Innovation Social Hour

Lara Hodgson, Co-Founder, President & CEO at NOW Corp, is what we consider total innovation goals. She's a perfectly balanced blend of creative genius and execution oriented team-builder, and naturally an astrophysicist and Harvard B-School Grad. What does all of this add up to? A ground-breaking formula for innovation success. Like an actual formula. You have to listen in because it does add up. Check out Lara's altruistic take on what is at the heart of innovation and the importance of significance over success. Fun Fact: Lara had a thriving hand-made hair accessories business when she was 14, only then to have her Mom force a shut-down so Lara would focus on her education (spoiler alert - things worked out in the end for Lara).

Welcome to our second episode of our stellar conversation with Matt Mullen. We were fascinated by so many of his points, especially the way he breaks down the difference between invention and innovation. Also, you'll forever change your approach to growth strategy after listening to Matt's take on 3 growth levers: product, marketing, and sales. Although Matt's LinkedIn poll seeking input on where you fall in the growth-lever continuum is now closed, he's gives us major food for thought. Grab on to your hats for the final installment. We just bet that this isn't our last episode featuring this leading business leader and strategist, Matt Mullen.

Proving that innovation is more than just a lucky idea, Matt Mullen curated his vast experience while at Macy's, VISA, Epicor Software and ProShip to graciously teach us about all things innovation, entrepreneurialism and intrepreneurislism. Matt's masterclass includes a clear, growth-based definition of innovation, the impact of organizational structure, creating a plan toward profit, 3 levers to yield growth, the discipline needed to evaluate business ideas, the importance of storytelling and much more. So much more that we kept recording...and recording, resulting in two episodes! Stay tuned for the final portion of Matt's interview dropping next Thursday. In the meantime, Matt suggests to continue your education around machine learning and AI with the help of Cassie Kozyrkov, Google's Chief Decision Scientist. Warning - the article includes super cute cat photos. Fun Fact: Matt may have invented the in-mall kiosk.

Serial entrepreneur, Marc Gorlin, has the gift of knowing when he has discovered "the idea". Kick starting notable organizations such as Roadie Inc. and Kabbage Inc., Marc provides engaging insights around creating something out of nothing by focusing on what he considers key items. You're surely to gain great know-how around handling a VC pitch (including when to eat and not to eat during said pitch) and how to use magician-like qualities to get others to believe in the possibilities of your ideas. His approach to problem solving is common sense, but not exactly common practice. Drink of choice: 2015 Piazza Del Dotto Cabernet Sauvignon Fun fact: Marc wanted to name Kabbage "Paygosaurus". (Corey and I need that promotional t-shirt.)

In this episode, we welcome Lance Healy, Co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer with Banyan Technology. Lance takes us through a lively overview of the process to yield innovation. You'll enjoy it - his process includes scribbles on a whiteboard and a stop at the bar. Lance, who is well-known for building lasting partnerships and alliances, explains how two companies can effectively "date". Are your ideas stalling out within your organization? Lance delivers with a new approach for you to attempt. And, for executives looking for some inspiration, have a listen to the value that inclusiveness brings to innovative outcomes. Ever wonder if building something great is all unicorns and rainbows? You be the judge after listening to Lance's refreshingly authentic take on the subject. There is truly something for everyone in this episode. Even Joan Jett fans. Drink of choice: Mark Ryan Long Haul Fun Fact: Lance brought his harmonica bandolier to our recording. He had about 10 in there. Listen all the way to the end to find out if we were lucky enough to have him play for us.

Have a pencil or iNote at the ready... Elizabeth Dixon, Chic-Fil-A Principal Lead of Strategy, Hospitality & Service Design delivers on customer-led innovation in the food industry during a global pandemic. While COVID is serving up uncertainty, Elizabeth's process around innovation is specific and ponders what it will take to win in three to five years. Hear all about Chick-Fil-A's unique take on what it means to "compete against ourselves" knowing disruption is a definite possibility. Drink of Choice: Grapefruit Bubly Surprising Fact: A one-armed cartwheel will get you a talkin' to at Disney