Who is our guest?

In this episode, we’re joined by David Marshall and Gareth Philippou from Curious Minds, a team known for helping people and organisations transform how they think, learn and lead. Drawing on backgrounds in design, advertising and organisational development, David and Gareth work with teams of all sizes to unlock creativity, strengthen collaboration and turn fresh ideas into meaningful action.

What do we discuss?

• The difference between creativity and innovation, and why both matter.
• Why creativity is a skill and process, rather than something you are simply born with.
• How organisations can overcome creative imposter syndrome.
• The workplace barriers that stop people from sharing and developing ideas.
• Why psychological safety and trust are essential for creativity.
• How leaders can create the right conditions for teams to think differently.
• Practical frameworks for challenging assumptions and defining problems clearly.
• How creativity can improve engagement, customer experience and business growth.
• Why successful brands such as Netflix, Disney and Apple use creativity to stay relevant.
• How organisations can turn ideas into action instead of leaving them on a whiteboard.

Who is our guest?

In this episode of The Active Code, we explore why diversification has become essential for organisations working in PE, school sport and children’s activity. Steven Brown from JB Sport and Education reflects on the organisation’s 17–18 year journey, sharing how it has grown from core PE, swimming, holiday camps and school sport delivery into a wider education partner. From training and workforce development to enrichment, SEND support, alternative provision and wraparound care, Steven explains how listening to schools, spotting emerging needs and staying committed to quality have shaped the organisation’s evolution.

What do we discuss?

• Why diversification has been key to JB Sport and Education’s growth
• How schools’ needs are changing across PE, sport and wider education
• The importance of listening to customers and understanding real school challenges
• Why alternative provision, enrichment and SEND support are growing areas of need
• How training helps build a highly skilled workforce in PE and school sport
• The importance of testing new ideas carefully before scaling them
• How organisations can grow while staying focused on quality and impact

Who is our guest?

Matt Nowell is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in people management, including roles at EY People Consulting and IBM Consulting. With a deep-rooted passion for sports and its profound impact on leadership and teamwork, Matt has combined his love for physical activity with extensive corporate expertise to foster growth and connection in organisations. His keen interest in behavioural science, understanding how people think, act, and work, has been central to his career trajectory, influencing the way he approaches leadership and organisational challenges.

Having witnessed firsthand how organisations often struggle to bridge strategy with reality, Matt has been a pivotal figure in promoting wellness, collaboration, and effective communication. Currently, at StoryLabs Creative, Matt partners with HR and business leaders to rethink work from the ground up. Using design thinking, storytelling, and operational innovation, he equips organisations with the tools to tackle real challenges, whether it’s improving collaboration, fixing broken ways of working or designing experiences that drive actionable business outcomes.

What do we discuss?

• The importance of collaboration in sports
• Challenges in managing people
• The role of well-being in leadership
• Engaging remote workers
• The impact of technology on leadership
• AI and the future of work
• Physical activity and the younger generation
• The importance of measuring progress
• Generational gaps in the workplace
• Evolving leadership development
• Redefining employee experience
• Measuring outcomes and engagement
• The role of storytelling in leadership
• Beyond surveys: Real-time employee feedback