*Hosted by Daniel Marva
In this episode, I sat down with Anne-Laure Le Cunff, a neuroscientist-turned-founder of Ness Labs, whose work reshapes how we think about decision-making, burnout, and clarity under pressure. Anne-Laure breaks down the psychology behind why we chase certainty and how tiny experiments can lead to growth, especially in high-stakes supply chain environments. We explore liminal spaces, career scripts, time anxiety, and the power of self-anthropology in leadership. This is a practical guide to staying curious, even when the pressure is on.
Connect with the Guest:
Anne-Laure Le Cunff is the founder of Ness Labs, a platform dedicated to mindful productivity. She trained in neuroscience at King’s College London, worked at Google, and is the author of Tiny Experiments, a book that helps professionals break habits and think more clearly through small, intentional changes. Her work spans curiosity, cognitive flexibility, and mental health, making her a go-to voice on human-centered leadership and innovation.
Highlights & Show Notes:
- [02:07] Why your brain treats uncertainty like a threat even at work
- [03:52 The hidden cost of clinging to career narratives that no longer fit
- [06:10] The ‘epic script’ and how big titles can trap rather than grow you
- [07:42] Creating space for tiny, curiosity-driven career experiments
- [09:14] The rise (and danger) of “finding your purpose” obsession
- [11:43] Two pillars leaders must build: psychological safety and curiosity space
- [13:50] Switching from anxiety to curiosity when facing uncertainty
- [15:44] Why more rules during stress can backfire, and understanding compensatory control
- [17:23] Subtle signs of overcontrol
- [20:32] Reconnecting teams with their “why” to manage complex realities
- [22:17] Why your first tiny experiment should be about subtraction, not addition
- [24:44] Try self-anthropology and observe yourself without judgment for one day
- [26:55] Stepping outside your comfort zone through collaboration and observation
- [29:11] Understanding liminal spaces
- [32:14] The importance of building self-complexity
- [33:41] Making room for Kairos time
- [36:04] Ask your team: Are you still growing? Are you still curious?
- [37:14] Next steps to take to feel a bit more alive at work
- [38:24] Designing your own experiment and sharing the results with the team
Quotes from the Episode:
About the Host:
What an insightful conversation with Anne-Laure Le Cunff! I’m your host, Daniel Marva, Marketing Operations Manager at Alcott Global. For over a decade, I’ve led logistics tech rollouts and change programs for some of the most recognized brands while coaching leaders and rising talent to stay sharp for what’s coming next. On this podcast, I sit down with top HR voices to talk about people, leadership, and the real-world strategies shaping the future of work in supply chain.
Alcott Global provides executive search solutions for key positions at all pillars of end-to-end value chains, from general management to overall supply chain operations, including executive and non-executive board roles, globally.
On September 10, 2025, we celebrated the Top 30 Leaders in Supply Chain for 2025 in the annual Leaders in Supply Chain Awards. These exceptional individuals are shaping the future of global logistics through innovation, resilience, and transformative leadership. Explore the insights, achievements, and strategies that earned them a place among the industry’s best.
At our in-person Makers & Movers event, we bring together C-level executives from multinational companies to connect, collaborate, and innovate on a forum focused on business value creation.
Related Episodes:
#15: Taking Human Resources to the Next Level
#16: Sustainability Initiatives and Challenges in Packaging
17: Orchestrating a Global AI Supply Chain with Marina Guimarães of Microsoft
