Killer Innovations: Successful Innovators Talking About Creativity, Design and Innovation | Hosted by Phil McKinney

Every breakthrough innovation starts the same way: everyone thinks it's a terrible idea. Twitter was dismissed as “breakfast updates.” Google looked “too simple.” Facebook seemed limited to “just college kids.” Yet these “stupid ideas” became some of the biggest winners in tech history. After 30 years making innovation decisions at Fortune 100 companies, I've identified […]

In 2011, HP killed a $1.2 billion innovation in just 49 days. I was the Chief Technology Officer who recommended buying it. What happened next reveals why smart people consistently destroy breakthrough technology—and the systematic framework you need to avoid making the same mistake. HP had just spent $1.2 billion acquiring Palm to get WebOS—one […]

University of Washington researchers discovered something that should concern every parent: children who use AI to create can no longer create without it. And here's the concerning part: most parents have absolutely no idea it's happening. If you've been following our series on Creative Thinking in the AI Age, you know I've been tracking how […]

The most innovative creators don't use AI as a replacement – they use it as a strategic partner in a carefully choreographed dance of human and machine intelligence. Welcome to Part 4 of our series, Creative Thinking in the AI Age – on strengthening your uniquely human creativity while using AI as a partner, not […]

Humans who committed to four thinking exercises for 10 minutes daily generated 43% more original solutions than the most advanced AI systems. Welcome to Part 3 of our series, Creative Thinking in the AI Age – on strengthening your uniquely human creativity while using AI as a partner, not a replacement. In Part 1, we […]

Harvard neuroscientists confirm: creative thinking uses neural pathways that AI can't replicate – and never will. Hello, I'm Phil McKinney, and welcome to my innovation studio. Welcome to Part 2 of our series, Creative Thinking in the AI Age – on strengthening your uniquely human creativity while using AI as a partner, not a replacement. […]

Our ability to solve complex problems without AI has plummeted 30% in just five years. That's not just a statistic – it's the sound of your brain cells surrendering. We are announcing a new series we are calling –  Creative Thinking in the AI Age – on strengthening your uniquely human creativity while using AI […]

In 2007, two designers struggling to pay rent in San Francisco had a seemingly simple thought: “What if people could rent out their spare rooms to travelers?” This question—posed by Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia—sparked what would become Airbnb, a company now valued at over $100 billion that has fundamentally reshaped how millions of people […]

Most people react to change. They adapt, adjust, and scramble to keep up. But a small group sees change coming. They prepare for it, shape it, and position themselves to win. Their edge? Strategic thinking skills. In this article, you'll learn six powerful strategic thinking skills and five proven exercises to sharpen your thinking, decision, […]

Your phone pings. A bold headline lights up your screen. A friend shares a “must-see” video. But how do you know what's real? In today's hyperconnected world, critical thinking skills are no longer optional. They're essential tools for digital literacy—your ability to find, verify, and act on information online. Without them, you risk falling into […]

In a world obsessed with digital tools and AI-generated solutions, it's easy to forget the original engines of creative transformation—our hands, our senses, and the objects we manipulate. Sure, artificial intelligence can analyze patterns faster than we can blink. But if you're searching for that breakthrough moment that flips a challenge on its head, you're […]

What made Microsoft possible? Binary code, four kilobytes of memory, and 10,000 hours of deliberate practice. But what truly set Bill Gates apart was a distinct system for solving problems—a mental algorithm that turned complexity into clarity and chaos into systems. The real genius of Bill Gates isn't just the software he wrote or the […]

When you think of game-changing innovation, one name stands above the rest—Steve Jobs. His ability to reimagine entire industries didn't come from technical know-how alone; his way of thinking truly set him apart. Steve Jobs approached problem-solving and creativity in a way that merged art with technology, bringing human experience to the forefront. Let's dive […]

Have you ever wondered what it takes to build something that lasts? Not just a fleeting success, but a platform that grows, evolves, and continues to impact people decades later? The answer isn't high-end production equipment or a flawless business plan. It starts with a simple idea: pay it forward. That philosophy is the foundation […]

On a stormy night in the 1880s, two men were working relentlessly to shape the future of electricity. In Menlo Park, Thomas Edison meticulously tested another filament variation for his electric light, documenting every failure in his growing logbook. Across New York, Nikola Tesla paced frantically, visualizing complete rotating magnetic fields in his mind, spotting […]

In 1878, gas lamp manufacturers celebrated their dominance, believing their industry was untouchable. But in a small workshop in Menlo Park, Thomas Edison made a bold declaration: he would create an electric light so revolutionary that it would make gas lamps obsolete. The press mocked him. Experts dismissed him. Even some of his colleagues doubted […]

