Curiosity Always Beats Passion: The Real Secret Behind 100 Patents with Ajay Malik

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The Executive Connect Podcast

122 episodes

2 days ago

This is the Executive Connect Podcast - a show for the new generation of leaders. Join us as we discover unconventional leadership strategies not traditionally associated with executive roles. Our guests include upper-level C-Suite executives charting new ways to grow their organizations, successful entrepreneurs changing the way the world does business, and experts and thought leaders from fields outside of Corporate America that can bring new insights into leadership, prosperity, and personal growth - all while connecting on a human level. No one has all the answers - but by building a community of open-minded and engaged leaders we hope to give you the tools you need to help you find your own path to success.

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Management

Business,

Entrepreneurship

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Curiosity Always Beats Passion: The Real Secret Behind 100 Patents with Ajay Malik

The Executive Connect Podcast

32 minutes

1 month ago

Curiosity Always Beats Passion: The Real Secret Behind 100 Patents with Ajay Malik

Guest:
Ajay Malik

Host:
Melissa Aarskaug

Episode Overview:
Everyone says “follow your passion.” Ajay Malik says follow your curiosity instead. The prolific inventor behind more than 100 patents explains why passion fades but curiosity compounds — fueling innovation, leadership, and lifelong creativity.

In this episode of Executive Connect, host Melissa Aarskaug dives deep into how Ajay turns curiosity into invention and reinvention. From building teams that thrive on freedom to leading turnarounds across industries, Ajay reveals how asking “why” and “what if” can change your life, your career, and your company.

You’ll hear how curiosity drives breakthrough thinking, why randomness is often your best teacher, and what daily habits keep Ajay inspired to create.

If you’ve ever wondered what separates innovators who sustain success from those who burn out — this conversation gives you the blueprint.

What You’ll Learn:

Why curiosity outlasts passion in innovation and leadership

The mindset that helped Ajay earn 100+ patents

How to build high-performing teams through freedom and trust

Lessons from company turnarounds and reinvention

Why great leaders act as “reverse bosses” who empower others

Daily habits for staying creative, focused, and inspired

Chapters:
00:00 | The Power of Curiosity and Creation
03:00 | How AI and Personalization Are Changing Innovation
07:00 | Embracing Randomness and Opportunity
09:00 | Lessons from Turnarounds and Reinvention
12:00 | Building and Leading High-Caliber Teams
17:00 | Leadership Lessons from Great Bosses
22:00 | Gratitude, Growth, and Perspective
27:00 | Ajay’s Creative Process and Daily Habits
30:00 | Reflections and Advice to His Younger Self

Connect With Ajay:
LinkedIn → Ajay Malik

Subscribe to Executive Connect:
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Connect With Us:
Website → executiveconnectpodcast.com
YouTube → Executive Connect YouTube Channel
LinkedIn → Melissa Aarskaug
Instagram → @executiveconnectpodcast
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