The Innovation Show

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 t

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:

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 Aspirati

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 d

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,

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, Impro

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 Explo

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 P

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

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

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 03:0

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

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

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 Ecosyst

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 Pe

     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 Kripp

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 O

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 Innov

In this episode, we are joined again by Wendy Smith,  co-author of 'Both/And Thinking: Embrace Creative Tensions to Solve Your Toughest Problems.'      Wendy elaborates on the nuances between dilemmas, paradoxes, and tensions, emphasising that these terms are not interchangeable and revealing the psychological and practical implications of recognising and navigating paradoxes. Drawing from her personal experiences and research, Wendy illustrates how both/and thinking can be applied to career decisions, organisational challenges, and broader societal issues. She discusses the limitations of either/or thinking and the harmful patterns it can create, such as intensification, overcorrection, and polarisation.    Using examples from companies like Lego and Gore, Wendy shows how balancing tradition and innovation, centralisation and decentralisation, and other competing demands can lead to more sustainable success. The conversation also delves into the four types of paradoxes: learning