What if the secret ingredient to startup success isn't just what or how, but when? This week on the Innovation Storytellers Show, we're joined by Paul Orlando, a seasoned entrepreneur and the brain behind four international startup accelerators. Paul is not only a professor of entrepreneurship at the University of Southern California but also the author of the thought-provoking book "Why Now: How Good Timing Makes Great Products." In our discussion, Paul dives into the often-neglected aspect of timing in business ventures. With a background that spans continents and industries, he shares unique insights on how timing influences the success or failure of products and innovations. From technological shifts and regulatory changes to societal crises, understanding the timing landscape is crucial for any business leader. Paul doesn't just stop at theory; he offers practical frameworks and methodologies developed from years of leading innovation labs and accelerators. These tools help entrepreneurs analyze their market position, assess potential risks, and decide if the moment is ripe for their ventures—or if patience might prove more prudent. Highlighting a compelling case study of YouTube's launch and acquisition by Google, Paul illustrates the strategic mastery of timing. But perhaps even more intriguingly, he revisits the timeless strategy of being the "picks and shovels" provider in a gold rush, drawing lessons from historical figures like Levi Strauss, whose adaptability turned a practical product into a global fashion staple. Whether you're at the helm of a startup, involved in product development, or leading a corporate innovation lab, this episode is a treasure trove of strategies to ensure your initiatives hit the market at just the right time. Tune in to uncover how you can harness the power of timing to drive your projects to success. What timing drivers have you identified in your industry, and how have they shaped your business decisions? Join the conversation and share your experiences with us!  

In this episode of the Innovation Storytellers Show, I am joined by two trailblazers in the field of corporate innovation: June Barrage, Market Leader for the US & Middle East and  Jose Ribau, Executive in Residence at Disruptive Edge and . Together, they delve into the strategies and principles that Disruptive Edge employs to foster innovation on a global scale. The conversation begins by asking June what she believes to be the greatest innovation of all time. June, fresh from an illuminating conference in LA, highlights the transformative potential of AI, which dominated 90% of the discussions. She shares her personal and professional experiences with AI, explaining how it has become a vital part of her daily routine over the past two years. Her insights underscore how AI can revolutionize both personal and enterprise operations, emphasizing Disruptive Edge's commitment to leveraging AI to accelerate workflows and enhance time to value in all their initiatives. Jose Ribau brings another layer of depth to the discussion, focusing on the importance of defining innovation clearly. He emphasizes that whether an organization is in financial services, commercial real estate, or a nonprofit sector, having a precise understanding of what innovation means and what it aims to solve is crucial. Jose shares practical examples, such as the development of a parking app, to illustrate how involving operational staff in the innovation process can transform potential resistance into valuable feedback, driving meaningful change. Throughout the episode, June and Jose discuss the critical role of storytelling in innovation, the necessity of data-driven decision-making, and the significance of building strong alliances within an organization. They also reflect on the challenges and successes they've experienced, providing listeners with a comprehensive view of how Disruptive Edge is setting new standards for global innovation.  

Roland Deiser, Founder of Center for the Future of Organization, discusses how innovation peer networks transform outcomes. He emphasizes the importance of social and political strategies for driving innovation, shares real-world examples of missed opportunities, and explores the dynamics of fostering networks for innovative conversations. Deiser also touches on the challenges of implementing innovative ideas post-participation in peer networks and highlights the significance of contextualization in innovation and learning.

What defines a strong communications culture, and how does it enable better innovation outcomes? In this episode of Innovation Storytellers, I welcome Niosha Kayhani, Director of International Programs and Commercial Products at Cubic. We delve into how his role shifted from individual innovator to empowering others to create and lead within a global organization of 7,000 people. Niosha shares insights on how Cubic built a culture that encourages collaboration across teams, relying on a network of internal "entrepreneurs in residence" who spark creativity from within. With the CEO's unwavering support, Niosha and his team developed a structured innovation process that motivates staff through cross-functional initiatives like tiger teams, enabling rapid development with a clear 12-week focus. Tune in to learn how Cubic’s culture of storytelling and open dialogue drives change, tackles challenges, and empowers people to thrive. Whether you’re interested in hearing about the emotional journey of letting go of personal ideas or finding the right balance between passion and adaptability, this episode is packed with valuable insights.  

