Innovation Storytellers: Recent Episodes
Susan Lindner
Did you ever wonder how an innovation got to its finish line? How innovators saw the future, made a product, and created change – in our world and in their companies? I did. Innovation Storytellers invites changemakers to describe how they created their innovation and just as important – THE STORIES – that made us fall in love with them. Come learn how great innovations need great stories to make them move around the world and how to become a better storyteller in the process.
I’m Susan Lindner, the Innovation Storyteller. But I wasn’t always. I’ve been a wannabe revolutionary, an epidemiologist at the CDC and an AIDS educator in the brothels of Thailand helping to turn former sex workers into entrepreneurs. Trained as an anthropologist and the Founder of Emerging Media, I’ve spent the last twenty years working with innovators from 60+ countries. Ranging from cutting edge startups to Fortune 100 companies like GE, Corning, Citi, Olayan, and nine foreign governments, helping their leaders to tell their stories and teaching them how to become incredible advocates for their innovations.
Great innovation stories make change possible. They let us step into a future we can’t see yet. I started this podcast to shine a light on our generation of great innovators, to learn how they brought their innovation to life and the stories they told to bring them to the world.
What does it take to shake up one of the largest and most complex organizations in the world from the inside out? On this episode of the Innovation Storytellers Show, I invite you to buckle up for a conversation that dives straight into the heart of how the US Air Force is building a homegrown culture of audacious innovation through its Blue Horizons Fellowship.
I’m joined by Colonel Daniel Ruttenber and Dr. Eric Keels, two brilliant minds guiding this unique think-and-do tank based at the Air War College. Blue Horizons is where selected majors and lieutenant colonels step out of their daily missions and into a ten-month sprint to tackle strategic challenges that could redefine the future of national security.
What makes it so remarkable is that these officers aren’t handed polished blueprints to test. Instead, they begin by hunting down the most significant, thorniest problems no one else has solved yet, then race to turn raw ideas into tangible prototypes that push the boundaries of what’s possible in modern warfare and defense technology.
Colonel Ruttenber lifts the curtain on how this fellowship for battle-hardened innovators has evolved from an academic elective into a crucible for rapid prototyping and strategy shaping that senior leaders now rely on for bold insights.
Eric shares how diverse perspectives, strategic forecasting, and a healthy risk appetite come together to give fellows the courage to imagine everything from bacteria-built runways to Google Maps-style decision support for mission commanders. Together, they unpack why breaking through bureaucratic roadblocks and perfecting the art of storytelling is just as vital as building breakthrough tech when you’re challenging an institution designed to prioritize certainty over the experiment.
Suppose you’ve ever wondered what real innovation under pressure looks like and how a tight-knit cohort can turn constraints into rocket fuel. In that case, this episode delivers an inside look at a program rewriting the playbook on defense innovation.
We also explore how private companies, startups, and universities can collaborate with Blue Horizons, bringing fresh thinking to the Air Force’s most challenging missions while learning what it truly means to build resilience, speed, and adaptability.
After listening, I’d love to hear your thoughts. How can leaders inside large organizations borrow lessons from Blue Horizons to encourage more risk-taking, faster learning, and better storytelling to turn big ideas into real-world impact? Join the conversation and share what you think.
In this episode, I sit down with Shegun Otulana, founder and former CEO of Therapy Brands. His journey from arriving in Birmingham, Alabama at 18 to leading one of the largest software exits in the state's history is nothing short of remarkable.
Shegun opens up about his early days, the lessons learned from failure, and the moment his wife encouraged him to finally go all in. He explains how he used consulting work to attract real-world problems and applied a personal framework to choose which one was worth building into a business.
We talk about why pricing can be a powerful form of innovation, how Therapy Brands stood out by aligning with what customers actually valued, and why differentiation often beats being the best.
Shegun reflects on communication as the greatest innovation of all time and shares his passion for helping build Alabama's innovation ecosystem through his work with Innovate Alabama.
This is a conversation about self-awareness, long-term thinking, and what it really takes to build something meaningful.
In this special episode of Nordic Visionaries, I'm joined by Lincoln Bleveans, Senior Sustainability Executive at Stanford University. He is leading one of the most ambitious real-world experiments in climate innovation happening anywhere in the United States. If you've ever wondered what it would take to turn sustainability from a pledge into daily practice, Lincoln has answers grounded in both pragmatism and long-term thinking.
From waste to water, buildings to buses, Lincoln and his team treat every aspect of Stanford's infrastructure as a living lab. This isn't a theory. It's applied innovation running at full scale every day. What makes Lincoln's perspective genuinely unique is the significant influence of Nordic inspiration on him. He discusses the concept of climate citizenship, a mindset he sees embedded in Nordic culture, and how it contrasts with the more transactional approach prevalent across much of the US.
We also hear about Stanford's shift away from fossil fuels, the development of a self-powered water treatment system, and what it means to run a university as if it were its municipality. Lincoln points out that being part of California helps, but this isn't about waiting for a top-down policy. It is about leading with bottom-up action.
Throughout our conversation, one idea kept coming back: visibility. When environmental systems are visible, people start to care. When waste isn't hidden, we deal with it differently. When energy sources are transparent, we think more critically about how we use them. For Lincoln, the next five years are not just about new technology but about shifting our mental habits and making the invisible visible.
So, how do we move from a linear mindset to a circular one? Can institutions model the kind of profound change our cities need? And if so, what can the rest of us learn from Stanford's bold approach?
Join us for a conversation that might change the way you see the systems around you and your role in shaping them. And if you're working on sustainability at a Nordic campus or institution, Lincoln would love to hear what you're building. Why not reach out and share your story?
In this special Nordic Visionaries edition of the Innovation Storytellers Show, I am joined by one of the most influential architects of our time, Bjarke Ingels, founder of BIG, Bjarke Ingels Group. From reimagining the clean port of Copenhagen to designing the first permanent human habitat on the Moon, Bjarke’s work challenges conventional thinking about architecture, sustainability, and innovation.
In this expansive conversation, Bjarke reflects on his early passion for graphic novels and how that artistic instinct evolved into a career that shapes skylines and societies alike. He introduces listeners to the Danish concept of form giving, the idea of shaping not just objects but the frameworks of human life. From Bhutan’s Galefu mindfulness city to NASA’s lunar base, Bjarke reveals how his designs are rooted in ancient culture and future potential.
Listeners will hear how nature, not as an ornament but as a collaborator, inspires Bjarke’s vision. Whether allowing vines to invade his home office or designing a ski slope atop a waste-to-energy plant, he demonstrates how sustainability and pleasure coexist. He shares his philosophy of “hedonistic sustainability” and makes a compelling case that what’s good for the planet can also improve our quality of life.
Bjarke also discusses material innovation, from using bacteria to brew carbon-free concrete to printing structures with moon dust. He explains how earthly or extraterrestrial constraints can unlock some of the world’s most transformative ideas.
This episode is more than a journey through architecture. It invites us to rethink how we design our lives, cities, and shared future.
What does building a business with climate responsibility at its core look like, not as an add-on but as a starting point?
In this episode of Innovation Storytellers Show, we're heading to the Nordics to meet two young leaders who are challenging the status quo around what it means to be a sustainable business. This is part of our special "Nordic Visionaries" series, where we hear directly from the next generation of change-makers reshaping how we think about innovation, impact, and industry.
Synne Sauar, CEO and co-founder of Litech, and Anna Bjerre Johansen, climate activist for the Green Youth Movement in Denmark, are joining me in this discussion. Synne is building a cleantech company tackling one of the least glamorous but most critical environmental challenges: fires in waste facilities caused by improperly sorted batteries and hazardous metals. With AI-powered sensors and a fresh take on circularity, her startup finds opportunity in overlooked infrastructure.
Anna brings a very different angle. She's part of a youth-led climate movement demanding more from the business world, starting with a clearer definition of what is truly sustainable. Drawing on her book For Future Businesses, she outlines why half-measures won't cut it and why profit must be the tool, not the goal. For Anna, real sustainability isn't about polishing the edges. It's about redesigning the system from the inside out.
Together, we unpack what it means to grow like a tree—finding strength, expanding purpose, and building trust over time. We talk about donut economics, rethinking business models, and how transparency and trust are the backbone of Nordic innovation. Synne and Anna also share who inspires them, what they want American listeners to reflect on, and why the next five years are a tipping point for regenerative thinking.
If you've ever wondered what it takes to move beyond marketing slogans and put climate into the DNA of your business, this conversation is for you.
In this episode of Innovation Storytellers, part of our Nordic Visionaries Pocket Podcast series, we explore that connection with Ari Jónsson, COO of Identifier Technologies and Director at the NATO Innovation Fund. Ari’s journey began with a PhD in AI at Stanford in the early 90s, when artificial intelligence was far from mainstream. What started as a passion for robotics evolved into software agents that supported decision-making in complex environments, including spacecraft operations at NASA.
After a decade at NASA, Ari returned to Iceland just as the 2008 financial crash devastated the country’s economy. While many saw a crisis, Ari saw an opportunity. Iceland’s talent, previously locked into banking, was suddenly available, and a new wave of innovation began.
As President of Reykjavik University, Ari helped build a tech-focused academic culture that partnered closely with government and industry. His leadership on Iceland’s national policy council for science and technology led to significant reforms and a two-year collaboration with MIT to build a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Today, Ari is working on some of the toughest challenges in tech. Identifier Technologies uses AI to track and manage visual content, from stopping the spread of child abuse material to identifying deepfakes and helping brands and newsrooms manage their content more securely. At NATO, he is part of a bold effort to support deep tech with dual-use potential, investing in companies working on everything from space launches to quantum computing and advanced materials.
This is a wide-ranging conversation about resilience, collaboration, and how Iceland has consistently punched above its weight in innovation. Ari also reflects on what Americans can learn from Nordic trust-based systems, why we should stop waiting for silver-bullet climate solutions, and how AI and infrastructure can combine to support a sustainable future.
What does it mean to innovate with principle in a world of complexity, volatility, and accelerating change? This week, I spoke with Anu Bradford, Professor of Law, Director of European Legal Studies Center, Columbia Law School.
As part of our Nordic Visionaries series, Anu brings a timely and thought-provoking perspective on the intersection of innovation, regulation, and sustainability. Known globally for her work on EU law and digital regulation, and as the author of The Brussels Effect and Digital Empires, Anu offers an insider’s view on how the Nordics and Europe are navigating the fast-evolving tech landscape.
Together, they explore the mounting pressure on companies to adapt to shifting political and economic forces while staying true to their foundational values. From EU regulation and AI governance to geopolitical realignment and sustainability commitments, the conversation tackles the opportunities and tradeoffs innovators must grapple with today.
Anu also highlights the need for disruptive innovation that improves lives, not just profits, and calls attention to the power of Nordic leadership to set global examples through clear values, pragmatism, and social trust. Whether you are a tech founder, policymaker, or corporate leader, this episode challenges you to consider what you build and why you make it.
So, how do we define meaningful innovation at this moment? And what kind of future are we shaping when we choose to balance progress with principle?
Join the conversation and share your thoughts.
This week I was thrilled to speak with Peder Naerboe, Founder and Owner of Bulk Infrastructure, for my Nordic Visionaries series. I’ve known about data centers for years, but Peder totally reframed them for me as “power refineries,” where Norway’s abundant clean energy can be converted into digital form right at the source.
By placing data hubs next to renewable power generation like hydropower, Peder sees a future where we cut out the inefficiencies of long-distance energy transport. It’s not just an innovative way to go greener; it might actually be more profitable, too.
In our conversation, Peder shared how his background in shipping led him toward industrial real estate and eventually into building sustainable infrastructure. He talked about constructing not only traditional logistics centers but also robust fiber networks that connect rural regions with major tech hubs. One story that really caught my attention is how people in Labrador are repurposing heat from data centers and crypto mining rigs to warm local buildings.
I never imagined data-driven devices fueling greenhouses in subarctic climates, but that’s precisely the kind of out-of-the-box thinking Peder encourages. Beyond the tech details, I loved hearing about the deeper Nordic ethos. According to Peder, a strong sense of responsibility to future generations is woven into daily life in Norway—and all across the Nordic countries.
It’s not just a marketing slogan; it shapes the decisions people make, from personal routines to national policy. He believes that if more organizations and innovators around the world aligned profitability with sustainability, we’d see a much faster transition to cleaner energy and more efficient systems.
If you’re curious about how to marry environmental goals with profitable outcomes or if you’re just looking to see how data center “refineries” might help reinvent the way we power our digital lives—this episode is a must-listen. Peder’s passion and practical insight blew my mind.
I hope it inspires you to explore new ways we can all push the boundaries of innovation while protecting our planet for generations to come.
What will it take to move beyond the traditional recycling conversation and into a future where circularity is a business imperative, not just a sustainability slogan?
In this episode of Nordic Visionaries, I speak with Tove Andersen, President and CEO of TOMRA, a company founded in Norway that has been working on circular economy solutions for over 50 years. With operations in over 100 countries, TOMRA's mission focuses on resource optimization. From reverse vending machines that reward consumers for returning bottles and cans to advanced sorting technologies that help car manufacturers reclaim high-quality aluminum, TOMRA is helping to build the infrastructure for a closed-loop system that works at scale.
Tove shares how her background in physics and her 24-year leadership career in global agriculture positioned her to see sustainability and profitability as deeply intertwined. She also explains how TOMRA is collaborating with governments and manufacturers to make circular systems commercially viable and scalable and why timing, transparency, and incentives matter more than ever.
What stands out is the reminder that sustainability isn’t just an environmental issue. It is a design challenge, a policy challenge, and above all, an innovation opportunity. From redefining product end-of-life to rethinking local waste infrastructure, Tove offers a compelling vision for turning waste into a resource and circularity into a driver of growth.
Is your business truly part of the solution, or are you waiting for regulation to catch up? Let us know what you think. What’s the next right step for companies aiming to build a more sustainable future?
What if the key to creating a more sustainable future lies not in reinventing capitalism entirely, but in looking at how it already works elsewhere?
In this episode of Nordic Visionaries, a special series inside the Innovation Storytellers Show, we welcome Dr. Robert Strand, Executive Director of the Nordic Center at UC Berkeley and Associate Professor at the Copenhagen Business School. With one foot firmly planted in American academia and the other deeply connected to Nordic thought leadership, Robert offers a compelling comparison between American and Nordic models of capitalism highlighting how the Nordics are approaching profit, climate responsibility, and long-term societal well-being.
Drawing on his research, leadership courses, and real-world corporate experience, Robert shares why many of the assumptions embedded in American business culture deserve to be challenged. He explains why sustainable capitalism is desirable and necessary and how it can be built on models already in practice across Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland. Whether it’s universal childcare, patient capital, stakeholder-driven innovation, or strong democratic institutions, Robert walks us through the policies and cultural mindsets that allow Nordic companies to be both competitive and conscientious.
We also explore how sustainability can drive innovation and how American business leaders might need to rethink their relationship with speed, growth, and quarterly returns. Robert calls for a shift in leadership priorities, urging executives to act as advocates for society as much as for their bottom line. From planetary boundaries to AI, from corporate structures to childcare, this conversation challenges long-held ideas about what makes capitalism work.
Can we borrow from Nordic approaches to shape a more resilient and just economy? And are American businesses ready to reimagine their role in a changing world? Tune in and share your thoughts.
This week I was delighted to sit down with Ann Molin, CEO & Secretary General of Hack for Earth, for an in-depth conversation on how citizen-led innovation can tackle global challenges. Ann, a psychologist by training, first fell in love with hackathons while working on the Swedish Government’s Hack for Sweden initiative, where she realized that bringing people together to solve open-data challenges could spark powerful, real-world solutions in record time.
During our conversation, Ann explained how the Hack for Earth foundation evolved from this initial passion, scaling up to engage over 25,000 participants across 125 countries in building tools aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. She emphasized that these events aren’t just about brainstorming; they’re about bolstering projects after the hackathon ends. Ann’s key insight was that sustainable innovation demands an ongoing acceleration program—complete with the leadership support and psychological safety needed for meaningful impact.
We also discussed the Nordic countries’ tremendous success in both innovation and sustainability. Ann pointed out how a strong social framework, combined with a flat organizational culture, empowers individuals to take risks without fear of failure. She described the critical role of storytelling in uniting groups around environmental goals, noting that the most memorable ideas emerge when empathy, narrative, and relationships intertwine.
One of my favorite takeaways was Ann’s passionate stance on action trumping endless research. While reading and learning have their place, she believes we can’t just wait around if we want to drive change. If you’re curious about the psychology behind hackathons, the importance of genuine follow-through, or how the Nordic approach to collaboration might help solve today’s toughest challenges, you won’t want to miss our conversation. Let me know what you think!
In this opening installment of Nordic Visionaries, I introduce a fresh series spotlighting entrepreneurs, creators, and advocates at the crossroads of innovation and sustainability throughout the Nordic countries.
My first guest, Mathias Wikström, sheds light on how cultural values shape our approach to protecting nature and why weaving sustainability into financial services is a long-term strategy. Together, we examine how transparent banking practices, combined with mindful consumer choices, can boost both human and environmental well-being.
Mathias also reveals the importance of storytelling in shifting habits, highlighting a real-life example from Bank of the West, where a new perspective on everyday transactions sparked a surge of interest and retention. This conversation touches on the power of empathy, the need for collaboration across sectors, and how linking every purchase to environmental impact might become a normal part of daily life.
This engaging episode sets the stage for a series that probes the Nordic mindset on merging profit with a strong sense of responsibility for people and the planet.
Have you ever considered the role that discipline, trust, and storytelling play in shaping truly innovative leaders?
In this episode of the Innovation Storytellers Show, I'm honored to welcome Miles Garrett, a veteran leader, author, and former Executive Officer of the nuclear-powered submarine USS Cheyenne. Drawing from his extensive 25-year career spanning both the United States Marine Corps and the Navy, Miles shares powerful insights into leadership, innovation, and the critical role storytelling plays in high-stakes environments.
Miles takes us behind the scenes to explore why consistent conversations around leadership are not just beneficial but necessary. He shares his own experience in the military, where peer-to-peer conversations shape organizational culture and instill vital traits like intrinsic motivation, professional trust, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. But what happens when these conversations aren't happening? Miles highlights how ignoring leadership fundamentals can quickly undermine organizational morale and effectiveness, whether in the military or in business.
Our discussion also covers the fascinating connection between risk-taking, innovation, and storytelling. Miles vividly recounts historical examples, illustrating why leaders must balance boldness with accountability to inspire genuine breakthroughs. He argues convincingly that innovation thrives when leaders foster trust, enabling their teams to share ideas without fear confidently.
Throughout the conversation, Miles challenges conventional perceptions of leadership, pushing us to reconsider what truly drives people internally versus externally. He offers practical strategies for cultivating intrinsic motivation, building professional trust, and pursuing excellence in any organization.
Join us for this thought-provoking episode and explore how timeless principles from military leadership can fuel innovation in your own organization. Could a stronger focus on trust, motivation, and storytelling unlock new possibilities for your team? Tune in and share your thoughts.
Can innovation truly succeed without trust, integrity, and the right team behind it? In this episode of the Innovation Storytellers Show I welcome Tracy Nolan, Senior Vice President of MarketPoint at Humana, for an insightful discussion on what it really takes to lead big ideas and bold changes.
Tracy shares how her journey began in an unexpected place—retail—where an inventive approach led to record-breaking sales, setting the stage for a career of embracing innovation. Through her remarkable experiences in telecom, notably leading Sprint’s transformative turnaround and groundbreaking merger with T-Mobile, Tracy underscores how calculated risk-taking and bold decisions can radically shift a company's direction.
At the heart of their conversation is the critical role of trust during times of change, especially mergers and acquisitions. Tracy candidly discusses the strategies that built trust with teams she led, emphasizing the necessity of open, transparent communication—even in tough situations. Her relatable story about the "goose in the parking lot" vividly illustrates how addressing seemingly small team concerns can significantly impact company culture and morale.
Transitioning from telecom to healthcare, Tracy brings these leadership lessons to Humana, where she now tackles healthcare’s complex landscape. She reveals her approach to fostering a culture of innovation and shared vision, highlighting that successful innovation isn’t about dictating strategy from above but rather bringing teams along on a collective journey toward clearly visualized goals.
The episode wraps with Tracy tackling my hot-seat questions, revealing her personal thoughts on the greatest innovation of all time, the historical team she'd most love to have joined, and the one innovation she'd love to see next—ideas sure to spark lively debate among listeners.
What role does trust play in your innovation journey? Share your experiences with us after tuning in to this inspiring conversation!
What happens when AI meets automotive repair? Can technology bridge the growing knowledge gap between seasoned mechanics and the next generation of technicians? And how will the “Right to Repair” movement reshape how vehicles are maintained in the future?
In this episode of Innovation Storytellers Show, I sit down with Eric West, Chief Growth Officer at Convertible AI, to explore the intersection of AI, workforce training, and the future of vehicle diagnostics.
Eric shares his perspective on the hidden complexities behind the so-called "technician shortage" and explains why the issue goes far beyond a simple lack of workers. He highlights how AI can capture and distribute the knowledge of master mechanics, ensuring that valuable expertise is not lost as older generations of technicians retire. The ability to embed decades of experience into AI-powered diagnostic tools can revolutionize the way mechanics diagnose and repair vehicles, making training more efficient and ensuring accuracy in the repair process.
One of the most significant shifts in the industry is the growing push for Right to Repair legislation. Eric discusses how this movement challenges the traditional power balance between independent repair shops and major automakers. As proprietary repair information becomes more accessible, AI-driven tools could empower smaller shops with the same level of technical insight as dealership service centers, ultimately creating a more competitive and consumer-friendly industry.
The conversation also touches on the role of synthetic data in AI innovation. Eric explains how AI-generated datasets are helping businesses predict vehicle issues before they occur, providing a new level of preventative maintenance. With the ability to simulate real-world conditions and test different scenarios, synthetic data is allowing auto manufacturers and repair shops to stay ahead of potential problems, improving efficiency and reducing costly repairs.
So, what does the future of AI-powered workforce training look like? How will AI reshape industries where hands-on expertise has always been essential? And most importantly, how do we ensure that innovation benefits the people who drive these industries forward? Let’s continue the conversation.
You have a limited offer you can use now, that gets you up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one time purchases with code STORYTELLERS20 at checkout
You can claim it at: https://magicmind.com/STORYTELLERS20
What if the songs artists love the least become the ones fans can’t live without?
In this episode of the Innovation Storytellers Show, I sit down with Amani Roberts, DJ, professor, author, and creative powerhouse, to explore where real innovation happens in the music industry—beyond technology, beyond distribution, and deep into the creative process itself.
Amani takes us behind the scenes of some of the most legendary R&B hits, revealing how experimentation, last-minute decisions, and creative risks have shaped the soundtracks of our lives. From Earth, Wind & Fire collaborating with magician David Copperfield to transform live performances, to Kool & The Gang reinventing their sound to reach #1, we unpack the unexpected ways music evolves.
But this conversation goes beyond music. Amani shares lessons on creativity, reinvention, and ownership that apply to any industry—whether you’re leading a business, building a brand, or creating something from nothing. We also dive into the business of music today, from the rise of streaming and catalog sales to how artists are navigating a world where music is consumed differently than ever before.
If you’ve ever wondered how collaboration, risk-taking, and even rejection fuel the biggest breakthroughs, not just in music but in innovation at large. This episode is for you.
What happens when big data meets healthcare innovation? In this episode of the Innovation Storyteller Show, Susan Lindner talks with Tina Posey, CEO of HealthcarePoint, about how data is transforming clinical trials and reshaping healthcare on a global scale.
Tina shares her journey into healthcare innovation, sparked by the events of 2020, and how HealthcarePoint’s platform is revolutionizing the clinical trial process. By enabling pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, and healthcare innovators to share critical competency data, HealthcarePoint ensures regulatory compliance and safety in clinical trials. This data-driven approach not only speeds up essential research but also improves patient outcomes by ensuring the right people are in the right roles at the right time.
The conversation also explores the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in clinical trials, highlighting how FDA mandates are opening doors for previously underrepresented populations. Tina discusses the unique challenges and opportunities that arise when addressing healthcare needs across different regions, emphasizing that innovation must consider cultural and regional differences.
One of the most compelling parts of the discussion focuses on stroke care, where HealthcarePoint’s solutions have demonstrated the potential to save up to 45 minutes in treatment time—a difference that could mean full recovery instead of permanent disability. This example underscores how every second counts in healthcare and how data and AI are crucial in saving lives.
The way we power the world hasn’t fundamentally changed in decades—until now. In this episode of the Innovation Storyteller Show, I speak with Dr. Moshiel Biton, CEO and co-founder of Addionics, a company reshaping the battery industry with 3D current collector technology.
Dr. Biton shares his unconventional path into the battery space, reflecting on how the EV revolution has transformed the perception of energy storage. He explains why the fundamental structure of lithium-ion batteries has remained unchanged for over 30 years and how his company is working to overcome the limitations of existing technology. He discusses the challenges of scaling battery innovation while ensuring new solutions integrate seamlessly into existing production lines.
The conversation also explores the hurdles of securing venture capital for hardware-focused startups and why many investors hesitate to back new battery technologies. Dr. Biton describes how Addionics has navigated these challenges by offering a drop-in solution that enhances performance without requiring massive infrastructure changes.
Beyond technology, he shares a thought-provoking reflection on the state of the world, envisioning a "peace generator" that could help people recognize the futility of conflict. As the conversation unfolds, it becomes clear that innovation isn’t just about advancing technology but about shaping the future in a way that benefits everyone.
Why do so many groundbreaking ideas stall before they even get started? In this episode of the Innovation Storytellers Podcast, Dr. Stefan Dietrich, Senior Advisor in Innovation and Digital Transformation, exposes the real obstacles that prevent innovation from thriving inside organizations.
Dr. Dietrich shares his experiences leading digital transformation at Siemens, AXA, and within startups, revealing the cultural and structural hurdles that slow progress. He discusses how middle management—often referred to as "corporate permafrost"—can be one of the biggest roadblocks to change and why the most successful innovators find ways to bypass bureaucracy and go straight to decision-makers.
We also explore the dangers of complacency, the challenge of proving ROI for disruptive ideas, and why companies that resist innovation put themselves at risk of becoming obsolete. Dr. Dietrich shares firsthand stories of pushing bold ideas through corporate resistance, including lessons from the early days of mobile transformation and the critical role of data in shaping decision-making.
If you've ever struggled to get leadership buy-in, seen your projects get stuck in endless approval cycles, or been asked to put a visionary idea into an Excel spreadsheet, this episode is for you.
Tune in to learn how to navigate corporate innovation, avoid the slow death of great ideas, and build a culture that embraces transformation.
How do you keep pushing forward when faced with constant setbacks, resistance, or uncertainty? For innovators and leaders, resilience isn't just a nice-to-have—it's essential. But resilience isn't simply enduring; it's about having a plan to navigate challenges and become stronger.
In this episode of Innovation Storytellers Show, I sit down with Dr. Marie-Hélène Pelletier, an expert in leadership psychology and the author of The Resilience Plan, to break down what it takes to build resilience in today's fast-changing world. MH has spent decades working with executives, entrepreneurs, and high-performing professionals, helping them cultivate the mental agility to thrive amid shifting business landscapes.
