Podcasts about Innovation leadership

Charu Roy, Chief Product Officer at Enlil, shares her extensive journey in the software industry, which began in the late 1980s and evolved into her leadership role in medtech. Charu discusses her role at Enlil, where she oversees the development of an AI-powered platform to enhance medical device lifecycle management. She emphasizes the importance of understanding customer needs, fostering team potential, and ensuring cybersecurity in medtech software solutions. With profound insights on her career growth, leadership style, and the technological advancements propelling the industry forward, Charu's story is an inspiring tale of innovation and dedication to improving lives.  Guest links: https://enlil.com/ |  https://www.linkedin.com/company/enlil-inc/ Charity supported: ASPCA Interested in being a guest on the show or have feedback to share? Email us at theleadingdifference@velentium.com.  PRODUCTION CREDITS Host & Editor: Lindsey Dinneen Producer: Velentium Medical   EPISODE TRANSCRIPT Episode 069 - Charu Roy [00:00:00] Lindsey Dinneen: Hi, I'm Lindsey and I'm talking with MedTech industry leaders on how they change lives for a better world. [00:00:09] Diane Bouis: The inventions and technologies are fascinating and so are the people who work with them. [00:00:15] Frank Jaskulke: There was a period of time where I realized, fundamentally, my job was to go hang out with really smart people that are saving lives and then do work that would help them save more lives. [00:00:28] Diane Bouis: I got into the business to save lives and it is incredibly motivating to work with people who are in that same business, saving or improving lives. [00:00:38] Duane Mancini: What better industry than where I get to wake up every day and just save people's lives. [00:00:42] Lindsey Dinneen: These are extraordinary people doing extraordinary work, and this is The Leading Difference. Hello and welcome back to another episode of The Leading Difference podcast. I'm your host Lindsey, and today I'm absolutely delighted to introduce you to Charu Roy. Charu is the Chief Product Officer at Enlil, where she leads product strategy, vision, and execution for the company's AI powered medtech development platform. With over two decades of experience building and scaling enterprise software products, Charu brings deep industry expertise in product management, user-centered design, and go to market leadership. Before Enlil, she held senior product roles at industry leaders, including Epicor, Oracle, I-2 Technologies slash Aspect Development, HP and Agile Software, where she drove software innovation across enterprise cloud SaaS and data driven solutions. Known for her ability to align customer needs with business strategy, she is passionate about delivering products that transform complex industries and enable measurable impact. Well, welcome, Charu, to the conversation today. I'm so excited to be speaking with you. [00:01:54] Charu Roy: Thank you so much for having me. I'm very really excited about being here on this podcast. [00:02:00] Lindsey Dinneen: Oh, awesome. Yeah. Well, I would love, if you wouldn't mind starting off by sharing a little bit about yourself, your background, and what led you to medtech. [00:02:10] Charu Roy: Sure. As every other sort of person who gets into the software world, I came in a while back in 1987 to 89, where I did Master's in Computer Science at University of Louisiana. That was my first introduction to America, really. And computer science brought me to the Bay Area where I worked at HP, Hewlett Packard. In those days, it was called Scientific Instruments Division in Palo Alto. And there I programmed robotic hands to, to sort of move that, the vial from samples, drug samples from athletes so that they could get tested for drugs. So, I didn't know the importance of all this. It was my first job. I enjoyed myself seven years, you know, software programming, really, and understood how a large company works. And then slowly I started getting a little bored. So I went on to my next startup and was involved in the same kind of principles that drive things today. So I just sort of built my way up. In terms of the software, I joined different groups, ran consulting services, ran engineering, and sort of worked myself up through the ranks and into sort of more decision making capabilities, and you know, continued to join companies and learn new things and leave them for some better opportunities. So I moved from Hewlett Packard to a startup that was called Aspect Development, which got sold to I-2 Technologies for $9.3 billion in those days. So, you know, I went through that acquisition, trying to understand the market, what kind of software triggers buying, you know-- so sort of just the software aspects of how to sell software, how to develop software, how to deploy it. So in general, I was learning all of the ropes until I came to Agile PLM, which is a company which, very popular company which made it very sort of easy to deploy software, especially software called Product Lifecycle Management. So I was -- here, I was in and out of companies, learning and understanding the world of software until I fell into med device companies being my customers. So med device being our customers meant, you know, a lot more strictness, a lot more process, with the software itself. So here I was trying to now go through those kind of features, trying to understand what med device needed when they were building products. So, from Agile, I went to Conformia. Again, it was the same, it was regulatory product for wine, spirits and pharma --very adjacent to med device. But again, it was the same thing about how to be provide, how to provide a traceable platform where our customers can trace there, the make of the wine or make of the spirit, or make of a pharma drug or make off of med device. All the principles underlying it are the same because it's a regulated product at the end of the day, but so that's how I kind of fell into it, and I enjoyed every bit of that until I got acquired by Oracle. And so I continued at Oracle doing the same thing over and over again; rebuilt the same products again at Oracle in the clouds, and I was managing the old Agile products. So it's an interesting journey where I was, you know, started off as a software programmer. And I didn't know anything about, you know, the use cases until the time I sort of joined Oracle and understood my customers better. And that's how I came in there. And of course I was at Epicor and finally I made my way to Enlil, which is a very small company, and I'm doing the same thing again. It's just with a different set of customers, very small to medium sized companies. So that's how my career sort of spanned 30 years. [00:06:11] Lindsey Dinneen: Wow. Oh my goodness. Well, there is so much to dive into all of that. Thank you for sharing. It's so cool to hear about all of the winding paths that lead us to maybe, you know, where we're meant to be in, in any given season. And yeah, I just love learning about it. So, okay. So I'm curious, you know, way back when did you like growing up, did you always have an interest in computers and computer science? Is this something you knew you wanted to get into? [00:06:40] Charu Roy: Not at all, actually it was a suggestion, and in those days, parents kind of suggested that you be a engineer or a doctor or a chartered accountant. The choices were very limited. And so my father said, "you will do computer science." And I said, "okay." And there I was and there was no, no sort of emotional attachment to any of those professions. And, I liked it well enough to continue, and I found it was easy enough to understand the principles and work at it. So yeah, there was no-- you know, in these days I think kids are training themselves like by seven or eight to program. And I'm seeing, you know, machine language I mean AI, ML, LLMs being taught to seven year olds and sort of trying to shape them, but in those days it was just some very simple choices, I guess. So, yeah, not a very romantic story. I was never programming younger in my younger days, but I think you know, compared to all the choices youngsters have these days, but just fell into it. [00:07:44] Lindsey Dinneen: Sure. Oh, how fun. You know, even though, yes, it was somewhat prescribed for you, at least originally, and I'm so glad that you fell in love and it ended up being a happy place for you because... [00:07:57] Charu Roy: Yeah, and I think I fell in love with the customer, how customers reacted to the software. I didn't fall in love with the software delivery process or anything else, but it was just the way customers said, "oh, I like that. It's gonna make it easier for me to do something. I'm having a tough time tracking it on paper. I just hate it what I'm doing right now, and your software will help." So I think that's a part that makes me feel really pleased that okay it's going into some good hands and it's going to be used. [00:08:30] Lindsey Dinneen: Yes, by people who really appreciate and value what you can contribute, what maybe comes --at this point, I guess-- naturally to you. And so it's, you're able to translate somebody's ideas or dreams into a really tangible solution. [00:08:48] Charu Roy: Yeah. And in fact, somebody's pain points, like they're really sort of, trying their best to use little resources they might have, wasting a lot of time on either tracking something on paper or in emails. And I think those are the kind of pain points that I really like to understand and say, "Hey, will the software help really help your day to day life? Will it make it easier to find things?" I think that's where I find my sort of biggest thrill of when a customer says, "Yes, you shaved off three hours of my time by giving me this efficient system." [00:09:26] Lindsey Dinneen: Nice. Yeah. Oh my goodness. Yes , and the products that you're making are indeed life impacting and make a difference. And that is rewarding because you know that the work you --do all work is important, but it's really fun when you get to know personally the impact that you get to have. [00:09:45] Charu Roy: Right, right. [00:09:46] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. Yeah. So, okay, so I'm, I'd love to dive in a little bit more to your current company and role and learn about that, and how you're helping, you're still helping people you know, win through this. [00:10:00] Charu Roy: So, yes, absolutely. Enlil is part of Shifamed, the portfolio. Shifamed invests in med device devices typically, so ophthalmology devices or cardio devices. Enlil came about as an enterprise software company within the portfolio because they realized that they needed some software to throw all their data into, right? So they had early designs, prototype data. They might have had some user requirements, what kind of standards they might have to follow. So all those were floating about, again, in emails and paper. Enlil came in saying that we can store this data more successfully, more cleanly in a structured fashion so that our users can find that data. And this becomes really important as the med device company moves on and tries to apply for regulatory approval at that time, they need all that history and the data behind the device. And they wanna be able to find it easily and present it to auditors. So, Enlil's a structured way of describing all the data that the customer has and being able to find it easily and then run their audits using the data. So it's a very crucial part of their lifecycle, their product lifecycle. And so it's really important for us to be secure, reliable, available, 24/7. All of that applies to us and basically defines how they go about driving their product lifecycle. [00:11:34] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. Well, and you know, one thing that stood out to me when you were talking about that was of course the security aspect. And as we all know, we're, we're probably much more so than in the past, hyper aware of the critical need for cybersecurity and the role it plays specifically in medical device technology. And I'm curious if you could speak a little bit more to that particular element. [00:11:55] Charu Roy: Yeah, we have a lot of layers of security, you know, right from the folks who are accessing the software. The software is hosted in a well-known, reputable cloud service environment. So apart from them providing us cybersecurity and access control and everything else, we have another set of layers on top of that. So our users are vetted and they all have a password. People can be invited and not just sort of show up. So, there's a lot of control of what they can see and can do. Every button sort of, you know, has a role behind it or a layer of control. So not everyone can do everything and press any and all buttons. So, security is at many levels. And we also have a lot of audit trails, e-signatures, and so on. So everything is done to protect the data, and audits are run regularly by them and by us to make sure that nobody who's supposed to be, you know, people who are not supposed to see the data, don't see the data. [00:13:01] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. Excellent. Yeah, I know that's just something that is, should be at least, on the forefront, especially of startups' minds as they're thinking about this and working towards having a really secure device. So it sounds like you've built in all of that safeguarding really well and really intentionally. So, so, okay, so I know that -- well, there's a few things that really stood out to me on your LinkedIn profile, and I'm just curious if we could dive into a couple things. One was, I love how you said that you're "passionate about teams and people delivering to their full potential," and I was wondering if you could speak a little bit more to that. [00:13:42] Charu Roy: Yeah, so, you know, along the years I've noticed that people in my team, the team members, they're there, they're working hard, but I do like to understand what's making them tick, what might they be wanting to do, which they haven't got gotten to do yet. Can we unlock some potential, some skill, some talent? And I think that comes about by sort of just talking about it , trying to give them openings about, "Hey, look, I've got this cool project or this cool feature. Any thoughts on that?" Just to understand, are they happy doing what they're doing, or is there something more they could do? And so I think that human touch, you know, is -- it was given to me, or at least it was taught to me by some mentors along the way. And I think that's a part that I really like to explore and see how can teams do better, not just in a numbers, not just turnaround features and releases on time, but are they happy doing it? Did they contribute something meaningful along the way? Did they feel they grew in the process? Did they feel they were recognized for some new responsibilities that they may not have stepped up for in some other companies? So that's a feeling I'm trying to always give them and sort of hoping that we contribute to their growth, not just the company and the bottom line. [00:15:02] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah, that's critical and key,, and really speaks to who you are as a leader. And I'm actually very curious, you know, you mentioned earlier having kind of worked your way up at HP and then, you know, that may be opening some doors for you for of course, your future opportunities, and I'm curious, what has your own leadership journey looked like? Has, does leadership come naturally to you? Have you spent a lot of, you know, time and resources, whatever, developing those skill sets or how did that work for you? [00:15:29] Charu Roy: I think I was thrown into the deep end of the pool several times, you know, like, so I kicked into the pool, so to learn to swim. So similarly I was made to take on responsibility pretty much the very beginning. So I kind of knew that there were certain things expected that I should be doing, can be doing and then this introspection saying that, did I give the right amount of energy to that particular responsibility and did I do well? So just a lot of introspection and being able to understand, did I do well as a leader? But I've been honing it, honing skills. I mean, nothing out of an MBA school, nothing out of, you know, college that helped me. I think it was just about pure interest in psychology, pure interest in humans, you know, just being able to connect and how did I make them feel? How did they make me feel in