In this enlightening episode of the Super Creativity Podcast, James Taylor interviews Robert Hannigan, former director of GCHQ and author of "Counter-intelligence - What The Secret World Can Teach Us About Problem-Solving and Creativity" Hannigan shares insights from his extensive career in cyber security and intelligence, discussing what the secret world of counterintelligence can teach us about problem solving and creativity. They delve into the history of Bletchley Park, the importance of neurodiversity in intelligence work, and how to foster a creative and effective work environment.
Full show notes and links at https://link.chtbl.com/scp
Key Takeaways:
Creative Problem Solving: Lessons from Bletchley Park on fostering creativity and innovation in high-pressure environments.
Neurodiversity: The critical role of neurodivergent individuals in intelligence and cybersecurity and how organizations can support them.
Team Dynamics: The importance of diverse teams and creative pairs in solving complex problems.
Ethical Discussions: The necessity of open discussions on ethics and politics within intelligence organizations.
Environmental Influence: The impact of the physical and cultural environment on fostering creativity and innovation.
Quotes:
"I was trying to answer the question of how was it that Bletchley Park... created the world's first digital programmable computer." - Robert Hannigan
"Tolerating that kind of eccentricity frankly is one of the interesting challenges for an organization, particularly a company, trying to engender creativity." - Robert Hannigan
"It's really important that people can express any ethical concerns and discuss them and have them addressed." - Robert Hannigan
"The blend of these different types of thinking and ways of looking at the world is massively powerful in creativity." - Robert Hannigan
Timestamps:
[00:09] Introduction to Robert Hannigan and his career highlights.
[01:41] Robert Hannigan discusses his current focus and the fast-changing landscape of cyber security.
[02:16] Insights from Bletchley Park and the ingredients for successful counterintelligence work.
[06:07] The role of neurodiversity and eccentricity in fostering creativity at Bletchley Park.
[10:41] The importance of teamwork and creative pairs in intelligence work.
[13:38] Discussion on the impact of Elizabeth and William Friedman on US codebreaking.
[17:18] The role of neurodiversity at GCHQ and the value of different perspectives.
[20:06] Advice for managing diverse teams in large organizations.
[23:13] Modern equivalents of Bletchley Park’s 'tea parties' and fostering collective problem-solving.
[24:38] Open discussions on ethics and politics within intelligence organizations.
[27:15] Balancing optimism and caution in technology advancements.
[30:33] Robert Hannigan's personal sources of creative inspiration and the importance of the environment.
[32:01] Recommended reading for those interested in creativity and innovation.
[34:02] Conclusion and where to learn more about Robert Hannigan and his work.
https://link.chtbl.com/scp
Sam Dixon, Chief Innovation Officer of law firm Womblebond Dickinson, discusses the role of AI in the legal profession and the challenges of driving innovation in a traditional industry. He shares his journey from online retail to law and how he became involved in innovation. Dixon explains the different applications of AI in the legal sector, such as document automation and machine learning for document review. He also discusses the buy vs. build argument and the potential impact of AI on pricing and billing in law firms. Dixon emphasizes the importance of developing social intelligence and complex problem-solving skills to remain relevant in the evolving legal landscape.
Takeaways
Generative AI is a major focus in the legal profession, with applications in document automation and machine learning for document review.
Law firms need to strike a balance between buying and building AI tools, leveraging existing software and integrating different systems.
The role of lawyers is evolving, and skills such as social intelligence and complex problem-solving are becoming increasingly important.
The pricing and billing models in law firms may need to adapt to incorporate the use of AI tools and technologies.
Creating a culture of innovation is crucial in law firms, where traditional mindsets and billable hours can hinder progress.
Sound Bites
"Generative AI is able to do a lot of that work without the need for lots and lots of examples."
"The key for me is creating that culture of innovation where it is part of the conversation and where people are enabled to suggest ideas and implement ideas."
"I don't think lawyers need to be coders. I mean, query in the modern world of low and no code, how much coders need to be coders?"
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Sam Dixon and Womblebond Dickinson
03:33 Focus on Restructuring in Commercial Law
06:17 Applications of AI in the Legal Profession
08:06 Overcoming Resistance to Innovation in Law Firms
09:56 Two-Tier Approach to Innovation
11:56 Deciding Between Buy and Build in AI Adoption
15:23 Impact of AI on Pricing and Billing in Law Firms
22:04 Exploring the Potential of Data Licensing
24:52 Parallels Between AI in Law and Music
28:09 The Changing Role of Lawyers in the AI Era
30:00 Using Generative AI as a Sounding Board
31:53 Book Recommendation: Superintelligence by Nick Bostrom
Bio
Sam is the Chief Innovation Officer of law firm Womble Bond Dickinson in the UK. He is also a practising lawyer in the firm's restructuring team. His innovation journey started in online retail in the early 2000s and led him to law via a brief detour through the world of DJing.