We explore why resilience isn't a personality trait—it's a skill that fluctuates over time and can be strengthened with the right strategies. MH shares the foundational elements of resilience, from the science-backed habits that sustain it to the business-inspired frameworks that help leaders apply it effectively. We also dive into why burnout is so prevalent among innovators and why simply pushing through challenges isn't a sustainable solution.
Throughout our conversation, MH introduces actionable ways to create a personal Resilience Plan tailored to your unique pressures and priorities. Whether you're leading high-stakes projects, navigating corporate resistance to change, or simply trying to maintain momentum in the face of uncertainty, this episode will give you the tools to build resilience to support your success.
If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the pressures of leading change, this conversation is for you. MH's insights will help you survive and thrive, even in challenging environments.
Dr. Pelletier is providing all listeners access to free resources.
Innovation is often seen as a function of big ideas and long-term investments, but in today’s fast-changing world, organizations must rethink how they approach problem-solving and experimentation. In this episode, I sit down with Shellery Ebron and Annice Kim from RTI International to discuss how one of the world’s most respected research organizations is embedding innovation into its culture and operations.
RTI International is known for its groundbreaking research in science, health, and public policy. But what sets RTI apart is its commitment to making innovation a core value, not just an occasional initiative. Shellery and Annice share how RTI has shifted its approach, moving away from traditional, multi-year innovation cycles to a more agile, adaptable framework that allows for quicker experimentation and real-world impact.
Throughout our conversation, we explore the challenges organizations face when trying to implement innovative ideas. One of the biggest hurdles is inertia—the resistance to change that exists in every industry. Shellery and Annice discuss the importance of storytelling as a tool to overcome resistance, emphasizing that getting buy-in requires painting a vivid picture of the future. Whether talking to business leaders, researchers, or policymakers, framing innovation in a way that speaks to their priorities is key.
Another critical aspect of RTI’s innovation strategy is breaking down ambitious ideas into smaller, testable projects. Instead of waiting for full funding or a perfect plan, they encourage teams to start with small experiments that confirm key assumptions and build momentum. This step-by-step approach ensures that innovation is not just a one-time effort but a continuous process that drives real change.
From embedding innovation into corporate values to fostering a culture where experimentation is encouraged, this episode provides a fascinating look at how RTI International is shaping the future of research and social impact. Whether you’re in the public or private sector, there are valuable lessons to be learned from their approach to making innovation a sustainable, organization-wide practice.
What if risk management wasn’t just about avoiding failure but enabling innovation?
In this episode of Innovation Storytellers Show, I sit down with Rose Hall, Former SVP, Head of Innovation, Americas at AXA, to explore the critical role of risk management in pushing innovation forward. While most people see risk and innovation as opposing forces, Rose makes a compelling case for why they need to work together to not only mitigate threats but unlock new markets, products, and business models.
We dive into why insurance is the safety net beneath some of the world’s most significant innovations and how companies like SpaceX navigate complex, multi-layered risks. The risks associated with cutting-edge advancements are more critical than ever, from cyber threats and climate impact to geopolitical challenges. Traditional insurance models are struggling to keep up, and Rose explains why the industry must evolve to remain relevant.
The conversation also highlights the challenges of ensuring emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. There isn’t a simple insurance product covering AI, but existing policies may address the damage caused by AI failures. This nuance underscores the need for a more dynamic, forward-thinking approach to risk management that can adapt to the unpredictable nature of modern innovation.
Another key theme is the power of partnerships. Rose emphasizes that no company can build everything independently, especially in industries where risk and innovation intersect. The real opportunity lies in fostering collaboration between insurers, startups, and large enterprises to create meaningful, scalable solutions.
This episode challenges the traditional notion of risk management as a roadblock. Instead, Rose frames it as an essential part of progress. Without strong risk strategies, innovation could stall, leaving businesses unable to take the bold leaps necessary for growth.
Tune in to hear how risk and innovation can work hand in hand to shape the future. If you’ve ever thought of risk as something that slows innovation, this conversation might change your perspective.
In this episode of the Innovation Storytellers Show, I sit down with Charlie Chappell, Vice President of Innovation, Research & Development at The Hershey Company, to explore what it takes to innovate in one of the world’s most beloved brands. Charlie’s journey is nothing short of fascinating, from his start in R&D at Kimberly-Clark, earning patents for his work, to shaping iconic brands like Pantene and Old Spice during his time at Procter & Gamble. Now at Hershey, he’s leading the charge to bring bold new ideas to life.
Charlie opens up about the joys and challenges of innovating in the food and beverage industry, particularly in confectionery. We talk about the creation of Shackalicious, a gummy line launched in collaboration with Shaquille O’Neal, and how Hershey partnered with Shaq to bring his larger-than-life personality into a product that’s flying off the shelves. Charlie also dives into the innovator’s dilemma—how to embrace change, take risks, and adapt without losing sight of what makes a brand iconic.
This conversation is packed with insights on navigating trends, identifying what’s meaningful versus fleeting, and having the courage to push boundaries—even when it means some ideas won’t work out. If you’re curious about how legacy brands like Hershey stay ahead of the curve and continue to bring joy to millions, this episode is for you.
Tune in for a sweet discussion filled with inspiration, lessons, and plenty of chocolate. Let’s innovate together!
What does it take to build a seamless connection between the agile world of startups and the structured environments of corporate innovators? In this episode of Innovation Storytellers, I had the pleasure of speaking with Trena Blair, Founder & CEO of FD Global Connections, who brought her extensive expertise to the table in exploring how to bridge these two worlds.
Trena shared insights from her book, Decoding Global Growth: How Successful Companies Scale Internationally, a practical guide for startups scaling across borders. We explored the challenges startups face when moving from the prototype stage to becoming a scale-up, emphasizing the critical importance of resilience within leadership teams and the organizations they build. Trena discussed how the leadership skillset must evolve through the business growth lifecycle, shifting from directive approaches to fostering delegation and teamwork—essential elements for navigating the complexities of scaling.
We also touched on the cultural dynamics between startups and corporates, a factor that’s often overlooked yet can make or break partnerships. Trena highlighted the challenges of cultural misalignment, sharing an unforgettable story of a startup acquired by IBM and its “blue washing” experience—a 300-line checklist for assimilation into the corporate structure. The anecdote serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance required to preserve innovation while integrating into a larger organization.
This episode dives deep into the frameworks and strategies needed for startups and corporates to thrive together, including Trena's expert approach to risk management and governance. From assessing a startup’s capacity and capability to understanding cultural nuances and market needs, Trena offers invaluable guidance for leaders on both sides of the partnership.
What’s the secret to maintaining a startup’s innovative spirit while embracing the structure of a corporate partnership? Listen to this thought-provoking conversation and share your take!
Over the holidays, I am reflecting on one of my most downloaded episode of 2024 with my innovation guide and intellectual beacon, Peter Temes.
In this episode, Peter and I journeyed through the intricacies of turning strategies from mere visions into tangible realities. We dissect the critical elements that transform a company’s strategy into a compelling narrative driven by morals and values, emphasizing the importance of collective belief and action in achieving success. Our discussion sheds light on the delicate balance between setting ambitious goals and the practical execution that brings them to life, underscoring the significance of establishing clear values and allowing the fruits of success to benefit every layer of an organization, especially its customers.
Join us as we delve into how adopting a collaborative rather than a top-down approach can lead to a more inclusive and impactful innovation strategy. We explore the challenges of instilling a culture that embraces change, drawing parallels with the complexities of updating data and computer systems within dynamic, fast-paced environments. Learn how parallel progress paths can be a strategic approach to fostering a forward-thinking and adaptable organizational culture, even in settings resistant to change.
I reflect on my most downloaded episode of 2024 with Louise Agersnap, the Head of WHO Innovation Hub, part of the Digital Health and Innovation Department. We enjoyed a thought-provoking discussion on the transformative initiatives happening at the World Health Organization. With over 20 years of experience in global health development and innovation, Louise brings a wealth of knowledge and insights to the table.
The conversation kicks off with a reflection on the global health sector's unique challenges and the critical need for innovative solutions. Recognizing this, WHO is empowering its teams to transition seamlessly from ideation to execution, with a nod to Kevin D'Silva and his team at Ideateplus for their role in fostering a culture of innovation.
Louise shares insights into the LEAD program, a groundbreaking initiative at WHO that empowers staff to drive impactful change through ideation, validation, and implementation. With over 250 ideas generated and 40+ projects in the pipeline, the LEAD program exemplifies the power of collaborative innovation in healthcare.
The discussion also delves into the role of storytelling in scaling innovation across 194 member states. Louise highlights the Herculean task of communicating and garnering support for innovative ideas globally, offering insights into crafting compelling narratives that inspire collaboration and drive progress.
We explore the importance of scalability and sustainability in fostering an innovation culture within WHO. With projects spanning 12 to 18 months, maintaining momentum and ensuring long-term impact are key priorities.
What does it take to thrive in a world where AI is redefining customer experience and business innovation? On this episode of the Innovation Storytellers Show, I had an incredible conversation with Jim Harris, bestselling author and globally renowned speaker on disruptive innovation, to explore how businesses can adapt to a rapidly evolving future.
Jim shared his unique journey, from teaching Stephen Covey's principles to becoming one of the most sought-after voices in AI and innovation. Drawing on decades of experience working with organizations like Walmart, IBM, and Barclays, he reflected on the challenges and opportunities presented by AI. From the democratization of AI tools to their transformative impact on industries, Jim offered deep insights into how companies must rethink their approach to innovation.
One of the standout moments from our discussion was Jim’s story about a group of mainframe managers who, in 1993, couldn’t envision the transformative role of the internet. Fast forward 30 years, and the web is now inseparable from our personal and professional lives. This raises an essential question: How quickly can businesses recognize that the rules of the game have changed, and how do they facilitate the transition to what’s next?
We also tackled the emotional and practical aspects of AI adoption. With two-thirds of Americans expressing fear about AI, Jim emphasized the importance of education, adaptability, and understanding AI's potential to empower, rather than replace, human capabilities. He also highlighted the importance of continuous learning, citing the World Economic Forum’s findings that workers need an additional 20 days of training annually to keep pace with technological advancements.
What role do trust, cultural understanding, and collaboration play in global innovation?
In this episode of the Innovation Storytellers Show, I sit down with Gökhan Doran, Division VP and General Manager at Corning International, to uncover the keys to navigating the complexities of international manufacturing and partnerships.
From Brazil to Nigeria, Japan to India, Gökhan shares his journey of building diverse, value-driven collaborations that blend Corning’s innovation in glass science with local expertise and creativity.
Together, we explore the human resistance to change, the importance of breaking down comfort zones, and the philosophical insights that guide Gökhan’s leadership style. Drawing inspiration from Plato, Gökhan discusses how curiosity, discipline, and a willingness to climb the metaphorical wall of fear have shaped his career and approach to partnerships.
We also dive into the challenges and opportunities of operating in a global marketplace, from fostering trust in cross-cultural collaborations to ensuring alignment on core values. Gökhan highlights how these synergies drive innovation and long-term growth, transforming partnerships into powerful engines for progress.
Whether you're leading a global team or looking to expand your business internationally, this conversation offers actionable insights into the art and science of collaboration, innovation, and leadership in a fast-changing world.
On this episode of Innovation Storytellers Show, I’m joined by Bobbie Carlton, an award-winning marketing, PR, and social media professional who is transforming the way we think about public speaking, storytelling, and women’s visibility in innovation. As the founder of Carlton PR & Marketing, Mass Innovation Nights, and Innovation Women, Bobbie has dedicated her career to breaking barriers and creating platforms that amplify diverse voices.
In our conversation, Bobbie shared her fascinating journey from broadcasting to global PR at Cognos and her transition into entrepreneurship. She revealed her passion for storytelling as a catalyst for innovation and her mission to eliminate the all-too-common “manels” (all-male panels) that dominate tech and innovation conferences.
Through Innovation Women, she’s redefined public speaking as a tool for visibility and career advancement, positioning it as a gateway for women to claim leadership roles, board positions, and career-changing opportunities.
Bobbie also unpacked the art of memorable storytelling, emphasizing the power of refrains and structure in capturing an audience’s attention. She spoke candidly about the common mistakes speakers make, such as telling overly lengthy or irrelevant stories, and offered actionable advice to start stories closer to their conclusion to maintain impact and clarity.
We also reflected on our shared roots in PR, reminiscing about the clip books and envelope-stuffing days that shaped our understanding of the evolving communication landscape.
This conversation is a masterclass in using storytelling as a tool for innovation and a reminder of the importance of making stages more inclusive. How are you using storytelling to spark innovation and amplify voices in your field? Share your thoughts after tuning in!
Have you ever wondered what it takes to use creativity to drive global change? In this episode of the Innovation Storyteller Show, I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with AY Young, CEO and flagship artist of the Battery Tour. AY is not your average musician—he’s redefining how we think about performance, energy, and sustainability.
As someone named one of the UN’s 17 Youth Leaders, AY has taken on the ambitious challenge of aligning his music with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through his Battery Tour, he’s powered over 950 concerts globally using renewable energy while inspiring communities and corporations like General Motors and Samsung to get involved.
Our conversation dives into AY’s journey, from his early inspiration watching his parents transform their Kansas City neighborhood block by block to his innovative approach to creating music that powers real change. We also explore his groundbreaking Project 17, an album featuring one song for each of the SDGs, created in collaboration with some of the world’s top artists.
This isn’t just a story about music; it’s about how each of us can be an outlet for change. Tune in to hear AY’s incredible journey, the obstacles he’s faced, and how he’s building a movement that bridges music, sustainability, and innovation.
In this episode of the Innovation Storytellers Show, I sit down with Dr. Mark van Rijmenam, a Strategic Futurist and Global Keynote Speaker known for his expertise in emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, and the metaverse. Mark and I first connected at the Global Speakers Federation Conference in Bali, where his keynote on digital transformation and the accelerating pace of AI left a lasting impression.
We kick off our conversation by diving into the rapid evolution of AI and why businesses must adapt swiftly to harness its full potential. Mark explains how tools like Generative AI can drive creativity and productivity, but he also warns that if we aren’t ready to integrate these innovations, we risk falling behind. As the conversation progresses, Mark shares his thoughts on the rise of agentic AI, where intelligent agents collaborate autonomously — a development that’s pushing the boundaries of what AI can achieve today.
However, it’s not just about AI. Mark sheds light on the untapped potential of blockchain, a technology often misunderstood as just the backbone of cryptocurrencies. He paints a picture of blockchain as the “plumbing” of the future internet, capable of enabling secure, transparent data sharing without compromising control. For Mark, it’s time to move beyond crypto-skepticism and see blockchain as a tool for building trust and collaboration across industries.
Our discussion takes a fascinating turn as we explore the role of education in this era of exponential change. Mark is candid about his frustrations with our outdated educational systems, which still mirror methods from centuries ago. He argues for a fundamental shift, one that embraces technology and focuses on fostering adaptability and resilience over rote learning.
Whether you’re an executive, an innovator, or an educator, this episode is packed with actionable insights on how to leverage AI and emerging technologies to stay ahead of the curve. Are you prepared for the exponential pace of change, or will you risk being left behind?
What if the most groundbreaking solutions weren’t waiting within your organization’s walls but scattered across industries, continents, and disciplines, just waiting to be tapped? In this episode, I sit down with Kyle Basler-Reeder, ExxonMobil’s Global Open Innovation Lead, to discuss how he’s redefined problem-solving for one of the world’s largest energy companies.
Kyle shares his unique journey from his early days as a 15-year-old aspiring entrepreneur to spearheading a program that searches far and wide for fresh perspectives on complex challenges. He dives into the methods and philosophies behind ExxonMobil’s open innovation framework, a system he’s crafted to harness creativity from diverse fields like agriculture, aerospace, and even pharmaceuticals.
Kyle introduces us to what he calls “Level Seven” of open innovation, where ExxonMobil looks to industries far beyond its own, bringing in insights from unexpected sources to tackle persistent and “stubborn” problems. He also reveals the fascinating world of “all-star solvers”—the polymaths who thrive on solving radically different challenges and who bring a Da Vinci-like approach to crowdsourced solutions.
Listen in as Kyle demystifies the path to open innovation, shares strategies for overcoming internal resistance, and highlights why bringing in “outside minds” has been transformative for ExxonMobil’s innovation journey. Whether you’re looking to jumpstart innovation or tackle longstanding challenges in your own organization, this episode offers practical insights on expanding beyond the familiar and embracing a truly global approach to problem-solving.
In this episode of Innovation Storytellers, I sit down with Yaron Flint, author, and seasoned innovation strategist, to explore what it truly takes to drive long-term innovation in today’s dynamic environment. As someone with deep experience spanning automotive, smart materials, environmental, and construction tech, Yaron brings a wealth of insights into how to make innovation strategies a reality within established organizations.
Yaron argues that no innovation effort can thrive without a champion at the helm—a dedicated advocate who navigates complexities galvanizes support, and keeps the momentum alive. This champion, he explains, must be willing to take calculated risks, champion the cause, and turn passive stakeholders into active supporters. Yaron shares stories from his career on how internal champions, equipped with strategic storytelling and persistence, have driven breakthrough success and garnered buy-in even when facing resistance.
We also touch on Yaron’s recent achievements, including projects that bridged technologies from unrelated industries to achieve new solutions, like his award-winning environmental project in manufacturing. Yaron provides a glimpse into his methodology for forging partnerships and cross-sector collaborations, emphasizing that a genuine partnership is an ongoing commitment to learning and evolving together.
As we dive into his book, Innovative Business Development: Implementing Transformation from Within, Yaron offers practical tools for leaders looking to adopt and sustain innovation across sectors, no matter the challenges.
Tune in to discover why having a champion is essential and learn how cross-cultural and cross-sector experiences can be leveraged to foster innovation that is as profitable as it is transformative. Is your organization ready to make the leap? Listen now and share your thoughts on what it takes to turn innovative ideas into organizational wins.
In my new episode of Innovation Storytellers, I chat with Rob Majteles as we delve into the transformative potential of Impact Frameworks in Innovation.
During our enlightening conversation, Rob shares an inspiring example of a global agricultural company that has radically shifted its business model to embed sustainability into its core operations. This shift involves a comprehensive reevaluation of their impact on carbon emissions and biodiversity, representing a profound change from their historical reliance on fossil fuels. The company is not only adjusting to new market realities but is also setting a benchmark in the industry for integrating climate and sustainability considerations into every facet of its business. This involves complex risk analyses and a strategic overhaul that aims to generate value-added revenue through sustainable practices.
Rob emphasizes the importance of viewing impact not just as an external obligation but as a crucial component of internal corporate strategy. By meticulously defining, aligning, and executing impact through detailed strategic roadmaps, companies can navigate the complexities of modern markets and unlock substantial opportunities for growth and innovation.
Our discussion delves deep into how these frameworks can be a catalyst for significant organizational change, enabling companies to thrive in an increasingly conscientious business environment. Join us as we unpack these themes and more, understanding how true innovation often begins with rethinking how we measure and implement impact at every level of business.
What role does innovation play in the federal government, especially when it comes to healthcare? On this episode of Innovation Storytellers, we take a deep dive into the innovation happening at the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) with Allison Amrhein, Director of the VHA Innovators Network.
Allison brings us behind the scenes, sharing how the VA empowers frontline employees and veterans to identify problems and collaborate on solutions that impact real lives. It’s not about fancy tech—it’s about solving everyday challenges. From building a sense of community among employees to fostering a culture of human-centered design, the VA is showing how innovation can happen anywhere, even in the most traditional environments.
During our conversation, Allison explains how the VA focuses on identifying problems before jumping to solutions—a mindset that has transformed how healthcare providers and veterans innovate together. We also explore the VA’s Greenhouse Initiative, a program that connects industry and entrepreneurs with the VA to shape products not yet on the market.
In this episode, David Schatsky, a retired Research & Innovation Executive from Deloitte, shares his profound insights on leveraging narrative to champion big ideas and foster widespread adoption of innovative technologies. His experience at Deloitte, designing and leading cutting-edge research programs and creating an acclaimed online course in artificial intelligence, has positioned him as a luminary in translating complex innovations into actionable strategies.
David dives into the challenges that often accompany climate tech solutions—ranging from skepticism about climate change to the intricacies of corporate buy-in. He elaborates on the methodology employed by Deloitte's futurists to identify viable commercial opportunities, emphasizing the critical role of open innovation and strategic storytelling in overcoming these hurdles.
During our conversation, David discusses his pivotal role in launching a climate tech advisory service at Deloitte. This initiative aimed to fill a crucial gap in professional services, extending beyond basic compliance and reporting to actively facilitate emissions reductions through advanced technologies like carbon capture, energy storage, and sustainable production methods.
We explore how David and his team developed a comprehensive taxonomy of climate technologies to aid clients in understanding and navigating this complex field. This taxonomy, covering hundreds of technologies and innovators, serves as a foundational tool for technology scouting, techno-economic analysis, and facilitating partnerships that drive meaningful environmental impact.
Tune in to learn how storytelling can not only convey the urgency and feasibility of embracing climate tech but also inspire corporate leaders and innovators to invest in solutions that can shape a sustainable future.
In this episode of the Innovation Storyteller Show, I sit down with Alex Trotta, Product Owner at Moody’s, who brings over 14 years of experience working at some of the most influential financial institutions in the world, including Citibank, MasterCard, and Goldman Sachs. Our conversation dives deep into how organizations, both large and small, can introduce innovation in a way that creates real impact and lasting value.
One of the most important takeaways from Alex’s journey is the need to focus innovation efforts. Too often, businesses launch multiple initiatives at once—corporate ventures, accelerators, hackathons—and fail to give any one of them the attention, funding, or time they need to grow. According to Alex, innovation needs to be strategically aligned with company-wide goals, rather than being siloed off in a separate department.
A key theme in our discussion is the concept of creating a "halo effect" around innovation. Alex explains how aligning innovation with influential figures or well-known brands can generate excitement and support within the organization. By building this halo effect, internal teams are more likely to rally behind innovative projects, elevating their own profiles within the company while driving real results.
One of the most powerful insights Alex shares is the importance of data-driven decision-making in innovation. It’s not enough to simply have a good idea. You need the data to back it up. Alex emphasizes that using tools already in place—such as Salesforce, Jira, or ServiceNow—can accelerate the feedback loop and ensure that the decisions being made align with customer needs. Without this data, even the best ideas can fall flat when presented to leadership.
Another crucial point Alex makes is the need for metrics. Whether you are pursuing a new product, process improvement, or business model innovation, having clear metrics allows you to assess whether to continue on your current path or pivot in a new direction. He advises innovators to not only measure success but also to be prepared to present the value of failure to leadership. Failure isn’t the end; it’s often where the most valuable lessons are learned.
Throughout our conversation, Alex touches on the challenges of innovation within large organizations, particularly when it comes to securing ongoing funding and support. He argues that when innovation is viewed as a company-wide focus, rather than just the responsibility of a specific team, it has a better chance of surviving budget cuts during tough times.
Ultimately, this episode is filled with practical advice for anyone working in corporate innovation. Whether you are at the beginning stages of an innovation initiative or trying to scale it within a large organization, Alex’s insights provide a roadmap for creating a more focused, data-driven approach that drives real value.
In this episode of the Innovation Storytellers Show, I explore the intricate world of healthcare innovation with Robin Goldsmith, Global Lead of Health Innovation & Strategy at Verizon Business. As the healthcare industry undergoes a seismic shift, Robin sheds light on the importance of investing in new technologies that deliver long-term benefits, especially when faced with tight margins and staff shortages.
We discuss the critical role of storytelling in communicating the value of technology to healthcare providers. Robin emphasizes that solutions must resonate with their unique challenges and enhance the patient experience. It’s not just about technology for its own sake; it’s about understanding how these innovations can transform everyday operations for doctors, nurses, and patients alike.
With advancements in AI, 5G, and secure networks, we examine the potential for real-time data accessibility and improved patient outcomes. Robin shares insights from his extensive experience in health data analytics and digital transformation, highlighting the importance of practical use cases that demonstrate the tangible benefits of new technologies.
Additionally, we touch on the frustrations that many healthcare professionals face when integrating technology into their workflows and how understanding their needs is crucial for fostering acceptance and encouraging innovation.
Join us as we explore how Verizon is helping shape a healthier innovation story for both doctors and patients, paving the way for a more connected and efficient healthcare ecosystem. Don’t miss this enlightening discussion about the future of healthcare and the exciting technologies that will drive it forward!
How do we turn complex problems into simple, innovative solutions that drive real-world impact? In this episode of the Innovation Storyteller Show, I sit down with Joe Salesky, the Founder and CEO of Fixing.World, to explore the art of innovation and storytelling in a rapidly changing business landscape. Joe, a seasoned Silicon Valley entrepreneur and inventor, brings over 40 years of experience in leading diverse teams to create transformative solutions on a global scale.
Throughout our conversation, Joe shares his insights on how technology—ranging from AI to digital books—can revolutionize industries, with a particular focus on improving early childhood education. We dive into the trillion-book challenge, discussing how digital distribution can help bridge the gap for millions of children worldwide who lack access to books, addressing both cognitive development and social inequity.
Joe also talks about the importance of delivering simple solutions to hard problems, emphasizing the need for quick, effective proofs of value to overcome organizational inertia. We explore how trust, empathy, and diverse teams are crucial in driving innovation and building lasting brand engagement in today’s noisy market.
Join us as we uncover how to leverage innovation and storytelling to make the impossible possible, and how these principles can be applied to your own business challenges. How do you make complex ideas simple and impactful? Let’s dive in and find out together.
In the latest episode of the Innovation Storytellers Show, Susan Lindner engages in a compelling conversation with Mike Todasco, a distinguished figure in the tech world and former member of the original PayPal team. Mike brings a wealth of experience and insight into the discussion, shedding light on how innovation has shaped his career and continues to influence the tech landscape.
Their conversation traverses Mike's transformative journey from PayPal to his current role as an AI expert, highlighting the pivotal role of innovation in both personal and professional contexts. Mike elaborates on the nuances of patents and the evolution of mobile technology, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in driving innovation.
One of the standout topics is the impact of artificial intelligence across various fields. Mike explores how AI is revolutionizing ideation, healthcare, and voting while stressing the need for organizations to learn from past failures and cultivate a culture of risk and creativity. He also discusses the concept of decoupling rewards from results, drawing on insights from the poker player mindset, and how this approach can reshape our understanding of success and failure in innovation.
In this episode of Innovation Storytellers Show, I’m joined by two pioneers in telematics—Hari Balakrishnan, Co-Founder and CTO, and Bill Powers, Co-Founder and CEO of Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT). Together, they’ve built the world’s largest telematics service provider, measuring and protecting over 40 million drivers globally.
Throughout our conversation, Hari and Bill take us inside the early days of CMT, where intuition and belief were at the core of their efforts, long before they had data to rely on. They describe how their approach to telematics evolved, blending visionary thinking with real-time data to enhance driver safety, lower insurance costs, and provide critical insights into driving behavior. From crash detection to influencing insurance premiums, CMT’s work is driving major transformations in how we approach road safety.
