The Innovation Show

In this episode of 'The Emergent Approach to Strategy,' guest Peter Compo joins to discuss the complexities of executing strategy effectively, focusing on Chapter 9 from his book. Compo addresses common misconceptions about execution and its distinction from strategy, emphasizing the importance of adherence to strategy frameworks. He explores real-world examples from businesses and sports, highlighting how excellent execution requires discipline and adaptability in dynamic situations. The conversation also delves into the integration of innovation within disciplined execution, using analogies from music and sports to illustrate key points.   00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:37 Understanding Execution in Strategy 02:55 The Misconceptions of Execution 06:23 Execution vs. Strategy: A Deeper Dive 08:57 Execution in Practice: Sports and Music Analogies 11:57 Challenges and Realities of Execution 20:52 Execution in Business and Innovation 23:26 Demming’s Red Bead Experiment and Its Lessons 39:15 Final Thoughts and Conclusion   Link to Peter’s website:   Link to Peter’s Music:   Link to Aidan McCullen for Keynotes, workshops and event MC.   Find us on Substack for Shownotes and competitions:   Link to Frank Barrett’s episode “Yes to the Mess” part 1 and 2:   strategy, innovation, execution, Peter Compo, Aidan McCullen, emergent approach, business strategy, military strategy, sports strategy, discipline, improvisation, music, jazz, leadership, organizational behavior, cognitive capacity, change management, tactical planning, operational excellence, resilience

Understanding the Five Disqualifiers of Strategy with Peter Compo   Welcome back to another episode featuring Peter Compo, the renowned author of 'The Emergent Approach to Strategy.' In today's discussion, Peter delves deep into the 'Five Disqualifiers of Strategy,' offering insights into common pitfalls in strategic design. The episode is packed with practical examples and explanations of why traditional strategy tests often fall short. Peter illustrates the importance of real-time guidance, unified decisions, and free choices in strategic frameworks. Learn about five critical tests to evaluate your strategy: 'Is the opposite absurd?', 'Does it have numbers?', 'Does it exclude anything?', 'Does it duplicate the higher-level organization?', and 'Is it a list?'. This episode is essential for anyone involved in business strategy, innovation, and better thinking.   00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:01 The Importance of Strategy Testing 01:40 Traditional vs. Modern Strategy Tests 02:17 Introduction to the Five Disqualifiers 05:24 Detailed Explanation of the Five Disqualifiers 06:33 Practical Examples and Applications 08:37 Common Pitfalls in Strategy 18:55 The Role of Clear Language in Strategy 21:43 Summary and Conclusion 38:14 Next Episode Preview   Link to Peter’s website:   Link to Peter’s Music:   Link to Aidan McCullen for Keynotes, workshops and event MC.   Find us on Substack for Shownotes and competitions:   strategy, disqualifiers, Peter Compo, Aidan McCullen, emergent approach, strategy design, business strategy, adaptive tools, Michael Porter, McKinsey, corporate strategy, innovation, Henry Ford, Warren Buffett, R&D, market dynamics, organizational strategy, DVD business, Netflix, Adobe  

Annie Duke - Thinking in Bets by Aidan McCullen

In this episode, Peter Compo delves into the emergent approach to strategy and discusses the limitations of traditional frameworks using aspirations, plans, and metrics alone. He further discusses the concept of 'killer problems' in innovation and emphasises the importance of a central rule that provides real-time guidance, unifies decisions, and allows for free choice. Complex examples from business and military strategy illustrate how granularization and over-specification can lead to failure, whereas centralized, low-level constraints help create coherence and foster creativity. Peter also explores nested systems and the necessity of having individual strategies for different segments within an organization.   00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:25 Limitations of Aspirations, Plans, and Metrics 01:12 The Killer Problems of Change and Innovation 03:04 Framework Components and Their Shortcomings 05:25 The Power of Central Rules 06:45 Challenges in Digital Transformation 10:27 Local vs Global Strategy 13:54 Granularization Problem in Strategy 18:31 The Fallacy of Shrinking Time 22:38 The Hidden Blockers of Transformation 26:11 Introduction to Chapter Five: How Strategy Functions 30:20 Granularization and Cascading Problems 31:13 Identifying and Overcoming Bottlenecks 33:29 Elon Musk's Engineering Approach 35:40 The Importance of Low-Level Rules 41:21 Strategy and Tactics in Warfare 48:46 Nested Systems and Organizational Strategy 54:58 The Role of Leadership in Strategy Implementation 56:23 Conclusion and Further Resources   Link to Peter’s website: Link to Peter’s Music: Link to Aidan McCullen for Keynotes, workshops and event MC. Find us on Substack for Shownotes and competitions:   Peter Compo, strategy, emergent approach, aspirations, plans, metrics, innovation, complex adaptive systems, real time guidance, central rule, rule adherence, deviations from diagnosis, decision making, organizational change, digital transformation, investment in new products, granularization, cascading goals, bottleneck constraints, nested systems, military tactics