Picture this: A man stands in a dusty Colorado laboratory, surrounded by crackling electrical arcs illuminating the night sky. While others might flinch at the raw power, Nicola Tesla, sketching in his notebook, remains unfazed. He isn't just observing—he's envisioning the future of wireless energy, mentally simulating systems with perfect clarity before ever building a […]

Ever wondered what it takes to build a space that sparks creativity and enables innovation? I've been on a journey transforming my studio from a simple podcast recording room into a full-fledged innovation workspace, and I'm excited to share the progress with you. Five months ago, we embarked on a complete teardown and reconstruction. While […]

Ever wondered why simple decisions feel like defusing a bomb? In this week's episode, we unpack the 90-Second Rule – a game-changing approach to conquering decision paralysis that's transforming how top performers work. Did you know you lose an average of 37 minutes overthinking each important decision? Multiply that by dozens of decisions per day, […]

Google spends over $45 billion on R&D a year, yet its graveyard of failed innovations keeps growing – Google+, Glass, Stadia, and countless others. But here's the surprising truth: this pattern isn't unique to Google. Even with unlimited resources and top talent, tech giants struggle to innovate alone. The era of solo innovation is dead. […]

Ever notice how you can spend hours scrolling through “inspiration” but end up feeling creatively drained? You're not alone. In this eye-opening episode, we dive into a counterintuitive truth about creativity that could transform how you generate ideas and solve problems. What if I told you that the secret to unlocking your creativity isn't about […]

It was a quiet moment in a Nokia conference room that would eventually cost $100 billion. An engineer stood nervously, holding a prototype of a full touchscreen phone. The response from management? “Interesting, but that's not how phones work.” This dismissal highlighted the absence of the groupthink factor—a unified vision that could have driven innovation. […]

What if the biggest predictor of success in innovation wasn't what everyone thinks? Our research tracking 1,000+ innovation professionals revealed a shocking truth about who succeeds in this high-paying field – and it's not what you'd expect. In this episode, we break down 15 innovation careers that are transforming industries, with salaries ranging from $70k […]

Why do some innovators bounce back stronger from every setback?  In this episode, we dive into the fascinating story of a product demo that literally burst into flames in front of a potential investor – and how that spectacular failure led to three groundbreaking patents. The key? Something called the experimenter mindset. It's a powerful […]

In poker, strategies divide professionals and amateurs. A professional poker player participates in only 15% of hands, while amateurs engage far more recklessly. This principle applies to innovation as well. To stand out as a professional innovator, you must move beyond enthusiasm and adopt a disciplined, strategic approach to managing ideas and resources. The Traits […]

Want to know why some people get excited about uncertainty while others run from it? It's all about having an explorer mindset. Think of it as having the ability to see opportunities where others only see obstacles. In this episode, I share how history's greatest innovators transformed uncertainty into their superpower – from ancient mariners […]

Your brain often lies to you about what's possible. Success isn't just about skills, connections, or even luck. The real differentiator is your mindset—the internal operating system that drives how you interpret challenges and opportunities. Developing a success mindset isn't about forced positivity or empty mantras; it's about reshaping the way your brain processes the […]

When people ask how to land their first job in innovation, my story always surprises them. It wasn't about finding the perfect job posting or waiting for an opportunity to knock. Instead, I created my opportunity. In 1992, I worked for a small company in Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, when Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) acquired it. The […]

When I walked into Elon Musk's office at Tesla in 2011, I knew I was about to see something remarkable, but I couldn't have predicted how mind-opening the experience would be. Elon Musk, known for revolutionizing industries through SpaceX and Tesla, has a way of questioning the world that feels almost childlike—but not in the […]

Albert Einstein once famously said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” This quote isn't just a glimpse into his genius and a revelation of the secret behind his groundbreaking discoveries. While his contemporaries were focused on scientific data and equations, Einstein's innovation secret lay in his ability to visualize complex concepts like riding alongside a […]

In the world of technology and innovation, building a model career often means evolving with industry changes, embracing risks, and showing resilience. Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with Nimrod Ben-Natan, CEO of Harmonic, whose career path is a true model for success in innovation. Starting as a software developer in the mid-90s, […]

Have you ever stopped to think about how you think? It may sound odd at first, but this process, known as metacognition, is one of the most powerful tools we have for improving our mental abilities. Metacognition is the act of being aware of your thoughts and thinking patterns, helping you understand how you process […]

Mental strength isn't just for high achievers; it's something we can all build. The first step to stopping being mentally weak is recognizing that mental strength doesn't mean never feeling fear or doubt. Instead, it's about pushing past these feelings to achieve your best. Let's dive into three strategies to break free from mental weakness […]

Innovation isn't a solo act. It's about finding the right people to journey with, blending skills, and creating a foundation built on trust and shared goals. At the recent Tech Expo, I sat down with my best friend and long-time partner, Harry Beane. We've shared years of collaboration, including launching Omnipoint—the first GSM mobile carrier […]

