The Power of Productive Failure with Manu Kapur (Part 3 Finale)

In this final part of our compelling trilogy, Manu Kapur, author of Productive Failure, returns to uncover the psychology behind effective learning. Discover why failing first can drive deeper understanding, greater retention, and lasting mastery.

Hosted by Aidan McCullen, this episode explores real-world strategies rooted in research—from the Zeigarnik Effect to motivational boosts like loss aversion, endowed progress, and goal gradients.

Whether you’re an educator, leader, or lifelong learner, this episode offers tools to rethink failure as a powerful ally in personal growth and innovation.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why failure can enhance memory and understanding

• The science of loss aversion and how to hack it for learning

• Endowed progress and goal gradient theory in practice

• How to spark curiosity and mastery in children and adults

• Building learning resilience and overcoming imposter syndrome

• A practical model for designing learning for yourself and others

Resources & Links:

• 🧠 Manu Kapur’s Book: Productive Failure – https://amzn.to/3WzFuZD

• 🌐 Manu Kapur’s Website: www.manukapur.com

• 🔗 Kyndryl Institute: www.kyndryl.com/institute

• 🎙️ Host: Aidan McCullen – www.TheInnovationshow.io

Timestamps (Chapters):

00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message

00:38 Welcoming the Guest: Manu Kaur

01:15 Understanding the Zeigarnik Effect

04:00 Affective Boost Levels: Loss Aversion and Endowed Progress

08:16 Goal Gradient and Personal Motivation

12:44 Growth Mindset and Effort

16:46 Children, Uncertainty, and Learning

21:51 Achievement Goals vs. Mastery Goals

26:27 Phenomenological Primitives and Learning

29:01 Understanding the Role of Context in Learning

31:49 The Power of Comparison and Contrast

34:34 Learning Through Metaphors and Case Studies

38:58 Addressing Imposter Syndrome and Embracing Challenges

41:14 Productive Failure in Learning and Growth

45:17 Designing Effective Learning Tasks

49:44 The Importance of Affective Draw in Mastery

56:13 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways