What is Innovation?

What does it mean to build something enduring in a world obsessed with fast growth and quick exits?In this episode of What is Innovation?, Jared Simmons sits down with Shawn Nelson, CEO and founder of Lovesac, to explore the deeper layers of innovation in business, leadership, and life. From making beanbags in his parents' basement to running a public company approaching a billion in revenue, Shawn shares how clarity of purpose and long-term thinking can turn small product decisions into disruptive innovation.The conversation dives into how leaders can define their own innovation “domain,” why originality isn't a requirement for progress, and how the tension between ambition and patience can shape entire organizations. Shawn also unpacks the real cost of growth — from taking outside capital to making tough calls on talent and timing.If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the pressure to “do something new,” this episode offers a grounding and practical lens for building, inventing, and innovating — one step (and one season) at a time.Guest Bio:Shawn Nelson is the founder and CEO of Lovesac, a public company known for its patented, high-performance modular furniture. A product designer, entrepreneur, and TV personality, Shawn holds a master's in Strategic Design and Management and teaches at Parsons, The New School for Design. His recent book and podcast, Let Me Save You 25 Years, distills lessons from his two-decade journey scaling Lovesac from startup to publicly traded brand.What You'll Learn:Why innovation can be organizationally specific — and why that mattersHow to balance quarterly demands with long-term vision as a public companyWhy originality is overrated, and domain clarity is crucialWhat “patient ambition” looks like in real leadershipHow to use purpose to attract talent and guide product innovationHighlighted Insight:“Innovation doesn't have to be original. It just has to be new to you, your team, or your company. And it has to move you forward.”Quote to Remember:“Maintain top ambition with infinite patience. That's the hardest part and the secret to building something real.”Resources & Links:Let Me Save You 25 Years (book + podcast)Lovesac – Modular furniture with a missionAbout the Host:Jared Simmons is the Founder and Principal of OUTLAST Consulting, a boutique firm helping organizations unlock innovation through intentional action. With leadership experience at Procter & Gamble, McKinsey & Company, and Coca-Cola, Jared blends corporate strategy with entrepreneurial thinking to help clients innovate on their own terms.

When most people think about innovation, law firms don't usually come to mind; Zack Oliva is working to change that. In this episode, Jared Simmons talks with Zack, Managing Partner at Oliva Gibbs and founder of Oliva Partners Management, about how innovation in professional services isn't always about new technology or radical inventions. Sometimes, it starts with running things a little differently.Zack shares how treating his law firm like a business--with a clear strategy, leadership team, defined culture, and coaching-based development--has positioned it as a forward-thinking force in the energy sector. He also offers a candid look at the promise and pitfalls of AI in the legal field, what spreadsheets and digital courthouses have done for the oil and gas industry, and why innovation starts with a willingness to embrace uncertainty without fear.The episode also explores deeper themes: the emotional intelligence required for entrepreneurial leadership, the fine line between risk and danger, and how reframing tough decisions can make innovation more accessible. If you've ever wrestled with fear-based decision-making or wondered what innovation looks like outside of tech startups, this episode is for you.Chapters:00:00 — Introduction to Zack Oliva01:19 — Redefining innovation: invention vs. improvement02:45 — Running a law firm like a business04:28 — AI in law: ethics, risks, and opportunities06:26 — Operational innovation in legal services09:28 — Innovation in oil and gas data & drilling13:31 — Why the energy sector demands constant innovation14:24 — Avoiding bureaucracy and staying nimble15:37 — Innovation ≠ decisions made in fear17:47 — Reframing risk: uncertainty vs. danger20:50 — The “go get the bread” metaphor for risk-taking22:06 — Balancing risk with reputation in law24:25 — Managing ego and team-based decision-making25:34 — Advice for innovators: trust your gut and your peopleAbout the Guest:Zack Oliva is the Managing Partner of Oliva Gibbs LLP, a firm known for its deep expertise in the energy sector. He also leads Oliva Partners Management, a long-only value investment fund for high-net-worth families. With a reputation for bridging legal strategy and business operations, Zack brings a unique perspective to innovation in both professional services and capital markets. He is also a passionate mentor and lifelong learner (and Jiu Jitsu practitioner).About the Host:Jared Simmons is the Founder and Principal of OUTLAST Consulting, a boutique firm helping organizations unlock innovation through intentional action. With leadership experience at Procter & Gamble, McKinsey & Company, and Coca-Cola, Jared blends corporate strategy with entrepreneurial thinking to help clients innovate on their own terms.

Innovation isn't just new. It's radical — and when we treat it like a minor update or a clever tweak, we undermine its potential. In this episode, Jared Simmons speaks with Stefan F. Dieffenbacher, founder of Digital Leadership AG and author of How to Create Innovation, to challenge the status quo around innovation strategy and execution.With experience leading major transformation projects for companies like Amazon, BMW, and Google, Stefan outlines how most organizations fail by mislabeling incremental improvements as innovation — and by applying the same tools and processes across all types of change. He explains why innovation requires its own distinct mindset, resource model, and methodology, and how most companies neglect the “accelerator” side of innovation, leading to promising ideas being crushed by their own systems.This episode explores topics like the Three Horizons of Growth, how to structure incubators and accelerators, and how applying engineering principles to innovation can drastically reduce the failure rate. Stefan also shares insights from his global community of 60+ contributors, whose work has culminated in the most comprehensive innovation framework currently available.If you're looking to better understand what makes innovation succeed — and why so many companies get it wrong — this conversation offers clear, actionable insights rooted in years of hands-on experience and research.Chapters:00:00 — Introduction to Stefan F. Dieffenbacher01:00 — Innovation, transformation, and radical change02:13 — Why “new to us” is not innovation04:13 — Aligning methods with the type of innovation06:45 — Incubators vs. accelerators09:59 — The danger of putting $1M ideas in $1B portfolios11:28 — When a business is ready to integrate innovation12:29 — What happens when we mislabel change as innovation13:22 — Why most innovations fail — and how to change that16:10 — Innovation as an engineering discipline18:49 — Underinvestment and innovation's ROI potential22:05 — Integration > excellence in individual domains25:14 — Is innovation an industry or a project type?27:04 — Focus innovation where you differentiate29:54 — Why finance probably isn't the place to innovate31:45 — Advice for innovators and free access to toolsResources Mentioned:➤ How to Create Innovation (book + open source toolkit)About the Guest:Stefan F. Dieffenbacher is the founder of Digital Leadership AG and lead author of How to Create Innovation. With more than 20 large-scale innovation and transformation projects under his belt, Stefan helps global organizations mature their innovation capabilities and drive strategic growth. His open-source innovation platform has reached over 100,000 users worldwide.About the Host:Jared Simmons is the Founder and Principal of OUTLAST Consulting, a boutique firm helping organizations unlock innovation through intentional action. With leadership experience at Procter & Gamble, McKinsey & Company, and Coca-Cola, Jared blends corporate strategy with entrepreneurial thinking to help clients innovate on their own terms.

Title: Innovation is delivering something exceptional (with Jeremy Kourdi)Description:What separates innovation from imitation? In this episode, Jared Simmons talks with business author, coach, and entrepreneur Jeremy Kourdi about how innovation creates both impact and long-term value, and why originality and authenticity matter more than ever.Jeremy shares lessons from NASA, Amazon, and even sport, while unpacking his view that innovation requires both visionary thinking and the discipline to follow through.About Jeremy Kourdi:Jeremy Kourdi is an executive coach, business writer, and co-founder of Expert Leader, an AI-powered leadership development platform. A former SVP at The Economist and Managing Director with Duke Corporate Education, Jeremy has written or co-authored 29 books translated into 17 languages. His latest title, 50 Ideas That Changed the World of Work, is out now from Pegasus Books.About Jared SimmonsJared Simmons is the Founder and Principal of OUTLAST Consulting, a boutique firm helping organizations unlock innovation through intentional action. With leadership experience at Procter & Gamble, McKinsey & Company, and Coca-Cola, Jared blends corporate strategy with entrepreneurial thinking to help clients innovate on their own terms.Chapters:00:00 — Introduction to Jeremy Kourdi01:26 — What is innovation? Jeremy's definition04:35 — The difference between value and impact07:35 — Innovation in sport: originality vs. reapplication09:59 — Authenticity and creativity in innovation12:00 — Innovation as a moment of achievement15:07 — Innovation requires vision and execution18:45 — Bezos, long-term thinking, and value19:56 — How innovation shaped Jeremy's career23:15 — The Gary Flandro/NASA story25:00 — Predicting vs. creating the future28:29 — Advice for innovators: vision, priorities, ethnography32:55 — Innovation starts with asking the right questions

