Ep. 35: Fostering Curiosity and Learning to Lead in an Innovative Future with Nathan Paterson

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode we are joined by Nathan Paterson. Prior to his current role of Director at IDEO Tokyo, Nathan led the research and design team at Disney Interactive Labs in Los Angeles, crafting immersive experiences with emerging technologies for Disney Guests around the world. In addition to his corporate experience Nathan built a design studio in Tokyo and co-founded an online education startup.

At IDEO, Nathan's main focus is on client Learning Programs but as you'll soon discover helping individuals, teams, and organizations learn how to navigate change through design, creativity, and play is not only a career but a calling for Nathan. Over the next hour Nathan leads us through a dynamic dialogue on the importance of fostering curiosity and learning to develop people who can lead in an innovative future. We cover everything from how to design meaningful and personalized learning opportunities, the role of community and data, to a story of how Nathan and 6 year old daughter climbed Mount Fuji and what what lessons exists for organizations to re-think their learning experiences.

I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did and don’t forget to share your feedback with me on your favorite social platform.

Let's begin

Key Takeaways

02:55  |  A new take on ABC; from always closing to always curious. 
04:15  |  Where do the inspired find inspiration?
07:40  |  Designing and empowering learning experiences. 
12:15  |  Maturity of learning in organizations in Japan on a global spectrum. 
15:15  |  Adopting a growth mindset and the role rituals play in becoming a learning organization.
25:05  |  Creating unique rituals authentic to your organisation.
31:00  |  Emerging metrics in education and striving for "aha" moments.
40:05  |  Role of community in education.
49:40  |  Flexibility and exploration in learning catalyzed by COVID-19.
1:00:20  |  The fabric of organizations 5 years from now.

Learn more about Nathan here:
Personal website / Twitter / LinkedIn

Learn more about things important to Nathan here:
IDEO Tokyo
Learning at IDEO Tokyo
IDEO’s Emergent Futures document
Creative Difference
Tokyo Community School