascio 04:29 The Evolution from VUCA to BANI 16:18 Understanding Brittle in BANI 30:14 Exploring Anxious in BANI 37:03 Alan Watts and the Timeless Nature of Anxiety 38:18 Resilience in the Face of Extinction 39:30 The Persistent Relevance of VUCA 39:52 The Unique Challenges of BANI 41:13 Interconnected Crises and Their Compounding Effects 44:30 The Participatory Panopticon and Surveillance 49:28 Non-Linearity and Climate Hysteresis 01:00:23 Stochastic Terrorism and Its Implications 01:02:44 Incomprehensibility in a BANI World 01:10:37 Conclusion and Further Resources Coming Soon: 👉 Part 2: BANI Plus – Flipping the Framework Positive

On this episode of The Innovation Show, we welcome Chuck House, serial intrapreneur, author of Permission Denied, and former executive at Hewlett-Packard. Chuck shares hard-won lessons from inside one of the world's most influential tech companies—revealing what it really takes to innovate from within. From helping pioneer the first commercial computer graphics display to earning HP's only-ever Medal of Defiance, Chuck's story is both a cautionary tale and a masterclass in intrapreneurial resilience. Hosted by Aidan McCullen, Thinkers50 Award recipient for Innovation and keynote speaker based in Ireland. 🎧 Highlights include: Surviving and thriving as an intrapreneur Navigating organisational resistance Why engineers must meet customers Leadership in uncertain times Insights for today's innovation leaders   📖 Get Chuck's book: Permission Denied: Odyssey of an Intrapreneur: https://amzn.to/3Xq2LxC 🌐 More on Aidan: www.aidanmccullen.com

In this thought-provoking episode, Aidan McCullen — Thinkers50 Innovation Award Winner, author of Undisruptable, and host of The Innovation Show — welcomes Samuel Arbesman, scientist, author, and polymath, for the grand finale of their trilogy. Together, they explore The Magic of Code: How Digital Language Created and Connects Our World, diving deep into how code shapes our understanding of reality — from biology and evolution to artificial intelligence and the simulation hypothesis.  Discover how code is the new DNA, the universal language linking art, philosophy, and technology, and why rekindling curiosity, humility, and wonder is essential in our age of machines. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message 00:18 The Power and Mystery of Code 01:33 Guest Introduction: Samuel Arbesman 02:26 The Magic of Code: Themes and Inspirations 03:53 Rekindling Wonder in Computing 11:01 Biology and Computation: A Deep Dive 14:43 Artificial Life and Evolution in Computing 24:17 Emergent Behavior and Evolutionary Contingency 28:28 Simulation Hypothesis: Reality as a Program 29:30 The Complexity of Digital Simulations 30:35 Weather Prediction and Simplified Models 32:00 The Physicality of Computing 33:17 The Simulation Hypothesis 39:05 The Role of Language in AI 44:09 Humanity and Technology 47:39 The Future of Technology and Society 57:00 Final Thoughts on Humility and Curiosity In This Episode The connection between code, language, and human creativity How biology and computation mirror one another Artificial life, evolution, and digital ecosystems The simulation hypothesis: Are we living in code? The importance of humility, restraint, and curiosity in an AI-driven world Guest: Samuel Arbesman — Author of The Magic of Code, The Half-Life of Facts, and Overcomplicated 🔗 Find Sam: https://arbesman.net Host: Aidan McCullen — Thinkers50 Innovation Award Winner, international thought leader on change and reinvention, author of Undisruptable, and host of The Innovation Show, a globally acclaimed and Thinkers50-recognised podcast inspiring leaders to thrive through change. A former international rugby player, Aidan now helps organisations and leaders adapt and evolve in an age of exponential transformation.   Get Sam's Book: https://amzn.to/3Xb8abN Find the Innovation show: https://thethursdaythought.substack.com

Facts change — and that's a good thing. In this episode, Samuel Arbesman, complexity scientist and author of The Half-Life of Facts, joins Aidan McCullen to explore how what we know — and believe to be true — constantly evolves. Together, they unpack how facts have a "half-life," why collaboration matters in a changing world, and how exponential knowledge growth reshapes science, strategy, and society. In this episode:   Why facts and truths decay over time How science self-corrects — from the Brontosaurus myth to the spinach iron story The concept of "meso-facts" — slowly changing knowledge How exponential growth drives innovation and discovery Why curiosity, humility, and adaptability are essential for leaders   📚 Guest: Samuel Arbesman — author of The Half-Life of Facts, Overcomplicated, and The Magic of Code. 🌐 https://arbesman.net | https://arbesman.substack.com   🎙️ Hosted by Aidan McCullen — international keynote speaker on change, transformation, and innovation, author of Undisruptable, and host of The Innovation Show.     💼 Brought to you by Kyndryl – helping leaders harness the power of technology for smarter decisions and faster innovation. 👉 https://www.kyndryl.com/ie/en/institute   📘 Connect with Aidan McCullen: 🌐 https://theinnovationshow.io 📰 Substack: https://thethursdaythought.substack.com 📕 Book: Undisruptable 🎤 Speaking: https://aidanmccullen.com