those interactions? And is that, was that good? Was there something we could do to incorporate more people to get that feeling of ownership or anything? So it wasn't a, you know, by rote or something that I learned in a school. It was more of just sort of. Being thrown into situations where I had to come out of it somewhat gracefully and some somewhat feeling like I had also learned along the way. [00:16:46] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. Yeah, that, that's wonderful and incredible. And I think, you know, you mentioned learning along the way, and one thing also that stood out to me was, the recommendations on your profiles are so lovely for you. And two things stood out: they, one thing was somebody mentioned you're always learning, which is a gift in and of itself. And then the other thing was you're always letting others succeed. And that's such a beautiful gift and I'm wondering if you could talk more about both of those as well. [00:17:16] Charu Roy: Yeah, I think it's not about just me being sort of the boss and being able to tell people what to do, though I think success comes from enabling or encouraging the teams to again contribute without any barriers, any levels, or politics. I love the fact that we are in a small company, and I can say safely that, you know, politics --in larger companies there are politics. People are always trying to sort of be showing that they are very valuable. But in a small startup, it's very quickly apparent that there are certain valuable players there and startups, everybody is valuable, right? So I think being able to encourage the team members to do what they think is best for the problem to solve it. And of course, there are reasons why you can't sometimes accept the solution, but the fact that they're thinking about it and the fact they're able to openly express their opinions and say, "No, you're wrong, Charu." I think this is the way to do it. I love that. I think, somebody disagrees with me in a meeting, I just think that's the best thing that could have happened as a style of management. Because I'm not, you know, insecure in that sense. I don't sulk afterwards. I have had bosses and so on who don't like that kind of, you know, disagreements in public. And I think that's a part where I beg to differ, and I want to have people say what they think, what are they feeling, what are the problems, really the truth, and fix it, really. So I think it's less waste of a time when people are honest, and get to the point, and we are able to solve it together rather than hide behind, you know, facades, I guess. [00:19:01] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah, that's beautiful. And yeah, I've often said for me personally, that, you know, more heads are better than one. I mean, I could have a, an opinion on whatever it is that we're talking about, but really, until we collaborate and start sharing those ideas and those thoughts and opinions , all of a sudden those kinds of sparks happen where, you know, you start with one thing and then it, and then somebody else catches that and they take it even to the next level and it just keeps going. And it's so cool to see the creativity and problem solving and innovation that comes from allowing those conversations. [00:19:36] Charu Roy: Yes, exactly. Creativity and innovation. You've said it so well. That comes with smart people being in the same room, arguing, not agreeing, and then something comes out of that, right? I mean, either your thoughts get clearer because you've seen every side of the coin and you're able to say, "Okay, I know the pros and cons and we can go this way, knowing the full effect of what we are going to do." So I think surrounding myself with smart people who have varied opinions, I think that's a beauty and a blessing really. [00:20:12] Lindsey Dinneen: Yes it is, and you've nailed it with varying opinions. You know, it's easy to get yourself into a situation-- and not necessarily intentionally-- but just it's easy to give into a situation where you've surrounded yourself with people who all kind of have the same opinions on things. And so inviting those conversations to take place that might be difficult, might be challenging, might be frustrating at times, but allowing for that and being open to other points of view and experience. I mean, that's the beauty of a really good collaborative environment is all of those varying opinions that don't necessarily match yours. [00:20:50] Charu Roy: Yes, exactly. Exactly. [00:20:52] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. Yeah. So, okay, so looking back, could 10-year-old you have ever imagined where you'd end up today? [00:21:00] Charu Roy: No, absolutely not. I thought I wanted to be a doctor or something vague. 10-year-old me was climbing trees and eating guavas off the trees in Delhi. So it was really crazy childhood. And you know, it wasn't filled with studies and rules and stuff. So I think coming to this, a country when I was young, being able to absorb everything, the culture, the of course the education itself and being able to sort of grow within the companies that I joined, i, I think that was the journey that I was sort of a pointing more towards rather than the childhood me. The childhood me was horrible, I think. [00:21:46] Lindsey Dinneen: Oh man. Honest reflection right there. That's awesome. Yeah, okay. Are there any moments that really stand out to you, perhaps with your current position or, you know, something in your past where you really thought, "Wow, what I'm doing makes a difference. I am in the right industry, at the right time, in the right place." [00:22:07] Charu Roy: I think it's the technology now that, you know, speaking from a technical viewpoint of shipping software, meaning full software, more easily, the time is now. I feel that the culmination of everything I've learned about pain points and users and customers, all of that's culminating in in the product that I'm managing right now, using new technologies, having the right technologies to choose from and being able to propel that software forward to our users. I feel that, "Wow, what a time to be a product officer really, when we have so many choices and being able to be able to apply that to real world problems and real pain points." I had the same pain points 20 years ago, even 30 years ago, but we couldn't do much. We had to, you know, write painful programs. We had to write database queries and, you know, things like that. It was quite painful, I would say. And then now to see all the tools where we can create things overnight and be able to ship it to customers, just hitting the nail on the head. We had to experiment a lot in the old days but I think the time now is is really special. We are on an sort of an industrial revolution or a computer science revolution here with the AI, MML, the LLMs, being able to do so much with probably less resources than before. So. [00:23:39] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. So seeing the impact of the work and getting to not have it be so painful. [00:23:45] Charu Roy: Yes. It used be very painful and now I'm thinking, I think we're at the right time, right place now with this product. And it's not just about the products. It's the kind of help we are getting as software professionals to help deliver software and support our users. I think that's really special and I, we are still learning, we're still trying to understand all the technologies that are available to us and how can we make our lives easier and our customers feel that we've solved some problems for them. [00:24:14] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah, absolutely. And I think that there's just, it is really wonderful again-- just to, to circle back to this kind of been a running theme of getting to be able to experience for the end user or with the end user, that moment of, "Oh wow, I needed this is so helpful and it's gonna make a difference." [00:24:36] Charu Roy: Yeah. I remember in my past, same sort of software tracking wine being made. And that software was pretty cool. It, it used to track where the wine sat and which barrel for how long. And so the pleasure of talking to wine makers, and being able to show them how the software track the progress of the wine and being able to print out a label at the very end for them, saying that "this wine sat in these bottles or these barrels for a while," and that technology application for a simple, naive user, I thought that was it. That was the, you know, the culmination of all the learnings that I had over the years to be able to explain the software so easily to a end user who might be a distiller or a winemaker or somebody, a farmer. I thought that was pretty cool. And that since then, of course, technology has changed, but I think we're beginning to see the effect on a naive user, which we couldn't do, you know, 30 years ago. [00:25:37] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah, absolutely. Oh my goodness. That is, it is so cool. And I love the work you're doing and just learning all about your history so far and just exciting to see where it's gonna end up too, and as you continue along your career path, but pivoting the conversation a little bit just for fun. Imagine that you were to be offered a million dollars to teach a masterclass on anything you want, could be within your area of expertise, it doesn't have to be. What would you choose to teach? [00:26:06] Charu Roy: I would probably think about teaching psychology of the individual. I don't have a PhD or a even basic courses in psychology, but I just love the fact that, you know, you can apply psychology, figure out how a user might or somebody might react to something that you say, do, think so I, if it was a master class and I'd be teaching you know, teaching more about life interactions, you know, ordinary interactions. How can they be made more meaningful, more fruitful, using psychological tricks or phrases? I don't know all of those things, but I would really think that I could teach that based on, you know, facial expressions, body mannerisms, or body-- what do they call it, sort of, you know, criminal stories. They read your mind based on certain mannerisms of flutter viol. So yes, psychology is a masterclass I would teach, but more applied to daily interactions, maybe work situations and being able to use psychology better to improve your own work relationships with people and even just general interactions. Yeah, so that would be my attempt at being a psychologist and eventually be a criminal psychologist. [00:27:28] Lindsey Dinneen: Yes. Oh my goodness. That would be so interesting. Yeah, I love that idea. And the masterclass sounds fabulous, so I'm signing up whenever you do it. [00:27:37] Charu Roy: Okay, I'll go get my degrees for it then. [00:27:40] Lindsey Dinneen: Right, right, right. Yeah. Ah, details. Awesome. How do you wish to be remembered after you leave this world? [00:27:50] Charu Roy: This is something that I've always felt deeply about. It's not what you say or what you do, it's how you make people feel, that Maya Angelo said that this much nicer than what I'm saying, but and I've had a few people say this to me, saying that, "We worked together 30 years ago, but that day you made me feel good." And I don't even remember what I said, what I did, but the fact that they remember me for what I made them feel. The fact that somebody also told me that they "don't avoid me when I'm walking up to them because, because I make them feel like things are okay, things are good, however bad the problem is." So they say that with other people they would duck and, you know, go away in the opposite direction. But with me they're waiting for me to come up to them. I'd like to continue that, that feeling that somebody feels like, "Hey, you are coming up to them and you just make them feel good in some fashion." Nothing else. I think that feeling, if I could evoke in people, they say, "Oh yeah, she made me feel good that day. I don't know what she said, but she made me feel good." That's enough. [00:29:01] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah, that, yes, that is more than enough. What a beautiful legacy. Yeah, and then final question, what is one thing that makes you smile every time you see or think about it? [00:29:15] Charu Roy: I think my dogs smile. I would say he's got missing teeth and so when he looks at me when I first come, you know, come back home and he is smiling almost, and he is sniffling and, you know, trying to sneeze and smile at the same time. Oh my God, what kind of a character dog this is? So that makes me smile and laugh the whole time, especially the missing teeth. Poor thing. He doesn't understand that his teeth are missing because of me, and yet he's smiling at me, so. [00:29:50] Lindsey Dinneen: That is so sweet and cute. Oh my goodness. I love, I know somebody at one point said, "You know, dogs don't actually smile." I don't believe them. They smile. [00:30:00] Charu Roy: They smile and they choke while they smile because my dog has a small nose, I guess. So he chokes when he smiles, and so he is choking, and he is smiling, and this missing teeth there. I was like, "Oh my God." [00:30:16] Lindsey Dinneen: Oh my goodness. Yes. I mean, that would just I, yes, I can just sort of picture this. I love, love dogs and so I'm just picturing this and I, that would bring me joy every single day, definitely. Excellent. Well, this has been such a wonderful time spent with you today. Thank you for sharing your stories and your journey and your advice, and I really appreciate some of those in particular, your leadership advice, and the impact that you can have as a leader, inviting the collaboration, having conversations that encourage people to have varying opinions and maybe outright disagree with you. I love what you're wanting to, you know, wanting your legacy to be, and so that's how you're intentionally showing up in the world. And so I just wanna thank you so, so very much for being here. We're really grateful to have you. [00:31:10] Charu Roy: Thank you, and thank you so much for your intelligent questions and insightful questions that go above and beyond just you know, a company and it's gold. It's there, there's something so human about your questions-- and I love when I'm like, "Oh my goodness, this is so, so interesting to see in this day and age, somebody taking the time to ask such questions" and I really appreciate you for that. [00:31:36] Lindsey Dinneen: Oh, thank you. Well, I really appreciate that feedback too, because it's, you know, you come up with an idea-- speaking of sometimes echo chambers, you come up with an idea and you think, "Oh, this is how I'd like to go about this, but does it resonate with somebody else?" So that's delightful to hear. [00:31:51] Charu Roy: Fantastic, thank you, thank you for having me. [00:31:54] Lindsey Dinneen: And we're so honored to be making a donation on your behalf as a thank you for your time today to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which is dedicated to preventing animal cruelty in the United States. So thank you for choosing that organization to support Thank you so much, and gosh, I just wish you the most continued success as you work to change lives for a better world. And to all of our listeners for tuning in, I wanna thank you for being here as well. And if you're feeling as inspired as I am right now, I'd love it if you'd share this episode with a colleague or two, and we'll catch you next time. [00:32:31] Charu Roy: Thank you. [00:32:32] Dan Purvis: The Leading Difference is brought to you by Velentium Medical. Velentium Medical is a full service CDMO, serving medtech clients worldwide to securely design, manufacture, and test class two and class three medical devices. Velentium Medical's four units include research and development-- pairing electronic and mechanical design, embedded firmware, mobile app development, and cloud systems with the human factor studies and systems engineering necessary to streamline medical device regulatory approval; contract manufacturing-- building medical products at the prototype, clinical, and commercial levels in the US, as well as in low cost regions in 1345 certified and FDA registered Class VII clean rooms; cybersecurity-- generating the 12 cybersecurity design artifacts required for FDA submission; and automated test systems, assuring that every device produced is exactly the same as the device that was approved. Visit VelentiumMedical.com to explore how we can work together to change lives for a better world.

