Killer Innovations with Phil McKinney - A Show About Ideas Creativity And Innovation

Most people would consider random events a nuisance that gets in the way of their productivity and disrupts their carefully planned lives. However, looking closely, you'll see that random events can be a source of inspiration and innovation. For example, consider the story of how Facebook was created. According to legend, Facebook was born out of a random event – when Mark Zuckerberg was working on a project for his fraternity, he needed to find a way to get online access for all the members. Another famous example is the story of Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak. While working at Hewlett-Packard in the 1970s, Wozniak came up with the idea of what eventually became the Apple computer after he attended a random seminar. So why are random events so inspiring? Part of it concerns that they're unexpected – they catch us off guard and force us to devise new solutions. They also give us a fresh perspective, allowing us to see old problems in a new light. Finally, random events can help us break out of our comfort zone and spark creativity and innovation in ways we never thought possible. Are Random Events Random? Are random events random? This question has puzzled philosophers, scientists, and mathematicians for centuries. Some people believe everything in the universe is random, while others believe there is a hidden order behind random events. Interestingly, recent research has shown that random events may not be as random as think. In a study published in Nature journal, scientists found that random events follow specific patterns and are not entirely random. This discovery is important because it also opens up new possibilities for using what we think of as random events to inspire creativity and innovation. How? That's still something that scientists are trying to figure out. The bottom line is that random events are still a mystery – no one knows what causes them or what they mean for innovation. However, they remain an essential source of inspiration and creativity, and scientists will continue to explore their mysteries in the hopes of unlocking their secrets. Being Aware of Random Events Random events can be a great source of inspiration for innovators, but it's essential to be aware of them and understand their potential. Here are some tips for how to do that: 1.     Be open to new ideas. When it comes to random events, you never know what might happen. That's why being open to new ideas and possibilities is so important. You'll miss many opportunities if you're permanently closed off to new experiences. Being open to new ideas means being open to change. It can be scary, but embracing change can lead to amazing things. When you're open to new ideas, you're also more open to new experiences, which can only lead to good things. So don't be afraid to try something new. Open your mind and see what happens. You might be surprised at what you find. 2.     Stay curious. Curiosity is the lifeblood of creativity and innovation. By staying curious, we keep our minds open to new possibilities and allow random events to lead to new insights and perspectives. Staying curious also breeds a sense of exploration and excitement, which are essential for keeping our creative juices flowing. So if you want to be more creative, stay curious! 3.     Pay attention to your surroundings. When we pay attention to our surroundings, we open ourselves up to random events and their possibilities. Knowing the people and environment around us can create opportunities for new experiences and friendships. In addition, paying attention to our surroundings allows us to be more present at the moment and appreciate all that is happening around us. 4.     Be patient. Being patient is key when waiting for random events to happen. Sometimes they happen right away, but other times they take time to develop. You never know when the perfect opportunity will come along, so it's essential to be patient and wait for the right moment. When inspiration comes randomly, it's often the most powerful and meaningful. So don't be discouraged if things don't happen immediately – keep waiting and be patient for the next great spark of inspiration. 5.     Be creative. Random events can offer limitless opportunities for creativity and inspiration if you look for them. When something random happens, it's often a sign that something new is also about to happen. Be open to the possibilities and see where the random event takes you. Don't be afraid to experiment or try something new – that's where the real magic of random events can be found. Let your creativity run wild, and see what amazing things you can come up with. The sky is the limit! Warning: Random Events Are Not Signs Some people might see random events as signs or omens. Some will use a random event to confirm an idea or innovation they are working on. This confirmation bias is the tendency only to believe information that confirms our preexisting beliefs or desires. This can be dangerous when it comes to random events and innovation, as it may tempt us to ignore or misinterpret random events that don't conform to our preconceived notions. This can lead to faulty ideas and solutions and lead us down blind alleys. It's important to be aware of confirmation bias and its dangers and always to be open to new information – even if it contradicts our existing beliefs. The Internet Was Born Out of Randomness In the early 1990s, Silicon Valley was amidst a major random event – the rise of the internet. This unexpected event led to the development of countless new products and services, including some of the most well-known and successful companies. The internet was born out of random chance – a series of random events coinciding at the right moment. These random events included the invention of the World Wide Web, the spread of personal computers, and the growth of digital networks. These random events came together at just the right time to create something extraordinary – a new way for people to connect and share information. The internet has since changed the world, and there's no telling what else it might bring us in the future. Like Chocolate? Random events are like a box of chocolates – you never know what you're going to get. When it comes to random events, you never quite know what will happen. They can be exciting and full of surprises, or they can be unpredictable and frustrating. But that's part of the fun – random events are always an adventure. So go ahead and take the plunge. Life is more interesting when we experience random events. Next time you encounter a random event, don't be annoyed – embrace it! See it as an opportunity to think outside the box and develop something new and innovative. Who knows – your next big idea might just come from a random event! To know more about the success from random events, listen to: How to be a Random Success at Innovation. RELATED:   Subscribe To The Newsletter and Killer Innovations Podcast

