Killer Innovations with Phil McKinney

When people ask how to land their first job in innovation, my story always surprises them. It wasn’t about finding the perfect job posting or waiting for an opportunity to knock. Instead, I created my opportunity. In 1992, I worked for a small company in Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, when Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) acquired it. The transition opened a unique door for me to carve out a role that set the foundation for my career in innovation. Creating My Opportunity I was the Director of Data Center Operations at the time. While I found the role fulfilling, I discovered my true passion for exploring creative and strategic ways to drive organizational success—an area CSC had not formally defined. I decided to take matters into my own hands. Instead of waiting for a new role to materialize, I wrote my job description. Key Steps I Took: Identify the Role You Want Before jumping into action, I envisioned a role that aligned with my passion and would bring value to the company. For me, that position focused on driving innovation within the organization. Write Your Job Description I crafted a detailed proposal outlining what the job would entail and why it was critical for the organization. Importantly, I avoided negativity or scare tactics, like claiming the company would fail without it. Instead, I focused on strategic storytelling—painting a picture of the brighter future this role could help create. Pitch the Idea Armed with my proposal, I approached the VP of the division. To my surprise, they were intrigued and open to the idea. After refining the proposal through several conversations, they officially created the position. Within 60 days, I transitioned into my first job in innovation. The Power of Strategic Storytelling Convincing leadership to create a new role wasn’t just about presenting facts. It was about selling a vision. I focused on: Showing how this role could benefit the organization in the long term. Demonstrating my unique qualifications and passion for the position. Framing the proposal in a way that aligned with the company’s strategic goals. This approach helped me gain buy-in and set the tone for a career built on creative problem-solving and innovation. Lessons for Aspiring Innovators Here’s what my experience taught me: Don’t Wait for the Perfect Opportunity Sometimes, the best opportunities are the ones you create. Take the initiative if you see a gap or a chance to add value. Be Bold but Positive Pitching a new idea can feel risky, but remaining confident and constructive is crucial. Leaders want solutions, not complaints. Prove Your Value Once you secure the role, it’s on you to deliver. Hard work and results will validate the trust your leaders placed in you. Why Your First Job in Innovation Matters Your first job in innovation is more than a career milestone; it’s a chance to set the stage for future opportunities. For me, stepping into this role unlocked doors I never knew existed and paved the way for decades of exciting challenges and successes. If you’re passionate about innovation, don’t be afraid to take risks, tell your story, and create the path that aligns with your vision. Innovation doesn’t wait—why should you? To learn about my first job in innovation, listen to this week's show: How I Got My First Job in Innovation. RELATED:   Subscribe To The Newsletter and Killer Innovations Podcast

