Podcasts about corporate innovation

Some of the biggest product breakthroughs didn't come from startups — they came from intrapreneurs. In this episode, we speak with Scott Jones, a career intrapreneur who has launched new lines of business at Lenovo, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and Realeyes, a computer vision AI company serving some of the world's most influential platforms. Scott shares a detailed, experience-backed look at what it takes to make innovation work inside companies that weren't built for speed. He breaks down the mindset, team dynamics, and cultural rituals that allow new bets to thrive — and provides practical guidance for founders, executives, and investors looking to bring this approach into their own organizations. Unlock the full potential of your product team with Integral's player coaches, experts in lean, human-centered design. Visit integral.io/convergence for a free Product Success Lab workshop to gain clarity and confidence in tackling any product design or engineering challenge. Inside the episode... How Scott went from analyst and musician to AI product leader A modern definition of intrapreneurship — and why it matters now Key personality traits and behavioral markers of strong intrapreneurs Why ambiguity is a feature, not a bug, in high-growth environments How leaders can foster a culture of experimentation (rituals, roles, and goals) Strategies for validating new product ideas quickly and credibly How to communicate innovation progress to stakeholders with different styles Realeyes' identity verification tech and the future of online trust How personal trauma and spiritual practices influence Scott's leadership approach Mentioned in this episode Realeyes - Where Scott works as VP, Product Pranayama (breathwork practices) -  Intro guide from the Art of Living Foundation: Effortless Mastery by Kenny Werner - Official site with book info and resources: Linchpin by Seth Godin - Publisher page for the book: SHINE by EOS - Book info (note: EOS books are often sold through their coaching platform): Paramahamsa Yogananda - His foundational book Autobiography of a Yogi on the Self-Realization Fellowship site: Scott's linkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottjeezey Scott's instagram - https://www.instagram.com/scottjeezey/ Subscribe to the Convergence podcast wherever you get podcasts — including video episodes on YouTube at youtube.com/@convergencefmpodcast Learn something? Give us a 5-star review and like the podcast on YouTube. It's how we grow.  

VentureFuel's Visionary of the Year is an honor voted on by peers in corporate innovation for the change agent who seizes new opportunities that drive outsized results. This year's winner, Charlotte Newman, is the former Global Head of Underrepresented Founder and Investor Startup Business Development at AWS, former founder, and a passionate advocate in the Senate and US House of Representatives for diversity, equity, and inclusion, driving initiatives that empower marginalized entrepreneurs worldwide. Join us to hear her inspiring journey and insights on transforming the innovation ecosystem through collaboration and access.

Valentina Assenova is the Edward B. and Shirley R. Shils Endowed Term Assistant Professor of Management at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. She is renowned for her insightful research on entrepreneurship and innovation, particularly in how cultural and societal factors influence entrepreneurial ecosystems around the world. She recently released a study “Exploring the relationship between accelerator program design and startup performance.” She has a Ph.D. from Yale University and an M.B.A. from the University of Cambridge and has collaborated with organizations like FINCA International and the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation to advance entrepreneurship globally. We discuss the dynamics of Capital and Ideas, and define what an accelerator is, why program design matters so much, and how corporates can receive and deliver the most value from their work with entrepreneurs.

Genius doesn't come with a price tag until someone tries to take it from you. When brilliant minds create groundbreaking innovations during employment, who truly owns these inventions? This fascinating legal arena pits creators against corporations in battles that can span decades and result in multi-million-dollar verdicts.Meet John Peterson, the engineer who refused to surrender his weekend projects to a convenience store chain that claimed everything he created, even off the clock. His story of fighting Bukies' overreaching employment contract offers a masterclass in standing up for your intellectual property rights. Then there's Professor Shanks, whose glucose biosensor technology earned his employer £24 million. In comparison, he received nothing until a twenty-year legal battle culminated in a £2 million award and a landmark UK Supreme Court decision on "outstanding benefit."From patent grammar wars where a single verb tense determined ownership of HIV diagnostic technology to post-employment clauses that tried to claim an inventor's future ideas, we explore the fine print that can make or break inventor fortunes. We'll take you around the globe from Germany's sophisticated formulas for inventor compensation to China's statutory minimum payouts, revealing how different legal systems value creative minds. Whether you're sketching brilliance on napkins or developing prototypes in corporate labs, understanding your rights as an inventor has never been more crucial. As workplace innovation drives the modern economy, the law is finally catching up to ensure the minds behind the magic receive their fair share.Send us a text

“We made up the rules. Let's change them.” In this episode, Michael Dargie talks with innovation strategist, author, and rebel-in-chief Robyn Bolton, founder of Mile Zero and author of Unlocking Innovation: A Leader's Guide for Turning Bold Ideas into Tangible Results. This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. From growing up outside Cleveland to almost getting fired twice at Procter & Gamble for asking too many questions, Robyn's journey is one of fierce curiosity, unapologetic honesty, and building real change inside big organizations. She shares how being “respectfully disruptive” got her in trouble—and eventually got her free. They dig into what innovation actually looks like in practice (hint: it's messy), the moment she realized rebellion was her calling, and how she finds calm in a world of chaos—through Lego building. She also talks about how leaders can use self-awareness as their greatest innovation tool, why pretending to be more radical than you are will backfire, and how her new book is a manual for real-world, no-BS innovators. From literary obsessions to modular buildings, this episode is a masterclass in leading with purpose, persistence, and a sense of play. Quotable Quotes “You will only be satisfied if you're rebelling against something.” – Robyn Bolton “We made up the rules. Let's change them.” – Robyn Bolton “The first person always gets shot in the back. That's why they gave me the Pioneer Award.” – Robyn Bolton “If you're not willing to cross a line, let people know that ahead of time.” – Robyn Bolton “You're a deep well, Robyn.” – Michael Dargie Episode highlights Unlocking Innovation | Robyn's new book helps leaders turn bold ideas into real results Born to Rebel | Why the only life that satisfies her is one that breaks the rules Innovation with Integrity | Knowing what you're willing—and not willing—to do Cleveland Grit | Growing up tough and loyal in the home of the underdogs Major League Chill | Why summer baseball games are her favourite way to unplug Art Theft & Museums | The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is her Boston must-see Lego as Therapy | Robyn explains why building detailed sets helps her reset European Dreams & Key West Vibes | Her two favourite types of travel Seamless Teams | Her next book idea is already brewing Rebels in Waiting | Find your why, build your allies, and get ready for the long game Links from the episode Mile Zero Website (https://milezero.io)Robyn Bolton on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynmbolton) Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "BrandJitsu™: Move Your Brand From 'Meh' To Memorable" Indigo | Barnes & Noble | MichaelDargie.com

In this inaugural episode of Surfacing Secrets, Balad'EAU and How to Protect the Ocean team up to tell the origin story of a world-leading ocean observatory network: Ocean Networks Canada (ONC). Host Lyne Morissette takes us back to the late 1990s, when a group of bold ocean scientists dreamed the impossible—real-time seafloor observatories that could transform how we understand our planet. Through captivating narration and exclusive interview excerpts conducted by Andrew Lewin, we meet the visionary pioneers behind this movement: Kate Moran, President & CEO of ONC and ocean engineer with a mission to illuminate the deep; John Delaney, oceanographer and early architect of cabled observatories; Benoit Pirenne, ONC's Corporate Innovation and Technology Officer, who helped turn bold ideas into technical reality. This episode explores the roots of ONC, the early scientific breakthroughs, and the data-driven legacy that continues to protect communities, support global science, and spark ocean innovation.