What if innovation isn't about having the best idea — but about letting go of the need to be right?In this episode, Jared Simmons talks with entrepreneurial coach, author, and facilitator David Greer about the power of thinking differently and acting differently. They explore the critical role belief systems, fear of success, and perfectionism play in holding back innovation — and why real innovators treat life like an ongoing experiment.If you're an entrepreneur, executive, or innovator stuck between ideas and action, this conversation offers simple, powerful ways to move forward.About David Greer:David Greer is an entrepreneurial coach, author of Wind In Your Sails, and a catalyst for business transformation. He specializes in working with entrepreneurs facing challenges — offering coaching rooted in action, growth, and personal transformation.Episode Guide:00:00 — Introduction: Meet David Greer01:10 — Innovation is any new way of thinking or doing03:19 — Innovating through business processes07:42 — Show, don't tell: Why demonstrations matter10:55 — The hidden beliefs that block innovation13:00 — Why failure is part of real innovation15:15 — Getting unattached to the outcome18:21 — Efficiency culture vs. creativity culture21:32 — How environment fuels or stifles innovation23:44 — Learning from different industries24:41 — Finding simple solutions to complex problems26:38 — Advice for innovators: Take one step this week28:40 — How to connect with David GreerMore about DavidDavid J. Greer is an entrepreneurial coach, author, andfacilitator. He is the catalyst who gets you to fully live your dreams now. Spend one hour reading his book Wind In Your Sails, attend a one hour talk with him, or get one hour of 1-to-1 coaching and you will have 3 concrete action items that will shift and accelerate your business within 90 days. David specializes in working with entrepreneurs challenged with alcoholism or addiction. He and his wife Karalee are committed to each other and their three children, spending time supporting them in the many and varied activities they are involved with. They live in Vancouver, Canada.About the Host:Jared Simmons is the founder of OUTLAST Consulting and the host of What is Innovation? After building a career at Procter & Gamble, McKinsey & Company, and The Coca-Cola Company, Jared now helps organizations and individuals unlock their potential through innovation and intentional action. He's passionate about making innovation practical, personal, and accessible — whatever that means for you.

Join us on "What is Innovation?" as we explore the true meaning of innovation with Kris Forrest, Co-Founder and CEO of C&D Tools USA. From his background in the intelligence community to leading an American manufacturing company, Kris shares insights on how innovation can be about improving existing ideas rather than just creating new ones.Discover how his unique journey shapes his vision of innovation.------------------------------------------------------------Episode Guide:0:00 - Intro1:05 - What is Innovation1:40 - Improvement over Newness3:39 - Behind C&D Tools5:11 - Design Choices and Engineering Challenges8:14 - Supply Chain Innovation10:!9 - Balancing Cost and Quality and Innovation13: 43 - Overcoming Industry Skepticism21:19 - Advice for Innovators------------------------------------------------------------Kris spent nearly 16 years working for Uncle Sam, four as a young Marine and the rest in various capacities, including the intelligence community and as a Diplomat with the State  Department. He has thwarted warlords and worked on critical issues across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.Kris is the Co-Founder and CEO of C&D Tools USA, an American manufacturing company, where he leads go-to-market strategy and focuses on developing client and partner relationships.More about our guest:LinkedIn: Kris ForrestCompany: C&D Tools USAOUTLAST Consulting offers professional development and strategic advisory services in the areas of innovation and diversity management#americanmanufacturing #entrepreneurship #supplychain #WIIP

Join us as we explore the essence of innovation with Dave Martin, founder of 280 Capital Partners. From Silicon Valley's most groundbreaking technologies to the leadership qualities that drive innovation, discover how to transform your business and stay ahead in a rapidly changing world.------------------------------------------------------------Episode Guide:0:00 - Intro0:47 - What is Innovation?1:15 - Recipe for Innovation2:41 - IBM's Innovation Legacy3:47 - Leadership in Innovation4:10 - Entrepreneurship and Innovation6:48 - Intel's Microprocessor Revolution10:28 - Apple's iPhone Innovation12:44 - Amazon's Retail Revolution14:10 - AI and Future Innovation27:49 - Government and Innovation32:00 - Advice for Innovators------------------------------------------------------------Dave Martin, founder and managing director of 280 Capital Partners, is a Silicon Valley entrepreneur. He has been CEO Leader of four information technology (IT) companies and a strategic advisor and/or executive chairman for dozens of other IT companies, where he coached hundreds of CEOs, executive leaders, and members of the board of directors. His coaching focuses on how to apply more effective thinking to a company's leadership and strategic direction. He has coached in the same capacity as an officer or board member for non-profit industry associations and educational institutions. He received a BSE degree from Princeton University, where he also started and lettered on the varsity football and baseball teams. It was as a freshman at Princeton that he first developed the MegaCept thinking process. After graduating, he joined IBM, where he became knowledgeable in computer science and began his career in IT. Davie has led or advised many technology companies. More about our guest:LinkedIn: Dave MartinCompany: 280 Capital PartnersBook: Mega ThinkingOUTLAST Consulting offers professional development and strategic advisory services in the areas of innovation and diversity management

Innovation: A way of thinking about the worldIs your company's culture stifling innovation? Dr. Laura Hamill, organizational psychologist and author of "The Power of Culture," argues that innovation is fundamentally about mindset."Innovation is a mindset. It's a way of thinking about the world," says Dr. Hamill. She emphasizes the importance of creating a culture where people feel encouraged to innovate, think differently, and connect dots.How can leaders foster a culture of innovation in their organizations?------------------------------------------------------------Episode Guide:0:00 - Intro0:56 - What is Innovation?2:55 - Innovation Beyond Technology5:39 - Culture, Mindset, and Success6:58 - Shared Mindset and Challenges in Startup Cultures9:09 - Experience with an Insurance Company10:51 - Book: The Power of Culture15:28 - National Association of Corporate Directors' position paper on culture23:04 - Familiarity Bias26:30 - Openness and Curiosity in Career Growth31:48 - Advice for Innovators------------------------------------------------------------Dr. Laura Hamill is an organizational psychologist and business leader, focusing on the intersection of science and HR. Laura is an expert on creating great places to work and is the owner of Paris Phoenix Group, a consulting firm specializing in forming and transforming culture. Previously, Laura worked at Microsoft and was a co-founder of Limeade. Laura has written a book called The Power of Culture with The Economist.More about our guest:Dr. Laura HamillCompany: Paris Phoenix GroupBook: The Power of CultureOUTLAST Consulting offers professional development and strategic advisory services in the areas of innovation and diversity management

Innovation isn't just about having ideas—it's about getting them done. As Duncan Wardle, former Head of Innovation and Creativity at Disney, says: "I define creativity as the ability to have an idea. We can all do that. But I genuinely believe everybody is creative, and I define innovation as the ability to get it done."In his new book, "The Imagination Emporium: Creative Recipes for Innovation," Duncan distills his experience into a practical guide to getting things done--and having fun doing it.How can your organization foster a culture of innovation that turns ideas into reality?------------------------------------------------------------Episode Guide:0:52 - What is Innovation?0:17 - Challenges in Fostering Innovation: Innovate or Die2:26 - Four Models of Innovation at Disney03:44 - Creating a Culture of Innovation: Imagination and Training programs05:22 - "Yes, and" vs "No, because" Exercise08:34 - Learning Styles and Innovation14:21 - Resourcefulness and Creativity16:02 - The "Whys" and Death of Curiosity by Education18:07 - Understanding Gen Z's Purpose-Driven Mindset21:41 - Reverse-Thinking Innovation  25:21 - The Power of "What If" in Innovation30:31 - "The future of education is Gaming"31:14 - Advice for future Innovators------------------------------------------------------------As the former Head of Innovation and Creativity at Disney, Duncan Wardle played a pivotal role in fostering innovation across Imagineering, Lucasfilm, Marvel, Pixar, and Disney Parks, crafting enchanting new storylines and experiences. Now, in his forthcoming book, The Imagination Emporium: Creative Recipes for Innovation, Duncan shares his extensive expertise to make innovation accessible to all, demystify creativity for those uncomfortable with ambiguity, and infuse the process with joy and excitement.More about our guest:Duncan WardleBook: The Imagination Emporium: Creative Recipes for InnovationOUTLAST Consulting offers professional development and strategic advisory services in the areas of innovation and diversity management