When I walked into Elon Musk's office at Tesla in 2011, I knew I was about to see something remarkable, but I couldn't have predicted how mind-opening the experience would be. Elon Musk, known for revolutionizing industries through SpaceX and Tesla, has a way of questioning the world that feels almost childlike—but not in the way you might think. He roots his approach to problem-solving not an extensive knowledge of past achievements but by tackling challenges like a 5-year-old, unafraid to ask ‘why' until he reaches the core of an issue. Here's what I learned about innovation from my meeting with Elon Musk. The Power of First Principles Thinking What sets Elon Musk apart is his commitment to First Principles Thinking—a method that deconstructs problems to their fundamental truths. Instead of relying on established ideas, Musk strips away assumptions and starts from scratch. His belief is simple: assumptions can limit innovation, while first principles allow endless possibilities. He often explains it like this: “The normal way we conduct our lives is reasoning by analogy… But with first principles, you boil down to the most fundamental truths and then reason up from there.” 3 Steps to First Principles Thinking We can boil down Musk's approach into three actionable steps anyone can use. Identify Your Assumptions: Challenge every “truth” and tradition associated with a problem. If you notice something is “always done this way,” ask yourself, “Why?” Break Down to Fundamental Truths: Identify core, provable facts that can't be further simplified. Build Up from Basics: Reimagine a solution based solely on these fundamental truths, ignoring all previous conventions. My Experience: How Elon Musk Sees Beyond Assumptions During our conversation about HP's military-grade rugged displays, I watched Musk break down assumptions about car interfaces. What began as a discussion about technology quickly turned into a reimagining of how drivers interact with their vehicles. For example, Musk questioned why dashboards needed physical buttons and considered the actual purpose of car displays—this ability to strip down assumptions allowed Musk to redefine what was possible for Tesla's interface design. Rethinking Innovation Like a 5-Year-Old Musk's thought process is more than just a strategy—it's a mindset. Think about how a 5-year-old constantly asks “why” to understand the world. Musk approaches challenges with a similar curiosity, seeing barriers as merely starting points for innovation. This is a reminder that breakthrough thinking doesn't require years of experience or knowledge; it requires curiosity and the courage to question what others accept as true. Facing Resistance One takeaway from my time with Elon Musk was his ability to anticipate pushback. “Government officials will push back,” he told me, predicting resistance to his vision of touch-screen interfaces in cars. Thirteen years later, regulatory bodies are challenging touch interfaces, advocating for more physical buttons for safety. Musk's foresight shows that innovators often face institutional resistance when pushing boundaries. How You Can Innovate Like Elon Musk Applying first principles thinking is more straightforward than it sounds; you don't need to be a tech billionaire. Here are a few steps: Start Small: Apply first principles to daily routines or small business processes. Challenge Assumptions: Identify one routine task, repeatedly ask ” why, ” and strip it down to its core need. Build from Basics: Create a new, more effective approach based on your answers. Final Thoughts What I learned that day in Musk's office wasn't just a new strategy—it was a reminder that the most significant innovations often come from childlike curiosity. By questioning everything, we open ourselves to a world of possibilities beyond what we currently accept as possible. So, the next time you face a seemingly insurmountable problem, channel your inner 5-year-old and ask, “What if we're thinking about this all wrong?”   To learn more about Elon Musk, listen to this week's show: My Meeting With Elon Musk: Innovate Like A 5-Year-Old. RELATED:   Subscribe To The Newsletter and Killer Innovations Podcast

Discover how Albert Einstein’s revolutionary approach to imagination fueled his groundbreaking discoveries. The podcast reveals that imagination is essential not just for artists but for any innovation, highlighting its role in science, technology, and daily life. Learn about the three types of imagination—strategic, creative, and practical—and how they can be harnessed. Explore unconventional mental exercises inspired by Einstein to enhance creativity and problem-solving skills. This journey into imagination shows that anyone can cultivate their innovative potential.

In the world of technology and innovation, building a model career often means evolving with industry changes, embracing risks, and showing resilience. Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with Nimrod Ben-Natan, CEO of Harmonic, whose career path is a true model for success in innovation. Starting as a software developer in the mid-90s, Nimrod has led Harmonic through groundbreaking advancements in network virtualization and broadband. Here, he shares his journey and advice for aspiring innovators looking to build their own model careers in tech. From Software Developer to CEO Ben-Natan’s career at Harmonic began in 1996 as a software developer, working on solutions for fiber optics and digital video. He transitioned from technical roles into customer-facing and leadership positions, illustrating how a model career involves versatility and a willingness to pivot. Through multiple cycles of industry change, he worked on projects from digital ad insertion to video-on-demand, each requiring a deep understanding of technology and customer needs. This adaptability helped him to rise to his current position, leading the company as it navigates a continually evolving industry. Embracing Failure as Part of Success A key turning point for Ben-Natan was Harmonic’s decision to enter the broadband access market with a new hardware approach. However, the project faced significant setbacks, even failing to meet industry standards initially. Instead of abandoning the effort, Ben-Natan and his team pivoted toward a network function virtualization approach, eventually achieving market leadership in this area. This experience highlights a vital component of a model career in innovation: seeing failure as an opportunity to pivot and improve. “Failure isn't a negative—it's education,” I emphasized, aligning with Ben-Natan’s view that resilience and learning from setbacks are essential for long-term success. A Vision for the Future Looking ahead, Ben-Natan shared insights on how emerging tech professionals can build a model career in today’s rapidly shifting environment. His advice includes: Commit to continuous learning: Keep up with evolving skills and industry developments. Staying stagnant can render skills obsolete quickly. Foster curiosity: Let your curiosity drive your career path, whether in hardware, software, or another technology area. Value in-person connections: Ben-Natan strongly advocates for in-office experiences to gain essential social skills and professional insight, especially for younger professionals. Ben-Natan also stressed the importance of balancing technical knowledge with an understanding of customer needs, which he believes has been crucial in his model career. By combining technical and customer-facing roles, he gained a 360-degree view of the industry, ultimately guiding him through various high-stakes decisions. The Long Bet on Innovation Not every company can maintain a long-term vision, especially regarding risky ventures. Harmonic’s success with network function virtualization took nearly a decade to realize. Yet, the management team’s commitment to a long-term strategy allowed them to weather the uncertainties and ultimately bring innovative products to market. I pointed out that few companies have the patience for a 10-year development process. According to Ben-Natan, Harmonic’s resilience was rooted in a firm conviction that this investment would provide lasting value, positioning the company for industry leadership. Building Your Model Career in Innovation If you’re looking to build a model career in innovation, take these lessons from Ben-Natan’s journey: Embrace adaptability: Being willing to take on new challenges and pivot when necessary can keep your career aligned with industry shifts. Learn from setbacks: Viewing failure as a stepping stone to success is key to resilience. Commit to a long-term vision: Companies and individuals can benefit from strategic patience, investing in ideas that may take years to bear fruit. In today’s tech-driven world, a model career isn’t just about reaching the top—it’s about staying relevant, being open to change, and finding new ways to contribute.   To learn more about building a model career in innovation, listen to this week's show: A Model Career in Innovation. RELATED:   Subscribe To The Newsletter and Killer Innovations Podcast

