Innovation is all around us. In fact, everyone innovates, often unbeknownst to themselves. Many mistakenly assume that innovation is either a big capital project, or a figurative bolt of lightning that brings inspiration, or the province of some exceptionally gifted people. This is the myth of innovation. Those people and organizations that are not beholden to this myth, in fact, have practices and processes that encourage innovation systematically. This is true of manufacturing, high-tech, medical device, or any other industry that keeps evolving to answer the demands of the day, both locally and globally. Those that are mystified by innovation are the ones that resist change, avoid digital transformation, and, over time, become extinct. Innovation Nation is the podcast that speaks with top executives and industry experts, harnessing their expertise and sharing their insights to empower our listeners to grow. You’ll hear from these industry experts, their stories of grit, determination, experimentation, and core creative solutions to help embrace innovation. This podcast will help you innovate in practice. We’ll focus on industry trends and how certain companies stay ahead of the curve by driving their own innovation and building a safer and more sustainable future.
Innovation is where every company should be headed, but finding out what innovation means to your company is crucial. Hear how coming up through underwriting has created a unique path in risk management for Amanda Hunt, and what innovation means to her team. Listen to the conversation with Amanda Hunt, Senior Risk Manager at Wilbur Ellis, to learn more about: Coming up through underwriting to a successful path in risk management The benefits of incremental change Fostering innovation through communication More information about Amanda and today's topics: LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-hunt-322a569 Company Website: https://www.wilburellis.com/ Tune in to Innovation Nation on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Safety and sustainability have to be built into the design of consumer products from the ground up. Learn how innovation is making products safer and more sustainable. Hear our conversation with Marc J. Schoem, Executive Director at ICPHSO: The vision and goals of ICPHSO Attaining more preventative design best practices Promoting a regulator community for consumer wellbeing More information about Marc and today's topics: LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-j-schoem-374aaa11/ Company Website: https://icphso.org/ Tune in to Innovation Nation on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Innovation only happens with a strong foundation built from collaboration and a drive for success. Creating that drive is where the challenge lies. But can it be acquired? In this episode, I speak with Rick Bullota, Advisor an d Mentor for various companies - Founder of ThingWorx , about how working with founders and making a difference in a company to set it up for success. Join us as we discuss: The importance of the customer Advising founders and the importance of teams Real world examples of success and failure in startups Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or w herever you listen to podcasts. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Innovation Nation in your favorite podcast player.
At its core, true innovation is about more than just futuristic technologies or industry disruptors — it's about the human component. If you want to truly innovate, start with people, connection, and purpose. If you do, you'll foster a culture of innovation that will outlive you. Just ask Dale Carnegie… Today, I'm speaking with Joe Hart, Presid ent & CEO at Dale Carnegie & Associates , about how he's helping the legacy of creativity and innovation Dale Carnegie left behind live on. Join us as we discuss: What makes Dale Carnegie such an inspiring innovator Why psychological safety is key to creating a culture of innovation Why everyone can be creative and innovative if they just let themselves Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Innovation Nation in your favorite podcast player.
Wellness apps have exploded in popularity in recent years — and that's a good thing. We all need support, because we are all human. But none of them have tackled one of the biggest root-causes of stress in most people's lives: the workplace. Well, none until now. In this episode, Steve Glaser, CEO of ComfortZones Digital, explains how he's helping to innovate away workplace stress and make sure people can return to their loved ones without hauling home their stressful office baggage. Join us as we discuss: How ComfortZones Digital's app works The different kinds of work-related stress Mindfulness and the power of being present Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Innovation Nation in your favorite podcast player.
Innovation isn't always flashy gadgets or software. Sometimes, it's making an effort to meet your employees where they're at through authenticity and patience. As a leader, innovation can be as straightforward as reevaluating pay structures to address the needs of your team. In this episode, I speak with Chris Bower, CEO of Endurance Federal Credit Union, about how building positive company culture comes from authenticity and paying it forward in your community. Join us as we discuss: Community impact Innovation and inspiration Building company culture Navigating change through the pandemic Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Innovation Nation in your favorite podcast player.