Innovation is evolving - are you? In a recent conversation with Pam Buchanan, founder of Quantum Sense, we explored the deeper dimensions of innovation. Pam challenges us to think beyond products and technologies, emphasizing that true innovation starts at the soul level. "Innovation is about evolving yourself, evolving your environment, and evolving the world," says Buchanan. She argues that by focusing on soul health and creating positive, love-based environments, we can unlock unprecedented levels of creativity and innovation. How are you fostering a culture of soul-driven innovation in your organization?------------------------------------------------------------Episode Guide:0:00 - Intro0:53 - What is Innovation?3:21 - Love-based vs Fear-based Innovation6:15 - Innovation as Living and Evolving11:21 - Elon Musk and Connectedness in Innovation14:51 - Geographic Distribution and Innovation18:33 - Creating Optimal Environments for Innovation21:23 - Soul Health and Innovation25:05 - Soul-driven vs. Intellect-driven Innovation29:43 - Advice for Innovators------------------------------------------------------------Pam Buchanan, the founder of Quantum Sense, stands at the intersection of corporate prowess and soulful innovation. With over 40 years of experience in corporate America, including pivotal roles at Nasdaq where she worked closely with tech titans like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, Pam brings extensive experience to the table.    Her journey to Quantum Sense began with a profound assertion: that the modern world is missing a focus on a very vital contributor to success, Soul Health.  Pam has developed programs tailored for companies that are proven to enhance employee well-being, reduce anxiety, and boost creativity, ultimately fostering a more satisfying work-life balance. Covering topics from neuro-aesthetics to sound engineering, Pam explores how these can be used to benefit the soul from the outside in, through the gateway of the senses.   More about our guest:Pam BuchananCompany: Quantum SenseOUTLAST Consulting offers professional development and strategic advisory services in the areas of innovation and diversity management

Innovation: Driving Better Outcomes or Reinforcing the Status Quo? In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, true innovation is more crucial than ever. But what separates genuine innovation from mere change? David Sinkinson, co-founder of AppArmor and author of "Startup Different," offers a thought-provoking perspective: "Innovation is not changes that reinforce the status quo. It's about doing something differently with better outcomes." How can leaders ensure their initiatives truly innovate rather than simply maintain the current state? Are your organization's "innovations" creating value or just shifting it? ------------------------------------------------------------Episode Guide:0:00 - Intro0:59 - What is Innovation?4:25 - Importance of being mission-driven8:43 - Data-driven innovation14:18 - What isn't innovation?19:27 - Innovation's impact on career24:49 - Advice for innovators------------------------------------------------------------Brothers David Sinkinson and Chris Sinkinson are proven SaaS entrepreneurs. Their bootstrapped startup, AppArmor, helped keep people safer with innovative mobile apps and emergency notification solutions for individuals across the globe. In February of 2022, their company was acquired by US competitor Rave Mobile Safety for tens of millions of dollars. Later in 2022, Rave and AppArmor were acquired for over $550 Million by Motorola Solutions. Now Dave and Chris have launched Startup Different - a book and podcast to help show you that there's another, better way to build your business. Startup Different debunks startup myths, tackles some of the toughest challenges and gives you the tools to build your business. These down-to-earth founders prove making a successful startup has little to do with unicorns or ten-baggers and instead focuses on a proven, different method for startup success.More about our guest:David SinkinsonPodcast: Startup DifferentBook: Startup DifferentOUTLAST Consulting offers professional development and strategic advisory services in the areas of innovation and diversity management

Join us in a profound discussion with Rani Al Hajji, a trailblazer in the FMCG sector with over 25 years of experience at leading companies like L'Oréal and Colgate. Rani shares his unique insights on turning complex technologies into consumer-friendly solutions that not only innovate but resonate widely."Innovation has 4 criteria: it has to be new, it has to bring a positive dimension to people. It has to be easily understood, and it has to make commercial sense ." - Rani Al Hajji------------------------------------------------------------Episode Guide:0:00 - Intro0:51 - What is Innovation?5:05 - Consumer Needs in Fast Moving Consumer Goods Industry8:47 - Sustainability in Innovation Processes10:00 - Balancing Product and Brand Innovation14:50  - Leadership Style and Innovation18:50 - Navigating Market and Consumer Dynamics26:18 - New Environments and Trust-Building27:05 - Advice for future innovators------------------------------------------------------------Rani Al Hajji is a seasoned global executive with over 25 years of experience in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry. Having held key roles in renowned companies like L'Oréal and Colgate, Rani has spearheaded innovation and commercial strategies across Europe, North America, and Asia (including notable work in China). His extensive career has been dedicated to transforming cutting-edge R&D and tech innovations into consumer-friendly, marketable solutions that resonate with diverse audiences.  More about our guest:Rani Al HajjiCompany (Firm): We Don't Need RoadsOUTLAST Consulting offers professional development and strategic advisory services in the areas of innovation and diversity management

Purandar Das, a two-time CTO and the current CEO of a leading data protection company, shares his insights on redefining innovation in the tech world:"Innovation is creating a new process, a new product, or a new approach to doing something better—solving a problem that's not been solved before." - Purandar Das------------------------------------------------------------Episode Guide:0:00 - Intro0:56 - What is Innovation?2:30- The Role of Mobile Technology in Innovation  3:19- From Physical Media to Streaming: A Case Study  9:53 -  What Isn't innovation?11:25 - Innovation, Optimization and AI13:57- Innovation in Cybersecurity14:31 - Data security innovation and ransomware protection20:03 - Evolution of data protection and data governance23:45 - Advice for future innovators------------------------------------------------------------Purandar has been a 2x CTO of 2 of the largest marketing services companies & is now the CEO of one of the leading data protection companies; Sotero. Purandar went from Collecting & monetizing personal data to protecting personal data. He made the transition because he was very concerned about the security products on the market & decided they needed a new approach.More about our guest:Purandar DasCompany: SoteroOUTLAST Consulting offers professional development and strategic advisory services in the areas of innovation and diversity management

In a world where the term 'innovation' risks becoming a buzzword, understanding its true essence is crucial. Joia Spooner-Fleming, a seasoned innovation executive with a decades-long track record of developing people and products at Procter & Gamble, joins the show to discuss what innovation looks like in practice.Throughout the process of transforming ideas into value, it's critical to distinguish invention from innovation. Joia emphasizes that true innovation requires a solution that is not only novel but also significantly improves upon existing alternatives.------------------------------------------------------------Episode Guide:0:00 - Intro0:57 - What is Innovation?2:48 - Market's Feedback Loop4:53 - Decision Making Process6:18 - What isn't innovation?8:11 - Human Curiosity and Solution9:41 - Organizational Innovation10:32 - Holistic Innovation Strategy14:43 - Sustainability Innovation17:31 - Innovation in Life25:00 - Advice to Innovators------------------------------------------------------------Joia Spooner-Fleming is an innovation executive and independent consultant, after a 22 year successful career with P&G.  Most recently she was R&D VP for Gillette.  Joia has a proven track record of transformational innovation leadership and results.  She is adept at partnering with leaders across the business to build unified strategies that capitalize on emerging trends and grow brands. Joia excels at building innovation organizations. She holds a chemical engineering degree from MIT.  Outside her professional life, Joia is a voracious reader, devoted mother of two children, and loves walking with her dog.More about our guest:Joia Spooner-FlemingOUTLAST Consulting offers professional development and strategic advisory services in the areas of innovation and diversity management

Join us this week for a conversation with Shanil Ebrahim, Partner and National Life Sciences & Healthcare Consulting Leader at Deloitte Canada! We challenge the common misconception that innovation requires constant efficiency. Shanil shares why some "wasted work" is inevitable, and even essential, for groundbreaking ideas.------------------------------------------------------------Episode Guide:0:00 - Intro0:42 - What is Innovation?2:20 - Technology in Innovation3:55 - Innovation: Solving Problems4:51 - Not (inherently) efficient7:12 - Innovation, Efficiency, and Problem-Solving10:40 - Internal usage of innovation processes13:47 - What isn't Innovation?17:09 - Dangers of Gen AI20:26 - New Technology, New Hype, Wrong Implementation22:38 - Advice to Innovators------------------------------------------------------------Shanil Ebrahim is a Partner and the National Life Sciences and Healthcare Consulting Leader at Deloitte Canada. He is a senior advisor for clients in the healthcare, pharmaceutical, and retail and special pharmacy sectors, and has supported a diverse set of public and private stakeholders in innovation-based business transformations and technology implementations. Shanil held roles as a Clinical Epidemiologist, Faculty Member and Researcher, and also serves as a Board Director in multiple non-profit organizations focused on vulnerable patient populations.More about our guest:Shanil EbrahimCompany: Deloitte CanadaOUTLAST Consulting offers professional development and strategic advisory services in the areas of innovation and diversity management

This conversation with Collin Graves, CEO of North Labs, revolves around simplifying complex processes, removing technical debt, and streamlining workflows to increase efficiency and productivity. Jared and Collin also discuss the challenges of managing technical debt in complex systems and the importance of a slow and steady approach to AI adoption.------------------------------------------------------------Episode Guide:0:00 - Intro0:43 - What is Innovation?2:28 - Impact of Simplification in Tech5:23 - Consequences of Adding Complexity9:47 - What is Technical Debt?11:12 - Technical Debt, Healthcare, and AI12:20 - North Labs Technical Debt and Innovation15:54 - Downstream and Future Potential Implications18:13 - Simplification, ROI, and Innovation23:19 - Generative AI adoption and data quality26:18 - AI nuances and ethics in business30:27 - Gen AI is not intelligence34:18 - Advice to Innovators------------------------------------------------------------Collin Graves is the visionary leader and CEO of North Labs, a leading fractional cloud data analytics firm empowering growing companies with data-driven strategies. Under his leadership, Collin has propelled over 1,000 organizations towards transformative success. Before founding North Labs, he served with distinction in NATO Special Operations during his tenure with the US Air Force.More about our guest:Collin GravesCompany: North LabsOUTLAST Consulting offers professional development and strategic advisory services in the areas of innovation and diversity management