We also explore the human side of building an innovative company. Bill emphasizes the importance of listening to feedback, even when it comes as a "no," and Hari reflects on how learning from negative feedback was crucial in identifying the right partners. They share how their partnership with SoftBank helped fuel CMT’s growth, with investors who believed in their long-term vision for safer roads through technology.
Whether you’re fascinated by the future of telematics, or curious about the journey of a startup that achieved unicorn status, this episode offers insights into how CMT is using technology to create a safer, more connected world. Tune in to hear their inspiring story of resilience, adaptability, and groundbreaking innovation.
In this episode of the Innovation Storytellers Podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Edwin Garcia, Partner & General Manager at RedBox Innovation US. Edwin and I explored the profound ways in which creativity and innovation can be supercharged through immersive experiences.
RedBox takes a distinctive approach to fostering creativity with their "inspiration excursions." These are not just typical travel experiences; they’re carefully curated journeys to locations around the world designed to deeply engage participants with new environments and ideas. Whether it’s the bustling streets of New York or the rich coffee culture of Tokyo, Edwin explains how these excursions transform inspiration into actionable ideas by immersing individuals in sensory-rich experiences.
We also tackled the complexities of innovation, particularly how to measure the outcomes of inspiration services. Edwin discussed how companies innovate for two main reasons: purpose and panic. He emphasized that during challenging times, like the current climate where traditional venues are facing reduced attendance, investing in innovation can be crucial for recovery and long-term success.
Drawing on historical examples, Edwin highlighted how Howard Schultz revitalized Starbucks by returning to its core values, demonstrating the balance between exploring new ideas and honing existing strengths.
Finally, Edwin shared practical strategies for enhancing creativity, including the "perspective change" exercise and empathy mapping. These tools encourage looking at problems from multiple angles and deeply understanding different perspectives, which can lead to more innovative solutions.
In this episode, we're discussing the future of innovation management with Joanne Hyland, President of rInnovation Group. Joanne brings a wealth of experience and insight into how organizations can develop and sustain effective innovation management systems.
We discuss the evolving landscape of innovation—from incremental improvements to breakthrough advancements—and the crucial role that standards and processes play in supporting these efforts. Joanne sheds light on how important it is to build a robust innovation management system that can withstand the test of time and adapt to changing needs of ever varying innovations.
We discuss how building an innovation management system that stands the test of time involves understanding your organization's context, capacity, and culture and integrating these elements into a cohesive strategy.
However, it's not all about theory. Joanne also addresses a common challenge: the tendency to cling to the status quo. She shares her own experiences with change and offers valuable advice on fostering a culture that's not just accepting but enthusiastic about transformation.
If you're curious about how to implement a successful innovation management strategy or if your organization struggles with change resistance, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in for actionable insights and inspiring perspectives from one of the field's leading experts.
Could your organization benefit from a new approach to innovation? In today's episode of Innovation Storytellers, Benjamin Atkinson, Director of Innovation at CNA Insurance, discusses transforming theoretical innovation into actionable strategies.
Benjamin shares his pivotal transition into innovation, sparked by early experiences where he managed a highly specialized R&D team without being the technical expert. This challenge led him to realize the power of enabling smart people to accomplish things beyond their imagination through well-designed processes and supportive tools.
After introducing us to the Kirton Adaption-Innovation theory we also explore the concept of "death threats" from Eureka Ranch. This technique engages critical thinkers early in the innovation process to refine and validate new ideas effectively, avoiding the common pitfalls of groupthink and premature consensus.
We also touch on Benjamin's insights into risk management and his application of lessons from Clayton Christensen's Innovator's Dilemma. The conversation dives into how these experiences have shaped his current role at CNA, guiding executive leadership in navigating complex problems with innovative solutions.
Benjamin's stories of innovation at Toyota further illuminate the shift from technology-driven to problem-centric innovation strategies. Through this lens, he emphasizes the importance of positioning the right people in the right roles, akin to assembling a top-tier sports team where each player intuitively knows their part in a well-coordinated play.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to foster an environment where innovation thrives through structured yet flexible processes. Join us to understand how you can equip your team to turn groundbreaking ideas into practical, scalable solutions.
In this episode, I am going to take you on a fascinating journey into the subconscious realm of our minds, exploring the science of fluid thinking and subconscious success with renowned cognitive scientist, Phillip Campbell.
Phillip is not only an expert in cognitive science and an executive brain coach but also the author of the enlightening book "Brain Habits". He is the CEO of enigmaFIT, a globally recognized brain coaching company, that aids individuals in tapping into their subconscious minds to improve their innovative thinking and problem-solving skills.
We will learn more about the four pillars of Phillip's approach, notably, the Controlling Attention Pillar and the Complex Problem-Solving Pillar. Phillip shares his expertise on the intersection of cognitive science, subconscious habits, and how we can harness these facets for personal growth and success.
This conversation uncovers the intricacies of fluid thinking, a concept deeply intertwined with our capacity to adapt, innovate, and encounter novel problems. Phillip also sheds light on the neuroscience of midlife crisis and the shift in thinking patterns that can lead to transformative life decisions, explaining how such changes can literally recode our brains.
For those curious about their own ability to focus and want to explore their level of distractibility, Phillip offers a complimentary Focused Thinking assessment. This tool provides powerful insights and sets the foundation for your personal journey towards enhanced subconscious success.
Tune in and explore the science behind our subconscious success, learn about innovative thinking, and get ready to embark on a journey of personal growth.
I sat down with Melora Zaner, the Chief Design Officer at TIAA, to discuss the often-overlooked value of incremental innovation and the transformative power of design in addressing pressing societal challenges like retirement.
Our conversation starts with an urgent issue that many are facing—the retirement crisis in America. We discuss the alarming statistics indicating that 40% of Americans are on track to run out of money in their retirement years. Melora offers an intriguing alternative by asking, "What if we shift our thinking from 'retirement planning' to 'longevity planning'?" This approach puts the focus on sustained income, healthcare provisions, and overall quality of life, rather than just a lump sum that may or may not last a lifetime.
Innovation doesn't have to be grandiose to be impactful, as Melora eloquently points out. The episode delves into the concept of 'breadcrumbing,' a term Melora uses to describe the art of celebrating small, incremental changes that lead toward a significant shift. These small steps, often overlooked in the constant quest for disruptive change, can offer customers stepping stones, helping them see a future where their needs and concerns are addressed.
We also discuss the importance of storytelling in the journey of innovation. How do you narrate a story that balances the celebration of small victories with the drive toward grand visions? The idea is to offer manageable steps, or breadcrumbs, to make the journey less daunting and more rewarding for both customers and organizations. These incremental changes shouldn't be underestimated; they often result in exponential gains over time, especially when they address specific customer pain points.
Finally, Melora shares insights into getting internal stakeholders on board with innovation. She emphasizes that incremental wins can build confidence internally and set the stage for bigger, more disruptive changes in the long run.
Tune into this episode of Innovation Storytellers Show to explore the power of incremental innovation and design-led thinking in transforming how we approach complex challenges, from the retirement crisis to customer engagement and internal alignment. Because sometimes, the biggest changes start with the smallest steps.
Don't miss this enlightening discussion, full of actionable insights and thought-provoking concepts that challenge the status quo.
Join Dr. Judith Tumusiime, federal grants manager at the Cambridge Community Development Department, on the Innovation Storytellers Show, who shares her unique insights into revitalizing urban areas through innovation. She also highlights the importance of involving all players - government, private sector, and the community - in developing sustainable and self-sustaining innovations.
We explore how putting people at the center of innovation can lead to more successful and impactful outcomes. Everyone has a stake in creating a more sustainable future, from employees and customers to local communities and government regulators. We'll discuss why this collaboration is crucial for identifying and implementing effective solutions.
We also take a closer look at the role of corporations in sustainability when it comes to the issue of plastic waste. Judith shares her insights on the challenges of finding sustainable solutions for plastic bottles and how working with companies like Coca-Cola and Pepsi can be a crucial factor in creating change. Listen to this inspiring conversation about working together to create a more sustainable, people-centered future.
On this week's edition of Innovation Storytellers join us on our journey to re-imagine healthcare with Jennifer Lo, Senior Director of Design at IDEO. Discover how they are revolutionizing healthcare by utilizing lean thinking and human-centered design principles. In addition, get insights into IDEO's unique approach to problem-solving, where they involve patients and break down barriers to create solutions that truly make a difference.
From creating inclusive designs to driving sustainable growth, listen to how IDEO is leading the charge for a better future for all. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from the experts and discover how design can make a meaningful impact on our lives.
In this week’s episode of the Innovation Storytellers Show, I’m joined by Bronwyn Dorrofield, Director of the Innovation Academy at Sage. Bronwyn, who initially carved her niche in product marketing, is now pioneering innovative learning solutions that integrate cross-functional collaboration across Sage. Her journey underscores a profound dedication to fostering a culture where experimentation and innovation flourish.
Together, we explore how the Innovation Academy was conceived and developed in response to the diverse needs within Sage. Bronwyn shares the genesis of the academy, starting from a grassroots movement by passionate volunteers eager to make a difference. This community of innovators gradually transformed into a formal academy, focusing on practical and continuous innovation, driven by real-world problems and solutions.
We discuss the unique learning spaces created within the academy, which spotlight innovation and encourage learning from both successes and setbacks. These spaces are not just about transferring knowledge but are designed to deeply engage participants and encourage them to apply what they've learned in practical, impactful ways.
Bronwyn also delves into the broader impacts of the academy, including its integration into Sage's main learning and development framework and how it supports employees across various functions with essential skills, from perfecting pitches to mastering empathetic customer engagements.
Join us to hear how Sage's Innovation Academy is creating innovators and leaders equipped to drive change and inspire a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. How does your organization integrate innovation into daily operations? We’d love to hear your thoughts.
Are you ready to explore how digital advancements reshape industries and create new business opportunities? In this exciting episode of the Innovation Storytellers Show, I sat down with Robert C. Wolcott, Cofounder of The World Innovation Network (TWIN Global), and Kaihan Krippendorff, Founder of Outthinker Networks, to discuss their groundbreaking new book, "Proximity: How PROXIMITY is the New Digital Strategy All Innovators Need to Know."
In our conversation, we delve into the concept of proximity and its profound impact on various sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, and transportation. Rob and Kaihan reveal how digital technology is pushing the production and provision of value closer to the moment of actual demand, thereby challenging traditional business models and supply chains. From the immediacy of 3D printing to the strategic possibilities of health monitoring devices and AI, we uncover how proximity is transforming our world.
Rob shares fascinating insights on the strategic shift towards "anything, anywhere, anytime," emphasizing both the opportunities and challenges this new approach brings. Meanwhile, Kaihan illustrates the practical applications of proximity with real-world examples, such as the Coca-Cola Freestyle machine and on-demand pharmaceuticals, showcasing how proximity is already changing the game.
Have you ever wondered how tradition and modern science blend to create the perfect whisky? In this captivating episode of Innovation Storytellers Show, host Susan Lindner sits down with Aimée Morrison, Diageo's Master Blender, to explore the fascinating intersection of history, innovation, and cutting-edge technology in the Scotch whisky industry.
Aimée shares her inspiring journey from falling in love with whisky and analytical science during her university days to becoming a key figure at Diageo. She discusses the groundbreaking Smoke DNAi project, which leverages custom algorithms to interpret complex data from the whisky maturation process, opening up a realm of possibilities for creating new flavor profiles.
Focusing on the reopening of the Port Ellen distillery, Aimée highlights how Diageo is pushing the boundaries of experimentation, blending tradition with technology to ensure the quality and innovation of its whiskies. She passionately explains, "This is just the beginning for us at Portel. From the new make to the mature, the opportunities for experimentation are endless, and I’m thrilled to be part of this journey."
In this episode, you’ll also discover the potential of digital twins in various fields and how Diageo uses these innovations to complement the art of whisky blending. Aimée emphasizes, "At the end of the day, a human nose is our greatest tool. While digital techniques like gas chromatography enhance our understanding, they can't replicate the sensitivity and descriptive analysis a human can provide."
Join us to explore the exciting future of whisky and the incredible potential of Smoke DNAi, and learn how to taste whisky from a master herself best. Aimée’s journey and insights offer a unique perspective on the seamless blend of tradition and science driving whisky innovation.
How do you push the boundaries of innovation marketing in one of the most high-tech industries in the world? In this episode of the Innovation Storytellers Show, we dive into this question with two remarkable guests from Airbus: Mina Bastawros, VP of Creative and Digital Marketing, and Florent Petteni, Head of A220 & A320 Family Product Marketing.
Join us as Mina and Florent share their insights on how Airbus is leading the way in innovation marketing. From embracing digital transformation to tailoring narratives that resonate with diverse audiences, they reveal the strategies that have propelled Airbus to the forefront of the aviation industry.
Mina discusses the pivotal shift towards digital interactions that began seven years ago, enabling Airbus to communicate more effectively with stakeholders and attract top talent from around the globe. He emphasizes the importance of understanding your audience's needs and interests, a principle that modern marketers can relate to deeply.
Florent sheds light on the art of simplifying complex problems for broader audience engagement. He explains how Airbus, despite its high-tech and engineering-centric nature, has mastered the balance between maintaining technical depth and making innovations accessible and inspiring.
Through real-world examples, including a compelling sales campaign tailored to an Asian airline's visionary owner, our guests illustrate the power of empathy mapping, persona development, and storytelling in driving successful marketing initiatives.
Tune in to learn how Airbus continues to challenge the status quo, innovate its marketing approaches, and connect with audiences worldwide. This episode is packed with valuable lessons for anyone involved in innovation, marketing, or the intersection of both.
This week, I'm thrilled to be joined by Maarten van Kroonenburg from the Netherlands. Maarten is the visionary behind BW Ventures, and if you’re not familiar with it yet, you will be soon. As CEO, he's on a mission to revolutionize small businesses by crafting resilient and scalable models.
Drawing from his entrepreneurial journey, Maarten leads with a unique blend of strategic insight and practical wisdom. At BW Ventures, he champions structured, customer-centric approaches to innovation, empowering companies to navigate future challenges with confidence. Under Maarten’s leadership, innovation meets pragmatism, driving success through informed decisions and enduring strategies.
In this episode, Maarten shares his thoughts on the evolving landscape of innovation. He discusses the generational differences in how we approach business models and the importance of maintaining a balance between value creation and sound business practices. Maarten emphasizes the game-changing potential of AI, comparing its impact to that of the smartphone, which revolutionized our daily lives by putting powerful technology in our pockets.
We also delve into the nitty-gritty of ideation. Maarten believes that spending too much time in the ideation phase can cloud your judgment. Instead, he advocates for quickly jotting down initial ideas and focusing on understanding the core problems and needs they address. This approach, he argues, turns the decision-making process into an emotional connection with customers, where the real magic happens.
Whether you're a seasoned innovator or just starting out, Maarten's insights offer valuable lessons on how to navigate the complexities of today’s business world. Join us as we explore how Millennial innovators like Maarten are changing the game, and why AI might just be the defining innovation of our generation.
What if the secret ingredient to startup success isn't just what or how, but when? This week on the Innovation Storytellers Show, we're joined by Paul Orlando, a seasoned entrepreneur and the brain behind four international startup accelerators. Paul is not only a professor of entrepreneurship at the University of Southern California but also the author of the thought-provoking book "Why Now: How Good Timing Makes Great Products."
In our discussion, Paul dives into the often-neglected aspect of timing in business ventures. With a background that spans continents and industries, he shares unique insights on how timing influences the success or failure of products and innovations. From technological shifts and regulatory changes to societal crises, understanding the timing landscape is crucial for any business leader.
Paul doesn't just stop at theory; he offers practical frameworks and methodologies developed from years of leading innovation labs and accelerators. These tools help entrepreneurs analyze their market position, assess potential risks, and decide if the moment is ripe for their ventures—or if patience might prove more prudent.
Highlighting a compelling case study of YouTube's launch and acquisition by Google, Paul illustrates the strategic mastery of timing. But perhaps even more intriguingly, he revisits the timeless strategy of being the "picks and shovels" provider in a gold rush, drawing lessons from historical figures like Levi Strauss, whose adaptability turned a practical product into a global fashion staple.
Whether you're at the helm of a startup, involved in product development, or leading a corporate innovation lab, this episode is a treasure trove of strategies to ensure your initiatives hit the market at just the right time.
Tune in to uncover how you can harness the power of timing to drive your projects to success. What timing drivers have you identified in your industry, and how have they shaped your business decisions? Join the conversation and share your experiences with us!
What does innovation look like in the oil and gas industry, particularly in the midstream sector? In this episode of Innovation Storytellers Show, Susan Lindner introduces Dr. Mariah Judd, the Director of Innovation at Colonial Pipeline Company, to explore this intriguing question.
Dr. Judd delves into the vital role Colonial Pipeline plays as a key national infrastructure, supplying fuel to millions of Americans. She emphasizes the company's commitment to future energy needs through innovation. With a rich background stemming from her Ph.D. at Purdue University and experience in alternative energy and energy transition, Dr. Judd brings a wealth of knowledge to the conversation.
She discusses the concept of 'midstream' in the oil industry, highlighting Colonial's efforts to enhance efficiency, optimization, and safety. From innovative leak detection and prevention technologies to ambitious projects in carbon capture and reduced emissions, Colonial Pipeline is paving the way for a sustainable energy future.
Dr. Judd also shares insights on fostering a culture of innovation within large organizations. By adopting a human-centric approach, Colonial encourages employees to embrace an innovative mindset, supporting continuous improvement and breakthrough thinking. This agile, open-minded strategy aligns innovation efforts with the company's strategic goals, enabling purposeful progress without rigid preconceptions.
Join us as we explore the complexities and opportunities of midstream innovation and discover how Colonial Pipeline is positioning itself at the forefront of energy transformation.
In this episode of the Innovation Storytellers Show, I am joined by two trailblazers in the field of corporate innovation: June Barrage, Market Leader for the US & Middle East and Jose Ribau, Executive in Residence at Disruptive Edge and . Together, they delve into the strategies and principles that Disruptive Edge employs to foster innovation on a global scale.
The conversation begins by asking June what she believes to be the greatest innovation of all time. June, fresh from an illuminating conference in LA, highlights the transformative potential of AI, which dominated 90% of the discussions. She shares her personal and professional experiences with AI, explaining how it has become a vital part of her daily routine over the past two years. Her insights underscore how AI can revolutionize both personal and enterprise operations, emphasizing Disruptive Edge's commitment to leveraging AI to accelerate workflows and enhance time to value in all their initiatives.
Jose Ribau brings another layer of depth to the discussion, focusing on the importance of defining innovation clearly. He emphasizes that whether an organization is in financial services, commercial real estate, or a nonprofit sector, having a precise understanding of what innovation means and what it aims to solve is crucial.
Jose shares practical examples, such as the development of a parking app, to illustrate how involving operational staff in the innovation process can transform potential resistance into valuable feedback, driving meaningful change.
Throughout the episode, June and Jose discuss the critical role of storytelling in innovation, the necessity of data-driven decision-making, and the significance of building strong alliances within an organization. They also reflect on the challenges and successes they've experienced, providing listeners with a comprehensive view of how Disruptive Edge is setting new standards for global innovation.
Have you ever wondered how innovative peer networks can transform business outcomes? In this episode of Innovation Storytellers Show, I sit down with Roland Deiser, the Founder & Executive Chairman of the Center for the Future of Organization, to explore this fascinating topic.
Roland Deiser brings a wealth of knowledge on the subject, with his extensive background in understanding the challenges of transformational change in large organizations. As a professor, advisor, and orchestrator of executive peer networks, Roland has dedicated his career to studying the dynamics of business ecosystems and digital transformation.
During our discussion, Roland discusses the critical role of sophisticated social and political strategies in driving innovation within organizations. He highlights the importance of creating and leveraging networks both within and across industry boundaries to foster innovative conversations and processes. Roland's insights on peer-to-peer experience sharing reveal how these networks can alleviate feelings of isolation, bring diverse perspectives, and break down cognitive and organizational boundaries.
We also delve into intriguing real-world examples, such as why Sony missed the opportunity to create the iPod despite its dominance in the music industry and how Blockbuster failed to capitalize on acquiring Netflix. These stories underscore the pitfalls of rigid business models and the necessity of adaptability and foresight.
Furthermore, Roland elaborates on the concept of ambidexterity—excelling in present performance while designing future breakthroughs. He emphasizes the impact of technological, political, and regulatory shifts as catalysts for innovative thinking, with generative AI serving as a current example.
Join us for this compelling conversation that underscores the necessity of collaboration in the innovation landscape. Discover how to build and benefit from innovative peer networks and navigate the complexities of today's fast-paced business environment.
What defines a strong communications culture, and how does it enable better innovation outcomes? In this episode of Innovation Storytellers, I welcome Niosha Kayhani, Director of International Programs and Commercial Products at Cubic. We delve into how his role shifted from individual innovator to empowering others to create and lead within a global organization of 7,000 people.
Niosha shares insights on how Cubic built a culture that encourages collaboration across teams, relying on a network of internal "entrepreneurs in residence" who spark creativity from within. With the CEO's unwavering support, Niosha and his team developed a structured innovation process that motivates staff through cross-functional initiatives like tiger teams, enabling rapid development with a clear 12-week focus.
Tune in to learn how Cubic’s culture of storytelling and open dialogue drives change, tackles challenges, and empowers people to thrive. Whether you’re interested in hearing about the emotional journey of letting go of personal ideas or finding the right balance between passion and adaptability, this episode is packed with valuable insights.
Today, we've got a special doubleheader episode that dives deep into the world of innovation consulting. But we're not just talking about any consultants; today's guests bring a distinctive approach to the innovation landscape. They hail from a firm that attracts the most creative clients and crafts unique solutions based on their diverse backgrounds and philosophies.
Joining me today, on the Innovation Storytellers Show, are Abram Sirignano and Tony Fross, who co-lead the product experience and innovation practice at Prophet. For the past six years, Prophet has stood out in the consulting world, not only for its innovative solutions in product development and organizational capabilities but also for its commitment to empowering clients to become innovators in their own right.
In this episode, we’ll explore how Prophet views organizations as living systems with DNA, bodies, minds, and souls. We'll discuss the challenges companies face when they say they want to innovate but are reluctant to change their structures. Our guests will share insights on aligning the human elements of business—like talent and leadership—with organizational goals to foster true innovation.
What does innovation mean to you? How does your organization embody its values and visions in daily operations? Tune in as we explore these questions and more, providing you with the tools to transform your own workplace.
My guest on the Innovation Storytellers Show this week is someone who’s turned understanding and exhibiting failures into an art form. Dr. Samuel West is a licensed clinical psychologist keen on the intersection of happiness, work, and cultural perceptions of failure.
Dr. West’s journey from treating clinical issues like depression to exploring organizational psychology led him to an intriguing discovery: the crucial role of failure in fostering innovation and creativity. His work, especially his teachings at Lund University on positive psychology and creativity, culminates in creating a fascinating project—the Museum of Failure. This traveling exhibition, which I had the pleasure of experiencing first-hand in Los Angeles, showcases failures from the tech industry and beyond, including memorable flops like Pepsi’s Clear cola and Microsoft’s Zune.
In today's episode, Samuel and I explore the many layers of failure—from its inevitability in pursuing innovation to its potential as a catalyst for significant breakthroughs. We discuss how rebranding failures as experiments can change our perspective and lessen the sting of setbacks, making innovation less agonizing and more fruitful.
Tune in as we dissect the lessons housed within the Museum of Failure and uncover why continuing to experiment, even in the face of apparent failure, is vital for sustained innovation in an ever-evolving world.
How often do we pause to consider the intricate, behind-the-scenes balance of technology and strategy that powers our everyday lives? In this episode of the Innovation Storytellers Show, I have an enlightening conversation with Heather Feldman, Director of Learning & Development at the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI).
Heather shares insights from her unique vantage point on defining global collaboration in the nuclear age. From balancing the operational demands of current nuclear power plants to envisioning future advancements with technologies like artificial intelligence, Heather describes EPRI's role in fostering an environment where experimentation is encouraged, and even failures are seen as steps towards success. She discusses the inception of the Global Forum for Nuclear Innovation, highlighting its aim to drive transformative change across the industry with leaders from around the world, including the International Energy Agency.
But what does all this innovation mean for the average person? Heather ties these technological advancements back to everyday life, underscoring how crucial nuclear energy is to providing a substantial portion of America's carbon-free electricity. Amidst the backdrop of recent cultural phenomena like the Oppenheimer films, Heather helps demystify the often misunderstood role of nuclear power in our energy landscape and its critical contribution to combating climate change.
As we reflect on the importance of sustainable and safe energy solutions, what are your thoughts on the role of nuclear power and innovation in our future? How should we balance the technological advancements with the ethical considerations they bring? Join the conversation and share your insights on how we can collectively enhance our understanding and implementation of nuclear technology.
In this episode of the Innovation Storytellers Show, we journey beyond the executive boardroom to explore the vibrant intersections of social communities, networks, and the transformative power of sharing knowledge.
I welcome Leigh Higginbotham Butler, the Founder & CEO of Akina Technologies, to delve into how Akina is revolutionizing networking for women of color. Leigh shares her journey from leading initiatives for liver disease prevention and treatment to founding Akina Technologies, a social enterprise dedicated to addressing systematic disparities faced by black women through new media and innovative solutions.
With a rich background in government affairs, public relations, and a heartfelt commitment to advocacy, Leigh discusses the essence of innovation as a tool for seeing ourselves, our communities, and our opportunities in a new light.
Akina Technologies emerges as a beacon of empowerment, leveraging technology to create a platform that promises personalization, representation, and meaningful connections. We talk about the development of a culturally competent AI, aiming to dismantle biases and ensure every woman of color can find resources and connections that resonate deeply with her individuality and needs.
In a reflection on Women's History Month, Leigh articulates a vision for the future where women of color are celebrated and acknowledged for their contributions to technology and innovation. From the unsung heroes behind everyday technology like text messaging to the broader aspirations of Akina Technologies, Leigh's message is clear: representation matters, and it is pivotal in shaping how we see ourselves and our potential to contribute to the world.
As we step into a new future around what women's history can be, Leigh's insights remind us of the opportunity to write it in a way that has never been written before. This episode is a call to action for everyone, from corporate leaders to community members, to recognize and support the pivotal role of women of color in technology and beyond.
What role can technology play in bridging gaps and fostering communities? How can we ensure that women of color are not just participants but leaders in the future of innovation? Share your thoughts and join the conversation as we explore these vital questions together.
In the latest episode of the Innovation Storytellers Show, I chat with Tommy Knoll, the visionary Founder and Primary Leader behind Innov8rs CoLab. We explore the vital role of Innov8rs CoLab in fostering a supportive and collaborative environment for innovation leaders worldwide.
Have you ever felt the pangs of isolation in your pursuit of innovation? You're not alone. Susan and Tommy delve into how the path to innovation, though often solitary, can be transformed through community and collaboration. Innov8rs CoLab stands as a beacon for innovation leaders, offering a global platform where challenges are shared, breakthroughs celebrated, and invaluable hacks exchanged to ease the journey of innovation.
With Tommy's extensive background spanning over 25 years as an entrepreneur, intrapreneur, and business owner across multiple industries, this conversation is rich with insights and experiences. From the nuanced differences in innovation culture between Europe and the U.S. to the foundational elements that forge a thriving innovation culture within organizations, this episode is a deep dive into the dynamics of innovation in a global context.
