Innovation Storytellers

149: How Innov8rs CoLab Bringing Innovation Teams

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 c...

148: How Empathy Becomes a Game Changer in Innovation

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, ...

147: Innovation Resistance: How Stories Overcome Flight, Fight, and Freeze

In the fourth and final episode of my series on the Innovation Storytellers Show with Peter Temes, CEO and Founder of the Institute for Innovation at Large Organizations (ILO), we explore the complex world of innovation resistance.  This episode, a culmination of insightful discussions on trust, the evolution of innovation rules, and the innovation awareness gap, takes a closer look at innovators' challenges when introducing new ideas within their organizations. The conversation opens by...

146: The Innovation Awareness Gap…And How to Fix it

Peter Temes, the CEO and Founder of the ILO, joins me in tackling a particularly intriguing aspect of innovation that intersects directly with communication. We're dissecting the nuances of when innovation and communication align perfectly and when they, unfortunately, miss the mark. Our discussion revolves around the "innovation awareness gap" – a phenomenon that even the best of us can stumble upon, resulting in a disconnect between the innovation we aim to deliver and the intended audienc...

145: The Old and New Rules of Successful Innovation

Welcome to a thrilling special edition of the Innovation Storyteller Show. Today, we're soaring high on excitement, feeling like we've found the end of the rainbow with a pot of gold, as we dive into an enriching conversation with my innovation guide and intellectual beacon, Peter Temes.  In this episode, Peter and I journeyed through the intricacies of turning strategies from mere visions into tangible realities. We dissect the critical elements that transform a company's strategy into a ...

144: Trust: How to create it, keep it, and spread it in Innovation

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 ...

143: Peter Temes, Founder and President of ILO Institute, and the “Godfather” of innovation.

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-sh...

142: How to Create Intersections of Tech, Design and Sustainability in Innovation

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 envir...

141: How the WHO Innovation Hub is Changing Global Health Outcomes

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 in...

140: How Pioneer Square Labs Takes Corporate Venturing to New Heights

  My guest, T.A. McCann, Managing Director of Pioneer Square Labs, brings an exceptional blend of experience and insight. A serial entrepreneur, T.A. has founded companies like Synosis (acquired by Google), GIST (acquired by BlackBerry), and Rival IQ, a leader in marketing analytics. His journey from leading roles at Microsoft to being an active angel investor and a respected professor at the University of Washington Foster School of Business offers a panoramic view of innovation and entre...

139: How Metalenz Is Using Semiconductor Wisdom to Transform Optics

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 bri...

138: How HOK is Transforming Spaces for the Future of Work

In this episode, Kay Sargent, Director of Workplace Thought Leadership at HOK discusses how work environments should evolve to become spaces that meet and invigorate our needs. The conversation takes us through Kay's diverse career, highlighting her adaptability and curiosity, keeping her at the forefront of workplace innovation. We also explore the concept of curiosity as a driving force in business. Kay's perspective on this is enlightening: staying curious is essential for problem-solvi...

137: What Microsoft's Africa Development Centre (ADC) Can Teach US About Innovating With Constraints

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 innovati...

136: How SEPTA is Transforming Philadelphia into a Smart City

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...

135: How the US Navy Sources Breakthrough Innovation To Keep Us Safe

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 trans...

134: Exploring the Six 'I's® of Innovation

In this episode of Innovation Storytellers Show, I welcome Natalie Turner, Founder & CEO of The Entheo Network and the brain behind The Six 'I's® of Innovation. Natalie offers a riveting exploration of how innovation can be an everyday practice, accessible to all, not just reserved for specialized teams. She discusses how the Six 'I's® model can serve as a compass, guiding us in integrating innovation into our daily work and strategic projects alike. Natalie emphasizes the importance of 'p...

133: How Corporates can Plug and Play with Startups to Accelerate Innovation

In the latest episode of Innovation Storytellers Show, I had the pleasure of talking with Wade Bitaraf, the Founder of Energy & Sustainability at Plug and Play. Our conversation is a deep dive into the transformative role of startups in reshaping the energy sector, particularly the oil and gas industry, at a time when the world is grappling with climate change. Wade brings to the table a wealth of experience from Plug and Play, an organization that stands out for its unique approach in hel...

132: How Wish, Cisco, Intuit Quickbooks, & Mozilla Used Social Media to Innovate People, Products and Processes

This week's episode provides a fascinating look into the art of communication in innovation. It's crucial for reaching audiences, teams, and the broader market. Carmen Collins is a name I've admired and spoken about at international conferences, even before we met for this podcast. Carmen's transformative work at Cisco, particularly in reviving the brand through employee voices and social media post-telecom boom, is inspiring. In this episode, Carmen, with her extensive experience in socia...

131: How Insurance Becomes an Innovator’s Best Friend

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...

