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...
Nov 05, 2025•1 hr•Season 33Ep. 620
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 "...
Oct 27, 2025•59 min•Season 32Ep. 619
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 Br...
Oct 22, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Season 33Ep. 618
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 is...
Oct 14, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Season 32Ep. 617
In this final part of our compelling trilogy, Manu Kapur, author of Productive Failure , returns to uncover the psychology behind effective learning. Discover why failing first can drive deeper understanding, greater retention, and lasting mastery. Hosted by Aidan McCullen, this episode explores real-world strategies rooted in research—from the Zeigarnik Effect to motivational boosts like loss aversion, endowed progress, and goal gradients. Whether you're an educator, leader, or lifelong learner...
Oct 08, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Season 32Ep. 616
Simon Hill, author of Expected Value (xV) , reveals how to measure and prove the real value of innovation—avoiding theatre, zombie projects, and wasted budgets with his groundbreaking xV framework. Simon introduces his Expected Value (xV) framework, a new system that combines confidence, predicted value, time sensitivity, and strategic fit to prove innovation's worth in terms business leaders and CFOs understand. From case studies to the role of AI, Simon shows how xV helps organizations escape ...
Sep 30, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Season 32Ep. 615
In this episode, Michael Raynor — author of The Strategy Paradox and co-author with Clayton Christensen of The Innovator's Solution — joins Aidan McCullen to explore why most strategies fail and how leaders can fix them. From the RAP (Resource Allocation Process) model to the real-world case of BCE's diversification journey, Raynor unpacks how strategy is shaped by resource allocation, risk, and CEO intervention. Learn how top leaders can navigate uncertainty, overcome divisional barriers, and u...
Sep 24, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 32Ep. 614
In this episode of The Innovation Show, Aidan McCullen welcomes back Manu Kapur, author of Productive Failure , to explore the science of learning through failure. We uncover the Basic Knowledge Fallacy, debate Direct Instruction vs. Discovery Learning, and introduce the Four A's of Learning (Activation, Awareness, Affect, Assembly). Manu also explains why variability, struggle, and pretesting drive deeper learning, adaptability, and long-term success. Whether you're an educator, business leader...
Sep 18, 2025•29 min•Season 32Ep. 613
What if failure wasn't the end, but the beginning of real growth? In this episode, Aidan McCullen sits down with Manu Kapur, author of Productive Failure , to explore how struggle, setbacks, and mistakes can actually unlock deep learning, creativity, and adaptability. 🔑 What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why productive failure is the secret to lifelong learning How to turn mistakes into powerful growth mindset strategies Why even "good lectures" don't always create deep understanding How leader...
Sep 10, 2025•1 hr 17 min
What can bees teach us about leadership, teamwork, and innovation? 🐝 In this episode, Philip Atkinson — organizational coach, beekeeper, and author of Bee Wise: 12 Leadership Lessons from a Busy Beehive — shares powerful insights from the hive that apply directly to modern workplaces. We explore: Why the queen bee is not really the leader of the hive How the waggle dance is a perfect metaphor for communication Why bees switch jobs throughout their lives and what that means for career growth How...
Sep 04, 2025•58 min•Season 32Ep. 611
What happens when startups like Figma outpace industry giants like Adobe? In this episode of The Innovation Show , Aidan McCullen sits down with bestselling author Sangeet Paul Choudary ( Platform Revolution , Reshuffle ) to explore how AI, cloud technology, and mindset shifts are reshaping the future of work, design, and competition. Discover why incumbents often fail—not from lack of innovation, but from failing to unlearn old architectures. Using the case of Figma vs. Adobe, we unpack how ele...
Aug 27, 2025•39 min•Season 32Ep. 610
What if everything you knew about strategy was wrong? In this profound and candid episode, legendary Harvard Business School professors Joseph Bower and Clark Gilbertdismantle the myths of top-down strategy and reveal what actually drives innovation inside organizations — resource allocation. Hosted by Aidan McCullen, this conversation connects over 50 years of organizational research with real-world disruption—from Clay Christensen's disruptive innovation, to Intel's strategic shifts, to why ac...