John Craske, the director of innovation at CMS, discusses the firm's AI strategy and the role of innovation in the legal industry. He emphasizes the importance of fostering a culture of curiosity and experimentation. The firm has implemented an innovation department and introduced innovation hours to encourage employees to pursue their ideas. Craske believes that AI can enhance the efficiency of legal work and sees opportunities for collaboration between humans and machines. He also highlights the need for foundational legal skills and human skills like empathy and creativity.
Takeaways
Fostering a culture of curiosity and experimentation is crucial for innovation in the legal industry.
Implementing an innovation department and introducing innovation hours can encourage employees to pursue their ideas.
AI can enhance the efficiency of legal work, but collaboration between humans and machines is essential.
Foundational legal skills and human skills like empathy and creativity are still valuable in the age of AI.
Sound Bites
"We're using our computers more like electronic typewriters for many years."
"Innovation hours are like seed funding for ideas."
"AI has captured the imagination of people in a way that lots of other technology has never had."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to John Craske and his role at CMS
03:04 The Development of Innovation Departments in Law Firms
06:44 Overcoming the Tension between Billable Hours and Innovation
09:26 Building a Team and Aligning Innovation with Firm Strategy
12:08 The Opportunities and Challenges of AI in the Legal Industry
15:23 The Importance of Human Skills in the Age of AI
27:23 Final Quickfire Questions
Bio
John Craske is responsible for the innovation and knowledge functions at CMS, with the aim of helping their clients and business to work smarter: to find the right balance between client satisfaction, cost effectiveness, profitability and opportunities for our people. He leads their dynamic Legal Innovation, Legal Operations and Project Management, Legal Tech, Managed Legal Services and Knowledge teams. He's passionate about fostering a culture of innovation and encouraging people to be curious, ask questions and experiment. John is currently leading our firmwide AI strategy as tjeu look to use AI to supercharge our digital transformation programme. He regularly works with clients (and others in the legal industry) to help design / implement practical (and innovative) solutions to their challenges.
JD Meier, high performance and innovation coach, discusses his focus on using AI to advance high performance and change how the world innovates. He emphasizes the power of one person businesses to impact and influence a billion minds. Meier shares his two-track transformation model for innovation, which involves sustaining innovation in the current business while also working on disruptive innovation for the future. He also highlights the importance of productivity and offers strategies such as setting three wins each day and reflecting on weekly achievements.
Takeaways
AI can be used to advance high performance and enhance senses
One person businesses have the power to impact and influence a billion minds
The two-track transformation model involves sustaining innovation in the current business while working on disruptive innovation for the future
Productivity strategies include setting three wins each day and reflecting on weekly achievements
Sound Bites
"I'm all about trying to use AI to advance high performance"
"I call it billion dollar solopreneur, not because you're going to make a billion dollars, but it's about impacting and influencing a billion minds"
"You have your current business, which is your current business model... and then you have your future business model"
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
05:07 The Billion Dollar Solopreneur
08:58 The Two-Track Transformation Approach
15:03 Improving Productivity with Three Wins and Reflection
31:07 Conclusion
Biography
JD Meier is a High Performance & Innovation Coach who has 25 years of experience changing the world at Microsoft. JD was the former head coach for Satya Nadella's innovation team at Microsoft and is also the author of the bestselling book Getting Results the Agile Way. His WHY is to advance human potential and to help people realise their potential in work and life while his specialty is to provide proven practices combined with information models to advance a space. People at Microsoft know JD for innovation, productivity, and changing the world because he always took on big challenges and moved the ball forward.
Professor Sir David Omand, former UK security and intelligence coordinator, shares insights from his book 'How Spies Think: 10 Lessons in Intelligence'. He discusses the importance of critical thinking, the SEES model used by intelligence analysts, and the role of creativity in decision-making. He also explores the impact of biases, the Bayesian approach to probability, and the challenges of decision-making in high-stress environments. Omand emphasizes the need for diversity of thought and expertise, especially in the face of emerging technologies like AI and biotechnology. He concludes with the importance of ethical decision-making and recommends the book 'The Three-Body Problem' by Cixin Liu.
Takeaways
Developing critical thinking skills is crucial for making better decisions and avoiding biases.
The SEES model (Situational Awareness, Explanation, Estimate, Strategic Notice) provides a framework for intelligence analysis.
Creativity plays a role in intelligence work, particularly in finding innovative ways to uncover secrets and address challenges.
Understanding biases and creating a safe space for diverse perspectives is essential for effective decision-making.
Emerging technologies like AI and biotechnology require careful consideration and preparedness for potential risks.