Innovation can be classified into two main types: disruptive innovation and radical innovation. Disruptive innovation is an idea that improves upon an existing market by exceeding the needs of a customer base, eventually displacing the old market. Radical innovation destroys the current market and value network, creating an entirely new one. Another way to think about it is that radical innovations challenge the status quo and create something new. Disruptive innovations are those that make an existing product or service obsolete. Many believe that both disruptive and radical innovation result from chance or luck. However, there is a lot of evidence to suggest that they result from a specific mindset and approach to problem-solving. So, what is the secret to consistently creating disruptive and radical innovations? What is Disruptive Innovation? There are a few key things to keep in mind when creating disruptive innovations. First, it's essential to understand the existing market and value network. Next, you need to identify gaps or shortcomings in the current market. And finally, you need to create something that fills that gap and provides more value than is currently available. Several famous examples of disruptive innovations, such as the iPhone, disrupted the existing smartphone market by offering a better user experience and more features than the competition. Uber also disrupted the taxi industry by providing a better and more convenient alternative to traditional taxis. Creating Disruptive Innovation So how can you create your disruptive innovation? Here are a few tips: 1.     Study the existing market and identify any gaps or shortcomings. It's no secret that to create disruptive innovation, and you need to do your research and understand the marketplace inside and out. By doing so, you can identify any gaps or shortcomings and work to fill them with your new product or service. Only then will you be able to identify any opportunities for change and capitalize on them. 2.     Identify any potential opportunities or weaknesses in the current market. Opportunities and weaknesses can lead to disruptive innovation in a variety of ways. For example, an opportunity may present itself for a new type of business to enter the market, disrupting the status quo. Alternatively, a weakness in one market area may open a new competitor to emerge and take market share. Either way, it's essential to keep an eye out for opportunities and weaknesses to be prepared to capitalize on them (or defend against them) if they arise. Doing so can help you stay ahead of the competition and achieve disruptive innovation. 3.     Prototype your idea and get feedback from potential users or customers. Prototyping is essential to creating disruptive innovation. By testing out your idea and getting feedback from potential users or customers, you can determine whether there is demand for your product or service and make necessary adjustments before investing too much time and money into development. Feedback from early adopters can be especially valuable in helping you gauge interest and determine what features or aspects of your prototype are most appealing (or not). 4.     Launch your product or service and continue to improve and refine it based on feedback from users/customers. Launching your product or service is one of the most critical steps. It allows you to get feedback from users and customers, which can help you improve and refine your product or service. This process enables you to create a product or service that meets the needs of your target market, which can lead to tremendous success. Of course, there is no guaranteed formula for success, and it's possible that your innovation may not be as successful as you hope. However, following these tips increases your chances of creating a disruptive innovation that could change the world. What Is Radical Innovation? Radical innovation is about doing things differently to create something new and better. It can be a change to how you do things or a completely novel approach no one has ever tried. Whatever it is, it needs to be something that makes a real difference. There are countless examples of radical innovation. Here are three: Google's Search Engine When Google launched its search engine in 1998, it was a radically new way to find information online. Before Google, the only way to find information online was by using directories such as Yahoo! or browsing through websites. Google's search engine changed that by allowing users to type in keywords and find relevant results instantly. This breakthrough helped make Google the world's most popular search engine. Tesla's Electric Cars Electric cars have been around for a long time, but Tesla's Model S was a game-changer. It was the first all-electric luxury car, showing that electric vehicles could be just as good—if not better — than gasoline-powered cars. Tesla's electric cars have helped change people's thoughts about transportation and spurred other companies to develop their electric car models. SpaceX's Reusable Rockets SpaceX, a private space company, founded by Elon Musk, has developed a new type of rocket that can be reused. This is a breakthrough because it significantly reduces the cost of space travel. SpaceX's rockets are helping to make space exploration more affordable and accessible, which could lead to significant advances in the field. As you can see, radical innovation can come in many forms. All these examples have in common that they represent a significant change from the status quo. If you want to create radical innovation, you need to think about ways to do things differently and make a real difference. Creating a radical innovation is no easy feat, but it's possible. Just look at the examples above. If they can do it, so can you. Creating Radical Innovation So how do you create radical innovations? Here are a few insider secrets to creating radical innovations: 1.     Embrace Failure One of the most important things you need to do to create a radical innovation is to embrace failure. Failure is inevitable when you're doing something new and different. You're going to make mistakes, and that's okay. What's important is that you learn from those mistakes and keep moving forward. 2.     Start with a clean slate. That means forgetting everything you know about the status quo and imagining something new. It means having the courage to think big and challenge the status quo. It means having the humility to listen to others and learn from them. And it means recognizing that no one has all the answers but that we can find them together if we're willing to continue learning and growing. 