Solving Innovation's Killer Problems with Peter Compo: The Emergent Approach to Strategy Part 3   In this episode of 'The Innovation Show,' we continue our exploration of the emergent approach to strategy with expert Peter Compo. Delving into the critical challenges of change and innovation, the discussion centers on how high-level aspirations are influenced by disciplined actions at low levels. Peter outlines 'killer problems' in innovation such as the volume of choices, time delays between actions and outcomes, and external influences. Through the use of influence diagrams and practical examples, such as running a successful bike shop, Peter demonstrates how organizations can navigate these problems. The episode also touches on strategies to provide real-time guidance, unify efforts, and ensure actions align with overarching goals, highlighting the importance of integrating these strategies in multifaceted organizations.   00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back 00:39 Understanding High-Level Aspirations 02:37 The Killer Problems of Innovation 04:05 Influence Diagrams and Strategy Frameworks 05:58 Real-World Examples and Practical Applications 07:44 Exploring the Influence Diagram 13:07 The Four Killer Problems 28:15 Solutions to the Killer Problems 41:36 Conclusion and Further Resources   Link to Peter’s website: Link to Peter’s Music: Link to Aidan McCullen for Keynotes, workshops and event MC. Find us on Substack for Shownotes and competitions: Peter Compo, Aidan McCullen, emergent approach, strategy, innovation, adaptation, killer problems, change, influence diagram, bike shop example, creativity, discipline, coherence, real-time guidance, free choice, unification, leadership, strategic frameworks, decision-making, business strategies

The Emergent Approach to Strategy: Adaptation, Innovation, and Historical Insights In this episode, the focus is on Peter Compo's discussion of 'The Emergent Approach to Strategy,' specifically its application to adaptation and emergence in strategy development. The conversation explores the parallel between biological evolution and human innovation, highlighting the importance of adaptive systems in creativity and strategy. Historical examples, such as the early automotive industry led by Henry Ford and modern electric cars pioneered by Elon Musk, are used to illustrate how low-level disciplines and rules can lead to high-level strategic outcomes and industry transformations. The episode delves into the principles of complex adaptive systems, emphasizing the balance between discipline and free-thinking, and how effective strategies emerge from rigorous local actions. Peter Compo also addresses the concept of levels within organizations, stressing the significance of being attuned to low-level operations to drive innovation while avoiding becoming prisoners of past successes. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:08 The Concept of Adaptation and Emergence 03:43 Historical Examples of Adaptive Systems 07:13 Ford's Strategy and Its Evolution 10:39 The Theory of Levels in Creativity and Innovation 18:54 Connecting Levels to Strategy 27:41 Ants and Social Insects: A Case Study 31:48 Intel's Transition to CPUs 35:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Link to Peter’s website: Link to Peter’s Music: Link to Scale with Geoffrey West Part 1 of 3: Link to Aidan McCullen for Keynotes, workshops and event MC. Find us on Substack for Shownotes and competitions:   Peter Compo, Aidan McCullen, emergent strategy, Peter Compo, adaptive systems, innovation, complex adaptive systems, business strategy, evolutionary mechanisms, creativity, Henry Ford, Tesla, Elon Musk, execution, Intel CPUs, corporate discipline, low level rules, high level outcomes, market forces, leadership insights