Aug 20, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Season 32Ep. 609
We delve into Elise Loehnan's acclaimed book 'On Our Best Behaviour,' exploring the societal and cultural forces shaping women's behaviors and the concept of the 'seven deadly sins.' Elise discusses the ingrained cultural pressures that lead women to self-denial and the impact of patriarchal norms. We explore topics such as envy, pride, sloth, and the importance of embracing both masculine and feminine energies for a balanced life. Join us for an eye-opening conversation with insights on redefin...
Aug 12, 2025•1 hr 31 min•Season 32Ep. 608
Unveiling the Gut-Brain Connection: Dr. Steven Gundry on Leaky Gut, Microbiome, and Health In today's episode, we dive deep into the fascinating world of the gut-brain connection with Dr. Steven Gundry, a prolific author and expert on the subject. Starting with a brief introduction about our sponsor, Kyndryl, we explore the historical context of medical insights from figures like Hippocrates and Ignaz Semmelweis. Dr. Gundry shares compelling stories from his practice, including miraculous patien...
Aug 07, 2025•49 min•Season 32Ep. 607
In this episode of the Innovation Show we delve into the myths and realities of business failures with Greg Satell and Paul Nunes. Join us as we explore classic case studies of companies like Blockbuster, Kodak, and Xerox, and uncover the untold stories behind their perceived failures. We discuss the complexities of decision-making, the importance of controlling the narrative, and the crucial lessons business leaders can learn from past mistakes. 00:00 Welcome to the Innovation Show 01:55 The In...
Jul 29, 2025•1 hr 27 min•Season 32Ep. 605
In this episode, we conclude the comprehensive series on Gary Hamel and 'Humanocracy,' diving deep into the principles and practices that can transform entrenched bureaucracies into more dynamic and innovative organizations. Host Aidan interviews Gary Hamel to discuss the persistent issue of bureaucracy stifling economic growth and the groundbreaking transformation at Roche as a case study. The conversation covers the increasing bureaucracy in global companies, the decline in productivity, and i...
Jul 15, 2025•59 min•Season 31Ep. 605
In this episode of the Innovation Show, Aidan McCullen welcomes back Gary Hamel to dive deep into the updated release of his book, 'Humanocracy.' They explore the principles and practices of leading companies like Nucor and Haier that reject traditional bureaucratic models in favor of empowering every employee to be an entrepreneur. Gary Hamel shares insights into the mechanisms driving innovation and strategic shifts in these organizations. Find out how micro-enterprises, internal contracting, ...
Jul 14, 2025•1 hr 25 min•Season 31Ep. 604
In this episode of The Gary Hamel Series, we explore the principles laid out in 'Humanocracy,' a manifesto that argues for liberating human capabilities from the stranglehold of bureaucracy. We delve into practical strategies for creating more dynamic, innovation-driven organizations. Special guest, Gary Hamel, discusses the economic and social implications of bureaucratic systems and presents alternative management models exemplified by companies like Morningstar and Nucor. We also reflect on p...
Jul 10, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Season 31Ep. 603
Strategic Innovation and the Joe Bower Model Extended with Robert Burgelman In this episode, host Aidan McCullen delves into the intricacies of strategic innovation with Professor Robert Burgelman. The discussion focuses on the extension of the Joe Bower model, exploring organizational adaptation, strategic dissonance, and the strategic context process. Burgelman elucidates four types of strategic context processes: rationalizing new initiatives, dissolving core business contexts, the emaciation...
Jul 03, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Season 32Ep. 602
In this episode of The Innovation Show, host Aidan McCullen is joined by Stanford's Robert Burgelman, one of the foremost thinkers in strategy and organizational evolution. Together, they explore the idea of strategic dissonance—when a company's day-to-day decisions conflict with its overarching strategy. Drawing from his research at Intel, Burgelman unpacks how induced and autonomous strategyinteract in complex organizations and how leaders like Andy Grove navigated high-stakes inflection point...
Jun 27, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Season 32Ep. 601
In this episode of the 'Hours of Bower' series, sponsored by Kyndryl, we delve into Chapter 3 of 'From Resource Allocation to Strategy' with Professor Robert Burgelman. The discussion centers around a revolutionary view of corporate strategy using Intel Corporation's transformation over several decades. Professor Burgelman reframes strategy as an emergent and evolving organizational capability, influenced by Intel's shift from focusing on DRAMs to microprocessors. Key topics include the intricat...
Jun 20, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 32Ep. 600
In this episode, long time friend of the show, Clark Gilbert joins us to discuss his book 'Anomaly Seeking Research, 30 Years of Development in Resource Allocation Theory,' co-authored with Clayton Christensen and others. Gilbert elaborates on key themes from the book, including Joe Bower's groundbreaking 1970 resource allocation model, and how this framework has shaped decades of strategic management research. He provides valuable insights into the iterative and multi-level nature of resource a...
Jun 14, 2025•1 hr•Season 31Ep. 599
Joseph L. Bower on Resource Allocation and Strategy "Where you stand depends on where you sit." In this exclusive episode of The Innovation Show, Harvard legend Joseph L. Bower shares the untold story behind his groundbreaking work on Resource Allocation to Strategy — a theory that has shaped generations of business leaders, strategists, and scholars. Bower reveals: How real strategy emerges through the decisions of middle managers Why structure drives strategy more than PowerPoint slides do Wha...
Jun 09, 2025•54 min•Season 32Ep. 598
The Power of Strategic Intent: Insights with Gary Hamel | Aidan McCullen In this episode, Aidan McCullen and Gary Hamel dive into the key principles of strategic intent and how companies can maintain competitiveness in a rapidly evolving market. They explore concepts like building layers of advantage, searching for vulnerabilities in competitors, and the importance of continuous learning and innovation. Using examples from the Japanese auto industry to modern companies like Komatsu and Roche, Ha...
May 31, 2025•54 min•Season 31Ep. 597
Gary Hamel joins us to delve into part 2 of his book 'What Matters Now,' exploring the crucial role adaptability plays in the modern world. Gary discusses how rapid, multifaceted changes define our age and the stress it places on individuals and institutions. Using various industry examples, from mobile phones to airlines, he emphasizes the importance of continuous reinvention and the challenges businesses face, such as strategic decay and the need for innovation. Hamel also highlights the impac...
May 25, 2025•48 min•Season 31Ep. 596
Join us in this insightful episode as we welcome back Gary Hamel, author of 'What Matters Now: How to Win in a World of Relentless Change, Ferocious Competition, and Unstoppable Innovation.' In this episode, Gary discusses his latest book, which provides an agenda for building resilient organizations amidst dynamic global challenges. The conversation delves into the importance of core values such as stewardship, accountability, and equity. Gary also reflects on the 2008 financial crisis and its ...
May 18, 2025•46 min•Season 31Ep. 595
Welcome to part two of our enlightening series with special guest, Gary Hamel. In this episode, we dive deep into Hamel's insights from his book and explore the evolution of unconventional management models through case studies of pioneering companies like W.L. Gore & Associates and Google. We discuss the principles that distinguish innovative organizations, the challenges of breaking free from traditional hierarchical structures, and the critical role of purpose in driving change. With real...
May 11, 2025•54 min•Season 31Ep. 594
In this insightful episode, Gary Hamel discusses the foundational ideas behind his book, 'The Future of Management.' Delving into the historical context and evolution of management principles, Hamel explores how long-standing conventions, established by early 20th-century theorists like Frederick Winslow Taylor and Max Weber, continue to shape modern companies. He underscores the need for a radical rethink in organizational management to address contemporary challenges such as innovation, strate...
May 05, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Season 31Ep. 593
Tom Asacker - Unwinding Want: A Deep Dive into Self-Exploration In this episode of the Innovation Show, the Aidan McCullen dives deep into the hidden forces that control our lives with Tom Asacker, the author of 'Unwinding Want.' Drawing on decades of research, Asacker reveals how unconscious self-hypnosis traps us in cycles of overthinking and dissatisfaction. With groundbreaking insights, he exposes the delusions that leave us anxious and lost, advocating for a life of curiosity and self-explo...
Apr 26, 2025•55 min•Season 31Ep. 592
Welcome to the finale episode of our exploration of Gary Hamel's groundbreaking book, 'Leading the Revolution.' In this episode, Gary Hamel joins the discussion to delve into the timeless principles of innovation that have maintained their relevance despite evolving business landscapes. This episode is packed with insights on creating wealth through revolutionary design rules, fostering new business concepts, and the importance of low-risk experimentation for long-term success. We examine case s...
Apr 22, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Season 31Ep. 591