Host Jared Simmons talks with Tatsuya Nakagawa, Co-Founder and CEO of Castagra Products. Tatsuya offers a unique take: "For me, innovation is value creation towards some sort of goal or aim." This reflection springs from the story of his junior high school decision about whether to alter his name to overcome social barriers, highlighting how innovation is woven into the human experience.------------------------------------------------------------Tatsuya Nakagawa is the Co-Founder and CEO of Castagra Products, a sustainable roof coating manufacturing company. Castagra's Ecodur Roof Coating was voted top "Greenvention" by the reality show Dragons' Den. Over the past 20 years, Tats has launched hundreds of products and services, co-authored the book Overcoming Inventoritis: The Silent Killer of Innovation (forward by Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple), and spoken to a variety of industry groups including: Chartered Accounts of Canada, Canadian Bar Association, The American Chamber of Commerce, and The International Internet Marketing Association. He's also written articles for Fast Company, Construction Today, and Industry Week, and has been quoted on CBS News, Global TV, CBC, The Globe and Mail, and BC Business. Tats is the host of the popular C-Suite Network podcast, Specified Growth Podcast. The podcast features interviews with leaders who have overcome adversity, built massive organizations, and made a positive change in the building materials and coatings industry. He also hosts a LinkedIn Live series, Roofer Reflections, where he interviews roofing professionals about their experiences in the industry.More about our guest:Tatsuya NakagawaCompany: Castagra ProductsBook Co-authored:  Overcoming Inventoritis: The Silent Killer of InnovationTat's Podcast: Specified Growth Podcast------------------------------------------------------------Episode Guide:0:00 - Intro0:42 - What is Innovation?3:14 - Role of Identity in Innovation6:28 - Reducing Friction on Identity11:39 - Importance of Curiosity and Experimentation13:04 - Finding Mentors15:47 - Sports Analogies and Innovation21:37 - Music, Sports, Business, and Performance28:20 - Overcoming Challenges and Learning from Failures33:42 - Reflections on Career and Adaptation--------------------------OUTLAST Consulting offers professional development and strategic advisory services in the areas of innovation and diversity management

Join us on "What is Innovation?" where Jared Simmons discusses what it takes to generate game-changing ideas with Dr. Craig Detweiler, President of Wedgwood Circle and Dean of the College of Arts and Media at Grand Canyon University. Dr. Detweiler shares his insights on innovation: "Innovation is all about changing the game. It shifts the paradigm in ideas, culture, and products, introducing something we haven't seen before."------------------------------------------------------------Dr Craig Detweiler is the president and CEO of Wedgwood Circle, a philanthropic investment collective funding creative projects of meaning. He is also dean of the College of Arts and Media at Grand Canyon University. In recent years, Dr. Detweiler has worked in various roles within academia, including professor of communications at Pepperdine University, associate professor and chair of the mass communication department at Biola University, and director of the Reel Spiritual Institute at Fuller Seminary. His cultural commentary has appeared on Nightline, CNN, NPR, the New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal. His award-winning documentaries include Remand (narrated by Angela Bassett), Purple State of Mind, and unCommon Sounds. In 2016, he was named Variety's Mentor of the Year, and for years he has blogged at Patheos as “Doc Hollywood.”More about our guest:Craig DetweilerBook: Honest Creativity: The Foundations of Boundless, Good, and Inspired InnovationCompany: Wedgwood Circle------------------------------------------------------------Episode Guide:0:00 - Intro0:49 - What is Innovation?1:22 - Shifting the paradigm5:09 - Book: Honest Creativity10:37 - Creativity, empathy, and entrepreneurship12:10 - Perceiving and Receiving16:45 - Entrepreneurship, purpose, and innovation21:46 - Purpose: what it entails  23:27 - Innovation, purpose, and creativity with an entrepreneur27:21 - Advice to Innovators--------------------------OUTLAST Consulting offers professional development and strategic advisory services in the areas of innovation and diversity management

In this episode, Jared chats with Louis Gump, author of "The Inside Innovator: A Practical Guide to Intrapreneurship." In addition to intrapreneurship, they discuss the evolution of innovation, emphasizing the importance of recognizing past achievements and learning from them to inform modern technologies like AI, LLM, and GPTs.------------------------------------------------------------Episode Guide:0:00 - Intro0:50 - What is Innovation?2:46 - The past, future, and innovation5:18 - Cycles and positive results between innovations7:36 - Intrapreneurship vs Entrepreneurship10:28 - Intrapreneurship and company education15:16 - Responsibilities in Intrapreneurship17:21 - Intrapreneurship and innovation in various industries21:29 - Intrapreneurship and innovation in business23:17 - Creating: The Inside Innovator: A Practical Guide to Intrapreneurship25:10 - Intrapreneurship, self-knowledge, and recognizing opportunities in organizations31:32 - Innovation, optimism, and teamwork33:41 - Advice to Innovators------------------------------------------------------------Louis K. Gump is a business builder, transformational leader, and pragmatic optimist. He has worked with some of the most recognized companies in the world, developing talented teams and achieving remarkable success for growth businesses. He has done this from multiple perspectives: as an intrapreneur within large corporations, as CEO and entrepreneur within smaller companies, and in strategic industry leadership roles. Gump is president of Cambian Solutions, which focuses on excellence in innovation, business growth, and team performance. Earlier in his career, he presided over award-winning mobile businesses at The Weather Channel and CNN. More recently, he has served as CEO of two digital media firms and led Cox Media, the advertising division of Cox Communications, the third largest cable provider in the US. Gump has also held leadership roles in a wide range of industry and community organizations, including ten years on the board of the Mobile Marketing Association, where he served as global chairman. He earned an MBA from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business and a BA from Duke University. He is the author of the forthcoming business book, The Inside Innovator: A Practical Guide to Intrapreneurship (Fast Company Press; March 12, 2024), which will help readers achieve more, build stronger relationships, and increase personal fulfillment through intrapreneurship. While many books have been written for entrepreneurs and C-suite executives, there have been few books focused on the intrapreneurs inside larger organizations, and Gump's guidebook brilliantly fills that gap. More about our guest:Louis GumpBook: The Inside Innovator: A Practical Guide to Intrapreneurship OUTLAST Consulting offers professional development and strategic advisory services in the areas of innovation and diversity management

Nick Jain, CEO of IdeaScale, joins Jared this week to discuss innovation as a process, including how to cultivate a dynamic culture that fosters continuous improvement and the development of new methodologies.------------------------------------------------------------Episode Guide:0:00 - Intro0:46 - What is Innovation?1:34 - Generative AI and Large Language Models3:55 - Breaking down 'Organic Process'6:00 - Innovation of GPS7:55 - Innovation, Risk Management and Incentives, and the Importance of Failure9:27 - Framing Perspectives on Success11:33 - Time horizons and processes15:48 - IdeaScale18:30 - What isn't Innovation?23:16 - Luck vs Skill25:15 - Advice for Innovators------------------------------------------------------------Nick Jain is the CEO of IdeaScale, the definitive innovation software company. IdeaScale helps major organizations such as Comcast & state/federal governments innovate faster and better. As a repeat CEO with a proven track record, Nick has also previously led companies in the trucking and men's shoe spaces. Nick graduated at the top of his class from Harvard Business School and holds a theoretical mathematics and physics degree from Dartmouth. He grew up in a mix of Canada and India and currently lives in Philadelphia with his wife and two cats, Daisy and Dahlia. Nick enjoys running, rowing, and playing poker in his spare time.More about our guest:Nick JainCompany: IdeaScaleOUTLAST Consulting offers professional development and strategic advisory services in the areas of innovation and diversity management

Innovations that deliver true value to customers are novel and sustainable. This week, Jared is joined by Hunter Hastings, a thought leader blending economics, marketing, and innovation. Hunter defines innovation as "the creation of new economic value for an end user with a viable business proposition." They discuss the subjective nature of value, emphasizing the emotional and intangible aspects that resonate with customers. ------------------------------------------------------------Episode Guide:0:00 - Intro0:59 - What is Innovation?2:53 - New and Sustainable vs Unsustainable newness5:55 - Silicon Valley Innovation in 1990s - 2000s10:30 - Invention of Corporations and Managements13:27 - Partnerships and Aberrant Capitalism15:37 - Problem Management: Explore and Exploit17:23 - Digital Enablement and Human Energy20:40 - Innovation in Business Education23:35 - Talent Management and Team Science28:15 - System Theory: Emergence29:37 - Advice for Innovators------------------------------------------------------------Hunter Hastings is an economist who took up a career in corporate marketing and occupied the posts of Chief Marketing Officer in a global consumer products business, Chief Executive Officer in a Silicon Valley start-up enterprise, and Senior Partner in a global consulting company. He's been an advisor to several Fortune 500 clients in the area of customer motivation and service strategy. Hastings has been an adjunct professor at Hult International Business School, the largest global graduate business school, and is the author / co-author of seven books spanning business and economics, and several peer-reviewed economics papers. He holds a master's degree in economics from Cambridge University in the UK.More about our guest:Hunter HastingsBook: Aberrant Capitalism: The Decay and Revival of Customer Capitalism (Elements in Reinventing Capitalism)OUTLAST Consulting offers professional development and strategic advisory services in the areas of innovation and diversity managementSee whatisinnovationpodcast.com/episodes/ for more episodes on innovation

Dive into the world of innovation with Kevin Bailey, a celebrated product designer and expert in hardware market launches. With over three decades of industry leadership, Kevin has empowered over 1,000 entrepreneurs and global firms to transform ideas into tangible, successful products. His approach? Fusing individual talents in a dynamic team to craft uniquely valuable products. Join us in this compelling discussion and share your views: Which is key to innovation success—deep thought, teamwork, or focused opportunity?------------------------------------------------------------A passionate product designer and business executive, Kevin Bailey helps guide CEO's, start-ups, and established companies through the maze of product development to a successful, manufacturable physical product fast. After spending over 35 years in design, Kevin is an expert at assessing risk and opportunity when making the hundreds of decisions required to move a vision into a physical product the users will love. Since the late 1980's Kevin has been on the ground floor of global hardware product innovation, cutting his teeth with Bell Research Lab before moving to Nortel Networks where he worked on the first smartphone development. After founding Design 1st in 1996, Kevin has emerged as one of the most experienced in Canada at stickhandling product development from concept to design, engineering, manufacturing, and go-to market strategies.  As CEO and President of Design 1st, clients and staff rely on Kevin's strategic vision to guide funding, market entry and the full suite of development decisions. The company's results with new product development speaks for itself. More than 1,000 entrepreneurs, start-ups, and global corporations such as Ericsson, Motorola, Acer, Stanley Tools, and Christie Digital have brought product ideas to life under Kevin's guidance. Kevin is a Professional Engineer, Angel and VC Investor and one of Canada's leading experts at bringing new hardware products to market.Know more about her here:Kevin Bailey------------------------------------------------------------Episode Guide:0:54 - What is Innovation?2:55 - The Role of Teams in Innovation  6:58 - Examples of Effective Team Models11:24 - Balancing Competition and Collaboration18:07 - Facilitating Innovation in Teams26:09 - Distinction Between Useful Products and Business Viability29:00 - Constraints and Innovation32:28 - Advice for Innovators--------------------------OUTLAST Consulting offers professional development and strategic advisory services in the areas of innovation and diversity management

Niara Nicholas has led marketing and technical teams across globally recognized consumer product giants, including P&G, Johnson & Johnson, and Estee Lauder. Her leadership has been pivotal in pioneering novel commercial and product frameworks, strategically amplifying product reach and identifying lucrative growth avenues—both adjacent and forward-looking. Niara's mission is deeply entrenched in sharing her proficiency in consumer insights, marketing, innovation, and strategic foresight to empower brands in delivering enduring value to consumers and stakeholders alike. Her unwavering commitment lies in enabling brands to navigate the evolving landscape by marrying insight-driven strategies with a relentless pursuit of innovation.Know more about her here:Niara Nicholas------------------------------------------------------------Episode Guide:0:46 - What is Innovation?1:38 - What isn't Innovation?3:03 - Turning sparked invention to innovation5:27 - Missing link between innovation and invention7:27 - Identifying importance and understanding intersection8:48 - The beauty industry11:27 - The "N of one"14:55 - Brand attributes16:16 - Brand authenticity and innovation21:17 - Consumer perception and product development27:31 - Commitment and consumer communication29:23 - Advice to innovator--------------------------OUTLAST Consulting offers professional development and strategic advisory services in the areas of innovation and diversity management

This week,  delve into the world of innovation with us on “What is Innovation?” together with Janice Fraser, an innovation expert and author. Explore the challenges of intrapreneurship and entrepreneurship, including imposter syndrome, and uncover the pivotal roles of courage and confidence in venture funding.  More about our guest:Janice Fraser built a storied career in Silicon Valley as a startup founder, product manager, and confidante for entrepreneurs and enterprise executives alike. From creating the second-ever personal interface to the web in the early days of Netscape, to leading the world's first user experience firm, Janice has often found herself “sitting at the bleeding edge and making it boring” by figuring out how to make the latest evolutions repeatable, useful, and commonplace. Janice currently supports “VLOs” (very large organizations) including P&G in becoming more innovative and agile. She also guides several venture-funded startup companies, federal government entities, and non-profit organizations, helping them do more with less, make bold moves and achieve extraordinary results. She sits on the board of the Ohio University Entrepreneur Center and served on The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine workshop committee focused on the innovation ecosystem for NASA. Over the years, Janice has been a guest lecturer at Harvard Business School, Berkeley HAAS School of Business, Kellogg School of Management, and Stanford, among others. Drawing on her almost three decades of coaching hundreds of leaders and teams to achieve success, Janice is a sought-after speaker offering audiences around the world the opportunity to learn from her experiences and sharpen their leadership skills, build stronger teams, make meaningful progress quickly, and drive business transformation. Her exuberant big-stage keynotes and practical, empathetic brown-bag talks have become cult favorites. She is the coauthor of Farther, Faster, and Far Less Drama: How to Reduce Stress and Make Extraordinary Progress Wherever You Lead (April 2023), which outlines a groundbreaking framework for modern leadership that empowers greater alignment and quicker decision-making.Know more about him here:Janice FraserBook: Farther, Faster, and Far Less Drama: How to Reduce Stress and Make Extraordinary Progress Wherever You Lead------------------------------------------------------------Episode Guide:0:54 - What is Innovation?3:39 - Intentionality and routinization5:08 - Progress and taking space7:33 - Detrimental aggressive optimism11:59 - Teaching, impassioned optimism, and the business bestseller lists14:26 - Statistical data, capital control, and disruptive innovation19:02 - Disruptive (authentic) innovation22:49 - Early Innovation adopters and the bell curve26:26 - Mutual problem between intrapreneurship and entrepreneurship journey 29:53 - Courage, Confidence, Imposter Syndrome, and venture funding32:09 - Enacting courage  26:14 - Book:  farther, faster, and far less drama by Janice Fraser39:06 - Advice to Innovators--------------------------OUTLAST Consulting offers professional development and strategic advisory services in the areas of innovation and diversity management

More about our guest:Peter Compo is the author of “The Emergent Approach to Strategy: Adaptive Design & Execution.” Unlike many strategy authors from universities and consulting firms, Compo's professional experience was spent working in the “corporate trenches” at E. I. DuPont. Hired as a research scientist, he held leadership positions in product management, marketing, supply chain, business management, and integrated business planning. He left DuPont after 25 years to work full-time on developing the Emergent Approach.Dr. Compo hails from a multi-generational family of musicians. However, he went on to earn a Ph.D. in chemical engineering from the City University of New York before joining DuPont. His mission is to create a new level of clarity on strategy theory and practice to enable organizations in any domain to innovate and achieve their aspirations.Know more about him here:Peter CompoCompany: The Emergent Approach to Strategy: Adaptive Design & Execution------------------------------------------------------------Episode Guide:00:39 - What is Innovation?  4:00 - Evolution is Innovation4:54 - Process to Innovation vs innovation process  6:25 - Innovation direction in biology8:00 - Exploiting an Innovation Opportunity10:41 - Innovation, Evolution, and Business inspirations13:18 - Innovation and risk management in organizations16:58 - Practical Questions in Innovation19:38 - Answering the 5-10 year plan questions21:17 - Innovation, music, creativity, and cliches24:39 - Innovation, Jazz, and Discipline28:28 - South Americas' Mercado Libre34:02 - Consistency and alignment in group goals36:11 - Advice to Innovators--------------------------OUTLAST Consulting offers professional development and strategic advisory services in the areas of innovation and diversity management

More about our guest:Frederick Cary, a powerhouse entrepreneur and CEO of IdeaPros, a company that guides qualified entrepreneurs through the complexities and pitfalls of the startup world. With his entrepreneurial spirit, Fred started many businesses in different industries, created many successes, and acquired thousands of lessons along the way. His desire to give back to a community of like-minded eccentrics led him to create IdeaPros, the world's first super venture partner – a company that could roll up its experienced sleeves and provide every entrepreneur with the opportunity to see their vision become a real company with a real product. He also produces a weekly show for entrepreneurs that has been viewed by over 4 million people. As a Top 1% Business Professional, Who's Who in America, and top-ranked attorney for several years, Fred's personal brand can best be described as: “F *CK Average, Be Legendary.”Know more about him here:Frederick CaryCompany: IdeaPros------------------------------------------------------------Episode Guide:00:54 - What is Innovation?2:42 - Defining "personalized innovation"6:50 - Teaching innovation7:33 - Innovation: Changing perspectives through experiences10:15 - Making yourself obsolete and market competition15:15 - Road to Success: Being first in the market vs addressing the market19:07 - Innovation, Investors, Founders, and Changing the world22:07 - From revolutionary to evolutionary + breaking down company pitches23:44 - Influencing pitches and investing  25:42 - Company comparisons: Being the X to the Y29:32 - Advice to innovators--------------------------OUTLAST Consulting offers professional development and strategic advisory services in the areas of innovation and diversity management.

More about our guest:Merrick Furst, Ph.D., is a Distinguished Professor and the Director of the Center for Deliberate Innovation (CDI) at Georgia Tech. In 2011, he founded Flashpoint, a first-of-its-kind deliberate innovation studio, to develop formative leaders and exceptional technology startups. Flashpoint was the thirty-sixth startup accelerator worldwide, very early in the development of business accelerators. Both at Flashpoint and at CDI, Furst works with hundreds of founders and innovators and is developing the discipline of Deliberate Innovation. To date, Furst has personally started eight start-ups. Furst has been teaching entrepreneurship in an innovative form since 2006. He was a professor and the President of the International Computer Science Institute at UC Berkeley, and previously, was a professor and Associate Dean in the School of Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon. He received his Ph.D. in Computer Science from Cornell University. Furst is known for seminal research in algorithms, complexity theory, and AI. He co-invented probabilistic circuit analysis and planning graphs, which are considered among the most influential breakthroughs in the field of AI planning.  Know more about him here:Dr. Merrick Furst------------------------------------------------------------Episode Guide:00:54 - What is Innovation?2:30 - Falling apart vs Continuous innovation3:18 - What makes a customer?4:33 - The puzzle of innovation and indifference dilemma9:03 - Getting Stuck and Unstuck: Only Yes situations13:49 - Innovation, education, and interdisciplinary knowledge17:11 - Creating "threads" in curriculum19:58 - Innovation, Daniel Kahneman's influence, and economics22:03 - Innovation, utility, and P&G  25:27 - Getting people to reassess28:38 - Drawing from personal experience on demand and supply31:13 - Advice for Innovators--------------------------OUTLAST Consulting offers professional development and strategic advisory services in the areas of innovation and diversity management.

Nik Forelich, the Founder and CEO of Saritasa, leverages two decades of experience in construction-related services to drive the innovative software solutions that empower businesses for exponential growth. He defines innovation as using technology to enhance businesses.More about our guest:With a strategic blend of business expertise, technical aptitude, and forward-thinking vision, Nik transitioned to establish Saritasa, embodying his dedication to a technology-driven future. Accompanied by a supportive partner and accomplished children, his journey exemplifies entrepreneurial excellence.Know more about her and her company here:Nik FroehlichCompany: Saritasa------------------------------------------------------------Episode Guide:0:50 - What is Innovation?2:43 - Using technology to innovate6:34 - Technology to create a business-innovative tool7:46 - 2 Kinds of Business Owners9:19 - Rundown on Categories for Business Innovation11:48 - Case example on Business Innovation13:56 - Customizing Solutions15:18 - Solving Problems with Nik: Closed and Open Systems18:10 - Impact of APIs19:47 - APIs and real-world application21:37 - Sara Tasa at work, relationships, and facing the challenges28:30 - What is not innovation?31:03 - Advice to innovators--------------------------OUTLAST Consulting offers professional development and strategic advisory services in the areas of innovation and diversity management.

Paul V. McEnroe, the engineer behind the ubiquitous Universal Product Code (UPC) barcode. Paul's definition centers around an open mind, technical capability, and teamwork. Hear the fascinating story of how the barcode transformed the retail category from the man who was there from the beginning and his advice on the value of patience, returning favors, and how we all can leave a lasting impact in the world of innovation. More about our guest:Paul McEnroe is best known for his primary role in developing the Universal Product Code (UPC), the barcode used on every product in supermarkets and the retail industry, and the scanners that read them. In 1974 he received the IBM SCD President's Award for the development of the Supermarket System including the Barcode “. . . from inception through shipment.” He was co-inventor of the handheld “pistol-grip” scanner that reads barcodes from a distance, developed the magnetic code for stock keeping unit (SKU) marking, and later managed the development of the Token Ring Local Area Network (LAN). In 1984 McEnroe became president of Trilogy Systems Corporation and developed other multi-chip technologies.Know more about her and her company here:Paul V. McEnroe (CalState)Book: The Barcode: How a Team Created One of the World's Most Ubiquitous Technologies------------------------------------------------------------Episode Guide:0:48 - What is Innovation?2:07 - Importance of bridging an open mind and the elements of science and technology  3:20 - Modern education and innovation4:44 - Importance of teamwork5:39 - What we now know as "barcode": the Universal Product Code (UPC)7:50 - IBM's role in the creation of UPC and NCRs11:13 - Working on Magnetic Strips for transit systems12:34 - The Store Loop and Token Ring14:52 - IBM, funding, problem-solving, and barcode scanning20:42 - Gene Amdahl and IBM System 36022:26 - Winchester Technology: The floppy disk23:44 - Patience and returning favors25:39 - Advice for Innovators and leaving impact--------------------------OUTLAST Consulting offers professional development and strategic advisory services in the areas of innovation and diversity management.

Gideon Kedem, Head of Valen Semiconductor's Automotive Business unit, discusses innovation's deep roots in our DNA and the need for effective management to ensure its impact.  He also shares his view on the different types of innovation beyond technology. Finally, Gideon offers his thoughts on technology's direction and emphasizes the importance of taking risks and managing the process. More about our guest:Gideon Kedem has led Valen Semiconductor's Automotive Business unit since 2020. He brings more than 30 years of experience in the semiconductor and EDA industries, with various roles at leading companies like Cadence, Intel, and Xilinx. Prior to joining Valens in 2020, Gideon managed sales and business development at Xilinx activities across EMEA, Israel and India, with revenue responsibilities exceeding $200M. He holds a B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering and an MBA, both from Tel Aviv University.Know more about her and her company here:Gideon Kedem------------------------------------------------------------Episode Guide:1:16 - What is Innovation?6:19 - Innovation perspectives7:28 - Innovation in Valens company11:53 - What isn't Innovation?15:08 - Intersection of innovation, technology, and art: MoMA17:46 - Advice to innovators--------------------------OUTLAST Consulting offers professional development and strategic advisory services in the areas of innovation and diversity management.

Chris Kocek, Founder and CEO of Gallant Branding defines innovation as a fresh perspective on the world and a novel way to frame questions. This conversation explores how perceptions shape innovation and delves into the synergy between qualitative and quantitative approaches in the insight-driven innovation space. More about our guest:His company, Gallant Branding, a creative branding firm in Austin, Texas focused on building brands for a better world.  Over the past 10 years, Gallant has helped dozens of companies with brand overhauls, new product launches, and data-driven campaigns, resulting in triple digit growth and national recognition.Prior to starting Gallant, Chris worked as a strategic planner at BBDO New York and GSD&M, developing nationally recognized campaigns for iconic brands and highly respected nonprofits, including AARP, Monster.com, Lowe's Home Improvement, Hyatt Hotels, Ace Hardware, John Deere, and The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. While he currently spends most of his time working closely with clients to help them tackle their biggest branding challenges, he is also a public speaker and frequent guest lecturer on strategy and insights at colleges around the country. His talks on creativity and innovation have been featured at strategic marketing symposiums as well as TEDxYouth@Austin.Know more about her and her company here:Chris KocekGallant BrandingChris' Personal BlogChris' X (formerly Twitter)------------------------------------------------------------Episode Guide:1:28 - What is Innovation?1:55 - Breaking down patterns5:19 - The problem of falling inlove with solutions7:41 - Authenticity vs Perfectionism10:14 - Missing the moment12:21 - The value chain15:13 - The napkin sketch commitment16:33 - What isn't innovation: innovation isn't creativity17:40 - Separating innovation and creativity21:29 - What keeps you busy?22:34 - Experiences that shaped the innovation approach26:12 - Advice to innovators--------------------------OUTLAST Consulting offers professional development and strategic advisory services in the areas of innovation and diversity management.

