• Ep.95 - If everything is so ambiguous, why is it avoided?
    Jul 29 2024

    In episode 95, whilst exploring the nuances of everyday occurrences and slipping between conscious states of being, The Occupational Philosophers dive into the concept of ambiguity.

    Why?

    The reason? So many challenges that need to be solved have a huge amount of ambiguity around them.

    • There may be multiple answers
    • It's a multi-faceted question
    • It's something where there are no comparable, predictable scenarios
    • As such, there is risk

    What to do?

    It's hard for organisations to sit in this space as they are hardwired to try and rationally avoid risk and to look after their profits and shareholders.

    However, innovation is born from that space of uncertainty, experimentation and what often hasn't been done before.

    Herein lies a conundrum!

    The Occupational Philosophers go for a swim in the lake of ambiguity, backstroking through curious questions and diving to the bottom to pick up some rocks of enlightenment.

    Whilst not having all the answers, they did feel slightly smarter at the end of the episode.

    They also dive into the ambiguous mind puzzle of the Rubix Cube. Mmmm....

    The Occupational Philosophers hope you enjoy the show!

    FYI: This is a shorter episode 'in between' the longer format episodes designed to give a little kickstart to enable you to be the most curious, creative and imaginative cat you can be - and have some fun in the process

    Say 'Hello'...

    www.occupationalphilosophers.com

    Their day jobs

    • JOHN: https://www.bowlandconsulting.com
    • SIMON: www.simonbanks.com.au
    • SIMON SHOWREEL: https://youtu.be/YZQdJI6qGvg

    Get in touch

    letschat@simonbanks.com.au

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    29 m
  • Ep. 94 - Guest episode with Dr. David Cropley, Professor of Engineering Innovation and expert in creative problem solving
    Jul 12 2024
    Professor of Engineering Innovation and expert in creative problem solving In Episode 94, The Occupational Philosophers chat with Dr David Cropley, a Professor of Engineering Innovation at the University of South Australia. He specialises in helping people and organisations become better, more effective, problem solvers. After serving for four years in the United Kingdom’s Royal Navy, David joined the School of Engineering at the South Australian Institute of Technology (SAIT) in 1990,. Following the establishment of the University in 1991, he completed a PhD in Measurement Systems Engineering in 1997, and a Graduate Certificate in Higher Education in 2002. He has taught a variety of courses on engineering, including digital electronics, linear electronics, systems engineering, and engineering design. He teaches creativity and innovation across programs, from gifted education through to management, and his research interests span creativity in education, the assessment of creativity and innovation in organisations, the role of creativity and innovation in terrorism and crime, and the nexus of creative problem-solving and engineering. Most recently, he has been researching the intersection of creativity and artificial intelligence (AI). David is author/co-author of 10 books including Creativity in Education: A user’s guide for educators, parents and students (Hawker Brownlow, 2022), Core Capabilities for Industry 4.0 – Foundations of the Cyber-Psychology of Engineering (Wbv Media, 2021) and The Psychology of Innovation in Organizations (Cambridge University Press, 2015). He is also a recognised expert in creative problem solving and innovation, Dr David Cropley was a scientific consultant and on-screen expert for the Australian ABC TV Documentaries Redesign My Brain (2013), Life at 9 (2014) and Redesign My Brain, Series 2 (2015). For more than 25 years, he has helped schools and organisations in Australia, the US, and Europe develop more effective, creative problem solvers. In this episode, they explore: The gap between creativity research and applicationWhat is the difference between creativity and innovationWhether David has built an intergalactic transporter or it’s still just an ideaThe different phases of innovationHow personality, motivations, past experience and environment affects our ability to be creative What ‘Life at 9’ discovered about children’s levels of creativity as they growHow AI and LLMs will improve opportunities to objectively measure creativityWhat assessments provide the most holistic measure of creativity in individuals What is ‘malevolent creativity’? How we can cultivate creativity as a habitWhat three things do we need to provide teams to unleash their creativity?Why creativity is like spinach….and why we need to start eating more of it! And as ever, enjoy the Thought Experiment …this time it’s: Malevolent or Benevolent? Learn more about David https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidcropley https://unisa-au.academia.edu/DavidCropley https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dark-Side-Creativity-David-Cropley/dp/0521139600 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Homo-Problematis-Solvendis-Problem-solving-Man-Creativity/dp/9811331006 References https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Habituation https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/2024/miami-grand-prix/results https://www.unsw.edu.au/newsroom/news/2018/06/a-winning-formula--new-professor-of-practice-richard-hopkins https://www.abc.net.au/contentsales/programsandgenres/life-9/13962452 https://studylib.net/doc/8167692/the-test-for-creative-thinking---drawing-production https://www.amazon.co.uk/Against-Gods-Remarkable-Story-Risk/dp/0471295639 Say Hello to the Occupational Philosophers www.occupationalphilosophers.com Their day jobs: JOHN: www.bowlandconsulting.com SIMON: www.simonbanks.com.au SIMON SHOWREEL: https://youtu.be/YZQdJI6qGvg
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    1 h y 28 m
  • Ep.93 Inbetweeners - I smell coffee when I see blue. What's happening?
    Jul 3 2024

