The Untapped Science of Less - Why Subtraction Unlocks Better Ideas with Dr. Leidy Klotz #359

In this episode of the 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—and 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’ve ever felt overwhelmed by too many meetings, endless features, or bloated systems, this conversation will inspire you to see less as progress, not sacrifice.

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Key Takeaways

• Our brains default to adding, not subtracting — but subtractive thinking can create elegant and effective solutions.

• Visible subtraction matters — leaders must model it for teams to feel empowered to simplify.

• Sustainability thrives on subtraction — less packaging, less waste, less complexity equals more progress.

• Subtraction boosts morale — removing tasks or meetings frees up mental energy and creativity.

• Simple rituals help — swap to-do lists for stop-doing lists, or remove one recurring meeting to reclaim focus.

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Timestamps

• 00:00 – Introduction to Dr. Leidy Klotz and Subtract

• 01:49 – Why addition isn’t always the answer

• 04:08 – The Lego bridge story: A child’s insight into subtraction

• 07:00 – Why subtraction feels harder than addition

• 09:54 – The visibility problem: How leaders can model subtraction

• 13:39 – Subtraction in leadership: examples from Steve Jobs and Capital One

• 16:14 – Maya Lin’s Vietnam Veterans Memorial as a powerful subtractive design

• 19:56 – Marie Kondo, “omit needless words,” and joyful subtractions

• 21:47 – Innovation vs. exnovation: why patents rarely focus on subtraction

• 23:30 – Sustainability as subtraction: packaging, waste, and planetary limits

• 26:30 – Rituals: stop-doing lists, subtractive AI prompts, and meeting-free time

• 28:15 – How subtraction improves morale and team performance

• 31:59 – From marginal gains to subtractive culture in organizations

• 34:20 – Airlines, hotels, and small subtractions that save costs and resources

• 36:22 – Quotes, notebooks, and tools for creativity

• 38:22 – Book recommendations: Soccer in Sun and Shadow & The Extended Mind

• 39:45 – Where to learn more about Leidy Klotz and his upcoming work

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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