130: How Stanford University Is Becoming a Green City

In this episode of the Innovation Storytellers Show, I spoke with Lincoln Bleavens, Stanford University's Executive Director of Sustainability & Energy Management. With a rich background in the global energy sector, Lincoln brings a unique blend of academic and practical expertise to his role, overseeing a range of operations from energy and water management to emergency preparedness and waste management. Our discussion centered on Stanford's innovative approach to sustainability, viewing ...

129: Are You Deploying Your Venus Genius at Work?

This week I explore a unique perspective on innovation through the lens of gender dynamics and intuition. Our guest, Fabienne Jacquet, a scientist, corporate innovator, author, and the founder of INNOVEVE®, brings a wealth of experience and a distinctive viewpoint on the subject. Fabienne challenges conventional wisdom by emphasizing the importance of both masculine and feminine energies in the innovation process, transcending the traditional gender roles. She discusses the neuroscience be...

128: How Gen Z at OSU’s Innovation Center are Generating F500 Breakthroughs

In the latest installment of the Innovation Storytellers Show, I had the pleasure of engaging in a profound conversation with Paul Reeder, the Executive Director of the Center for Innovation Strategies at Ohio State University. Our discussion explored what innovation truly means for businesses today, far beyond the superficial trappings that often masquerade as progress. Paul Reeder is a name that resonates with authority in the realm of innovation. His mission at the Center for Innovation...

127: How to Innovate The Human Experience

In this compelling episode of Innovation Storytellers, I am joined by Brian Solis, the Head of Global Innovation at ServiceNow. If you've ever been fascinated by how technology serves as a catalyst for business transformation, then this episode is a must-listen for you. Brian Solis, who has spent over two decades studying digital Darwinism, discusses the evolving role of Executive Briefing Centers and Innovation Centers in the tech industry. These spaces, once merely showrooms for platform...

126: How to Humanize Innovation Leadership

In today's fast-paced, ever-evolving business landscape, leadership is under constant scrutiny. The spotlight often shines on the balance—or imbalance—between two critical aspects of decision-making: logic and intuition. While some say good leadership relies on hard facts and analytics, others argue that instinct plays an invaluable role. I sit down with Mary Pat Knight, an authority on humanized leadership, who compellingly addresses this intricate balance between head and heart. Mary Pat...

125: What We Can Learn from Travel’s Massive Pivots

I sit down with Hansini Sharma, Practice Lead at Acquis Consulting Group, to delve into the rapidly changing landscape of the travel industry. The episode is a journey through the nexus of innovation and execution, setting the stage for transformative impacts on both business and leisure travel. Hansini's 15+ years of industry experience shines as she outlines the paradigm shifts driven by sustainability and technological advancements. She elaborates on how cultural awareness and employee en...

124: How HelloFresh Reinvented Dinnertime

This week, I invite you to feast your senses on a captivating dialogue with Kristin Bryan, Director of Culinary Innovation at HelloFresh. Kristin takes us on a culinary journey that marries taste and technology, enriching our palates and minds. For those intrigued by how the complexity of flavors in your HelloFresh meal kit is conceived, Kristin introduces the riveting concept of "Creative Abrasion." Coined by Linda Hill, this approach isn't about conflicts but about generating a kind of f...

123: How Freelancers are the Innovator’s Greatest Secret Weapon

  In the latest episode of the Innovation Storytellers Show, I sit down with John Winsor, Founder and Chairman of Open Assembly, to examine the intricacies of the future of work. John, who is an authority on open talent and innovative work models, brings decades of experience and wisdom to the conversation.   Winsor is not a stranger to groundbreaking ideas. He has served as an executive in residence at Harvard Business School's Laboratory for Innovation Science and is currently writin...

122: How TIAA is Transforming Retirement into Longevity

I sat down with Melora Zaner, the Chief Design Officer at TIAA, to discuss the often-overlooked value of incremental innovation and the transformative power of design in addressing pressing societal challenges like retirement.  Our conversation starts with an urgent issue that many are facing—the retirement crisis in America. We discuss the alarming statistics indicating that 40% of Americans are on track to run out of money in their retirement years. Melora offers an intriguing alternativ...

121: How Embedded Experiences Will Change Brands Forever

In a time where innovation is often boiled down to buzzwords, Adipat Virdi, Global Immersive Strategist and Former Global Creative Product Lead for Immersive, brings us back to the essence of true innovation. With a remarkable history of embedding immersive strategy into global organizations like Meta, Virgin Atlantic, and the BBC, Virdi helps us refocus on what's important. He challenges us to escape 'Plato's Cave' and reassess the often unconscious limitations we put on the idea of innovat...

