Understanding Consumer Weak Signals and Innovation

How do you turn cultural insights into products that make a difference in people’s lives? In this episode, we are joined by Stefan Biel, a scientist turned innovator who for over 25 years has looked to uncover unexplored opportunities and translate them into meaningful products. Having worked for various large players across the consumer goods industry, he now finds himself at Tesa, the global adhesive manufacturer, as their Head of Technical Foresight & Product Development. In conversation with ReD Partner Sandra Cariglio, Stefan shares his insights on building high-performing innovation teams, taking accountability as a leader, and how to balance corporate legacy with future-focused evolution. He also discusses the critical role of deep consumer understanding in innovation, and how to translate weak signals from out in the world into products that actually make a difference in people's lives by anticipating changing social realities.