INNOVATION #SPARX
A collection of short conversations and interviews showcasing fresh new ideas and novel thinking for the innovation community
05 August, 2026
300+ WORLD CUP DESIGNS
Tom Pitts, Founder at Hand Drawn Pixels with Ben Strutt, Innovation Advisor and Design Leader
Tom shares the story behind designing the entire FIFA World Cup 2026™ scarf collection. From cultural research and designing for different national identities to production constraints and seeing the finished scarves worn in World Cup stadiums. Tom talks through the scale of the challenge, the creative process behind the collection and what it takes to turn hundreds of designs into physical products for the world stage.
15 December, 2025
FINDING GRATITUDE
Dr. Gokul Krishnan, Author of Gratitude: States of Being in talk with Cathy Lowe, Director at The Otherly
Learning scientist and human-centered design strategist, Dr. Gokul Krishnan reflects on the role gratitude plays in how we live, lead and connect with one another, drawing from his book Gratitude: States of Being. The discussion explores how gratitude shapes mental health, leadership and workplace culture, and why many people feel disconnected despite success. Gokul shares personal experiences working with children in medical settings, designing environments for inclusion at Google and the lessons that led him to see gratitude as a starting point for flourishing rather than a result of everything going well.
08 November, 2025
BREAKING BARRIERS
Preet Chandi, Polar Explorer and World-Record Holder in talk with Tom Ellis, CEO at Brand Genetics
Polar explorer Preet Chandi shares her journey from a British Army officer to breaking the world record for the longest solo and unsupported polar expedition – and her next ambitious goal: the North Pole. Preet opens up about resilience, risk-taking, mindset and failure, explaining how lessons learned from setbacks shaped her greatest achievements. She discusses mental toughness and preparation for extreme conditions, offering powerful insights for explorers, innovators and anyone striving to push their limits.
07 October, 2025
DESIGN FOR DIGNITY
Navjot Sawhney, Founder at The Washing Machine Project in talk with Chloe Williams, Partner at 8th Day
In this interview, we explore the story of The Washing Machine Project – a groundbreaking social enterprise creating affordable, sustainable washing machines that transform lives in low-income and displaced communities worldwide. Founder Navjot Sawhney shares how the project began with a simple idea and has grown into a global movement, helping families save time, preserve dignity and unlock opportunities. The conversation covers innovation principles, the importance of starting small, lessons on storytelling, the transformational power of communities and how lived experiences shape meaningful solutions.
26 March, 2025
ENTREPRENEURSHIP LESSONS
Dave Law, Co-Founder at Zeepy and FAFF Coffee
Dave shares his journey from specialty coffee entrepreneur to product innovator. He reflects on the lessons learned from launching Brew Lab, Edinburgh’s first dedicated specialty coffee bar, and how his experiences shaped his approach to building products that challenge industry norms. Key topics include the importance of product-market fit, how small innovations can drive big impact, why resilience and persistence are crucial to success and the value of taking risks over regret. Dave offers candid insights on innovation, failure, and resilience, making this a must-watch for founders, innovators and business owners looking to bring an idea to market.
07 November, 2024
BLENDING ART AND SCIENCE
Joao Dias, Designer of McLaren W1, Elva, Artura and Range Rover Velar in talk with Ben Strutt, Innovation & Strategy Leader
Joao Dias shares his journey from his early days in Portugal to shaping some of McLaren’s most iconic vehicles. Joao explains the philosophy and process behind creating a car that balances beauty with performance, discussing his experience designing models like the McLaren W1. He talks about what separates true design from styling, the importance of sketching, mastering design tools, and using AI to expand creative boundaries while maintaining control and personal vision. The interview offers a rare glimpse into the world of luxury automotive design from one of the industry’s best.