120: How Citi’s First Global CIO Created an Innovation Culture

Get ready for an illuminating journey into the complexities and nuances of innovation with my guest, Amy Radin, Executive Advisor and founder of Pragmatic Innovation Partners. With a career that spans multiple decades and industries, Amy brings an unparalleled depth of insight into what it truly takes to innovate, especially in the financial services sector. From being Citi's first global Chief Innovation Officer to her executive roles at American Express and Axa, her expertise is as expansi...

121: How Jack Daniels innovates the #1 Whiskey Brand in the World

In today's episode of the Innovation Storytellers podcast, we'll delve into the world of one of the most well-known, respected, and beloved brands in the United States and worldwide: Jack Daniels. According to Inner Brands' Best Global Brands 2022 report, Jack Daniels has been a household name for over 155 years. We are excited to have Heather Howell, the Global Director of Trademark and Innovation at Jack Daniels on the show. Heather's leadership in driving innovation has been a crucial f...

120: How Adobe is Creatively Bringing Us All into the Metaverse & Web3

In this week's edition of the Innovation Storytellers podcast, I invite you to join me in an insightful conversation with Chris Duffy, a strategic futurist and leading figure in digital experiences with Adobe. We explore how AI, creativity, and the metaverse collide as we discuss Adobe's groundbreaking work in generative AI and the transformation of work through AI, and the future of design. In this captivating episode, delve into the intricacies of AI in image generation, the evolving lan...

119: Unleashing Innovation at HBCUs

What does innovation mean to you? For many, it’s about the latest tech marvel or the next big thing in the market. But as I sat down with Tyrome ‘Ty’ Smith, Director of Strategic Partnership at Common Mission Project, our conversation gave the term a whole new meaning. Our discussion revolved around the unseen channels of innovative ideas - beyond Silicon Valley and tech giants, deep into governmental organizations, think tanks, and more. We pondered upon a simple yet profound question: wh...

118: From Disney to Entrepreneurship, How Love Drives Innovation Storytelling & the Creative Process

In the world of innovation, stories often act as the bridge between an idea and its realization. And who better to delve into this fascinating dynamic than David Zaboski, Co-Founder & Chief Creative Officer at Laetro. With roots that trace back to the prestigious Art Center College of Design and then onwards to the bustling creative studios of Disney during its 'second golden age of animation’, David's journey is nothing short of magical. Films like Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and Lion Ki...

117: Will AI Out-Innovate The Chief Innovation Officer? CapGemini Has Ideas

In this eye-opening episode of Innovation Storytellers, we host a lively discussion with Elisa Farri, VP & Co-lead of Capgemini Invent's Management Lab. Join us as we dive into the ever-evolving world of the Chief Innovation Officer (CIO), dispelling the notion that AI is set to dethrone the human touch in the realm of innovation. From the heart of business processes and people management to the broadening scope of innovation beyond academia, Elisa explores the radical shifts in traditiona...

116: What Can LEGO Teach Us about Serious Play In Building Breakthrough

In this episode of The Innovation Storytellers Show, I am excited to take you on a journey through the world of play with Carol Hill, Global Learning Director at the LEGO Group. As a catalyst for change and a staunch advocate for continuous improvement, Carol leads her team in embedding learning through play across the LEGO system. In this episode, we explore how a tiny LEGO brick can be a catalyst for significant innovation. Carol shares how LEGO facilitates an environment of psychologica...

115: How Innovators Can Win the Autonomous Transformation

Today, I delve deep into a topic close to my heart and vital in the modern business landscape - cultivating an innovation culture amid rapid technological change. Joining us in this intriguing exploration is Brian Evergreen, an authority in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) and author of the soon-to-be-released book, 'Autonomous Transformation.' Brian is the founder of The Profitable Good Company, and best known for his work in advising Fortune 500 executives on AI strategy. In thi...

114: Can We Innovate: Can HR Create a Self-Innovating Workplace? Lessons

In this compelling episode of Innovation Storytellers Show, we explore the world of HR and innovation with two extraordinary guests: Ira Wolfe, a pioneer in future-readiness, and Jason Cochran, the 'Chief Connection Officer' at Telos. Both are esteemed co-hosts of Geeks, Geezers, Googlization, an award-winning podcast exploring the future of work. In the face of rapid and relentless change, they encourage us to view the 'Never Normal' as an opportunity to evolve and thrive. Our discussion ...

113: How Do We Innovate Ourselves? Deep Lessons from a Transgender CEO & VC Innovator

In this special episode of Innovation Storytellers, I engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Caroline Farberger, a groundbreaking Transgender CEO and Venture Capital Innovator. Caroline is a partner and chairperson at the venture capital company Wellstreet. Caroline is widely known for her open dialogue about her gender transition, becoming the first senior business leader in the Nordics to do so. Having held various senior management roles in the financial industry for over 25 ye...

