The Neuroscience of Innovation - Simon Clarkson

The Neuroscience of Innovative Thinking If we believe innovation is limited to inventing the next technical gadget, we will never apply this hugely valuable tool for driving change, progress and motion. The most successful people and organisations develop a culture where innovation and improvement are the norm and are part of our everyday decision making process. Often executive teams that work together for any extended period of time fall into the habit of thinking alike and seeing the daily issues from the same angle. The key to innovation is allowing the brain to break its normal patterns, assumptions, predispositions and perceptions. This session will demonstrate that innovation is simply behavioural; the application of tools and techniques driven sustainably by the right mindset. Firstly we will focus on the neurophysiology of thought patterns. If we understand how it works then we can work it better. Ultimately we will demonstrate how Innovation is driven by a shift in thinking – not just surface level tactics. People must understand that THEY drive innovation. Focusing on the definitions, myths and misunderstandings of innovative thinking – we will develop knowledge of the process, of its uses beyond ‘invention’ – how it can be applied in many situations in all our day to day working and personal lives and the understanding that anyone and everyone can and should be creative and innovative. Participants will leave with an understanding of how innovative thinking can and must be part of a culture; even if it isn’t overtly artistic, creative, or even technological – along with tools to begin the process of inspiring innovative thinking in themselves and others around them. We will also use the session to work through this process upon at least one live and real issue that participants face. This will not only give them valuable experience in applying the learning, it will also ensure they have practical ideas to walk away with and apply to the issue they face. Biography - Simon Clarkson An economics graduate from Leeds University, Simon traded commodities for Barclays before moving upstairs to work as an Investment Banker. After 5 years in London, a ‘chance’ meeting led to Simon beginning his own personal journey into the world of High Performance Thinking to deliver programmes in his own inimitable style. Simon has delivered programmes to a diverse range of organisations; these include, Private Sector organisations such as Rolls Royce, Fremantle Media, Beaverbrooks and many SME’s; Public Sector bodies such as the North West Development Agency and Lancashire County Council, and sporting clients from Olympians and F1 to Premiership Rugby and Premier League Football. Simon’s style is one of ‘pragmatic inspiration’, generating energy for personal and organisational change with the substance and genuine understanding to back it up and sustain it. The results of Simon’s work have ranged from substantial and sustained improvements in sales and key efficiency numbers through to key cultural markers such as Times Top 100 ratings and engagement scores. Simon has delivered sessions to audiences large and small in more than 10 countries across the world and delivers dynamic and powerful programmes and sessions on subjects from Leadership, Change, Winning Teams and Cultures to Peak Performance, Innovative Thinking, Sales and Customer Amazement