Ethical decision-making is important, and doing what is genuinely believed to be the right thing provides a solid defense.
Sound Bites
"We have a polluted information environment, which AI, I'm afraid, adds to with the ability to make deep fakes and to provide misleading information."
"You can spot trends in technology, international affairs, domestic affairs and social attitudes, and then have the imagination to say, well, if that were to happen, what would it look like?"
"The Reverend Bayes was an 18th century cleric in Tunbridge Wells, and he amateur mathematician. And he came across this rule, which we call Bayes rule named after him, which essentially relates the likelihood of something happening to which you've worked out to how you should then recalculate that likelihood when new evidence arrives."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background of Sir David Omand
02:32 The Polluted Information Environment and AI
06:18 The Bayesian Approach to Probability
09:00 The Importance of Explanation in Intelligence Analysis
11:34 The Role of Creativity in Intelligence Work
15:34 Navigating Biases and Creating a Safe Space for Decision-Making
23:29 Teamwork and Decision-Making in High-Stress Environments
25:25 The Importance of Expertise in Crisis Management
29:23 Preparing for the Challenges of Emerging Technologies
32:09 Ethical Decision-Making and Doing What Is Right
Named as “one of the most creative people in business” by Fast Company, Debbie Millman is a designer, author, educator, curator and host of the podcast “Design Matters,” one of the world’s first and longest running podcasts. In the 16 years since its inception, “Design Matters” has garnered a Cooper Hewitt National Design Award, six Webby nominations, and an Apple Podcasts “best overall podcast” designation. In 2009 Debbie co-founded with Steven Heller the world’s first graduate program in branding at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. Her writing and illustrations have appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, New York Magazine, Print Magazine, Design Observer and Fast Company. She is the author of seven books, including her latest, Why Design Matters, a book she describes as ‘a love letter to creativity, a testament to the power of curiosity. It features nearly 60 interviews curated from her podcast show with guests including Brené Brown, Tim Ferriss, Anne Lamott, Seth Godin, Malcolm Gladwell, David Byrne and Maria Popova. These conversations explore what it means to design a creative life, the creative process, dealing with rejection, and the relationship between humanity and creativity. Welcome to the SuperCreativity Podcast Debbie Millman.
Being an effective leader in a post-pandemic world goes beyond being good at what you do; it requires balancing empathy with accountability. In The New Leadership Playbook, self-leadership coach Andrew Bryant provides a practical guide to being human and understanding people, whilst simultaneously driving for accelerated results. For nearly 25 years Andrew Bryant has been transforming individuals and organizations with his Self-Leadership Methodology and has delivered training, coaching and keynotes on five continents in 20+ Countries to 200,000+ Executives.
My guest today says that in order to understand ourselves and the world we need science and intuition, reason and imagination. Dr. Iain McGilchrist is a psychiatrist, neuroscience researcher, philosopher, and literary scholar. He is a Quondam Fellow of All Souls College, Oxford, an Associate Fellow of Green Templeton College, Oxford, a Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, and a former Consultant Psychiatrist and Clinical Director at the Bethlem Royal & Maudsley Hospital, London. He is the author of a number of books but is best known for The Master and his Emissary: The Divided Brain and the Making of the Western World. In his latest book The Matter With Things he argues that we have become enslaved to an account of things dominated by the brain’s left hemisphere, one that blinds us to an awe-inspiring reality that is all around us.
Peter Newell is a nationally recognized innovation expert whose work is transforming how the government and other large organizations compete and drive growth.
He is the CEO of BMNT, a Palo Alto-based innovation consultancy and early-stage technology incubator that helps solve some of the hardest real-world problems in national security, state and local governments, and beyond. He is also a founder and co-author, with Lean Startup founder Steve Blank, of Hacking for Defense (H4D)®, an academic program that engages students to solve critical national security problems and gain crucial problem-solving experience while performing a national service. Pete is a retired US Army colonel who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. From 2010 through 2013 he was the Director of the US Army’s Rapid Equipping Force (REF) charged with rapidly finding, integrating and employing solutions to emerging problems faced in the battlefield. This experience gave him a unique perspective on how to anticipate competitive challenges and head them off quickly, whether on the battlefield or in the board room.