Discover the essence of innovation in a podcast with Natalie Born, an innovation facilitator, consultant, author, and keynote speaker. She discusses the importance of pattern recognition, balancing authenticity and perfectionism, and the importance of differentiating innovation from creativity.More about our guest:Natalie Born is from Atlanta, Ga. She is an Innovation Facilitator, Consultant, Author, Keynote Speaker and the Host of Innovation Meets Leadership podcast. Prior to Founding Innovation Meets Leadership, Natalie held roles as a VP of Innovation, Territory Global, and Senior Vice President of Business Development at a mar-tech firm. Natalie has collaborated on two approved US patents and has over 20 years of experience leading product development, UI/UX, web development, and strategy and marketing teams. Natalie has worked with organizations such as CareerBuilder, First Data, IHG, and ADP, leading major initiatives in over 18 countries. Natalie is married to Aaron and they have two daughters.Know more about her and her company here:Natalie BornInnovation Meets LeadershipBook: Set It on Fire: The Art of Innovation------------------------------------------------------------Episode Guide:1:28 - What is Innovation?1:55 - Breaking down patterns5:19 - The problem of falling inlove with solutions7:41 - Authenticity vs Perfectionism10:14 - Missing the moment12:21 - The value chain15:13 - The napkin sketch commitment16:33 - What isn't innovation: innovation isn't creativity17:40 - Separating innovation and creativity21:29 - What keeps you busy?22:34 - Experiences that shaped the innovation approach26:12 - Advice to innovators--------------------------OUTLAST Consulting offers professional development and strategic advisory services in the areas of innovation and di

Our special guest, Tommaso Buganza, Professor of Leadership & Innovation at Politecnico di Milano, discusses the realm of science fiction and its practical implications on society. Jared and Tommaso also explore ethics, user responsibility, and education's role in nurturing holistic innovators. Tommaso's insights on AI's transformative power and the importance of a critical mindset offer a compass for budding innovators.More about our guest:Tommaso Buganza is Professor of Leadership & Innovation at Politecnico di Milano. His research activities are at the crossroad of Technology, Innovation, and Leadership. Platforms are the missing link among them; he teaches Platform Thinking to executives and consults international companies in search for a Platform-based transformations. He is also the Co-founder and Scientific Director of the Laboratory for Leadership, Design and Innovation of SOM-School of Management of Politecnico di Milano. The Lab leverages 30+ internal and external resources for research, teaching and services to companies. Additionally, he is the Co-Founder of Symplatform: a symposium on digital platforms. A new conference aimed at researchers and practitioners in the world of platforms, and the Chairman of the Board of the Innovation and Product Development Management Conference organized by EIASM (European for Advanced Studies in Management). Lastly, he is the Co-founder and Scientific Director of IDeaLs, the research Platform for Innovation and Design as Leadership of SOM-School of Management of Politecnico di Milano.Know more about him, the univesrity, and his book here:Tommaso BuganzaPolitecnico di MilanoLaboratory for Leadership, Design and Innovation of SOM-School of Management of Politecnico di Milano SymplatformIDeaLsBook: Platform Thinking: Read the past. Write the future.------------------------------------------------------------Episode Guide:1:04 - What is Innovation?3:03 - Forecasting vs Designing4:04 - Star Trek: Fiction vs Reality7:16 - Responsibility in the innovation space11:53 - Artificial intelligence and technological substitution15:12 - Regulation in Europe and user responsibility18:44 - Education structure: humanistic responsibility  20:11 - Importance of critical mindset22:50 - Advice for innovators--------------------------OUTLAST Consulting offers professional development and strategic advisory services in the areas of innovation and diversity management.

Michael D. Abramoff, MD, Ph.D., a visionary retina specialist, computer scientist, and entrepreneur. Dr. Abramoff shares his view of innovation as a series of small steps and how he works to ensure progress at every stage. More about our guest:Michael D. Abramoff, MD, PhD, is a fellowship-trained retina specialist, computer scientist and entrepreneur. He is Founder and Executive Chairman of Digital Diagnostics, the first company ever to receive FDA clearance for an autonomous AI diagnostic system. To transform the quality, accessibility, and affordability of global healthcare through the automation of medical diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Abramoff (gold Fellow ARVO, Fellow IEEE) is the Robert C. Watzke, MD Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the University of Iowa, with a joint appointment in the College of Engineering.Dr. Abramoff is the Founder and Executive Chairman of Digital Diagnostics, the Autonomous AI diagnostics company that was the first in any field of medicine to get FDA clearance for an autonomous AI. In primary care, the AI system can instantaneously diagnose diabetic retinopathy (including macular edema) at the point-of-care. Dr. Abramoff developed an ethical foundation for autonomous AI that was used during the design and validation, and regulatory and payment pathways for autonomous AI. As the author of over 350 peer-reviewed publications in this field, he has been cited over 42,000 times, and is the inventor on 20 issued patents and many patent applications. Dr. Abramoff has mentored dozens of engineering graduate students, ophthalmology residents, and retina fellows. His passion is to use AI to improve the affordability, accessibility and quality of care.Know more about her and their company here: Dr. Michael D. AbramoffDigital DiagnosticsArticle highlight: 1 in 4 People With Diabetes Have This Sight-Threatening Condition, Study Finds------------------------------------------------------------Episode Guide:1:30 - What is Innovation?2:40 - Breaking down the "steps"6:11 - Ensuring progress in every step10:15 - Diabetes Care in the US12:57 - Diabetic Retinopathy14:25 - Benefits of getting more people screened15:57 - Bringing together different domains17:22 - What is a bio-ethicist?20:38 - What isn't innovation?28:59 - What's next for the company?--------------------------OUTLAST Consulting offers professional development and strategic advisory services in the areas of innovation and diversity management.

Ahmed Reza, Founder and CEO of Yobi, shares his perspective on innovation shaped by his uniquely American experience and the dangers of over-specialization and the importance of ethics, philosophy, and anthropology as we work to solve new problems.More about our guest:Ahmed Reza is a tech entrepreneur with a story that reads like a blockbuster movie. He started as a child actor in Bangladesh before becoming a Milken scholar at Cornell University; then working as an engineer at NASA. But his true calling was entrepreneurship, founding successful businesses before creating Yobi, a company that simplifies customer relationship management for businesses. He's also known as the intelligent man's Forrest Gump, forming close relationships with Michael Milken and Dr. Edward Zuckerberg, among others. Ahmed's journey is a testament to the power of hard work and determination, making him an inspiring guest for any podcast.Know more about her and their company here: Ahmed RezaYobi------------------------------------------------------------Episode Guide:0:29 - What is Innovation?2:58 - Education in Bangladesh and America7:22 - Rebelling from the system9:54 - Hacker mindset12:35 - Ethics, Philosophy, and Innovation17:51 - What the heck is success?19:55 - Technical education and importance of humanities24:13 - Pitfalls of over-specialization29:05 - Reforming education37:06 - Advice to innovators--------------------------OUTLAST Consulting offers professional development and strategic advisory services in the areas of innovation and diversity management.

Beth McDaniel, President and Chief of Administration at Reactive Surfaces, discusses the role of creativity in innovation and how to get consumers to demand innovative products.More about our guest:Beth McDaniel received her BBA in finance from the University of Texas in 1988, and JD in law from South Texas College of Law in 1996. She has been with Reactive Surfaces since 2006, both as a director/advisor and officer of the company. Beth has 25 years of business experience and 17 years of legal experience with an emphasis on contracts, licensing and business operations. Mrs. McDaniel serves as President and Chief of Administration for Reactive Surfaces, an innovation company in the paint and coatings industry.Know more about her and their company here: Beth McDaniel Reactive Surfaces------------------------------------------------------------Episode Guide:1:17 - What is innovation?1:43 - Innovation shaped by career3:27 - Breaking down creativity6:35 - Bringing Innovation to the market: B2B and B2B2C7:56 - Innovating for demand and urgency: Carbon Capture Coatings11:40 - Reaching for ROI14:37 - Protecting patents and trade secrets18:40 - Working on reactive surfaces22:50 - What is carbon capture coatings?30:01 - Advice for innovators--------------------------OUTLAST Consulting offers professional development and strategic advisory services in the areas of innovation and diversity management.

Doug Howarth—CEO of Hypernomics, Inc- discusses the concept of innovation, why it matters in today's world, and practical ways to drive innovation in your businessMore about our guest:Doug Howarth's life is a story of remarkable challenges and groundbreaking discoveries. From his fascination with coordinate systems to a life-saving kidney transplant, his journey led him to uncover the concept of Hypernomics—a field that explores uncharted dimensions in market analysis. Driven by newfound clarity, Doug founded Hypernomics Inc. and collaborated with industry giants like NASA and Lockheed Martin, developing innovative software capable of analyzing markets in four or more dimensions. His upcoming book, "Hypernomics: Using Hidden Dimensions to Solve Unseen Problems," will revolutionize conventional thinking. Doug's story inspires us to embrace unconventional thinking and unleash extraordinary breakthroughs.Know more about her and his affiliations here: Doug Howarth------------------------------------------------------------Episode Guide:1:30 - What is Innovation?2:30 - What is "society's next step?"7:35 - Manifesting over different domains9:57 - Importance of understanding capacity and price12:03 - Personal opinions, biases, and hypothesis15:52 - Space tourism industry19:16 - What isn't innovation?23:24 - Increasing value by cost reduction26:32 - Advice for innovators--------------------------OUTLAST Consulting offers professional development and strategic advisory services in the areas of innovation and diversity management.

Chris Marshall—behavioral scientist, futurist, and author—offers his thoughts on the impact of innovation on regulation, culture, and the natural environment, in this episode, we explore the essence of innovation as human nature. More about our guest:Chris uses his diverse career journey spanning behavioral science, global macro strategy, ski racing, and Master Distiller to help people manage fast-paced change effectively and achieve their goals. Chris's expertise in economics, history, neuroscience, philosophy, psychology, and trend research offers practical strategies and tools that enhance resilience, creativity, innovation, and adaptability. He is an excellent guest for podcasts that focus on personal development, innovation, and managing change effectively.Know more about her and his affiliations here: Chris Marshall ------------------------------------------------------------Episode Guide:1:14 - What is Innovation?  3:08 - Scale of innovation: not a reflection5:23 - The world in layers and varying speeds8:07 - Limits to innovation and business pivots10:14 - Three layers beyond infrastructure13:30 - The age of awareness and the Gutenberg Press17:08 - Chronic stress and it's relation to changes22:28 - Stress and it's influence on the brain27:58 - Risk management as a behavioral scientist32:48 - Advice to innovators--------------------------OUTLAST Consulting offers professional development and strategic advisory services in the areas of innovation and diversity management.

Daniel Trabucchi is a Senior Assistant Professor at the School of Management Politecnico di Milano. Daniel shares his definition of innovation, the role of regulatory bodies in innovation, the distinction between a new thing and a new purpose, and much more.More about our guest:Daniel has also co-authored “Platform Thinking. Read the past. Write the future.”. His research interests are focused on innovation management, especially digital two-sided platforms and digital services. He co-founded Symplatform in 2018, the international conference on digital platforms that aims to match scholars and practitioners in the field. He co-founded and is scientific director of Platform Thinking HUB, the community of innovation leaders that aims to foster innovation through platform thinking, which is part of the Digital Innovation Observatories of Politecnico di Milano. He is also scientific director of IDeaLs, the global research platform founded by Politecnico di Milano aiming to develop innovative ways to engage people in transformation processes. He is a member of the International Product Development Management Conference EIASM-IPDMC scientific committee. He has authored more than 70 scientific articles, including peer-reviewed journal articles, conference proceedings, and book chapters. Apart from academic research, he teaches innovation and project management at various levels, from bachelor's to master's, MBAs, executive MBAs, and corporate classes, being also Director of the International Part Time MBA of the POLIMI Graduate School of Management. Moreover, he is often involved in advisory projects with small and multinational organizations in innovation and transformation management.Know more about her and his affiliations here: Daniel TrabucchiPolitecnico di MilanoSymplatform------------------------------------------------------------Episode Guide:1:35 - What is Innovation? 3:06 - book: Trap of thinking 5:29 - Innovation advancement and regulation 8:09 - Innovation as a new thing vs a new purpose 10:07 - AI as a platform 15:12 - Efficiency and the unintended consequences of such19:46 - What isn't innovation: it's not innovation if it's not creating value 23:38 - Agile project management 25:03 - Business vs Technology platforms: technical and regulatory perspective 29:49 - Advice to innovators--------------------------OUTLAST Consulting offers professional development and strategic advisory services in the areas of innovation and diversity management.

Robert Huber role as Twisthink's first Chief Strategy Officer has been critical to the company's growth and success of their strategy offerings, joins us  we explore how innovation sparks creativity in business and the positive impact of a musical background.More about our guest:Robert leverages his extensive experience to establish key growth initiatives and partnerships through a global open innovation process, ensuring that Twisthink remains at the forefront of value creation for our clients. With an impressive background in innovation and design, Rob is an expert in generating exceptional long-term value and designing award-winning advanced concepts. Rob's philosophy centers around building a culture of trust and accountability and fostering an environment where teams can thrive and generate meaningful results. His ability to inspire and motivate those around him has made him a respected and valued leader. Rob earned his bachelor's degree in industrial design from the University of Cincinnati.Know more about her and his company here: Robert HuberTwisthink------------------------------------------------------------Episode Guide:1:23 - What is innovation? 1:55 - Stakeholder purpose driven 4:35 - Innovation and user experience 8:08 - Career in innovation 9:44 - Innovation process 12:51 - IP application in the modern world 14:13 - code development opportunity: corporations and start-ups 17:21 - What isn't innovation?21:56 - Refining the process 26:49 - Hobbies beyond work27:39 - Advice for innovators--------------------------OUTLAST Consulting offers professional development and strategic advisory services in the areas of innovation and diversity management.

Peter Schroeder, a multi-award-winning DJ, entrepreneur, and visionary founder of Telzio, joins us  we explore how innovation sparks creativity in business and the positive impact of a musical background.More about our guest:Peter Schroeder  has over two decades of experience, Peter has consistently proven himself to be a pioneer in both music and technology. Peter's unparalleled expertise in developing cutting-edge technology and innovative products has revolutionized the way people work and communicate, streamlining and simplifying even the most repetitive tasks. Peter has collaborated with companies like Facebook, Samsung, and Airbnb. His remarkable career also includes earning over 20 platinum records, 40 gold records, and a triple nomination for the Danish DJ awards. Despite facing challenges such as surviving a plane crash and becoming a father of twins, Peter continues to inspire others with his passion and unwavering drive towards innovation.Know more about her and his company here: Peter SchroederTelzio------------------------------------------------------------Episode Guide:1:32 - What is Innovation?3:47 - Innovation vs Invention5:04 - Translating music into business and innovation7:17 - Leveraging technical and creative advantages from a music upbringing9:55 - Creative mindsets of coders and developers12:12 - Navigating an AI project under time constraints13:05 - Reconciling demand and technology14:30 - Significance of practicing humility and self-awareness18:00 - What isn't Innovation?19:27 - Advice for innovators--------------------------OUTLAST Consulting offers professional development and strategic advisory services in the areas of innovation and diversity management.

Ravi Kurani, Co-Founder of Sutro, discusses the distinction between problem-solving and solution-building, active listening and adapting, what does not constitute innovation, and how to manage energy and create a successful innovation strategy.More about our guest:Ravi Kurani is the founder of Sutro. He is based in San Francisco. Ravi was selected to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2017 for the Energy category.Ravi attended the University of California, Riverside where he graduated with a B.S. in Mechanical engineering. He earned his MBA from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies and a Certificate in Sustainable Energy Conversion and Storage from Stanford University.Early in his career, Ravi interned at Under The Mango Tree, was a Frontier Market Scout at Village Capital, an Analyst at Hub Ventures, and a Project Coordinator at Building Wise. He was a Social Entrepreneurship Advisor at CORO Northern California and an Advisor to SAHGHATA GLOBAL.In 2011, he founded ImpactSpace, an open impact data initiative, is the open and free global database of companies, entrepreneurs and investors delivering social and environmental impact along with financial returns. In 2013, Ravi founded the water testing and data analytics company, Sutro. The company's main product has built a sensor-connected app that monitors the health of your swimming pool, notifies you if maintenance is required and orders pool supplies.Know more about her and his company here: Ravi KuraniSutro------------------------------------------------------------Episode Guide:1:15 - What is Innovation?  1:44 - Solving a problem vs building a solution2:43 - Importance of distinction: solution  5:33 - Company: Sutro10:05 - "It's my baby" founder's mentality12:24 - The value of 'listening" and 'pivot'13:59 - What isn't innovation?17:55 - Balancing and Managing one's energy23:25 - Risk Predictability26:24 - Risk acceptance and attachment philosophy29:20 - Advice for innovators--------------------------OUTLAST Consulting offers professional development and strategic advisory services in the areas of innovation and diversity management.

Robyn Bolton, Founder & Chief Navigator of MileZero, discusses the importance of leadership in driving innovation and how implicit and explicit company cultures affect it. She also shares insights on how to combat cynicism about innovation. More about our guest:Robyn M. Bolton is the Founder & Chief Navigator of MileZero, an innovation consultancy that works with leaders of medium and large businesses to navigate the uncertainty of innovation's "fuzzy front end" to confidently grow their businesses.  Prior to founding MileZero, Robyn was a Partner at Innosight, the innovation and strategy firm founded by Harvard Professor Clayton Christensen, a Manager at the Boston Consulting Group, and a Brand Manager at P&G where she was on the team that developed and launched Swiffer and Swiffer Wetjet.  She has a BS in Marketing cum laude with University Honors from Miami University (OH) and an MBA from Harvard Business School.Know more about her and his company here: Robyn BoltonMileZero------------------------------------------------------------Episode Guide:1:24 - What is innovation?5:29 - Implicit and explicit company cultures9:50 - Difference from other consultants11:50 - Cynicism in innovation14:45 - Action speaks louder than words17:13 - Leadership and Legacy22:12 - Advice to innovators--------------------------OUTLAST Consulting offers professional development and strategic advisory services in the areas of innovation and diversity management.