Innovation Storytellers

Today, I'm thrilled to introduce a very special series that tackles the topics shaping the world of innovation. Joining me is Peter Temes, Founder & President of the ILO Institute, a beacon of wisdom in the innovation community and someone I've had the privilege of calling my intellectual mentor. In this episode, we explore the crucial dilemmas and opportunities within large organizations, touching upon the essence of trust, the ambition behind moon shots, and the intricate roles of chief innovation officers. With the ILO Institute setting the benchmark for innovation research, Peter brings a wealth of knowledge and insights that have guided countless organizations through their innovation journeys. Peter's story begins two decades ago, emerging from the lessons learned in the aftermath of strategic missteps within a large educational institution. This experience sparked a burning question: How do formidable organizations falter in their decision-making processes, and more importantly, how do they miss the open doors to serve better and scale greater? Throughout our conversation, Peter uncovers the enduring practices and evolving strategies that define innovation leadership. From the constants that have stood the test of time to the dynamic shifts in approach necessitated by an ever-changing world, we dive into what it means to balance efficiency with discovery, to lower the cost of failure, and to cultivate an environment where risk-taking is not just accepted but encouraged. But perhaps the most compelling part of our discussion centers on the paradox of innovation in big organizations—the tension between the drive for efficiency and the imperative for discovery. Peter recounts tales from the trenches, illustrating how, even with the best intentions, the push for innovation often bumps up against the complex reality of efficiency metrics. Through his eyes, we see the challenges and triumphs of fostering a culture where innovation can thrive against the odds. Join me as Peter shares his journey, the mission of the ILO Institute, and the invaluable lessons learned from a career dedicated to understanding and enhancing the innovation process. This episode is an essential listen for anyone with an innovation mandate, offering perspectives that resonate at the intersection of what we know, what we feel, and what we dare to imagine.  

Getting really good at innovation requires a certain vantage point – both in the trenches doing the work and the ability to soar above it all to see what’s missing and what’s next.   It’s why I love having Peter Temes, Founder and CEO of the ILO, the Institute for Innovation at Large Organization. For 25+ years, Peter has rolled up his sleeves and gotten deep into the work. Best of all, he emerges with new ideas to guide all of us to do and be better at change.   This week, I’m re-sharing this episode in preparation for a new series I’ll be talking about next week. Stay Tuned! In this episode of Innovation Storytellers, I’m joined by Peter Temes, Founder and President of ILO Institute, and the “Godfather” of innovation. Peter talks about the process of innovation, from the moment a leader steps into an organization, to launching transformative products that leverage compelling stories. He also talks about the characteristics and mindsets that define great innovation leaders, and whether it’s possible to innovate without constraints. Listen in now, and be sure to leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!

In today’s rapidly evolving world, technology, design, and sustainability are more critical than ever. But how can we navigate these intersections to foster innovation that's not only groundbreaking but also inclusive and sustainable? This episode of the Innovation Storytellers Show, featuring Anthony Di Bitonto, former Senior Director of Physical Experience Design at Johnson & Johnson, explores this question. Is it possible to create technologically advanced, beautifully designed, and environmentally sustainable innovations?  Anthony Di Bitonto shares his insights and experiences, shedding light on the essential role of design in the innovation process. From ensuring the functionality and emotional impact of new products to addressing the critical aspects of inclusivity and sustainability, Anthony discusses the multi-faceted approach required to bring meaningful innovations to life. We explore how Johnson & Johnson employed simulators to adapt the technology for colorblind medical professionals, ensuring safety and effectiveness in surgical environments. This example underlines the importance of inclusivity in design, which can significantly affect outcomes and potentially save lives. Anthony expands on the evolving relationship between sustainability and innovation. As companies strive to meet Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals, the innovation team's role becomes increasingly significant. We discuss how sustainability is a trend and a fundamental aspect of creating viable, future-proof products and services. Join us as we uncover the critical intersections of tech, design, and sustainability in innovation. How can innovators ensure that their creations are desirable, feasible, inclusive, and sustainable? How does design lead the conversation in making innovations that truly matter?  

I sat down with Louise Agersnap, the Head of WHO Innovation Hub, part of the Digital Health and Innovation Department, for a thought-provoking discussion on the transformative initiatives happening at the World Health Organization. With over 20 years of experience in global health development and innovation, Louise brings a wealth of knowledge and insights to the table. The conversation kicks off with a reflection on the global health sector's unique challenges and the critical need for innovative solutions. Recognizing this, WHO is empowering its teams to transition seamlessly from ideation to execution, with a nod to Kevin D'Silva and his team at Ideateplus for their role in fostering a culture of innovation. Louise shares insights into the LEAD program, a groundbreaking initiative at WHO that empowers staff to drive impactful change through ideation, validation, and implementation. With over 250 ideas generated and 40+ projects in the pipeline, the LEAD program exemplifies the power of collaborative innovation in healthcare. The discussion also delves into the role of storytelling in scaling innovation across 194 member states. Louise highlights the Herculean task of communicating and garnering support for innovative ideas globally, offering insights into crafting compelling narratives that inspire collaboration and drive progress. We explore the importance of scalability and sustainability in fostering an innovation culture within WHO. With projects spanning 12 to 18 months, maintaining momentum and ensuring long-term impact are key priorities.  

T.A. McCann, a serial entrepreneur and managing director at Pioneer Square Labs, shares his wealth of experience in corporate innovation. He highlights the game-changing impact of venture studios on startups and how they facilitate corporate collaboration. T.A. discusses the critical decision-making processes large companies face between building, buying, partnering, or creating. He also addresses challenges in attracting talent and fostering sustainable innovation, offering a blueprint for navigating the evolving corporate landscape with agility and strategic foresight.

Today's guest is Rob Devlin, the Co-founder, and CEO of Metalenz. In this episode, we journey through the innovative landscape of optical semiconductor technology. Metalenz, a pioneering company in this field, is not just tweaking the existing technology but is revolutionizing how we perceive and utilize optics in everyday life. From the screens of our smartphones to the depths of scientific exploration, Metalenz is reshaping the foundation of how we interact with light and vision. Rob brings an impressive portfolio of 15 patents to the table, a testament to his and his team's groundbreaking work. Their journey from academic excellence to industry pioneers is a story of transforming scientific research into real-world marvels. With a background that spans prestigious institutions like Drexel and Harvard University, Rob's expertise in nanofabrication, nanophotonics, and material science shines through in this conversation.   Prepare to be fascinated as Rob explains Metalenz's unique approach to optics, transcending the traditional by compressing the functionality of multiple lenses into a singular flat and planar layer. This is not just about miniaturization; it's about unleashing new capabilities, accessing information our eyes and conventional cameras miss, and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in technology. How does this shift in optical technology impact us on both an industry and individual level? What does the future hold in a world where our devices offer more than what meets the eye? Rob shares his insights on these questions and more, providing a window into a future where the power of meta-optics transforms our interaction with the world.

This podcast episode features Kay Sargent discussing the evolution of work environments and the role of curiosity in innovation. She emphasizes the importance of challenging the status quo and pushing organizations to think beyond traditional norms. The episode also explores the significance of imagination in design and the incorporation of organic elements in spaces. Additionally, it discusses the lack of clear communication from leaders regarding the shift in workspaces and the need for a compelling narrative. The conversation further delves into the greatest innovation of all time and the importance of operating with constraints. Lastly, it touches on political sponsorships, transparency in disclosure, and dealing with arguments on social media.