3.     Have a vision for what could be. This vision needs to be so compelling that it inspires people to take action and make the vision a reality.  A good vision should be clear, achievable, and inspiring. It should also be specific enough to guide the actions of those working to achieve it. Once you have a clear vision for what you want to achieve, you can start putting together a plan to make it happen. This plan should outline the steps you need to take to achieve your vision. 4.     Be Willing to Take Risks To create a radical innovation, you must be willing to take risks. This means being okay with the possibility of failure. You need to be comfortable with uncertainty and not be afraid to try something new. 5.     Apply Box Thinking To succeed at creating a radical innovation, you must apply box thinking (inside and outside of the box). This thinking means looking at things from a different perspective and seeing things in a new light. It's about thinking of new ways to create something unique. 6.     Be Passionate Creating a radical innovation takes a lot of hard work and dedication. It would be best if you were passionate about what you're doing to see it through. If you're not passionate about your idea, it won't be easy to succeed. 7.     Believe in Yourself Creating a radical innovation is not easy. There will be times when you doubt yourself and your ability to succeed. It's essential to believe in yourself and your idea. Remember why you're doing this, and don't give up. Conclusion Of course, not every radical innovation is a success. Many startups and businesses have tried something new, only to fail miserably. But that's okay — it's part of the process. Those who are willing to take risks and push boundaries ultimately create the most significant changes and make the biggest impact. So if you're feeling adventurous, don't be afraid to try something new. There's no guarantee of success, but you may create something incredible. To know more about the two main types of innovation, listen to: Disruptive Innovation vs Radical Innovation: What’s the Difference? RELATED:   Subscribe To The Newsletter and Killer Innovations Podcast  

Science is a powerful tool. It can change the world, improve our understanding of our universe, and help us find new and innovative ways to solve problems. But science is only as good as the data it uses, and bad science can lead us astray. Over the last few years, I've written several articles and recorded a similar number of podcasts on ethics related to innovation. Just as this is titled Bad Science, we could have titled it Bad Innovation. In this episode, we explore how to determine whether the science you are reading is accurate or not. The inspiration for this episode came from an infographic created by Compound Interest (compoundchem.com). I've taken the list of ways to spot bad science and created my descriptions with examples — but all credit goes to @compoundchem. 12 Ways To Spot Bad Science There are many ways to identify bad science studies and articles that publish the results, but here are twelve of the most common. You can protect yourself from being misled by being aware of these red flags. 1)     Sensationalised Headlines Sensationalized headlines can be incredibly misleading. They often over-simplify the findings or, worse, misrepresent them entirely. Misinterpretation can lead to bad decision-making on the reader's part and ultimately negatively impact. It's essential to be discerning when reading science articles and always to consider the source of information. Reputable sources always aim to present accurate information, while less reputable sources may sensationalize information to get more readers/viewers. In the long run, this can muddy the waters and make it more difficult for people to discern what is true. An example of a misleading sensationalized headline would be the article “A New Drug Can Cure Alcoholism,” published by The Sun. The report claims that a new drug called Selincro can “cure” alcoholism, but this is not the case. Selincro is for alcohol dependence, not alcoholism, and it does not cure addiction. 2)     Misinterpreted Results Misinterpreted results can often lead to bad science and innovation. Research in the media can be sensationalized or simplified in a way that distorts the actual findings. Simplification can lead to poor decisions being made based on inaccurate information. Therefore, reading the original research to understand what was studied is essential. Only then can informed decisions be made about whether the findings apply to your work. One example of misinterpreted results would be the oft-cited study that claimed eating chocolate can help you lose weight. Later found to be flawed, and the author had to retract his findings. 3)     Conflict of Interest Science often thought of as a purely objective pursuit, is unaffected by the biases and motivations of the people involved. However, scientists are people, and their interests and agendas can influence them. Their agenda is a conflict of interest. A conflict of interest can distort scientific research and make poor decisions. For example, scientists might be more likely to publish results that support their theory or downplay negative results. Conflicts of interest can also hurt innovation. Innovators seeking patents or commercial opportunities are less likely to share their findings with others. Lack of information sharing can stifle innovation and prevent the development of new ideas. Ultimately, it is crucial to recognize that conflicts of interest exist, and we must consider them when evaluating discoveries. It is also essential to have transparent and accountable systems to manage conflicts of interest. A recent example of a conflict of interest that impacted innovation is the Volkswagen emissions scandal. In 2015, reports surfaced that Volkswagen had been cheating on emissions tests for its diesel cars. Cheating was possible because Volkswagen had developed software to turn off the emissions controls during car testing. The software allowed the cars to pass the emissions tests, but when they were on the road, they emitted more pollutants than allowed. This scandal highlighted the importance of managing conflicts of interest and showed how bad decisions could happen when scientists are not impartial. 