The Innovation Show

Dr. Julia DiGanji, a neuropsychologist and author of 'Energy Rising', explores the profound connection between emotions and leadership. She introduces eight transformative codes to navigate emotional challenges, emphasizing their role as neurological energy. The discussion highlights embracing emotional pain for growth, the impact of emotional intelligence on leadership, and the importance of authentic communication in fostering trust. Through compelling anecdotes, she reveals how mastering emotions can empower personal and professional transformation.

In this discussion with Stan Deetz, author of 'Leading Organizations Through Transitions' and expert in managing organizational change, he delves into the challenges posed by technological disruptions and AI in workplaces. He highlights the erosion of critical thinking and the undervaluation of experiential knowledge due to AI. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of balancing efficiency with adaptability, the value of humility in leadership, and the importance of nurturing diversity for resilient organizations. Stan offers practical strategies for maintaining long-term organizational health.

Eugene Ivanov and Andrew Binns, co-authors of the Corporate Explorer Fieldbook, dive into corporate exploration and innovation strategies. They dissect the transformative power of AI in driving change within organizations, stressing the need for readiness. The duo emphasizes the vital role of leadership in fostering innovation and scaling initiatives, while also exploring the importance of open innovation networks. Their discussion highlights how community support can empower corporate explorers on their innovation journeys.

In a heartfelt tribute, the late Charles Handy, an influential philosopher and thought leader, shares his wisdom on innovation and leadership. He discusses the transformative power of 'The Second Curve' and the need for organizations to embrace change before it's critical. Handy introduces the 'shamrock organization,' emphasizing employee citizenship, and distinguishes between leadership and management. He reflects on finding purpose beyond profit and the importance of fostering creativity, reminding us that personal fulfillment can lead to collective happiness.

In this lively discussion, Steve Kerr, a reward systems expert and author, shares his wisdom on creating effective rewards within organizations. He introduces the intriguing 'bullseye exercise' for defining performance. Steve draws on his GE experience to highlight the 'wing to wing' approach, the importance of aligning rewards with business goals, and fosters a culture of innovation. He also tackles challenges in measurement, the delicate balance of stretch goals, and the necessity of timely recognition to enhance both individual and team performance.

Steve Kerr, an expert on reward systems and organizational behavior, discusses the pitfalls of flawed reward systems that can lead to irrational employee behaviors. He illustrates his points using B.F. Skinner's theories and shares a three-step process for realigning these systems to achieve desired outcomes. Kerr draws on examples from healthcare and military history to highlight how misaligned incentives affect organizational performance. He also emphasizes the need for effective measurement and the importance of open communication in leadership during transformative changes.

Jayshree Seth, 3M's Chief Science Advocate and inventor with 80 patents, shares her wisdom on innovative leadership and storytelling. She introduces the concept of 'leak-proof leadership,' emphasizing the importance of interpersonal skills and active listening. Dive into the 'TNT factor' to understand trends, needs, and threats shaping industries. Jayshree also highlights effective supervisor-supervisee relationships, advocating for empathetic communication and collaboration to foster a creative workplace. Her insights offer a fresh perspective on blending innovation with emotional understanding.

The race for AI dominance among tech giants resembles past technology battles like VHS vs. Betamax and gaming console rivalries. It reveals that network effects play a crucial role, where increased use boosts product value. Surprisingly, the underdog often triumphs, challenging expectations about market leaders. Strategic ecosystems also drive innovation in AI, mirroring historic patterns. Plus, an upcoming summit aims to connect influencers and foster innovation in this dynamic landscape.

Disruption reshapes organizational power and roles, often to the detriment of those newly in charge. Drawing on Plato's wisdom, the discussion highlights the chaos when individuals stray from their natural skills. The podcast also tackles the consequences of ill-suited leadership, emphasizing the need for proper alignment between personal aptitude and position. It suggests a structured approach to developing leaders to mitigate insecurity and enhance effectiveness as digital transformations challenge traditional dynamics.

Join Rita McGrath, a strategic management expert and Columbia professor, Alex Osterwalder, renowned for his business model innovation, and Ryan Shanks, Accenture's Head of Innovation, as they explore the seismic shifts in consulting due to AI. They discuss the evolution of consulting roles, the importance of human skills in an AI-driven world, and the move towards outcome-based business models. The trio delves into ethical dilemmas, the need for continuous reinvention, and the future landscape of consulting, advocating collaboration and trust amid rapid change.