 Who truly owns the outcomes of your AI initiatives? In this episode, we explore the strategic importance of clear accountability in AI governance and why undefined roles often lead to failed implementation. Discover how a structured AI Roles and Responsibilities Matrix can transform fragmented efforts into aligned, outcome-driven success. Ideal for executives, consultants, and digital leaders navigating AI transformation. Learn how to future-proof your governance, mitigate compliance risks, and accelerate value from AI. Tune in now and gain the clarity needed to lead AI with confidence. 

Most enterprises don't lack AI ambition—they lack execution. This episode reveals the proven, step-by-step framework used by leading organisations to turn AI strategy into measurable business success. Learn how to align teams, assess readiness, plan implementations, manage risk, and scale AI sustainably across the enterprise. Whether you're a manager, leader, or consultant, this roadmap gives you the tools to lead transformation with clarity and confidence. Subscribe for more insights on AI strategy, digital transformation, and leadership excellence. 

From accelerators to corporate venture capital, most startup support structures fail to deliver. Investor and entrepreneur Andrew Ackerman explains why — and what founders and corporates should do instead. With over 70 investments and hundreds of founders mentored, Andrew brings rare perspective from both sides of the table. Andrew is a serial entrepreneur who has founded two companies, led an accelerator, and now advises startups, VCs and corporates. He's also the author of The Entrepreneur's Odyssey — a novel-style guide to what startup life really feels like. You will learn: Why most accelerators fail: Discover how many support programs offer flashy promises without delivering tangible outcomes like revenue or pilot deals. Rethinking venture capital: Understand why fundraising is often pursued for validation rather than strategic fit — and why most startups don't necessarily need VC money. Corporate innovation pitfalls: Learn how misaligned incentives and internal politics transform innovation programs into mere theatre rather than engines of growth. The value of tailored support: Find out how startups can benefit from support structures designed as platforms that evolve with their specific stage and needs. What to do instead: Get practical insights on structuring your support programs, whether you're a founder, a corporate team, or an investor.   Chapters 00:00 The Illusion of Tech Startups 02:43 Understanding Startup Support Systems 06:48 Challenges in Corporate Innovation 10:05 The Value of Accelerators 16:58 The Glamour of Fundraising 22:12 The Reality of Startup Life   FREE COURSE: 5 Tech Concepts Every Business Leader Needs To Know   Growth Through Innovation If your organisation wants to drive revenue through innovation, book a call with us here. Our workshops and innovation strategies have helped Constellation Brands, the Royal Bank of Canada and Oxford University.  --- For the full transcript, go to https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/What-most-startup-support-gets-wrong-and-how-to-fix-It

Maija Palmer is the Editor-in-Chief of Global Corporate Venturing (GCV), a community and media platform that helps corporations drive innovation through strategic investments and partnerships with startups., Maija is one of the top leading voices in corporate venturing and we talk about the evolution of Corporate Venture Capital (CVC), how corporations best utilize Venture Clienting and the relationship between strategic and financial KPIs.

Mastering the EU AI Act is no longer optional—it's a strategic necessity. In this episode, we unpack the critical compliance gaps that separate thriving companies from those falling behind. Learn how to categorise your AI systems, mitigate risk, and turn regulation into a competitive advantage. Perfect for business leaders, consultants, and transformation professionals navigating AI governance. 

 Are your AI initiatives stuck in pilot mode? In this episode, we reveal a proven AI Strategy Roadmap used by top firms to move from experimentation to enterprise-scale transformation. Learn how to align AI with strategic goals, govern responsibly, build capability, and prioritise investments for real business value. Ideal for corporate leaders, consultants, and transformation professionals. 

Quantum computing is no longer just a futuristic concept, it's quickly becoming a practical reality. In this must-watch panel discussion, three quantum pioneers dive deep into the real progress being made and what's coming in the next few years. From breakthroughs in drug discovery to tackling cybersecurity challenges, quantum's first impacts will be felt in unexpected ways. Get ready for an eye-opening conversation that cuts through the hype and gives you the insights you need to prepare for this technological revolution. Don't miss it!Support the show

Leading the Revolution: Gary Hamel Explores Corporate Innovation and Change In this episode, we're joined by Gary Hamel, the acclaimed author of 'Leading the Revolution.' Gary delves deep into the essence of corporate innovation and the challenges faced by change-makers within organizations. We discuss how to punch above your weight and capture attention for transformative ideas, the necessity of building coalitions, understanding resistance, and the importance of courage in navigating change. Gary shares profound insights from his book, illuminating how individuals can drive radical change in even the most resistant corporate environments. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone passionate about innovation, strategy, and leading transformative change in business. Discover how to: Challenge outdated business models Overcome organizational resistance Build grassroots momentum for innovation Lead change even when you don't have formal authority This is Part 4 of our deep-dive series on Leading the Revolution, where Hamel outlines the practical playbook for driving radical innovation inside established organizations. Whether you're an intrapreneur, innovation leader, or just tired of business-as-usual, this episode will fuel your fire to lead change from within.   00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:22 Corporate Rebels and Navigating the Corporate Maze 00:46 The Revolutionary Imperative 00:58 Challenges of Pitching New Ideas 01:35 The Path Less Trodden 02:00 Gary Hamel's Insights on Corporate Innovation 04:04 The Importance of Alignment and Its Pitfalls 07:33 Case Studies of Successful Change Makers 12:31 Building a Point of View and Writing a Manifesto 36:24 Anticipating Resistance and Overcoming Objections 38:47 Navigating Relationship Challenges 39:14 The Four Stages of Denial in Relationships 40:18 Corporate Lessons from Toyota's Success 42:07 The Importance of Confronting Beliefs 44:26 Leadership and Organizational Renewal 46:01 Challenges in Entrepreneurial Companies 49:07 Building Coalitions for Change 01:12:10 The Role of Courage in Leadership 01:16:41 Final Thoughts and Reflections   Find the book here:   Find Gary here:   Find Aidan and the Innovation Show: 

What happens when AI stops just following commands and starts making decisions on its own? At the Corporate Innovation Summit, industry leaders dive into the world of agentic AI—intelligent systems capable of autonomous action. This first panel explores:

What if your business ran like a well-designed machine—one that could evolve, self-correct, and outperform your competition over decades?In this episode, I unpack Principles by Ray Dalio, the billionaire investor and founder of Bridgewater Associates, the world's largest hedge fund. It's not a traditional business book—it's a blueprint for decision-making, culture design, and long-term scaling, rooted in clarity, transparency, and radical self-honesty.This episode is built for venture capitalists, executives, and operators leading at scale—those who are no longer improvising but building enduring systems.You'll hear the 7 most actionable principles Dalio used to scale Bridgewater, reimagined for anyone building the future—from biotech to AI, from global funds to market-leading enterprises.We cover how to engineer feedback cultures, design for evolution, and drive decisions that compound over time. And we tackle the big question: Can you be both a high-performance machine and a human-centered leader?Key Takeaways:Think Like a Machine: Build systems that run without your constant input.Get the People Right: Talent isn't enough—character and growth capacity matter most.Radical Transparency: Trust is built by saying the hard things early and often.Idea Meritocracy: Don't default to consensus. Weight decisions by experience.Shaper Thinking: Zoom out to vision, zoom in to execution—and toggle constantly.Diagnose the Root Cause: Don't waste time solving symptoms.Open-Mindedness as Strategy: Challenge your thinking before reality does.Timestamps:(00:00) Intro: The Principles(02:15) Why This Book Matters If You're Building or Investing in the Future(04:14) Who Is Ray Dalio?(06:21) The Snapshot: What Principles Is Really About (10:05) Build Your Company Like a Machine, Not a Hero's Journey (15:29) Get the People Right (20:40) Radical Truth & Transparency Are Force Multipliers (26:08) Build an Idea Meritocracy (32:26) Shapers Win—They Dream Big, Think Clear, Execute Ruthlessly (37:37) Diagnose Root Causes, Not Symptoms (44:02) Be Radically Open-Minded (50:12) Key Takeaways & Personal ReflectionWhy Listen:Learn how billion-dollar systems are designed and scaledIdentify blind spots in your leadership, org design, or investment thesesEquip yourself with 7 operating principles you can implement this quarterReframe your relationship to truth, conflict, and growthDecide whether to build a machine—or remain the operatorIf these ideas resonate, I strongly recommend reading Principles in full. Or better yet—share this episode with someone you think is ready to level up how they lead and build.Send us a textSupport the showJoin the Podcast Newsletter: Link

Dean Carignan and JoAnn Garbin, authors of The Insider's Guide to Innovation at Microsoft, delve into the strategies and practices that have driven Microsoft's most groundbreaking innovations over the past 50 years. From the Xbox revolution to the rise of Bing in AI, Dean and JoAnn share behind-the-scenes stories and insights into the company's approach to innovation. We discuss the risks of fast-following, how not to “get Googled,” the value of biomimicry and infinite innovation loops, the evolution from know-it-alls to learn-it-alls, how to transform a weaponized org chart to open-sourced, extreme collaborator. We talk about how entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs must be storytellers, boundary crossers (“habitual line-steppers”) and salespeople that always build coalitions. We also talk about creating a culture of trust where you can and must “Say It Ugly” to pretty it up later, together.

George Danezis is the Chief Scientist at Mysten Labs, co-creator of the Sui blockchain, and the mind behind Walrus — a decentralized storage protocol that's solving a problem he's been thinking about for over 20 years.__________PARTNERS

Finance transformation is no longer an option—it's a strategic necessity. In this episode, we explore the evolving role of finance leaders and the five critical steps to drive business impact. Discover how aligning finance with business goals, embracing AI-driven insights, and building an agile operating model can transform finance into a key enabler of growth, efficiency, and risk management. Don't miss this essential guide for finance leaders ready to lead the future of business strategy. Listen now and stay ahead of the curve. 

Hans Balmaekers is the Chief of Innov8rs, a global community dedicated to empowering corporate innovators. Hans has spent over a decade collaborating and learning about how to innovate within the world's top organizations and shares some of his top tips with us, such as how the best corporate innovators have a day job (innovation, the work), a night job (gathering support and buy-in) and a weekend job (transforming ways of working). VentureFuel is a proud sponsor of Innov8rs and their upcoming conference, that isn't really a conference in Phoenix this April where we will be hosting a workshop on how to tune your corporate innovation practice to deliver results today, while preparing your business for tomorrow.

Send us a text"The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is in that little extra. It's about focusing in on the right things and fixing them...it's more about solutioning in that space."– Dr. Munib KaravdicDr. Munib Karavdic, an award-winning innovation executive, intrapreneur, and CEO of Wave Design. In this episode, Munib shares his journey from pursuing a PhD in E-Commerce in Australia to leading corporate innovation and eventually founding Wave Design. He discusses key turning points in his career, including the moment he shifted focus from technical E-Commerce to innovation and customer experience. He explains how he navigated corporate resistance to change, drove design-led strategies, and influenced leadership to embrace innovation.If you're an intrapreneur looking to make an impact, this episode is packed with insights on how to push boundaries, challenge the status quo, and create meaningful change.In this episode, you'll hear about:The journey from academia to corporate leadership and entrepreneurshipThe challenges of introducing innovation in large organisationsHow small, incremental changes can have a big impactWhy human-centred design is crucial for business growthStrategies for influencing leadership and navigating corporate structuresThe importance of intrapreneurship and how to drive change from withinHow large organisations can work with start-ups effectivelyThe future of corporate innovation and leadership in AustraliaKey linksDr. Munib Karavdic LinkedInWave Design WebsiteMacquarie Bank Website St. George Bank WebsiteAMP Website About our guest Dr Munib Karavdic is an intrapreneur and award-winning innovation executive. He is an expert in design and innovation, helping leaders and organisations drive growth and confidently navigate change.As a senior executive and Conjoint Professor at UNSW, Munib has led award-winning teams, developed customer-centric strategies, and mentored the next generation of innovators. He combines commercial acumen with human-centred design to create transformative strategies, products, and services across industries.With a PhD in e-commerce and a career spanning corporate leadership and academia, Munib is passionate about turning ideas into impactful solutions.About our hostOur host, Chris Hudson, is an Intrapreneuship Coach, Teacher, Experience Designer and Founder of business transformation coaching and consultancy Company Road.Company Road was founded by Chris Hudson, who saw over-niching and specialisation within corporates as a significant barrier to change.Chris considers himself incredibly fortunate to have worked with some of the world's most ambitious and successful companies, including Google, Mercedes-Benz, Accenture (Fjord) and Dulux, to name a small few. He continues to teach with University of Melbourne in Innovation, and Academy Xi in CX, Product Management, Design Thinking and Service Design and mentors many business leaders internationally.For weekly updates and to hear about the latest episodes, please subscribe to The Company Road Podcast at https://companyroad.co/podcast/

In this episode of the Focus Core podcast, we dive into the innovative world of Japanese startups and corporate innovation with Tim Romero, partner at Jira Ventures and host of the Disrupting Japan podcast. Tim shares insights from his 30-year journey in Japan's startup scene, discussing the evolving ecosystem, key changes in corporate collaboration, and the challenges and opportunities for foreign entrepreneurs and investors. He also reflects on his experiences as a rock musician, professional podcaster, and educator, offering valuable lessons on leadership, sustainability, and technology's role in Japan's future.The latest FocusCore Salary Guide is here: 2025 Salary Guide In this episode you will hear:Tim's transformative experiences in the tech industryThe evolution of startup culture in JapanThe cultural challenges and opportunities in Japanese marketsFuture trends in entrepreneurship and international collaborationAbout Tim : Tim Romero is a partner at Jira Ventures and is the very well known host of the successful podcast “Disrupting Japan”, which has been going for over 10 years.Tim is deeply involved in Japan's startup community as an investor, a founder, author, and educator, and he has founded several startups in Japan over the past 30 years. Tim has also taught entrepreneurship and corporate innovation. He has led Google for Startups in Japan and worked with various enterprises in Japan for startup investment and innovation strategy. Connect with Tim Romero:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timromero/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@disruptingjapan7899?si=k5T0GbmULUaAj8uQ Website: https://www.disruptingjapan.com/ (Disrupting Japan)https://www.jera.co.jp/en/corporate/business/ventures (Jera)Connect with David Sweet:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdavidsweet/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/focuscorejp Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/focuscoreasiaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/focuscorejp/ Website: https://www.japan.focuscoregroup.com/ “Doin' the Uptown Lowdown,” used by permission of Christopher Davis-Shannon. To find out more, check out www.thetinman.co. Support independent musicians and artists.Mentioned in this episode:Find out more about salaries, the job market, hiring and what's important to both companies and individuals looking for a job specifically in Japan. 2025 Salary Guide