In this episode, Amber Walsh of McGuireWoods shares how innovation in healthcare, legal practice and firm leadership is reshaping the industry and energizing her work.

Phill Robinson of Boardwave joins Miguel Alava and Massimo Ghislandi of AWS to share research and actionable strategies for European software companies using cloud infrastructure, AI features, and marketplace leverage to drive unprecedented growth.Topics Include:Boardwave and AWS reveal research on European software companies becoming global innovators.Cloud-first businesses exceed customer expectations at 60% versus 46% for laggards.Boardwave's 2,500 CEO members validate findings: AI companies growing 45% annually.Leaders excel at gathering customer feedback for innovation and implementing AI.Top performers leverage marketplaces and deliver continuous customer experience updates consistently.Cloud adoption is foundational for generative AI and agentic AI to scale.Companies face different challenges depending on their cloud maturity stage currently.Cloud serves as table stakes before companies can capture AI growth opportunities.Benchmarking tool helps identify current position and plan strategic next steps forward.Startups should solve universal problems globally, building painkillers not vitamin products.Intercom scales customer service; Wix transforms efficiency through cultural and engineering mindset.Future requires cloud foundation with AI features; AWS offers comprehensive support programs.Participants:Phill Robinson – Chair & Co-Founder, BoardwaveMiguel Alava – EMEA ISV General Manager, Amazon Web ServicesMassimo Ghislandi - Head of EMEA Marketing for Software Companies, Amazon Web ServicesSee how Amazon Web Services gives you the freedom to migrate, innovate, and scale your software company at https://aws.amazon.com/isv/

In this episode, Amber Walsh of McGuireWoods shares how innovation in healthcare, legal practice and firm leadership is reshaping the industry and energizing her work.

