Shows
Sticky: Stories That StickThe Wisdom of Not Knowing: Alan Gregerman on Turning Ignorance Into InnovationAlan Gregerman is President and Chief Innovation Officer at VENTURE WORKS, a consulting, training, and learning firm that helps organizations drive innovation and develop new products, services, and strategies. He is an internationally recognized expert, bestselling author, and keynote speaker focused on helping companies unlock the genius within their people. With decades of experience advising organizations globally, he is known for his work on curiosity, collaboration, and breakthrough thinking that leads to measurable business results. In this episode: What if the very thing you've been taught to avoid — ignorance — is actually the key to innovation? In a w...
2026-04-0752 min
The Selling ShowThe Wisdom of Ignorance with Alan GregermanAlan talks about his new book, "The Wisdom of Ignorance: Why Not Knowing Can Be the Key to Innovation", being humble, six essential skills, and much more! Alan Gregerman is an award-winning author, business advisor, and teacher. His writing and consulting work focuses on helping companies and organizations create winning strategies and more remarkable products, services, and customer experiences by unlocking the genius in all of their people. Alan is the author of two previous books, Surrounded by Geniuses and Lessons from the Sandbox. He lives in the Washington DC area with his family.
2026-04-0233 min
GET KIDS TO PLAY - powered by SportzVillageWhy The World Needs PlayWhat if the greatest lessons in life were never taught in a classroom?Join Vijay and Saumil on the Get Kids to Play podcast as Hall of Famer and Stanford psychologist Dr. George Selleck and award-winning author Dr. Alan Gregerman make the case for a world where every child gets to play, grow, and discover who they truly are — and why adults might be the ones standing in the way.0:00 - Introduction1:45 - Reimagining sport: The idea and why now2:07 - The Thomas More quote that started it all4:04 - We need to...
2026-03-3128 min
The Positively Altered PodcastEpisode #77: The Power of Productive Ignorance with Dr. Alan GregermanEpisode #77: The Power of Productive Ignorance with Dr. Alan Gregerman
What if ignorance wasn’t a weakness, but a starting point for growth? In this episode, Dr. Cindy talks with innovation expert and author Alan Gregerman about why original thinking starts when we step outside our routines, stay curious, and connect with people who see the world differently. They explore the value of strangers, the danger of self-imposed limits, and how fresh eyes can lead to breakthrough ideas. Alan also shares his remarkable recovery after a major stroke and the mindset that helped him keep mov...
2026-03-2739 min
The Impostor Syndrome FilesThe Wisdom of IgnoranceIn this episode of The Impostor Syndrome Files, we explore a counterintuitive but empowering idea: what if not knowing something is not a weakness but an advantage? My guest this week is Alan Gregerman, innovation consultant and author of The Wisdom of Ignorance. He invites us to rethink impostor syndrome by viewing not knowing as the very thing that fuels creativity, innovative thinking and meaningful change.Alan argues that breakthroughs are far more likely when we approach problems with humility, curiosity and a willingness to see the world with new eyes. He encourages his clients...
2026-02-2433 min
Whiskey, Jazz and LeadershipThe Wisdom of Ignorance: How to Innovate and Start Something Great with Alan Gregerman (Part 2)In Part 2 of this two-part episode of Whiskey, Jazz & Leadership, host Galen Bingham continues his fascinating conversation with Alan Gregerman, globally recognized innovation expert and author of The Wisdom of Ignorance: Why Not Knowing Can Be the Key to Innovation in an Uncertain World. Known as the "Robin Williams of Consulting," Alan dives deeper into the power of curiosity, the importance of starting—even with a terrible idea—and how enlightened ignorance can lead to breakthroughs in business and life.
Alan shares practical strategies for fostering innovation within organizations, including how to unlock the genius of ne...
2026-02-2028 min
Vision Pros Live PodcastSmart Leaders Stop Chasing Ideas and Do This Instead Ft. Alan GregermanMost organizations believe innovation begins with ideas.But the smartest leaders know that’s not where real breakthroughs start.In this live episode of Vision Pros Live, Alan Gregerman joins us for a conversation that challenges conventional thinking about innovation, leadership, and growth.If you’re tired of chasing strategies that don’t create momentum, this episode will reframe how you approach leadership at every level.