Join Abram Sirignano and Tony Fross from Prophet as they discuss viewing organizations as living systems, aligning human elements with organizational goals for innovation, and transforming workplaces. They share insights on emotional engagement in innovation, exploring teamwork in iconic projects, and embracing failures against societal pressures.

My guest on the Innovation Storytellers Show this week is someone who’s turned understanding and exhibiting failures into an art form. Dr. Samuel West is a licensed clinical psychologist keen on the intersection of happiness, work, and cultural perceptions of failure. Dr. West’s journey from treating clinical issues like depression to exploring organizational psychology led him to an intriguing discovery: the crucial role of failure in fostering innovation and creativity. His work, especially his teachings at Lund University on positive psychology and creativity, culminates in creating a fascinating project—the Museum of Failure. This traveling exhibition, which I had the pleasure of experiencing first-hand in Los Angeles, showcases failures from the tech industry and beyond, including memorable flops like Pepsi’s Clear cola and Microsoft’s Zune. In today's episode, Samuel and I explore the many layers of failure—from its inevitability in pursuing innovation to its potential as a catalyst for significant breakthroughs. We discuss how rebranding failures as experiments can change our perspective and lessen the sting of setbacks, making innovation less agonizing and more fruitful. Tune in as we dissect the lessons housed within the Museum of Failure and uncover why continuing to experiment, even in the face of apparent failure, is vital for sustained innovation in an ever-evolving world.  

How often do we pause to consider the intricate, behind-the-scenes balance of technology and strategy that powers our everyday lives? In this episode of the Innovation Storytellers Show, I have an enlightening conversation with Heather Feldman, Director of Learning & Development at the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI).  Heather shares insights from her unique vantage point on defining global collaboration in the nuclear age. From balancing the operational demands of current nuclear power plants to envisioning future advancements with technologies like artificial intelligence, Heather describes EPRI's role in fostering an environment where experimentation is encouraged, and even failures are seen as steps towards success. She discusses the inception of the Global Forum for Nuclear Innovation, highlighting its aim to drive transformative change across the industry with leaders from around the world, including the International Energy Agency. But what does all this innovation mean for the average person? Heather ties these technological advancements back to everyday life, underscoring how crucial nuclear energy is to providing a substantial portion of America's carbon-free electricity. Amidst the backdrop of recent cultural phenomena like the Oppenheimer films, Heather helps demystify the often misunderstood role of nuclear power in our energy landscape and its critical contribution to combating climate change. As we reflect on the importance of sustainable and safe energy solutions, what are your thoughts on the role of nuclear power and innovation in our future? How should we balance the technological advancements with the ethical considerations they bring? Join the conversation and share your insights on how we can collectively enhance our understanding and implementation of nuclear technology.  

