The Innovation Show

Ellie Amirnasr, a Digital Ventures Manager at Mann+Hummel, and Charles Vaillant, the CTO/CDO at the same company, share their insights on innovating corporate KPIs. They highlight the limitations of traditional metrics and advocate for non-financial indicators in innovation projects. The duo introduces the 'Hunter Strategy' for scaling new ventures and discuss effective resource allocation in R&D. They provide valuable advice for corporate explorers on navigating innovation within structured environments and the importance of courage and strategic partnerships.

Carol Tavris, co-author of 'Mistakes Were Made (But Not by Me)', dives deep into the psychology of self-justification and cognitive dissonance. She explains why people struggle to admit errors, even with clear evidence. The conversation explores how memory can be distorted and the implications of these processes in various fields, including law enforcement and judicial systems. Tavris highlights the importance of humility and critical thinking, urging listeners to recognize their own potential for self-deception and the dangers of ignoring dissent.

Author David Rogers discusses strategies for digital transformation including overcoming psychological debt, tech capabilities, talent retention, governance, smart shutdowns, and successful transformations at Walmart and Netflix.

Author David L. Rogers discusses digital transformation challenges, barriers to success, and the importance of iterative funding. Case studies on The New York Times and CNN+ highlight pitfalls and strategies for innovation. Practical advice for leaders navigating the digital age is shared.

Sarah Spoto and Vincent Ducret discuss balancing instincts with data in business decisions, emphasizing assumption analysis, prioritizing hypotheses, and iterative experimentation. They share experiences implementing experimental frameworks in China, addressing challenges like cultural buy-in and celebrating failures. The podcast explores innovation management, strategic risk-taking, and using collective intelligence for business success.

Author Sally Susman discusses the power of communication, sharing insights from her career at top companies like Pfizer and Estee Lauder. Topics include the misconception of communication as a soft skill, the importance of gratitude, challenges in the pharmaceutical industry, and innovative leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Authors Rob C. Wolcott and Kaihan Krippendorff discuss the proximity revolution, showcasing how digital technologies are revolutionizing industries by bringing custom products and services closer to consumers. They explore examples like vertical farming and on-demand 3D printing, highlighting the impact on sustainability and customer personalization. The conversation also delves into the strategic implications for businesses, emphasizing the importance of visionary thinking and practical applications.

Wendy Smith, co-author of 'Both/And Thinking,' discusses the role of emotions in problem-solving and the importance of embracing discomfort for innovation. Topics include tools for managing tensions, pausing for reflection, dynamic adaptation, case studies on Honda and Unilever, leadership in paradox management, and practical tips for leaders.

Expert in ecosystem playbooks, Christine Griffin, discusses Best Buy's journey into home health market through partnerships and acquisitions. Topics include value creation, mapping ecosystem players, scaling paths, and stakeholder involvement in corporate innovation.

In this episode, we are joined again by Wendy Smith, co-author of 'Both/And Thinking: Embrace Creative Tensions to Solve Your Toughest Problems.' Wendy elaborates on the nuances between dilemmas, paradoxes, and tensions, emphasising that these terms are not interchangeable and revealing the psychological and practical implications of recognising and navigating paradoxes. Drawing from her personal experiences and research, Wendy illustrates how both/and thinking can be applied to career decisions, organisational challenges, and broader societal issues. She discusses the limitations of either/or thinking and the harmful patterns it can create, such as intensification, overcorrection, and polarisation. Using examples from companies like Lego and Gore, Wendy shows how balancing tradition and innovation, centralisation and decentralisation, and other competing demands can lead to more sustainable success. The conversation also delves into the four types of paradoxes: learning, performing, organising, and belonging, and explores strategies to manage these tensions effectively. This episode is essential for anyone facing complex decisions in their personal or professional life. 00:00 Introduction to Both/And Thinking 00:12 Understanding Tensions and Dilemmas 03:08 Defining Paradox and Its Importance 05:23 Embracing Paradoxes in Real Life 08:00 Conditions That Highlight Paradoxes 16:51 Exploring the Four Types of Paradoxes 23:28 Navigating Organisational Paradoxes 31:23 The Paradox System Framework 36:57 Lego's Journey Through Paradox 45:40 Conclusion and Further Resources Find Wendy here: https://bothandthinking.net/book/ And on Substack here: https://wendyksmith.substack.com Wendy Smith, Both and Thinking, Aidan McCullen, innovation, paradox, decision making, leadership, career challenges, tension management, creativity, organisational behaviour, success, problem solving, conflict resolution