『Why Curiosity Is the Superpower of the Future』のカバーアート

Why Curiosity Is the Superpower of the Future

Why Curiosity Is the Superpower of the Future

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 Summary: this episode of On the Brink, Andi Simon speaks with Alastair Frost about what it truly means to be future ready in a fast-changing world. Together, they explore how curiosity—asking "why" and "what if" like a child—opens the door to new possibilities, and how reclaiming our natural creativity helps individuals and organizations move beyond comfort and complacency. Rather than trying to predict the future, Frost encourages leaders to focus on what is inevitable and to build the mindset and habits that keep them adaptable, relevant, and ready for whatever comes next. On On the Brink with Andi Simon, we often explore one central question: how do you keep from getting stuck or stalled in a world that refuses to stand still? In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Allister Frost, a former Microsoft executive turned global keynote speaker and author of Ready Already. Alastair brings a refreshing and deeply practical perspective on what it means to be "future ready" in a time when change feels constant, overwhelming, and unpredictable. As an anthropologist, I often remind audiences that humans have always been innovators. When our ancestors harnessed fire, they transformed not only how they ate but how their brains evolved. We are, by nature, adaptive and creative. Yet today, many leaders and organizations behave as if stability is the goal and change is the threat. Allister challenges that thinking. Change Is Not the Enemy—Complacency Is One of the most powerful ideas in our conversation is this: we are not resistant to change because we dislike it. In fact, as a species, we thrive on it. The problem is not change itself—it's comfort. Allister contrasts two corporate mindsets from his career. In one company, the mantra was, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." At Microsoft, the philosophy was closer to: "If it works today, it's already becoming obsolete." That shift—from preservation to proactive reinvention—is at the heart of a future-ready mindset. But here's the nuance: Alastair doesn't ask leaders to predict the future. Instead, he invites them to prepare for what is inevitable. The Power of "Inevitable" Rather than speculating about what the world might look like in 20 years, Alastair suggests focusing on what is almost certain to happen in the near term. Budgets will shift. Technologies will evolve. Customers will change their expectations. Systems that feel new today will eventually become outdated. Leadership will turn over. Markets will fluctuate. If these shifts are inevitable, then the question becomes: are you ready already? This approach feels practical and empowering. It pulls futurism out of the abstract and places it squarely in your hands. The Frost Framework: A Practical Process for Growth Allister has developed what many call the "Frost Framework," a simple but powerful growth cycle that individuals and organizations can use to stay adaptable. At its core, the process begins with identifying what is inevitable and choosing one area to explore. But the real magic happens in what he calls three human "superpowers"—abilities that artificial intelligence cannot replicate at the same depth: Open: Approach your work with childlike curiosity. Ask "Why?" as if you are five years old. Why do we hold this meeting? Why do we serve customers this way? Why does this process exist at all? Curiosity cracks open possibility. Surprise: Give yourself permission to imagine bold, even ridiculous ideas. Most innovations begin as ideas that seem impractical. Let your thinking go big before reality trims it down. Tell: Courageously share your ideas in a way that invites collaboration. Replace "No, that won't work" with "Yes, and…" That simple shift can transform defensive conversations into generative ones. What I particularly appreciate is that this process is personal. It's not about waiting for the CEO to hand down the strategy. It's about each individual reconnecting with their own purpose and creativity. Humility: The Leader's First Step For senior leaders, Allister emphasizes humility. The higher you rise, the easier it is to believe you must have all the answers. In reality, the opposite is true. The future is too complex for any one person to control. A future-ready leader shifts from being a "know-it-all" to being a "learn-it-all." That humility not only relieves pressure—it unlocks collective intelligence across the organization. As I often say, humans are copycats. If leaders model curiosity, openness, and experimentation, others will follow. Reclaiming Your Creative Mind One of the most striking moments in our conversation was when Alastair described how people physically shrink when he mentions creativity. "I'm not creative," they say. But if you can daydream, you are creative. Creativity isn't confined to a whiteboard in a dark conference room. It happens on morning walks, in the quiet moments between sleep and waking, in conversations where someone ...
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