Are you having trouble navigating the rapidly changing landscape of technology? Not sure how to adapt your methods to new expectations? The crux of the matter comes down to analyzing your customers' behaviors and learning their pain points like the back of your hand. Listen to them. Seek understanding. In this episode, I speak with Dr. Hajo Rapp, SVP Strategic Account Management and Sales Excellence at TÜV SÜD, about how tech and sales are changing and what to do to embrace those changes. Join us as we discuss: Digital transformation Customer connections Top salesperson traits Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Innovation Nation in your favorite podcast player.
What can leaders do today to keep the innovative juices flowing and support their teams during a state of flux? Take a strong listening strategy to understand what challenges and struggles your team, staff, and organization are facing. Leverage the soft skills of empathy, kindness, and caring to speak to the basic need for health and wellness that is the foundation for innovation. In this episode, I speak with Tammy Bohen, CHRO at SVP Worldwide, about how leaders can both stay innovative and foster innovation in their teams with continual growth, networking, and soft skills like empathy. Join us as we discuss: Learning from positive and negative experiences Championing for your teams with listening and empathy Keeping up a high energy with international travel Advocating for parity and equity for women in business Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Innovation Nation in your favorite podcast player.
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic began, the world saw the beginning of big changes in regards to tech and work norms. Now, having the whole transition expedited, leaders everywhere are dealing with the aftermath. And if they want to maintain those high-level employees, they'll need to know how to navigate through the change. In this episode of Innovation Nation, I interview Bruce Tulgan, Founder and CEO of Rainmaker Thinking, about setting manager expectations, the technological transformation, and how to innovate when the stakes are high. Join us as we discuss: Innovations that every manager should be focusing on How to keep communications & interactions more human Finding innovation through troubling situations Bridging the soft skills gap Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Innovation Nation in your favorite podcast player.
Over the years, the focus of cybersecurity professionals has switched from breach prevention to breach response. Most now agree that it's unlikely you'll be able to avoid a breach these days, so the next best thing is to be prepared when one happens. In this episode of Innovation Nation, I interview Edward Chandler, Account Executive at TÜV SÜD, about the steps companies can take to prepare for the negative innovations of cyber criminals. Join us as we discuss: The three elements of a successful security program How to prepare for a security breach How cybersecurity plays into the viability of the supply chain Compliance versus security Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Innovation Nation in your favorite podcast player.
Some companies want to innovate, but it's a struggle. That's because innovation is hard. Find ways to actively encourage curiosity. At the beginning of an innovation journey, you'll have to make an effort to highlight curiosity, reward it, and make it an unquestionably good thing within your culture. In this episode of Innovation Nation, I interview Robyn M. Bolton, Founder & Chief Navigator at MileZero, about how she coaches companies that desire to innovate but feel disillusioned about what it will take. Join us as we discuss: When town hall enthusiasm becomes companywide disillusionment Creating incentives and motivation beyond the scope of employee tenure The importance of risk management while taking action As Michaelangelo is to marble, Robyn is to PowerPoint Embracing curiosity Check out these resources we mentioned: Francesca Gino on curiosity Tune in on ApplePodcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Innovation Nation in your favorite podcast player.
When you've grown from three people in 2008 to just about 500 today, you need a way to scale the innovation you had as a startup. You have to bake innovation into the very DNA of your company from core values to automation. In this episode of Innovation Nation, I interview Maria Fagan, President at RQM+, about the evolution of innovation during her company's explosive growth. Join us as we discuss: - The close relationship between growth and innovation - How innovation informs core values, culture statements, and corporate vision - Trust, onboarding, and the people component of innovation - Measuring your critical processes and getting rid of the ones that don't work Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Innovation Nation in your favorite podcast player.
The key to our evolution is our innate ability to learn. That's what drives us forward. It stimulates human innovation. And curiosity is the engine. So, how can we become more active players in that larger ecosystem of knowledge? On this episode of Innovation Nation, I talk with Dr. Michael Noble, President - Ameri cas at Area9 Lyceum, about how we can improve the way we learn and stimulate curiosity. We discuss: The relationship between memory and innovation How to improve learning How to encourage curiosity Breaking out of our knowledge bubbles Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wh erever you listen to podcasts. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Innovation Nation in your favorite podcast player.
