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 expansive as it is profound.

Amy specializes in helping business leaders navigate the complex terrain of innovation by identifying new growth opportunities while mitigating associated risks. Her unique approach focuses on unraveling the cultural layers within organizations, providing invaluable perspectives on how internal culture can both aid and impede innovation processes.

One of the most compelling elements of this discussion revolves around the concept of "execution." As Amy stresses, an idea, no matter how groundbreaking, lacks value without the capability to bring it into reality. This principle holds true whether you're at a startup or part of an established Fortune 500 company. Her viewpoints bring a fresh, grounded perspective to the often nebulous and romanticized world of innovation.

Does your organization need a Chief Innovation Officer (CIO)? This question forms another central theme of our conversation. While appointing a CIO can signify a company's commitment to innovation, it also runs the risk of excluding other departments from this critical function. Amy expertly navigates this organizational dilemma, emphasizing the importance of an inclusive innovation culture.

Further enhancing this rich tapestry of insights, Amy delves into the critical but often overlooked relationship between innovation and business strategy. Even the most creative endeavors are doomed to become aimless projects without strategic alignment. If you're grappling with the complexities of innovation in today's fast-paced business world, this episode will equip you with actionable strategies and insights.