23 October, 2024
THE RISE OF VIRTUAL NATIVES
Leslie Shannon, Head of Trend and Innovation Scouting at Nokia in talk with Cianan O’Dowd, Senior Consultant at Cambridge Design Partnership
Leslie Shannon, Head of Trend and Innovation Scouting at Nokia, shares how virtual natives – Gen Z and Gen Alpha – are leveraging generative AI, augmented reality, and virtual reality to shape the future of work, education, and innovation. Leslie talks about the growing digital divide, the importance of reverse mentoring, and how businesses can thrive by embracing young people’s voices. Discover how these digital-first generations are challenging traditional norms and driving the evolution of workplaces and industries worldwide.
09 October, 2024
DESIGNING THE FUTURE
Scott Doorley and Carissa Carter, Directors at the Stanford d.school & Authors of Assembling Tomorrow in talk with Tom Ellis, CEO at Brand Genetics
Scott Doorley and Carissa Carter from Stanford’s renowned d.school discuss their latest book, Assembling Tomorrow: A Guide to Designing a Thriving Future. As experienced design educators and leaders, they share insights on how interdisciplinary design, creative problem-solving, and innovation can help navigate today’s global challenges. The discussion explores the power of metaphors in shaping our understanding of technology and how using fictional scenarios can help envision and prepare for the future.
26 September, 2024
INCLUSIVE INNOVATION AT GOOGLE
Christopher Patnoe, Head of EMEA Accessibility and Disability Inclusion at Google in talk with Marianne Waite, Director of Inclusivity, Global at Interbrand
Christopher Patnoe, Head of EMEA Accessibility and Disability Inclusion at Google, shares how Google is driving innovation in accessibility and inclusive design. He discusses the importance of the European Accessibility Act and Google’s commitment to creating accessible products and services for people with disabilities. Key topics include the role of compliance, innovation in accessible design, and the importance of community feedback.
26 August, 2024
IMAGINING THE AI PRESIDENT
Pedro Domingos, AI researcher and Professor Emeritus at the University of Washington
Pedro Domingos explores the transformational potential of artificial intelligence on society, business, and politics. Drawing from his 30 years of experience in AI and machine learning, he discusses the real-world implications of AI, debunks common myths, and shares his thoughts on the future of human-level AI. We also talk about his latest book, the satirical novel “2040,” where an AI bot runs for president, offering a unique perspective on the tech industry’s impact on our world.
19 July, 2024
UNLOCKING TEAM PRODUCTIVITY
Edward Lamont, Co-Author of Team: Getting Things Done with Others in talk with Ben Strutt, Innovation & Strategy Leader
Edward shares his journey from aspiring trial lawyer to productivity coach, revealing how the GTD framework transformed his life and career. He discusses the principles of GTD, the concept of healthy high performance, effective collaboration, and the importance of leadership in fostering a productive and healthy work environment. Edward’s practical advice and unique perspective on team dynamics will inspire you to rethink how you work and interact with your team.
30 April, 2024
BUSTING CREATIVITY MYTHS
Layal Baaklini, Category Director at Bacardi and Curator of The Curious Typewriter in talk with Tom Ellis, CEO at Brand Genetics
Discover the world of creativity and innovation with Layal Baaklini, Category Director at Bacardi and the curator of the Curious Typewriter on Instagram. Layal shares her journey from advertising to leading innovative projects at Bacardi, discusses the importance of creative confidence in the corporate world, and offers insights on overcoming creativity imposter syndrome. Tune in to learn practical tips for enhancing your own creative skills.
16 April, 2024
LEAD WITH BELONGING
Kim Dabbs, Global VP Social Innovation at Steelcase & Auhor of You Belong Here
Kim Dabbs, a global leader in social innovation and author of the book You Belong Here, shares her personal journey and insights into creating inclusive environments in the workplace and communities. She explores the concepts of belonging, authenticity, purpose, inclusion and their vital role in fostering innovation and leadership. Discover how understanding and implementing these ideas can lead to transformative changes in organizations and society.