Listeners will understand the importance of setting clear definitions, socializing them within the innovation function, and the crucial role of financing and human capital in fueling innovation teams. The discussion also touches upon the cultural aspects of innovation, emphasizing that culture is not merely an outcome but a derivative of meticulously crafted processes, beliefs, and systems.
Listen now to uncover the secrets to fostering an environment where innovation thrives beyond the confines of the boardroom and becomes a tangible reality in every aspect of organizational life. How are you championing innovation within your organization? Share your thoughts and join the conversation on innovation culture and collaboration.
In today's rapidly evolving world, where innovation and technology are at the forefront of transforming lives and businesses, how do we ensure that our pursuit of progress remains grounded in empathy and understanding? How do we create innovations pushing the boundaries of what's possible and enriching and uplifting the communities they're designed to serve?
I sat down with Amy J. Wilson, Founder and Guide at Empathy for Change, to explore the critical intersection of innovation, empathy, and human-centered design. In a profound conversation that traverses the landscape of liberatory and equity-centered community design to the nuances of trauma-informed approaches, Amy sheds light on the importance of integrating compassion into the fabric of innovation.
Amy challenges us to reflect on our innovators, technologists, and leaders roles. Are we inadvertently participating in a culture of extraction, or are we genuinely contributing to creating meaningful, positive change? This episode delves into the essence of empathy within the innovation ecosystem, urging us to become more aware of our blind spots and the impact of our creations on the world around us.
Through stories and insights, Amy illustrates the practice of "Noticing and Reflecting" - a cornerstone of liberatory design that empowers us to align our innovations with our values and intentions, ensuring that we're not just creating for the sake of innovation but are genuinely making a difference in people's lives.
This episode is a call to action for the tech and innovation community to integrate empathy and reflection into our processes. It's about understanding that trust is "earned in droplets and lost in buckets" and recognizing our profound responsibility to innovate responsibly, ethically, and with a deep sense of empathy for the communities we aim to serve.
In the fourth and final episode of my series on the Innovation Storytellers Show with Peter Temes, CEO and Founder of the Institute for Innovation at Large Organizations (ILO), we explore the complex world of innovation resistance.
This episode, a culmination of insightful discussions on trust, the evolution of innovation rules, and the innovation awareness gap, takes a closer look at innovators' challenges when introducing new ideas within their organizations.
The conversation opens by acknowledging a common experience many innovators share: the frustration of seeing a groundbreaking idea get ignored, sidelined by office politics, or outright rejected. I share a thought-provoking statistic from the Harvard Business Review, which suggests a significant portion of organizational changes fail due to employee resistance, mainly stemming from inadequate communication about the change's rationale and benefits.
Together, we discuss empathy maps as essential tools for understanding the benefits and drawbacks of change from an employee's perspective. This approach is central to navigating the "pain and gain" dynamic crucial to overcoming innovation resistance.
The episode further explores the nature of resistance, which often arises from a deep-rooted human bias toward overvaluing fear over opportunity. Peter shares personal anecdotes and professional experiences, highlighting how natural it is for individuals and organizations to cling to the status quo. He discusses the importance of viewing resistance not as an obstacle but as a valuable signal that can inform and refine the innovation process.
One of the most compelling parts of the discussion revolves around the idea that resistance to change is inevitable and necessary. It prompts organizations to examine their approaches critically and consider how to communicate better and implement change. Peter emphasizes the transformative potential of approaching resistance with empathy, understanding, and strategic communication.
Peter Temes, the CEO and Founder of the ILO, joins me in tackling a particularly intriguing aspect of innovation that intersects directly with communication. We're dissecting the nuances of when innovation and communication align perfectly and when they, unfortunately, miss the mark. Our discussion revolves around the "innovation awareness gap" – a phenomenon that even the best of us can stumble upon, resulting in a disconnect between the innovation we aim to deliver and the intended audience.
Drawing on compelling research by McKinsey, we found that only 37 percent of employees are truly in tune with their company's most crucial goals, strategies, and tactics, particularly when it comes to innovation. As Peter and I explore, this gap often originates from the top—with senior management—and extends through the substance and communication of innovation initiatives.
Peter shares his wisdom on how truly innovative companies are not just those that claim innovation as part of their brand identity but those that live and breathe it, ensuring their actions and promises align. We delve into examples of brands like Apple and Coca-Cola, which have successfully embedded innovation into their DNA, not by mere words but through consistent delivery on their promises and creating a community around their brand.
This conversation is not just about identifying where the gaps lie but also about seeking ways to bridge them, ensuring that the innovation communicated is understood, felt, and experienced by every stakeholder involved. From discussing the importance of aligning innovation with the company's core identity to the power of purpose in driving genuine innovation, this episode is packed with insights that challenge us to rethink how we approach innovation in our respective spheres.
What are your thoughts on the innovation awareness gap? Have you encountered it in your work, and if so, how have you addressed it? Share your insights and join the dialogue below – because we can turn gaps into bridges and innovation into action together.
Welcome to a thrilling special edition of the Innovation Storyteller Show. Today, we're soaring high on excitement, feeling like we've found the end of the rainbow with a pot of gold, as we dive into an enriching conversation with my innovation guide and intellectual beacon, Peter Temes.
In this episode, Peter and I journeyed through the intricacies of turning strategies from mere visions into tangible realities. We dissect the critical elements that transform a company's strategy into a compelling narrative driven by morals and values, emphasizing the importance of collective belief and action in achieving success. Our discussion sheds light on the delicate balance between setting ambitious goals and the practical execution that brings them to life, underscoring the significance of establishing clear values and allowing the fruits of success to benefit every layer of an organization, especially its customers.
Join us as we delve into how adopting a collaborative rather than a top-down approach can lead to a more inclusive and impactful innovation strategy. We explore the challenges of instilling a culture that embraces change, drawing parallels with the complexities of updating data and computer systems within dynamic, fast-paced environments. Learn how parallel progress paths can be a strategic approach to fostering a forward-thinking and adaptable organizational culture, even in settings resistant to change.
Today, I'm thrilled to introduce a very special series that tackles the topics shaping the world of innovation. Joining me is Peter Temes, Founder & President of the ILO Institute, a beacon of wisdom in the innovation community and someone I've had the privilege of calling my intellectual mentor.
In this episode, we explore the crucial dilemmas and opportunities within large organizations, touching upon the essence of trust, the ambition behind moon shots, and the intricate roles of chief innovation officers. With the ILO Institute setting the benchmark for innovation research, Peter brings a wealth of knowledge and insights that have guided countless organizations through their innovation journeys.
Peter's story begins two decades ago, emerging from the lessons learned in the aftermath of strategic missteps within a large educational institution. This experience sparked a burning question: How do formidable organizations falter in their decision-making processes, and more importantly, how do they miss the open doors to serve better and scale greater?
Throughout our conversation, Peter uncovers the enduring practices and evolving strategies that define innovation leadership. From the constants that have stood the test of time to the dynamic shifts in approach necessitated by an ever-changing world, we dive into what it means to balance efficiency with discovery, to lower the cost of failure, and to cultivate an environment where risk-taking is not just accepted but encouraged.
But perhaps the most compelling part of our discussion centers on the paradox of innovation in big organizations—the tension between the drive for efficiency and the imperative for discovery. Peter recounts tales from the trenches, illustrating how, even with the best intentions, the push for innovation often bumps up against the complex reality of efficiency metrics. Through his eyes, we see the challenges and triumphs of fostering a culture where innovation can thrive against the odds.
Join me as Peter shares his journey, the mission of the ILO Institute, and the invaluable lessons learned from a career dedicated to understanding and enhancing the innovation process. This episode is an essential listen for anyone with an innovation mandate, offering perspectives that resonate at the intersection of what we know, what we feel, and what we dare to imagine.
Getting really good at innovation requires a certain vantage point – both in the trenches doing the work and the ability to soar above it all to see what’s missing and what’s next. It’s why I love having Peter Temes, Founder and CEO of the ILO, the Institute for Innovation at Large Organization. For 25+ years, Peter has rolled up his sleeves and gotten deep into the work. Best of all, he emerges with new ideas to guide all of us to do and be better at change. This week, I’m re-sharing this episode in preparation for a new series I’ll be talking about next week. Stay Tuned! In this episode of Innovation Storytellers, I’m joined by Peter Temes, Founder and President of ILO Institute, and the “Godfather” of innovation.
Peter talks about the process of innovation, from the moment a leader steps into an organization, to launching transformative products that leverage compelling stories.
He also talks about the characteristics and mindsets that define great innovation leaders, and whether it’s possible to innovate without constraints. Listen in now, and be sure to leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!
In today’s rapidly evolving world, technology, design, and sustainability are more critical than ever. But how can we navigate these intersections to foster innovation that's not only groundbreaking but also inclusive and sustainable? This episode of the Innovation Storytellers Show, featuring Anthony Di Bitonto, former Senior Director of Physical Experience Design at Johnson & Johnson, explores this question. Is it possible to create technologically advanced, beautifully designed, and environmentally sustainable innovations?
Anthony Di Bitonto shares his insights and experiences, shedding light on the essential role of design in the innovation process. From ensuring the functionality and emotional impact of new products to addressing the critical aspects of inclusivity and sustainability, Anthony discusses the multi-faceted approach required to bring meaningful innovations to life.
We explore how Johnson & Johnson employed simulators to adapt the technology for colorblind medical professionals, ensuring safety and effectiveness in surgical environments. This example underlines the importance of inclusivity in design, which can significantly affect outcomes and potentially save lives.
Anthony expands on the evolving relationship between sustainability and innovation. As companies strive to meet Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals, the innovation team's role becomes increasingly significant. We discuss how sustainability is a trend and a fundamental aspect of creating viable, future-proof products and services.
Join us as we uncover the critical intersections of tech, design, and sustainability in innovation. How can innovators ensure that their creations are desirable, feasible, inclusive, and sustainable? How does design lead the conversation in making innovations that truly matter?
I sat down with Louise Agersnap, the Head of WHO Innovation Hub, part of the Digital Health and Innovation Department, for a thought-provoking discussion on the transformative initiatives happening at the World Health Organization. With over 20 years of experience in global health development and innovation, Louise brings a wealth of knowledge and insights to the table.
The conversation kicks off with a reflection on the global health sector's unique challenges and the critical need for innovative solutions. Recognizing this, WHO is empowering its teams to transition seamlessly from ideation to execution, with a nod to Kevin D'Silva and his team at Ideateplus for their role in fostering a culture of innovation.
Louise shares insights into the LEAD program, a groundbreaking initiative at WHO that empowers staff to drive impactful change through ideation, validation, and implementation. With over 250 ideas generated and 40+ projects in the pipeline, the LEAD program exemplifies the power of collaborative innovation in healthcare.
The discussion also delves into the role of storytelling in scaling innovation across 194 member states. Louise highlights the Herculean task of communicating and garnering support for innovative ideas globally, offering insights into crafting compelling narratives that inspire collaboration and drive progress.
We explore the importance of scalability and sustainability in fostering an innovation culture within WHO. With projects spanning 12 to 18 months, maintaining momentum and ensuring long-term impact are key priorities.
My guest, T.A. McCann, Managing Director of Pioneer Square Labs, brings an exceptional blend of experience and insight. A serial entrepreneur, T.A. has founded companies like Synosis (acquired by Google), GIST (acquired by BlackBerry), and Rival IQ, a leader in marketing analytics. His journey from leading roles at Microsoft to being an active angel investor and a respected professor at the University of Washington Foster School of Business offers a panoramic view of innovation and entrepreneurship.
In our conversation, T.A. discusses the critical role of venture studios and corporate venture capital in shaping the future of corporate innovation. He delves into how corporations can effectively navigate decision-making, balancing internal development with external collaborations and the strategic importance of engaging with early-stage startups.
This episode is a masterclass in understanding the intricacies of corporate strategy, the build/buy/partner/create decision matrix, and the role of venture studios in realizing ambitious innovation goals.
As we explore these themes, we also touch upon the challenges large corporations face in internal innovation, such as attracting the right talent, creating sustainable equity structures, and the importance of building venture-scale standalone companies.
This episode offers invaluable insights, whether you're a CEO, a chief innovation officer, a business leader, or just someone fascinated by the interplay of technology and business. Join us as we uncover the strategies that can help corporates not just navigate but thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of tech innovation.
What strategies does your organization employ to stay ahead in the innovation game? Share your thoughts and join the conversation!
Today's guest is Rob Devlin, the Co-founder, and CEO of Metalenz. In this episode, we journey through the innovative landscape of optical semiconductor technology. Metalenz, a pioneering company in this field, is not just tweaking the existing technology but is revolutionizing how we perceive and utilize optics in everyday life. From the screens of our smartphones to the depths of scientific exploration, Metalenz is reshaping the foundation of how we interact with light and vision.
Rob brings an impressive portfolio of 15 patents to the table, a testament to his and his team's groundbreaking work. Their journey from academic excellence to industry pioneers is a story of transforming scientific research into real-world marvels. With a background that spans prestigious institutions like Drexel and Harvard University, Rob's expertise in nanofabrication, nanophotonics, and material science shines through in this conversation.
Prepare to be fascinated as Rob explains Metalenz's unique approach to optics, transcending the traditional by compressing the functionality of multiple lenses into a singular flat and planar layer. This is not just about miniaturization; it's about unleashing new capabilities, accessing information our eyes and conventional cameras miss, and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in technology.
How does this shift in optical technology impact us on both an industry and individual level? What does the future hold in a world where our devices offer more than what meets the eye? Rob shares his insights on these questions and more, providing a window into a future where the power of meta-optics transforms our interaction with the world.
In this episode, Kay Sargent, Director of Workplace Thought Leadership at HOK discusses how work environments should evolve to become spaces that meet and invigorate our needs. The conversation takes us through Kay's diverse career, highlighting her adaptability and curiosity, keeping her at the forefront of workplace innovation.
We also explore the concept of curiosity as a driving force in business. Kay's perspective on this is enlightening: staying curious is essential for problem-solving and innovation within any organization. This trait, she believes, is what separates dynamic, forward-thinking leaders from those who remain stagnant.
Perhaps the most striking part of our discussion revolves around challenging the status quo. Kay, known for her candid and provocative approach, often plays the role of a 'gadfly,'' pushing organizations to think beyond traditional norms. This approach is crucial in achieving transformative growth and adapting to future possibilities.
The episode isn't just about workspace design; it's a narrative on how changing our environments can lead us to new heights of creativity and efficiency. Kay's stories and insights serve as a reminder that innovation isn't just about ideas; it's about creating a suitable space for those ideas to flourish.
As we wrap up our conversation, we invite you, our listeners, to reflect on your own 'aha' moments in transforming workspaces or organizational cultures. How has the design of your work environment influenced your creativity and productivity?
Today, we take a journey into the heart of African innovation. Our esteemed guest, Nkem Nweke from Microsoft, brings a fresh and insightful perspective on technological advancements in Africa.
Nkem, based in Lagos, Nigeria, is not just an innovator but a storyteller of change. His work in problem framing, design sprints, and disruptive product development reshapes how we think about technology's role in addressing local and global challenges. He offers a deep dive into Microsoft's innovative culture, especially Microsoft Garage's role in encouraging creative problem-solving and prototyping.
Our conversation goes beyond the walls of Microsoft. We delve into the realities of technological development in Africa, a continent pulsating with the desire for innovation yet grappling with unique challenges like limited connectivity. Nkem poses thought-provoking questions: In a world racing towards 5G, how do we build solutions for areas still in a 2G or no G environment? How relevant is AI for those at the bottom of the pyramid?
This episode is a journey into the streets of Lagos, the heart of Africa's biggest economy, exploring the vibrant pulse of innovation. It's a discussion about the opportunities in the challenges, and the role of African teams in shaping global technology, particularly in developing large language models.
Join us as Nkem Nweke guides us through this fascinating innovation landscape, challenges, and opportunities. Share your thoughts and insights as we explore how technology can be more inclusive and resonate with the diverse needs of global communities.
As a New York City native, public transportation has been a central part of my life. It's more than just a means of travel; it's where life happens. This personal connection brings extra excitement to my conversation today with SEPTA's Chief Innovation Officer, Emily Yates. Emily is not just a strategic leader; she's a visionary, redefining how we perceive and interact with urban spaces.
In our enlightening discussion, Emily opens up about her approach to innovation. She challenges the traditional notion of innovation as being the first globally, advocating instead for pioneering within one's own space. This perspective is especially poignant for Philadelphia, as Emily illustrates how the city embraces this ethos to redefine itself.
The heart of our conversation revolves around human-centered innovation. Emily passionately believes that the advancements in a city should improve the quality of life for all its residents, not just the privileged few. This approach is particularly relevant as we discuss the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and how it has exposed and amplified social inequities.
Emily shares how SEPTA uses technology and data for operational efficiency and as tools to address these deep-rooted inequalities. We delve into how spatial inequity within Philadelphia has been identified and addressed through innovative participatory budgeting driven by data and community input.
This episode isn't just about the technicalities of transforming a city into a smart one; it's a narrative of hope, inclusivity, and the power of innovative thinking to create spaces where everyone has a voice.
In my latest episode of Innovation Storytellers Show, I welcome Dr. Scott Walper, Science Director for Synthetic Biology at the US Office of Naval Research Global. The conversation took an exciting turn into the world of engineered living materials, a realm where the boundaries between the living and the inanimate blur into a new reality of possibilities.
Dr. Walper's enthusiasm was palpable as he spoke about his favorite subject, engineered living materials. He shared how this field transforms what we once viewed as dead materials—like walls and clothes—into living, multifunctional systems. This isn't just theoretical; it's a reality in synthetic biology today, with remarkable advancements in the past decade.
An interesting point Dr. Walper made was about the art of science communication. He believes that as a scientist, one must also be a persuasive storyteller, almost like a 'used car salesman.' This means recognizing the audience's needs and selling the idea, even if it's as complex as a scientific concept. It's crucial to make science accessible and relatable. This approach is particularly vital when introducing innovative ideas that might seem like science fiction. By creating a narrative and showing how these ideas can fill gaps or solve problems, even in the future, scientists can lay a foundation for acceptance and understanding of their work.
Dr. Walper also discussed the challenge of explaining complex technologies like AI, which often go into a 'black box' that's hard for the average person to understand. He stressed the importance of not dumbing down science but making it accessible and exciting without losing its essence. According to him, the key is to frame scientific innovations in terms of their impact on improving lives. This approach makes the science more relatable and encourages trust and investment in these ideas.
Our conversation delves into the fascinating intersection of science and storytelling and how the latter is essential for the progression of the former. By focusing on how innovations can positively impact people's lives, scientists and innovators can craft narratives that resonate with a wider audience, fostering greater understanding and support for their work. This episode is a testament to the power of storytelling in science and technology and its role in shaping a future where these fields are more integrated into our daily lives.
In this episode of Innovation Storytellers Show, I welcome Natalie Turner, Founder & CEO of The Entheo Network and the brain behind The Six 'I's® of Innovation. Natalie offers a riveting exploration of how innovation can be an everyday practice, accessible to all, not just reserved for specialized teams. She discusses how the Six 'I's® model can serve as a compass, guiding us in integrating innovation into our daily work and strategic projects alike.
Natalie emphasizes the importance of 'purpose-driven innovation.' She challenges listeners to ponder the real impact of their innovative ideas, especially in our current times when not all innovation leads to positive outcomes. Her current work, focused on developing new care models for the elderly at risk of homelessness, serves as a testament to this approach, applying the Six 'I's® to identify opportunities and understand the needs of vulnerable populations.
Furthermore, Natalie draws an intriguing comparison between the innovation process and the classic tale of Oliver Twist, highlighting the crucial role of stakeholder engagement and collaboration. She stresses the importance of involving investors and decision-makers early in the innovation journey, likening it to building a collaborative ecosystem where every participant is a key contributor from the onset.
Tune in to this episode for an enlightening discussion with Natalie Turner. Discover how you can apply the Six 'I's® in your everyday work to foster innovation and how purpose-driven approaches can lead to more humane and effective solutions for critical social issues. This episode is a beacon for anyone seeking to understand and navigate the multifaceted landscape of innovation.
In the latest episode of Innovation Storytellers Show, I had the pleasure of talking with Wade Bitaraf, the Founder of Energy & Sustainability at Plug and Play. Our conversation is a deep dive into the transformative role of startups in reshaping the energy sector, particularly the oil and gas industry, at a time when the world is grappling with climate change.
Wade brings to the table a wealth of experience from Plug and Play, an organization that stands out for its unique approach in helping startups gain significant traction in the open market. We discuss the nuances of how these startups are not just working with big companies but also forming synergies with smaller businesses and tapping into larger networks for inspiration and contacts.
A significant part of our discussion revolves around the technological advancements in the oil and gas industry. Wade elaborates on how data analytics, sensors, and software are revolutionizing operations, enhancing efficiency in warehouse and supply chain management, and more importantly, paving the way for a sustainable future. He highlights the critical impact of these innovations in reducing emissions and moving towards the global goal of net-zero carbon.
Wade sheds light on the importance of cross-industry collaboration. The journey to reducing emissions and accounting for them isn't a solo endeavor for the oil and gas sector. It requires a concerted effort, involving electric utilities and the broader energy industry, to make meaningful progress.
One of the most striking points Wade makes is about the evolution of the innovation landscape. Sustainability goals, which were once peripheral considerations, are now at the forefront of corporate innovation strategies. This shift is not just a trend but a necessity, as we see chief innovation officers increasingly incorporating climate goals into their agendas.
As we wrap up our conversation, Wade reflects on the exciting opportunities that lie ahead. The prototypes and projects emerging in this space are not just about innovation for innovation's sake; they are about innovating to save our planet. It's a narrative that's becoming more prevalent, and rightfully so, as we witness sustainability and innovation walking hand in hand, charting a path for a better future.
This week's episode provides a fascinating look into the art of communication in innovation. It's crucial for reaching audiences, teams, and the broader market. Carmen Collins is a name I've admired and spoken about at international conferences, even before we met for this podcast. Carmen's transformative work at Cisco, particularly in reviving the brand through employee voices and social media post-telecom boom, is inspiring.
In this episode, Carmen, with her extensive experience in social media brand marketing and communications, delves into the art of creating compelling dialogues around innovation on social media. Her journey includes leading roles at Intuit QuickBooks and other notable brands, where she harnessed the power of storytelling to align corporate vision with engaging content strategies.
We'll explore how Carmen's approach to social media transcends traditional marketing, focusing on tangible goals and priorities rather than just surface-level engagement. Her accolades, including being a top woman in communications and a four-time winner of the Social Media Professional of the Year, speak volumes about her expertise.
Our conversation takes a deep dive into integrating social media strategy from the outset, using examples like a hypothetical Burger King Super Bowl commercial. Carmen highlights the pitfalls of not including digital and social teams in the planning phase, leading to potential flops on platforms like TikTok or Instagram.
Moreover, we discuss the crucial role of personal connection in social media messaging. Carmen advises making content relatable by sharing the stories behind innovations, including the failures and challenges. This approach humanizes the brand and resonates deeply with audiences, tapping into our inherent attraction to stories of overcoming adversity.
Join us in this insightful episode as Carmen Collins shares her wisdom on using social media to effectively communicate innovations, balancing the demands of platform algorithms with the need to engage and captivate audiences.
I'm thrilled to have Mach Millett, the Chief Innovation Officer and Alternative Investment Practice Leader at Lockton Financial Services, join us on The Innovation Storytellers Show. Mach's impressive background spans over a decade at Marsh and a legal career at Skadden Arps, equipping him with a unique perspective on managing risks in innovation.
In this episode, we're not just talking about insurance in the traditional sense. We're delving into how to protect the future - the innovations and potential within our organizations. Mach's role at Lockton involves creating new insurance products for unaddressed risk exposures and serving as a technical expert in various complex fields. His experience crafting insurance contracts and resolving disputes gives him a unique vantage point on the intersection of innovation, law, and insurance.
Our conversation travels from Central America to the intricacies of the legal profession and deep into the insurance world. We discuss the importance of involving legal, compliance, and PR teams from the onset of an innovation project, forming an 'Innovation Council' to ensure all potential issues are addressed early. Mach shares his experiences with the challenges and triumphs of navigating innovation's legal and compliance landscapes, providing insights into how to foresee and manage the unforeseen.
This episode explores the support systems underpinning innovation. We delve into the importance of seeing around corners, anticipating risks, and extending a hand across different silos to foster successful innovation. Mach's journey from a legal expert to an innovation leader at Lockton illustrates the multifaceted nature of protecting and nurturing the next big thing.
In this episode of the Innovation Storytellers Show, I spoke with Lincoln Bleavens, Stanford University's Executive Director of Sustainability & Energy Management. With a rich background in the global energy sector, Lincoln brings a unique blend of academic and practical expertise to his role, overseeing a range of operations from energy and water management to emergency preparedness and waste management.
Our discussion centered on Stanford's innovative approach to sustainability, viewing the university as a microcosm of a larger urban system. Lincoln highlighted Stanford's significant strides in aligning its operational needs with sustainability goals. Notably, the university's transition from a natural gas-fired plant to renewable electricity and from a steam-based system to more efficient hot and chilled water systems has substantially reduced energy and water consumption.
These changes, Lincoln pointed out, are not just about adopting new technologies but represent a fundamental shift in resource management, resulting in a dramatic decrease in distribution losses and water consumption. This approach positions Stanford as a leader in sustainable innovation, demonstrating how operational efficiency can coexist with environmental stewardship.
Lincoln's insights underscore the importance of sustainability as a driver of innovation. Stanford is setting an example for other institutions and cities by focusing on long-term, sustainable solutions. His passion for applied innovation and sustainability is a testament to Stanford's commitment to leading by example in this vital area.
In summary, my conversation with Lincoln Bleavens was an in-depth look into how Stanford is pioneering a sustainable future, offering valuable lessons and strategies that could inspire a broader movement toward sustainable innovation and efficiency.
This week I explore a unique perspective on innovation through the lens of gender dynamics and intuition. Our guest, Fabienne Jacquet, a scientist, corporate innovator, author, and the founder of INNOVEVE®, brings a wealth of experience and a distinctive viewpoint on the subject.
Fabienne challenges conventional wisdom by emphasizing the importance of both masculine and feminine energies in the innovation process, transcending the traditional gender roles. She discusses the neuroscience behind these energies, explaining how different brain compositions, including the distribution of gray and white matter, contribute to diverse problem-solving approaches and ways of connecting the dots in complex situations. This concept extends beyond mere physiological differences to encompass a broader understanding of how we, as innovators, can harness these diverse energies for creative and effective problem-solving.
An intriguing part of the conversation revolves around the role of intuition in innovation. Fabienne advocates for the inclusion of diverse perspectives in the innovation process, arguing that this diversity is crucial for accumulating a wide range of information and ideas. She emphasizes the importance of being open to new cultures, experiences, and ways of thinking, as this openness is key to fostering a creative and innovative mindset. Additionally, Fabienne touches upon the often-overlooked necessity of allowing our brains time to rest, highlighting how our best ideas often emerge when we are not actively trying to force them.