In this episode Judith Germain speaks to Elizabeth Bieniek discussing corporate innovation, collective leadership, and talent management. Elizabeth discusses her approach to collaborative leadership, where she gathers diverse input and feedback, but then makes decisive calls when needed to move a project forward. She highlights the importance of creating an environment where employees feel comfortable sharing their perspectives. Key Takeaways Innovation should be viewed as a mindset rather than a specific project, applicable across various aspects of an organisation Effective leadership balances collaboration with decisive action when needed Identifying and nurturing raw talent requires looking beyond traditional hiring criteria and creating opportunities for growth AI and technology are changing skill requirements, emphasising the importance of understanding underlying concepts and asking good questions In this conversation Elizabeth shares her perspective that innovation is not just about new products or technology, but can be applied to processes, hiring, and the overall mindset and culture of an organisation. She emphasises the importance of leaders modelling an innovative mindset and creating an environment that empowers employees to contribute ideas. Named one of the most influential 'Female pioneers in technology', Elizabeth Bieniek is an author, founder, and Fortune 100 leadership veteran focused on 'good peopling' as the secret to exceptional execution.  You can find out more about our guest and today's episode in this Maverick Paradox Magazine article here. --- Maverick leadership is all about thinking outside the box and challenging the status quo. It's about having the courage to take risks and the confidence to lead in a way that is authentic and genuine. But amplifying your influence as a leader isn't just about having a strong vision or a big personality. It's also about having the right leadership capability and being able to execute on your ideas and plans. The consequences of not having the right level of influence as a leader can be significant. Without the ability to inspire and motivate others, you may struggle to achieve your goals and make a real impact. How Influential Are you? Take the scorecard at amplifyyourinfluence.scoreapp.com and see.  Catalysing Transformation - 1 min video Judith's book: The Maverick Paradox: The Secret Power Behind Successful Leaders.  Judith's websites:  Judith Germain (mentoring, Speaker, author) - judithgermain.com The Maverick Paradox Magazine - themaverickparadox.com The Maverick Paradox Website - maverickparadox.co.uk Judith's LinkedIn profile is here, her Twitter profile (MaverickMastery) is here, Facebook here and Instagram here.  

In this episode of the Product Thinking Podcast, Melissa Perri is joined by Ben Hafele, CEO of Lean Startup Company, to explore the complexities of corporate innovation. Ben shares insights on how large companies can effectively integrate lean startup methodologies into their existing frameworks. They discuss the importance of aligning innovation efforts with business strategies and how to avoid falling into the trap of unnecessary complexity. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in fostering meaningful innovation within large organizations while maintaining strategic alignment.Are you looking to navigate the challenges of corporate innovation and strategic alignment? Tune in to this episode for valuable insights from Ben Hafele's experience with lean startup methodologies.You'll hear us talk about: 10:45 - Establishing Connective Tissue for Innovation:Ben introduces the concept of creating a "connective tissue" that links build-measure-learn cycles with overall business strategy. He explains how fostering this connection ensures that every experiment conducted is aligned with the company's broader objectives. 22:17 - Balancing Experimentation with Strategic Goals:The discussion delves into the challenge of balancing experimentation with strategic goals. Ben shares approaches for ensuring that innovation initiatives do not deviate from the company's strategic priorities, maintaining relevance and purpose. 45:30 - Overcoming Complexity in Corporate Innovation:Ben and Melissa discuss ways to overcome the inherent complexity in corporate innovation. They highlight practical strategies for simplifying processes and ensuring that innovation efforts remain effective and focused on delivering value.Episode Resources: Ben Hafele on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-hafele/ Lean Startup Co: https://leanstartup.co/ Sign up for a free Liveblocks account: ⁠https://liveblocks.io/⁠Timestamps:00:00 Coming Up00:47 Dear Melissa11:25 What Defines a Startup?19:08 The Importance of Strategic Filters24:38 The Innovation vs. Legacy Divide31:35 B2B vs. B2C Experimentation Challenges39:50 The Right Way to Build Capability in Organizations46:42 Evolving Corporate Innovation

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

In this dynamic episode,Shellery Ebron, Senior Director of Corporate Innovation at RTI International, shares her journey of fostering innovation and leading transformative change. Known for her tagline, “dreamers that do,” Shellery emphasizes the importance of moving forward even in the absence of perfect information, inspiring teams to turn vision into action.Shellery shares her methodology for driving innovation: building a structured yet flexible roadmap with clear milestones to guide progress while allowing room for pivots. She highlights the power of co-creation, taking a vision to 70% and then inviting diverse perspectives to refine and strengthen it. By understanding and leveraging different change styles—conserver, pragmatist, and originator—she crafts approaches tailored to align with team dynamics and organizational needs.A true originator herself, Shellery sheds light on balancing bold, transformative ideas with practical steps to gain buy-in and traction. She also underscores the importance of building trust and relationships, dedicating time to collaborative dialogues that bring people along on the innovation journey.Tune in to learn actionable strategies for navigating ambiguity, fostering collaboration, and turning visionary dreams into reality—all while celebrating the art of adaptation and resilience.Original music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynz Floren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode of the AlchemistX Innovators Inside Podcast, host Ian Bergman interviews Paul Reinitz about the evolving relationship between AI and intellectual property. Paul shares his journey from IP law in the music industry to leading IP compliance at Getty Images, highlighting how generative AI is reshaping IP practices and business strategies.  They explore the shift from broad IP enforcement to more targeted approaches in the digital age, and discuss the challenges startups face in navigating AI and IP compliance. Paul also offers valuable insights on balancing innovation with emerging regulatory frameworks, emphasizing the importance of transparency and strategic partnerships with rights holders.  This conversation provides a deep dive into the critical balance between fostering innovation and adhering to evolving legal standards in today's technological landscape. For more episodes and resources, visit https://www.alchemistaccelerator.com/podcasts.

In this episode, we pay tribute to our dear friend, colleague and co-host of the Owl Have You Know podcast, Scott Gale '19. Join us as we revisit some of Scott's favorite episodes and hear from the Rice community about Scott's lasting impact. Owl Have You Know is a production of Rice Business and is produced by University FM.Show Links: TranscriptEpisodes mentioned in the show:Corporate Innovation feat. Scott Gale '19Generations of Rice Grads feat. Chuck Yates '94A Commitment to Community Brought Our Provost to Rice feat. Amy DittmarThe Misconception of Constructive Conflict feat. Professor Daan van KnippenbergThe Tools For Strong Leadership Are Right In Front of You. feat. Ruth Oh Reitmeier and Brent SmithGuest Profiles:Scott Gale | Rice UniversityScott Gale | Obituary

In this episode of the Dream Huge Podcast, host Pete Peterson welcomes Elizabeth Bieniek, an author and consultant, who shares her journey from big tech to entrepreneurship. They discuss the innovative WebEx Hologram technology, the importance of good leadership and motivation in teams, and the concept of 'good peopling.' Elizabeth also shares insights from her book, 'Cake on Tuesday,' which outlines lessons learned from her experiences in corporate innovation and the significance of curiosity in driving change. The conversation emphasizes the potential for intrapreneurship within large organizations and the value of helping others succeed. Takeaways Elizabeth Bieniek emphasizes the importance of good leadership in motivating teams. Curiosity is a key driver for innovation and success. The WebEx Hologram technology represents a significant advancement in collaboration tools. Good peopling is essential for effective team dynamics and motivation. Intrapreneurship allows individuals to innovate within large organizations. Learning from others' mistakes can accelerate personal and professional growth. Decisiveness is crucial for effective leadership. Reflecting on past experiences can lead to valuable insights for future endeavors. Building something innovative often requires overcoming significant challenges. The journey of entrepreneurship can be enriched by helping others succeed.    