How can AI and innovation transform not just the business side of sports, but create truly human-centered fan experiences? In this episode, Christa Stout, the Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer for the Portland Trailblazers, talks with Kate O’Neill about building people-first strategies in professional sports, using AI to impact real human experiences, and lessons in innovation from around the world. Topics covered: The evolving role of Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer in sports Balancing business value with fan, community, and employee impact Approaches to meaningful innovation and international development lessons Building and implementing AI strategy in a sports organization Change management and centering real people in organizational change How generative AI unlocks human potential and personalizes fan engagement Organizational metrics for innovation, inclusion, and impact Upskilling employees and culture change for AI adoption Creating frictionless, joyful fan experiences with technology Connect with Christa StoutPortland Trailblazers WebsiteLinkedIn Episode Chapters00:00:05 – Introduction to the Tech Humanist Show & Guest Overview00:01:33 – The Scope of Strategic and Innovation Leadership in Pro Sports00:02:58 – The Rise of Strategy Roles & Future-Focused Planning00:05:42 – What Makes an Innovative Sports Team?00:07:23 – Lessons in Innovation from International Experience00:09:16 – Change Management: Combining Theory and Impact00:14:54 – Embedding AI Strategy: From Curiosity to Company-Wide Change00:19:15 – Real-World Results: AI's Impact on Employee and Fan Experiences00:22:38 – Humanizing AI: Where Tech Enables Personal Touch00:26:18 – Redefining “Value” in Sports Organizations00:29:38 – Evolving Metrics and Exponential Possibilities with AI00:32:42 – Building Employee Buy-In and Upskilling for AI Adoption00:35:01 – Tools & Anticipated Changes for the Future of Sports Innovation00:37:25 – What True Innovation Could Mean for the Sports Experience00:39:46 – Closing Thoughts, Where to Connect, and Outro

Mitsui Lunch-Time Forum CLXXVII: Dana Zeller is a financial services operations leader with a track record of modernizing complex organizations, building high-performing teams, and driving measurable growth. She has helped global and regional banks streamline processes, embrace automation, and deliver better client experiences while navigating highly regulated environments. Dana has held senior leadership roles at institutions like Morgan Stanley, Citizens Bank, and Bank Leumi USA. She is currently the Chief Operating Officer at BHI, a full service commercial bank based in New York. Dana is passionate about mentoring and community leadership, serving on the UJA Professional Women's Board and supporting initiatives that expand access to education, opportunity, and legal services in New York City. She is a graduate of Emory University where she received a B.A. in Economics/Math, and of the Zicklin School of Business at Baruch College, where she received an M.S. in Statistics.

Send us a textIn this episode of Navigating the Customer Experience, we sit down with Evan Siegel, Vice President of AI at eGain, where he leads the development of next-generation AI-powered conversational guidance. With a rich background that includes 16 years at Wells Fargo leading customer experience and contact center innovation, Evan brings deep insight into how technology can drive better service outcomes without losing the human touch.Evan's career journey began in entrepreneurship — running a successful residential painting business that grew to 300 employees before he sold it and pursued an MBA at Stanford. His experience at Wells Fargo honed his expertise in solving large-scale customer pain points and improving first-contact resolution in massive contact centers. Those experiences led him to eGain, a company dedicated to providing “the right answer to the right person at the right time, in the right channel.”Evan explains that eGain's AI-powered knowledge management platform helps companies clean, update, and centralize information so agents can quickly find accurate answers. This not only improves customer satisfaction but also transforms efficiency—some clients have seen up to 37% improvement in first-contact resolution, a 30-point rise in Net Promoter Score, and 50% reduction in training time. For instance, eGain supports the U.S. Veterans Administration, the country's largest healthcare provider, to deliver consistent, fast, and empathetic service across millions of interactions.A key theme in the discussion is balancing technology and empathy. Evan emphasizes that AI doesn't replace human connection—it enhances it by freeing up employees' mental space to focus on emotional intelligence and rapport-building. By handling the “how” of issue resolution, AI lets people focus on the “who.”He also shares how eGain builds knowledge bases for each company by analyzing customer inquiries, extracting top issues using AI, and rewriting existing materials to align with best practices for clarity and accessibility. This process—once lengthy and manual—can now be done in days or weeks.When asked about tools he can't live without, Evan points to AI assistants like ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity, which he uses daily as brainstorming and writing partners. His motto: “AI won't replace me, but someone who knows how to use AI better than me will.”Evan also discusses two books that shaped him: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie, which taught him the power of genuine curiosity in relationships, and William Manchester's three-part biography of Winston Churchill, which inspired lessons in conviction, communication, and strategic thinking.Today, what excites Evan most is collaborative leadership—bringing teams together to brainstorm, check egos at the door, and make the best collective decisions. His guiding philosophy: “I don't need to be the smartest person in the room. I need to make the best decision coming out of the room.”He closes with another favorite quote: “You miss every shot you don't take.” For Evan, this embodies the spirit of innovation at eGain—experiment fast, learn fast, and keep improving.Listeners can connect with Evan on LinkedIn or email him at esiegel@egain.com to learn more about eGain's new AI self-service agent for small businesses, featuring reasoning capabilities, a free trial, and no-contract flexibility.Follow us on X @navigatingcx, and join our Navigating the Customer Experience Facebook community for more insights and resources.

In this episode of the Investing in Integrity podcast, Ross Overline, CEO and co-founder of Scholars of Finance, welcomes Chris Lyons, President of Web3 Media at a16z Crypto, a division of Andreessen Horowitz. Chris shares his journey from music producer to tech investor and cultural connector, offering a rare perspective on how culture and innovation intersect in venture capital. You'll learn why mentorship extends beyond traditional relationships and how books, communities, and digital platforms can serve as powerful guides. Chris explains his “hide the wires” approach to driving blockchain adoption by simplifying complexity and focusing on user benefits. He also unpacks his service-first leadership philosophy, showing how adding value to others creates lasting impact. Chris also discusses the importance of staying grounded in high-stakes environments and why courage and belief are essential for turning ideas into reality.Meet Chris Lyons:Christopher Lyons is President of Web3 Media at a16z crypto, where he has shaped groundbreaking initiatives like the $400M Seed Fund and the Cultural Leadership Fund, Silicon Valley's first VC fund with all Black Limited Partners. A former sound engineer turned entrepreneur, Lyons bridges culture and technology, uplifting Black creators and fostering innovation. He serves on the boards of Yuga Labs, The James Beard Foundation, The Black Economic Alliance, and New Story Charity, while also founding Lyons Wine.

Last week at the 2025 World Dairy Expo, we sat down with Jack Hippen, STgenetics Director of U.S. Sales and Marketing, who delves into the dynamic U.S. dairy market, discussing exponential growth in genetics through genomic testing, the significant impact of gender-sorted semen and the rise of Beef on Dairy. He also highlights the key challenges new genetics companies face, the importance of problem-solving and analytics in the industry, and STgenetics' focus on youth and global engagement.00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction00:34 Current State of the U.S. Dairy Market02:17 Challenges for New Genetics Companies03:31 Keys to Success in the Dairy Industry04:17 Developing the Team at STgenetics®05:00 STgenetics®' Unique Sales Approach05:52 Global Symposium and Future Opportunities08:03 Opportunities and Commitment to Youth10:13 Conclusion and Farewell

On this episode of The Latinx Chronicles with Hip and Erika, we're excited to welcome Jason P. Riviero, a national voice for innovation, leadership, and Latino empowerment.Jason currently serves at AIVOWX, where he's helping shape the future of AI, real estate, and community-driven technology. With over 20 years of experience, he has led multicultural initiatives for Fortune 500 companies, including Toyota, Procter & Gamble, Macy's, and Big Lots, and later became the National Director of Growth Markets and Industry Relations at Realogy.As a proud Latino leader, Jason has built a career centered on breaking barriers, creating opportunities, and championing diversity at every level of the business. He's active on national boards, a frequent speaker, and a trusted advisor on the intersection of culture, technology, and community.In today's conversation, we'll dive into his journey, the lessons he's learned, and how he's using his platform to open doors for the next generation of Latino leaders.

