Introduction

Welcome to "Driving Innovation from Within: A Guide for Internal Entrepreneurs" with Kaihan Krippendorff. In this podcast, we embark on a journey to explore the world of internal innovation, challenging the pervasive myth that entrepreneurship is the sole driver of innovation. Kaihan shares insights from his book and extensive research, revealing the six vital attributes that distinguish successful internal innovators.

In the introductory episode, Kaihan reflects on his personal journey, delving into the realization that innovation can thrive within organizations, as exemplified by the success story of Jean Feiwel at MacMillan. T

The podcast dives into a survey conducted with 150 innovators, exploring key questions about the conception, development, and commercialization of transformative ideas. Kaihan challenges assumptions, debunking the idea that entrepreneurs overshadow corporate intrapreneurship. He emphasizes the role of founders in creating systems that empower employees to bring ideas to life.

The focus then shifts to the core attributes of the intrapreneur, exploring their ability to discover opportunities, evaluate and choose the right ones, take autonomous action, and mobilize resources. Kaihan introduces the concept of the "IN-OVATE" barriers, discussing how organizations unintentionally hinder innovation and offering solutions to overcome them.

Chapters unfold, detailing stories of successful internal innovators, such as Jen Feiwal, and introducing tools like the strategy pyramid for focusing searches on organizational needs. The podcast explores the importance of maintaining intent, understanding organizational needs, managing options, and overcoming value blockers.

The IDEAS acronym is unveiled, emphasizing the importance of creating a portfolio of options for innovation. The discussion delves into value blockers and how successful innovators navigate them, using examples like Xbox's journey. The tension between the traditional prove–plan–execute model and the innovative act–learn–build model is explored, showcasing the need for a paradigm shift in organizational thinking.

Kaihan introduces the advanced test loop, building on John Boyd's OODA loop, and emphasises the significance of assembling a cross-functional team. Seven steps to build an effective team are outlined, including removing organizational friction, aligning around a goal, and establishing a rapid rhythm.

The podcast concludes by discussing the complex political landscape of gaining support for new ideas, creating "islands of freedom" within organizations. Kaihan addresses the broader issue of employee disengagement and its economic and humanitarian implications, advocating for the reignition of creativity to foster growth and purpose.

Join us in "Driving Innovation from Within" as we unravel the secrets of internal entrepreneurship and inspire a new wave of creative thinking within organizations.

Find Kaihan ar www.kaihan.net