The Wisdom of Ignorance

2025 Axiom Business Book Award (Gold) for Independent Thought Leaders

2025 Foreword INDIES Award (Gold) in Business & Economics

Ignorance may or may not be bliss. 

But the right kind of ignorance can be genius.

Expertise in any field is ultimately important to success. But it usually comes with a problem—a tendency toward incremental change and to become limited by what we know and what has worked in the past.

As a result, the most innovative thinking that has driven upstart companies and allowed old brands to stay relevant in a fast-changing world often comes when we leave behind what we know best and what’s considered “possible.”

What if we could harness this power of not knowing?

In this engaging, thought-provoking, and inspiring book, internationally renowned business strategist and bestselling author Alan Gregerman (The Necessity of Strangers), reveals six keys to turning our inherent human gifts into skills for driving innovation by using the powerful lens of “enlightened ignorance” rather than relying on in-depth knowledge.


Purpose leads us to work harder and learn faster
Humility allows us to ask questions we normally wouldn’t
Curiosity pushes us to explore and discover
Respect opens us to insights from anywhere
Future-Focus challenges us to see a different tomorrow
Paranoia keeps us flexible and ready to adapt quickly


The Wisdom of Ignorance invites us to take a fresh look at our organizations, our work, and our lives—and in the process open up a world of possibilities.