4)     Correlation and Causation Science can be misused and abused by exploiting people's confusion between correlation and causation. Correlation is when two things happen together more often than would be expected by chance. For example, there is a correlation between ice cream sales and murders — when ice cream sales go up, so do murders. But that doesn't mean that eating ice cream causes people to murder others. There could be any number of other factors at work. Causation, on the other hand, means that one thing causes another. When we say that A causes B, it means that A always comes before B— and that changing A will change B. For example, we know that smoking causes cancer because smokers are more likely to get cancer than non-smokers. Changing the amount of smoking will change the amount of cancer. When two things appear correlated, it's important not to jump to conclusions and assume that one thing is causing the other. Without doing proper research and testing, bad science can result. So next time you hear about some scientific study that seems too good to be true, be skeptical! Using scientific studies to sell products is one commercial example where correlation and causation can mislead the public. A study that shows a correlation between a product and a positive outcome can persuade people to buy the product. But without knowing the full details of the study, it's hard to tell if the product caused the correlation. For example, numerous studies show a correlation between eating breakfast and being thinner. So, many companies have started selling breakfast foods to help people lose weight. But does eating breakfast make you thinner? It's hard to say because there are many other factors at work. Maybe people who eat breakfast are more likely to be thinner overall or more likely to exercise in the morning. It's difficult to say for sure what's causing the correlation. 5)     Unsupported Conclusions Bad science can often come from unsupported conclusions. When a study jumps to a conclusion without proper evidence, it can be misleading and cause further bad science. This is because people may get the wrong idea about the study and try to build on that misconception. In some cases, this can even lead to injury lawsuits by bad information based on bad science. Therefore, studies must be very clear on what their evidence shows and what conclusions are still speculative. Clear studies allow people to understand the research better and prevent bad science from spreading further. One recent example of bad science based on unsupported conclusions is the case of Theranos. This company claimed to have developed a new way to test blood requiring much less than traditional methods. However, after multiple retractions of their studies, revealing that their technology didn't work. The revelation led to massive financial losses for investors and patients who trusted the company. Others attempting to follow in their footsteps found themselves back at the drawing board, wasting time and resources on something that wasn't possible. This is just one example of how bad science can have far-reaching consequences. 6)     Problem with Sample Size Small sample sizes can lead to bad science for several reasons. First and foremost, when the sample size is small, it's more likely that the data will not represent the population. This means that any conclusions drawn from that data may be inaccurate. Additionally, small samples have less statistical power, meaning they're less likely to detect differences between groups or to identify significant results. This can lead to bad science in two ways: if researchers incorrectly conclude that there is no difference between groups and falsely deem a result statistically significant when it's not. Finally, small sample sizes can increase the chances of type II errors (false negatives), which means publishing bad science because of a missed true effect due to the small sample size. These issues caused by small sample sizes can lead to faulty conclusions and bad science. One recent example of a research study based on a small sample size that leads to bad science is a study on the effect of fluoride on children's intelligence. The study had a very small sample size, and as a result, the authors could not detect any significant difference between the fluoride and placebo groups. This led to bad science, as the authors incorrectly concluded that fluoride does not have an impact on children's intelligence. 7)     Unrepresentative Samples Used Unrepresentative samples are often used in bad science experiments, leading to faulty conclusions. Using a non-representative sample makes it much easier to obtain the results you're looking for because the data is guaranteed to be biased. Bad science perpetuates itself when this happens, and we often can't trust any scientific findings. For example, a study that claims salt is terrible for your health might be from 1a sample of people who already have health problems. The study would give the impression that salt is bad for everyone when it might only harm people with certain conditions. If we rely on these studies to make decisions about our health, we could be doing ourselves a disservice. It's, therefore, important to always look at the methodology of a study before accepting its conclusions as fact. Only by doing so can we avoid being misled by bad science. 8)     No Control Group Used The lack of a control group might doubt the results of an experiment. It's critical to compare the outcomes from test participants who received the tested substance to a control group that didn't receive it in clinical trials. This process allows researchers to see whether the drug made any difference. Random allocation of groups is also crucial to minimize bias. In experiments, it's important to have a control test for controlled variables, allowing researchers to isolate the effects of a single variable. Perhaps the most famous example of bad science without a control group is the case of thalidomide. The marketed sedative for pregnant women in the 1950s and 1960s revealed that the drug caused severe congenital disabilities in thousands of children. 9)     No Blind Testing Used By not blinding the test, researchers can introduce bias into the study. Lack of blind testing can happen in different ways, such as researcher bias, subject bias, and observer bias. Researcher bias happens when the researcher has a preconceived notion about the study's outcome and influences how it is conducted or analyzed. Subject bias is when the subject knows which group they are in and alters their behavior. For example, if someone knows they are in a test group using a new drug treatment and feels better than those in the control group, they may believe that the drug worked when it didn't. Observer bias is when someone not involved in the study (e.g., a friend or family member of one of the participants) knows which group a participant is in and reports on their behavior differently based on that information. These biases can lead to inaccurate findings and conclusions in scientific studies. This can have far-reaching consequences, using bad science to make recommendations or decisions about treatments, policies, etc. It's, therefore, important that scientists use a blind test whenever possible. One example of not using a blind test that caused future bad science is the Tuskegee syphilis study. In this study, 399 black men with syphilis were left untreated so researchers could study the progression of the disease. Even after it was discovered that penicillin could cure the disease, the study continued for another two years. This study's lack of a blind test led to biased results and further bad science. 