The Emergent Approach to Strategy with Peter Compo: A Deep Dive into Adaptive Systems In this episode, we welcome Peter Compo, author of 'The Emergent Approach to Strategy,' to discuss the chronic failures in strategic planning and how his new book aims to redefine strategy through the lens of complex adaptive systems. Peter explains the importance of moving away from traditional planning methods and embracing an agile, emergent approach that focuses on adaptability and real-time guidance. Drawing from 25 years of experience in corporate America, including his tenure at DuPont, Peter provides practical insights into how organizations can raise their probability of success by understanding and addressing the real bottlenecks to achieving aspirations. We explore key concepts from his book, such as the triad of aspirations, bottlenecks, and strategy, and the role of rules and constraints in fostering innovation. With a mix of theory and practical application, this episode is a must-listen for corporate leaders, business strategists, and anyone interested in innovation and strategic planning. 00:00 Introduction to Strategy Failures 01:32 Guest Introduction: Peter Compo 02:06 Elevator Pitch: New Theory of Strategy 07:29 The Role of Discipline in Innovation 07:47 Music and Corporate Strategy 12:46 Challenges in Strategy Execution 14:00 The Misunderstanding of Strategy 17:43 Planning Under Uncertainty 21:30 The Importance of Adaptive Strategy 35:57 Emergent Strategy and Mintzberg's Teachings 36:44 Deliberate vs. Emergent Strategy 37:55 Understanding Strategic Constraints 39:24 Exploring Different Strategic Approaches 41:33 Overview of Strategy Concepts 43:12 Defining Strategy Across Fields 47:18 The Role of Rules in Strategy 52:22 The Triad of Aspiration, Bottleneck, Strategy 01:02:45 Consulting and Real-World Applications 01:07:22 Conclusion and Resources   Link to Frank Barrett’s episode “Yes to the Mess” part 1 and 2:    Link to Peter’s website:   Link to Peter’s Music:   Link to Aidan McCullen for Keynotes, workshops and event MC:   Find us on Substack for Shownotes and competitions: strategy, innovation, complex adaptive systems, Peter Compo, Aidan McCullen, DuPont, emergent approach, strategy definition, corporate strategy, business strategy, adaptive systems, strategy framework, Roger Martin, Michael Porter, Mintzberg, Charlie Parker, jazz improvisation, creativity in strategy, bottleneck, aspirations, goals, execution, discipline in strategy, innovation challenges, long-term planning, organizational change, innovation process, strategic planning, decision making, business leadership, corporate America

In this episode, we delve into the fascinating BANI framework with its creator, Jamais Cascio. BANI (Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, and Incomprehensible) offers a new lens to understand modern disruptions, evolving from the older VUCA model. Jamais Cascio shares insights from his extensive background in futures and foresight work, including his tenure at the Institute for the Future. We explore the shortcomings of VUCA in today's world, the essence of BANI, and strategies to build resilience, empathy, improvisation, and inclusivity to navigate the complexities of the upcoming decades. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in innovation, business strategy, and better thinking to cope with an uncertain future.   00:00 Introduction to VUCA and BANI 01:18 Meet Jamais Cascio: Creator of the BANI Framework 04:52 Exploring VUCA: Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity 11:48 The Rise of BANI: Brittleness, Anxiety, Nonlinearity, Incomprehensibility 24:26 Positive BANI: Resilience, Empathy, Improvisation, Inclusiveness 30:34 Conclusion and Future Directions   Find Jamais here and BANI here:    

In this episode of the Corporate Explorer series, we dive deep into managing innovation within large corporations with Erich Kruschitz, CEO of Mavie Next.    Erich shares detailed insights from his journey transforming UNIQA’s exploratory unit into a successful growth engine.    We explore the challenges of building and managing a team for innovation, the importance of clearly defined goals and organisational support, and the nuances of handling acquisitions and integrating diverse company cultures.    Key topics include the concept of ambidexterity, the characteristics necessary for a corporate explorer, and the importance of rituals in celebrating and learning from failures. This episode is packed with valuable lessons for anyone involved in corporate strategy and innovation.     00:00 Introduction to Corporate Exploration 00:34 Sponsor Acknowledgment: Wazoku 01:12 Guest Introduction: Erich Kruschitz 01:58 Erich's Journey and Background 02:28 Building a Team for Exploration 04:22 UNIQA's Strategic Shift to Healthcare 11:08 Defining the Purpose and Scope 19:00 Challenges in Team Building 30:32 Acquisitions and Their Impact 37:51 Celebrating Failures and Learning 41:34 Conclusion and Contact Information   Find Erich here:    Erich Kruschitz, Aidan McCullen, UNIQA, Mavie Next, SanusX, Wazoku, Corporate Explorer, innovation, ambidexterity, healthcare, insurance, leadership, startups, entrepreneurs, asset management, risk management, finance, telemedicine, employee health, elderly care