2026-02-1853 min
Whiskey, Jazz and LeadershipThe Wisdom of Ignorance: Unlocking Innovation with Alan Gregerman (Part 1)In Part 1 of this two-part episode of Whiskey, Jazz & Leadership, host Galen Bingham sits down with Alan Gregerman, renowned innovation expert and author of The Wisdom of Ignorance: Why Not Knowing Can Be the Key to Innovation in an Uncertain World. Known as the "Robin Williams of Consulting," Alan brings his unique energy and perspective to a conversation about curiosity, creativity, and the power of fresh ideas.
Alan shares his journey from a curious kid with a world atlas to becoming one of the leading voices in innovation. He explains why travel, collaboration, and embracing what you...
2026-02-1727 min
The Relentless Pursuit of Winning PodcastHow the Wisdom of Ignorance Builds Real Innovation Alan Gregerman🔥 Excerpt "The less I know about something, the more I can create a breakthrough." ⚡ TL;DR Alan Gregerman explains how innovation is fueled not by having all the answers, but by knowing where certainty limits progress. We explore curiosity, fast experimentation, leadership humility, and how founders can build innovation systems that stay relevant as the future unfolds. 📄 Show Notes Wisdom of Ignorance is not about lacking intelligence. It is about recognizing that real innovation often begins where certainty ends. In this conversation, Alan Gregerman reframes what it means to lead, bu...
2026-01-0650 min
The Inner EntrepreneurHow Leaders Stay Relevant in an Ever Changing World - Alan Gregerman # 155In this episode, Alan Gregerman challenges one of the most deeply held assumptions in business and leadership: that more knowledge always leads to better outcomes. Drawing on decades of experience working with organisations around the world, Alan explains why expertise can sometimes trap leaders inside old assumptions—and why real breakthroughs often come from not knowing. Rather than glorifying failure, he reframes innovation as a process of learning: testing ideas early, listening to customers, refining quickly, and staying humble enough to adapt as the world changes.
The discussion explores why most innovation isn’t about originality, but abou...
2026-01-0149 min
The Audacious Living PodcastCuriosity Over Expertise — Alan Gregerman | Audacious Living🔥 What if not knowing is your greatest advantage?This episode delivers personal growth insights, bold conversations that inspire action, and real-world innovation wisdom you can use immediately.🎙 Episode SummaryIn this powerful conversation, Audley sits down with innovation thinker Alan Gregerman to explore why curiosity, humility, and openness matter more than expertise in a fast-changing world. Alan challenges the fear of uncertainty and reframes ignorance as a catalyst for creativity, connection, and progress. Together, they unpack what it truly means to live audaciously when the future is unknown and how divers...
2025-12-2449 min
One Starfish with Angela BradfordInnovation consultant with Alan GregermanMeet Alan Gregerman, keynote speaker, award winning author, innovation guide, and community volunteer and he is on a mission to help people, companies, and organizations unlock their genius to solve important challenges, create and capture remarkable new opportunities, and make a compelling difference. It is a mission based on his work with over 350 leading companies and organizations globally and a proven, more accessible, and more fearless formula for innovating and achieving real results in a world changing super-fast. Alan's upcoming book, “The Wisdom of Ignorance: Why Not Knowing Can Be the Key to Innovation in an Uncertain Wor...
2025-12-2226 min
Partnering Leadership425 How to Build a Culture of Innovation That Actually Works with Alan GregermanIn this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli is joined by Alan Gregerman, innovation advisor and author of The Wisdom of Ignorance: Why Not Knowing Can Be the Key to Innovation in an Uncertain World. Gregerman has spent his career helping organizations rethink what expertise is, how innovation really happens, and why the answers leaders rely on can quietly become their biggest obstacles.Alan’s core argument is simple but uncomfortable: what leaders don’t know matters more than what they do know. In a world defined by rapid change, shifting customer expectations, and new competitors emerging from...
