Welcome to Radio Future Skills Academy, the podcast where we unveil the personal journeys, origin stories, and pivotal moments of innovative and inspiring leaders. Each episode we'll bring you intimate conversations with change agents from diverse industries, as they share their unique paths, transformative experiences, and the lessons they've learned along the way. Join us as we uncover the human side of creative leadership and explore the moments that have shaped these extraordinary…
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We easily celebrate biodiversity in nature, so why do we struggle to accept cognitive diversity in the office? In this episode of Brains at Work, we strip away the misconceptions and return to the foundation of the movement. We explore the work of sociologist Judy Singer, who coined the term "Neurodiversity." This perspective shifts our focus from medical deficits to a simple, powerful truth:…
When we deliver a harsh critique at work, we think we are touching a spreadsheet. In reality, we might be triggering the same brain circuits that register physical pain. In this episode of Brains at Work, we dissect the paralyzing mechanics of Anticipatory Anxiety and how it morphs into chronic perfectionism. For many neurodivergent individuals, this goes a step further into Rejection Sensitivity…
I'm the guy who starts a bonfire on the beach. I get the music going and the energy high, but then I move down the shore to start the next one. The future belongs to the wanderers who find value in the connections between things. Don't disappear into a single label. Move lightly between fires.
A business is just a structure; a movement is a magnet. Why build a pyramid of control when you can lead a pancake of trust? When you move, the right people join you. What do you believe in so much that people would follow you for free?
Navigating office politics is hard enough. Navigating them across different global cultures? For a neurodivergent brain, it can be an absolute minefield. In this episode of Brains at Work, we cross international borders to examine how different corporate cultures share information. From the highly explicit, structured communication style often found in US business (low-context) to the deeply…
Design Thinking isn't a workshop recipe or a six-step certification. It's an evolving language. If you're just ticking boxes, you aren't designing, you're just rearranging the furniture. It's time to move beyond the label and humanise the system… Stop being a recipe follower. Start being a chef.
When a colleague shares something personal, our instinct is to reach for a protocol. But what they often need is a presence. In this episode of Brains at Work, we analyze a common failure in leadership and HR: the rush to provide solutions. Whether it's a disclosure of neurodivergence, a personal struggle, or a workplace challenge, jumping straight to "next steps" and "company protocols" creates a…
Innovation doesn't happen in a vacuum; it happens in the space between two minds. But what happens when those minds speak different neurological languages? In this episode of Brains at Work, we explore the Double Empathy Problem, a theory proposed by Damian Milton in 2012. We move away from the outdated idea that neurodivergent individuals "lack empathy" and instead look at the breakdown of…
Today, our focus is on human centric tech futures, robotics and AI. AI and Robotics is topic most of us are thinking and worried about and so it is great to have an expert like Cristina Andersson on the podcast.
