Innovation is no-longer a buzzword – it is a daily reality upon which organisational success depends.
The ubiquitous acceleration of change brought about over the last twelve months has presented, and continues to present, businesses with a steady flow of complex challenges and significant opportunities. From hybrid offices to social purpose and ecological progress, the need for organisations to rise to this moment is clear. What is also transparent is that success will require a diversity of perspectives. The C-suite is no longer the fount of all wisdom. Innovative solutions to complex challenges are increasingly expected to come from all areas, and hierarchies, of an organisation.
To achieve the innovations needed at this time, diversity of thought is critical. And you don’t achieve diversity of thought without a culture of curiosity.
In this interactive MasterClass, we will explicate the business case for curiosity in the context of complexity and innovation before picking up practical techniques that leaders can use to cultivate organisational cultures of curiosity. In addition, because it is hard to think your best if you don’t feel safe, we will also articulate the link between psychological safety and curiosity, and share tools for building climates of trust where curiosity and, ultimately, innovation can thrive.
This session led by Dr. Brennan Jacoby, Associate of Henley Business School and Founder of Philosophy at Work, will help you develop:
- A deeper understanding of the value of professional curiosity and how it supports innovation;
- Greater confidence to lead with questions and encourage a culture of curiosity; and
- Practical techniques for cultivating psychological safety and curiosity throughout your organisation.
In addition, Johanna Fräki, who leads on innovation ecosystems at Neste, will talk about how an organisation’s innovation culture can be measured and developed, and share best practices from her experience at Neste.
Agenda
16:30 | Welcome Annu Matula, Managing Director at Henley Business School Finland |
16:35 | How to empower curiosity Dr. Brennan Jacoby, Associate of Henley Business School and Founder of Philosophy at Work |
17:45 | Short break |
18:00 | How to build an innovative culture in an organisation Johanna Fräki, Leading Innovation Ecosystems at Neste |
18:30 | Discussion |
19:00 | Closure |
Speakers

Dr. Brennan Jacoby is a philosopher and the Founder of Philosophy at Work, an organisation helping businesses develop their adaptive and analytical capabilities. Brennan holds a B.A., M.A. and Ph.D in philosophy, and his doctoral work analysed trust in the context of interpersonal relationships and corporate character. With Philosophy at Work, he delivers workshops that help equip professionals with the skills needed to be analytical and adaptable. Recent projects include helping Deloitte UK cultivate a growth mindset, supporting The Wellcome Trust to analyse trust in healthcare, and enhancing curiosity across Sony Music’s global community. In addition to his role with Philosophy at Work, Brennan is an Associate of Henley Business School and a Fellow at the Royal Society of the Arts. Originally from Detroit Michigan, he studied in Sydney, Australia and is now based in the UK.

Collaboration for change is the name of the game! At Neste, Johanna Fräki enjoys working with customers, academia, cities, even competitors, in order to mitigate the climate crises. As responsible for establishing innovation ecosystems for renewable and recyclable solutions, she is convinced we can solve the great challenges of our time… together. With a M.Sc. in Computer Science, an MBA, a long career in telecommunications, maritime and energy fields, and a stint at running her own disruptive e-commerce business, Johanna is well versed in the customer-driven innovation approach. Johanna lives and breathes the oceans. When she’s not involved in innovations for a better life, Johanna can be found with her husband and three sons in the serene Finnish Archipelago, or on warmer, southern waters.
Registration for this event is closed.