Grant and Erin Stahler are the inspiring husband-and-wife co-founders of Stahler Services, a premium restroom and shower trailer rental company. Starting with a single trailer after college, they have disrupted a traditional industry by providing hospitality-level service and a product often described as a "hotel bathroom on wheels." Guided by their values and a passion for entrepreneurship, they've grown their family-run business across multiple states. The Stahlers are also the creators of Stahler Leads, an innovative online marketplace designed to help other vendors in the sanitation space grow their businesses by connecting them with qualified customers.SHOW SUMMARYIn this episode, host Jonathan Goldhill chats with Grant and Erin Stahler about their incredible journey of transforming the portable sanitation industry. Grant shares the origin story of starting the business right out of college and how he and Erin joined forces to scale it with a commitment to quality and service. We explore how they innovated a commodity product into a premium experience, the systems they've used to scale effectively, and the genesis of their second company, Stahler Leads. Grant and Erin also offer an open and honest look at the dynamics of running a business as a married couple and how their faith serves as the foundational core for their leadership, culture, and life balance.KEY TAKEAWAYSInnovating a Commodity: The Stahlers elevated the standard porta-potty into a premium experience with amenities like flushing toilets, running hot water, A/C, heating, and Bluetooth sound systems, effectively creating a new market category.Values-Driven Leadership: Their faith is the "core of everything." They strive to run their business "like Jesus would," which informs everything from their company culture and customer service to maintaining perspective and life balance.The Dynamics of a Couple in Business: Erin shares that success as a married couple in business requires acknowledging the ups and downs, communicating openly, and finding a flexible balance that works for them, rather than enforcing rigid rules.From Internal Problem to New Venture: After spending over a million dollars on Google Ads and finding most leads were outside their service area, they created Stahler Leads—a marketplace to sell those leads to other vendors, turning a marketing challenge into a new revenue stream.Building to Sell, But Inspired to Hold: While they use the "build to sell" framework to ensure the business is systemized and valuable, their true inspiration comes from legacy companies like Chick-fil-A, focusing on long-term growth and value creation over decades.Scaling with Intention: The Stahlers have intentionally scaled using systems like the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), software like HubSpot and Smartsheets, and a commitment to embedding their core values across all locations to maintain quality and culture.QUOTES"We really want to be that rising tide that lifts all ships within our industry.""We want to do this business like Jesus would. So we want to own it like Jesus would and just manage like Jesus would.""Anything that you do, there's going to be some low moments and some hard things that you're gonna have to talk through, whether that's like purely a coworker or a coworker who happens to be your spouse.""If we're gonna have a business, we wanna do it right and we wanna keep building it.""Such a basic thing. But also it, it's so different than the standard plastic porta-potty."Connect and learn more about Grant & Erin Stahler:Grant Stahler's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grant-stahla/ Erin Stahler's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinstahla/If you enjoyed today's episode, please subscribe, review, and share with a friend who would benefit from the message. If you're interested in picking up a copy of Jonathan Goldhill's book, Disruptive Successor, go to the website at www.DisruptiveSuccessor.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Are you ready to transform your software architecture into a strategic advantage? Tune in as Lukas Egger and Chris Richardson delve into the blueprint for adaptable architecture. Chris unpacks the "success triangle," highlighting the crucial interplay of development processes, organizational structure, and architecture. Learn how to foster fast feedback loops, enabling rapid innovation and continuous improvement. Understand the truth behind microservices versus monoliths and gain actionable insights for building resilient, agile software that drives business success. Discover why loose design time coupling and frequent deployments are essential.

Most leaders think their job is to keep the peace. But when everyone agrees, no one is really thinking. In this episode, Allison Dunn reveals how an obsession with harmony leads to mediocrity, stalled innovation, and poor adaptation. She introduces the concept of Productive Conflict—the art of using structured, intentional tension to challenge assumptions, sharpen ideas, and unlock breakthrough solutions.What you'll learn in this episode:The hidden dangers of fake harmony and “performative collaboration”Why comfort is the enemy of growthThe three key differences between toxic conflict and productive conflictThree strategies to build productive conflict into your team: Devil's Advocate Protocol, Constructive Dissent Framework, and Tension InvitationA real-world case study of how a stalled product team reignited success through structured disagreementIf you've ever wondered why your “like family” team isn't innovating, this episode is your playbook for making conflict work for you, not against you.

This week, Leisa Fox and EOS Implementer Loraine Hardin reflect on three significant events that highlight the momentum of Iowa's business and manufacturing community: the Traction Table, the CBJ Manufacturing Conference, and the Manufacturing Masterminds tour at Seneca Foundry. Together, they explore the common challenges companies are facing—from workforce transitions to economic pressures—and the EOS tools and leadership strategies that are helping them adapt. Listeners will also hear behind-the-scenes stories from the Seneca Foundry tour, including the molten metal demonstration, advances in automation, and a focus on culture and succession. With themes of innovation, resilience, and leadership woven throughout, this episode offers valuable takeaways for anyone looking to strengthen their business and gain fresh perspectives on Iowa's manufacturing future. Find this show on your favorite app: https://iowapodcast.com/loraine-hardin

Is AI destined to replace us, or can it unlock unprecedented human potential? Helen and Dave Edwards join Lukas Egger to explore the emotional, cognitive, and cultural shifts that AI is ushering in. They challenge the narrow focus on productivity, urging us to consider AI's broader impact on our lives and organizations. Discover how AI can be a powerful force for innovation, creativity, and meaning-making, but only if we prioritize human dignity and cultivate symbiotic relationships between humans and machines. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone seeking to navigate the AI revolution with purpose and vision.

Beyond features and benchmarks, what truly drives user engagement in AI? Lukas Egger explains why "engagement in AI is not just about knowledge or utility, it's about emotional connection." This episode explores how human-like interactions with generative AI are creating unprecedented emotional bonds, fundamentally changing product perception and customer loyalty. Discover the power of "industrialized empathy" and why users are even downgrading products for preferred "personalities." Lukas shares thought-provoking insights on why understanding and mastering the emotional dimension of AI is fast becoming a critical competitive advantage.

In this episode, I sit down with Carlos Roman, co-founder and Vice President of Aesthetic Management Partners (AMP)—a game-changing company bringing cutting-edge technology and strategic business solutions to the aesthetic industry. Carlos shares how AMP is bridging the gap between clinical results and business success, empowering medspas, clinics, and estheticians to thrive with smart tools, science-backed devices, and strong support.

What does it really take to build an adaptive enterprise fit for tomorrow's business landscape? In this episode, Lukas Egger welcomes Ross Dawson for a compelling exploration of the future of work, fluid organizations, and the new era of AI-powered value creation. From co-creation with customers to the strategic importance of data, discover how businesses can thrive in a world where change is constant. Tune in to learn practical concepts like “fluid governance” and why envisioning, not just planning, is the key to transformational success.

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.

Struggling to turn digital ambition into real-world value? In this episode, we reveal a 10-step strategic framework to help corporate leaders, managers, and consultants master enterprise-scale digital transformation. From assessing digital capabilities to mapping transformation roadmaps and building compelling business cases, you'll learn how to lead with clarity and confidence. Gain practical insights and tools rooted in the Digital Capability Framework (DCF) and BTM² methodology. 

Innovation, leadership, and good old-fashioned Southern hospitality that's what you'll find in this episode of This Week in Louisiana Agriculture.  This week, we dive into the cutting-edge technology making waves in crawfish ponds, check in on the start of the 2025 Louisiana Legislative Session, and get an update on the latest tariff developments. We also take you behind the scenes of the Young Farmers & Ranchers Livestock Show and a Kentucky beef tour through Louisiana. Plus, we kick off our Road to Leadership series with LFB President Richard Fontenot and wrap it all up with goat milk, baby goats, and a lot of heart in Feasting on Agriculture.  Catch all that and more in our latest episode!Show NotesLearn more about the LSU AgCenter's Water Analysis Vessel Program View photos from the 2025 Louisiana Farm Bureau YF&R Livestock ShowSign up for Voter VoiceListen to the Understanding Tariff's Impact on Agriculture podcast Read more from this week's Feasting on Agriculture — From Pasture to Plate: The Udderly Delightful World of Dairy Goats and Goat Cheese at Circle M Farms- Southern Maids DairyWatch the show at twilatv.org

On this encore episode, I sit down with a colleague from back in my work on the brand side, Craig Baxter, Group President of Techtronic Industries Canada Inc., part of a global 13 billion dollar powerhouse tool house of brands that includes Milwaukee, Ryobi, andHoover. In a wide-ranging and engaging conversation, Craig talks about radical innovation, retail go-to-market strategy, leadership for growth, and the epic come-from-behind marketplace win for his Milwaukee brand of power tools as the sixth horse in a five-horse race.  About CraigSixteen years ago, I was given the opportunity to become the president of TTi Canada; a world class leader in design, manufacturing, and marketing of power tools and accessories, outdoor product equipment and floor care for consumers, professional and industrial users in the home improvement, repair, and construction industries.Since then, I have had the privilege of working alongside a team of outstanding performers who share the same belief in setting audacious goals and holding ourselves accountable to deliver those goals while continuing to cultivate a best in class working environment.Along with our unrelenting strategic focus on powerful brands, innovative products, operational excellence, and exceptional people, we strive to continuously build upon a corporate culture where our employees can realize more and more of their abundant potential. What inspires me, is seeing people striving to do great work and growing into the best version of themselves. By continuously improving our culture through all of our success we have further leveraged our biggest differentiator as a company, and that is something I am very proud of.“Show class, have pride, and display character. And if you do, winning takes care of itself” – Bear Bryant Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

Cara Bognar is the Founder of Top Tier Lessons, a sports technology platform that connects collegiate student athletes with parents looking for sports lessons for their children.  She's an athlete herself, as a former team captain for Illini Swimming & Diving, and graduated from UIUC with dual degrees in Bioengineering and Innovation Leadership and Engineering Entrepreneurship (ILEE).Cara's LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/carabognar/Top Tier Lessons- https://www.toptierlessons.com/VISIT http://researchpark.illinois.edu/podcast/ for our entire catalog of episodes.