Explore the intriguing world of metacognition and how it can supercharge your thinking. Learn about advanced techniques like cognitive reappraisal and Socratic questioning that enhance self-awareness and decision-making. Discover the power of visualization and mental rehearsal as tools for achieving goals and increasing motivation. This discussion reveals how mastering your thinking process not only boosts personal growth but also equips you to tackle professional challenges more effectively.

Mental strength isn't just for high achievers; it's something we can all build. The first step to stopping being mentally weak is recognizing that mental strength doesn't mean never feeling fear or doubt. Instead, it's about pushing past these feelings to achieve your best. Let's dive into three strategies to break free from mental weakness and get on track to mental resilience. Understanding Mental Weakness Mental weakness is more about self-sabotage than skill or intelligence. It's that whisper urging you to give up or holding you back through doubt, fear, or even perfectionism. Here are some common signs of mental weakness: Procrastination: Avoiding tasks due to fear of failure or self-doubt. Negative Self-Talk: Phrases like “I can't” or “I'll never be good enough.” Self-Criticism: Berating yourself for minor mistakes or perceived flaws. Comparing to Others: Constantly measuring yourself against others leaves you feeling inadequate. If these sound familiar, you're not alone. The good news? You can stop being mentally weak by practicing a few simple strategies daily. 1. Practice Positive Self-Talk To stop being mentally weak, it's essential to shift your mindset. Positive self-talk isn't about ignoring challenges; it's about framing them in a way that highlights growth. Here's how to make it happen: Reframe Negative Thoughts: Instead of saying, “I can't do this,” try, “I will learn how to do this.” This subtle change shifts your focus from limitations to possibilities. Create Affirmations: Develop a list of positive affirmations such as “I am resilient” or “I embrace challenges as growth opportunities.” Reciting these phrases daily can strengthen your resolve. Visualize Success: Picture yourself achieving your goals. Feel the emotions associated with success to boost confidence. Challenge Negativity: When negative thoughts arise, question their validity. Often, simply challenging these thoughts can lessen their impact. 2. Build Resilience Through Incremental Challenges Resilience is a powerful tool to help you stop being mentally weak. By taking on small, manageable challenges and gradually increasing the difficulty, you train your mind to withstand setbacks. Set Achievable Goals: Start with small goals just outside your comfort zone. With each success, your confidence and mental strength grow. Incremental Progress: Tackle progressively harder challenges. This creates momentum and reinforces resilience. Develop a Routine: Consistency is key. Establish routines that incorporate resilience-building activities like exercise, journaling, or meditation. Stay Flexible: Life throws curveballs, so adaptability is essential. Keeping an open mind fosters resilience and reduces resistance to change. 3. Learn from Failures and Adjust Instead of fearing failure, view it as a learning opportunity. Every setback offers a chance to grow stronger. Here's how to make failure work for you: Reflect on Setbacks: When something doesn't go as planned, analyze what went wrong. This isn't about assigning blame but about identifying areas for improvement. Embrace Accountability: Take responsibility for your actions. Owning up to mistakes empowers you to make necessary adjustments. Extract Lessons: For every failure, there's a lesson. Use these insights to strengthen your strategies moving forward. Celebrate Growth: Recognize the resilience you build each time you overcome a challenge. Each small win builds momentum, making you mentally stronger over time. Bonus: Rewrite Your Narrative The secret to stopping mental weakness isn't just about shifting thoughts; it's about changing the story you tell yourself. You're the author of your life narrative, so choose resilience, courage, and determination as the themes. As you practice mental strength, you craft a powerful story that sets you on an unstoppable path toward success. Conclusion You can stop being mentally weak and develop resilience by taking small, intentional steps. Cultivate mental strength as a skill. Challenge negative thoughts, build resilience through gradual progress, and learn from each setback. Embrace your role as the author of your life, and you'll find that mental strength is within reach.   To learn more about how to be mentally strong, listen to this week's show: How to Stop Being Mentally Weak. RELATED:   Subscribe To The Newsletter and Killer Innovations Podcast