A particularly fascinating aspect of the discussion is Fabienne's exploration of how feminine energy, often characterized as chaotic and less predictable, plays a crucial role in the front end of the innovation process. This contrasts with the more structured and organized masculine energy that tends to dominate the latter stages of bringing a product to market. Fabienne's approach is not just theoretical; she has applied these principles throughout her career in various fields, from academia to corporate innovation.
My conversation with Fabienne Jacquet is a journey through the intricacies of innovation and a call to embrace a more inclusive and holistic approach to creating and implementing new ideas. It's a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the deeper layers of innovation and how integrating diverse energies and perspectives can lead to more meaningful and impactful outcomes.
In the latest installment of the Innovation Storytellers Show, I had the pleasure of engaging in a profound conversation with Paul Reeder, the Executive Director of the Center for Innovation Strategies at Ohio State University. Our discussion explored what innovation truly means for businesses today, far beyond the superficial trappings that often masquerade as progress.
Paul Reeder is a name that resonates with authority in the realm of innovation. His mission at the Center for Innovation Strategies is not just about fostering new ideas; it's about orchestrating a symphony of collaboration that resonates with value creation for a diverse range of stakeholders.
From the hallowed halls of Ohio State to the corporate boardrooms of Fortune 500 companies, Paul's influence on innovation is profound. His expertise has been sought after by industry titans such as Procter and Gamble, Honda, and Nationwide Insurance, all seeking to infuse genuine innovation into their DNA.
Our conversation was a clarion call against the backdrop of what Paul aptly terms 'Innovation Theater'—a facade of innovation that is all too common in today's corporate world. It's a world where the appearance of innovation is often mistaken for its substance. Paul's insights revealed a troubling trend where companies are quick to set up flashy innovation studios, complete with trendy furniture and attire, mistaking these superficial elements for the heart of innovation.
However, Paul argues that true innovation is not about the optics; it's about the impact. It's about understanding and serving customer needs in ways previously unimagined, identifying new customer segments, and creating a 'blip in our business' that signifies real growth and evolution. This kind of innovation doesn't just happen; it requires a cultural shift and a commitment from every level of the organization, especially the C-suite.
Throughout our discussion, Paul emphasized the need for a new paradigm to measure innovation—one that accounts for cultural change, customer engagement, and the ability to break new ground. We discuss how traditional metrics like cash ROI fall short in capturing the essence of innovation, which is as much about the journey as it is about the destination.
As we wrapped up our conversation, it was clear that Paul's vision for innovation is both a challenge and an invitation. It's a challenge to businesses to look beyond their walls and engage with external innovation groups, creating partnerships that fuel creativity and drive growth. It's an invitation to step out of the conventional box and embrace a broader vision of what innovation can be—a strategic pillar essential to the future of any organization.
In this compelling episode of Innovation Storytellers, I am joined by Brian Solis, the Head of Global Innovation at ServiceNow. If you've ever been fascinated by how technology serves as a catalyst for business transformation, then this episode is a must-listen for you.
Brian Solis, who has spent over two decades studying digital Darwinism, discusses the evolving role of Executive Briefing Centers and Innovation Centers in the tech industry. These spaces, once merely showrooms for platforms like ServiceNow, have transcended their original purpose. They now serve as critical hubs for business transformation, providing a bespoke experience tailored to the unique needs of visiting executives and prospects. Such spaces facilitate targeted, transformative discussions and foster meaningful partnerships. They guide businesses toward increased agility and resilience in an ever-changing market landscape.
However, the journey isn't without its hurdles. The episode also delves into the challenges involved, such as the potential for information overload that can overwhelm visitors. It questions whether these centers, despite their high-tech allure, run the risk of becoming mere 'window dressing' if not updated regularly to reflect current trends and technologies.
The conversation shifts seamlessly to a critical look at the marketing landscape, emphasizing the importance of empathy and storytelling. Brian shares insightful thoughts on how conventional marketing frameworks like personas and journey maps could potentially limit a business's ability to genuinely connect with its customers. He introduces the novel concept of employing storytelling techniques, inspired by Pixar's and Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey, to humanize the customer experience.
As the episode unfolds, Brian challenges listeners to rethink technology's potential impact on life and work beyond its "wow factor." He offers an example related to AI, questioning the ethics and long-term impact of replacing human roles like copywriting with machine-generated content. Instead, he proposes an innovative approach—augmenting human capabilities to create new, premium services, thereby creating new avenues for revenue and growth.
In essence, this episode provokes thoughtful debates and challenges conventional perspectives. It urges listeners to not only marvel at technology’s capabilities but to question and understand its broader ramifications on society, business, and human well-being.
In today's fast-paced, ever-evolving business landscape, leadership is under constant scrutiny. The spotlight often shines on the balance—or imbalance—between two critical aspects of decision-making: logic and intuition. While some say good leadership relies on hard facts and analytics, others argue that instinct plays an invaluable role. I sit down with Mary Pat Knight, an authority on humanized leadership, who compellingly addresses this intricate balance between head and heart.
Mary Pat Knight has a fascinating perspective that even engineers—often regarded as the epitomes of logic and structured thinking—can use to hone their instinctual skills. She points out that engineers are generally trained to rely on data, to scrutinize every decision through the lens of calculations and structured processes. However, the art of leadership requires more than just crunching numbers; it requires acknowledging that sometimes, instinct whispers critical pieces of information that raw data can't capture.
What's remarkable about Mary Pat Knight's view is that she doesn't advocate for the abandonment of logic for instinct, or vice versa. Instead, she champions the harmonious blend of passion and logic, the quintessence of what she calls humanized leadership. Leaders who successfully balance their analytical skills with emotional intelligence create work environments that value instinct and data, leading to more well-rounded decisions.
Listen in as Mary Pat Knight unravels the intricate process of integrating intuition into a traditionally logical decision-making environment. Whether you are leading a team, building a business, or simply curious about the subtleties of effective leadership, the insights she provides are both practical and transformative. She makes a compelling case for the need to be both analytical and emotional, logical and instinctual, in our roles as leaders. This multi-faceted approach to leadership is not just about making better decisions; it's about making decisions that are comprehensive, inclusive, and, most importantly, human.
I sit down with Hansini Sharma, Practice Lead at Acquis Consulting Group, to delve into the rapidly changing landscape of the travel industry. The episode is a journey through the nexus of innovation and execution, setting the stage for transformative impacts on both business and leisure travel. Hansini's 15+ years of industry experience shines as she outlines the paradigm shifts driven by sustainability and technological advancements. She elaborates on how cultural awareness and employee engagement are becoming the linchpins of change, and how the industry is reacting to these emergent trends.
The conversation spans from practical insights to big-picture vision, touching on both the immediate challenges and long-term opportunities that the multi-trillion-dollar travel sector faces. This episode serves as a catalyst for leaders in innovation, ESG, and corporate travel management to rethink their strategies, offering actionable advice and thought-provoking dialogue on harnessing innovation to drive sustainable change. Tune in to explore the intersection of vision and execution in travel, and leave with new perspectives that can be immediately applied to your own organizational frameworks.
This week, I invite you to feast your senses on a captivating dialogue with Kristin Bryan, Director of Culinary Innovation at HelloFresh. Kristin takes us on a culinary journey that marries taste and technology, enriching our palates and minds.
For those intrigued by how the complexity of flavors in your HelloFresh meal kit is conceived, Kristin introduces the riveting concept of "Creative Abrasion." Coined by Linda Hill, this approach isn't about conflicts but about generating a kind of friction that sparks groundbreaking innovation. It fosters an open dialogue within the team—making it the spice that elevates every dish and concept HelloFresh develops.
Kristin highlights the underestimated yet essential ingredient in their innovation journey—psychological safety. In an industry where pleasing the customer is the ultimate goal, one wonders how a team of culinary experts decides what 'pleasing' means. Kristin offers that creating a psychologically safe environment is the cornerstone of this process, enabling team members to bring their unfiltered opinions to the tasting table.
Adding another layer to this rich conversation is the debate on convenience versus authenticity. With busy lives and an increasing demand for quick meal solutions, HelloFresh experiments with convenient sauce packages. Kristin ponders how far they can go in delivering convenience without compromising the quality of the dining experience.
But innovation at HelloFresh doesn't stop at dinner. Addressing the often-overlooked domain of school lunches, Kristin reveals how meticulous research and customer feedback fuel their drive to simplify yet enrich the midday meal for children. The challenge lies in delivering familiar yet balanced meals, which calls for an intricate dance between fun and nutritional integrity.
During this conversation Kristin uncovers her roots in innovation through her experience at tech startups and Walt Disney World. She attests to the transformative influence of her mentors at Disney, encouraging her to view food not as mere sustenance but as a holistic sensory experience—an adventure if you will.
So, please tune in for an episode that promises to be as stimulating to your intellect as it is to your taste buds. You will come away with a fresh perspective on what it takes to innovate in the culinary world, from conceptualizing a dish to the logistical gymnastics of putting it on your table. After listening, you'll never see your HelloFresh—or any other meal kit—the same way again.
In the latest episode of the Innovation Storytellers Show, I sit down with John Winsor, Founder and Chairman of Open Assembly, to examine the intricacies of the future of work. John, who is an authority on open talent and innovative work models, brings decades of experience and wisdom to the conversation.
Winsor is not a stranger to groundbreaking ideas. He has served as an executive in residence at Harvard Business School's Laboratory for Innovation Science and is currently writing his sixth book, "Open Talent: Leveraging a Global Workforce to Solve Your Biggest Challenges." His expertise places him at the crossroads of innovation, disruption, and storytelling—my favorite trifecta.
John details how work as we know it is undergoing a radical transformation. Traditional office settings and 9-to-5 commitments are giving way to a more dynamic, fluid, and global workforce. He challenges businesses to rethink how and where they source their talent, suggesting that the next genius addition to their team might not be within the "four walls" of their office. Instead, he introduces the concept of a digital aggregation platform that reduces the friction associated with adopting open talent and freelancing models, facilitating a seamless transition to more adaptive and efficient working modes.
John's work also has a broader societal ambition. He recently co-founded a global industry coalition, the Center for the Transformation of Work, which aims to revolutionize the workplace for a billion people by 2025. It's a lofty goal that magnifies the scale and urgency of the changes we are witnessing in workspaces and workstyles.
This episode is a compelling narrative that combines John Winsor’s strategic foresight with my expertise in storytelling to paint a vivid picture of what the future could, and perhaps should, look like for businesses and professionals alike.
To add a touch of intrigue, John also teases an upcoming excerpt in the Harvard Business Review and discusses his forthcoming book set to be published in 2024. All said and done, this episode is an invaluable resource for leaders and thinkers who are willing to challenge traditional notions and are hungry for a glimpse of what the future of work holds.
I sat down with Melora Zaner, the Chief Design Officer at TIAA, to discuss the often-overlooked value of incremental innovation and the transformative power of design in addressing pressing societal challenges like retirement.
Our conversation starts with an urgent issue that many are facing—the retirement crisis in America. We discuss the alarming statistics indicating that 40% of Americans are on track to run out of money in their retirement years. Melora offers an intriguing alternative by asking, "What if we shift our thinking from 'retirement planning' to 'longevity planning'?" This approach puts the focus on sustained income, healthcare provisions, and overall quality of life, rather than just a lump sum that may or may not last a lifetime.
Innovation doesn't have to be grandiose to be impactful, as Melora eloquently points out. The episode delves into the concept of 'breadcrumbing,' a term Melora uses to describe the art of celebrating small, incremental changes that lead toward a significant shift. These small steps, often overlooked in the constant quest for disruptive change, can offer customers stepping stones, helping them see a future where their needs and concerns are addressed.
We also discuss the importance of storytelling in the journey of innovation. How do you narrate a story that balances the celebration of small victories with the drive toward grand visions? The idea is to offer manageable steps, or breadcrumbs, to make the journey less daunting and more rewarding for both customers and organizations. These incremental changes shouldn't be underestimated; they often result in exponential gains over time, especially when they address specific customer pain points.
Finally, Melora shares insights into getting internal stakeholders on board with innovation. She emphasizes that incremental wins can build confidence internally and set the stage for bigger, more disruptive changes in the long run.
Tune into this episode of Innovation Storytellers Show to explore the power of incremental innovation and design-led thinking in transforming how we approach complex challenges, from the retirement crisis to customer engagement and internal alignment. Because sometimes, the biggest changes start with the smallest steps.
Don't miss this enlightening discussion, full of actionable insights and thought-provoking concepts that challenge the status quo.
In a time where innovation is often boiled down to buzzwords, Adipat Virdi, Global Immersive Strategist and Former Global Creative Product Lead for Immersive, brings us back to the essence of true innovation. With a remarkable history of embedding immersive strategy into global organizations like Meta, Virgin Atlantic, and the BBC, Virdi helps us refocus on what's important. He challenges us to escape 'Plato's Cave' and reassess the often unconscious limitations we put on the idea of innovation.
Virdi emphasizes the importance of separating culture from business drivers, imploring us to take a more human-centric approach. By focusing on the dynamic relationship between content, consumer, and brand, he argues that innovation becomes not just a corporate goal but a holistic experience. However, he acknowledges that this 'uncoupling' can be a monumental task for businesses ingrained with certain cultural values.
As we move into an era where linear progression is becoming increasingly inadequate, Virdi propounds the need for thinking in ecosystems. Yet he cautions that such a shift introduces complexities that could act as a barrier to practical implementation. The challenges lie in balancing human-centric values with business imperatives and in overhauling pre-existing corporate cultures that resist change.
Yet, the opportunities are equally profound. The very act of aligning business goals with ecosystem thinking opens up new paths for disruptive innovation. Virdi introduces us to the term 'soul work'—a phrase that might sound esoteric but is deeply strategic. This is about asking the questions that really matter to your audience digging deep to understand their needs and desires. It's an approach that promises innovation and meaningful engagement with consumers.
The conversation takes an even more forward-looking turn as we discuss Apple’s soon-to-be-released Vision Pro, a device that's set to redefine digital interaction. Virdi provides insights into how the market will need to adapt to the complexities of spatial computing and offers a glimpse into the future of experiential marketing.
In the end, Virdi leaves us with a clear understanding that immersive technology is not a fleeting trend but a game-changing evolution. If brands don't adapt, they risk missing out on new generations of consumers who are already primed for immersive experiences. This engaging and insightful conversation is not to be missed, as it navigates the future of brand engagement in an increasingly immersive world.
Get ready for an illuminating journey into the complexities and nuances of innovation with my guest, Amy Radin, Executive Advisor and founder of Pragmatic Innovation Partners. With a career that spans multiple decades and industries, Amy brings an unparalleled depth of insight into what it truly takes to innovate, especially in the financial services sector. From being Citi's first global Chief Innovation Officer to her executive roles at American Express and Axa, her expertise is as expansive as it is profound.
Amy specializes in helping business leaders navigate the complex terrain of innovation by identifying new growth opportunities while mitigating associated risks. Her unique approach focuses on unraveling the cultural layers within organizations, providing invaluable perspectives on how internal culture can both aid and impede innovation processes.
One of the most compelling elements of this discussion revolves around the concept of "execution." As Amy stresses, an idea, no matter how groundbreaking, lacks value without the capability to bring it into reality. This principle holds true whether you're at a startup or part of an established Fortune 500 company. Her viewpoints bring a fresh, grounded perspective to the often nebulous and romanticized world of innovation.
Does your organization need a Chief Innovation Officer (CIO)? This question forms another central theme of our conversation. While appointing a CIO can signify a company's commitment to innovation, it also runs the risk of excluding other departments from this critical function. Amy expertly navigates this organizational dilemma, emphasizing the importance of an inclusive innovation culture.
Further enhancing this rich tapestry of insights, Amy delves into the critical but often overlooked relationship between innovation and business strategy. Even the most creative endeavors are doomed to become aimless projects without strategic alignment. If you're grappling with the complexities of innovation in today's fast-paced business world, this episode will equip you with actionable strategies and insights.
In today's episode of the Innovation Storytellers podcast, we'll delve into the world of one of the most well-known, respected, and beloved brands in the United States and worldwide: Jack Daniels. According to Inner Brands' Best Global Brands 2022 report, Jack Daniels has been a household name for over 155 years.
We are excited to have Heather Howell, the Global Director of Trademark and Innovation at Jack Daniels on the show. Heather's leadership in driving innovation has been a crucial factor in the brand's continued success, including its recent entry into the super-premium whiskey market.
During this episode, we will explore the history and future of the iconic brand and hear from Heather about her role in driving innovation at Jack Daniels. And of course, what better way to enjoy the show than with a glass of Jack Daniels on the rocks. So, grab a glass and join us as we celebrate this American classic brand.
In this week's edition of the Innovation Storytellers podcast, I invite you to join me in an insightful conversation with Chris Duffy, a strategic futurist and leading figure in digital experiences with Adobe. We explore how AI, creativity, and the metaverse collide as we discuss Adobe's groundbreaking work in generative AI and the transformation of work through AI, and the future of design.
In this captivating episode, delve into the intricacies of AI in image generation, the evolving landscape of the metaverse, and the impact of AI on jobs and work dynamics. Gain a unique perspective on the convergence of technology, creativity, and the human experience, and learn how Adobe pushes the boundaries of innovation to shape the future. Take advantage of this thought-provoking and inspiring conversation that will leave you pondering the limitless potential of Generative AI and the digital realm.
What does innovation mean to you? For many, it’s about the latest tech marvel or the next big thing in the market. But as I sat down with Tyrome ‘Ty’ Smith, Director of Strategic Partnership at Common Mission Project, our conversation gave the term a whole new meaning.
Our discussion revolved around the unseen channels of innovative ideas - beyond Silicon Valley and tech giants, deep into governmental organizations, think tanks, and more. We pondered upon a simple yet profound question: where do these seeds of revolutionary ideas truly germinate?
Ty highlighted an area that's often overlooked: Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). While institutions like Stanford and MIT often grab the limelight, it's these lesser-known educational bastions where a significant chunk of innovative minds are nurtured. And this revelation isn't just about recognizing talent but also about acknowledging the challenges they face.
Consider this: North Carolina A&T State University faced underfunding to the staggering tune of $3.7 billion from 1987-2020. A figure that not only reflects financial disparity but also raises questions on potential innovations lost in this financial void.
Our conversation often circled back to a memorable movie scene from 'Moneyball'. In a pivotal moment, the main character highlights the futility of trying to compete with the affluent while being resource-strapped. The message? Redefine the game. Just as in baseball, the landscape of innovation needs a fresh perspective – one that isn’t confined by financial boundaries or traditional norms.
So, as you think about innovation, I challenge you to shift your perspective. Embrace innovation not just as a groundbreaking product but as a revolutionary way of thinking. Dive into our full conversation and let's reshape the innovation narrative together.
In the world of innovation, stories often act as the bridge between an idea and its realization. And who better to delve into this fascinating dynamic than David Zaboski, Co-Founder & Chief Creative Officer at Laetro. With roots that trace back to the prestigious Art Center College of Design and then onwards to the bustling creative studios of Disney during its 'second golden age of animation’, David's journey is nothing short of magical. Films like Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and Lion King owe part of their brilliance to his artistic prowess.
But David's contribution to the world of animation wasn't just about creating stunning visuals. He played a pivotal role in shaping the 'principles of the animator.' It's the delicate art of creating and nurturing the creator within. It's about understanding that innovation isn't a one-off act but a constant, evolving process that demands passion and discipline.
David's insights extend beyond the animation studio. They span the vast fields of entrepreneurial innovation. The challenge? How to turn a mere thought into something tangible, something real. This process, as David points out, is strikingly similar in both the world of art and the world of business. The secret ingredients? Love and storytelling.
The significance of storytelling in the world of business cannot be understated. More than just a medium of conveying information, stories have the power to resonate, evoke emotions, and, most importantly, inspire change. David aptly quips about the common misbelief where data often overshadows the story. To him, storytelling isn't just math. It's a potent chemistry. A chemistry that can evoke a range of emotions in us - from the adrenaline rush we feel during an intense movie scene to the dopamine release when we root for our favorite characters.
This chemistry of storytelling is the very essence of innovation. Because real innovation isn't just about introducing new products or services; it's about reshaping perceptions, altering worldviews, and guiding audiences from the known present to the promising, albeit uncertain, future. And to make this journey, one needs the compelling force of a well-told story.
In this digital age where data is often heralded as king, David Zaboski's insights remind us of the timeless power of storytelling. The intricate dance between love, story, and art not only defines the world of animation but stands as a testament to the world of innovation.
As we step into an era where change is the only constant, let's remember David's words and acknowledge that while data might provide direction, the stories infused with love truly drive us forward. Because, in the end, it's not just about turning thoughts into things; it's about turning thoughts into things that matter.
In this eye-opening episode of Innovation Storytellers, we host a lively discussion with Elisa Farri, VP & Co-lead of Capgemini Invent's Management Lab. Join us as we dive into the ever-evolving world of the Chief Innovation Officer (CIO), dispelling the notion that AI is set to dethrone the human touch in the realm of innovation.
From the heart of business processes and people management to the broadening scope of innovation beyond academia, Elisa explores the radical shifts in traditional management practices and models. With unique insights based on her experiences and research at Harvard Business School Europe Research Center, Elisa prompts us to think about our roles in a new light.
One of the key highlights of our conversation is the inseparable bond between sustainability and innovation. Elisa compellingly argues that these two elements are two sides of the same coin, each fueling the other towards a better future. As innovation officers, how can we incorporate sustainability by design into our organizations, both internally and externally?
Innovation doesn't stop there. AI, too, plays a pivotal role in this narrative. Elisa outlines the potential of AI as a powerful brainstorming tool, but only when approached with the right domain expertise and strategic prompt sequences. Is the future of our organizations dependent on AI? Or is it more about the synergy between human expertise and AI capabilities?
At the heart of our discussion is the urgent need for authentic leadership.
Today's narrative, especially in Fortune 500 organizations, revolves around innovation and sustainability. However, there's a stark gap between buzzwords and action. Can our leaders walk the talk and align their behaviors to this narrative?
This episode is a call to all leaders, innovators, and thinkers. As we step into the future, it's time to bridge the gap and embrace the opportunities lying at the intersection of AI, sustainability, and innovation. Listen in to gain invaluable insights, hard-won lessons, and practical approaches from Elisa and her team. It's time to roll up our sleeves and get our hands dirty for the future of our organizations.
In this episode of The Innovation Storytellers Show, I am excited to take you on a journey through the world of play with Carol Hill, Global Learning Director at the LEGO Group. As a catalyst for change and a staunch advocate for continuous improvement, Carol leads her team in embedding learning through play across the LEGO system.
In this episode, we explore how a tiny LEGO brick can be a catalyst for significant innovation. Carol shares how LEGO facilitates an environment of psychological safety, empowering teams to challenge the status quo and move swiftly on innovation projects. We discuss the 'popcorn effect' of idea generation and the power of trust within a team.
Carol further guides us through the prototyping process at the LEGO Group, giving insights on overcoming the 'hippo effect' and fostering a diverse pool of ideas. We learn how LEGO enables everyone in the room to voice their ideas, paving the way for more creative problem-solving.
Carol provides invaluable advice to Chief Innovation Officers on incorporating serious play into their work and teams. She emphasizes the importance of team engagement and genuine listening, underlining how these elements can lead to more innovative ideas and successful projects.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in innovative practices, team building, and the power of play. Join us as we explore the transformative world of LEGO and discover how to shape the future of work through play.
Today, I delve deep into a topic close to my heart and vital in the modern business landscape - cultivating an innovation culture amid rapid technological change. Joining us in this intriguing exploration is Brian Evergreen, an authority in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) and author of the soon-to-be-released book, 'Autonomous Transformation.' Brian is the founder of The Profitable Good Company, and best known for his work in advising Fortune 500 executives on AI strategy.
In this episode, we unpack the real-world impacts of automation and the potential for re-skilling and transitioning workers. We discuss the transformative power of open innovation and the service economy, exploring how they might offer fresh opportunities. We touch upon the shifting dynamics of employee loyalty and job satisfaction in a world increasingly interconnected through platforms like LinkedIn and Glassdoor.
Finally, Brian shares his passion for social innovation - fostering an online environment where truth, trustworthiness, and credibility are more valuable than misinformation and fear mongering. Prepare for an enlightening discussion that pairs the perspectives of an AI expert and an anthropologist striving to restore humanity to AI conversations. So buckle up and get ready to explore the future of innovation culture with us!
In this compelling episode of Innovation Storytellers Show, we explore the world of HR and innovation with two extraordinary guests: Ira Wolfe, a pioneer in future-readiness, and Jason Cochran, the 'Chief Connection Officer' at Telos. Both are esteemed co-hosts of Geeks, Geezers, Googlization, an award-winning podcast exploring the future of work. In the face of rapid and relentless change, they encourage us to view the 'Never Normal' as an opportunity to evolve and thrive.
Our discussion revolves around how smart companies are redefining 'work' in a post-pandemic world. How do we tackle returning to the workforce, particularly for women? How do we address the reluctance to go back to office spaces? And in this era of AI, how do we reshape organizational structures to help humans perform at their highest potential?
Ira brings attention to the need for reimagining work and adjusting to an ever-changing 'Never Normal' world. He dissects hybrid work models, incremental changes, and the crucial need to reimagine our offices.
On the other hand, Jason explores the concept of loneliness at work, not as a state of being alone but as a lack of connection. He also brings to light an intriguing case where a company replaced all managers with coaches, catalyzing a discussion on meeting employees' needs for nurturing, growth, and fulfillment.
This episode is a treasure trove of insights and ideas about the evolving world of work. So, join us as we traverse the reimagination of work and the significance of meaningful connections, wellness, and the future of work in this 'Never Normal' era.
In this special episode of Innovation Storytellers, I engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Caroline Farberger, a groundbreaking Transgender CEO and Venture Capital Innovator. Caroline is a partner and chairperson at the venture capital company Wellstreet. Caroline is widely known for her open dialogue about her gender transition, becoming the first senior business leader in the Nordics to do so.
Having held various senior management roles in the financial industry for over 25 years and possessing entrepreneurial experience from the dot com era, Caroline brings a wealth of knowledge to our discussion. She candidly shares her transformation journey, shedding light on the revelations she discovered during her transition and how it led to a complete shift in her leadership style.
In a deeply personal and inspiring interview, Caroline talks about the importance of listening, openness and challenging oneself to foster innovation. She discusses how she once overlooked the value of diversity and was confined to structured, linear thinking, replicating old practices. But now, embracing her identity as a woman and an LGBTQ+ person, she recognizes diversity's power and business value, leading her to surround herself with people of different backgrounds and perspectives.
Join us as we delve into how her transformation enriched her personal life and broadened her approach to innovation and leadership. In doing so, Caroline offers crucial insights into the value of fostering diverse and creative thinking to build successful, future-ready companies.
Tune in to this insightful episode to understand how embracing diversity and challenging traditional practices can become a catalyst for creativity and innovation, leading to ultimate business success.
Today, I'm joined by João Santos, the founder of AIsthetic Apparel, a fashion label driven by ChatGPT. This groundbreaking venture has made headlines globally and has been featured in numerous media outlets, including a recent CBS News story.
In this episode, João shares his fascinating entrepreneurial journey that all began from a simple tweet by Jackson Fall. He was inspired to start a company with a $1000 initial investment, guiding its path with the help of AI, specifically ChatGPT. His intriguing experiment quickly evolved into a successful venture that caught the attention of millions around the world on LinkedIn.
Listen as João details how ChatGPT helped create a comprehensive business plan, from starting a Shopify store to advising on investor fundraising. Discover how he managed to transform this supposed 30-day side experiment into a thriving company, raising a whopping 100,000 Euros and receiving thousands of connection requests within a week.
João also discusses other aspiring entrepreneurs who were inspired by the same Jackson Fall tweet. Over 2000 people started a Discord community to build companies with ChatGPT at the helm. João reflects on why his venture stood out amongst these endeavors and underscores the power of storytelling.
With his unique blend of excitement, humor, education, and inspiration, João managed to capture the imaginations of people globally. His story highlights the importance of presenting facts in an engaging narrative, an approach that can make all the difference in entrepreneurship.
Join us and gain valuable insights and be inspired by João's innovative journey. This is a testament to how AI can revolutionize the business landscape and encourage a new wave of entrepreneurs to take a leap of faith.
Prepare for a deep-dive into the world of innovation on the latest episode of Innovation Storytellers with our distinguished guest, Shubber Ali, CEO of Garden for Wildlife. In this episode, we peel back the layers of innovation as Ali, a veteran in the field, shares his experiences, insights, and the hard truths he's unearthed during his career.
From his early days of building startups, through his tenure as the VP of Strategic Innovation for Salesforce and his role as the Global Innovation Ninja for Accenture, to his current academic position as an Adjunct Professor of Innovation Management at Georgetown, Ali has seen it all. He brings a wealth of understanding to the often nebulous concept of 'innovation', dissecting its misuse and overuse in today's corporate landscape.
However, Ali's perspective isn't just theoretical – it's rooted in practical, on-ground realities. He illustrates how one simple innovation – the QR code – revolutionized ICU operations, and in doing so, unravels his central tenet of innovation. This thought-provoking conversation challenges the norm and urges us to dig deeper into the true problem at hand, not just its symptoms. As Ali puts it, the solution is always obvious once the actual problem is understood.
In this episode, we take an unconventional route by conversing with an architecture firm, Gensler, to delve into their unique approach to constructing an innovation culture. My guests, Amanda Ramos, the Innovation Director and Principal at Gensler, and Liz Russo, the Culture Strategy Leader, are indeed the architects of the innovation culture at their firm.
Together, we navigate the complexities of our ever-evolving work environments, from the office to the home and everything in-between. We explore how culture still significantly shapes our work, regardless of the geographical context.
Amanda, who has spent 20 years devising organizational programs, campus master plans, and innovation campaigns for a wide range of companies, takes us on a fascinating journey of creating innovation labs. She shares her experiences of working with a client for two years to architect an operational model for innovation that transcended the boundaries of physical space.
On the other hand, Lis brings to the table her focus on humanizing work and sparking innovation. Drawing from her experiences in building culture strategies and innovation capability frameworks, Lis enlightens us on the pivotal components of an innovation-friendly culture - authenticity, autonomy, curiosity, imagination, thrill, and hope.
In this episode, I am going to take you on a fascinating journey into the subconscious realm of our minds, exploring the science of fluid thinking and subconscious success with renowned cognitive scientist, Phillip Campbell.
Phillip is not only an expert in cognitive science and an executive brain coach but also the author of the enlightening book "Brain Habits". He is the CEO of enigmaFIT, a globally recognized brain coaching company, that aids individuals in tapping into their subconscious minds to improve their innovative thinking and problem-solving skills.
We will learn more about the four pillars of Phillip's approach, notably, the Controlling Attention Pillar and the Complex Problem-Solving Pillar. Phillip shares his expertise on the intersection of cognitive science, subconscious habits, and how we can harness these facets for personal growth and success.
This conversation uncovers the intricacies of fluid thinking, a concept deeply intertwined with our capacity to adapt, innovate, and encounter novel problems. Phillip also sheds light on the neuroscience of midlife crisis and the shift in thinking patterns that can lead to transformative life decisions, explaining how such changes can literally recode our brains.
For those curious about their own ability to focus and want to explore their level of distractibility, Phillip offers a complimentary Focused Thinking assessment. This tool provides powerful insights and sets the foundation for your personal journey towards enhanced subconscious success.
Tune in and explore the science behind our subconscious success, learn about innovative thinking, and get ready to embark on a journey of personal growth.
In today's episode, I invite you to join me on a captivating exploration of the fascinating intersection of AI, genomics, and pharmaceuticals. Our guest today is Dr. Isaac Bentwich, a physician-turned-entrepreneur who has revolutionized various domains, including medicine, genomics, and agriculture.
Isaac shares insights from his journey in creating this startup, Quris, that operates in the innovative hubs of Boston and Tel Aviv. We dive into his previous endeavors, including founding Rosetta Genomics, where he led the discovery of hundreds of novel genes and developed pioneering cancer diagnostics.
In this wide-ranging discussion, we explore the power of AI in life sciences and how it can revolutionize drug development. Isaac shares a tantalizing vision of a future where drugs are not only safer and more personalized, but are also developed in a fraction of the time, reducing the cost of drugs and overall healthcare.
Join us for this deep dive into the cutting-edge world of AI in genomics and medicine, where we grapple with how innovative technologies like AI are fundamentally reshaping our approach to health and life sciences.
Get ready to rev your engines for innovation as we bring you a fascinating conversation with Freddy Dasa, the Director of Innovation at Volvo Group's Innovation Lab in Silicon Valley. In this episode of Innovation Storytellers, we dive deep into Freddy's innovative world, where he leads an interdisciplinary team of innovators and entrepreneurs, co-creating and launching new services and solutions for Volvo Group.
We explore Freddy's extensive engineering background and 20+ years of experience introducing disruptive technologies to traditional industries, from construction and mining to mobility and transportation. In addition, Freddy shares his insights on how they support customers in conventional endeavors to understand and embrace new technologies.
Listen in as he advises that the key is not just the technologies but how these can be applied to the business processes, creating value and fostering growth. We'll also delve into Volvo's vision for future vehicles and how they're pioneering digital services. Finally, Freddy sheds light on transitioning from a product-centric structure to aligning digital experiences with brand values and delighting customers at every turn.
From the birth of Volvo Innovation Lab with an idea to uncover the next horizon of revenue streams for Volvo via digital services to the challenges in shaping the culture that aligns with the corporation's values - this episode is packed with intriguing stories and insights.
Tune in to ride the wave of innovation and learn how traditional industries can leverage cutting-edge tech for growth.
In this illuminating episode of Innovation Storytellers, I sit down with the Wall Street Journal best-selling author, INK Magazine columnist, and Co-founder of Praxie.com, Soren Kaplan, Ph.D. Recognized as a top management thought leader by Thinkers 50 and Business Insider, Kaplan brings his profound expertise in new business models and disruptive innovation to the table.
Kaplan, who previously led the strategy and innovation group at HP, shares invaluable insights into the world of startups, asserting that sales are the cornerstone of innovation. With a deep connection with customers and an understanding of their needs, there's more room for innovation.
Not only does Kaplan discuss the power of sales and customer connection, but he also delves into the transformative potential of personal experiences. Drawing from his own past, he reveals how seemingly small events can significantly shape our beliefs and how these beliefs can both limit and expand us in different ways. Kaplan's journey highlights the importance of empathy in business and the value of understanding people's motivations.
Moreover, Kaplan discusses the necessity of out-of-the-box tools for innovators and leaders, sharing how his platform Praxie.com provides instant, accessible solutions for lean startup work and business case creation. Today, Praxie is home to thousands of different tools that help 60,000 monthly visitors navigate their innovation journeys.
Join us as we explore Kaplan's concept of 'experiential intelligence,' his philosophy of learning from failures and successes, and how he applies these insights to propel himself and others towards a more innovative future. Listen in as this Commodore 64 video game contest winner (at age 13!) shares his unique insights into the world of innovation. If you're an innovator at heart, this is an episode you won't want to miss!
Charlie Tuxworth, Founder and Director of Celsio, joins me in exploring the fascinating world of innovation. We discuss the challenges, joys, and excitements of creating a universal standard around innovation. Is it possible? Can it be applied to everyone, both inside and outside of corporations? Tune in to learn more.
Charlie is an expert in helping companies set a clear direction for innovation and develop the capability and confidence to deliver it. He shares his journey from taking on the innovation brief in a UK financial services company in 2013 to founding Celsio and co-founding Innovate Island.
Listen in as Charlie discusses the challenges he faced when tasked with making a company "more innovative," revealing the power of diverse perspectives and finding better ways to solve problems. Charlie shares his captivating stories, from his experiences with international innovation consultants to the inspiration he drew from Winnie the Pooh in finding creative solutions.
This interview will leave you pondering the importance of innovation and the potential for a universal standard that could change how we approach and think about innovation across industries.
In this episode, I am joined by Paul Orlando, founder of Startups Unplugged and professor of entrepreneurship at USC. We explore the ins and outs of integrating startups, accelerators, and groundbreaking innovations into the processes of large companies. With a wealth of experience in building startup accelerators around the world and mentoring founders, Paul shares valuable insights on how to navigate the complex world of entrepreneurship and innovation.
Listen in as we discuss the role of accelerators in speeding up the process of connecting startups with potential investors and customers. Paul emphasizes the importance of accelerator management, knowing when and how to make appropriate introductions, and how this can impact a founder's success. He also shares his thoughts on the prerequisites of an excellent accelerator experience and the challenges startups may face when working with corporate accelerators.
Paul shares his knowledge and experience on how accelerators can help startups thrive in today's competitive landscape. This episode is packed with valuable insights and stories that will inspire and guide anyone looking to navigate the world of startups and accelerators.
In today's special double-header episode, I sit down with Carrie Chambliss, former VP of Innovation at Jacobs, and Valerie Van den Keybus, Managing Partner at Cosmos Collective, to explore the power of collaboration in driving innovation.
Carrie and Valerie share their experiences working together in a 14-week intensive program that combined design thinking, lean experimentation, and agile methodologies to uncover new growth opportunities. They discuss the importance of making assumptions, creating experiments, and iterating based on learnings—all while staying agile and adaptive.
Listen in as they delve into the significance of validating and invalidating ideas and how this can lead to expedited decision-making and better results. Learn how teamwork, storytelling, and a strong focus on customer feedback can shape the success of innovative projects. Take advantage of this engaging conversation about the ins and outs of corporate innovation, collaboration, and the pursuit of new opportunities.
In this episode, I'm embarking on a fascinating journey into the dynamic realm of financial services, compliance, guidance, and governance. As we explore the intersections of Web1, Web2, and Web3, we'll dive into these evolving technologies' impact on our growth strategies and product design.
Join me in a conversation with Aviad Stein, Global Head of Innovation and Corporate Strategy at Broadridge. With an impressive background in financial services, e-commerce, and other tech-related industries, Aviad is a former Bloomberg and Dunham Bradstreet executive. His expertise in ideation, incubation, and scaling new products and business opportunities has made him a force to be reckoned with.
We discuss how Aviad's focus on understanding consumers helps drive innovation within large corporations. We'll also explore the role of innovation labs, incubators, accelerators, and other tools in meeting customers' needs. Finally, we'll delve into the power of storytelling to foster innovative ideas within organizations like yours. Take advantage of this captivating episode filled with insights and inspiration!
This week, on The Innovation Storytellers Show, I dive into a fascinating and sticky conversation with Jayshree Seth, Corporate Scientist and Chief Science Advocate at 3M. As the creator of everyone's favorite product, the Post-It Note, 3M has left an indelible mark on note-taking and organization.
In this episode, we explore Jayshree's incredible journey from her start in 1993 with a PhD in chemical engineering to holding 77 patents and becoming the first female engineer inducted into the Carleton Society 3M Science and Innovation Hall of Fame. In addition, we discuss her two books, her role in the 2021 docu-series "Not the Science Type," and her passion for innovation, leadership, and STEM advocacy.
Tune in to this unforgettable conversation with a true trailblazer in innovation and STEM. You will discover the heart and soul behind the sticky notes that have transformed our lives and learn about the inspiring journey of Jayshree Seth, a remarkable woman who continues to break boundaries and redefine what's possible in the world of science and engineering.
In this week's edition of the Innovation Storytellers podcast, I invite you to join me in an insightful conversation with Chris Duffy, a strategic futurist and leading figure in digital experiences with Adobe. We explore how AI, creativity, and the metaverse collide as we discuss Adobe's groundbreaking work in generative AI and the transformation of work through AI, and the future of design.
In this captivating episode, delve into the intricacies of AI in image generation, the evolving landscape of the metaverse, and the impact of AI on jobs and work dynamics. Gain a unique perspective on the convergence of technology, creativity, and the human experience, and learn how Adobe pushes the boundaries of innovation to shape the future. Take advantage of this thought-provoking and inspiring conversation that will leave you pondering the limitless potential of Generative AI and the digital realm.
In today's episode, I am thrilled to have Josh Gould, the Director of Innovation at Pittsburgh's Duquesne Light Company, share his unique insights from his dynamic career in energy and innovation. With experience as an entrepreneur, a venture capitalist, and a federal government official, Josh brings a wealth of knowledge to the conversation. We dive into his journey, from founding the Innovation Hub at Con Edison to his current role at Duquesne Light Company.
Join us as we discuss the importance of making innovation relevant and tangible for everyone in an organization. Josh shares fascinating stories that showcase how innovation can be accessible, concrete, and directly tied to our daily work. We explore the interplay between innovation and strategy, embracing uncertainty and running tests to validate market outcomes.
Moreover, we delve into the power of partnership and collaboration in design and innovation. Discover how Josh and his team involve communities and customers early to create more meaningful solutions that reflect their needs. It's time to rethink paradigms and make innovation a shared, transformative journey. Take advantage of this illuminating conversation with one of the leading minds in energy and innovation, Josh Gould!
In this episode of Innovation Storytellers, we have the privilege of hearing from Brian Clawson, Executive Director - Global Head of Innovation at JPMorgan Chase & Co. Brian shares his insights on the importance of small innovation and citizen development in our everyday lives. He explains how some of the best inventions come from people who have a problem to solve and how we can all use the tools available to us to create solutions that make a difference.
Brian also discusses the differences between small and big innovation and why both are necessary for progress. Tune in to this fascinating conversation to learn more about the power of small innovation and citizen development.
In this episode of the Innovation Storytellers Show, Liam Black, Author of How To Lead With Purpose: Lessons in life and work for the gloves-off mentor, talks about the urgency and scale of the challenges facing society and business. He emphasizes the importance of genuine diversity in all its forms, particularly diversity of thought, for innovation and success. Liam challenges senior leadership to become real enablers to the generations coming behind them and to root out hypocrisy hiding away.
Liam shares his thoughts on staying angry at injustice, working hard, and giving teams the freedom to do what they are great at. Join us for an insightful conversation on embracing an innovator's mindset and creating real change.
In the latest episode of the Innovation Storytellers podcast, I take a deep dive into the renovation industry with Koda Wang, the co-founder of Block Renovation. Koda shares his experience as an immigrant and how his parents' work ethic inspired him to create a platform that simplifies and enhances the renovation process for contractors and homeowners alike.
Prior to founding Block Renovation, Koda worked as the Chief Customer Officer at Rent the Runway and the Chief Operating Officer at The Huffington Post. He also shares how his time at HuffPost taught him the value of sleep as a performance enhancer rather than an obligatory cost.
Join me in conversation with Koda as we discuss the positive reinforcement loop that comes from recognizing the advantages in life compared to one's parents and how to renovate your own conceptions of the renovation industry.
In this episode, I am joined by Reza Rassool, a leader at RealNetworks, a company known for its contribution to the internet streaming industry. Reza has helped guide Real Networks' technology investments in AI, and as a result the company has pivoted to become a leader in the field. Reza's SAFR® computer-vision program focuses on touchless access control and authentication products. His pioneering developments range from non-linear editing machines to facial recognition.
Reza shares his thoughts on the exciting capabilities of large language models and their potential for efficient and conversational knowledge mining. We also dive into the disruptive nature of innovation and how it can be both a cost and a driver for businesses. With insights on using AI as a tool to advance your career and embrace innovation, Reza offers valuable advice for anyone looking to stay ahead of the curve. Take advantage of this fascinating discussion about the future of technology and the role of AI in shaping it.
Join Dr. Judith Tumusiime, federal grants manager at the Cambridge Community Development Department, on the Innovation Storytellers Show, who shares her unique insights into revitalizing urban areas through innovation. She also highlights the importance of involving all players - government, private sector, and the community - in developing sustainable and self-sustaining innovations.
We explore how putting people at the center of innovation can lead to more successful and impactful outcomes. Everyone has a stake in creating a more sustainable future, from employees and customers to local communities and government regulators. We'll discuss why this collaboration is crucial for identifying and implementing effective solutions.
We also take a closer look at the role of corporations in sustainability when it comes to the issue of plastic waste. Judith shares her insights on the challenges of finding sustainable solutions for plastic bottles and how working with companies like Coca-Cola and Pepsi can be a crucial factor in creating change. Listen to this inspiring conversation about working together to create a more sustainable, people-centered future.
In this week's episode of the Innovation Storytellers Show, I speak with Ian Wright, the founder, and CEO of the Disruptive Innovators Network. We discuss the power of having a community of change-makers and problem-solvers to support and inspire innovation. Ian highlights the potential for businesses to perform even better during challenging times as they are forced to be more creative and open to change. We also discuss the importance of effectively communicating complex problems, citing companies like Airbnb and Uber as prime examples of disruptive innovation.
Leadership is a key theme in the conversation, with Ian stressing the need for leaders to effectively communicate their vision and the future they are trying to create. He also highlights the importance of problem-solving skills and the ability to bring others along on the innovation journey. Traditional business and leadership skills may not be enough in today's world. Ian emphasizes the need for leaders to experiment, be willing to fail, and compellingly articulate their vision.
Ian believes that innovation is a skill that can be taught and developed but should be more valued compared to other investments like technology.
On this week's edition of Innovation Storytellers join us on our journey to re-imagine healthcare with Jennifer Lo, Senior Director of Design at IDEO. Discover how they are revolutionizing healthcare by utilizing lean thinking and human-centered design principles. In addition, get insights into IDEO's unique approach to problem-solving, where they involve patients and break down barriers to create solutions that truly make a difference.
From creating inclusive designs to driving sustainable growth, listen to how IDEO is leading the charge for a better future for all. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from the experts and discover how design can make a meaningful impact on our lives.
In this episode of The Innovation Storytellers Show, we're talking about a topic often overlooked in large companies: stereotypes and how they play a major role in how we interact with one another in the workplace and outside of it.
My guests, Gian Franco and Liz Kim, are the co-founders of The Stereotype Project Foundation. Gian Franco is a Trinidad and Tobago native with a background in media, entertainment, and technology. Liz Kim is a second-generation Korean American with a diverse background in fashion, music, advertising, and real estate.
I learn how together, they are working to deconstruct the way we learn about people and cultures, highlighting the gaps and limited and biased representations of social groups in the media. Join us as we dive deep into their mission and how innovators can benefit from understanding stereotypes.
In today's episode of the Innovation Storytellers podcast, we'll delve into the world of one of the most well-known, respected, and beloved brands in the United States and worldwide: Jack Daniels. According to Inner Brands' Best Global Brands 2022 report, Jack Daniels has been a household name for over 155 years.
We are excited to have Heather Howell, the Global Director of Trademark and Innovation at Jack Daniels on the show. Heather's leadership in driving innovation has been a crucial factor in the brand's continued success, including its recent entry into the super-premium whiskey market.
During this episode, we will explore the history and future of the iconic brand and hear from Heather about her role in driving innovation at Jack Daniels. And of course, what better way to enjoy the show than with a glass of Jack Daniels on the rocks. So, grab a glass and join us as we celebrate this American classic brand.
Danielle Young, Director of Innovation and Business Improvement at South Jersey Industries, joins me in a conversation about innovation in a regulated industry. When you hear about natural gas, many will automatically think about fracking. But by the end of this podcast episode, you will learn many more ways in which the natural gas space is being innovated.
Danielle shares her story and how she overcame resistance to change in the industry as long-serving employees perceived that innovation would slow down their work or make them do things differently, in a way they didn’t understand at that time. We also discuss the importance of negotiation skills and an open-ended perspective to work with people rather than against them.
Finally, we explore the new regulations that are taking place related to climate change. But, most importantly, we discuss the innovative breakthrough ideas of how we're using nature's bounty in ways you never thought possible to bring gas to our homes using renewable and reusable energy in brand new ways.
Most people listening to the Innovation Storytellers podcast are already phenomenal innovators who leave a lot of the heavy lifting around marketing to their team. In today's episode, I want to explore what innovators can learn from their marketing team around innovative products and breakthrough ideas, so we can begin to understand the process of when you're done with the making; it's the marketing that brings it all to life.
Joining me in this conversation is Amy Voltz, who is a visionary leader and a relentless optimist with deep expertise in marketing and brand strategy and vast experience across HR and digital. Listen in as we discuss taking breakthrough ideas through an organization and moving them into the market. We also discuss how to innovate the mindset around HR when creating a sustainable workforce.
Many innovators have an insatiable thirst for information and are continuously connecting the dots and learning how they can change the world. Shannon Lucas, Co-Founder, and Co-CEO of Catalyst Constellations has not only walked this path, but she has also written a book about it to help others feel better understood, connected, and supported throughout their innovation processes.
In this week's episode of The Innovation Storytellers Show, Shannon discusses the importance of not creating an ivory tower of innovation in an organization and how to identify those who are doing innovative work in their areas. We explore how something magical happens when you bring a diverse range of people from across multiple departments together, bringing transformational projects to life.
Shannon also shares her inspirational story about innovation and how being intentional and taking the time to slow down can help innovation teams move faster.
In this week's Innovation Storytellers episode, I welcome Eli Gerson, Manager of Innovation at Ameren. Eli is one of the most prominent innovative thinkers in a regulated utility. He continuously brings brilliant new ideas to what many think is an industry that can be pretty mundane and safe.
Although you might not associate the energy industry as a hub of innovation, I hope to change that today. Listen in as Eli shares his insights and experiences around everything from sustainability to electric vehicles and the innovations transforming the utility industry and driving change.
Navin Kunde, Head of Open Innovation at the Clorox Company, joins me in a conversation about the roles of diversity, equity, and inclusion in innovation. But most importantly, the importance of belonging. Listen in as he explains that although diversity is essential, leaders must go further by making everyone feel included and giving them a voice.
We also discuss how the disconnect between functional groups and business units can create silos that hold back innovation efforts and prevent everyone from understanding the problem they are trying to solve together.
In today's episode, I am joined by Kersey Sturdivant, Principal Scientist at INSPIRE Environmental, who discusses how innovation is happening in unseen places. We explore the innovative approaches to problem-solving on the seafloor and how they directly benefit the energy revolution in offshore wind.
Kersey shares how they can read the seafloor's history through a combination of optical and acoustic methods. We also explore how an innovative camera that "optically cores" sediments provides us with a worm's-eye view.
Have you met innovators who, no matter where they go, have this uncanny ability to take a particular talent, skill, and vision with them? Today's guest, Zia Zaman, Head of Business Development at Microsoft Asia, does all this and more. He also brings a sense of innovation to the world of inclusivity and brings these two things together beautifully.
Listen in as we explore the world of innovation across multiple industries and continents. Zia shares with me about being inspired by the ESG efforts of Microsoft and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who are part of your tribe and people you can learn from that are from diverse backgrounds.
We talk about Microsoft's mission to empower every organization and individual to achieve more. For Zia, this means improving healthcare, scaling financial inclusion, and reducing the risks around decarbonization in a purpose-driven role. Finally, we discuss working with a community of brilliant thinkers, from across the world, at the Aspen Institute.
Somi Arian, Founder/Managing Director at InPeak, joins me on the Innovation Storytellers podcast. Listen in as we discuss how this Web3 education platform is helping to prepare companies and individuals to participate in the ownership economy in the next generation of the internet.
On the other side of bringing innovation and disruption into a marketplace is digital hesitation and fear from many businesses. Somi shares how an over-saturated Web2 should encourage everyone to break through traditional barriers to seize opportunities and how blockchain technology enables decentralization and provides an exciting opportunity to disrupt big tech. Join Somi and me on a journey from Web1 to Web3 and beyond.
Lisa Wardlaw, Chief Strategy Officer from McKenzie Intelligence Services, joins me on Innovation Storytellers to talk about all things innovation and some things you might not want to hear about the future of innovation. Lisa shares with me the importance of having a strategy to take you beyond mediocrity and basic automation.
We discuss the current corporate obsession with incrementalism instead of going for the moonshots. Lisa passionately shares how many businesses spend so much on automation and creating widgets that they are no longer creating anything new. We discuss why innovation teams need to think bigger to achieve something monumentally different and avoid innovation saturation.
Cliff Justice and his team develop and incubate the next generation of businesses, technologies, and solutions for KPMG and its clients. They also make minority investments in a network of innovative startups that support KPMG's growth strategy. I invited Cliff to join me on today's episode of the Innovation Storytellers podcast to share his story and insights about their comprehensive and organic approach to innovation—including how they capture innovative ideas, and the discipline they call “Inside Out.”
Cliff also shares how a methodology they call Illuminate helps them to connect the dots and identify the ideas that are getting the most traction, so they can raise visibility and support those ideas more effectively. Cliff also talks about why digital twin technology and the metaverse are currently in the innovation stage, and why that’s so exciting.
Please Note
Some or all of the services described herein may not be permissible for KPMG audit clients and their affiliates or related entities.
In this week’s episode, Sheila Phicil, Director of Innovation at Boston Medical Center’s Health Equity Accelerator, joins me to discuss how physicians and the entire healthcare ecosystem are embracing innovation in patient care and beyond. Sheila shares with me her mission to be a transformative leader who accelerates change and innovation, and makes a real difference in healthcare.
Tune in to this episode to learn how Boston Medical Center is innovating in spaces you wouldn't typically associate with healthcare. For example, the hospital grows its own food in a rooftop garden, and also offers classes that teach people how to cook food that will keep them healthy. I learn more about this proactive approach, which is not only about curing people of what ails them, but also proactively looking after them when they leave the hospital.
Most of our guests on the Innovation Storytellers podcast are so busy innovating they don't stop to take a breath and tell us how they did it or share their observations after years and years in the field. However, in today's episode, I am honored to sit down and learn some of the things Brian Ardinger has gleaned over years of doing his inspirational work.
In his new book, Accelerated: A Guide to Innovating at the Speed of Change, he reflects on the lessons learned innovating with working Microsoft, Apple, IBM, Nike, and Harley-Davidson and hundreds of interviews with founders, investors, plus leading innovators around the globe.
We talk about his new book, explore the changing landscape of disruption, and discuss how innovation can help develop builders, makers, and idea accelerators to adapt, grow, and harness untapped opportunities.
I was recently invited to Madison Square Garden for my first-ever experience watching WWE Raw Live. Surrounded by thousands of screaming fans,I couldn’t help but wonder, “How do you innovate one of the most innovative sports on the planet?” My curiosity led me to this interview with today's guests.