CTO Series: How Open Strategy and Agile Practices Drive Success at NorthCode With Ismo Aro   In this BONUS episode, we sit down with Ismo Aro, CTO and partner at NorthCode, to delve into the transformative power of Open Strategy in the tech world. Ismo shares his journey from corporate roles at Nokia and Ericsson to becoming a full-time entrepreneur, and he unpacks how his approach to leadership evolved with the rise of agile methodologies, test automation, and cloud transformation. This episode is packed with actionable insights for anyone looking to modernize their company's strategy and foster a culture of transparency and co-ownership. Pivotal Career Moments: From Waterfall to Agile Mindset   “When I joined the agile pilot team, it felt like discovering the way software development should always be done—release early, get feedback fast, and improve continuously.”   Ismo reflects on his early days at Nokia, where he began as a test engineer in a traditional waterfall environment. He describes how the shift to agile methodologies transformed the way teams communicated and collaborated. When he joined a pilot project for Scrum, he realized the value of fast feedback loops and early releases. This experience laid the foundation for his future focus on continuous integration and test automation.   Key Takeaway: Adopting agile frameworks can improve workflows by shortening feedback loops and promoting direct communication. The Essence of Open Strategy “Open Strategy means involving everyone in shaping the direction of the company—not just receiving updates but truly co-creating the future.”   At NorthCode, Open Strategy is a cornerstone of their operations. Ismo explains how they empower employees by making strategy-building a transparent and collaborative process. The company's structure includes a parent company and subsidiaries where employees are also co-owners. Revenue-sharing ensures that when the business succeeds, everyone benefits directly.   Key Elements of Open Strategy: Transparency: Strategy is made visible through a kanban board and KPIs accessible to all. Ownership: Subsidiary team members can own up to 80% of their company. Profit-sharing: 80% of client revenue goes to the subsidiary, and dividends are shared annually.   “By aligning incentives and opening up the strategy process, you create a culture where employees don't just work for you—they work with you.” How Open Strategy Unfolds Annually “We make ideas visible and let them evolve until they're ready for execution.”   Ismo outlines the company's approach to strategy using a high-level roadmap and clear metrics to track progress. The focus is on organic growth through subsidiaries, with a benchmark of starting a new subsidiary once a team reaches 20 people. The company also uses “business spikes”—short, low-cost experiments to test new ideas.   Practical Tip: A business spike allows you to explore an idea quickly without committing significant resources, making it easier to pivot when necessary. Navigating Challenges in Open Strategy “Some people want to co-create, while others prefer to focus on their work—and both are valid.”   Ismo acknowledges that not everyone in the organization is equally interested in strategic discussions, and that's okay. Open Strategy doesn't require everyone to participate equally—it provides opportunities for involvement at different levels. The key is fostering an environment where insights and information flow freely from the ground up, rather than top-down mandates.   Key Insight: Open Strategy thrives when participation is voluntary and inclusive, rather than forced. Measuring Success: KPIs and Transparency “We believe in showing our utilization rates openly because our people have a stake in the results.”   To measure success, NorthCode tracks KPIs such as revenue, profit, and utilization rates. Unlike traditional consulting companies that keep these metrics private, NorthCode shares them openly to build trust and foster a sense of ownership. Monthly meetings focus on tactical updates, while strategic sessions aim to inspire employees to contribute ideas for the company's future.   Fun Practice: The “nightmare competitor” exercise encourages the team to imagine an ideal competitor and then adopt some of their hypothetical best practices into NorthCode's strategy.   “When people can see the metrics that matter, they're more motivated to take ownership of their impact.” Inspiration from Open Strategy and Business Agility “We take concepts from corporate books and tailor them to fit our context as a growing, agile company.” Ismo cites two key books that shaped his thinking: Open Strategy and The 6 Enablers of Business Agility. However, he emphasizes the importance of adapting corporate-level concepts to suit smaller, more agile organizations. He believes that while agile is mainstream in software development, many companies remain rigid in their overall strategy.   Recommended Reads: Open Strategy: Mastering Disruption from Outside the C-Suite by Stadler et al. The 6 Enablers of Business Agility by Harbott   Key Reflection: Ismo's approach underscores the importance of agility not just in software but in company operations and strategy-making.   Final Tip: Embrace modern tools like Large Language Models (LLMs) to streamline workflows—but remember, they enhance your work, not replace it.   About Ismo Aro Ismo Aro is the CTO and partner at NorthCode, specializing in software development and workflow modernization. With experience at Nokia and Ericsson, he has held various roles, from test engineer to entrepreneur. Ismo co-founded NorthCode after selling a previous company and also served as Chairman of the Robot Framework Foundation, contributing to the growth of the widely used open-source test automation framework.   You can link with Ismo Aro on LinkedIn.

In this episode of the AlchemistX Innovators Inside Podcast, Ian Bergman sits down with Moisés Noreña, a seasoned innovation leader with an extraordinary career spanning Whirlpool, Allstate, Moen, and now MiTek. Moisés shares his unconventional journey—from architecture and computer science to leading transformative corporate innovation—and the principles that have shaped his success.  Throughout the conversation, Moisés breaks down his "Ten Commandments of Innovation," a framework for aligning purpose, strategy, and innovation execution within any organization. He reveals how to tie innovation to the enterprise agenda, navigate the challenges of driving change, and unlock meaningful growth. Drawing on examples like Whirlpool's surprising pivot to the Gladiator brand and MiTek's mission to transform the construction industry, Moisés emphasizes the power of observation, experimentation, and collaboration to fuel sustainable innovation. This episode delivers insights into balancing purpose-led strategy with pragmatic execution, proving that innovation thrives when anchored in solving real human needs. Whether you're an aspiring innovator, a corporate change agent, or simply fascinated by stories of transformation, Moisés' lessons on humility, collaboration, and trust will inspire you to rethink how you approach innovation in your organization. Tune in and learn how to align purpose, process, and persistence to build a sustainable innovation culture. Moisés' book: Arquitectura de la Innovación: Un enfoque universal (Spanish Edition) For more episodes and resources, visit https://www.alchemistaccelerator.com/podcasts.