Using Innovation and Leadership to Make a Difference in Education. About Francis Q. Hoan Francis Q. Hoang is a veteran, entrepreneur, and technology innovator who has been a founding team member of companies generating over $600 million in combined sales and employing more than 1,200 professionals across AI, law, aerospace, defense, and government services. With over a decade of expertise in building and integrating innovative technologies, Francis has enabled teams across industries to harness the transformative potential of AI and frontier tech. With 20+ years of national security experience, Francis has served in every branch of the U.S. Government. He was appointed by President George W. Bush as Associate White House Counsel and Special Assistant to the President and later deployed as the Executive Officer of a U.S. Army Special Forces Company during combat operations in Southeast Afghanistan. His distinguished career includes serving as Deputy Chief of Police and SWAT Commander at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and clerking for Judge Thomas Griffith on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. A graduate of West Point (top 1% of his class), Washburn University (Master's in Criminal Justice), and Georgetown University Law Center (magna cum laude), Francis has also completed Ranger School and passed the CPA exam. His leadership extends to chairing the board of Allied Airlift 21 and co-organizing the Afghanistan Departure Group, which facilitated the first U.S. private charter evacuation flight from Afghanistan after the military withdrawal. Francis has served on numerous boards, including MAG Aerospace, Marymount University, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, and his insights have been featured in the Wall Street Journal. Proudly hailing from Tumwater, Washington, Francis speaks regularly on innovation, leadership, and service. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/franceqhoang/  Resources https://boodlebox.ai/  John Mikton on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton Web: beyonddigital.org Dan Taylor on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents  Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt  Web: www.appsevents.com Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we'll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial

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

Marc Adee, CEO, Crum & Forster, chronicles the company's two centuries of history, from insuring New York City buildings to delivering diverse risk solutions.

The future of business transformation lies in how well companies equip their workforce to adapt and innovate. In this episode, we explore how AI-powered Learning & Development (L&D) strategies can close skill gaps, drive productivity, and turn L&D into a growth engine. Discover how adaptive learning models, predictive analytics, and AI-driven leadership development reshape business success. Don't miss these actionable insights for leaders, managers, and consultants. Tune in and future-proof your organisation today! 

In this episode, Jeff has an insightful conversation with Tiffany Taylor, a dynamic leader with extensive experience in education and the public sector. Tiffany discusses her journey, the mission of ASU GSV Summit, and the critical role of access and innovation in education. Explore themes of collaboration, innovation, and the future of education with insights from one of the industry's influential voices.

CHIME President and CEO, Russ Branzell welcomes Dr. Heather Haugen, Vice President of Healthcare and Life Sciences at NTT Data to the L2L Podcast for an inspiring episode. An expert in health information technology, Dr. Haugen, author of the bestselling book Beyond Implementation: A Prescription for the Adoption of Healthcare Technology, shares her insights on how digital health leaders can drive the implementation of revolutionized innovation while prioritizing the wellbeing of their teams and organizations.   Tune in as Russ and Heather delve into NTT Data's approach to navigating the digital revolution in healthcare, the growing role of artificial intelligence, and the importance of governance and security in these rapidly advancing technologies.   Heather discusses her approach to leadership in a complex healthcare ecosystem and shares her outlook on the future of information technology.  

Send us a textIn this episode of UX Leadership by Design, Mark Baldino talks with Dave Seligsohn, founder of A2O Consulting, about creating a culture of innovation and driving business growth. Drawing from his rich background in education and leadership, Dave shares insights into the challenges small businesses face, such as breaking revenue ceilings, optimizing operations, and achieving growth. He highlights the importance of fostering innovation through intentional processes, forming dedicated teams, and leveraging data-driven decision-making. The conversation offers practical strategies for establishing an innovation pipeline, validating ideas, and navigating organizational challenges, making it an invaluable guide for leaders and entrepreneurs.Key TakeawaysThe Cycle of Innovation – Effective innovation is intentional and embedded into company culture, driven by an innovation team tasked with surfacing, testing, and implementing ideas.Breaking Revenue Ceilings – Small businesses often face growth plateaus due to overreliance on founders; collaboration, delegation, and external advisors can help overcome these challenges.Prevention Over Cure – Leaders should prioritize continuous innovation to avoid desperation-driven solutions during crises.Structured Idea Validation – A systematic approach to market validation, involving customer feedback and financial analysis, reduces risk and ensures alignment with business goals.Leadership's Role in Innovation – Leadership should sponsor and support innovation initiatives, but remain hands-off during idea generation to encourage creativity.The Power of Data in Decision-Making – Businesses must identify and focus on the most relevant data points to track progress and ensure operational efficiency.Overcoming Fear of Change – Allocating budget and fostering openness to new ideas are critical to embracing innovation as a business growth driver.Resources & LinksConnect with Dave Seligsohn on LinkedIn Connect with Mark on LinkedIn Fuzzy Math - B2B & Enterprise UX Design Consultancy

Navigating the complex regulatory landscape between China and the U.S., Peter Huntsman, CEO of Huntsman Corporation, sheds light on the critical challenges and opportunities within the global chemical industry. Host Victoria Meyer sits down with Peter to discuss the fast-paced approval processes in China compared to the stringent regulations in the U.S., the long-term perspective needed for investments in this industry, and the impact of public detachment from the industrial origins of chemical products. Peter also delves into the intricacies of operating in the European market, influenced by anti-manufacturing policies and geopolitical tensions, and discusses the necessary transformation strategies Huntsman Corporation has adopted over the past two decades. From the Huntsman family legacy to the pivotal role of smart carbon utilization, this episode uncovers the resilience and adaptability required to thrive in the ever-evolving chemical industry. Join us to learn more about these topics this week: Origin of Huntsman: From selling clam shell containers to supplying airplanes with materials The role of chemicals in the energy transition Regulatory challenges: chemical innovation approval delays Administration uncertainty, regulatory risk, and public perception of the chemical industry European regulation and impact Business Transformation: growing, selling, and changing businesses and aligning your organization Characteristics attributed to successful leadership  Killer Quote: "Transformation isn't just a strategy; it's a necessity. The decisions we make today, in an ever-evolving regulatory landscape, will resonate for decades. It's not about chasing carbon neutrality—it's about being smart with carbon utilization and continually innovating for a smarter, more sustainable future."   — Peter Huntsman, CEO of Huntsman Corporation  Other links:  Download: 10 Leadership Lessons for Chemical Executives Download: 7 Trends Shaping the Future of the Chemical Industry Subscribe to The Chemical Show on YouTube  ***Don't miss an episode: Subscribe to The Chemical Show on your favorite podcast player. ***Like what you hear? Leave a rating and review.***Want more insights? Sign up for our email list at https://www.thechemicalshow.com  Thank you to our sponsors: Celebrating 40 years, the World Petrochemical Conference by S&P Global is the most prestigious global industry gathering for chemical innovation, insight, and collaboration. WPC has a rich history of providing unmatched market intelligence and convening top industry leaders and influential thinkers to discuss the solutions that will unlock pathways for growth and transformation. Join us in Houston, TX, March 17-21, 2025, to commemorate our 40th Anniversary!  Visit their website to learn more.Transforming data into decisions with GenAI precision Access the breadth and depth of ICIS intelligence Fast, reliable answers to your market questionsInsights your way – from summaries to detailed reports Ask ICIS, your AI assistantVisit ICIS.com/ask

There's a great Chris Rock bit where he says educational leaders lie to kids when they say kids can be anything they want. He says to – tell kids the truth, “You could be anything you're good at. As long as they're hiring. And even then, it helps to know somebody.”The good-at part, hopefully we help you with that everyday on MarketingSherpa.But the “it helps to know somebody,” that ties into one of the key lessons my next guest has learned in his career, and he uses the famous Porter Gale statement to explain it “Your network is your net worth.”To hear the story behind that lesson, along with many more lesson-filled stories from throughout his career, I talked to Carlos Gil, U.S. Market Brand Evangelist, GetReponse [https://www.getresponse.com/], and author of The End of Marketing: Humanizing Your Brand in the Age of Social Media [https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-end-of-marketing-carlos-gil/1138482940].Stories (with lessons) about what he made in marketingBuild a brand around authenticityEvery piece of content is a stepping stone to something biggerEducate your executivesPivoting fast and recognizing opportunities is keyYour network is your net worthFailure is a stepping stone to reinventionThe right leaders can unlock your potentialDiscussed in this episodeEducate yourself. Join us for How to take a conversion marketing approach to Agentic AI and RAG (with zero tech skills) [https://meclabsai.com/Conversion] on February 12th at 2 pm EST. There is no cost (from MarketingSherpa's parent organization, MeclabsAI).Social Media: Marketing to millennials [https://sherpablog.marketingsherpa.com/consumer-marketing/ecommerce-eretail/social-media-millennials-2/]Authentic Brand Storytelling: Embed creative within your business model (podcast episode #105) [https://www.marketingsherpa.com/article/interview/authentic]Strategic Marketing Communication: Don't do something for the sake of ticking a box (podcast episode #91) [https://www.marketingsherpa.com/article/interview/strategic-marketing]Marketing: Sometimes you have to throw the business model out (podcast episode #34) [https://marketingsherpa.com/article/interview/marketing-business]Strategic Marketing Communication: Don't do something for the sake of ticking a box (podcast episode #91) [https://www.marketingsherpa.com/article/interview/strategic-marketing]Innovation Leadership and Coaching: You should almost always do less than you think (podcast episode #46) [https://www.marketingsherpa.com/article/interview/innovation]Get more episodesSubscribe to the MarketingSherpa email newsletter to get more insights from your fellow marketers. Sign up for free if you'd like to get more episodes like this one.Apply to be a guestIf you would like to apply to be a guest on How I Made It In Marketing, here is the podcast guest application – https://www.marketingsherpa.com/page/podcast-guest-application

