{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"The Untapped Science of Less - Why Subtraction Unlocks Better Ideas with Dr. Leidy Klotz #359","description":"In this episode of the&amp;nbsp;SuperCreativity Podcast, James Taylor speaks with Dr. Leidy Klotz, engineer, designer, behavioral scientist, and author of Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less. Klotz reveals why our brains are biased toward adding complexity\u2014and why the smartest solution is often to remove, reduce, or simplify. From Lego bridges and Jenga-inspired problem solving to organizational strategy and sustainability, Klotz shows how subtraction can fuel innovation, improve decision-making, and create more meaningful lives. Learn why leaders struggle to showcase competence by doing less, how subtraction improves team morale, and why sustainability, education, and design sectors are embracing the power of removal. If you\u2019ve ever felt overwhelmed by too many meetings, endless features, or bloated systems, this conversation will inspire you to see less as progress, not sacrifice.  Key Takeaways   Our brains default to adding, not subtracting \u2014 but subtractive thinking can create elegant and effective solutions.   Visible subtraction matters \u2014 leaders must model it for teams to feel empowered to simplify.   Sustainability thrives on subtraction \u2014 less packaging, less waste, less complexity equals more progress.   Subtraction boosts morale \u2014 removing tasks or meetings frees up mental energy and creativity.   Simple rituals help \u2014 swap to-do lists for stop-doing lists, or remove one recurring meeting to reclaim focus.    Timestamps   00:00 \u2013 Introduction to Dr. Leidy Klotz and Subtract   01:49 \u2013 Why addition isn\u2019t always the answer   04:08 \u2013 The Lego bridge story: A child\u2019s insight into subtraction   07:00 \u2013 Why subtraction feels harder than addition   09:54 \u2013 The visibility problem: How leaders can model subtraction   13:39 \u2013 Subtraction in leadership: examples from Steve Jobs and Capital One   16:14 \u2013 Maya Lin\u2019s Vietnam Veterans Memorial as a powerful subtractive design   19:56 \u2013 Marie Kondo, \u201comit needless words,\u201d and joyful subtractions   21:47 \u2013 Innovation vs. exnovation: why patents rarely focus on subtraction   23:30 \u2013 Sustainability as subtraction: packaging, waste, and planetary limits   26:30 \u2013 Rituals: stop-doing lists, subtractive AI prompts, and meeting-free time   28:15 \u2013 How subtraction improves morale and team performance   31:59 \u2013 From marginal gains to subtractive culture in organizations   34:20 \u2013 Airlines, hotels, and small subtractions that save costs and resources   36:22 \u2013 Quotes, notebooks, and tools for creativity   38:22 \u2013 Book recommendations: Soccer in Sun and Shadow &amp;amp; The Extended Mind   39:45 \u2013 Where to learn more about Leidy Klotz and his upcoming work    Resources and Links   Book: Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less   Website: Leidy Klotz   Recommended Reads:   Soccer in Sun and Shadow by Eduardo Galeano   The Extended Mind by Annie Murphy Paul     ","author_name":"SuperCreativity Podcast with James Taylor | Creativity, Innovation and Inspiring Ideas","author_url":"http:\/\/jamestaylor.libsyn.com\/podcast","html":"<iframe title=\"Libsyn Player\" style=\"border: none\" src=\"\/\/html5-player.libsyn.com\/embed\/episode\/id\/37970645\/height\/90\/theme\/custom\/thumbnail\/yes\/direction\/forward\/render-playlist\/no\/custom-color\/88AA3C\/\" height=\"90\" width=\"600\" scrolling=\"no\"  allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen><\/iframe>","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/assets.libsyn.com\/secure\/item\/37970645"}