In a world of shrinking attention spans and digital burnout, the phrase "everyone is a little bit neurodivergent" has become a common refrain. But is it accurate? And more importantly, is it helpful? In this episode of Brains at Work, we tackle one of the most persistent myths surrounding neurodiversity. We draw a clear, binary line between experiencing "symptoms" of a modern, fast-paced world and…
We are often taught what to learn, but rarely how we learn. Understanding your cognitive learning style is the ultimate career cheat code. In this episode of Brains at Work, we explore the mechanics of individual learning. We dive into why self-awareness in learning isn't just a personal growth tool, but a fundamental business asset. If you don't know how you learn, you can't accurately define…
We've been told that being able to "do it all at once" is a badge of honor. The truth? Your brain is physically incapable of it. In this episode of Brains at Work, we dismantle the urban legend of multitasking. Whether you are neurotypical or neurodivergent, the cognitive mechanics are the same: your brain cannot perform two high-level cognitive tasks simultaneously. What we call multitasking is…
We've been told that being able to "do it all at once" is a badge of honor. The truth? Your brain is physically incapable of it. In this episode of Brains at Work, we dismantle the urban legend of multitasking. Whether you are neurotypical or neurodivergent, the cognitive mechanics are the same: your brain cannot perform two high-level cognitive tasks simultaneously. What we call multitasking is…
When a team member says, "I've just received a neurodivergent diagnosis," they aren't just sharing medical news. They are extending a hand of trust. In this episode of Brains at Work, we tackle one of the most delicate and vital moments for any modern leader: how to respond when a colleague or direct report discloses their neurodivergence. Whether you are a manager or the CEO of an entire…
When we sign a job offer, we agree to a salary and a set of tasks. But what about the "hidden" expectations we never actually discussed? In this episode of Brains at Work, we explore the concept of the Psychological Contract—the unspoken partnership between an employer and an employee. Just like in a personal relationship, discovering you aren't "on the same page" usually happens too late. For…
Undercurrents of Change is a podcast about the signals beneath the surface of change. In each episode, Marc Bolick and Arne van Oosterom explore the deeper shifts shaping business, leadership, and innovation, beyond the headlines and the hype. Through conversations with entrepreneurs, builders, and thinkers, we look at what people are actually experiencing as they navigate uncertainty and…
Every professional wears a mask, but for some, the weight of that mask is unsustainable. In this episode of Brains at Work, we explore Masking—the conscious or subconscious suppression of natural responses to conform to social expectations. We start with a universal truth: in the business world, everyone masks to some degree. However, for neurodivergent individuals, this isn't just "office…
Time management is often treated as a skill to be learned, but for many, it is a sensory experience that differs at a neurological level. In this episode of Brains at Work, we break down the concept of "Time Blindness" and the Now vs. Not Now binary that defines the ADHD and neurodivergent experience. If you've ever wondered why some professionals thrive under last-minute pressure while struggling…
How does your brain build a map of the world before you make a choice? In this episode of Brains at Work, we dive into the fundamental cognitive divide in the workplace: the difference between Top-Down and Bottom-Up information processing. While these terms are often used in management, they have a profound neurological basis that dictates how neurotypical and neurodivergent professionals navigate…
In this inaugural episode of Brains at Work, I delve into the profound relationship between human cognition and our work environments. As a designer and researcher with a focus on psychology and neuroscience, I explore how understanding the intricacies of the brain can revolutionize the way we approach work. We uncover the significance of decision-making processes, recognize inherent biases, and…
We often meet people through their professional surface. The roles they've held. The companies they've built. The neat story their CV tells. It's efficient. It helps us place each other quickly. But it also skips a more interesting question. Who are you when the career story goes quiet? That question sits at the heart of a this conversation Morgan Duta had with Jakob Knutzen. Not as a quote…
Every now and then you meet someone who comes from a world so far from your own that you expect the conversation to be polite, distant, and maybe a bit abstract. That's what I thought when Warren Yu joined us for Creative Leaders Unplugged. He carries decades of experience inside one of the most rigid and hierarchical systems imaginable, the U.S. military and government. I come from design,…
The Real Work of Building Community Talking with Todd Nilson reminded us how misunderstood community building still is. We often treat it like marketing: launch a platform, create some content, hope people show up. But the way Todd talks about community is much closer to psychology, art, and human behavior than to funnels or metrics. What stood out most is his idea of the "woolly mammoth factor."…
In this episode of Creative Leaders Unplugged , Morgan Duta and Arne van Oosterom speak with Dara Douglas , who leads the Co-Design Lab at PwC in the UK. Dara describes her work as a kind of corporate therapy, helping senior leaders align, make decisions, and connect beyond their roles. Listening to her, it's clear this comes from somewhere deeper: growing up as one of nine siblings, learning…
In this episode, we chat with Creativity Strategist Natalie Nixon about the connections between dance, creativity, and personal growth. She shares transformative insights from her experiences in ballet, modern dance, and open water swimming, emphasizing the importance of embracing vulnerability and imperfection. We discuss her upcoming book, " Move, Think, Rest ," which advocates for a cyclical…
This episode centers around the concept of "the hook," a transformative idea that has the potential to enhance participant engagement and foster meaningful connections during workshops and meetings.