112: How ChatGPT Started a Profitable Business and Got $100K in Funding

Today, I'm joined by João Santos, the founder of AIsthetic Apparel, a fashion label driven by ChatGPT. This groundbreaking venture has made headlines globally and has been featured in numerous media outlets, including a recent CBS News story. In this episode, João shares his fascinating entrepreneurial journey that all began from a simple tweet by Jackson Fall. He was inspired to start a company with a $1000 initial investment, guiding its path with the help of AI, specifically ChatGPT. Hi...

111: How Creative Innovation Can Take You From Salesforce and Accenture to Adventures in Nature

Prepare for a deep-dive into the world of innovation on the latest episode of Innovation Storytellers with our distinguished guest, Shubber Ali, CEO of Garden for Wildlife. In this episode, we peel back the layers of innovation as Ali, a veteran in the field, shares his experiences, insights, and the hard truths he's unearthed during his career. From his early days of building startups, through his tenure as the VP of Strategic Innovation for Salesforce and his role as the Global Innovatio...

110: How Gensler is Architecting Innovation Culture

In this episode, we take an unconventional route by conversing with an architecture firm, Gensler, to delve into their unique approach to constructing an innovation culture. My guests, Amanda Ramos, the Innovation Director and Principal at Gensler, and Lis Russo, the Culture Strategy Leader, are indeed the architects of the innovation culture at their firm. Together, we navigate the complexities of our ever-evolving work environments, from the office to the home and everything in-between. ...

109: How to Use Fluid Thinking to Unleash Your Innovation Mind

In this episode, I am going to take you on a fascinating journey into the subconscious realm of our minds, exploring the science of fluid thinking and subconscious success with renowned cognitive scientist, Phillip Campbell.  Phillip is not only an expert in cognitive science and an executive brain coach but also the author of the enlightening book "Brain Habits". He is the CEO of enigmaFIT, a globally recognized brain coaching company, that aids individuals in tapping into their subconsci...

108: Exodigo Uses AI to Map the Underground

107: How Quris is Reducing Animal Testing To Speed Drug Discovery & Save Lives

In today's episode, I invite you to join me on a captivating exploration of the fascinating intersection of AI, genomics, and pharmaceuticals. Our guest today is Dr. Isaac Bentwich, a physician-turned-entrepreneur who has revolutionized various domains, including medicine, genomics, and agriculture.  Isaac shares insights from his journey in creating this startup, Quris, that operates in the innovative hubs of Boston and Tel Aviv. We dive into his previous endeavors, including founding Ros...

106: How Volvo Unites Startups and Partners for Growth

Get ready to rev your engines for innovation as we bring you a fascinating conversation with Freddy Dasa, the Director of Innovation at Volvo Group's Innovation Lab in Silicon Valley. In this episode of Innovation Storytellers, we dive deep into Freddy's innovative world, where he leads an interdisciplinary team of innovators and entrepreneurs, co-creating and launching new services and solutions for Volvo Group. We explore Freddy's extensive engineering background and 20+ years of experie...

105: Experiential Intelligence (XQ) is the New IQ for Innovation Leaders

In this illuminating episode of Innovation Storytellers, I sit down with the Wall Street Journal best-selling author, INK Magazine columnist, and Co-founder of Praxie.com, Soren Kaplan, Ph.D. Recognized as a top management thought leader by Thinkers 50 and Business Insider, Kaplan brings his profound expertise in new business models and disruptive innovation to the table. Kaplan, who previously led the strategy and innovation group at HP, shares invaluable insights into the world of startu...

104: How Ireland is Creating a Universal Standard for Innovation

Charlie Tuxworth, Founder and Director of Celsio, joins me in exploring the fascinating world of innovation. We discuss the challenges, joys, and excitements of creating a universal standard around innovation. Is it possible? Can it be applied to everyone, both inside and outside of corporations? Tune in to learn more. Charlie is an expert in helping companies set a clear direction for innovation and develop the capability and confidence to deliver it. He shares his journey from taking on ...

103: How USC is Teaching Us to Bring Accelerator Models to Corporate Innovation

In this episode, I am joined by Paul Orlando, founder of Startups Unplugged and professor of entrepreneurship at USC. We explore the ins and outs of integrating startups, accelerators, and groundbreaking innovations into the processes of large companies. With a wealth of experience in building startup accelerators around the world and mentoring founders, Paul shares valuable insights on how to navigate the complex world of entrepreneurship and innovation. Listen in as we discuss the role o...

102: How Jacobs and Cosmos Collective Leverage Employees to Test & Disqualify New Ideas Fast

In today's special double-header episode, I sit down with Carrie Chambliss, former VP of Innovation at Jacobs, and Valerie Van den Keybus, Managing Partner at Cosmos Collective, to explore the power of collaboration in driving innovation. Carrie and Valerie share their experiences working together in a 14-week intensive program that combined design thinking, lean experimentation, and agile methodologies to uncover new growth opportunities. They discuss the importance of making assumptions,...