Boundaryless Conversations Podcast

In this engaging discussion, Helge Tennø, a seasoned strategist and innovation advisor, dives into the crucial shift toward customer-centric transformations. He argues for new metrics that truly reflect customer value rather than outdated sales techniques. Tennø introduces a four-stack framework—Experience, Data, Strategy, and Culture—essential for rethinking organizational structures. He also tackles how AI and design can enhance personal customer experiences, urging businesses to adapt and innovate for deeper customer engagement.

Rebecca Parsons, former CTO of ThoughtWorks and co-author of "Building Evolutionary Architectures", dives into the symbiosis between technology and business. She argues that every business is a tech company now, emphasizing user-centric innovation. Topics include sustainable tech practices, the necessity of diverse perspectives in design, and the intricate balance of long-term vs. short-term goals. Parsons also reflects on the urgent need for organizations to adapt to AI’s demands while maintaining a commitment to inclusivity and employee well-being in the tech landscape.

In a thought-provoking discussion, Tim Leberecht, founder of House of Beautiful Business and author of 'The Business Romantic,' dives into the significance of beauty in reshaping business practices. He highlights the tension between long-term visionary changes and short-term pragmatism facing organizations today. Tim advocates for emotional connections and storytelling to foster equity and inclusion. He also addresses the challenges of standardization in an AI-driven world and the need for diverse perspectives to navigate today's complexities.

In this enlightening conversation, Immy Kaur, a visionary community leader and co-founder of Civic Square, shares her extensive experience in transforming urban development through participatory approaches. She challenges conventional systems, emphasizing that communities can redefine their processes without needing permission. Immy explores how neighborhoods serve as strategic change sites, advocating for innovative models like Doughnut Economics. She highlights the need for new metrics that prioritize social and environmental value, especially post-pandemic, to foster resilient communities.

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.