2025-12-1650 min
The Hustle Rebellion#188: Alan Gregerman on Why Curiosity Is Your Most Undervalued Advantage
"We would change all of our businesses tomorrow"
In this engaging conversation, Alan Gregerman shares his insights on managing stress, the importance of innovation, and his unique approach to consulting. He emphasises the need for curiosity and connection in business, drawing from his personal experiences and challenges, including a life-altering stroke.
Alan's new book, 'The Wisdom of Ignorance,' explores how not knowing can lead to breakthroughs and innovation. He encourages listeners to embrace their curiosity and seek inspiration from diverse sources to drive their success.
Takeaways...
2025-12-0938 min
B.O.O.S.T. PodcastAlan Gregerman on the Power of Not Knowing | EP164What if not knowing was the key to unlocking your next big idea? In this energizing episode, award-winning author and keynote speaker, Alan Gregerman, explores the power of curiosity, humility, and the wisdom of ignorance. Alan shares how embracing what we don’t know can spark creativity, deepen connection, and lead to breakthrough innovation especially in a world that’s changing faster than ever. Whether you're leading a team, building a brand, or navigating change, this episode will challenge your assumptions and inspire fresh thinking.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-gregerman-a33b236/ Website...
2025-12-0416 min
foHRsight: HR, Leadership & the Future of WorkThe Wisdom of Ignorance with Guest Alan GregermanIn this week’s episode, Mark Edgar connects with author and business consultant Alan Gregerman who shares insights from his latest book “The Wisdom of Ignorance”. Alan provides his perspective on the dynamic world of work and what organizations should be doing to prepare their people to identify new and innovative approaches.He shares the six skills tied to “not knowing” that can be used to help navigate uncertainty and create breakthroughs. They include being purposeful, curiosity, humility, respect, being future focused and being paranoid!You can learn more about Alan’s work here:https://al...
2025-12-0440 min
Scholar ScoopUnlocking Your Genius: Alan Gregerman on Curiosity, Purpose, and Why Ignorance Can Be Your SuperpowerWhat if the key to your success isn’t what you already know, but what you don’t know yet? In this inspiring episode of Scholar Scoop, host Steve Loflin sits down with bestselling author, consultant, and innovation expert Alan Gregerman. They talk about what it really means to unlock your genius, no matter your age, major, or background.Alan shares powerful insights from his books Surrounded by Geniuses and The Wisdom of Ignorance, explaining why curiosity, humility, and embracing the unknown are essential skills for students, parents, and professionals navigating an unpredictable world.In this...
2025-12-0236 min
Narrative VoicesThe Wisdom of Ignorance: Innovation with Alan GregermanTakeaways: Alan Gregerman's concept of enlightened ignorance emphasizes that not knowing can be a strength in innovation. The Wisdom of Ignorance challenges the belief that expertise is always necessary for breakthrough ideas. Curiosity is an innate human trait that can unlock new ways of thinking and problem-solving. Leaders often struggle with connecting their organization's purpose to individual roles in achieving success. Innovation should not only come from experts but can emerge from anyone willing to ask questions and explore. The book highlights six traits crucial for unlocking innovation: purpose, humility, curiosity, respect, future focus, and a touch of...
2025-11-1933 min
The Optimal Life476. Alan Gregerman :: Complacency KillsAlan Gregerman is an innovation expert, bestselling author, keynote speaker, and community volunteer who authored the book, "The Wisdom of Ignorance." Learn more at https://alangregerman.com
2025-11-1430 min
Mastering Tech GrowthWhy Founders Who Admit ‘I Don’t Know’ Will Win the AI Race — Alan GregermanStop hoarding expertise. Start unlocking growth with real curiosity.Most tech teams trust expertise. Leaders build, iterate, and launch what they “know”—but 8 out of 10 startups fail because experts don’t check if buyers want the solution. As expertise grows, so does risk: teams build in isolation, decisions loop inside closed rooms, and market changes pass by unseen.Now, you flip the script. Winning founders lead with curiosity and humility. They ask great questions, engage real customers, and spend one day a month outside the office. Instead of perfecting the answ...