Curious about how Queensland, Australia's biotech sector can help you uncover new opportunities for international collaboration and growth? In this episode, James Zanewicz, JD, LLM, RTTP, speaks with Alita Singer, Investment Director at Trade and Investment Queensland in New York, and David Brown, Director of Research Partnerships and Corporate Innovation for North America. They discuss the unique role of Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ) in driving innovation, facilitating partnerships, and supporting biotech companies across Australia and the world. In this episode, you'll learn: How TIQ helps Queensland biotech innovators access global markets and overcome international hurdles. Key similarities between Queensland and the Gulf South in areas like tropical medicine, infectious diseases, and regional health challenges. Why international collaborations are vital for advancing biotech, and how Queensland's cost-effective clinical trials are attracting global partners. Tune in to discover how TIQ is creating opportunities for innovation and collaboration in biotech on a global scale! Links: Connect with Alita Singer and David Brown, and learn more about Trade and Investment Queensland. Connect with James Zanewicz, JD, LLM, RTTP and learn about Tulane Medicine Business Development and the School of Medicine. Check out MTEC, The Bullpen, Sanofi, ResApp Health, Vaxxas, Gardasil, and The AAIH. Learn about the The University of Queensland's partnerships with Ochsner Health and Emory University. Learn more about Griffith University and Queensland University of Technology. Check out our episode on T-Vant with Lisa Morici, PhD, and James McLachlan, PhD. Check out BIO on the BAYOU and make plans to attend October 28 & 29, 2025. Learn more about BIO from the BAYOU - the podcast. Bio from the Bayou is a podcast that explores biotech innovation, business development, and healthcare outcomes in New Orleans & The Gulf South, connecting biotech companies, investors, and key opinion leaders to advance medicine, technology, and startup opportunities in the region.

Warum tun sich deutsche Family Offices so schwer mit Deep-Tech-Investments? Welche Rolle könnten Private Equity Funds für die Finanzierung radikaler Innovation in Europa spielen? Und warum investierst Du in afrikanische Fintechs? Unser Host Thomas Ramge spricht mit: Helmut Kranzmaier, Techinvestment-Berater und Senior Advisor für Corporate Innovation an der ESMT Berlin.

For the latest episode of our Innovation Answered podcast, we decided to do something experimental. We're leveraging all of the AI tools that can possibly help us create a podcast episode — and using them to summarize some of our best content from 2024, and also hone in on some of the important dynamics that will impact corporate innovation work in 2025.  We deployed ChatGPT, of course, but also Suno, Google's NotebookLM, and ElevenLabs to clone the voices of episode co-hosts Scott Kirsner and Alex Slawsby. (And we comment on and criticize their outputs as we go.)   

In this episode of the AlchemistX Innovators Inside Podcast, Ian Bergman speaks with Eren Hukumdar, co-founder and CEO of Entrapeer, about transforming corporate innovation through strategic partnerships with startups. Eren shares his journey from developer to innovator, revealing the importance of addressing genuine business challenges over chasing technology trends. They explore how AI-driven platforms like Entrapeer can bridge the gap between startups and large corporations, helping enterprises uncover tailored solutions and optimize workflows for significant impact. From finding the right startup partners to measuring innovation ROI, Eren's insights offer valuable lessons for both corporate leaders and startup founders aiming to navigate the complex world of corporate innovation. Tune in to learn how focusing on real problems, balancing risk, and embracing a collaborative mindset can unlock breakthrough innovation and lasting business value.

Sam Zellner holds over 200 patents and is recognized as one of IAM's Top 300 IP Strategists—and now he's sharing his secrets to disruptive innovation on our latest podcast episode!

Navigating Corporate Innovation: Building Leadership Movements with Kristin Von Donop. In this episode of 'The Corporate Explorer,' Aiden interviews Kristin Von Donop, co-author of 'The Corporate Explorer Field Book,' discussing the intricacies of fostering innovation within large corporations like IBM. Delving into the challenges corporate explorers face, the conversation highlights how resistance to change is natural but not insurmountable. By enrolling others, engaging communities, and strategically addressing resistance, new ventures can thrive. Key insights include leveraging allies, advocates, ambassadors, and angels for sustainable leadership movements, as well as understanding the human dynamics in organizational change. Sponsored by Wazoku, provider of software solutions for innovation ecosystems. 00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Acknowledgment  00:37 Overview of the Chapter and Guest Introduction 02:21 Challenges of Implementing Change 03:31 Building a Leadership Movement 07:47 Case Studies and Real-World Examples  14:23 Engaging the Community and Overcoming Resistance 29:39 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

In this episode, we're digging into successful strategies for corporate innovation with Audre Kapacinskas, Principal of Corporate Development at S2G, and Ryan Smith, Chief Growth Officer and Executive Vice President at Ajinomoto Health and Nutrition, a multinational food and biotechnology company focused on seasonings. Audre shares five takeaways from over 600 conversations with corporates about driving effective innovation in the face of significant challenges to making the kind of rapid, large-scale progress needed to meet global sustainability commitments. Audre then speaks with Ryan about how Ajinomoto encourages innovation and utilizes the company's distinct advantages as well as novel business models to position itself for growth. We hope that these conversations can support companies in driving growth while achieving their sustainability objectives and spark broader discussions around effective corporate strategies and how we better convene groups and share best practices.  Key Topics: The Importance of People, Structure, and Culture: At a time when CEO turnover is spiking, Audre highlights the importance of having the right people in the right positions to shield teams working on long-term growth initiatives from disruptions. Ryan explains that at Ajinomoto, listening to employees and customers is a key part of the company's search for innovation. The Need for Clear, Strategic Direction: Audre speaks about how having clarity and consensus around strategic objectives can help leaders build trust within their organizations and encourage widespread buy-in. Leveraging Distinct Advantages: According to Audre, many companies that innovate successfully do so by taking advantage of their entire organizational structure and expertise. She uses Koch Disruptive Technologies as an example of a company that is proactively sending new products out to its different business units to enable business development opportunities while identifying new technology use cases. Ryan shares that Ajinomoto's ability to vet startups through its internal processes gives it a leg up in conversations with potential customers. Integrating Innovation Initiatives with a Long-Term View:  Audre recommends setting up a strategic roadmap and enabling the people within your organization to execute against it. According to Audre, “Once you have a plan and feel good about it, empower it and fund it.”Embracing New Business Models: S2G's Corporate Development team is seeing new business models bolster innovation engines within corporations, and that creative financing and risk management can make companies more willing to experiment. Ryan speaks to Ajinomoto's effort to surprise their customers by exploring many different angles of food production beyond just ingredients. Resources:Adapt or Collapse: 5 Lessons for Scaling Sustainability to Drive Growth This content is for informational purposes only, should not be taken as legal, business, tax or investment advice, or be used to evaluate any investment or security, and is not directed at any investor or potential investor in any investment vehicle sponsored by S2G. Investing involves risk, including the risk of loss. Specific companies mentioned in this podcast are for educational purposes and should not be construed as an endorsement of any kind. Please note that S2G may maintain investments in some of the companies discussed on this podcast. All views of the guests on this podcast are solely their opinions and do not reflect the opinions of S2G. Any past performance discussed is not indicative of future results. For more important information, please see s2gventures.com/disclosures.

How do you make something completely new? And does the process differ if you're in a tiny start-up or a tech giant like Google? Listen to this episode to find out. You will learn from Maria Fernandez Guajardo, Senior Director of Product Management for Gmail at Google.  You'll learn the framework behind what makes a good Minimum Viable Product, the process Big Tech companies use to bring new ideas to life and the differences between start-up and corporate innovation. Maria's book, Sail to Scale: Steer Your Startup Clear of Mistakes from Launch to Exit, is available now.   For the transcript, go to: https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/mvps-milkshakes-innovating-at-google   Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 02:52 Understanding Jobs to Be Done 06:00 Psychological Aspect of Product Design 08:56 MVP Features 12:10 Generative AI in Product Development 14:54 Corporate Innovation 18:02 Building Momentum 20:50 Similarities Between Startups and Corporations 24:10 Becoming a Corporate Innovator 27:00 Experience in Entrepreneurship 29:52 Writing a Book for Entrepreneurs   FREE GUIDE: The Pragmatist's Guide To Innovation (in business & in life) by Sophia Matveeva, supported by researchers from The University of Chicago   Growth Through Innovation If your organisation wants to drive revenue through innovation, book a call with us here. Our workshops and innovation strategies have helped Constellation Brands, the Royal Bank of Canada and Oxford University.

