Folgen
-
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.
-
Fehlende Folgen?
-
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!
-
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.
- Mehr anzeigen
