Mike Peng

In this conversation, Mike Peng, CEO of IDEO, shares his journey from neuroscience to design and global leadership. He discusses three impactful leadership philosophies: 'fewer but better,' personal monopoly, and combinatorial creativity. Mike emphasizes the importance of humility and healthy friction in fostering creativity. He highlights how leaders should guide their teams by setting direction and creating conditions for success. Additionally, Mike provides insight into maintaining inspiration and building diverse, innovative teams.

Mike Peng, CEO of IDEO, who previously led their Tokyo Studio, dives into the nuances of creative collaboration alongside Suzanne Gibbs Howard, Founder of IDEO U. They discuss the importance of fostering trust and navigating ambiguity for innovation. Mike shares insights on leveraging diverse perspectives and the challenges of remote teamwork. He emphasizes the need for structured creativity and preparing teams to embrace tension. This conversation provides timeless strategies for leaders aiming to cultivate breakthrough ideas in complex environments.

In this engaging discussion, Mike Peng, CEO of IDEO and a veteran in design leadership, dives into the essence of modern creative leadership. He explores how to foster trust in resistant teams, emphasizing empathy as a tool for converting skeptics. Mike shares valuable lessons on the importance of psychological safety and building strong, complementary teams. He also highlights how failure has shaped his approach, encouraging leaders to embrace small wins and seek inspiration from everyday sources to elevate creative excellence.