Join Nicolai Tangen in conversation with Julie Sweet, CEO and Chair of Accenture. In this engaging discussion, Sweet shares insights into leading one of the world's largest professional services companies with over 700,000 employees. She reveals how Accenture helps companies navigate digital transformation and AI adoption, discusses the importance of continuous learning, and explains her leadership philosophy of combining excellence, confidence, and humility. Sweet also offers valuable perspectives on effective communication through storytelling and shares personal insights from her journey from lawyer to CEO. Tune in!In Good Company is hosted by Nicolai Tangen, CEO of Norges Bank Investment Management. New full episodes every Wednesday, and don't miss our Highlight episodes every Friday.The production team for this episode includes Isabelle Karlsson and PLAN-B's Niklas Figenschau Johansen, Sebastian Langvik-Hansen and Pål Huuse. Background research was conducted by Isabelle Karlsson.Watch the episode on YouTube: Norges Bank Investment Management - YouTubeWant to learn more about the fund? The fund | Norges Bank Investment Management (nbim.no)Follow Nicolai Tangen on LinkedIn: Nicolai Tangen | LinkedInFollow NBIM on LinkedIn: Norges Bank Investment Management: Administrator for bedriftsside | LinkedInFollow NBIM on Instagram: Explore Norges Bank Investment Management on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We dive deep into:Identifying burnout symptoms and their impact on productivity.Practical stress management techniques and mindset shifts.The importance of emotional intelligence and self-leadership for sustained success.Balancing innovation pressure with personal well-being.How leaders can build healthier, more productive work cultures.Connect with Victoria: http://svexecutive.academy/servicesChapters:00:00 – Introduction to Victoria Mensch02:00 – Defining Burnout: Causes and Symptoms05:30 – Victoria's Personal Experience with Burnout08:45 – The Psychology Behind Chronic Stress12:00 – Leadership and Burnout Prevention Strategies15:30 – The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership18:45 – Tools for Managing Stress and Work-Life Balance22:00 – How to Build a Healthy Workplace Culture24:30 – Final Insights and Where to Find VictoriaFinal thoughts:✅ Enjoyed the insights? Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more expert interviews that will help you grow your brand and business. Share this episode with fellow entrepreneurs and tag us! You can also catch the full episode on Spotify and YouTube. Connect with me on:All my linksBecome a guestSign up for RiversideGet Descript #DigitalMarketing #Branding #PersonalBranding #MarketingInsights #SocialMediaStrategy

Send us a textIn this episode of The Digital Executive Podcast, host Brian Thomas sits down with David Silverstein, CEO of NED, to explore how his innovative leadership is transforming the financial technology landscape. David shares insights from his diverse career, spanning public service as a press secretary for U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to spearheading innovation in the private sector with MediaLink.David discusses how NED's white-label platform revolutionizes cashflow lending by providing end-to-end solutions that streamline processes for lenders and empower borrowers with greater transparency and efficiency. He highlights the company's recent $4.2 million seed funding and how it will accelerate innovation in underwriting, repayment technology, and fund management capabilities.David also dives into key trends shaping the future of financial technology, including the role of open banking and advancements in digital payment systems. With a focus on fostering relationships and building trust between lenders and borrowers, NED aims to redefine success in the lending industry.Tune in to hear David's vision for 2025 and beyond, and how NED is positioning itself at the forefront of fintech innovation.

In this episode of Innovation Leadership, Deciduous CEO Robin Mansukhani discusses how their company is working on harnessing the immune system to treat diseases of aging. Robin explains the concept of senescent cells and how their accumulation can lead to various age-related diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis, type 2 diabetes, and even dementias. He also shares insights on the potential of longevity therapeutics to revolutionize medicine by targeting multiple indications simultaneously. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our guest in this episode is Danny Nathan, founder and CEO of Apollo 21, a prominent voice in the innovation and product design space. With a focus on helping organisations navigate the complexities of innovation, Danny shares his insights on fostering creativity and agility in both startups and large corporations. He emphasizes the importance of adding value for customers while ensuring business sustainability.Key points discussed include:The Dual Value Equation: Innovation should focus on both customer value and business viability.Startups vs. Large Organisations: Different approaches to innovation based on operational realities and flexibility.Creating a Culture of Innovation: Leadership's role in fostering an environment where experimentation and learning from failure are encouraged.Listen to the podcast to find out more.

Dr. Jeff D. Standridge helps organizations and their leaders generate sustained results in the areas of innovation, strategy, profit growth, organizational effectiveness and leadership. Formerly a Vice President for Acxiom Corporation, he has led established and startup businesses in North & South America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Jeff serves as Managing Director for the Conductor, Co-founder of Cadron Capital Partners, and teaches Entrepreneurial Finance & Innovation Leadership in the College of Business at the University of Central Arkansas. Dr. Standridge has been an invited speaker, trainer, and consultant for numerous companies, institutions, and organizations across five continents. He is also a two-time best-selling author of “The Innovator's Field Guide: Accelerators for Entrepreneurs, Innovators & Change Agents” and “The Top Performer's Field Guide: Catalysts for Leaders, Innovators & All Who Aspire to Be.” Listen to this insightful RIA episode with Dr. Jeff Standridge about the power of planned change. Here is what to expect on this week's show: - How using tailored systems can help companies achieve sustained strategic growth. - Why organization discipline is a key challenge for many companies. - How decision frameworks help business owners avoid distractions and focus on growth. - Why Innovation Junkie isn't just a consulting firm. - How the firm specializes in knowledge-based, scalable businesses in tech, biotech, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing. Connect with Jeff: Links Mentioned: https://innovationjunkie.com/ https://jeffstandridge.com/ Instagram: @innovationpartners @jeff_standridge Facebook: facebook.com/innovationjunkie facebook.com/JSInnovationPartners LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/innovation-junkie linkedin.com/in/jeffstandridge Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Meet the woman leading the exchange where $30 trillion in market value trades. Adena Friedman takes us behind the scenes at Nasdaq, revealing how this iconic institution is reshaping global finance through technology. Discover how Nasdaq is fighting trillion-dollar financial crimes and hear personal insights on leadership from one of the most influential voices in global finance. Tune in!In Good Company is hosted by Nicolai Tangen, CEO of Norges Bank Investment Management. New full episodes every Wednesday, and don't miss our Highlight episodes every Friday.The production team for this episode includes Isabelle Karlsson and PLAN-B's Niklas Figenschau Johansen, Sebastian Langvik-Hansen and Pål Huuse. Background research was conducted by Une Solheim.Watch the episode on YouTube: Norges Bank Investment Management - YouTubeWant to learn more about the fund? The fund | Norges Bank Investment Management (nbim.no)Follow Nicolai Tangen on LinkedIn: Nicolai Tangen | LinkedInFollow NBIM on LinkedIn: Norges Bank Investment Management: Administrator for bedriftsside | LinkedInFollow NBIM on Instagram: Explore Norges Bank Investment Management on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Innovation is the foundation of America's success. From our very beginnings to today we have ridden innovation wave to innovation wave. We are now entering our sixth wave of innovation, the move from fossil fuels to green and sustainable technologies. Highlighted in this episode are two companies, Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation. Each seeks to bring electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles (eVTOL) to public transportation - piloted vehicles carrying up to four passengers, and payloads up to 1,000 pounds. 

