In this episode of Executive Edge, Simon Rycraft sits down with Angus Fletcher, professor of story science at Ohio State’s Project Narrative and author of Wonderworks, Story Thinking, and Primal Intelligence. With a background spanning neuroscience, literature, and creativity research, Angus unpacks the difference between human and artificial intelligence and why our true edge lies not in data or computation, but in imagination and leadership.

Together, they explore why creativity is in decline, how schools and workplaces inadvertently suppress original thinking, and why computers, no matter how advanced, can’t replicate the uniquely human ability to innovate in the face of uncertainty. Angus also shares insights from his work with leaders ranging from surgeons to special operations teams, underscoring the importance of common sense, resilience, and the freedom to fail in cultivating creativity.

Whether you’re leading a team, building a business, or simply curious about the future of AI, this conversation offers a powerful reminder: our greatest competitive advantage isn’t machine-like efficiency — it’s the human capacity to imagine new possibilities and take the first step into the unknown.

Summary of Key Sections from this Episode (Timestamp = "Minute:Seconds"):

00:02:14 The Human Edge

00:05:50 The Decline of Creativity

00:06:48 Education’s Role in Creativity

00:12:33 Neuroscience vs. Psychology

00:16:30 Embracing Failure

00:21:46 Common Sense and Risk

00:27:23 Future of Education

00:30:56 Leadership Development in Schools

Your Human Edge: Why Creativity Outruns AI