    In this short, sharp inbetweener episode The Occupational Philosophers explore Synesthesia...when senses get their wires crossed...

    Amongst other things, they discuss:

    • How artists notice the world through multiple senses
    • What happens when different senses blend together
    • How does synesthesia affect how Pharrell Williams composes music?
    • Why we should listen to our 'gut brain' more often
    • What does Billy Joel smell when he plays piano?

    The Occupational Philosophers hope you enjoy the show!

    FYI: The Inbetweeners episodes are just that - smaller episodes 'in between' the longer format episodes designed to give a little kickstart to enable you to be the most curious, creative and imaginative cat you can be - and have some fun in the process

    Say 'Hello'...

    www.occupationalphilosophers.com

    Their day jobs

    • JOHN: https://www.bowlandconsulting.com
    • SIMON: www.simonbanks.com.au
    • SIMON SHOWREEL: https://youtu.be/YZQdJI6qGvg

    Get in touch

    letschat@simonbanks.com.au

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    13 m
  • Ep.92 - Guest episode with Dr Diane Hamilton: Speaker, 5 x Author, Behavioural Expert and creator of the Curiosity Code
    Jun 18 2024
    Behavioral Expert, Author, Speaker and Curiosity Guru!

    Dr Diane Hamilton is an expert in curiosity, perception, emotional intelligence, and behavioural science with nearly four decades of real-world experience and creator of the Curiosity Code Index®, the Perception Power Index, and the author of five books sold worldwide.

    She is a thought leader in the fields of leadership, sales, marketing, management, engagement, personality, curiosity, perception, and motivation and is known for increasing engagement, improving productivity and reducing conflict.

    Thinkers50 Radar, considered the Academy Awards for Leadership, chose her as one of the top minds in management and leadership. She was named to Global Leaders Today’s list of top leaders along with Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Richard Branson, and Sheryl Sandberg. LeadersHum included her on their list of 200 Biggest Voices in Leadership and in the Top 10 Most Powerful Women Leaders in HR.

    (Pretty impressive hey...)

    In this episode they explore

    • How curiosity is the spark to creativity, motivation, innovation and just about everything
    • Why fear, assumptions, technology and the environment we operate in are the factors which inhibit our curiosity
    • What organisations can do to foster a culture of curiosity
    • How curiosity breaks down ‘status quo’ thinking
    • Why curiosity is the foundation of empathy
    • Why making sure you are not the smartest person in the room will accelerate your learning and curiosity
    • What will unlock curiosity in your teams
    • How to ensure you don’t suffer the same FATE as Kodak
    • Just how much Diane loves history…..!