2025-11-051h 14
Trailblazers & TitansEnlightened Ignorance: A New Paradigm for BusinessThe central theme of today's discussion revolves around the concept articulated in Alan Gregerman's latest publication, "The Wisdom of Ignorance," which posits that embracing ignorance, or what he terms "enlightened ignorance," may serve as a pivotal asset in our rapidly evolving world. This perspective challenges the prevailing notion that expertise is the sole path to innovation, suggesting instead that the absence of preconceived answers can lead to remarkable breakthroughs. Throughout our dialogue, Alan elucidates a six-part framework emphasizing traits such as purpose, curiosity, humility, respect, future focus, and a degree of paranoia, all of which are instrumental in unlocking...
2025-11-0233 min
The Talent Forge: Shaping Workforce Behaviors with Jay JohnsonHow To Lead When You Don’t Know: Innovation, Engagement, & Psychological Safety with Alan GregermanWhat if admitting “I don’t know” is the most powerful leadership move you can make? We sit down with innovation consultant and author Alan Gregerman to unpack the “wisdom of ignorance” and why certainty can quietly sink companies while curiosity keeps them alive. From Kmart and Blockbuster to the next disruptor waiting in a garage, we trace how organizations lose relevance—and how to build the habits that keep you learning faster than the market shifts.Alan shares practical scripts leaders can use to normalize not knowing, create psychological safety, and invite teams into co-creation. We get specific...
2025-10-3145 min
Effort Over Results Podcast | Supporting Leaders in All Walks of Life - One Episode at a TimeEp. 048 Why Ignorance is a Superpower - Alan Gregerman🎙️ Effort Over Results Podcast — with Alan Gregerman
In this episode of the Effort Over Results Podcast, host Quinn Magnuson sits down with Alan Gregerman — innovation expert, keynote speaker, and author of The Wisdom of Ignorance: Why Not Knowing Can Be the Key to Innovation in an Uncertain World and Lessons from the Sandbox: Using the 13 Gifts of Childhood to Rediscover the Keys to Business Success.
Alan challenges leaders to rethink certainty, rediscover curiosity, and use “productive not-knowing” as a tool for breakthrough innovation and human connection.
In this conversation, we explore:
Why “not know...
2025-10-211h 01
Marketing in the Age of AICuriosity, Humility & AI: Unlocking Innovation with Alan Gregerman 💡🤖🎧 Episode Overview: In this episode of Marketing in the Age of AI, host Emanuel Rose sits down with Alan Gregerman, author of The Wisdom of Ignorance, to explore how curiosity and humility drive creativity and innovation in an AI-powered world. From rethinking how we engage customers to understanding the balance between human ingenuity and machine intelligence, this conversation dives deep into the mindset needed to thrive in times of rapid change.📚 What You’ll Learn:How “embracing ignorance” can spark breakthrough ideas 💥The role of curiosity and humility in modern innov...
2025-10-2124 min
The Human Connection PodcastThe 99% Rule: How Great Ideas Are Built on Other Ideas with Alan Gregerman"Throughout the course of human history, 99% of all new ideas have been based on someone else's thinking or something someone's found in nature." - Alan GregermanWhat if knowing less about something could actually make you more innovative? In this eye-opening conversation, innovation expert Alan Gregerman challenges the conventional wisdom that expertise is the key to breakthrough thinking.Alan shares why hiring people who think differently matters more than hiring for specific skills, how Uber's founders created a transportation revolution without any taxi industry experience, and why your next big idea probably won't come from...
2025-10-2121 min
Becoming PreferredAlan Gregerman - The Unconventional Power of Outside PerspectivesSEASON: 5 EPISODE: 34 Episode Overview:Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast where we talk to the people and hear the stories and insights that can help us build better professional and personal lives.Have you ever wondered what separates a good idea from a truly brilliant one? Or how some companies seem to effortlessly innovate while others struggle to survive? Our guest today has made it his life’s work to answer those very questions.Today, we're joined by Alan Gregerman, a renowned author, speaker, and consultant who believes we all ha...