When we think of artificial intelligence, we think about innovation. AI is a catalyst for important innovation, but not all innovation goes into a positive desired direction, especially when we don’t understand the risks involved in AI and machine learning. On this episode of Innovation Nation, I talk with Sri Krishnamurthy, Founder and CEO of Quant University, about how organizations can engage with AI in a responsible manner. We also talked about: How to innovate with AI while mitigating risk. Why people should care about privacy. The evolution of innovation in higher ed. Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Manufacturers are among the first to implement innovations based on technology. Most recently, 5G has provided opportunities for innovation in many industries. Here’s where to keep your eye. In this episode, I interview Luke Kannike, Business Line Manager, West & Central Region at TÜV SÜD, about the hottest spots in innovation for manufacturers right now. What we talked about: 5G market trends & concerns Cybersecurity measures for 5G Automobile, mobile phones, medical, & AI applications To stay connected with Innovation Nation, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website. Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Innovation Nation in your favorite podcast player.
When innovation is a part of the very DNA of your company, combining the essential culture with passionate, ideas-filled new hires is a beautiful combination. Though the pandemic changed everything for marketers, it also created the perfect conditions for innovation in MarTech. In this episode, I interview Paige O’Neill, CMO at Sitecore, about innovation in the marketing discipline, in MarTech, and in her personal career. What we talked about: How empathy became a guiding business principle Driving a modern digital tech stack Sitecore’s innovation-based growth To stay connected with Innovation Nation, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website. Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Innovation Nation in your favorite podcast player.
Innovation is about continuous learning, having the curiosity to make the next step, to analyze what you learned and how to improve. If you have this intrinsic motivation, then innovation is for you. This wisdom comes straight from today’s guest on Innovation Nation, Dr. Marion Damm, Global Innovation Manager at TÜV SÜD. What we talked about: Fueling the innovation spirit at work Programs & awards to encourage innovation among employees Tangible and intangible elements that foster and reward innovation To stay connected with Innovation Nation, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website. Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Innovation Nation in your favorite podcast player.
Our world is brimming with infinite ideas And the truth is they’re available to everybody. All you need to do is learn to tap into them. Our guest, Jasmine Birtles, a prominent British television and radio personality, entrepreneur, and author of 30 books, joins us today to talk about the importance of being open to a world of new permutations, new approaches, and new ideas. What we talked about: Thinking in terms of infinite possibilities The necessity of doing the boring tasks to set a foundation for the exciting ones The power of cultivating curiosity and a constant interest in our world Resources mentioned during the podcast: Moneymagpie To stay connected with Innovation Nation, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website.
What are the 2 most important things in the world right now? Saving the planet with environmental responsibility and unlocking the power of every individual with diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. In this episode, I interview Bracken Darrell, CEO at Logitech, about his unwavering focus on legacy. What we talked about: 3 user-centered design principles The vulnerability and excitement of breaking down walls The inextricable goals of social justice and sustainability To stay connected with Innovation Nation, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website.
What are the 2 most important things in the world right now? Saving the planet with environmental responsibility and unlocking the power of every individual with diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. In this episode, I interview Bracken Darrell, CEO at Logitech, about his unwavering focus on legacy. What we talked about: 3 user-centered design principles The vulnerability and excitement of breaking down walls The inextricable goals of social justice and sustainability To stay connected with Innovation Nation, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website.
It sounds like the start of a joke: What do corporations and Kilimanjaro have in common? Quite a lot, actually, when it comes to mental toughness, agility, and a growth mindset. In this episode, I interview Liz Fendt, Global CMO and Cofounder of Women’s Network at TUV SUD, about innovation, climbing, and advocacy. We had an amazing conversation about: Undertaking preparation for mountaineering… and not making the summit 2 reasons women don’t step up to opportunity Developing a fixed vs. a growth mindset Co-founding the Women’s Network and the importance of people To stay connected with Innovation Nation, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website.