The Power of Human Creativity in a Time of AI Reflections from a conversation with Leo Chan In a rich and personal conversation on the Radio Future Skills Academy podcast, Leo Chan joined Arne van Oosterom and Morgan Duta to talk about creativity, imposter syndrome, the importance of psychological safety, and the impact of AI. What unfolded was more than a talk about innovation, it became a shared…
In this episode of The Naked Facilitator , we talk with Annika Madejska about her provocative workshop "Facilitating Evil." What happens when we flip the script and explore how technology can be misused with good intentions gone wrong? Anika shares how speculative design, worldbuilding, and playful discomfort can trigger deep ethical reflection—and why sometimes, pretending to be "evil" for a day…
Behind the Glass Wall "Sometimes, I feel like I'm behind a glass wall." Morgan described this feeling during our conversation with Jesse Poe . She spoke about observing the world, people, conversations, systems, all unfolding just beyond an invisible barrier. You're present, yet not truly part of it. That image resonated deeply with me . It brought to mind the times I've felt out of sync with the…
The Hidden Life of a Facilitator By Arne van Oosterom Facilitation often looks easy from the outside. A room full of people, energy, sticky notes, good vibes, some structure, and someone calmly guiding the process. But what most people don't see is the part that happens afterwards. When the room is empty again. When you're back in the car. Or alone in a hotel room. We recently had Alwin Put on the…
Hey everyone, welcome to another episode of Future Skills Academy Podcast with a Column by Arne van oosterom : I'm really excited to share something that's been on my mind for a while. We've all heard how technology—and more specifically AI—seems to be creeping into every corner of our lives. I mean, it's not just about writing blog posts or crunching numbers anymore. AI is creating art, music,…
Wired Differently: A Conversation with Annika Madejska on AI, Neurodiversity, and Ethical Debt When we spoke with Annika Madejska for our podcast, it was one of those conversations that lingered long after we hit stop on the recording. Thoughtful, sharp, and honest—Annika shared stories and insights that connected the personal and the professional in a way that just made sense. Especially when it…
Welcome to this week's Editorial. I'm thrilled you're joining me today. I want to dive into a topic that's central to how we innovate, lead, and navigate our constantly changing world. And the metaphor I love using for this is the image of a tightrope walker . So, picture yourself on a tightrope, arms stretched out, wobbling just enough to keep your balance. It's a little scary, but it's also…
In this episode, we explore the concept of "conceptual dyslexia" with Samuel West, the founder of the Museum of Failure. We discuss how this term illuminates the cognitive processes of creative thinkers who connect diverse concepts, enhancing our understanding of the world. Samuel shares insights on navigating creativity amidst uncertainty, emphasizing the delicate balance between comfort and…
Jim Kalbach is the Chief Evangelist at Mural 00:00:08 Intro / Chatting / Holiday Reflections 00:02:40 Introducing Jim Kalbach 00:04:20 The Influence of Jazz 00:04:25 Comfort with Uncertainty 00:07:26 The Role of Language 00:09:48 The Nature of Truth 00:10:20 The Importance of Art 00:13:42 Jim's Journey to Mural 00:14:43 Defining Creativity 00:18:28 Music as a Creative Process 00:21:13 Embracing…
With Duncan Wardle, the former head of innovation and creativity at Disney, we delve into the essence of creative leadership. Duncan shares insights on unlocking creativity in everyone, emphasizing the importance of playfulness and personal narratives. We explore interactive exercises that highlight the relationship between lived experiences and creativity, while discussing his newly published…
The Flower Analogy: Lessons in Leadership and Design from Anderson Gomes da Silva In the recent episode of Creative Leaders Unplugged , Anderson Gomes da Silva, Head of Product Design at Bol.com, shared his thoughts on leadership, design, and innovation. Among the many insights he offered, one stood out as a profound metaphor for organizations and systems: the "Flower Analogy." Anderson described…
Curiosity and Authenticity: Foundations of Modern Leadership leaders are increasingly challenged to balance innovation with empathy. Ewelina Polińska Nadra, an innovation manager and mother, exemplifies how curiosity and authenticity can serve as the cornerstones of effective leadership. Her journey offers valuable insights into integrating personal values with professional practices. Curiosity:…