What do Apple's first mouse, the stand-up toothpaste tube, and the Palm V PDA have in common? They were all products of design thinking, a methodology that drives innovation and creativity to solve complex problems. Companies like IDEO, a leading expert in design thinking, have revolutionized product development and set the standard for innovation. But […]

Innovation confidence is a crucial mindset for anyone looking to excel in today's fast-paced world. The perfect blend of creativity, strategic thinking, and adaptability allows you to approach challenges with fresh perspectives. Whether aiming for personal growth or professional success, building innovation and confidence can make all the difference. This episode explores actionable tips and […]

Innovation is at the heart of transformation, and understanding how innovators think can unlock the potential for groundbreaking progress. Innovators don't just come up with ideas; they embody a mindset that fosters curiosity, resilience, and adaptability. By examining the core elements of the innovator's mindset, we can better understand the actions and attitudes that drive […]

The role of a Chief Innovation Officer (CINO) has become increasingly critical in today's fast-paced business landscape. As a relatively new member of the C-suite, the CINO serves as the driving force behind transformation and progress. However, this position is often fraught with challenges, with many CINOs having a brief tenure of fewer than two […]

With innovation fast-evolving, the terms innovation lab and innovation studio are often thrown around interchangeably, especially in Silicon Valley. However, despite their seemingly similar purposes, these two entities serve distinct roles in the journey from idea to implementation. Understanding their nuances can help organizations choose the right approach for their goals. What is an Innovation […]

Creating an innovation studio is essential for fostering creativity, developing ideas, and transforming concepts into reality. Whether you're an inventor, a designer, or a creative professional, having a dedicated space for your work is crucial. In this episode, we'll walk you through building your innovation studio, inspired by my experience setting up a multifunctional space […]

In today's fast-paced world, taking breaks is often underestimated. However, prioritizing time off is crucial to boost creativity and innovation. This simple yet effective strategy can significantly enhance productivity and lead to groundbreaking ideas. The Importance of Disconnecting During a two-week vacation with my family, I experienced firsthand the benefits of being completely disconnected from […]

Travel has always played a pivotal role in shaping my career and family life. During a recent podcast episode, I shared how travel influenced us unexpectedly. Here's a deeper dive into how embracing travel transformed our experiences and led to numerous opportunities. Travel and Family: Creating Lifelong Memories Our journey with travel began with a […]

The worst career advice I have ever received led me down a path that failed to result in success. Early in my career, I was advised to chase jobs based on salary and stability, with voices telling me to work for big, secure companies. However, I quickly learned there were better moves than prioritizing finances […]

During a recent lunch with interns, I shared the best career advice I ever received. Bob Davis, my mentor who hired me for my first job as a software programmer, imparted wisdom that has guided my career trajectory. Bob saw my potential and advised me to build more than technical skills. He moved me through […]

A well-defined career path is crucial for anyone aspiring to establish a successful career in innovation. The rapidly evolving landscape of innovation jobs demands a strategy to navigate its complexities effectively. An innovation career path is a roadmap clarifying the progression and milestones necessary to achieve your professional goals. It helps you identify the critical […]

A career in innovation means positioning yourself at the forefront of change, constantly seeking new ideas and approaches to solve problems and create value. It involves a continuous improvement mindset and a willingness to challenge the status quo. Innovators drive progress by blending creativity, analytical thinking, and a deep understanding of emerging trends and technologies. […]

Have you ever felt stuck staring at a blank page, struggling to find the spark to ignite your next great idea? Inspirational thinking skills often trigger that elusive moment where everything clicks, and your creativity flows effortlessly. These skills are the secret sauce behind groundbreaking innovations and the driving force that can turn mundane tasks […]

This episode is the fourth in a series on mastering creative thinking skills. We delve into an exciting topic that could revolutionize how you tackle problems: Systems Thinking. By the end of this article, you'll understand how to use systems thinking to solve complex problems like a pro. Trust me, this will be a game […]

Welcome back to the Innovators Studio. Today is the third episode in our five-part series on Mastering Creative Thinking Skills. In this episode, we dive into aesthetic thinking and its role in your creative process. Have you ever wondered why some things look cool and make you feel good? I'm here to break it down […]

This episode is the second in a series on mastering creative thinking skills. Today, we are focusing on convergent thinking. Convergent thinking sharpens your mind, focusing creativity toward finding not just any solution but the most effective one. Master it, and you turn challenges into opportunities, blending analysis with imagination to unlock unparalleled potential. What […]

Today marks the beginning of a series of episodes introducing you to five creative thinking skills. Future episodes will explore each skill's background, steps, application, and examples. In this episode, we'll explore how mastering divergent thinking skills can transform your life, turning obstacles into opportunities and making the impossible seem possible. Remember to subscribe so […]