10)Selective Reporting of Data Regarding scientific research, the data collected should be unbiased and interpreted relatively. However, sometimes bad science is caused by researchers selectively reporting data. They review the data that supports their conclusion and ignore any information that does not. This can cause incorrect judgments and assertions. One way to avoid this issue is always to present all the data collected, regardless of whether it supports your findings. This will help ensure that other researchers can interpret and analyze the data and reach their conclusions. It is essential to be open and transparent about your research methods and results so that others can evaluate them for themselves. A recent example of bad science caused by selective data reporting is the paper “The Mismeasure of Man” by Stephen Jay Gould. In this paper, Gould argues that intelligence tests are biased against certain groups of people, such as women and minorities. However, later research has shown that Gould selectively reported data to support his conclusions. For example, he ignored evidence that showed no significant difference in test scores between men and women. 11)Unreproducible Results When research is not reproducible, it becomes difficult to verify the findings, which can create doubt about the entire study. This can lead to bad science, as scientists may accept bad data as fact. In short, reproducible research is essential for good science, and when research is not reproducible, it can lead to a variety of problems. One recent example of a retracted study that could not be reproduced is the infamous “South Korean stem cell study.” Researchers claimed to have created stem cells in this study using a new method, but other scientists could not reproduce the results. As a result, the journal that originally published the study retracted it. 12)Non-Peer Reviewed Material The importance of using peer-reviewed studies cannot be overstated. Using these studies, researchers can be sure that the information they are getting is accurate and reliable. Studies that have not been peer-reviewed may be flawed and thus unreliable. This can lead to bad science and inaccurate information being spread. Peer review is a critical step in the scientific process and helps to ensure that only the best, most accurate information is published. There has been a recent rash of peer-reviewed studies and later retracted. It is not a perfect system, but it is our best. To avoid bad science, researchers should always look for peer-reviewed studies. One example of a study that was peer-reviewed but later retracted is the infamous study on climate change by Dr. Michael Mann. The study, published in 1999, purported to show a correlation between climate change and the increase in global temperatures. However, the study was later retracted after it was revealed that the data had been manipulated. These kinds of retractions of peer-reviewed studies put all other studies into question. It is hard to know which studies to trust when bad science like this makes its way into the peer-reviewed process. Good Science versus Bad Science Science is a process of exploration and discovery. When bad science occurs, it can cast doubt on all the findings of that study and the entire scientific process. However, we can avoid being misled by these studies by being aware of the signs of bad science. We can also help to ensure that good science is not tainted by bad data. It is important to remember that science is an ever-evolving process. The retracted “South Korean stem cell study,” for example, may have been flawed, but it led to discoveries about stem cells that could not have been made otherwise. In this way, even bad science can be valuable in helping us learn more about the world. We should not give up on science just because of bad science; instead, we should use bad science as a learning experience and continue to explore and discover new truths about the world around us. Let's work together to recognize and reward good science while calling out bad science so that we can ensure the best information in which to make informed decisions. To know more about good and bad science: How to Distinguish Good Science from Bad Science RELATED:   Subscribe To The Newsletter and Killer Innovations Podcast

No one can predict the future, but that doesn't mean we can't prepare for it. We'll explore the concept of black swan innovation and discuss how leaders can respond to these events when they occur. We will also look at some examples of black swan innovations that have profoundly impacted society. Leaders can minimize the negative consequences of these unpredictable occurrences by understanding what a black swan event is and how to prepare for it. So, What is a Black Swan Innovation? A Black Swan innovation is an unpredictable event or occurrence that changes the course of an industry or business. It is something that no one could have ever predicted and can completely overturn the status quo. The term “black swan” comes from the idea that black swans are events or occurrences that are so rare that they are almost impossible to predict. The black swan was given its name because all other swans were white before being discovered in Australia. Consequently, the bird was thought of as an impossibility. The Black Swan Nassim Taleb popularized the term in his book, The Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable. In his book, Nassim discusses the idea of black swan events and how they can majorly impact businesses and industries. He argues we should not focus on predicting these events but be prepared for them when they occur. Taleb believes we should not prioritize past data when making predictions, as this data may not indicate future outcomes. Instead, it is crucial to focus on the present and future rather than the past. Hindsight Risk Hindsight claims of having seen a black swan can be misleading because they can lead to inaccurate assessments of the probability of an event. For example, if someone says they saw a black swan before it happened, it could give a false impression that the event was more likely than it was. The event could lead to people making decisions based on inaccurate information. How To Prepare for Black Swan Events Leaders should always be prepared for the unexpected, including being ready for black swan events. Before a black swan occurs, leaders should ensure accurate