William 'Bill' Damon - Crafting Purpose and Resilience In this episode, we dive deep with William 'Bill' Damon, America's leading expert on adolescence and author of 'The Path to Purpose'. Bill discusses techniques for instilling purpose and fulfilment in today's youth.  We explore his extensive research, including collaborative studies with Howard Gardner and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi on ethical and successful work.  Bill reveals how his focus on purpose spans across various fields, such as family life, education, and business, highlighting the importance of personal responsibility in different contexts. He also shares his personal journey, reflecting on his relationship with his father and how it has influenced his life's purpose.  This episode is packed with insights for parents, mentors, educators, and anyone interested in understanding and cultivating purpose in life and work. 00:00 Introduction to William Damon and His Work 01:18 The Concept of Purpose in Professional Life 04:32 Exploring Purpose in Everyday Life 07:42 Purpose in Family Businesses 13:00 Personal Journey: Discovering My Father's Legacy 21:27 The Importance of Purpose and Overcoming Challenges 27:09 Evolution of Thoughts on Child Development 35:20 Exploring the Concept of Purpose 36:21 The Role of Sports in Developing Purpose 37:30 Purpose Beyond Sports: Education and Life Lessons 40:33 The Power of Purpose in Everyday Jobs 47:35 Finding Purpose in Various Life Domains 53:04 Categories of Purposeful Individuals 57:12 Challenges and Missteps in Finding Purpose 01:05:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts The Path to Purpose, William Damon, Aidan McCullen, adolescence, sense of purpose, family businesses, youth fulfilment, moral development, greater expectations, good work, purpose in life, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, Howard Gardner, The Path to Purpose, A Round of Golf With My Father, Good Work, The Moral Child, Greater Expectations, The Purpose Driven Life, adolescent psychology, life review process, resilience, family enterprises, purpose and commitment, civic purpose, purposeful living  

Kim, Erin and Jonathan Clark - Leading Through: The New Paradigm of Leadership: Soul, Heart, and Mind   In this episode, we delve into a profound moment of opportunity in human history, examining how organisations can harness leadership to help people and communities thrive. The discussion centres on the new book, 'Leading Through: Activating the Soul, Heart, and Mind of Leadership,' authored by Kim, Jonathan, and Erin Clark. The Clarks share their experiences from diverse fields to propose a shift from the outdated power-over paradigm to a more human-centric, flexible, and adaptive way of leading. Topics covered include the challenges and potential of the new paradigm, real-life examples from the authors' professional journeys, and the enduring need for empathetic leadership even in the face of daunting organisational inertia.   00:00 Introduction to a New Leadership Paradigm 00:54 Meet the Authors: Kim, Jonathan, and Erin Clark 02:12 Erin's Journey: From Accidental Consultant to Leadership Expert 04:52 John's Insights: Organisational Performance and Leadership 08:01 Kim's Experience: The Power Over Paradigm in Action 15:23 The Pathway Program: Transforming Higher Education 18:34 John's Challenge: Changing Department Dynamics 22:55 The Power Over Paradigm: Real-World Examples 29:32 Erin's Client Experience: Unity and Freedom in Leadership 32:09 The Power of Collaboration and Humanity 33:43 Breaking Free from Organisational Dynamics 35:06 The Courage to Embrace a New Paradigm 38:16 Generative AI and the Value of Humanity 46:21 The Amazon Case Study: A Cautionary Tale 50:31 Modularity: Balancing Freedom and Unity 56:14 Empathetic Leadership and Difficult Decisions 01:01:22 The Vision of Leading Through 01:03:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   Book Website and how to get a preview:   Book links:   Find Aidan here for Keynotes, Event MC and Custom L&D Programmes.     Leadership, Organizational Transformation, Kim Clark, Jonathan Clark, Erin Clark, Leading Through, Power Over Paradigm, Business Strategy, New Paradigm, Employee Empowerment, Workplace Culture, Organizational Change, Management Consulting, Innovation, Bureaucracy, Harvard Business School, Modularity, Employee Engagement, Human Potential, Professional Development