Episode 150 with Somesh Adukia, Managing Director of Canon Central and North Africa. Canon, renowned as the world's leading imaging company, was established in 1937. Over its 85-year history, Canon's relentless drive for innovation has positioned it at the forefront of imaging excellence. The company is committed to strategic investments and seizing growth opportunities to sustain its leadership.Canon Central and North Africa, founded in 2016, embodies the company's global vision while catering to the unique needs of its regional markets. At the heart of Canon's philosophy is Kyosei—‘living and working together for the common good,' which highlights its dedication to customer focus, open communication, and respect for diversity.Canon is on a mission to promote sustainable growth, minimise environmental impact, and enhance lives through cutting-edge imaging technology. From cameras to commercial printers and beyond, Canon's enduring legacy continues to shape industries and enrich communities around the world.What We Discuss With SomeshHow Somesh's leadership style has evolved during his time in the African market.Canon's 2023 strategy focuses on 'ICE: Innovation, Customer & Employee Experience.' How does this theme drive the approach and priorities in the region?The growth opportunities that lie ahead for Canon in Africa.Canon's approach to market expansion in emerging regions like Sudan, Libya, and Rwanda.The role of technology and digital transformation in Canon's growth in Africa.Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss Closing Africa's Insurance Gap: Using an Agent-Driven Model to Transform How Insurance Is Sold in Africa? Make sure to check it out!Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps!Connect with Terser on LinkedIn at Terser Adamu, and Twitter (X) @TerserAdamuConnect with Somesh on LinkedIn at Somesh Adukia, and Twitter (X) @CanonCNADo you want to do business in Africa? Explore the vast business opportunities in African markets and increase your success with ETK Group. Connect with us at www.etkgroup.co.uk or reach out via email at info@etkgroup.co.uk

Send us a textIn this episode of Badass Women in Business, hosts Aggie and Cristy are joined by Valentina Milanova, founder and CEO of Daye. Valentina shares her journey from studying law and business to pioneering innovation in gynecological health. She discusses the challenges women face in securing venture funding, especially in healthcare, and highlights Daye's groundbreaking work in developing CBD tampons and diagnostic products that support women's health in accessible and effective ways. Valentina's candid discussion of the obstacles in women's health innovation, along with her inspiring approach to team management and social impact, offers a unique look into the femtech space and the importance of creating products that genuinely support women's well-being.Show NotesIntroduction: Valentina Milanova, founder of Daye, shares her mission to innovate gynecological health.Founding Daye: Valentina's health experiences led to creating solutions for women's health gaps.CBD Tampons: Discusses Daye's CBD-infused tampons for natural menstrual pain relief.FemTech Challenges: Funding disparities faced by female founders in healthcare innovation.Diagnostic Tampons: Daye's product screens for STIs, HPV, and vaginal health issues to boost access to preventive care.Leadership Insights: Valentina's focus on supportive, intuitive team-building.Sustainability: Daye is a B Corp and carbon-neutral, partnering with organizations for social impact.Future Vision: Researching the vaginal microbiome to advance health solutions and reduce stigma.Connect with Valentina & Daye: Website | LinkedIn | TikTok | InstagramKeep up with more content from Aggie and Cristy here: Facebook: Empowered Women Leaders Instagram: @badass_women_in_business LinkedIn: ProveHer - Badass Women in Business Website: Badasswomeninbusinesspodcast.com

Six Five Media is bringing you the latest from AMD's top executives at their second annual Advancing AI event. AMD's CEO Dr. Lisa Su, sat down with our hosts, Daniel Newman and Patrick Moorhead, for a conversation on AMD's advancements in AI and the technology industry's future. Dr. Su shares valuable insights from AMD, highlighting their strides in AI and reflecting on her decade of leadership at the company. Their discussion covers: The distinctive features of the 5th Gen AMD EPYC CPU codenamed “Turin,” and its impact on the data center CPU market The significance of the new AMD Instinct MI325X GPU for generative AI model optimization Updates on ROCm, AMD's open software approach, and what it means for customers and developers AMD's progress in comprehensive AI infrastructure, including AI PCs and edge AI portfolio Dr. Su's reflection on her 10 years as CEO of AMD, the company's remarkable growth, and her outlook for the future  

Tammy Watchorn - The Change Ninja Handbook   Join us in this episode as we welcome Dr. Tammy Watchorn, the author of 'The Change Ninja Handbook.'  Dive into an interactive exploration of change-making, based on real-life case studies.  Discover the most common challenges faced by change leaders, the importance of understanding organizational dynamics, and the human element in leading change. Learn about the critical tools and techniques to transform your approach and make a meaningful impact in your organization. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the complexities of organizational change.   00:00 Introduction to the Change Ninja Handbook 00:15 Welcoming the Author: Tammy Watchorn 01:03 Challenges in Public Sector Change Leadership 02:13 Understanding People in Change Management 03:16 Navigating Organizational Systems and Processes 06:08 The Importance of Individual Stakeholders 08:02 Interactive Game and Recognizable Characters 12:25 The Reality of Driving Change 15:49 Personal Experiences and Lessons Learned 30:15 Creating Innovative Spaces 36:24 Navigating Workplace Challenges 37:29 The Importance of Stealth in Change Management 38:22 Building Resilience and Thick Skin 38:54 The Power of a Support Network 39:46 Defining Innovation and Change 40:20 Introducing Eddie Obeng and Qube 41:22 Innovating the Health Service 42:30 Scaling Innovation from the Ground Up 43:37 Handling Unexpected Projects 44:52 Earning and Using Brownie Points 46:23 Understanding Types of Change 47:09 The Four Types of Change 49:05 The Fog of Transformation 52:43 Aligning Teams with the Five P's 01:00:45 Celebrating Small Wins 01:03:52 Final Thoughts and Future Plans   Link to Aidan McCullen for Keynotes, workshops and event MC.   The Reinvention Summit    Find us on Substack for Shownotes and competitions:   Find Tammy Watchorn:    Innovation Leadership, Change Management, Organizational Transformation, Adaptive Mindset, Cultural Change, Ninja Thinking, People-Centric Innovation, Stakeholder Engagement, Workplace Collaboration, Systemic Challenges, Creative Problem Solving, Psychological Safety, Human-Centered Design, Incremental vs. Radical Change, Resilience in Innovation

Alex Slawbsy is the Chief Growth Officer of InnoLead, an organization that creates content, events, and tools to help the world's largest network of corporate strategy, innovation, and R&D leaders drive change more successfully. Over the past 20 years, Alex has dedicated his time to researching, teaching, guiding, and leading corporate innovation strategy development, capability building, and new business incubation. Before InnoLead, Alex was the Director of Innovation at Embraer-X and an innovation consultant for several years for organizations, including Clayton Christensen's disruptive innovation consultancy, Innosight. Alex holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Brown University and a Master of Business Administration degree from the MIT Sloan School of Management. Alex joins me today to discuss why innovation leaders must shape culture to drive organizational change. He explains why innovation is difficult to quantify and how it's challenging for innovation leaders to argue their necessity to an organization. He outlines why innovating and change-making imply building trust and relationships within an organization. Alex also discusses hybrid work in the post-COVID era and how remote work may affect organizational culture, change-making, and innovation. “If you're trying to move the organization, you need to build the relationships, the bonds, the trust, and perhaps the mentorship with the people who will support you.” - Alex Slawsby This week on Innovation Talks:●     Alex's background in corporate innovation and the history of InnoLead●     The difference between innovation and invention●     Alex's insights on current shifts in innovation●     Current conversations around innovation, uncertainty, and the economy●     Communicating the value innovation leaders and innovation teams bring to an organization●     The innovator's dilemma and navigating innovation and change-resistant people●     The challenge of getting people to support something that may not be in the best interest of their careers●     How innovation teams are often perceived in companies●     How to avoid and manage the clash between innovation and the core business●     Connecting with consumers to understand what's best for them Connect with Alex Slawsby:●     InnoLead●     InnoLead on LinkedIn●     InnoLead on Instagram●     InnoLead on Facebook●     InnoLead on Twitter●     Alex Slawsby on LinkedIn This podcast is brought to you by Sopheon. Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of Innovation Talks. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify | iHeart | Amazon Be sure to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, and share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more listeners like you. For additional information about new product development or corporate innovation, sign up for Sopheon's monthly newsletter, where we share news and industry best practices! The fastest way to do this is to go to sopheon.com and click here.

In this episode of Innovation Leadership, Jess Larson converses with Sergey Jakimov, the founding partner and managing partner of LongeVC, a venture capital firm specializing in early-stage biotech and longevity startups. Sergey delves into the intricacies of longevity investments, the revolutionary role of AI in drug discovery, and the societal shift towards preventative healthcare. Learn how LongeVC is navigating the complex landscape of age-related diseases and discover why now is a critical moment for longevity science. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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:

Mastering High-Stakes Conversations for Corporate Innovation In this episode, we dive into the essential techniques for leading high-stakes conversations to secure senior-level commitment to corporate innovation. Our guest, Alexander Pett, an expert in executive team dynamics, discusses the crucial concept of 'productive tension' and how recognizing and addressing disagreement can lead to authentic agreement and commitment. Pett outlines practical strategies for effectively framing issues, maintaining engagement, and navigating political dynamics in boardroom settings. Tune in to learn how to prepare and communicate strategically, ensuring your innovative ideas gain the buy-in they need to succeed. 00:00 Introduction to High-Stakes Conversations 01:31 The Importance of Productive Tension 05:23 Pre-Work and Stakeholder Engagement 07:12 Creating and Maintaining Productive Tension 08:44 Communication Skills and Self-Awareness 18:30 Frameworks for Effective Dialogue 20:55 Final Thoughts and Advice Corporate Innovation, Senior Team Engagement, Productive Tension, Executive Leadership, Alexander Pett, Aidan McCullen, Corporate Explorer, High Stakes Conversations, Leadership Strategies, Boardroom Dynamics, Effective Communication, Innovation Leadership, Pre-Meeting Preparation, Organizational Change, Executive Buy-In, David Kantor, Group Dynamics, Empathy in Leadership, Political Savvy, Agreement and Advocacy