Worldly. Empathetic. Purposeful. Tom Drucker takes us on a remarkable journey of transitioning from clinical psychology therapy to corporate consulting, where he helps leaders enhance productivity and emotional intelligence.Tom shares his transformative path from the therapeutic office to the corporate boardroom, with a desire to foster productivity and emotional intelligence in leadership. With a diverse clientele across Europe and Asia, he shares how he leverages remote work tools to enhance collaboration and innovation, showcasing the adaptability required in today's business landscape.What advice does he have for his corporate clients?  What strategies does he suggest to boost your productivity and communication skills? Which two locations in the world would he like to return to?CLICK HERE for more information about Tom Drucker.CLICK HERE for more information about Consultants in Corporate Innovation.

Strategic Diversity in Corporate Innovation with Richard Robertson | The Corporate Explorer Series In this episode of The Corporate Explorer, host Aiden is joined by Richard Robertson, co-author of The Corporate Explorer Field Book, to discuss the critical concept of strategic diversity in building high-performing teams within corporate environments. Robertson delves into the various phases of strategic innovation and growth, from ideation to maturation and transformation. He emphasizes the importance of blending formal and informal processes to harness innovation and highlights how different skill sets and mindsets are needed at various stages of corporate development. The episode also features insights on managing complexity and human behavior, optimizing team performance, and the application of the AEM Cube tool. Sponsored by Wazoku, the episode provides valuable strategies for ensuring sustainable innovation and maximizing team potential.   00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Acknowledgment 00:40 Understanding Corporate Explorers 01:44 The Importance of Strategic Diversity 01:52 Guest Introduction: Richard Robertson 03:48 Strategic Diversity in Teams 08:08 The S Curve and Team Dynamics 16:01 Exploring the AEM Cube 20:42 Conclusion and Contact Information   Find Richard:   Link to Aidan McCullen for Keynotes, workshops and event MC.   The Reinvention Summit    Find us on Substack for Shownotes and competitions:

Peek behind the corporate curtain as ADHA member Jen Post, RDH, MDH, a clinical applications specialist with Solventum, takes you from product concept to nationwide launch. Jen shares her inspiring journey with Matt and discusses her unique role with the company. Uncover Solventum's surprising identity and why it might be more familiar than you think! Matt also catches you up on the latest happenings at ADHA and Hispanic Heritage Month coming up! https://www.solventum.com https://www.adha.org/NDHM2024 https://www.adha.org/events https://www.adha.org/CESmart https://www.adha.org/newsroom https://www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov      

Grace Vandecruze: A Wall Street trailblazer, corporate board member, and mountain climber who's scaled 25 peaks across 3 continents while revolutionizing the insurance industry.Make sure to check out Grace's “Become a Wealth Builder” at https://wwamasterclass.comChange Ready is an original series brought to you by Behind the Human & Malosi. A series where we do everything possible to future-proof your mind and thrive in an era of unprecedented change.   ___How Prepared is Your Team for the Next Big Disruption? Future-proof your team with Malosiminds.com Get your copy of Personal Socrates: Better Questions, Better Life Connect with Marc >>> Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter Drop a review and let me know what resonates with you about the show!Thanks as always for listening and have the best day yet!*A special thanks to MONOS, our official travel partner for Behind the Human! Use MONOSBTH10 at check-out for savings on your next purchase. ✈️*Special props

Elizabeth Bieniek, author of Cake on Tuesdays: 25 Lessons To Unlock Corporate Innovation, shares her blueprint for executing change within complex organizations. She co-founded Webex Hologram, the industry's first holographic collaboration system, while at Cisco and here explores the intricacies of innovation and leadership, offering valuable insights for aspiring innovators inside and outside of large companies with gems like “find the angel in the marble,” “add oil and reduce friction,” “nobody cares until you make them” and the hilarious “don't be a flat squirrel.”

David Rogers - The Digital Transformation Roadmap Part 2   Mastering Digital Transformation: Insights from David Rogers   In this engaging episode, Aidan sits down with David Rogers, the author of 'The Digital Transformation Roadmap'. They delve into the significant challenges and strategies for digital transformation within organisations. Key topics include overcoming psychological and organisational debt, technical capabilities required for transformation, the importance of suitable technology, retaining key talent, and evolving organisational culture. David also shares insights on governance and iterative funding, emphasising the need for smart shutdowns and resource allocation. The episode is packed with practical examples, including successful digital transformations at Walmart and Netflix. David's profound experience and practical tools make this essential listening for business leaders and innovators.   00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:13 Understanding Organisational and Technical Debt 02:18 The Importance of Tech Capabilities 03:29 Talent and Culture in Digital Transformation 05:19 Governance in Digital Transformation 08:27 The Role of Teams and Boards 20:00 Smart Shutdowns and Innovation Governance 26:07 The Corporate Innovation Stack 29:34 The Broken Model of Innovation 30:02 Governance Model for Innovation 30:42 Path Three Innovations: Challenges and Management 32:15 Innovation Structures and Strategies 34:12 Skipping Vision and Priorities 35:07 Walmart's Strategic Innovation in Online Grocery 41:24 Four Stages of Validation 49:21 Case Studies: Netflix and Diapers.com 54:37 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   Find David here:   Find Aidan McCullen for Keynotes and Corporate Workshops here:   David Rogers, Aidan McCullen, Digital Transformation, Innovation Governance, Iterative Funding, Corporate Innovation, Organizational Change, Innovation Strategy, Technical Debt, Psychological Debt, Innovation Boards, Startup Culture, Agile Methodology, Product Validation, Strategic Priorities, Business Validation, Smart Shutdowns, Innovation Stack, Customer Validation, Executive Insights  

Unlocking Successful Digital Transformation: Insights from David L. Rogers In this episode, David L. Rogers, author of 'The Digital Transformation Roadmap' and 'The Digital Transformation Playbook,' joins Aidan to discuss the critical steps and challenges businesses face in their journey towards digital transformation. Rogers emphasises the importance of transforming not just products and business models but the organisation itself.  He outlines five major barriers to success: vision, priorities, experimentation, governance, and capabilities.    Through insightful case studies such as the New York Times and CNN+, Rogers illustrates the pitfalls and successful strategies for driving meaningful innovation.    Additionally, he highlights the need for iterative funding and continuous adaptation in the face of uncertainty. This episode is packed with practical advice and lessons drawn from two decades of research and real-world examples, aimed at helping leaders navigate and thrive in the digital age.   00:00 Introduction to Digital Transformation 00:57 Meet the Author: David L. Rogers 01:47 The Evolution of Digital Transformation 02:36 Challenges and Misconceptions 07:48 Defining Digital Transformation 09:56 Barriers to Success 22:26 Case Study: The New York Times 31:33 Setting Realistic Expectations for Change 32:21 Defining a Clear Vision for Change 34:03 Empathy and Resistance to Change 34:53 Challenges of Corporate Innovation 36:15 Addressing Uncertainty in Innovation 39:27 Paths to Innovation and Growth 41:41 Case Study: The Failure of CNN Plus 49:55 Iterative Funding and the Facebook Example 54:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   Find David here:  Substack: Website:   The Missing Link Between Strategy and Innovation article David mentioned:   The episode we mentioned with Steve Blank: The Startup Owner's Manual: The Step-By-Step Guide for Building a Great Company   Aidan McCullen, David Rogers, digital transformation roadmap, digital transformation playbook, corporate governance, iterative experimentation, Facebook, CNN Plus, startup funding, media industry, New York Times, Steve Blank, Bob Dorf, Rita McGrath, Stefan Tompkin, Peter Thiel, Jason Keillar, Jeff Zucker        