information about the probability of a range of events happening. This information can help them make sound decisions in the face of a black swan when it happens. Leaders should have a plan in place for how to respond to a black swan. This plan should include contingencies for various potential scenarios. By being prepared, leaders can minimize the negative consequences of a black swan event. Leaders should be prepared for many different types of black swan events. Some examples include: Natural Disasters A natural disaster is a catastrophic event caused by natural phenomena such as floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, or tornadoes. Financial Crises A financial crisis is when the value of financial assets collapses, leading to a liquidity crisis and often a recession. Political Unrest Political unrest is when social order is disrupted due to protests or civil unrest. Technological and Innovation Disruptions A technological disruption is an event that occurs when a new technology is introduced that disrupts or replaces the status quo entirely. By being prepared for these and other types of black swan events, leaders can minimize the negative consequences that these events can have on their organizations. Examples of Black Swan Events Some past examples of black swan innovation include: Printing Press Before the printing press, books were hand-copied by scribes, which was a slow and expensive process. The printing press allowed for books to be printed in large quantities, which made them more affordable and allowed for more people to access them. The printing press led to a period of rapid intellectual growth and helped to spread knowledge throughout the world. Electricity Before the discovery of electricity, people relied on candles and other forms of light. Electricity allowed the development of new technologies such as light bulbs, radios, and televisions. The discovery led to a period of rapid technological growth and helped improve many people's quality of life. Internet The internet has allowed for the exchange of information and ideas on a previously unimaginable scale. It has also allowed for the development of new technologies, such as social media, which has revolutionized how people interact. Additionally, the internet has made it easier for people to access information and has led to a period of rapid economic growth. By allowing for the exchange of information and ideas on a global scale, the internet has had a far-reaching impact on society that is difficult to overestimate. Each of these inventions was a game-changer that completely disrupted the status quo. They were all considered impossible until they happened, and they each profoundly impacted society. Responding To A Black Swan Event If a leader is suddenly faced with a black swan event they did not prepare for, there are several steps they can take to minimize the negative consequences. Assess the situation and gather as much information as possible. This information can help make informed decisions about responding to the event. Develop a plan for how to respond to the event. This plan should include contingencies for various potential scenarios. By being prepared, leaders can minimize the negative consequences of a black swan event. Communicate with their team and stakeholders. Open communication is essential during a crisis. Leaders should keep everyone updated on the situation and let them know what steps to address the issue. Focus on maintaining calm and order, which can be difficult during a chaotic event, but it is essential to maintain control. Leaders should provide clear instructions and expectations to their team and be available to answer questions and address concerns. Take the time to review the situation after it has passed. Reviewing can help one learn from experience and adjust plans for future events. While there is no way to predict or prepare for every possible black swan event, leaders can minimize the adverse effects of these events by being prepared and taking quick, decisive action when they occur. Not If But When It is not if a black swan event will occur, but when. Black swan innovation is like a tidal wave — it is unpredictable, but it can cause a lot of damage when it hits. However, leaders can minimize the negative consequences if they are prepared for black swan events. By being proactive and staying calm under pressure, leaders can help their team weather the storm. In the aftermath, taking the time to review what happened and learn from the experience is crucial. As Nelson Mandela once said, “I never lose. I either win or learn.” To know more about dealing with black swan events listen to this week's show: Black Swan Innovation RELATED:   Subscribe To The Newsletter and Killer Innovations Podcast

Previously on the show, we discussed the failure of innovation journalism in the modern day. To combat the failure of innovation journalism, we are launching The Innovators Network (TIN). Founded upon the belief that innovation is essential to addressing the world’s most pressing problems, The Innovators Network wants to empower readers and inspire them to become agents of change. We will provide them with the information needed to make informed decisions around innovations. Innovation Journalism We believe that excellent innovation journalism should be three things: Solution-oriented – Telling the whole story behind an innovation while sharing the problem the solution will solve. Human-centered – Focused on the people behind the innovation and how it affects their lives. Actionable – Providing readers with the information they can use to make decisions in their own lives. What’s New? The Innovators Network’s content will sport a variety of topics, including but not limited to: health care, transportation, energy, education, food, manufacturing, and information technology. To ensure the quality of our content, we have already attracted support from leading contributors such as Emmy Award-winning journalist Kym McNicholas. All my content will now be available on The Innovators Network. Our network of external contributors will now include journalists, analysts, industry experts, and thought leaders from various organizations. This change allows us to provide comprehensive and accurate innovation coverage. TIN Digital Content Platform The digital content platform has three main components: The Innovators Network website features original and syndicated articles, interviews, videos, and podcasts on innovation. A weekly newsletter will bring the best innovation content to your inbox. Social media accounts such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn will provide essential updates on innovations. The TIN website launches today, so check it out! Watch out for the weekly newsletter sent out in the following weeks. You can sign up at the bottom of the TIN website. The social media accounts are already active. To know more about innovation journalism and The Innovators Network, listen to this week's show: A Solution to the Innovation Journalism Problem. RELATED:   Subscribe To The Newsletter and Killer Innovations Podcast