Peter Gonzalez, Senior Vice President, Media Technology, WWE, and Serena Ness, Vice President, Innovation Program Management, WWE, join me on Innovation Storytellers to discuss the strategic programs, financial, backend, and technological transformations that help deliver the wow factor to audiences around the world.
We also talk about the importance of an innovation mindset, and explore how emerging technologies unlock different ways of engaging with fans inside venues.
Did you know that only 17% of all the electronics sold and used on the planet are currently being responsibly recycled when they come to their end of life? As a result, the fastest-growing part of the world's waste stream is unwanted or unusable consumer electronics. But, electronic waste is not only an environmental hazard. It's becoming a cyber security problem too.
John Shegerian, co-founder and Chairman/CEO of ERI, joins me on the Innovation Storytellers podcast to share the scale of the problem. We also discuss the increasing problem with hardware hacking, why everyone needs to understand the importance of efficient data destruction, and how e-waste plays a pivotal role in the circular economy.
Real estate has always been at the cornerstone of the ‘American Dream. However, on the flip side, there is also a history of structural inequity in the housing market. The global pandemic exacerbated this problem with the rise of housing inflation and the supply crisis. So, Trevor Bacon, CEO, and co-founder of Parcl, innovated to create a solution that would empower everyone to participate in real estate (renters, first-time buyers, enthusiasts).
Trevor shares with me how Parcl is leveraging cutting-edge technologies to invest in a digital square foot of physical real estate in neighborhoods worldwide. Listen in as he shares his entrepreneurial journey in decentralized finance, diversifying money in real estate, and how blockchain brings it all to life.
This episode explores innovation around tracking and treating different diseases and how this is reshaping the future of healthcare in new ways
Dr. Alex Abramson, Assistant Professor at Georgia Institute of Technology, joins me as my guest to share his origin story of how tinkering with technology and a passion for science from a young age led him into the field of biomedical research later on.
He also talks about the ingestible, implantable, and wearable robotic therapeutic devices he has developed that provide measurable therapeutic outcomes—including how he believes pills will replace insulin and injections and how new patches will track cancer regression in real-time.
Did you know your physical, mental, and social health and life expectancy are impacted by the design and operation of the buildings in which you live and work? Ultimately, your zip code affects your well-being more than your genetic code. Joanna Frank, President & CEO, Center for Active Design, and President & CEO, Active Design Advisors, joins me on the Innovations Storytellers podcast to share her insights on this fascinating topic.
I learn more about the Center for Active Design's mission to transform design and development practice to support health, ensuring equitable access to vibrant public and private spaces that support optimal quality of life. We also discuss how CfAD operates the Fitwel healthy building certification system and applies its multi-disciplinary expertise to empower decision-makers, providing publications, original research, certification, technical assistance, and digital tools.
Did you know that some of the most incredible innovations are happening in the beauty and fragrance space? This is just one of the many reasons why I invited Shanna Weinblatt, Senior Director, Innovation & Beauty Tech at Coty, to discuss how they are leveraging AR, AI, VR, and ultra-personalization. But to begin with, I learn more about her path into the world of innovation.
Coty is a world leader in beauty and home to an illustrious roster of cosmetic, skincare, and fragrance brands. The company also has a mission to challenge the definition of beauty, encourage authenticity, and celebrate diversity. Most of all, the company's ethos is to think big and challenge convention.
We discuss how everyone is a creator in an increasingly digital world where everything is becoming more decentralized. Shanna also shares why she believes there will be a place in the metaverse where people will visit beauty brands. To further strengthen this point, we discuss Decentraland's Metaverse Fashion Week and how it received more industry attention than any digital fashion event before.
Well-established companies are born out of innovation and will continue to thrive with innovation. But why do big companies sometimes struggle to innovate and break new boundaries?
This week on Innovation Storytellers we have Tendayi Viki, Author of Pirates In The Navy and Associate Partner at Strategyzer. In this episode, he shares the factors that make innovation work, what it takes to get people to rally behind an idea and the important role of corporate intrapreneurs in the pursuit of innovation. He also talks about creating business models and ecosystem designs for innovation.
During August, I am taking time to reflect on some of my favorite interviews since I launched this podcast. Steve Rader is not only an award-winning speaker, innovator, and thought leader on innovation, but he has also taught most of us more about Open Innovation than any other I know.
Over the past eight years, Steve served as the Deputy Director for the Center of Excellence for Collaborative Innovation at NASA. He has found a way to harness the power of the crowd and their love of outer space to get people from around the world to collaborate on the next set of innovations that will take us to Mars and beyond.
In this episode, Steve shows us how open innovation brings diverse new talents to large organizations like NASA, ushers in new ways of thinking, and inspires an even greater level of collaboration and innovation culture at the organization.
How do you stay at the cutting edge of innovation as a 169 year old company? Marty Curran and Anis Fadul have been inventing and reinventing innovation at Corning for 30 years. One of their amazing stories lies in the motto that hangs in the Innovation Center at Corning, “Not In Our House.” That means that Corning will not be disrupted by anyone other than their own innovation team.
In this episode you’ll not only hear the stories behind how glass is fighting disease, empowering Tesla and becoming a leader in sustainability, but also how innovations from 90 years ago are still yielding new fruit for Marty and his team, and all of us.
Guest Information
Name: Martin J. Curran
Title: Executive Vice President & Innovation Officer
Company: Corning Incorporated
Bio: Marty Curran was appointed Corning’s first innovation officer in August 2012. In this role, Curran manages a portfolio of programs to increase the probability of success for new business
opportunities. The innovation office was created to build an entrepreneurial-focused organization that could operate across all business segments to identify and develop near-term revenue opportunities. Over time, the expectation is to streamline the innovation process where appropriate and increase speed-to-market.
Curran joined Corning in 1984 and has held a variety of roles in finance, manufacturing, and marketing. He has served as senior vice president, general manager for Corning Cable Systems
Hardware and Equipment Operations in the Americas of which he was responsible for operations in Hickory, North Carolina; Keller, Texas; Reynosa, Mexico; Shanghai, China; and the DominicanRepublic. Curran led efforts to grow Corning’s Connectivity business, including the first major fiber-to-the-home offering with Verizon FiOS.
He has also served as senior vice president and general manager for Corning Optical Fiber and has served as Chairman of US Conec, a Corning Connectivity joint venture with Fujikura and NTT-AT.
Curran graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a bachelor’s degree in finance and received his master’s degree from the University of Virginia’s Colgate Darden Graduate School of Business.
Name: Anis Fadul
Company: Corning Incorporated
Title: Director, Marketing and Strategic Planning, Emerging Innovations Group
Bio: Anis is responsible for the front-end of Corning’s Innovation process which includes opportunity identification, portfolio prioritization, business, and competitive intelligence, strategic planning, and marketing communications for Corning’s Emerging Innovations Group. In his 30+ years with Corning, he has held a variety of project management, new product development, and technology management positions within various divisions of Corning and managed Corning’s relationship with Samsung Corning Precision Materials in the CORSAM Technologies joint venture.
Laura Blumenschein, assistant professor of mechanical engineering, appeared on my radar after being selected for MIT Technology Review's Innovators Under 35 list in the category of AI and robots. She was chosen for her work on the Vine robot project, a growing robot inspired by the growth and adaptability of plants. Her contribution to the field of soft robotics expands upon the potential uses for autonomous robotic systems to interact in the human world.
Laura joins me on this week's episode of the Innovation Storytellers podcast to share her insights on working with innovation teams and exploring the history of robotics. In addition, she shares how her research focuses on creating more robust and adaptable, soft robots inspired by plants. Finally, I learn more about how robots grow to explore their environments and build structures that pave the for more seamless human-robot interaction.
Innovation in the pharma space seems to be something we all take for granted. We naturally assume that this is where great innovation is always happening as we read about new diseases, outcomes, and breakthroughs in research. In today's episode, we explore the role of innovation in the industry and the difference it makes to all of our lives.
My guest is Michelle Shogren, and she leverages a combination of over 25 years of experience in clinical trials, nine years in driving innovation, and a lifetime passion for helping people and patients to help companies turn creative ideas into very innovative results. Michelle shares how she began working in clinical trials and fell into innovation. But it all started with constantly thinking there's a better way to do things.
We discuss the importance of diversity in clinical trials and how COVID acted as a catalyst for change across the pharmaceutical industry. We also talk about functional fixedness and how this cognitive bias can prevent a person or an entire team from exploring opportunities outside of their traditional mindset.
Recharge Health is an international medical device company in the transition from a startup to a structured scaleup. Based operationally in Chiang Mai, Thailand, they are developing into a Norwegian-led health tech company with the USA as their primary market. But I wanted to find out more about the story behind the company and their first creation called FlexBeam.
Join me in a conversation with Dr. Zulia Frost and Bjørn Ekeberg where we explore the world of recovery tech. I learn more about how the world’s first wearable and targeted red light therapy device uses NASA-developed technology to relieve pain, repair injuries, and improve recovery. We also discuss how innovation paved the way for a non-pharmaceutical and non-invasive solution with no side effects inspired by love and powered by purpose.
Many leading organizations looking for insights on Global Data Privacy, Data Protection, and Emerging Technologies, have sought Debbie Reynolds, a world-renowned technologist to speak to audiences around the world on complex issues. These are just a few reasons why I am excited to speak with her on today's episode of the Innovation Storytellers podcast.
Anyone working in innovation will be working with transformative systems around data that are becoming increasingly more sophisticated. As data continues to become a huge part of all our lives, Debbie shares some of the pitfalls she has observed in businesses and busts the myth that the more data we get, the more insights that we will derive from it, especially as it doesn't mean it's accurate.
We also discuss the rise of global regulations around personally identifiable information and policies around restricting who has access to data. However, on a more positive note, we talk about the importance of leveraging emerging technologies that empower data scientists to unlock insights that were not available now and why we should all be thinking bigger when it comes to innovating with data.
We've just hit the first anniversary of this global podcast called Innovation Storytellers. The show enables chief innovation officers, product managers, top consultants, and even product marketing and user experience leaders to share stories of how they got their innovation over the finish line. In just one year, we've learned so much about what it's like to take great ideas and move them forward through the obstacles and internal politics to get ideas out the door and into the market.
Over the past five years, I have also been helping big businesses navigate through uncharted digital waters on a journey of innovation and change. I've been running workshops, hosting keynotes, performing one-on-one coaching, and consulting with executives at some of the biggest companies in the world. In addition, I have worked with startups that are growing rapidly and need to get a handle on how to talk about their breakthrough ideas and disruptive opportunities in ways they haven't before.
These are just a few reasons I'm so excited today to announce the launch of Innovation Storytellers. My communications consultancy is dedicated to helping leaders learn, formulate and share stories around their breakthrough ideas through workshops, keynotes, team consulting, personal coaching, and even drafting the innovation narratives around new products, services, or business lines.
Essentially, I'm helping innovators tell the million-dollar stories that get the resources, runway, and recognition they deserve internally and in the outside world. I'd love to hear your stories, and I can't wait to see what innovation storytelling you'll be doing next.
New Orleans is famous for its distinctive music, Creole cuisine, and annual celebrations and festivals, such as Mardi Gras. But it's not a city that many would associate with innovation. However, the melting pot of cultures has helped create a mindset in which innovation thrives. For example, the combination of African music and the blues combined with other American influences gave rise to the only indigenous art music to form out of the US.
In this week's episode of Innovation Storytellers, Michael Hecht, President & CEO of Greater New Orleans Inc discusses how cultural clashes create environments in which innovation thrives. We also explore how bringing a financial and a moral perspective together are critical components in driving innovation forward. Michael also shares with me how post-hurricane Katrina, New Orleans needed to rebuild entrepreneurship and focus on technology.
Implementing any new technology or innovation will often require culture change. Steve Rubinow, the award-winning CIO, strategist, transformation expert, and professional lecturer at DePaul University, shares his experiences with helping people through the journey of change. He also shares his goal of three zeros which are zero costs, latency, and downtime. Steve discusses how every enterprise has to be as fast and reliable as possible simultaneously. Customers demand proper functionality and security at the same time too. But if you don't do anything about it, someone else will, and your customers will go there in a hurry. He also advises leaders to listen to the suggestions for improvement from their customers because the best answers can come from the most unlikely places.
Edison Innovations has built a reputation for using crowdsourcing and virtual research technologies combined with strategic marketing and business planning to offer a new dimension in developing new products and services. I invited its founder and CEO, Larry MacDonald on the podcast to learn more about the story behind the company and how it got its name.
Steve Jobs once said, "Some say, give the customers what they want. But that's not my approach. Our job is to figure out what they're going to want before they do." Larry shares his take on this quote and discusses how his design-thinking approach to innovation was inspired by playing with Lego bricks.
We talk about how technology can monitor what students have learned so they can relearn the foundational material they have missed school due to sickness. He also shares many stories of other innovations that he has worked with and his lessons learned along the way.
Anthony Mills currently serves as Executive Director of Global Innovation Institute (GInI), CEO of Legacy Innovation Group, and adviser to numerous advisory boards. So I asked him to join me on this week's episode of the Innovation Storytellers podcast to talk about innovation and design thinking. Anthony shares with me why great innovators are incredibly resourceful and use diplomacy to tell their stories in a way that gets stakeholders on board. We also discuss the importance of identifying the negative consequences your innovations could have on stakeholders and addressing those concerns from the outset.
Finally, we talk about how cognitive biases can wreak havoc with our ability to think about the future because of all the filters and biases we bring to the table. We explore why innovators must recognize them when they occur. Anthony advises how every innovator is challenged by looking through the biases to see objectively the future they can create.
Outcome is an innovation consultancy that works with senior teams worldwide on the strategy, leadership, and culture required for innovation to solve today's innovation-led growth challenges while building the capabilities for shaping the future. Cris Beswick, the co-founder of Outcome, joins me on this week's episode of the Innovation Storytellers podcast to share his story.
We discuss how innovators in the workplace know there are better ways of doing things, but organizations are often resistant to embracing change. But even when they do, they chase after growth and shiny new technologies. However, this usually results in low-value ideas that aren't aligned with the organization's strategy.
Cris explains the importance of strategy, governance, structure, and why the five core components of their innovation system ensure that initiatives avoid descending into chaos. This is a must-listen episode if you are looking for a practical framework on how to build a culture of innovation in your organization.
When Graham Brown witnessed trends around how teenage girls in Japan were using pocket-bell pagers to message each other in the mid-1990s, he knew a significant shift was happening and saw the potential for SMS messages before mobile providers had introduced the feature on early mobile phones. But when Brown excitedly approached mobile phone companies with his observations, he was told, "We don't market to kids." Ironically, it would be teenagers who would teach mobile companies how to make money from data packages much later on.
In this episode of the podcast, we explore how, throughout the history of technology, young people have often been the ones to drop clues about future trends through their digital social interactions - often going so far as to corrupt technologies to make them better.
We also talk about how story listening can help brands defeat innovation bias, and stay open to the way technology needs to evolve.
At WTW (NASDAQ: WTW), they provide data-driven, insight-led solutions in people, risk, and capital. By leveraging their colleagues' global view and local expertise in serving 140 countries and markets, they help their clients sharpen their strategy, enhance organizational resilience, motivate their workforce, and maximize performance. But what does innovation look like inside a $9 billion company?
Karen O’Leonard, Head of Innovation at Willis Towers Watson, joins me in a conversation about the innovative strategies that have helped her company grow. She also shares how seeing disproportionate ratios of men to women in the tech industry fueled her passion to get more women involved in innovation and build a culture where everyone can shine.
We also discuss what happens when innovation fails. For example, it might be the best idea possible at the wrong time, or there are simply no available resources. Karen shares her mantra of falling in love with the problem, not the solution. Unfortunately, we have all seen teams fall in love with their solution, and they will go down swinging with it, even in the face of all evidence to the contrary from their customers. Food for thought indeed.
Ocean Visions brings together leading oceanographic research and academic institutions, the private sector, and public-interest organizations to design and advance solutions to the growing crises in our ocean and climate. I invited Executive Director & Chief Innovation Officer, Brad Ack, to join me on the podcast to learn more about Ocean Visions’ innovative conservation and sustainability initiatives.
In this episode, Brad shares the story behind how Ocean Visions came to be, and how the company now works to solve some of the world's biggest problems through multiple disciplines and by engaging different perspectives.
We discuss how the pollution problem impacting our world requires enormous innovation and redesigning our entire economic system. But with many businesses promising to reach net-zero by 2030, the goal has been set. So, what will it take to get there? Listen in to learn more.
Since the early 2000s, business storytelling has become a widely accepted strategy for companies around the world. Stories are harnessed in advertising, marketing, PR, and leadership and culture development. After recently reading the book Once Upon an Innovation and how the authors apply story techniques to creative problem solving and innovation, I invited them onto the podcast to learn more. Jean Storlie and Mimi Sherlock share how stories trigger the brain to release oxytocin, the trust and empathy hormone, making them a powerful tool for understanding and addressing users' needs. This also means that storytelling methods can be applied to the other half of the battle—getting others on board with new ideas moving through the various checkpoints in an organization.
Although innovation is a very emotional process with its ups and downs, my guests illustrate how storytelling can be applied to accelerate innovation and lead change.
HowGood is a SaaS data platform with the world's largest database on food and personal care product sustainability. With more than 33,000 ingredients, chemicals and materials assessed, HowGood helps leading brands, retailers and restaurants improve their environmental and social impact. Ethan Soloviev, Chief Innovation Officer at HowGood, joins me on the Innovation Storytellers Podcast in a conversation about how he became an innovator in regenerative agriculture. We talk about the massive consumer shift as shoppers increasingly demand more sustainable products along with transparency around the environmental and social impacts of products.
I also learned how regenerative agriculture is not just about sustainability and reducing carbon. It shouldn't stop at net zero ether. By contrast, it should be about aiming to create more life than was there before. We discuss how by regenerating the soil, water, and biodiversity, the result is a more viable business. Ethan shares examples of how farmers who adopt these principles, thinking, and decision-making are becoming more profitable.
Did you know that some of the most incredible innovations are happening in the beauty and fragrance space? This is just one of the many reasons why I invited Shanna Weinblatt, Senior Director, Innovation & Beauty Tech at Coty, to discuss how they are leveraging AR, AI, VR, and ultra-personalization. But to begin with, I learn more about her path into the world of innovation.
Coty is a world leader in beauty and home to an illustrious roster of cosmetic, skincare, and fragrance brands. The company also has a mission to challenge the definition of beauty, encourage authenticity, and celebrate diversity. Most of all, the company's ethos is to think big and challenge convention.
We discuss how in an increasingly digital world where everything is becoming more decentralized, everyone is a creator. Shanna also shares why she believes there will be a place in the metaverse where people will visit beauty brands. To further strengthen this point, we discuss Decentraland's Metaverse Fashion Week and how it received more industry attention than any digital fashion event before.
Kapil Kane, Director of Innovation at Intel China, joins me on today's episode of Innovation Storytellers to share his innovation journey working at Apple under Steve Jobs.
Despite leading product design for the iPod, MacBook, MacBook Air, iMac, and iPad, Kapil describes being allergic to the word “innovation”, and reveals that nobody ever said that word in all his years at Apple. Instead, they just did it - without giving what they were doing a label.
Kapil also shares how Intel China are transforming brilliant employees into internal startups. Inspired by startup accelerators outside Intel, Kapil reveals why they decided to follow a similar process with their internal innovation teams. The result is the award-winning corporate startup accelerator Growth X.
Nancy Wang is the General Manager of Data Protection Services at AWS and the Founder and CEO of Advancing Women in Tech (AWIT). In today's episode, Nancy shares the story behind AWIT, and how this nonprofit organization is dedicated to empowering women to attain more leadership roles in product and tech.
We discuss the importance of mentorship and continuing education for women and underrepresented individuals to help accelerate their careers in the tech industry. AWIT has already put 27,000 individuals worldwide through its Coursera-based courses, which range from real-world to cloud product management.
AWIT is opening up its mission and scope to serve more women and underrepresented groups to empower women at all stages of their tech career. Nancy reveals how, by focusing not only on early career stages, but also on those already in the pipeline who are just a few steps away from reaching the senior executive level or C-suite, they are making a real difference - and sparks ideas for how you can do the same.
When it comes to innovation, everybody's looking for the game-changer. But Lon Safko shares the reality that humans need baby steps before they can leap forward. In this episode of the podcast, Lon and I talk about how the stories that connect us are the breadcrumbs that allow humans to understand what's coming - without fear.
Lon shares the inspiration behind his bestselling books, and how having the ability to look into the future is both a gift and a curse. He also spills the details of his formula for helping people to become more creative and innovative.
Finally, Lon shares an amusing anecdote of what happened when he received an unexpected phone call from John Sculley, the former CEO of Apple, and how it led to him partnering with the tech giant.
Inventions from previous industrial revolutions transformed the world. However, Joti Balani believes that, when it comes to innovation, we’re standing on the shoulders of giants. In today's episode, Joti explains how every innovation involves taking what the previous generations have given us and coming together to solve more problems.
Business leaders must foster innovative mindsets and curious minds if they want to achieve their goals, increase revenue, reduce costs, or improve the customer experience. And while everyone around the table needs to focus on solving the customer's problems, it's also important to remember that there are two sides to every story.
Joti shares how a combination of conversational AI and fresh perspectives are beginning to transform the world again, as we prepare to enter a new industrial revolution.
In this episode, Chris Mattmann shares how NASA is continuously in search of intelligent innovations everywhere. Although most people associate NASA with images beamed back from Mars, Mattmannn shares how his work also helped journalists in government track international financial crime amongst the world’s elite by uncovering insights in the Panama Papers, which won the Pulitzer Prize in Journalism in 2017.
Mattmann also shares how every dollar spent in space comes back fivefold on earth. For example, if you look at the evolution of the iPhone camera over the last 15 years, the seamless technology for these cameras came from space and originated from a Caltech patent. He also shares how investments in space have led to innovation around regenerative food and different types of sustainable food.
There are many examples of innovation in our daily lives that all came from explorations of Mars and interstellar space. But if you would like to hear more about what he believes is the greatest innovation of all time, listen to the full episode.
In today's episode, I interview Chris Harris, VP of Global Field Engineering at Couchbase, about how he has been accelerating technology innovation at the database software company and establishing a more open, collaborative culture. Together, we talk about how databases can be the building blocks that allow businesses to innovate with greater ease.
Innovation unlocks the ability to set a vision, but bringing it to life successfully requires we use a set of foundational tools and architecture. With the surge in demand for improved end-user experiences, Chris shares his insights about why the way we approach innovation is more critical than ever.
This week on Innovation Storytellers, we welcome the return of Tendayi Viki, Author of Pirates In The Navy and Associate Partner at Strategyzer. We last spoke to him in episode 20 about how to be an Innovation Pirate in the Corporate Navy. Today, we learn how his path began in Zimbabwe, and how his journey took him to the UK and Stanford University, where he caught the innovation bug.
Tendayi discusses how innovation succeeds because it's a passionate person pushing it through. But the truth is, especially in a corporate context, that innovation thrives through collaboration across functions. He also argues that anything that involves creativity or bringing something new into the world will consist of a hit-and-miss process. But that process can also be systematic.
Tendayi believes we are surrounded by the secrets to repeatable innovation success everywhere we look. Listen to our inspiring conversation now, and don’t forget to leave a review!
Steve Waddell shares the inspirational journey that led to him developing an innovative bathroom faucet that saves water while improving functionality. It was a rollercoaster ride of tremendous highs, such as winning $50k on Steve Harvey's Funderdome TV show, only to discover he would have to wait one year to receive his winnings.
Unperturbed, listen as Waddel shares his engaging story of how he managed to secure a credit card for $50k to develop engineered designs and the first production prototypes of his faucets, knowing he could pay it all off when the check came at the end of the year. Today, the resulting product, Nasoni's award-winning fountain faucet, is an industry-leading bathroom faucet known for product innovation and customer satisfaction.
Don’t miss this episode!
Do you dare to take the creativity leap needed to bridge the gap between the churn of work and the highly sought-after prize called innovation?
In this episode, Natalie Nixon, PhD, president of Figure 8 Thinking, reveals why she believes creativity is the engine for innovation as an invention, and shares how it can be converted into a scalable value that can be both financial and cultural.
Natalie explains that most organizations don't understand creativity, which is seldom appreciated beyond the arts realm. However, by introducing the idea that, if we think about creativity as our ability to toggle between wonder and rigor to solve problems, then we’ll realize that it's not only the most exceptional dancers, musicians, and painters who are creative, but also the best lawyers, engineers, accountants, and teachers.
In a highly competitive world, corporates have to stay relevant to their market. But with rigid internal structures that leave little room for creativity or risk-taking, corporates are often left behind when it comes to innovation, which, in the long term, can harm their business.
So, what can they do to innovate?
In this episode, Diana Joseph, Founder and CEO of Corporate Accelerator Forum, discusses how partnering with startups can help corporates access more creative freedom and flexibility, and how startups and corporates can work together to reach collective innovation goals.
She also touches on the dynamics of corporate-startup relationships, and how it differs from the Y Combinator Model.
In this episode of Innovation Storytellers, David Rose, Author of Enchanted Objects and SuperSight and CTO at Home Outside, talks about the possible applications of VR (virtual reality) and AR (augmented reality) in our everyday lives, and how they might be used to predict any long-term consequences of our short-term decisions, as well as solve large scale problems, such as climate change.
David also shares his thoughts on the metaverse, and how storytelling will work with VR and AR technologies.
Running out of good ideas is probably one of the most frustrating things for an innovator. After all, our job is all about bringing new and exciting things to the table. So how do we get out of a creative block and generate new ideas for innovation?
For Greg Ratcliff, Chief Innovation Officer at Vertiv, the key lies in diversity. When we collaborate with people from different backgrounds and expertise, that's when innovation happens.
In this episode of Innovation Storytellers, Greg talks about how mergers and acquisitions help companies innovate and how to manage the communication and cultural differences between companies who are in these types of relationships.
He also talks about how they scout for innovative ideas at Vertiv and how companies can cultivate a resilience to failure.
In this episode of Innovation Storytellers, I’m joined by Peter Temes, Founder and President of ILO Institute, and the “Godfather” of innovation.
Peter talks about the process of innovation, from the moment a leader steps into an organization, to launching transformative products that leverage compelling stories.
He also talks about the characteristics and mindsets that define great innovation leaders, and whether it’s possible to innovate without constraints. Listen in now, and be sure to leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!
Today’s episode features one of Tesla’s top materials experts, Michael Pilliod, who runs the glass division. We’ll explore how a globally watched “failure” became a learning experience that would change everything. He even brought the steel snowball to the show [watch the YouTube broadcast of the podcast] as a lasting memento of that moment. Some are wondering, “How does this guy still have a job?” Would you survive that public misstep?
We explore how the culture of Tesla allows for very public triumphs and defeats and urges innovators to keep going. Mike’s background as a Product Designer at Apple through the age of the iPad, iPhone, Apple Watch as well as an Engineer at GE prepared Michael for that moment, and the ongoing successes that follow.
How do you stay at the cutting edge of innovation as a 169 year old company? Marty Curran and Anis Fadul have been inventing and reinventing innovation at Corning for 30 years. One of their amazing stories lies in the motto that hangs in the Innovation Center at Corning, “Not In Our House.” That means that Corning will not be disrupted by anyone other than their own innovation team.