Phil McKinney chats with Harry Beane, a seasoned telecom executive known for launching Omnipoint and Teligent, about the essence of innovation. They discuss how complementary skills create stronger partnerships, reflecting on their successful collaborations. Harry emphasizes nurturing creativity in the next generation, highlighting his grandchildren's entrepreneurial pursuits. They also explore the impact of instant gratification on youth and the importance of teamwork, strategy, and leadership lessons from military experience in fostering innovation.

Discover the fascinating world of design thinking and how it transformed products like the first Apple mouse and Palm V PDA. Learn the importance of empathy in understanding user needs for innovative solutions. Get practical steps to enhance your design thinking skills, from conducting user research to embracing collaboration. The podcast also highlights the role of curiosity and learning from failure in fostering creativity. Tune in to unlock your potential in creating impactful designs!

Innovation confidence is a crucial mindset for anyone looking to excel in today's fast-paced world. The perfect blend of creativity, strategic thinking, and adaptability allows you to approach challenges with fresh perspectives. Whether aiming for personal growth or professional success, building innovation and confidence can make all the difference. This episode explores actionable tips and tricks to help you develop and enhance your confidence. What is Innovation Confidence? At its core, innovation confidence is more than just believing in your ability to innovate—it's about equipping yourself with the tools and mindset necessary to face complex challenges head-on. Innovation confidence isn't just for inventors or leaders; it's essential for anyone looking to solve problems, improve their work, or adapt to changing environments. By cultivating innovation confidence, you position yourself to: Tackle challenges with creativity and resilience. Drive continuous learning and improvement. Embrace feedback and adapt to the rapidly evolving world. Why Innovation Confidence Matters Confidence in your innovative abilities pushes you to step out of your comfort zone and take the risks necessary for growth. Without it, you might miss out on opportunities to: Develop creative solutions. Enhance your problem-solving capabilities. Foster teamwork through collaboration. In both personal and professional settings, having innovation confidence opens the door to new possibilities. It allows you to confidently navigate the unknown, promoting personal growth and professional advancement. Tips for Building Innovation Confidence Engage in Creative Exercises To strengthen your innovation confidence, engage in regular creative exercises. Brainstorm new ideas, take on creative challenges, or use tools like mind maps to explore new concepts. This practice stimulates your brain and encourages creative thinking, helping you break free from conventional approaches. Embrace Failure as a Learning Opportunity Innovation confidence means embracing failure and treating it as a stepping stone to success. When things don't go as planned, analyze the situation, identify what went wrong, and figure out how you can improve. Celebrate small wins and view setbacks as valuable learning experiences contributing to growth. Collaborate with Diverse Teams Working with people from various backgrounds fosters innovation. Collaboration brings new perspectives and insights, which can significantly improve your problem-solving capabilities. A diverse team challenges you to think differently and pushes the boundaries of what you believe is possible. Say Yes to New Challenges An essential part is taking on tasks outside your comfort zone. By saying “yes” to new challenges, you build resilience and expose yourself to unfamiliar problems, strengthening your innovation ability. Seek Feedback and Iterate Don't be afraid to seek feedback. Asking for input helps you refine your ideas and approach. Use constructive criticism as a tool for improvement. Innovation is a continuous process, and iteration is key to long-term success. Conclusion Building innovation confidence is a journey that requires effort, creativity, and persistence. It's about embracing challenges, learning from failure, and consistently striving to improve. As you apply the tips and tricks discussed here, you'll find yourself more equipped to face the demands of both personal and professional life. With innovation confidence, you unlock your potential to solve complex problems, lead with creativity, and adapt to an ever-changing world. Remember, confidence isn't something you either have or don't—it's something you can develop. Start small, keep pushing forward, and see how this mindset leads to greater success and personal fulfillment.   To learn more about building confidence as an innovator, listen to this week's show: Building Innovation Confidence: Tips and Tricks. RELATED:   Subscribe To The Newsletter and Killer Innovations Podcast