You need to be known as an inventor to attract the industry and monetize your ideas. The more successful you are as an inventor, the more people want to do business with you. I’ve discovered that submitting ideas to competitions and sharing work on social media are the best ways to build your reputation. Submitting your ideas to competitions exposes you to a broad audience while showing them you are a serious inventor. Sharing your work on social media gives you credibility in the eyes of potential customers and clients. Making money from your ideas can be daunting, but it is possible. You can increase your chances of success by following the steps outlined below. Common Inventor’s Mistakes 1.     Not Taking Action Ideas are worthless unless you execute them. 2.     Not Protecting Your Ideas File for a patent or copyright for your idea before sharing it, so no one else claims it. 3.     Not Marketing Your Idea Create a website, write a blog, and use social media to increase the chances of monetizing your idea. 4.     Not Being Persistent Successful monetization of your idea requires persistence. 4 Steps to Idea Monetization 1.     Validate that there is a market for your idea. Research companies that produce similar products or services to identify if there is demand for your idea. 2.     Talk to people in your chosen market. Ask for feedback on your idea. At this point, you have two choices: Work with a company specializing in licensing and monetizing ideas or create a company around your idea. If you choose to create a company around your ideas, then: 3.     Create a prototype. Prototyping will help you further validate your idea and give you something to show potential investors. 4.     Find investors. Negotiate a deal and start working on making your idea a reality. Using an Invention Firm Invention firms can help you protect your idea, market it, find investors, and turn it into a reality. If you choose to work with an invention firm, ensure you do the following: 1.     Make sure you understand the terms of the agreement. 2.     Be cautious of companies that require upfront fees. 3.     Do your research. 4.     Get everything in writing. 5.     Be prepared to give up some control. InventRight is a reputable firm that has helped many inventors get started with making money from their ideas. They also have a robust YouTube channel for inventors. We had Stephen Key, the founder, and CEO of InventRight, on the show back in April. Note: This is not a sponsorship or endorsement. I have not used their services for any of my ideas. They have impressed me with the breadth and depth of the ideas they have monetized. To know more about monetizing your ideas, listen to this week's show: How To Monetize Your Ideas. RELATED:   Subscribe To The Newsletter and Killer Innovations Podcast

Procrastination is a thief of potential, time, happiness, and success. Innovators often don't realize have become procrastinators because of how many projects they start. While innovators start innovations, they fail to launch them. Failure to launch is one of the most insidious forms of procrastination. In innovation, you will get your next position or project based on your portfolio, not your resume. It's all about the execution. If you are interested in looking at a small sample of my portfolio, you can hop over to Techtrend. FIRE – Execution Stage The FIRE innovation framework is a great way to avoid the trap of starting but not completing. The key is to move from stage to stage in the framework until you've launched your innovation. People procrastinate the most in the execution stage. In the execution stage, things can get messy, but avoiding it is no excuse. As innovators, we tend to compare our ideas to others and want to launch something perfect. Perfectionism is one of the biggest roadblocks to creative output. Don't let the fear of failure block your chances of success. Anti-Procrastination Tips for Innovators 1.     Focus on one innovation. Your focus will increase overall productivity as you will unlock the room for more innovations. 2.     Set a deadline. Setting intermediate deadlines for each task allows you to reach goals effectively. “The difference between a dream and a goal is a deadline.” – Harvey Mackay 3.     Find an accountability partner. A partner should be someone who keeps you on track and is supportive while offering honest feedback. 4.     Break it down into smaller steps. Consider using an agile innovation process that breaks down a project into short iterative cycles. Check out our podcast on The 7 Essential Ingredients of Agile Innovation. 5.     Focus on your why. Your why is the reason or your motivation for working on a particular project. If you can keep this in mind, it will help you push through the difficult times. 6.     Celebrate your wins. Celebrating each accomplishment will help you keep your focus and motivation high. Achieving Innovation Success Regarding innovation, it's important to remember that Rome wasn't built in one day. Your first try will probably fail, and that is ok. It takes hard work, focus, and determination to be successful. If you follow the steps outlined, you'll be well on achieving your innovation goals. To know more about procrastination in innovation, listen to this week's show: Procrastinators‘ Guide for Innovators. RELATED:   Subscribe To The Newsletter and Killer Innovations Podcast

Innovation journalism is one of the essential types of journalism in the modern world. Journalists must explain and communicate these changes when innovations and ideas emerge to the public. Innovation journalism is currently in a state of crisis, as science and technology reporters only make up a small percentage of reporters in American newspapers. Despite this fact, according to a Pew Research Center survey, more than half of Americans say they want more news about science and technology. To truly understand and grapple with our changing world, we need journalists willing to provide real insight into emerging innovations. The Problem: Lack of Innovation Understanding Journalists and media platforms often sensationalize innovations to increase traffic while showing prejudice towards ones they don't like. Sensationalism can distort public understanding of potentially transformative innovations, promote misinformation, and distort policymaking. Innovation journalism should be about exploring the implications of innovations and ideas while shining a light on the people making them happen. Theranos: An Innovation Journalism Failure The