HBR IdeaCast Supercharging Innovation with “Flash Teams”
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Sep 16, 2025 In this engaging talk, Melissa Valentine, a Professor at Stanford University and co-author of "Flash Teams", uncovers the power of flash teams in innovation. She shares how these agile groups can be formed on-demand through online platforms and AI to tackle projects effectively. Valentine discusses the benefits of diverse expertise, the importance of adaptability, and the role of strong leadership in managing remote teams. She also outlines common pitfalls to avoid, ensuring that organizations can successfully harness this modern collaboration model.
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Technology Gives Teams New Superpowers
- Flash teams are project teams amplified by internet access, remote work, and AI tooling.
- These technologies give teams new “superpowers” in finding talent and coordinating work quickly.
Doctor Built Ambulance-Timing App In Six Weeks
- An ER doctor convened a global flash team and built an ambulance-timing app prototype in six weeks.
- The team of about 30 experts included a CTO in Bangladesh and produced a tested functional prototype quickly.
Start By Naming The Problem And First Role
- Start by defining the problem and ask an LLM who the first hire should be to solve it.
- Use platforms like Upwork to find available experts and run short paid interviews to validate fit.