Innovation is at the heart of transformation, and understanding how innovators think can unlock the potential for groundbreaking progress. Innovators don't just come up with ideas; they embody a mindset that fosters curiosity, resilience, and adaptability. By examining the core elements of the innovator's mindset, we can better understand the actions and attitudes that drive them toward success. The Innovator's Mindset The first thing to recognize about innovator’s mindset is their ability to challenge the status quo. Innovators constantly pursue new ideas, envisioning ways to improve processes, products, and systems. This mindset is essential for personal growth and organizational success, as it allows individuals and companies to remain competitive in a fast-paced world. Key Elements of the Innovator's Mindset Several key traits drive innovators and differentiate them from others. Let's explore three major elements that characterize how innovators think. Curiosity Curiosity is perhaps the most critical trait of innovators. It fuels their exploration and drives them to seek knowledge beyond what's familiar. Innovators often find connections where others see unrelated concepts. Steve Jobs, for example, exemplified this by blending technology with the humanities, creating functional and aesthetically pleasing products. His insatiable curiosity led to innovations that redefined industries. Resilience Resilience is the ability to view failure as an opportunity to learn rather than a setback. Innovators like Thomas Edison demonstrated this trait perfectly. Edison famously said, “I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.” His resilience allowed him to persevere, resulting in the invention of the lightbulb, among many other achievements. This mindset enables innovators to navigate the obstacles they inevitably face. Adaptability The third key trait is adaptability, which allows innovators to adjust quickly to changing environments. Innovators must integrate new information into their strategies as industries and markets evolve. Take Netflix, for example. Initially a DVD rental service, Netflix adapted to the digital age by pivoting to streaming, and it's now one of the leading media platforms globally. Adaptability is crucial in ensuring that innovators remain relevant in dynamic industries. Actions That Demonstrate an Innovator's Mindset To understand the innovator’s mindset, we must also look at their actions. Innovators actively encourage experimentation and embrace failure as a part of the growth process. Companies like Google illustrate this by encouraging personal projects among their employees, leading to innovations like Gmail. Innovators also seek diverse perspectives, recognizing that varied viewpoints can lead to more robust solutions. Benefits of an Innovator's Mindset Adopting an innovator's mindset brings several benefits for individuals and organizations. It fosters creativity, opening avenues for development and progress. Moreover, it keeps organizations agile and competitive in ever-changing markets. With the right mindset, innovators drive meaningful progress that can shape industries and society. Steps to Cultivate the Mindset Anyone can cultivate an innovator's mindset by committing to continuous learning and engaging with diverse ideas. Exploring knowledge beyond your comfort zone and remaining persistent, even when faced with adversity, is important. These steps encourage the curiosity, resilience, and adaptability necessary for success. Conclusion In conclusion, how innovators think is grounded in a mindset that prioritizes curiosity, resilience, and adaptability. These traits enable individuals to challenge the status quo, pursue groundbreaking ideas, and drive meaningful progress. By cultivating these key elements, anyone can adopt the mindset needed to make a lasting impact on the world.   To learn more about the innovator's mindset, listen to this week's show: How Innovators Think: Key Traits Revealed. RELATED:   Subscribe To The Newsletter and Killer Innovations Podcast