MOLLY WOOD: Today, I am joined by neuroscientist, educator, and writer Anne-Laure Le Cunff, creator of the popular Ness Labs newsletter. The newsletter is an exploration of learning, experimenting with ideas, exploring creative projects, and reflecting on progress. She is also the author of Tiny Experiments: How to Live Freely in a Goal-Obsessed World. I’m excited to discuss goal setting, experimentation, productivity, and the role of AI in these areas.

ANNE-LAURE LE CUNFF: Thank you for having me.

MOLLY WOOD: You’ve written extensively on applying neuroscience and scientific research to productivity and decision-making. What are the key takeaways from your work?

ANNE-LAURE LE CUNFF: The main insight is to default to curiosity when facing challenges. Approaching problems with curiosity leads to faster solutions and a more enjoyable process.

MOLLY WOOD: You also discuss “mindful productivity.” Can you explain this concept and its importance for business leaders?

ANNE-LAURE LE CUNFF: Mindful productivity is about paying attention to your work, output, and experience without judgment. It’s essential for leaders to foster a culture where employees can work collaboratively with AI, focus on producing quality work, and prioritize their mental health.

MOLLY WOOD: How do you think AI will impact productivity, and how can leaders create a culture that supports mindful productivity?

ANNE-LAURE LE CUNFF: AI can either support or hinder mindful productivity. Leaders should encourage open conversations about AI usage, create spaces for employees to share their experiences, and celebrate the mindful use of AI.

MOLLY WOOD: You’ve discussed the importance of addressing uncertainty and fear around AI. How can leaders create a support system for their employees?

ANNE-LAURE LE CUNFF: Leaders should understand that uncertainty is natural and acknowledge the brain’s tendency to seek certainty. By embracing uncertainty and encouraging experimentation, leaders can create a culture that values learning and growth.

MOLLY WOOD: You’ve talked about the concept of metacognition and thinking like a scientist. Can you elaborate on this?

ANNE-LAURE LE CUNFF: Metacognition is the ability to think about thinking. AI can enhance this skill by providing a thinking partner for leaders to evaluate their decision-making and strategies.

MOLLY WOOD: How can leaders apply the concept of experimentation and growth loops in their work?

ANNE-LAURE LE CUNFF: Leaders should identify areas where they can be more experimental, set aside time for curiosity and exploration, and create a culture that values learning from failure.

MOLLY WOOD: You’ve shared examples of using AI as a thought partner. Can you tell us more about this?

ANNE-LAURE LE CUNFF: I use AI to have conversations with research papers, ask questions, and get insights that help me make decisions. AI can also aid in brainstorming and clarifying thoughts.

MOLLY WOOD: What question do you wish people would ask more about the potential of AI at work?

ANNE-LAURE LE CUNFF: I wish people would ask how they can focus their time and energy on things that intersect with their strengths and the world’s needs, and how AI can help unlock that potential.

MOLLY WOOD: If our listeners could take away one actionable insight from your work, what would it be?

ANNE-LAURE LE CUNFF: I would like them to identify one area where they can be more experimental and start exploring new approaches.

MOLLY WOOD: Can you share an example of how you use AI in your work?

ANNE-LAURE LE CUNFF: I use AI as a thinking partner to get unstuck, brainstorm, and clarify my thoughts. It helps me explore new avenues and suggests ideas I may not have considered otherwise.

MOLLY WOOD: Fast-forwarding to the next three to five years, what do you think will be the most profound change in the way we work?

ANNE-LAURE LE CUNFF: I believe AI will enable more people to explore their creativity and do meaningful work, thanks to the freeing up of time and energy from tasks that can be automated.

MOLLY WOOD: What will be the hallmarks of organizations that excel in this new era?

ANNE-LAURE LE CUNFF: Organizations that create safe spaces for curiosity, experimentation, and learning from mistakes will be at the forefront. They will encourage the use of AI in experimental ways and foster a culture of growth and development.

MOLLY WOOD: How can leaders create these safe spaces and foster creativity?

ANNE-LAURE LE CUNFF: Leaders can start by dedicating time for curiosity and experimentation, creating a culture that values learning from failure, and encouraging open conversations about AI usage.

MOLLY WOOD: If someone wants to tap into their curiosity with an AI thought partner, what might they say?

ANNE-LAURE LE CUNFF: They can start by saying “I’m stuck” or “I need help with this problem” and ask the AI for suggestions or ideas.

MOLLY WOOD: How do you tap into your own curiosity?

ANNE-LAURE LE CUNFF: I journal every morning, and one of my prompts is “What am I feeling curious about today?” I also have a curiosity inbox where I store ideas and topics I want to explore.

MOLLY WOOD: Thank you, Anne-Laure Le Cunff, for sharing your insights with us today.

ANNE-LAURE LE CUNFF: Thank you for having me. It was a great conversation.

MOLLY WOOD: Thank you to our listeners for joining us. Check out Microsoft’s Work Trend Indexes and the WorkLab digital publication for more insights on the future of work. Rate, review, and follow us on your favorite podcast platform.