It sounds like the start of a joke: What do corporations and Kilimanjaro have in common? Quite a lot, actually, when it comes to mental toughness, agility, and a growth mindset. In this episode, I interview Liz Fendt, Global CMO and Cofounder of Women’s Network at TUV SUD, about innovation, climbing, and advocacy. We had an amazing conversation about: Undertaking preparation for mountaineering… and not making the summit 2 reasons women don’t step up to opportunity Developing a fixed vs. a growth mindset Co-founding the Women’s Network and the importance of people To stay connected with Innovation Nation, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website.
Functional Safety is paramount in any industry with machines — therefore, every industry. But why is it so often last place in adoption when it should be first place in innovation? In this episode, I interview three experts about how Functional Safety drives innovation: Sven Nowak, Regional Program Director and Global Head of Functional Safety; Kevin Connelly, Functional Safety Business Development; and Justin Heyl, NA Program Manager, Cybersecurity, Digital, and AI — all at TÜV SÜD. What we talked about: How Functional Safety is rising in importance across industries When manufacturers should incorporate Functional Safety into design Functional Safety is a cross disciplinary responsibility Innovating with Functional Safety To stay connected with Innovation Nation, subscribe on Apple Podcasts , Spotify, or our website.
Functional Safety is paramount in any industry with machines — therefore, every industry. But why is it so often last place in adoption when it should be first place in innovation? In this episode, I interview three experts about how Functional Safety drives innovation: Sven Nowak, Regional Program Director and Global Head of Functional Safety; Kevin Connelly, Functional Safety Business Development; and Justin Heyl, NA Program Manager, Cybersecurity, Digital, and AI — all at TÜV SÜD. What we talked about: How Functional Safety is rising in importance across industries When manufacturers should incorporate Functional Safety into design Functional Safety is a cross disciplinary responsibility Innovating with Functional Safety To stay connected with Innovation Nation, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website.
When today’s guest realized she was poisoning herself with toxic thinking and an addiction to junk food, she started imitating the Navy SEALS — and earned an Olympic gold medal in her 60s. She learned mental toughness. Mental toughness starts with deleting your toxic thoughts by creating an exciting why and personal vision for yourself. In this episode, I interview Laura Eiman, Gold Medal Olympic Weightlifter and Mental Toughness Leadership Coach, about techniques for becoming like a corporate Navy SEAL. She and I discuss: Her journey from toxicity to mental toughness and elite athleticism Team building techniques of Navy SEALs that work in the office, too Her advice for positivity during COVID-19 The relationship between innovation, determination, and excitement To stay connected with Innovation Nation, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website.
When today’s guest realized she was poisoning herself with toxic thinking and an addiction to junk food, she started imitating the Navy SEALS — and earned an Olympic gold medal in her 60s. She learned mental toughness. Mental toughness starts with deleting your toxic thoughts by creating an exciting why and personal vision for yourself. In this episode, I interview Laura Eiman, Gold Medal Olympic Weightlifter and Mental Toughness Leadership Coach, about techniques for becoming like a corporate Navy SEAL. She and I discuss: Her journey from toxicity to mental toughness and elite athleticism Team building techniques of Navy SEALs that work in the office, too Her advice for positivity during COVID-19 The relationship between innovation, determination, and excitement To stay connected with Innovation Nation, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website.
What’s the optimal environment for innovation? In this episode, I interview Alisa Coffey, Head of Marketing at Abaco, about how she creates a culture of change and why she loves failure. What we talked about: Technology tools of the future spark innovation Alisa: “We need to fail fast.” The importance of collaboration and consensus in spurring creativity To stay connected with Innovation Nation, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website.
Innovators don’t just wake up and decide to innovate. They work towards objectives — and those become the moments when innovation happens. In this episode, I interview Ben Branham, Director of Global Quality at Abaco, about innovation en route toward objectives. What we talked about: What to measure & what not to measure Getting your team positive & motivated about the goal Appropriate risk in prioritizing objectives What makes a tool valuable To stay connected with Innovation Nation, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website.