    Learn more about Dr Diane

    • https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdianehamilton/
    • https://drdianehamilton.com/
    • https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cracking-Curiosity-Code-Unlocking-Potential/dp/164237346X

    References and show notes

    • https://time.com/6837166/iris-apfel-dead-age-102-fashion-icon
    • https://ian-leslie.com/curious
    • https://www.waterstones.com/book/elon-musk/walter-isaacson/9781398527492
    • https://variety.com/2024/digital/news/george-carlin-ai-generated-comedy-special-1235868315/#!
    • https://www.charitywater.org/uk/about/scott-harrison-story
    • https://davidepstein.com/range/

    Say Hello to the Occupational Philosophers

    www.occupationalphilosophers.com

    Their day jobs:

    JOHN: https://www.bowlandconsulting.com/

    SIMON: www.simonbanks.com.au

    SIMON SHOWREEL: https://youtu.be/YZQdJI6qGvg

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    1 h y 16 m
  • Ep.91 Guest episode with Dr Anthony Simcoe: Actor and multi-hyphenate, creative polymath!
    Jun 6 2024
    In Episode 91, The Occupational Philosophers chat with Dr. Anthony Simcoe, a multi-hyphenate, creative polymath! He is as comfortable on stage as he is in infrastructure projects in leadership, interpersonal and communication skills, and organisational culture. He is an Australian actor, a graduate of the National Institute of Dramatic Arts in Sydney and has appeared in over 20 TV shows and films including everything from A Country Practice to The Inbetweeners Movie 2…! He is widely adored for his portrayal of Steve Kerrigan in the 1997 film The Castle and Ka D'Argo in the science fiction television series Farscape He was nominated for a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Television Series in 2002 for his work on the show. He holds a MFA specialising in Actor Training and has taught for NIDA, as well as teaching and directing at various other institutions including QUT. But that’s not all! He has a doctorate in creative industries, organisational storytelling and knowledge management, which enables him to create engaging, lively, and dynamic learning spaces where adults are challenged and inspired. As a multi-hyphenate, with over 15 years of experience in training and coaching, Anthony is the company owner of a Consulting firm that links human potential to outstanding business results. Anthony has a global track record of success in assisting his partners to win work in the billions of dollars through his bid coaching services. He has also coached and facilitated top executives, leaders, and teams in various industries and sectors, helping them to improve their communication, influence, and leadership skills. Unsurprisingly, our guest leverages his background in the arts, to bring creativity, innovation, and pragmatism to his work. In this episode, they explore: How AI is changing the creative industry right here, right now!What can you accomplish at the limit of your talent?What Anthony discovered through his Doctorate in Creative IndustriesHow storytelling accelerates learning and knowledge transferWhy great stories help you walk in someone else’s shoesThe art of leadership as demonstrated by Jodie Foster!The advantages of being a polymathWhat is the critical success factor when it comes to curiosity in teams Why you can’t ‘out body language, terrible content’! What a hashtag!What will help you be a leader who inspires your organisation (Hint.. build a bridge to your audience)Whether you should imagine your audience are naked when giving a presentation…Why you should ‘Be like Bowie’ Another hashtag! And as ever, enjoy the Thought Experiments …this time it’s: Film plot in 6 words or less! Learn more about Anthony https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Simcoe https://www.linkedin.com/company/anthony-simcoe-consulting-asc/https://www.anthonysimcoeconsulting.com/ References https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-04-11/discrimination-ruling-mona-ladies-lounge-when-is-exclusion-ok/103690878https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-68384657https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-coming-wave/mustafa-suleyman/michael-bhaskar/9781847927484https://www.waterstones.com/book/leonardo-da-vinci/walter-isaacson/9781471166785 Say Hello to the Occupational Philosophers www.occupationalphilosophers.com Their day jobs: JOHN: https://www.bowlandconsulting.com/ SIMON: www.simonbanks.com.au SIMON SHOWREEL: https://youtu.be/YZQdJI6qGvg
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    1 h y 25 m
  • Ep. 90 - Humility v Hubris v Brumble
    May 13 2024

    In this short, sharp inbetweener episode The Occupational Philosophers explore Humility, and it's Sith brother, Hubris...

    Amongst other things, they discuss:

    • How curiosity needs to be wedded to humility
    • What the Greeks made of humility and why hubris was a crime
    • Why you should listen to your father (Heads up Icarus!)
    • What is an 'Idea Baby' and why you need to let your baby be called ugly
    • How humility fuels learning and listening
    • What's a 'brumble'? And why is Linkedin full of them?
    • And finally, Simon and John are shocked, awed and humbled to be hosting a Top 10 (%) podcast....

    The Occupational Philosophers hope you enjoy the show!