09 April, 2024
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE REDEFINED
Rebecca Gorman, Co-founder and CEO at Aligned AI in talk with Tom Ellis, CEO at Brand Genetics
Rebecca Gorman, co-founder of Aligned AI, explores the critical themes surrounding artificial intelligence, its inherent biases, ethical considerations, and the future developments. Rebecca compares generative AI to transformative technologies like the printing press and telephone, and discusses the evolving definition of AI in the tech landscape. Discover how Aligned AI is paving the way for a more ethical and user-focused AI future, emphasizing human augmentation over replacement.
26 February, 2024
DIGITAL WELLBEING & PRODUCTIVITY
Tyler Shores, ThinkLab Manager at University of Cambridge
Tyler Shores shares his journey from working at Google to pioneering research on digital habits, wellbeing, and productivity at the University of Cambridge. He explores insights around the future of work, neurodiversity and personal development. The conversation points the impact of digital habits on our daily lives, exploring strategies for improving digital wellbeing and fostering a more productive work environment. The interview offers valuable perspectives on educational technology, career development, as well as the intersection of technology and mental health.
02 February, 2024
SPARK DARING PLAY
Chris Chapman, Global Creative Leader & Educator
Chris Chapman, former Global Creativity & Innovation Director at Disney, shares his valuable experiences and knowledge on fostering creativity and innovation within corporate settings. Chris explores the importance of cultivating a creative culture, embracing childlike curiosity, and the vital role of leadership in nurturing these environments. Discussed themes include overcoming fear, the importance of collaboration, design thinking, mental health and psychological safety at work. A must-watch for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills, foster a creative team, and bring innovative ideas to life in their organization.
12 January, 2024
THE POWER OF DESIGN
Dan Makoski, Chief Design Advisor & Author of Uplifting Design
Dan Makoski, a legendary Silicon Valley designer and Fortune 10 Chief Design Officer, explores the world of human-centered design and its transformative impact on businesses and society. He shares his vast experience in leading design strategies at major corporations, emphasizing the integration of design with technology and sustainability. Explore how design thinking shapes business innovation and societal change, and gain a deeper understanding of the role of design in modern enterprises. Don’t miss Dan’s expert insights on driving positive change through design.
12 December, 2023
BUILDING INCLUSIVE CULTURES
Minette Norman, Author of The Boldly Inclusive Leader in talk with Tom Ellis, CEO at Brand Genetics
Minette Norman, a renowned author, speaker, and leadership consultant, shares her invaluable insights on inclusive leadership and the power of diversity in fostering innovation. With over 30 years of experience in Silicon Valley, notably as VP of Engineering Practice at Autodesk, Minette discusses the crucial role of empathy, psychological safety, and embracing diverse perspectives in today’s dynamic workplace. Discover how leaders can overcome biases, create more inclusive environments, and tap into the full potential of their teams. It’s a discussion about leadership and a roadmap to transforming workplace culture for the better.
29 November, 2023
NAVIGATING AI IN THE WORKPLACE
Ken Hubbell, Author of There is AI in Team
Ken Hubbell, a pragmatic futurist and author of There is AI in Team, discusses the transformative role of AI and robotics in shaping our jobs, education, and teamwork. Ken explores the evolution of AI technologies and their impact across industries, highlighting the shift from memorization to creative thinking in education. He emphasizes human-AI collaboration, advocating for AI as a tool for inclusion and empowerment. The interview also addresses cultural and ethical aspects of AI, including data privacy and the need for human interaction. Ken encourages businesses to adapt to AI for future success.
22 October, 2023
UNVEILING THE ART OF DESIGN LEADERSHIP
Dane Howard, Strategic Design Leader, Entrepreneur and Advisor
Dane Howard, a renowned design leader, executive coach, and contemporary artist, presents his unique insights on design thinking, the power of storytelling in design, and the significance of empathy and humility in leadership. Dane shares his experiences in launching successful businesses, the integration of art and technology, and the transformative role of AI in artistic expression. Uncover the importance of soft skills and collaboration in a designer’s career. This interview is a must-watch for anyone passionate about design, leadership, and innovation.