The velocity of innovation has ramped up in the manufacturing space. Today’s guest explains why. In this episode, I interview Jeff Wurzbach, Founder and Engineer at Wurzbach Electronics, about 3 spaces for innovation in manufacturing. What we talked about: Software management techniques don’t go down well with hardware Distributed manufacturing has embraced innovation and creativity A plug for more vertical integration Innovation isn’t a step function but a continuous function To stay connected with Innovation Nation, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website.
Boxes are awfully cramped, especially when we put ourselves in them. It’s hard to do very much growth in a box. Innovators need to ask this question: How can I change the box that’s holding me back? In this episode, I interview Runa Magnusdottir, CEO & Creator at The Change Makers, about her #NoMoreBoxes movement: What we talked about: Finding & trusting your flow Breaking out of what you’re “supposed” to do Strategies for recognizing & overcoming your box What innovation looks like for a leader in the flow Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: The #NoMoreBoxes Movement site The Story of Boxes, cowritten by Runa and her business partner To stay connected with Innovation Nation, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website.
The concept of synthesis doesn’t come up a lot at work. But it should. We innovate by synthesizing knowledge we already have with what we’ve recently learned. This is why education is the heart of innovation. In this episode, I interview Rodger LeGrand, Academy Manager at TÜV SÜD, about how and why to build a learning organization. What we talked about: Einstein, art, and poetry 2 things that learning organizations must do The intricacies of course design Empowering all employees to be knowledge workers To stay connected with Innovation Nation, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website.
Trust is the foundation for a shared mission among team members and for relationships with customers. We actually don’t think it’s possible to innovate without trust. In this episode, I interview John Tesoro, President & CEO at TÜV SÜD, about how trust and innovation influence our industry. What we talked about: The impact of trust on teams’ expertise How to build & retain marketplace trust in the time of COVID-19 Future episode topics with John Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Patrick Lencioni on vulnerability trust Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella on trust and consistency
We’ve all had enough of grand, sweeping changes with COVID-19. What we would benefit most from right now is gradual, continuous, and client-focused innovation. In this episode, I interview Jim Marsh, President & CEO at TÜV SÜD, about best practices for continuous improvements. What we talked about: Hearing the voice of the client Kaizen focus groups How data & technology are only as good as the use to which they are put
Once upon a time, customers didn’t ever want to see people cleaning. Now they expect it. The ways we have innovated in the hygiene industry are here to stay. In this episode, I interview Mark Alpert, VP of Business Assurance at TÜV SÜD, about innovations in hygiene audits. What we talked about: The hidden industry that makes us feel safe during COVID-19 How Mark has innovated on innovation The qualities of communication & responsiveness that are here to stay
With today’s remote work culture, we all feel trapped on Zoom for 9 hours a day… Well, there’s an easy way to save yourself from bad meetings. Ask why you were invited. In this episode, I interview David Grady, CISM & Security Evangelist at Verizon, about innovating our mindset about time. What we talked about: Not everyone on a team needs to go to the meeting! In security as in life, you need to clarify your goals Digital transformation actually starts with communication Being continually available for work erodes your resilience
When you evolve from a chemistry postdoc to the head of sales, marketing & communications at a fragrance company, you learn something about innovation. One of the things you learn is to ask many questions. Another thing? Gratitude. In this episode, I interview Marta Araujo, Board Member & former CEO of Castelbel, about how her roles at Castelbel evolved. What we talked about: The strength of an interdisciplinary team Before launching a product, ask for as many opinions as you can The social responsibility of manufacturers to give back
We’re all working from home not thinking about cybercriminals at all. They’re thinking about us, though. In this very first episode of Innovation Nation, I interview Matthew Rosenquist, CISO at Eclipz.io, about cybercrime in the time of COVID-19. What we talked about: Hardware vs. software vs. wetware (people) We’re vulnerable during quarantine not because technology but our behaviors Cybersecurity issues that SMBs need to consider with IOT Security fears that we have & education that we need
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