In the latest episode of the Corporate Explorer series, brought to you by Wazoku, we discuss the importance of balancing personal instincts with data and evidence in business decisions. Guests, Product Marketing Manager for Electric Vehicles & Customer Experience with Cadillac, Sarah Spoto and Vincent Ducret from ChangeLogic share their experiences of implementing experimental frameworks in China for General Motors. They emphasize the critical steps of assumption analysis, prioritizing hypotheses, and iterative experimentation, while also addressing challenges in corporate environments, such as maintaining cultural buy-in and celebrating failures as learning opportunities. Sponsored by Wazoku, the episode offers deep dives into innovation management, strategic risk-taking, and the use of connected collective intelligence to drive business success. 00:00 Introduction: The Pitfalls of Instinct-Driven Decisions 00:40 The Role of Data in Corporate Exploration 01:07 Sponsor Message: Wazoku's Innovation Ecosystem 01:56 Incubation and De-risking New Business Ideas 02:19 Meet the Corporate Explorers: Sarah Spoto and Vincent Ducraix 02:50 Sarah Spoto's Journey in Corporate Innovation 04:40 Vincent Ducraix's Background and Experience 06:55 The Business Learning Life Cycle Framework 08:10 The Importance of De-risking in Corporate Ventures 13:04 Challenges and Strategies in Corporate Experimentation 14:33 The Role of Leadership and Team Buy-in 21:08 Case Study: Experimentation in China 30:28 Final Thoughts and Contact Information Find Sarah here: Find Vincent here:     Key Takeaways This conversation explores business experimentation using a framework outlined in the Corporate Explorer book. Here are the key takeaways: Challenges of Corporate Innovation: Reliance on past experience can lead to failure in new ventures due to high uncertainties. Traditional methods like surveys might not capture the right data for untested ideas. The Business Experiments Framework: Identify Key Assumptions: List all critical assumptions about your new venture (customer value proposition,problem addressed, etc.). Prioritize Assumptions: Focus on the riskiest assumptions that could derail the project. Design Experiments: Create creative experiments to test these assumptions with real customer data (not just surveys). Collect Learnings: Analyze experiment results to validate or disprove assumptions. Iterate: Use learnings to refine your approach and potentially conduct new experiments on remaining assumptions. Benefits of Business Experiments: Reduces risk by validating assumptions before significant resource investment. Provides data-driven decision making for building the right product for the right customer. Challenges of Implementing Business Experiments: Balancing Speed and De-risking: There's a tension between demonstrating progress and taking the time to properly de-risk the project. Cultural Shift: Organizations need to embrace experimentation and see failures as learning opportunities. Team Buy-in: Both leadership and working-level teams need to understand the value of experimentation. Success Factors: Strong Leadership Support: Having advocates who understand and champion the approach is crucial. Cultural Investment: Educate teams on the process and celebrate failures as learning opportunities. Focus on Learning: Value the insights gained from experiments, even if they disprove assumptions. Example Implementation: Sarah Spoto's experience in China highlights the importance of setting the right incentives and building a cross-functional team for experimentation. Assumptions analysis is a valuable starting point, even if full experimentation isn't implemented. Overall, business experimentation offers a structured approach for de-risking new ventures and making data-driven decisions in the face of uncertainty.

00:00 Introduction and Background02:12 Early Exposure to Entrepreneurship and Sports03:14 The Importance of Customer Discovery and Market Research08:04 Working at the Boston Globe and Building a Strong Organizational Culture11:21 Starting FitFly Global and Learning in the Startup World14:18 Teaching and Building at General Assembly16:10 Leading with the Head and the Heart in Entrepreneurship25:17 The Qualities of Successful Founders36:01 Balancing Stability and Agility in Organizations40:35 Building Cultures that Support Health and Well-being44:31 Improving Failure Rates in Startups46:26 Think Like a Brand, Act Like a Startup

Get ready for a mind-blowing episode of 'AI50' as we unpack 'AI in the Boardroom: Transforming Business After 50' with the brilliant Dr. Philipp Schlenkhoff from the AI Transformation Institute!We'll sprinkle some AI magic dust, uncovering eye-opening insights on corporate AI strategies, generational tech challenges, and data-driven decision making that'll make your business synapses fire with excitement.Prepare to have your executive mindset refreshed as we navigate the world of AI quick wins, workforce upskilling, and ethical implementation, discovering how they're giving seasoned businesses a high-tech facelift.With Dr. Schlenkhoff's expertise in AI integration, you'll hear inspiring tales from the frontlines of corporate transformation, leaving you eager to teach old dogs new AI tricks.By the end, you'll be empowered with these game-changing takeaways:1. How to balance innovation and caution in your AI strategy2. Strategies for communicating AI vision across your organization3. Tips for preparing your data infrastructure for AI integrationDon't miss this masterclass in modern business! Tune in now, subscribe, and join our AI revolution. Together, let's prove that it's never too late to become an AI champion!

Developing an Ecosystem Playbook for Corporate Innovation with Best Buy Case Study   In this episode, we delve into the strategies corporate explorers need to develop successful partnerships and co-innovate to deliver value propositions to their consumers. Our guest, Christine Griffin, shares a six-step process for creating an ecosystem playbook, using Best Buy's expansion into the home health market as a compelling case study. We examine how Best Buy transitioned from a retail giant to an orchestrator of home health services through strategic acquisitions and partnerships. Additionally, we explore the importance of understanding value creation, identifying market breakpoints, mapping ecosystem players, and assessing financial flows. This episode also highlights the critical roles of scaling path, capabilities, capacities, and customer access in achieving business success.    Special thanks to our sponsor, Wazoku, for supporting corporate innovation.   00:00 Introduction to Corporate Innovation 00:39 Sponsor Acknowledgment and Guest Introduction 01:52 Overview of Best Buy's Home Health Strategy 03:16 Best Buy's Acquisitions and Initial Footprint 03:55 Building Partnerships in the Healthcare Ecosystem 05:12 Mapping the Ecosystem and Identifying Break Points 10:04 Understanding the Players and Their Roles 12:35 Evaluating Incentives and Profit Pools 15:12 Developing a Scaling Path 18:03 The Importance of Stakeholder Involvement 19:46 Conclusion and Further Resources   Corporate Explorers, Innovation Strategy, Innovation Ecosystems, Best Buy Case Study, Christine Griffin, Scaling Startups, Corporate Innovation, Business Ecosystems, Strategic Partnerships, Innovation Show, Wazoku, Sustainable Innovation, Hubert Joly, Ecosystem Playbook, Technology Adoption, Corporate Explorer Series, Corporate Strategy, Innovation Tools, Best Buy Health, Business Development, Innovation Leadership, Change Logic, Healthcare Innovation, Digital Health, Startup Scaling, Entrepreneurship, Business Growth, Market Strategy, Innovation Mapping, Corporate Transformation   Find Christine here: Find Wazoku here: