Terry O'Reilly on what mavericks and outcasts can teach leaders about innovation

What does it mean to go against the grain? To be a trailblazer or a maverick? To break the rules? 

We often celebrate mavericks in the business world for their success, but rarely acknowledge the tumultuous — and sometimes despondent — path they face when defying convention. 

On the latest episode of Visiting Experts, Terry O’Reilly joins host Brett Hendrie to discuss his new book and explore how mavericks have changed the world, even when the personal cost was great. From Gustave Eiffel to Taylor Swift, it’s essential listening for leaders looking to bend — or break — a few rules.

Show Notes

[0:00] Brett Hendrie on the power of mavericks in business and society.

[1:10] Meet Terry O’Reilly, host of The Age of Persuasion, and author of the new book Against the Grain. 

[2:17] What prompted Terry to write a book on individuals who break the rules, and through the process, what did he learn about shared traits they all have? 

[5:18] How did Gustave Eiffel — of Eiffel Tower fame — succeed when everyone believed he (and the tower) would fail? 

[8:42] Terry breaks down the important, yet tragic, story of Ignaz Semmelweis. 

[12:46] Why are intuition and hunches so crucial to the maverick mindset? 

[14:20] Taylor Swift may feel like she’s part of the system, but her smart approach to bending the rules has made her an unrivalled superstar. 

[17:23] Terry’s own journey into rule-breaking, for work with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, shows the power of trusting your gut and ignoring the status quo. 

[20:34] If everyone has their own platforms and echo chambers, can you really go against the grain anymore? Terry says sort of. 

[21:52] His parting advice: “I would say this, if you don't think one person can change the world, you are wrong. That's the takeaway.”

If you enjoyed this episode, why not give some of our back catalogue a listen?  If you want to learn more about dealing with disruption, check out our conversation with Karthik Ramanna on leading in a time of outrage, or Anne Chow on redefining what inclusive leadership really means. 

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To explore more leadership tips and tricks from the Rotman School of Management, check out our Rotman Executive Summary podcast, featuring the latest research and thought-leadership from our esteemed faculty. Check it out on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. And be sure to subscribe to the Rotman Insights Hub bi-weekly newsletter for even more insights shaping business and society.