Mastering Chaos: Navigating the BANI Future with Bob Johansen & Jamais Cascio   🎙️ Episode Title: Mastering Chaos: Navigating the BANI Future 👥 Guests: Bob Johansen & Jamais Cascio 💡 Sponsored by: Kyndryl | Reimagining the tech systems powering global enterprise innovation. In this episode, Bob Johansen and Jamais Cascio return to explore their book Navigating the Age of Chaos: A Sensemaking Guide to a BANI World.  They dive into the evolution from VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous) to BANI (Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, Incomprehensible) and its impact on leadership, strategy, and personal resilience. 🔍 Topics Include: The origins and future of VUCA and BANI VUCA+ and BANI+ frameworks Real-world examples: LEGO, Netflix, Special Olympics, Airbnb Leadership agility & "Flexive Command"  Future-back thinking and anticipatory history AI, ethics, empathy & strategic foresight Purpose, interconnectedness & sensemaking This episode is essential for leaders, innovators, and future-thinkers navigating today's complex and chaotic world. 00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message 00:24 Opening Quote and Guest Introduction 00:59 Understanding VUCA and VUCA Plus 04:36 Exploring BANI and BANI Plus 06:37 Future Back Thinking and Historical Patterns 09:33 The Concept of Flexive Command 11:01 Resilience and Bendability in Organizations 25:59 Empathy and Anxiety in Leadership 39:52 Debating AI and Guardrails 40:47 Ethics and Metaphors in AI 41:57 Kate Darling's Perspective on AI 43:31 The Language of AI 43:59 Robotics and Empathy 45:51 Mindfulness and Anxiety 47:18 Nonlinearity in BANI 48:04 Neuro Flexibility and Improv 50:40 Orthogonal Thinking and T-shaped People 53:17 Distant Early Warnings 59:50 Gaming and Nonlinear Thinking 01:09:30 Incomprehensibility and Interconnectedness 01:16:45 Faith and Purpose in a BANI World 01:20:45 Final Thoughts and Conclusion   🔗 Useful links: • Navigating the Age of Chaos – ageofbani.com • Bob Johansen – IFTF.org • Jamais Cascio – openthefuture.com • Kyndryl Institute – kyndryl.com/institute • Aidan McCullen – aidanmccullen.com   #TheInnovationShow #BANI #VUCA #Leadership #FutureThinking #Chaos #Resilience #Innovation #Kyndryl #Thinkers50

In this episode, we explore the intricate world of modern technology with Samuel Arbesman, author of Overcomplicated: Technology at the Limits of Comprehension. Why did the New York Stock Exchange shut down in 2015? What caused Toyota vehicles to accelerate without warning? Samuel reveals how technological "accretion" and interconnected systems create outcomes that even developers, engineers, and executives can't predict. We discuss: Why technology often evolves beyond human comprehension How "spaghetti code" and legacy systems create systemic risk The biological limits of human understanding Generalists vs. specialists in innovation The balance between intellectual humility and progress How we can better live with—and design—overcomplicated systems   This is a must-listen for leaders, technologists, and innovators navigating today's complex digital ecosystem. 🎙 Hosted by Aidan McCullen, keynote speaker on change and innovation. 💡 Sponsored by Kyndryl Episode Notes / Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message 00:19 Unsolved Mysteries in Technology 01:18 Guest Introduction: Samuel Arbesman 01:57 Overview of 'Overcomplicated' 03:25 Case Studies: Stock Exchange and Toyota 07:53 The Concept of Accretion 15:48 Complexity vs. Complication 26:49 Interoperability and Trade-offs 29:29 Systemic Failures and Interoperability 29:53 Open Source Software and Maintenance Challenges 32:00 Biological Limits of Human Comprehension 34:51 The Role of Technology in Understanding Complex Systems 40:52 The Burden of Knowledge and the Need for Generalists 50:53 Physics vs. Biological Thinking in Innovation 55:49 Final Thoughts on Humility and Understanding   Find Samuel Arbesman: https://arbesman.net   [Aidan McCullen is a internationally Thinkers50 recognised thought leader on change and innovation. He is the author of Undisruptable and host of the globally acclaimed Innovation Show. A former international rugby player, Aidan now helps leaders and organisations thrive in an age of constant reinvention.]

Why couldn't Adobe—with all its resources—stop Figma? In this power-packed episode of The Innovation Show X, Aidan McCullen dives deep into disruption, transformation, and the future of work with Howard Yu (Leap) and Sangeet Paul Choudary (Reshuffle, Platform Revolution).   You'll learn why Adobe's shift to the cloud was just Act 2, and why surviving in the new economy requires mastering Act 3—orchestration, data flows, and multiplayer collaboration.   💡 Topics include:   Why collaboration isn't just a feature—it's a business model How AI is reshaping the architecture of value creation What John Deere, Shein, and Tesla can teach legacy companies The hidden difference between execution and orchestration How to make your business future-ready     📚 Books discussed: Leap by Howard Yu and Reshuffle by Sangeet Paul Choudary 🔗 Follow the guests: Howard Yu – Substack: One Inch Ahead https://howardyu.substack.com Sangeet Paul Choudary – Substack: Platforms https://platforms.substack.com Aidan McCullen https://thethursdaythought.substack.com 🎙 Hosted by Aidan McCullen | Sponsored by Kyndryl   #InnovationShow #AdobeVsFigma #BusinessStrategy #DigitalTransformation #FutureOfWork #AI #PlatformEconomy