In this episode of the Innovation Storytellers Show, we journey beyond the executive boardroom to explore the vibrant intersections of social communities, networks, and the transformative power of sharing knowledge.  I welcome Leigh Higginbotham Butler, the Founder & CEO of Akina Technologies, to delve into how Akina is revolutionizing networking for women of color. Leigh shares her journey from leading initiatives for liver disease prevention and treatment to founding Akina Technologies, a social enterprise dedicated to addressing systematic disparities faced by black women through new media and innovative solutions.  With a rich background in government affairs, public relations, and a heartfelt commitment to advocacy, Leigh discusses the essence of innovation as a tool for seeing ourselves, our communities, and our opportunities in a new light. Akina Technologies emerges as a beacon of empowerment, leveraging technology to create a platform that promises personalization, representation, and meaningful connections. We talk about the development of a culturally competent AI, aiming to dismantle biases and ensure every woman of color can find resources and connections that resonate deeply with her individuality and needs. In a reflection on Women's History Month, Leigh articulates a vision for the future where women of color are celebrated and acknowledged for their contributions to technology and innovation. From the unsung heroes behind everyday technology like text messaging to the broader aspirations of Akina Technologies, Leigh's message is clear: representation matters, and it is pivotal in shaping how we see ourselves and our potential to contribute to the world. As we step into a new future around what women's history can be, Leigh's insights remind us of the opportunity to write it in a way that has never been written before. This episode is a call to action for everyone, from corporate leaders to community members, to recognize and support the pivotal role of women of color in technology and beyond. What role can technology play in bridging gaps and fostering communities? How can we ensure that women of color are not just participants but leaders in the future of innovation? Share your thoughts and join the conversation as we explore these vital questions together.  

In the latest episode of the Innovation Storytellers Show, I chat with  Tommy Knoll, the visionary Founder and Primary Leader behind Innov8rs CoLab. We explore the vital role of Innov8rs CoLab in fostering a supportive and collaborative environment for innovation leaders worldwide. Have you ever felt the pangs of isolation in your pursuit of innovation? You're not alone. Susan and Tommy delve into how the path to innovation, though often solitary, can be transformed through community and collaboration. Innov8rs CoLab stands as a beacon for innovation leaders, offering a global platform where challenges are shared, breakthroughs celebrated, and invaluable hacks exchanged to ease the journey of innovation. With Tommy's extensive background spanning over 25 years as an entrepreneur, intrapreneur, and business owner across multiple industries, this conversation is rich with insights and experiences. From the nuanced differences in innovation culture between Europe and the U.S. to the foundational elements that forge a thriving innovation culture within organizations, this episode is a deep dive into the dynamics of innovation in a global context. Listeners will understand the importance of setting clear definitions, socializing them within the innovation function, and the crucial role of financing and human capital in fueling innovation teams. The discussion also touches upon the cultural aspects of innovation, emphasizing that culture is not merely an outcome but a derivative of meticulously crafted processes, beliefs, and systems. Listen now to uncover the secrets to fostering an environment where innovation thrives beyond the confines of the boardroom and becomes a tangible reality in every aspect of organizational life. How are you championing innovation within your organization? Share your thoughts and join the conversation on innovation culture and collaboration.  

In today's rapidly evolving world, where innovation and technology are at the forefront of transforming lives and businesses, how do we ensure that our pursuit of progress remains grounded in empathy and understanding? How do we create innovations pushing the boundaries of what's possible and enriching and uplifting the communities they're designed to serve? I sat down with Amy J. Wilson, Founder and Guide at Empathy for Change, to explore the critical intersection of innovation, empathy, and human-centered design. In a profound conversation that traverses the landscape of liberatory and equity-centered community design to the nuances of trauma-informed approaches, Amy sheds light on the importance of integrating compassion into the fabric of innovation. Amy challenges us to reflect on our innovators, technologists, and leaders roles. Are we inadvertently participating in a culture of extraction, or are we genuinely contributing to creating meaningful, positive change? This episode delves into the essence of empathy within the innovation ecosystem, urging us to become more aware of our blind spots and the impact of our creations on the world around us. Through stories and insights, Amy illustrates the practice of "Noticing and Reflecting" - a cornerstone of liberatory design that empowers us to align our innovations with our values and intentions, ensuring that we're not just creating for the sake of innovation but are genuinely making a difference in people's lives. This episode is a call to action for the tech and innovation community to integrate empathy and reflection into our processes. It's about understanding that trust is "earned in droplets and lost in buckets" and recognizing our profound responsibility to innovate responsibly, ethically, and with a deep sense of empathy for the communities we aim to serve.