Dr. Alison Hawks is the CEO of BMNT, Ltd and Executive Director of the Common Mission Project in the UK, and a recognized expert in military strategy and sociology. Ali was previously the Director of Research of the Section 809 Panel, a US congressionally mandated commission tasked with streamlining and codifying defense acquisition. She was a Lecturer at King’s College London, Defence Studies Department, Assistant Professor at the School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University, and is currently a Visiting Research Fellow at the School of Security Studies, King’s College London. She has also taught at Brunel University and the Department of War Studies, King’s College London. Her doctorate thesis was in military sociology and Ali received her Ph.D. from the Department of War Studies, King’s College London, and her MA in Strategic Studies from the University of Leeds. She holds a BA in Political Sciences from the University of California, San Diego. Welcome to the SuperCreativity podcast Alison Hawks…
Many large companies today have begun to adopt the principles of Lean Startup, a methodology first adopted among Silicon Valley tech startups in order to become more innovative and agile in implementing new products, services and business models. However large corporations are not just bigger versions of startups. My guest today, Jim Euchner has studied how the Lean Startup concept can be applied to innovation within established businesses and has shared his findings in a new book called 'Lean Startup In Large Organisations'. Jim was Vice President of Global Innovation at Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, where he led the development of new businesses and incubated and launched five businesses on three continents. Prior to his work at Goodyear, Jim held positions as Vice President of Growth Strategy and Innovation at Pitney Bowes, Inc. and Vice President, Network Systems Advanced Technology at Bell Atlantic (now Verizon). Today his is Editor in Chief at the Research-Technology Management journal, Honorary Professor at Aston University in the UK, a member of the Scientific Advisory Council for the Nissan autonomous vehicle program and a co-founder of the MIT Innovation Laboratory, a consortium of companies interested in user and community innovation.
Innovations rarely come from “experts". When it comes to improbable innovations, one legendary tech Venture capitalist told my guest today that the future cannot be predicted, it can only be discovered. Sebastian Mallaby is the Paul Volcker Senior Fellow in International Economics at the Council on Foreign Relations and a Washington Post columnist. In his new book The Power Law - Venture Capital and the Art of Disruption, he has parlayed unprecedented access to the most celebrated venture capitalists of all time—the key figures at Sequoia, Kleiner Perkins, Accel, Benchmark, and Andreessen Horowitz, as well as Chinese partnerships such as Qiming and Capital Today—into a riveting blend of storytelling and analysis that unfurls the history of tech incubation, in Silicon Valley and ultimately worldwide.
Whether you’ve launched your own e-commerce endeavor, built your own professional services firm, sold online courses or membership programs, or are just itching to flex your entrepreneurial muscles, starting a small business – a company with 20 employees or fewer – is a rewarding way to earn a living and get creative. In Elaine Pofeldt’s new book ‘Tiny Business, Big Money’ she reveals the strategies for creating a high-revenue microbusiness. In it, she reveals insightful profiles of nearly 60 micro-businesses that hit $1 million in annual revenue including 49 that hit seven figures with either no payroll or very small teams. Elaine is a journalist specializing in entrepreneurship and is also the author of The Million-Dollar, One-Person Business. Her work has appeared in CNBC, Fortune, Forbes, Money, and the Tim Ferriss Show
David Schonthal is an award-winning Professor of Strategy, Innovation & Entrepreneurship at the Kellogg School of Management where he teaches courses on new venture creation, design thinking, healthcare innovation, and creativity. Along with his colleague Loran Nordgren, David is one of the originators of Friction Theory – a ground-breaking methodology that explains why even the most promising innovations and change initiatives often struggle to gain traction with their intended audiences – and what to do about it. This work is popularized in David’s bestselling new book, The Human Element: Overcoming the Resistance That Awaits New Ideas.
Without creativity, there is no business. That is an idea that has guided Cirque du Soleil Executive Vice-Chairman Daniel Lamarre as he helped grow and pilot a billion-dollar business through stormy waters. In his new book ‘Balancing Acts‘, Daniel shares what it takes for anyone, regardless of position or industry, to embrace the value of creative leadership. Because Cirque du Soleil is an unusual business. It has no physical products, no factories or inventory, no pricey real estate. Instead, they have something far more valuable: the limitless creativity that springs from the minds, hearts, and bodies of their artists. Welcome to SuperCreativity Podcast, Daniel Lamarre.
Fredrik Haren is The Creativity Explorer. He has spent the last 25 years traveling the world to learn as much as he can about human creativity. He is the author of ten books – including “the idea book” which was included in “the 100 best business books of all time” and Fredrik has been invited to speak more than 2000 times in 70 countries on 5 continents. As The Creativity Explorer, he aims to discover more about human creativity, be it from innovators in Silicon Valley or nomads in the desert of Mongolia. His latest project is a novel, published on Penguin, called “The Unvisible” about an invisible human race living next to us.
– Where did the idea for the book come from? (a dream)
– How did you approach writing fiction after many years and success writing non-fiction?
Where did the ideas in the book come from (subconscious)?
– What is the difference between writing fiction and non-fiction
– The ability to listen to your subconscious for ideas
– Taking time off to focus on your most valuable ideas
The creative process
– The value of doing something very different from what you know