In this episode, you’ll not only hear the stories behind how glass is fighting disease, empowering Tesla and becoming a leader in sustainability, but also how innovations from 90 years ago are still yielding new fruit for Marty and his team, and all of us.
What a journey 2021 was!
In this episode of Innovation Storytellers, we highlight some of the best lessons I’ve learned about innovation and storytelling in the past year, and talk about the stories of resilience, community, and creativity that emerged during these challenging times.
We also talk about the trends we see emerging in innovation, what essential ingredients you need in order to create a true innovation culture, and how having a high tolerance for failure helps keep companies ahead of the competition.
With established systems and strong products and services, large companies may find themselves struggling to implement changes, or choosing more innovative options that are relevant to the times.
So how can we bring innovative thinking to big companies?
In this episode, Josh Cohen, Managing Partner at GIANT Innovation, talks about design thinking and how it can help companies be more innovative, and the role of emotions in communicating ideas.
He also talks about the benefits of bringing in consultants and why innovation needs to be talked about more in universities.
Creating an innovation pathway can be tricky and involves many stages of planning and product iterations. Without the right data, products can fail and stakeholders can lose a lot of money.
So how can we create a cost-effective, profitable, and impactful plan for our innovative products?
In this episode, Sean Sheppard and Jan Beránek of U+, enlighten us on what makes a successful product launch, and the factors that influence product adoption.
They also talk about how innovation consultants help corporate innovators understand consumer behavior and mindset towards new innovations.
If there’s one thing that all innovators have in common, it’s their ability to think outside the box to create solutions, disrupt the market, and revolutionize existing technologies and systems. In other words, they are creative.
Creativity is what pushes people to the next horizon. It’s what makes us see things in a new perspective. It’s how technologies and scientific theories evolve over time. Creativity is a characteristic that sets apart the innovator and their product.
And who better to talk about creativity with than Multidisciplinary Artist, David Drebin.
In this episode of Innovation Storytellers, David talks about where artists get their inspiration, how to stay creative, and how experimenting with different media has allowed him to carve new paths in art - for himself, and for others.
Relationships built on trust are what catalyze innovation in organizations. When we can get people to believe in us and our ideas, they more readily embrace new things and become receptive to change.
In this episode, I talk to Dr. Eric Haseltine and Dr. Chris Gilbert about human behavior and how relationships play a key role in bringing innovations to market.
When you think about innovation, disrupting an established system such as healthcare insurance may not be at the top of your list. But in this episode, Eric Fennel, Vice President of National Network Strategy, Innovation and Value Based Solutions at Aetna, shares how the company is transforming the healthcare industry, and how they select the best ideas to develop and invest in.
Amazon, Tesla, and FedEx did not see profit during their first five years, but their investors continued to put their trust in them until they finally hit their breakthrough.
How did they make this happen? What motivated the investors to keep investing in these companies? How did they tell their stories?
In this episode of Innovation Storytelling, Dan Toma, author of Innovation Accounting & The Corporate Startup, talks about innovation accounting, how it differs from regular accounting, and why it’s a crucial tool in innovation storytelling.
Accessibility is one of the biggest challenges in healthcare, and it has become even more apparent during the pandemic. Seeing this gap in the market, Derrick L. Miles decided to start a company called CourMed®, with a mission to make healthcare more accessible to people.
CourMed® started out as a courier service for healthcare products, but after securing a partnership with Google, Amazon, and Microsoft, CourMed® is now able to offer other healthcare services to more people.
In this episode of Innovation Storytellers, we’re going to look at Derrick’s journey into founding CourMed®, and what motivates him to continually innovate in the healthcare space. We also delve into the importance of partnering with the right businesses, and how CourMed® has helped people, communities, and businesses during the pandemic.
In previous episodes, we’ve often talked about the concept of celebrating failures as a way of appreciating people’s efforts in pursuit of a goal. Scott Kirsner, CEO and Co-Founder of Innovation Leader, challenges that concept today.
Scott believes that instead of this optimistic view on failure, we must simply acknowledge it as it is. And just like how athletes and coaches re-watch their previous matches with other teams, we must learn to take failures as lessons, identify the mistakes we’ve made, and create a better strategy moving forward.
In this episode, Scott talks about the lessons he’s learned on innovation and leadership as a writer in the tech and business field. He also talks about innovation in Hollywood, how to tell stories that attract early adopters, and how big companies can continue to innovate.
We often think of innovation as something that only geniuses are capable of. But in practice, it’s only through many trials and errors that the world gets to see and experience such remarkable inventions. This kind of belief is very much reflected within Amazon’s company culture.
Amazon’s relentless focus on customer experience has led them to many successes. By encouraging a culture of critical thinking and giving space for calculated risks, Amazon has become one of the biggest tech and e-commerce giants of this generation.
In this episode of Innovation Storytellers, Mark Oehlert, Innovation Success Manager at Amazon, lets us in on Amazon’s innovation process and the culture that they cultivate within the company that allows them to embrace and bet on new technologies.
He also talks about Amazon’s failures and the lessons they’ve learned from it, what the ‘cargo cult’ is and how it hinders companies from innovating.
Ask anyone who’s in the business and tech industry, and they’re sure to tell you that Bloomberg is a global leader in business and financial data, news, and insight.
It’s no accident how they became a leading authority in their field. Over the years, they continually innovate and build credibility through the reliable information and technology that they provide their clients.
Chaim Haas, Head of Innovation Communication at Bloomberg, lets us in on one of their secrets: it’s by creating an inclusive and diverse workplace that they are able to create innovation that impacts people’s lives.
In this episode, Chaim Haas talks about his role as the Head of Innovation Communication at Bloomberg, what innovation communication is, and what diversity and inclusion look like in practice.
He also talks about collaboration and idea-sharing through guilds within their company and how they implement new technologies without disrupting business.
Many technologies have emerged over the years that allowed storytelling to evolve. Now we use TV shows, podcasts, YouTube, Instagram, Tiktok, and other types of media to tell our stories and share our ideas.
So how do we know which medium is the best for storytelling, and how do we use this in telling our innovation stories?
In this episode of Innovation Storytellers, we sit with Edward Roussel, former Chief Innovation Officer at Dow Jones and The Wall Street Journal, as he talks about choosing the right media for your innovation stories and identifying new media frontiers.
Well-established companies are born out of innovation, and will continue to thrive with innovation. But why do big companies sometimes struggle to innovate and break new boundaries?
This week on Innovation Storytellers we have Tendayi Viki, Author of Pirates In The Navy and Associate Partner at Strategyzer. In this episode, he shares the factors that make innovation work, what it takes to get people to rally behind an idea, and the important role of corporate intrapreneurs in the pursuit of innovation. He also talks about creating business models and ecosystem designs for innovation.
GUEST BIO
Tendayi Viki is the author of Pirates In The Navy and Associate Partner at Strategyzer where he helps large companies to innovate for the future while running their core business.
Tendayi was previously the Director of Product Lifecycle at Pearson, A FTSE100 global education company. He co-designed and helped implement Pearson's Product Lifecycle which is an innovation framework that won Best Innovation Program 2015 at the Corporate Entrepreneur Awards in New York.
Tendayi holds a Ph.D. in Psychology and an MBA, and has written three books: Pirates In The Navy, The Corporate Startup, and The Lean Product Lifecycle. He is also a regular contributor at Forbes Magazine.
Richard Branson once said, "A company's employees are its greatest asset, and your people are your product." This is exactly the kind of principle and energy that Yves Pitton and Kevin D’Silva cultivate within their respective companies.
They believe that there are geniuses and innovators among everyday employees, and so by encouraging them to voice out their own opinions and giving them the space to pitch their best ideas, it helps the company move towards innovation as well.
In this episode of Innovation Storytellers, Yves and Kevin talk about giving employees the platform to innovate and test their hypotheses and how this can play a pivotal role in moving a company towards its own growth goals.
Guest BIO
Yves Pitton is the CEO of VTX, the largest independent and private telecom operator and service provider in Switzerland. He is an experienced, hands-on, and impact-oriented senior executive with extensive international experience and passion for innovation, growth, turn-around, and change management in the industrial, high-tech, media, and Private Equity business.
Kevin D’Silva is a Thought Leader in Enterprise Innovation, Founder & CEO of Ideateplus. He is also a serial intrapreneur and founded programs that provide enterprises with a rapid innovation process that helps them achieve customer-validated experiments while developing the competence of their employees.
As big companies turn into larger corporations, they tend to lean more towards optimization and stability, instead of continually experimenting with novel ideas. This lack of friction in larger companies also becomes their weakness as they lose their drive to innovate.
For Fred Schonenberg, CEO and Founder of VentureFuel, this is where the role of smaller, more radical startups comes into play. When big, stable corporations partner with these startups, they are able to spark innovation.
In this episode of Innovation Storytellers, Fred talks about the magic that happens when big and small companies work together towards creating innovative products.
In this episode of Innovation Storytellers, I interview Christian Ponce, Director of Corporate Strategy at LogMeIn, which is the company who prides itself for one of the world’s most groundbreaking innovations – the LastPass password manager and vault app.
LastPass’ original founders didn’t really plan to turn it into a vault app. They simply wanted a password manager that can make it easier for people to access their accounts remotely, but after being acquired by LogMeIn in 2015, Chris and his innovation team came up with other purposes for the app.
When asked about how they did their brainstorming sessions, Chris states that it was through transparent, open conversations, and by continually looking for inspiration and input outside of their team, that they were able to find new ways of using the app and making it useful to everyday people.
Tune in as Chris and I talk about the role of the innovation team and how they encourage other teams in their company to engage in conversations that bring about innovation. We also talk about how they go through the process of fine-tuning their products and services, selling the idea to executives and investors, and drawing in early adopters.
Is your organization suffering from “pivotitis”? While pivoting in itself is not bad, pivoting without a clear vision in mind can be unproductive and can result in a product that lacks function or impact (or both).
In this episode of Innovation Storytellers, Radhika Dutt, Co-Founder of Radical Product Thinking, joins us to talk about what ‘radical product thinking’ means and how we can apply this kind of agile method in product development to our own products and services.
She also gives us some advice on how to know when you need to pivot, creating product iterations with a purpose, and tapping into early adopters for your product or service.
Radhika Dutt is currently Advisor on Product Thinking to the Monetary Authority of Singapore, Singapore’s financial regulator and central bank. She serves on the board of the independent publisher, Berrett Koehler, and the Association of Product Professionals. She also teaches entrepreneurship and innovation at Northeastern’s D’Amore McKim School of Business.
Radhika co-founded Radical Product Thinking as a movement of leaders creating vision-driven change and is a frequent speaker at business events and conferences around the world.
Radhika is also the author of the upcoming book Radical Product Thinking: The New Mindset for Innovating Smarter. She is an entrepreneur and product leader who has participated in four acquisitions, two of which were companies that she founded. She advises organizations from high-tech startups to government agencies on building radical products that create a fundamental change.
Every innovator’s goal is to create a product or service that can create an impact and transform people’s lives. For Nicolas Bry, Founder of Orange Startups & Intrapreneurs Studio, that journey starts with identifying problems in the market and seeing where your product or service can be used.
In this episode of Innovation Storytellers, Nicolas and I talk about how Orange Money became the go-to mobile finance service for over 50 million people in Africa, and how they were able to expand to the Middle East.
Nicolas also shares how their background in telco has helped them tap into the market and build a reputable brand for Orange Money.
About Nicolas Bry
Nicolas Bry is an International Innovation Executive, expert in corporate innovation programs, and innovation labs, designing places where good innovation thrives. He currently helps the 20 innovation managers of Orange Africa to develop their projects locally.
Previously, he created several open innovation programs: innovation with employees (Orange Intrapreneurs Studio), innovation with consumers (Imagine with Orange), innovation with entrepreneurs (Orange African Toolbox). Consolidating this experience with the ones of 40 corporations, he wrote The Intrapreneurs' Factory in 2019, a practical guide to leverage intrapreneurship for your company.
Nicolas is also a passionate speaker (TEDx) and a Masterclasses lecturer at Google Academy and Tech/Business Schools.
I love being able to showcase women in innovation who are leading the charge when it comes to creating change.
In this week’s episode of Innovation Storytellers, I interview Danielle Winandy, a serial entrepreneur at heart who has been the Head of the RISK Innovation Office at BNP Paribas since 2017.
Despite working in a traditional field, Danielle shares how important it is for her to always stay 10 steps ahead of “business as usual”—and to translate what 10 steps ahead looks like to the rest of the organization in terms of solving real problems for people from a global perspective.
As Danielle says, innovation is the study of change—which means, as practitioners, we have to be flexible, energetic, and open to evolution as individuals and organizations.
In this interview, we also talk about the importance of leading by example by prioritizing cooperation over competition. And why any effective communication requires Innovation Storytelling that leads with empathy and connects with people where they are, from the heart.
BIO
Danielle Winandy is a serial entrepreneur at heart with 13 years’ experience in financial services and innovation. Since 2017, Danielle has been the Head of the RISK Innovation Office at BNP Paribas. Her current role involves creating an environment that fosters innovation by introducing intrapreneurship programs, methods, models and metrics.
Danielle is committed to issues such as women in leadership and their progress within the workplace. She also co-founded Women in Cyber Network @ BNP Paribas, a global community that aims to bring more women to technological jobs, especially Cyber Security.
Danielle holds certificates from Harvard Business School in Disruptive Strategy, Sustainable Business Strategy, a master on Design Thinking from MIT and she became a Futurist certified from Institute for the Future in 2020. She is passionate about people, Sustainability and Innovation.
In challenging times, it’s critical that we remember how innovation is always about people, first and foremost.
That is never more true than when we’re talking about creating cultures of innovation inside of companies, where burnout can quickly snuff out the most promising of creative sparks.
In this episode of the Innovation Storytellers podcast, innovation consultant Sonja Kresojevic shares the duty we all have as leaders to model the right behavior to those we lead in order to mitigate the rise of chronic stress at work. That means finding ways to lead more mindfully, while creating space for others, including colleagues and loved ones—and Sonja shares a few ways we can do this.
She also talks about the importance of curiosity, and why we need to spend more time asking the right questions in order to speed up the innovation cycle. If you want to create an energized culture of innovation at your organization, you don’t want to miss this episode!
Sonja Kresojevic works as an innovation consultant, system thinker, sensemaker, speaker, facilitator, connecting people, and initiatives that inspire me. She combines 20 years of innovation strategy, digital transformation, and delivery experience with inner leadership work, having gone through deep transformative experiences and studies covering psychology, philosophy, neuroscience, poetry, and spiritual leadership. She advises, writes, and speaks on a range of topics relating to human-centric transformation, conscious leadership, innovation, and purpose.
Her latest venture Seedtime Collective focuses on working with leaders who need support navigating uncertainty, finding their sense of purpose, and co-creating future scenarios from a place of emergence.
Jeff George is the Senior VP of R&D at The Hain Celestrial Group, a leading umbrella brand for organic and natural food products, and a true advocate for storytelling over statistics.
As he shares in this episode, the recent environment led the company to deepen its conversations with consumers in order to get a better sense of the struggles people were navigating in their daily lives—whether that was working multiple jobs, navigating layoffs, or worse.
It was retelling the stories of those consumers that became a powerful way to sell innovation ideas at a critical time, especially when it came to key decision-makers and executives.
Jeff also talks about the ways in which we can use the past to inform the future, how failure is a necessary part of the innovation process, and why it’s important to celebrate productive mistakes bypassing the lessons along to the teams we lead.
Brant Cooper is the New York Times bestselling author of The Lean Entrepreneur and CEO of Moves the Needle. With over two decades of expertise helping companies bring innovative products to market, he blends agile, design thinking, and lean methodologies to ignite entrepreneurial action within large organizations.
Brant has a unique take on disrupting our current way of thinking in order to be closer to customers, move faster, and act bolder. He has experienced monumental milestones such as IPO, acquisition, rapid growth, and crushing failure.
He serves as a global keynote speaker, mentor to entrepreneurs, and trusted advisor to corporate executives. His mission is to teach leaders how to find personal and economic growth through creating new value for fellow humans.
Brant travels the globe speaking with entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs about how to discover and create new value; about empowering individuals to make the change they want to see in the world.
We all know storytelling is a business imperative, especially for innovators, but Carol Barash is a special breed of storyteller. Knowing that some kids don’t see their stories as special – maybe even hard or painful to share, Carol started Story2 to create a future where everyone, from every background, can tell their stories and pursue their boldest dreams. She has been counseling students on college admissions and working in EdTech for more than 20 years.
Carol has also innovated HOW we tell them with tech. Leveraging her deep knowledge of storytelling from teaching at Princeton, the University of Michigan and Rutgers University, she created Story2 to build an app that makes storytelling practical, repeatable and shareable, worldwide. Her book, Write Out Loud (McGraw-Hill, 2013), is cannon for storytellers and she now shares how she’s taking the storytelling revolution, global. Get ready!
More about Carol
Award winning education innovator and entrepreneur, Carol has spent 20+ years building solutions at the intersection of teaching, technology, and community. She started Story2 to teach people how to transform themselves and their communities through the art and science of storytelling.
We’ve all heard the phrase that “data is the new oil.” And in a modern world characterized by digital disruptions, it’s hard to argue against it. Communities and businesses must learn to harness the power of data to thrive in a dynamic and changing world characterized by unprecedented challenges.
This is the mission of Charles Rath and his company, RS21. They’re resilient in taking all of the data that exists in the world and using it for good.
Catch this week’s episode on the Innovation Storytellers Podcast to learn how Charles Rath and RS21 are helping solve the world’s most complex problems using data.
I’m thrilled that Elyette Roux, Head of Customer Experience in South Europe for Cisco Systems, could join me on the show today. I first met Elyette at Innov8tors, a fantastic conference in Paris attended by people at the cutting edge of innovation.
Elyette joins us as an intrapreneur and customer centricity expert who is driving business transformation and customer and employee engagement at Cisco. In this episode, we talk about the fact that sales is about far more than just selling your product. It’s about attaching human values to business problems. Connecting with people from an authentic place and a desire for impact. And adding value faster through digital transformation.
You’ll hear us explore the importance of teamwork, collaboration, and breaking down silos in your organization, as well as the ONE thing that is absolutely key to building business resiliency.
Bio: As an intrapreneur who drives business transformations powered by digital, customer, and employee engagement, customer centricity is more than Elyette Roux’s area of expertise: it's a constant motivation, and a source of energy to lead agile change every day.
With experience in areas including Project Management, International Sales, Key and Global Account Management, P&L Management, Strategy and Business Development to Customer Experience, Services & Support, Elyette is an expert when it comes to business and organizational strategy. Thanks to her extensive international experience, including five years in the Nordics, she has learned that top performance comes from both providing meaning and a sense of purpose to teams and customers, as well as daily care, diversity-powered innovation, and inclusion.
Irreverent. Hysterical. Brilliant. That’s how I always introduce Greg Larkin, because it only takes about 3 minutes for someone else to realize it, too. Greg and I get to the marrow of innovation with a bare bones talk about what happens when executives say they want innovation, but prize quarterly profits more. How sharing hard truths - and failures - are the job of innovators and disruptors. And a golden rule of corporate innovation - it simply will not survive or thrive without the unflinching endorsement from the top.
In this episode, you’ll hear the stories from Greg’s amazing book, “This Might Get Me Fired: A Manual for Thriving in the Corporate Entrepreneurial Underground.” And will talk about the off the wall stories that Greg has heard and used to move innovation forward.
We’ve been watching the rise of electric cars for nearly 30 years now, but how comfortable are you with taking an electric flight? This is a really special episode in which aviation veteran Roei Ganzarski takes us up, up and away on battery power planes and the future of electric flying.
Most importantly, storytelling at MagniX is such an important part of the culture, that they literally have it painted on the stairs leading up to their office, asking each new employee to help them write the next chapter of aviation history when they join the team. If you thought masks and temperature taking were the future of flying, think again.
Roei leads magniX. Prior to magniX, Roei was CEO of BoldIQ, a global provider of dynamic real-time scheduling optimization software which, under Roei’s leadership, grew from a seed software startup to a profitable multi-million dollar SaaS company. Before BoldIQ, Roei was Chief Customer Officer for Boeing’s Flight Services division where he led all worldwide customer and market facing organizations. Other experiences prior to Boeing include private investment banking, corporate finance, advertising, and the military.
Today’s episode features one of Tesla’s top materials experts, Michael Pilliod, who runs the glass division. We’ll explore how a globally watched “failure” became a learning experience that would change everything. He even brought the steel snowball to the show [watch the YouTube broadcast of the podcast] as a lasting memento of that moment. Some are wondering, “How does this guy still have a job?” Would you survive that public misstep?
We explore how the culture of Tesla allows for very public triumphs and defeats and urges innovators to keep going. Mike’s background as a Product Designer at Apple through the age of the iPad, iPhone, Apple Watch as well as an Engineer at GE prepared Michael for that moment, and the ongoing successes that follow.
What happens when two banking powerhouses, Charles Schwab and TD Ameritrade take on a $22 billion merger creating a behemoth online brokerage with more than $6 trillion in client assets and 28 million brokerage accounts? Innovation.
Gina Mitchell and Michael Jareo had a front-row seat at TD Ameritrade watching it all go-down. On this episode of Innovation Storytellers, you’ll learn from these innovators about the pieces that were put in place prior to the merger, the cutting edge innovations that made TD Ameritrade an attractive partner to Schwab, and the stories that are now being told to make these two companies - and their innovation departments - into one.
Gina Mitchell is a creative problem-solver who has spent her career in the financial services industry building various programs and implementing the supporting frameworks. She has experienced the rewarding feeling of bringing together uniquely talented individuals to form successful, high-performing teams within a Fintech environment, most recently within innovation.
Gina is most inspired when she sees how she’s impacted individuals’ lives through her leadership and mentorship. She truly believes my success is directly contributed to the people who have worked alongside her through uncertainty, bringing their best everyday to help build sustaining programs and deliver projects that drive companies forward into the future.
Michael Jareo is a strategic-minded problem-solver with a successful 15-year history in the financial services industry. Starting as a front line broker directly serving clients, he has grown in his influence and impact in change management and strategic leadership.
As a Lean Leader and Champion and as an Innovation Consultant, Michael aligns those efforts with a larger strategic vision to build long-lasting and effective relationships. As a coach from young employees and interns to executives leading large organizations, Michael gets particularly energized when his clients begin to apply new concepts and approaches in a way that improves their work and leadership.
Since our recording, Gina has gone on to become the Head of Innovation Accelerator and Managing Director, Strategy & Partnerships at Charles Schwab.
Don’t miss it!
Steve Rader is a speaker/consultant on open innovation and the future of work based on his 30 years at NASA with the last 8 years dedicated to scaling up open innovation and open talent initiatives across NASA and the U.S. federal government. Steve has a mechanical engineering degree from Rice University and has worked in various roles at NASA including flight controller, software developer, project manager, systems engineer, communications system architect, and innovation manager.
Overview:
Steve Rader is not only an award-winning speaker, innovator and thought leader on innovation, but he has taught most of us more about Open Innovation, than any other I know.
Over the past 8 years, Steve served as the Deputy Director for the Center of Excellence for Collaborative Innovation at NASA, he has found a way to harness the power of the crowd and their love of outer space to get people from around the world collaborating on the next set of innovations that will take us to Mars and beyond.
In this episode, Steve shows us how open innovation brings diverse new talents to large organizations like NASA, ushers in new ways of thinking and inspires an even greater level of collaboration and innovation culture at the organization.
How do you stay at the cutting edge of innovation as a 169 year old company? Marty Curran and Anis Fadul have been inventing and reinventing innovation at Corning for 30 years. One of their amazing stories lies in the motto that hangs in the Innovation Center at Corning, “Not In Our House.” That means that Corning will not be disrupted by anyone other than their own innovation team.
In this episode you’ll not only hear the stories behind how glass is fighting disease, empowering Tesla and becoming a leader in sustainability, but also how innovations from 90 years ago are still yielding new fruit for Marty and his team, and all of us.
Guest Information
Name: Martin J. Curran
Title: Executive Vice President & Innovation Officer
Company: Corning Incorporated
Bio: Marty Curran was appointed Corning’s first innovation officer in August 2012. In this role, Curran manages a portfolio of programs to increase the probability of success for new business
opportunities. The innovation office was created to build an entrepreneurial-focused organization that could operate across all business segments to identify and develop near-term revenue opportunities. Over time, the expectation is to streamline the innovation process where appropriate and increase speed-to-market.
Curran joined Corning in 1984 and has held a variety of roles in finance, manufacturing, and marketing. He has served as senior vice president, general manager for Corning Cable Systems
Hardware and Equipment Operations in the Americas of which he was responsible for operations in Hickory, North Carolina; Keller, Texas; Reynosa, Mexico; Shanghai, China; and the DominicanRepublic. Curran led efforts to grow Corning’s Connectivity business, including the first major fiber-to-the-home offering with Verizon FiOS.
He has also served as senior vice president and general manager for Corning Optical Fiber and has served as Chairman of US Conec, a Corning Connectivity joint venture with Fujikura and NTT-AT.
Curran graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a bachelor’s degree in finance and received his master’s degree from the University of Virginia’s Colgate Darden Graduate School of Business.
Name: Anis Fadul
Company: Corning Incorporated
Title: Director, Marketing and Strategic Planning, Emerging Innovations Group
Bio: Anis is responsible for the front-end of Corning’s Innovation process which includes opportunity identification, portfolio prioritization, business, and competitive intelligence, strategic planning, and marketing communications for Corning’s Emerging Innovations Group. In his 30+ years with Corning, he has held a variety of project management, new product development, and technology management positions within various divisions of Corning and managed Corning’s relationship with Samsung Corning Precision Materials in the CORSAM Technologies joint venture.
Lisa Besserman is a revolutionary in the startup space. Not content with promoting startups in the ease and resources of Silicon Valley or NY, Lisa helped create the startup ecosystem in Buenos Aires, Argentina developing critical linkages with corporates and the government to catapult startups to their success. On this first episode of Innovation Storytellers, we dive into the stories behind Indeed.com’s meteoric success and the startup revolution she’s created inside the company.
My biggest take away from this incredible conversation was, “Fall in love with your customer’s problem, not your innovation, and you’ll never stop innovating.”
Don’t miss this incredible, inaugural episode!
More information about Lisa
Lisa Besserman, Founder of Startup Buenos Aires accelerator, has been named as Business Insider’s “Top 100 Most Influential Women in Tech”, and the “Business Innovator of Latin America” by the Council of the Americas. She has also been credited as “The Woman Behind Argentina’s Startup Revolution”.
Lisa is a Google Mentor and has been a judge for dozens of startup competitions around the world. She was recognized as a successful entrepreneur in Forbes magazine and an International spotlight entrepreneur from the U.S Department of State. Lisa has been featured in prominent publications such as Bloomberg TV, CNBC, Entrepreneur Magazine, TechCrunch, and Fortune as a startup expert.
Currently, Lisa serves as the Head Of Program for Indeed’s global corporate Incubator in Austin, Texas. Fusing her background in startups and corporates, she is recognized as a leader in the innovation space.