Product Thinking Episode 212: Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Corporate Innovation with Ben Hafele
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Feb 26, 2025 Ben Hafele, CEO of Lean Startup Company, shares his expertise on corporate innovation. He discusses how large companies can incorporate lean startup principles for sustainable growth. Key topics include creating 'connective tissue' linking innovation with business strategy and balancing experimentation with corporate goals. Ben emphasizes avoiding unnecessary complexity and maintaining strategic alignment. He also highlights the importance of research, collaboration, and starting with small projects to foster innovation in corporate settings.
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Lean Startup Principles
- Lean Startup is about applying the scientific method to business, using build-measure-learn cycles.
- It addresses uncertainty in new products, services, or features, regardless of company size.
Misinterpreting Lean Startup
- Melissa Perri shares a story about a company that misused Lean Startup, leading to negative customer experiences.
- They built a button to nowhere without a clear learning objective, causing customer frustration and rejection of the methodology.
Brand Risk in Corporate Innovation
- Consider reputational and brand risk when innovating in larger corporations.
- Unlike small startups, established companies cannot risk alienating existing customers with poorly executed experiments.