2025-10-1344 min
The Everyday Leader | Authentic Leadership53. The Secret to Leading With Confidence and Humility with Alan GregermanThe Everyday Leader Podcast is about authentic leadership – the solution to the world's challenges, pursued by everyday guys like us. Join us on this journey to grow as leaders in all areas of life! Subscribe to The Everyday Leader for more authentic leadership and business talks and tips! ➡️ Subscribe here: https://youtube.com/@TheEverdayLeader Connect with us: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.everyday.leader 🌐 Website: https://theeverydayleader.co #TheEverydayLeader #EverydayLeader #AuthenticLeadership #LeadershipPodcast #BusinessPodcast #Leadership #BusinessLeadership #LeadershipTips #BusinessTips #GrowthMindset #SelfImprovement
2025-10-0948 min
The PEAK Potential SUCCESS Show - Today is the day to unlock your PEAK Potential!NEW LEADS TO INNOVATION - Renowned Speaker and Best Selling Author - ALAN GREGERMANALAN GREGERMAN - Renowned Speaker and Best Selling Author w/ Fong - PPSS#285 - NEW LEADS TO INNOVATION Interviewing Renowned Speaker and Best Selling Author - ALAN GREGERMAN. We discuss about focusing on NEXT, honing in your innovation skills, and WHAT IS SUCCESS LIKE...? Get ready to unlock your PEAK Potential!PLEASE LIKE FOLLOW SUBSCRIBE COMMENT SHARE AND ENJOY!Follow the show on SpotifySubscribe at yourareatv:Or Subscribe to MillionaireFlix TODAY!
2025-10-0848 min
Can You Hear Me?The Wisdom of IgnoranceAlan Gregerman is an internationally renowned authority on business strategy, innovation, and the hidden potential of grownups who has been called “one of the most original thinkers in business today” and “the Robin Williams of business consulting.”As the president and chief innovation officer of Washington, D.C.-based consultancy VENTURE WORKS, a best-selling author, sought-after keynote speaker, and community volunteer he focuses on helping companies and organizations unlock the genius in all of their people in order to deliver the most compelling value to their customers. He is also the founder of Passion forLearning...
2025-10-0826 min
Can You Hear Me?Trailer: The Wisdom of IgnoranceCelebrating our 100th episode, Rob Johnson and Eileen Rochford welcome innovation expert Alan Gregerman to explore how “enlightened ignorance” can fuel breakthroughs in business and leadership. Discover why not knowing all the answers might just be your greatest advantage. Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show,
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2025-10-0700 min
The Hustle & Grind PodcastReal-World Innovations: Case Studies in Action with Alan GregermanIn this engaging conversation, Alan Gregerman, an innovation consultant, shares his journey and insights into the world of innovation and entrepreneurship. He discusses the importance of unlocking the potential of individuals within organizations, providing real-world case studies that illustrate successful innovations. Alan emphasizes the value of a beginner's mind, the significance of customer experience, and the unique approach he takes in consulting, including his unconditional guarantee of satisfaction. He also introduces his upcoming book, 'The Wisdom of Ignorance,' which explores the power of not knowing and how it can lead to breakthroughs in thinking and innovation. The conversation concludes...
2025-10-0726 min
Experience by DesignIgnorance and Creative Design with Alan GregermanI used to have a Zen proverb a day calendar, the ones where each day you tear off a new sheet that has another saying that was meant to make you contemplate, get in touch, consider, explore, think. My years always started off well, but by about June I was just ripping pages off trying to catch up to the day I was supposed to be on. I honestly think I got more mileage out of my Dad Joke a Day calendar that ended up replacing the Zen one in an ensuing year. But then again maybe there is...
2025-10-031h 04
Disruptive CEO NationEp 308: The Wisdom of Ignorance: Unlocking Innovation by Thinking Differently with Alan Gregermann, Keynote Speaker and Author; Silver Spring, MD, USAIf you’ve ever felt stuck running the day-to-day while the future rushes past, this conversation is your permission slip to step outside the building and rethink how your company actually innovates.