    FYI: The Inbetweeners episodes are just that - smaller episodes 'in between' the longer format episodes designed to give a little kickstart to enable you to be the most curious, creative and imaginative cat you can be - and have some fun in the process

    Say 'Hello'...

    www.occupationalphilosophers.com

    Their day jobs

    • JOHN: https://www.bowlandconsulting.com/
    • SIMON: www.simonbanks.com.au
    • SIMON SHOWREEL: https://youtu.be/YZQdJI6qGvg

    Get in touch

    letschat@simonbanks.com.au

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    12 m
  • Ep. 89 Inbetweeners: Are we living in a VUCA, TUNA or a TURD environment?
    May 6 2024

    Have you been at a business event and someone, with a very serious face, stands on the stage and talks about a VUCA environment? If so, there is help! (and if not, still read on!)

    In this short, sharp inbetweener episode The Occupational Philosophers dive into the world of acronyms used to describe the current business environment/s we are in.

    Amongst other things, they explore:

    • What does VUCA mean?
    • Why are all VUCA speakers so serious?
    • What happens if you are VUCA'd?
    • Why do people who speak about a TUNA environment seem happier?
    • Will a TURD environment ever catch on?
    • And seriously, (yes there was a moment), is it time to be a little more positive in the way we look at the world?
    • What the acronym for the best and worst days may look and sound like

    The Occupational Philosophers hope you enjoy the show!

    FYI: The Inbetweeners episodes are just that - smaller episodes 'in between' the longer format episodes designed to give a little kickstart to enable you to be the most curious, creative and imaginative cat you can be - and have some fun in the process

    Say Hello

    www.occupationalphilosophers.com

    Their day jobs

    • JOHN: https://www.bowlandconsulting.com/
    • SIMON: www.simonbanks.com.au
    • SIMON SHOWREEL: https://youtu.be/YZQdJI6qGvg

    Get in touch

    letschat@simonbanks.com.au

    Más Menos
    13 m
  • Ep.88: Guest episode with Friska Wirya - Top 50 Change Management Thought Leader | TEDx Speaker | #1 Best-Selling Author
    Apr 23 2024

    In episode 88, The Occupational Philosophers chat with Friska Wirya: Top 50 Change Management Thought Leader | TEDx Speaker | #1 Best-Selling Author "The Future Fit Organisation"

    Friska is a change and transformation expert for nearly a decade, obsessed with all things organisational change. She’s led change programs influencing up to 23,000 people across 6 of the seven continents having worked for some of the biggest names in mining, engineering and technology.

    She has appeared in Sydney Morning Herald, SmartCompany, Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, GRAZIA, AICD, Women's Agenda, Digital Transformation Live, Wonder Women Tech, Future of Mining, Women in Construction & Engineering, Women in Mining & Energy Indonesia

    She is the founder of Fresh by Friska Building the change intelligence of global organisations so change is an advantage, not an Achilles heel.

    In this episode, they explore:

    • The importance of turning contempt into curiosity
    • Why you need both a great tech stack and a people stack
    • Why the opposite of play is disengagement
    • The importance of change in our physical surroundings
    • Swift-Onomics and hearing the words cock blocked and Swift-Onomics in the same sentence
    • Why understanding your personal dress style may be more important than you think
    • How to know when a digital transformation has actually worked - speed, adoption and proficiency
    • If you're not getting the right info, ask!
    • Why we need to watch out for one bed/ten dreams
    • Action creates motivation
    • What a future fit mindset looks and feel like
    • Equestrian riding whilst wearing mankinis

    As always, there are some great thought experiments. This episode it's "Do you have any change?". Friska is also gracious enough to answer some listeners' questions.

    Friska is an absolute delight with a great sense of humour and The Occupational Philosophers hope you enjoy the show

    Meet Friska

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/friska/

    https://www.freshbyfriska.com/

    Book

    https://www.amazon.com.au/Future-Fit-Organisation-Leaders-Transformation/dp/1923007246

    Say Hello to the Occupational Philosophers

    www.occupationalphilosophers.com

    Their day jobs:

    JOHN: https://www.bowlandconsulting.com/

    SIMON: www.simonbanks.com.au

    SIMON SHOWREEL: https://youtu.be/YZQdJI6qGvg

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    1 h y 9 m