Ellie Charles Mann Hummel   Innovating Corporate KPIs - Ellie Amirnasr and Charles Vaillant    Driving Progress with Mann+Hummel's Hunter Strategy   In this episode of the Corporate Explorer series, we dive into innovative business practices with Mann+Hummel's CTO/CDO Charles Vaillant and Digital Ventures Manager Ellie Amirnasr. The guests discuss the pitfalls of applying traditional KPIs too early in new business ventures and advocate for non-financial progress metrics. They introduce the 'Hunter Strategy' for pursuing business validation and scaling within exploration-type projects. The conversation covers how to manage resource allocation efficiently, the evolution of their innovation framework, and essential advice for corporate explorers. This episode is sponsored by Wazoku, a leader in creating sustainable innovation ecosystems.   00:00 Introduction to Business Innovation 01:10 Sponsor Acknowledgment 01:49 Meet the Guests: Ellie Amirnasr and Charles Vaillant 02:54 Understanding Mann and Hummel 04:56 Challenges with Traditional Metrics 10:54 Hunter Strategy Explained 17:21 Implementing Effective Metrics 23:59 Resource Allocation in R&D 30:18 Advice for Corporate Explorers 34:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   Business Innovation, KPIs, Venture Management, Non-Financial KPIs, Innovation Ecosystems, Corporate Exploration, Growth Validation, Hunter Strategy, Mann and Hummel, Wazoku, Aidan McCullen, Ellie Amirnasr, Charles Vaillaint, Corporate R&D, Digital Ventures, Strategic Metrics, Innovative Processes, Resource Allocation, R&D Investments, Corporate Transformation   Find Charles: Find Ellie: Find Aidan:

Carol Tavris - Mistakes Were Made But Not By Me   The Psychology of Self-Justification with Carol Tavris   In this episode, Aidan McCullen interviews Carol Tavris, co-author of 'Mistakes Were Made (But Not by Me),' to explore the intricacies of cognitive dissonance, self-justification, and memory. They investigate why humans find it difficult to admit mistakes, even in the presence of irrefutable evidence. Through numerous case studies and real-world examples, they discuss the implications of these psychological mechanisms in areas as varied as personal life, law enforcement, and political decision-making. The conversation tackles how these insights can apply to everyone from parents and judges to business leaders and law enforcement, emphasizing the significance of humility, critical thinking, and the human tendency to rewrite personal histories to fit current beliefs. 00:00 Introduction to Self-Justification 01:14 Welcoming the Author: Carol Tavris 02:17 The Premise of the Book 03:06 Understanding Cognitive Dissonance 08:44 Memory and Self-Justification 14:43 Confabulations and False Memories 23:02 The Pyramid of Choice 32:42 Law Enforcement and Wrongful Convictions 37:58 The Importance of Correcting Interrogation Methods 38:33 The Impact of Miscarriages of Justice 38:55 Examples of Recognizing Mistakes 39:52 The 1980s and 90s Hysteria Over Child Abuse 40:21 The McMartin Daycare Scandal 41:06 Flawed Child Interrogation Techniques 42:58 A Case of Misunderstanding: Daddy's Pee Pee 44:53 The Emotional Toll of False Convictions 47:39 The Pyramid of Entrapment and Justification 48:48 The Influence of Bias in Decision Making 50:32 The Role of Pharmaceutical Companies in Medicine 52:06 Moral Choices and Life Decisions 54:55 Understanding and Living with Cognitive Dissonance 01:03:17 The Power of Admitting Mistakes 01:06:58 The Allure of Victim Narratives 01:08:40 Alien Abductions and Hypnagogic States 01:14:17 The Importance of Understanding Human Frailties   Find Carol here:    That Sarah Silverman interview:    Carol’s books:    psychology, cognitive dissonance, self-justification, memory, mistakes, humility, ethics, law enforcement, interrogation, wrongful convictions, trauma, alien abductions, confirmation bias, leadership, decision making, self-concept, Carol Tavris (author), Aidan McCullen (host), Elliot Aronson (co-author), Leon Festinger (researcher on cognitive dissonance), James Thurber (author of The Wonderful O), Richard Feynman (scientist and quote source), Mary Carr (memoirist), Joseph Allen (wrongfully convicted), Ronald Reagan (Bitburg cemetery incident), Shimon Peres (comment on Reagan's mistake), Sarah Silverman (Louis C.K. controversy), Louis C.K. (comedian involved in controversy), Jeffrey Cohen (research on political bias), Lee Ross (naive realism), John Mack (psychiatrist on alien abductions), Susan Clancy (researcher on alien abductions), Rich McNally (memory scientist), Antonin Scalia (Supreme Court Justice), Clarence Thomas (Supreme Court Justice), Auburn Blooming (oncologist and co-author)