In this episode, I sit down with innovation strategist and author Alan Gregerman to challenge the way leaders pursue “new.” We unpack his upcoming book The Wisdom of Ignorance and the counterintuitive idea that breakthrough ideas often come from not being the expert. Alan shares why most companies confuse process improvement with innovation, how to unlock the genius in your teams (especially your n...
2025-10-0128 min
On the Brink with Andi SimonAlan Gregerman: Small Steps, Big Changes and the Wisdom of IgnoranceOn this episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, I had the pleasure of speaking with Alan Gregerman, an internationally recognized authority on business strategy, innovation, and the hidden potential within all of us. Known as the "Robin Williams of Business Consulting," Alan brings humor, humanity, and deep insight into how we can adapt, grow, and innovate in a world changing faster than ever before. I couldn't wait to share this podcast with you! My friend and innovation mentor, Alan Gregerman, joined me on On the Brink with Andi Simon for a stimulating conversation that digs...
2025-09-2943 min
Teamwork - A Better WayThe Wisdom of Ignorance: Rethinking Innovation with Alan GregermanWhat if the key to your team’s next big breakthrough was admitting, “We don’t know”? In this energizing episode, bestselling author and innovation strategist Alan Gregerman shares insights from his latest book, The Wisdom of Ignorance, revealing how enlightened unknowing fuels creativity. Discover why stepping out of the office—and your comfort zone—might be your smartest move yet. Learn six powerful principles for helping your team embrace uncertainty, challenge norms, and unlock their collective genius.Transcript: https://share.transistor.fm/s/2a9b01df/transcript.txtWebsite: www.alangregerman.comOrder the book: ht...
2025-09-2958 min
Leaders & Legacies227 - The Wisdom of Ignorance - Why Not Knowing Can Be the Key to Innovation with Alan GregermanAlan Gregerman nearly lost everything after a stroke robbed him of his ability to speak and see. But instead of giving in, he turned that moment into one of his greatest leadership lessons. In this episode, Alan shares how navigating life without communication forced him to rethink how leaders engage, innovate, and lead. Through his recovery, he uncovered deeper truths about humility, clarity, and the need to constantly evolve.Alan breaks down why most organizations fail at innovation—and how the smartest people in the room may not be the answer. His latest book, The Wisdom of Ig...
2025-09-2540 min
BookThinkers: Life-Changing Books267. Alan Gregerman | The Wisdom of IgnoranceJoin us for BookThinkers LIVE 2025! Happening November 9, 2025!https://www.bookthinkers.com/book-thinkers-live-2025In today’s episode, we have the pleasure to interview Alan Gregerman, author of The Wisdom of Ignorance: Why Not Knowing Can Be the Key to Innovation in an Uncertain World.Alan is an award-winning author, keynote speaker, and internationally recognized innovation strategist. He’s the President and Chief Innovation Officer of VENTURE WORKS Inc., where he’s helped hundreds of teams create meaningful breakthroughs—often by unlocking the hidden genius in people who aren’t “experts.” He’s been featu...
2025-09-2540 min
Politically High-Tech305- The Power of Ignorance: Unlocking Innovation with Alan GregermanSend us a textAlan Gregerman challenges conventional wisdom about innovation, revealing how companies consistently misunderstand and misapply creative processes, hampering their potential for breakthrough thinking.• Most organizations approach innovation backward by gathering employees in conference rooms rather than encouraging exploration outside the office• The "99% rule" shows throughout history most innovations have been adaptations of existing ideas or observations from nature• Cross-departmental collaboration struggles because companies emphasize differences (0.7%) rather than similarities (99.3%) between people• Maintaining childlike curiosity is essential for innovation but most adults lose this trait between "the school bus and the world of...
2025-09-211h 02
Up ArrowUp Arrow Podcast | Wisdom of Ignorance: Why Knowing Less Could Be the Smartest Move You Make With Alan GregermanAlan Gregerman is the President and Chief Innovation Officer at VENTURE WORKS Inc, a consulting firm that helps organizations create innovative strategies, products, and services. He is a keynote speaker, award-winning author, and business consultant who helps companies and organizations unlock their teams’ genius zones. For over 25 years, Alan has designed and delivered high-impact keynotes for organizations, including Google, Marriott, Verizon, Mercedes-Benz, Kaiser-Permanente, Citibank, and Lockheed Martin.
In this episode…
With the speed of innovation, businesses often fall into the trap of relying on what they already know. While past expertise can bring incremental improvements, it r...
2025-09-161h 29
Up Arrow PodcastWisdom of Ignorance: Why Knowing Less Could Be the Smartest Move You Make With Alan GregermanAlan Gregerman is the President and Chief Innovation Officer at VENTURE WORKS Inc, a consulting firm that helps organizations create innovative strategies, products, and services. He is a keynote speaker, award-winning author, and business consultant who helps companies and organizations unlock their teams' genius zones. For over 25 years, Alan has designed and delivered high-impact keynotes for organizations, including Google, Marriott, Verizon, Mercedes-Benz, Kaiser-Permanente, Citibank, and Lockheed Martin. In this episode… With the speed of innovation, businesses often fall into the trap of relying on what they already know. While past expertise can bring incremental improvements, it...
2025-09-161h 29
The Next Interview ShowUnlocking the Wisdom of IgnoranceMost leaders feel the pressure to always have the answer. But what if the smartest move you can make is the courage to admit, “I don’t know”? This episode of The Next Interview explores why humility, curiosity, and trust are the real drivers of innovation, team success, and long-term strategy.
I sit down with Alan Gregerman, President and Chief Innovation Officer at Venture Works, and author of The Wisdom of Ignorance. With over 37 years of experience and 400+ clients, Alan has guided organizations across industries to create breakthrough innovations by rethinking how leaders empower their teams.
Website: https://alangregerman.com/
Book...
2025-09-0250 min
Qonversations: Wisdom for Leaders in an AI-Driven World135: The Wisdom of Ignorance135: The Wisdom of Ignorance: In this time of unprecedented change, we crave for Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), human or AI, that can give us the answers. Alan Gregerman posits that this is the wrong path to the solution, and that ignorance is the wiser path forward. Alan, author of The Wisdom of Ignorance: Why Not Knowing Can Be the Key to Innovation in an Uncertain World (October 2025), joins host Brian Gorman to discuss the importance of embracing ignorance and the need for leaders to adapt and learn new skills. The ignorance he favors is not contentment in not knowing...
2025-08-2124 min
Earn the Ask with Angela Chaney1. EARN THE ASK WITH ANGELA CHANEY EPISODE 1: INTRO TO ENGAGEMENT EQUITYSo glad you took the time to download my show notes for episode 1, Season 5 of Earn the Ask! I’m excited to share this concept with newcomers and to explain more about this philosophy to those who are already familiar.
My Social Media Links
Please connect with me and say hi! It’s my goal to give plenty of value (deposits!) via my social media channels and I’d love for you all to be a part of my groups.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-chaney-a401ba7/
Twitter: @Angela...
2021-04-0814 minEarn the Ask with Angela Chaney1. EARN THE ASK WITH ANGELA CHANEY EPISODE 1: INTRO TO ENGAGEMENT EQUITY Segment 1
Earn the Ask with Angela Chaney Episode 1: Intro to Engagement Equity
Introduction
So glad you took the time to download my show notes for episode 1, Season 4 of Earn the Ask! I’m excited to share this concept with newcomers and to explain more about this philosophy to those who are already familiar.
My Social Media Links
Please connect with me and say hi! It’s my goal to give plenty of value (deposits!) via my social media channels and I’d love for you all to be a p...
2021-01-0814 min
Sales Game Changers | Tips from Successful Sales LeadersHaving Goats on Your Zoom Calls Can Lead to a Sales Boost and Here's Why with Business Innovation Guru Alan GregermanThis is episode 262. Read the complete transcript on the Sales Game Changers Podcast website. ALAN'S TIP TO SALES LEADERS: "Sales people need to make time for curiosity. We can't just assume that we're going to go about doing the normal stuff we do and brilliance is going to happen. Make time and even if that means you just start right now with an hour a day or an hour a week and that's all you can handle, make some time. Even during COVID you can get out, explore a little bit even if it's just...
2020-08-1842 min
Essential Skills for Humaning Podcast210: The Necessity of Strangers with Alan GregermanIn this episode of Quit Bleeping Around®, awesome superachiever, author, and former FBI violent crime analyst and senior manager Christina Eanes interviews Dr. Alan Gregerman. Alan is an award-winning innovation consultant, author, teacher, speaker, and community volunteer who is constantly trying to figure out how to unlock the genius in all of us and all the companies and organizations we work for. He believes that we all can be way more creative, innovative, and successful than we ever imagined by having a better understanding of ourselves, the world around us, and how brilliance occurs. In this episode, Alan discusses h...
2019-09-2536 minB.O.O.S.T. PodcastThe Necessity of Strangers >> Alan Gregerman | EP14This episode features Alan Gregerman, President and Chief Innovation Officer of VENTURE WORKS, Inc. Throughout Alan’s presentation, he challenges our thinking about people, the world around us, where brilliant ideas actually come from, and how to reach our full potential as individuals, leaders, and organizations. Need some inspiration? Check out one of Alan’s three books—The Necessity of Strangers, Surrounded by Geniuses, and Lessons from the Sandbox. Visit www.venture-works.com or www.alangregerman.com for more information. Let's Stay in Touch!LinkedIn (be sure to mention you heard the podcast ;-))
2019-05-0927 min
A Sherpa's Guide to InnovationE10: Mr. Magoo, Field Trips & Sparks of CuriosityYour Innovation Sherpas kick off 2018 showing how Intentional Serendipity helps you find new ideas and perspectives. And Ben speaks in seven languages in addition to English. Our Chief Sherpa Dr. Jean Wright is back, joined by the one and only Elizabeth Benfield Watson, making her maiden podcast voyage. Ping us on Twitter or LinkedIn - we'll share our Intentional Serendipity "Teal Paper". #InnovationEngine @drjeanwright @ElizCLT @JayGerhart Shout out to: @alan_gregerman Author of The Necessity of Strangers (find him on YouTube)Support the show
2018-01-1137 min
Raise Your GameThe Necessity of StrangersAll of us have been taught to believe that friends are the real keys to our success. But what if friends are overrated and strangers are even more vital to business and personal growth? Alan Gregerman talks with us on how to create remarkable breakthroughs in the things that matter most by tapping a world filled with remarkable strangers, ideas, and perspectives– rethinking the way you engage and work.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2014-10-0918 min
Radio Free Leader0502 | Alan GregermanAlan Gregerman is the President and Chief Innovation Officer of VENTURE WORKS Inc. He is the author of The Necessity of Strangers: The Intriguing Truth About Insight, Innovation, and Success. An experienced consultant on strategy and innovation, his work focuses on helping companies and organizations to unlock the genius in all of their people in order to deliver the most compelling value to their customers. In this interview, we discuss how to generate more insights and enhance innovation by engaging with weak ties and total strangers.
2014-05-3100 min
The Small Business Radio Show#245 Michael Gerber, Marc Ostrofsky and moreScheduled Guests: Michael Gerber, the man behind the E-Myth, Marc Ostrofsky talks about the new tech that all small businesses can use, Alan Gregerman, the Robin Williams of business consulting, success story Andrew Berlin.Sponsored by Nextiva and Sage One.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-small-business-radio-show--3306444/support.Listen to all the episodes of The Small Business Radio Show at www.barrymoltz.com
2013-10-1158 min
The Engaging BrandShow 453 - The Necessity of Strangers
The Engaging Brand podcast covering social marketing, business ideas and brand marketing tips has a new episode.
Anna Farmery speaks with Alan Gregerman about The Necessity of Strangers.
They discuss
How talking to strangers may be the missing part of our own personal development.
The balance between feeling comfortable enough to share and yet the need to speak to strangers.
How the mechanism of the world wide web allows us to connect but have we learned to drive the value from those social networks?
Is our own potential judged on our 5 closest friends (From Word of Mouse pod...
2013-09-2200 min