#46 Innovation Myths: What History Reveals About Breakthrough Ideas with Andrew Leigh

In this episode, Senthil sits down with Dr. Andrew Lee MP, Australia's Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities, and Treasury, to explore how innovation actually happens—and why the stories we tell about it are often wrong. Drawing from his book *The Shortest History of Innovation*, Andrew challenges popular myths: the lone genius, the eureka moment, and the innovation cluster. Instead, he reveals what history really teaches us about breakthrough ideas: they emerge through tinkering, collaborative teams, and the cross-pollination of diverse ideas. The conversation also tackles artificial intelligence—both its transformative potential and the real risks we need to manage—and explores what true leadership looks like in an age of rapid technological change. Link to the book: The Shortest History of Innovation Please visit our website, www.businessandsociety.net, for more inspiration.