Serious Attention to Touch When screens often mediate our interactions, the profound significance of touch in our lives can easily be overlooked. Ari Elefterin, a transdisciplinary designer and somatic researcher, is passionately exploring this very terrain. Through their project " Touch Starved ," Ari delves into our intrinsic need for tactile connection, aiming to reintegrate touch into our…
Creating a Brave Space for Creative Minds In the latest episode of the Creative Leaders Unplugged Podcast, we explored an inspiring concept for fostering creativity: the "brave space." Unlike a "safe space," which aims to protect participants, a brave space encourages individuals to bring forward their unique perspectives and unconventional ideas. This kind of environment is critical, especially…
Join hosts Morgan and Arne in this episode of *Creative Leaders Unplugged* as Alan Moore explores beauty as a transformative force. He emphasizes personal responsibility and regenerative practices, inspiring listeners to enhance beauty in their lives. A quick yet impactful conversation on redefining creativity awaits!
In this episode of Creative Leaders Unplugged, we converse with Karen Hold about her unique journey connecting design and business. We explore how her husband's grandfather influenced her perspective on innovation through empathy-driven problem-solving during World War II. Karen discusses the barriers to learning within organizations and the importance of embracing uncertainty and experimentation.…
In this episode, we dive deep into a conversation with Alizée Bollen, a socially conscious designer and the founder of Crampy, a project centered around menstrual equity and the importance of community in fostering open conversations about uncomfortable topics. Alize's background is richly woven with her multicultural upbringing—half Congolese and half Belgian—and an upbringing in Tanzania, which…
In this episode, we speak with facilitator, innovator and philosopher Miikka Leinonen about using AI in workshops, his book "The Intangible Future," and community building. We discuss evolving education roles, challenges in translating physical interactions to digital spaces, and redefining productivity and fulfillment in a changing professional landscape. Our conversation concludes with…
In this episode of Creative Leaders Unplugged, we engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Victor Udoewa. Victor's exploration of distinguishing between worlds and worldviews challenges our perspectives, urging us to reconsider our understanding of the complexities of identity and culture.
In this episode of Creative Leaders Unplugged, we engage with John Bielenberg, delving into his journey as a creative leader and designer. We explore his unique approach to decision-making, emphasizing authenticity and resisting societal pressures. From defying conventional design norms in college to championing sustainability, John's experiences highlight the importance of following personal…
Myriam is Facilitation Evangelist, Podcaster, PhD in Behavioural Economics and is building an ecosystem for facilitators to leverage the impact of their work. Check out her Podcast 'Workshops Work'. In this freeflowing episode, we discuss the accidental expertise leading to unexpected career paths, highlighting the significance of facilitation skills and AI tools like ChatGPT for enhancing…
Stephen offers a refreshing perspective on sales by focusing on facilitating engaging narratives that resonate with customers instead of resorting to aggressive tactics. Central to his approach is the emphasis on providing value, fostering genuine connections, and engaging with the right audience authentically. Storytelling in sales is underscored as a powerful tool for eliciting audience…
Jeanne Liedtka is on the show! She's an author and has been involved in the corporate strategy field for over 30 years. As a professor at the Darden Graduate School of Business at the University of Virginia, she teaches both MBAs and executives and consults on innovation, organic growth and design thinking.
In this episode we are treated to a thought-provoking conversation with the talented artist Junko Mori, who sheds light on the intricate relationship between art, science, and human nature. Through our dialogue, we explore how seemingly mundane actions and minor errors can pave the way for groundbreaking artistic discoveries, blurring the boundaries between different creative processes. Junko…