Today, we take a journey into the heart of African innovation. Our esteemed guest, Nkem Nweke from Microsoft, brings a fresh and insightful perspective on technological advancements in Africa. Nkem, based in Lagos, Nigeria, is not just an innovator but a storyteller of change. His work in problem framing, design sprints, and disruptive product development reshapes how we think about technology's role in addressing local and global challenges. He offers a deep dive into Microsoft's innovative culture, especially Microsoft Garage's role in encouraging creative problem-solving and prototyping. Our conversation goes beyond the walls of Microsoft. We delve into the realities of technological development in Africa, a continent pulsating with the desire for innovation yet grappling with unique challenges like limited connectivity. Nkem poses thought-provoking questions: In a world racing towards 5G, how do we build solutions for areas still in a 2G or no G environment? How relevant is AI for those at the bottom of the pyramid? This episode is a journey into the streets of Lagos, the heart of Africa's biggest economy, exploring the vibrant pulse of innovation. It's a discussion about the opportunities in the challenges, and the role of African teams in shaping global technology, particularly in developing large language models. Join us as Nkem Nweke guides us through this fascinating innovation landscape, challenges, and opportunities. Share your thoughts and insights as we explore how technology can be more inclusive and resonate with the diverse needs of global communities.  

As a New York City native, public transportation has been a central part of my life. It's more than just a means of travel; it's where life happens. This personal connection brings extra excitement to my conversation today with SEPTA's Chief Innovation Officer, Emily Yates. Emily is not just a strategic leader; she's a visionary, redefining how we perceive and interact with urban spaces.   In our enlightening discussion, Emily opens up about her approach to innovation. She challenges the traditional notion of innovation as being the first globally, advocating instead for pioneering within one's own space. This perspective is especially poignant for Philadelphia, as Emily illustrates how the city embraces this ethos to redefine itself.   The heart of our conversation revolves around human-centered innovation. Emily passionately believes that the advancements in a city should improve the quality of life for all its residents, not just the privileged few. This approach is particularly relevant as we discuss the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and how it has exposed and amplified social inequities.   Emily shares how SEPTA uses technology and data for operational efficiency and as tools to address these deep-rooted inequalities. We delve into how spatial inequity within Philadelphia has been identified and addressed through innovative participatory budgeting driven by data and community input. This episode isn't just about the technicalities of transforming a city into a smart one; it's a narrative of hope, inclusivity, and the power of innovative thinking to create spaces where everyone has a voice.  

In my latest episode of Innovation Storytellers Show, I welcome Dr. Scott Walper, Science Director for Synthetic Biology at the US Office of Naval Research Global. The conversation took an exciting turn into the world of engineered living materials, a realm where the boundaries between the living and the inanimate blur into a new reality of possibilities. Dr. Walper's enthusiasm was palpable as he spoke about his favorite subject, engineered living materials. He shared how this field transforms what we once viewed as dead materials—like walls and clothes—into living, multifunctional systems. This isn't just theoretical; it's a reality in synthetic biology today, with remarkable advancements in the past decade.  An interesting point Dr. Walper made was about the art of science communication. He believes that as a scientist, one must also be a persuasive storyteller, almost like a 'used car salesman.' This means recognizing the audience's needs and selling the idea, even if it's as complex as a scientific concept. It's crucial to make science accessible and relatable. This approach is particularly vital when introducing innovative ideas that might seem like science fiction. By creating a narrative and showing how these ideas can fill gaps or solve problems, even in the future, scientists can lay a foundation for acceptance and understanding of their work. Dr. Walper also discussed the challenge of explaining complex technologies like AI, which often go into a 'black box' that's hard for the average person to understand. He stressed the importance of not dumbing down science but making it accessible and exciting without losing its essence. According to him, the key is to frame scientific innovations in terms of their impact on improving lives. This approach makes the science more relatable and encourages trust and investment in these ideas. Our conversation delves into the fascinating intersection of science and storytelling and how the latter is essential for the progression of the former. By focusing on how innovations can positively impact people's lives, scientists and innovators can craft narratives that resonate with a wider audience, fostering greater understanding and support for their work. This episode is a testament to the power of storytelling in science and technology and its role in shaping a future where these fields are more integrated into our daily lives.