media hailed Theranos as an exciting new technology that could revolutionize the blood testing industry. Theranos' CEO, Elizabeth Holmes, was often described as the “youngest self-made billionaire,” Time Magazine referred to her as “The next Steve Jobs.” Eventually, The Wall Street Journal revealed that Theranos was misleading investors and patients about its technology. Forced to shut down, Elizabeth Holmes was convicted on multiple counts of fraud. The lesson from the Theranos story is that innovation journalism needs to be more than just positive coverage of new technologies. It needs to be willing to ask tough questions and investigate claims made. Guidelines of Good Innovation Journalism Here are eight guidelines of good innovation journalism discussed in the podcast: Avoid Hype Seek Diverse Perspectives Consider the Implications Go Beyond the Press Release Verify The Claims Be Transparent About Your Sources Disclose Conflicts of Interest Label Opinions as Such The Future of Innovation Journalism If innovation journalism is to have a future, it must do several things. It must move away from its current focus on gadgetry and startups. It must embrace its role as a critical and informative force in society. It must also provide context and analysis, not just hype. It must ask hard questions and hold those in power accountable. Only then will it be able to fulfill its potential truly. Otherwise, it risks becoming nothing more than a buzzword or an empty promise. Having accurate, transparent, and unbiased reporting on innovation can empower individuals, organizations, governments, and society to bring about positive change. To know more about science and technology in journalism, listen to this week's show: The Failure of Innovation Journalism. RELATED:   Subscribe To The Newsletter and Killer Innovations Podcast

Joy is a feeling of great pleasure and happiness. Many things can prevent us from enjoying our lives and our work. Finding ways to deal with these challenges is crucial, so they don't take away our happiness. Innovation is all about creating new things and solving problems. Finding the joy of innovation motivates every innovator. Being a part of successful innovation adds joy to your life. That joy has motivated me for 40 years of my career in innovation. It can be gratifying if you're able to make a difference in the world through innovation. What Brought Me Joy of Innovation In 1986, I led the development of one of the first biometric security devices, a fingerprint reader for a company called ThumbScan. Eventually, a company out of Stockholm acquired ThumbScan. Delivering something nobody thought could ever invent excited me and made me want to repeat it. Next, I worked on a supercomputer project at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. There was a researcher that had developed the concept of massively parallel supercomputers. The processing architecture was called MISC, which drove a lot of interest when we developed it. Ultimately, it got acquired by Atmel. It was exciting to see something we'd worked on for so long and so hard become real. The excitement gave others also brought me joy. Again, this joy motivated me to continue the process. Finding Joy of Innovation At Work Many things can take the joy out of innovation. While finding joy in your work is hard, making a few changes in your mindset is possible. Here are a few tips that I've applied over my career: Make a list of things you love at your job A list can help you remember why you chose this career in the first place Set small goals for yourself and celebrate when you reach them Goals can help give you a sense of accomplishment rather than waiting for the big win. I believe in utilizing Objectives and Key Results (OKRs). Find a mentor or role model who loves their work A mentor can give you a different perspective and encourage you Take a break when you're feeling overwhelmed Breaks can help you clear your head and come back to your work refreshed Talk to your friends and family about your work. Get those close friends and families who will tell you the truth and have your back when you need them. To know more about finding joy as an innovator,  listen to this week's show: The Joy of Innovation. RELATED:   Subscribe To The Newsletter and Killer Innovations Podcast

During the Cold War, Nobel Prize winner Richard Feynman investigated the possibility of science on a microscopic scale. He wanted to create machines that could assemble molecules atom by atom. While this sounds like science fiction, the “nanoscale” exists. Nanobots exist. Nanotechnology is growing rapidly, and I believe its impact will be significant. The Nanoscale In 2016, IBM researchers announced they had created the world's smallest motor, just 1x1x4 nanometers in size. A nanometer is one-millionth of a meter. The motor is made of a single carbon nanotube, spinning at up to 60,000 rpm. The nanobot technology trend focuses on making these tiny machines fast, strong, and precise. While IBM's motor is not yet practical for real-world applications, it shows how far nanotechnology has come. 7 Use Cases for Nanoscale Robots 1.     Cancer treatment Nanobots can help in the early diagnosis of cancer cells and can destroy them. 2.     Brain-computer interface Nanobots could read electrical signals in the brain and translate them into commands for a computer. 3.     Surgical procedures Nanobots can help improve the accuracy of surgery and reduce healing time, risk of infection, costs, etc. 4.     Drug delivery Nanobots can ‌target cells or tissues to deliver drugs with more precision. 5.     Environmental cleanup Nanobots can aid in the environmental cleanup of spills and other disasters by targeting pollutants. 6.     Manufacturing Nanobots can be used in manufacturing to create small, intricate parts or products. 7.     Computing Nanobots can create ultra-fast processors that store more data. The Future of Nanobots Successful innovation with nanobots can improve the efficiency of many industries and create new ones altogether. Government organizations like the National Science Foundation (NSF) invest in nanotechnology research for improved energy sources, materials, electronics, etc. The global market growth for nanorobotics is from $6 billion in 2020 to $14.3 billion by 2028. The secondary economic impact of nanorobotics on industries that adopt them is a projected $3.1 trillion by 2035. Because of the competitive advantage nanobots can bring, leaders should consider how they leverage them. This feat can be challenging to do on your own, which is why many companies turn to an innovation agency for help in innovation scouting. To know more about nanotechnology,  listen to this week's show: Innovating with Nanobots: What You Need to Know. RELATED:   Subscribe To The Newsletter and Killer Innovations Podcast