The Outlier Advantage (Dismantling Groupthink in the Age of AI) - Gavin Simpson ACMA CGMA
In a V.U.C.A. world, doing things the way they have always been done is a massive commercial risk. Gavin challenges leadership teams to dismantle the echo chambers of 'Groupthink' and embrace "Outlier Intelligence"
Summary
In a V.U.C.A. (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous) world, doing things the way they have always been done is a massive commercial risk. With AI commoditising generalist skills, Gavin challenges leadership teams to dismantle the echo chambers of 'Groupthink' and embrace "Outlier Intelligence" to foster genuine disruption, drive innovation, and future-proof their organisation.
Who is it for?
- C-suite
- Senior leadership / management
- Remote or hybrid teams
Credentials
Previous Clients
- Kaplan,
- Instructus Group,
- CIMA,
- TEDx,
- House Of Commons,
- Jaguar Landrover
Reviews
“Gavin recently joined our men’s development programme as a guest speaker and he was a total breath of fresh air… creating one of those rare moments where you could feel the whole room hanging on his every word. What really sets Gavin apart is that he doesn’t repeat the usual “just work harder” message. Yes, it’s plain to see that he’s worked hard, but that’s not the heart of his message. It’s about finding spaces where you belong, where who you are is seen as an asset rather than a problem to fix.
His style is candid, down-to-earth, and at times very funny. He’s a natural storyteller with that rare ability to inspire without ever sounding preachy or overly rehearsed. We can’t wait to have him back!”
– Kirsty Lancaster ED&I Training Programme Manager
Awards
- CIMA Student Of The Year 2024,
- Author, TEDx Speaker,
- Member of the CIMA 2040 Advisory Group,
- Westminster Neurodiversity Expert
Activity overview
We live in a rapidly shifting global market, yet our corporate boardrooms are still largely built on an industrial-era model that values conformity. We hire in our own image, promote those who agree with us, and accidentally build dangerous "echo chambers" where poor decisions go unchallenged. In this provocative, high-energy keynote, Gavin Simpson unpacks the massive commercial danger of corporate "Groupthink," exploring how industry giants fall not from a lack of genius, but from a lack of diverse, lateral thought at the decision-making table.
Drawing on his acclaimed TEDx talk, Gavin explains how standard "flat-line" cognitive profiles are great for maintaining the status quo, but they cannot see the cliff edge approaching. He introduces the concept of the "High-Definition Elephant", how neurodivergent 'Outliers' don't just see the broad, grey concepts of a problem; they see the granular details, the eyelashes, and the hidden risks that neurotypical teams miss.
Furthermore, Gavin tackles the elephant in the modern boardroom: Artificial Intelligence. AI is the ultimate generalist. To survive and innovate, businesses can no longer rely on a team of generalists. Backed by Deloitte research showing cognitively diverse teams are 87% more likely to drive innovation, Gavin provides a strategic roadmap for bringing "spiky" thinkers into the heart of business strategy. He teaches organisations how to invite dissenting voices to the table, foster healthy debate, and turn cognitive friction into a massive competitive advantage.
Agenda
The AI Generalist vs. The Outlier Gavin explores the current landscape: AI can do the job of a generalist faster and cheaper. Therefore, human capital must now be focused on lateral, disruptive, and spiky thinking to remain competitive.
The Cost of Groupthink A deep dive into the fatal flaw of uniform thinking. Gavin uses stark, real-world examples to show what happens when boardrooms all see the same “grey elephant” and fail to notice the cliff they are walking over.
The High-Definition Elephant Expanding on his TEDx insights, Gavin explains how Outliers visualize complex problems. He illustrates why innovation doesn’t happen in the “flat-lands”, it happens in the peaks and valleys of neurodivergent thought.
The Value of Friction Teaching teams how to stop avoiding conflict. Gavin shows how to use cognitive diversity to pressure-test strategy, ensuring that a single “spark” is noticed before it burns down the forest.
Redesigning the Boardroom A strategic blueprint for bringing non-traditional, spiky thinkers into the heart of your business strategy, ensuring the company is constantly innovating and disrupting from within.
Locations available
Worldwide
Length of session
45 minutes + 15min Q&A
Max capacity
Unlimited
Cost