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

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

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

The Power of Communication: Insights from Sally Susman, Author of 'Breaking Through'   In this episode, Aiden welcomes Sally Susman, author of 'Breaking Through: Communicating to Open Minds, Move Hearts, and Change the World' to discuss the vital role of communication in professional and personal settings. Sally shares insights from her extensive career, including her experiences working with top leaders at Pfizer, Estee Lauder, and American Express. The discussion explores the misconception of communication as a soft skill, the importance of authentic outreach, the power of gratitude, and Susman's innovative approaches during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sally also emphasises curiosity, creativity, and intentionality as key components for effective communication. Throughout the episode, real-life anecdotes and practical advice offer listeners valuable lessons on leadership and connection.   00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:39 The Importance of Communication 03:24 Lessons from Estee Lauder 06:09 Personal Background and Family Influence 08:51 The Power of Gratitude 13:15 Perfecting Your Pitch 23:02 Humour in the Workplace 29:36 Challenges at Pfizer 32:03 Facing the Biopharma Reputation Challenge 33:37 The Pandemic's Impact and New Leadership 35:02 Albert Bourla's Bold Vision 36:30 Revolutionising Vaccine Development 37:25 The Media's Role in the Journey 38:55 Pfizer's Transformation and Recognition 40:46 Innovative Leadership and Personal Growth 49:30 Curiosity and Creativity in Action 56:47 The Power of Intentionality 58:46 Concluding Thoughts and Inspirations

    The Proximity Revolution: Transforming Industries and Daily Life   In this episode, we delve into the proximity revolution with authors Rob C. Wolcott and Kaihan Krippendorff. The discussion centers on how digital technologies are expediting the production and delivery of customized products, services, and experiences, vastly transforming industries from agriculture to healthcare. The concept of 'proximity' shows promise in improving sustainability, optimizing supply chains, and enhancing customer personalization through innovations like vertical farming and on-demand 3D printing.    The conversation also explores the strategic implications of this shift for businesses, highlighting the importance of visionary thinking and practical applications. Tune in to discover how proximity is poised to reshape our world and what leaders can do to navigate these changes effectively.   00:00 Introduction to the Proximity Revolution 01:02 Meet the Authors: Rob C. Wolcott and Kaihan Krippendorff 02:25 Defining Proximity: Anything, Anywhere, Anytime 03:28 Real-World Examples: Coca Cola Freestyle and Vertical Farms 06:09 Proximity in Agriculture: From Dubai to Your Dinner Table 09:52 The Role of Technology in Proximity 11:15 Proximity in Food Supply Chains: Efficiency and Sustainability 12:50 Innovative Solutions: Haier's Peking Duck Challenge 16:34 Moment of Use and Controlled Environment Agriculture 22:54 Case Study: Interstellar Lab and Growing Food on Mars 26:38 Why Proximity? The Drivers Behind the Trend 27:00 The Shift in Global Conditions and Technology 28:04 The Rise of Small Footprint Production 28:42 Digital Proximity and Generative AI 29:28 Geopolitical and Climate Drivers 30:16 The Digital Customer and Predictive Analytics 30:53 Domino's Pizza: A Case Study in Proximity 33:26 Healthcare Revolution: Medicines on Demand 34:52 On Demand Pharmaceuticals: A Game Changer 37:37 Future of Healthcare: Predictive Monitoring 42:53 Proximity Strategies for Businesses 49:01 Investing in Proximity Innovations 51:09 Conclusion and Where to Find More 52:09 Bonus Episode on Proximity in Action with Dr Ian McCabe  

Understanding Emotional Dynamics for Creative Problem Solving with Wendy Smith   In this episode, Aidan is joined by Wendy Smith, co-author of 'Both/And Thinking,' to discuss the crucial role of emotions in addressing creative tensions and solving tough problems. Wendy emphasises moving beyond cognitive approaches to engage the heart, recognising and honouring emotions as vital to navigating uncertainty and innovation. The episode dives deep into actionable tools such as pausing to reflect, broadening perspectives, and dynamically adapting to changing environments. The episode concludes with practical insights from Unilever's approach to managing tensions under Paul Polman's leadership and tips for leaders to embrace paradoxical thinking in their organisations.   00:00 Introduction to Embracing Tensions 02:07 The Importance of Emotions in Innovation 03:45 Tools for Comfort with Discomfort 06:27 The Power of Pausing and Breathing 15:08 Broadening Perspectives for Creative Solutions 18:08 Navigating Organisational Change and Conflict 19:46 The Role of Dynamism in Innovation 22:56 Case Study: Honda's Emergent Strategy 26:09 Case Study: Paul Polman and Unilever 36:59 Leadership and Paradox Management 48:17 Conclusion and Resources     Find Wendy here: And Substack here:   Contact Aidan McCullen for Keynote Speaking, Corporate Workshops and Education Tourism to Dublin and California:   Find the Innovation Show on Substack and Website: 

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: