Erika Hall, Co-founder of Mule Design and author of 'Just Enough Research', challenges conventional research practices by emphasizing the need for organizational readiness. She discusses the tension between investor-driven narratives and evidence-based insights, advocating for a research mindset open to being proven wrong. Hall critiques the rapidity of decision-making, stressing thoughtful alignment over speed. The conversation highlights the power of qualitative insights and the necessity of engaging users to navigate the complexities of modern organizations.

Jen Van Der Meer, founder of Reason Street and Assistant Professor at Parsons School of Design, dives deep into the evolution of business models, influenced by the Netscape IPO and the internet boom. She challenges the traditional financial narratives, advocating for holistic approaches that prioritize ecosystem health and community well-being. Topics like cooperative ownership and regenerative models highlight the need for innovation beyond mere profit. Jen also discusses alternative funding strategies and transparency in assessing societal impacts, paving the way for more resilient business practices.

In this engaging discussion, Roger Martin, a leading business strategist and former Dean of the Rotman School of Management, explores the evolving landscape of organizational strategy. He critiques traditional methods like OKRs, emphasizing strategy as action rather than words. Martin highlights the challenges of digital transformation and the crucial role of AI, underlining that while AI aids information synthesis, human intuition remains irreplaceable. He advocates for empowered leaders and open communication to inspire real innovation in today's complex business environment.

Fabien Girardin and Nicolas Nova, pioneers in Design Fiction and co-founders of Girardin Nova, delve into how visualizing potential futures influences present-day decisions. They discuss the creation of tangible prototypes, like the ‘IKEA Catalog for the Future,’ that transform abstract concepts into relatable ideas. The duo emphasizes the collaboration of diverse perspectives and the role of AI as a creative accelerator. Listeners will discover methods to foster innovation and navigate future complexities, ensuring organizations can strategically prepare for what's ahead.

Philippe De Ridder, co-founder and CEO of Boards of Innovation, is a seasoned innovation consultant known for helping organizations navigate the shifting landscape of AI. He dives into how AI can vastly enhance productivity and creativity across industries. Key discussions include the transformation of innovation processes through automation, the essential role of human oversight, and the evolution of consumer research using synthetic consumers. Philippe also emphasizes the importance of adapting organizational structures to embrace AI while keeping human insights at the forefront.

John Cutler, a seasoned expert in product management, shares his insights gained from working with top-tier organizations. He discusses how founders' beliefs shape product strategies and company culture, emphasizing the need for shared communication within teams. John explores the hurdles legacy companies face during digital transformations and the critical role of technology, especially AI, in evolving product strategies. He also highlights the importance of understanding customer experiences to drive effective organizational change, urging a shift towards collaboration and authenticity.

Get ready for thought-provoking discussions as innovation meets geopolitics and culture. Dive into captivating stories from industry leaders shaping the future. Discover strategies for building resilient organizations that thrive through change and avoid echo chambers. Stay tuned for insights that will empower you to be a change-maker!

Guests like Sangeet Paul Choudary and James Currier explore dystopian aspects of socio-technological trends, while Alex Komoroske and Kelly Sarabyn share visions resisting powerful technological forces. The podcast wraps up Season 5, discussing a range of topics from AI dominace to empowering teams and system transformation.

Venture capitalist James Currier discusses the future of VC, AI's impact on startups, and strategies for creating defensibility. He shares insights on the advantages of incumbents in AI markets and the importance of integrating products into workflows for competitive advantages.

Agile practitioner and Viable System Model expert, Mark Lambertz, discusses the importance of cybernetics in building adaptive organizations. He compares the VSM with other frameworks like Boundaryless' Rendanheyi-inspired Platform Organization. The conversation is filled with insights on balancing operational efficiency with strategic adaptability.