Innovation Storytellers

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.

Natalie Turner, Founder & CEO of The Entheo Network, discusses the Six 'I's® of Innovation model and how it can be applied in everyday work. She emphasizes purpose-driven innovation and the importance of considering the impact of ideas. Natalie explores new care models for the elderly at risk of homelessness, highlighting stakeholder engagement and collaboration. The podcast also explores the role of AI in innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as comparing the creativity of AI and kindergartners. Tune in to discover how to foster innovation in your work.

Wade Bitaraf, Founder of Energy & Sustainability at Plug and Play, discusses the transformative role of startups in reshaping the energy sector and the technological advancements revolutionizing the oil and gas industry. He emphasizes the importance of cross-industry collaboration to reduce emissions and achieve net-zero carbon goals. The upcoming Plug and Play Summit in Silicon Valley is also highlighted, showcasing the power of collaboration between startups and established companies for innovation.

Carmen Collins, known for her transformative work at Cisco, discusses the art of communication in innovation through social media. Topics include generating impactful social media content, the power of storytelling, the importance of listening, creating memorable messages, and personalization in social media interactions.

I'm thrilled to have Mach Millett, the Chief Innovation Officer and Alternative Investment Practice Leader at Lockton Financial Services, join us on The Innovation Storytellers Show. Mach's impressive background spans over a decade at Marsh and a legal career at Skadden Arps, equipping him with a unique perspective on managing risks in innovation. In this episode, we're not just talking about insurance in the traditional sense. We're delving into how to protect the future - the innovations and potential within our organizations. Mach's role at Lockton involves creating new insurance products for unaddressed risk exposures and serving as a technical expert in various complex fields. His experience crafting insurance contracts and resolving disputes gives him a unique vantage point on the intersection of innovation, law, and insurance. Our conversation travels from Central America to the intricacies of the legal profession and deep into the insurance world. We discuss the importance of involving legal, compliance, and PR teams from the onset of an innovation project, forming an 'Innovation Council' to ensure all potential issues are addressed early. Mach shares his experiences with the challenges and triumphs of navigating innovation's legal and compliance landscapes, providing insights into how to foresee and manage the unforeseen. This episode explores the support systems underpinning innovation. We delve into the importance of seeing around corners, anticipating risks, and extending a hand across different silos to foster successful innovation. Mach's journey from a legal expert to an innovation leader at Lockton illustrates the multifaceted nature of protecting and nurturing the next big thing.