Killer Innovations with Phil McKinney - A Show About Ideas Creativity And Innovation
407 episodes - English - Latest episode: 14 days ago - ★★★★★ - 63 ratingsAn award winning podcast and nationally syndicated radio show that looks at the innovations that are changing our lives and how their innovators used creativity and design to take their raw idea and create a game-changing product or service.
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Episodes
Best Career Advice Ever Received
July 02, 2024 12:00 - 13 minutes - 18.3 MBDuring a recent lunch with interns, I shared the best career advice I ever received. Bob Davis, my mentor who hired me for my first job as a software programmer, imparted wisdom that has guided my career trajectory. Bob saw my potential and advised me to build more than technical skills. He moved me through […]
Mapping Out Your Innovation Career Path
June 25, 2024 12:00 - 28 minutes - 39 MBA well-defined career path is crucial for anyone aspiring to establish a successful career in innovation. The rapidly evolving landscape of innovation jobs demands a strategy to navigate its complexities effectively. An innovation career path is a roadmap clarifying the progression and milestones necessary to achieve your professional goals. It helps you identify the critical […]
How To Start a Career in Innovation
June 18, 2024 12:00 - 31 minutes - 44 MBA career in innovation means positioning yourself at the forefront of change, constantly seeking new ideas and approaches to solve problems and create value. It involves a continuous improvement mindset and a willingness to challenge the status quo. Innovators drive progress by blending creativity, analytical thinking, and a deep understanding of emerging trends and technologies. […]
Mastering Inspirational Thinking Skills
June 11, 2024 12:00 - 33 minutes - 45.7 MBHave you ever felt stuck staring at a blank page, struggling to find the spark to ignite your next great idea? Inspirational thinking skills often trigger that elusive moment where everything clicks, and your creativity flows effortlessly. These skills are the secret sauce behind groundbreaking innovations and the driving force that can turn mundane tasks […]
Mastering Systems Thinking Skills
June 04, 2024 12:00 - 30 minutes - 42.7 MBThis episode is the fourth in a series on mastering creative thinking skills. We delve into an exciting topic that could revolutionize how you tackle problems: Systems Thinking. By the end of this article, you'll understand how to use systems thinking to solve complex problems like a pro. Trust me, this will be a game […]
Mastering Aesthetic Thinking Skills
May 28, 2024 12:00 - 38 minutes - 52.6 MBWelcome back to the Innovators Studio. Today is the third episode in our five-part series on Mastering Creative Thinking Skills. In this episode, we dive into aesthetic thinking and its role in your creative process. Have you ever wondered why some things look cool and make you feel good? I’m here to break it down […]
Mastering Convergent Thinking Skills
May 21, 2024 12:00 - 21 minutes - 29.5 MBThis episode is the second in a series on mastering creative thinking skills. Today, we are focusing on convergent thinking. Convergent thinking sharpens your mind, focusing creativity toward finding not just any solution but the most effective one. Master it, and you turn challenges into opportunities, blending analysis with imagination to unlock unparalleled potential. What […]
Mastering Divergent Thinking Skills
May 14, 2024 12:00 - 24 minutes - 33.5 MBToday marks the beginning of a series of episodes introducing you to five creative thinking skills. Future episodes will explore each skill's background, steps, application, and examples. In this episode, we'll explore how mastering divergent thinking skills can transform your life, turning obstacles into opportunities and making the impossible seem possible. Remember to subscribe so […]
Mastering Creative Thinking Skills
May 07, 2024 12:00 - 12 minutes - 17.3 MBAre you ready to unleash your full creative potential and take your innovation skills to new heights? In today's fast-paced world, creativity and innovation are essential for success. That's why I'm excited to launch a new series on “Mastering Creative Thinking Skills.” This series will explore techniques to help you become a better problem solver […]
5 Steps to Overcoming Creative Block
April 30, 2024 12:00 - 19 minutes - 27.5 MBThe creative process often seems elusive, with the best ideas striking at the most unexpected moments. That magical spark can be exhilarating when an idea materializes seemingly out of nowhere. But how do you harness that creative energy at will rather than waiting for it to strike spontaneously? Many would argue it's impossible, blaming their […]
80 Attempts at Innovation by Acquisition: Lessons Learned
April 23, 2024 12:00 - 33 minutes - 45.5 MBIn the competitive landscape of business, innovation isn't just a buzzword; it's the driving force that fuels growth, sustains relevance, and pushes companies into the future. While many organizations focus on cultivating innovation from within, there's an alternative path that's often overlooked—innovation by acquisition. During my decade-long stint as CTO at HP, I was front […]
STOP Performing Innovation Theatre
April 16, 2024 12:00 - 29 minutes - 41.1 MBThe term “innovation theatre” has become increasingly prevalent in today's competitive landscape. It refers to the superficial acts organizations undertake to appear innovative without genuinely committing to the hard work of genuine innovation. This misleading facade often leads to wasted resources, missed opportunities, and damaged reputations. So, how can you spot this illusion, and what […]
How to Shift from Monotonous Thinking to Creative Thinking
April 09, 2024 12:00 - 18 minutes - 25.8 MBIn an age of constant change, we cannot overstate the value of adaptability and innovation. Yet, many of us find ourselves entrenched in a pattern of repetitive thinking, relying on familiar approaches to navigate the complexities of life. However, there exists a transformative alternative: creative thinking. This article explores the power of creative thinking and […]
How To Handle Rejection of Your Idea
April 02, 2024 12:00 - 12 minutes - 17.7 MBExperiencing rejection of your idea can feel like a punch to the gut. Whether it's a proposal, a suggestion, or criticism, the initial sting can be hard to shake off. But rejection isn't the end—it's an opportunity for growth and improvement. Personal Experience 92% of people give up on their dreams after facing rejection only […]
6 Most Common Thinking Mistakes Holding You Back
March 19, 2024 12:00 - 16 minutes - 23.5 MBI've been reflecting a lot lately about common thinking mistakes. Yes, you heard me right. It's a bit of a mind-bender. But trust me, this is going to be worth your while. We all have unique ways of perceiving the world. Sometimes, however, these perspectives can lead us astray. We may fall victim to thinking […]
How To Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills
March 12, 2024 12:00 - 22 minutes - 30.5 MBIn a world brimming with information and endless arguments, developing the art of critical thinking is not just advantageous—it's a necessity. By the end of this episode, you will wield a powerful toolkit that unlocks a new level of understanding and problem-solving capability, transforming how you approach challenges, debates, and decisions. Elevating your critical thinking […]
7 Innovations Accelerating The Technological Singularity
March 05, 2024 13:00 - 14 minutes - 19.6 MBEnvision a world on the precipice of a profound transformation, driven by seven unprecedented innovations, poised to revolutionize every aspect of society. This shift, approaching a technological singularity, carries immense responsibility and high stakes for current and future generations. Our technological prowess is unrivaled. From the simplest inventions to the most complex machines, we have […]
The Art of Selecting an Innovation Mentor
February 27, 2024 13:00 - 16 minutes - 23.2 MBNavigating the intricate realm of innovation is akin to sailing without a map, a challenging endeavor. That's where the invaluable role of an innovation mentor comes into play, acting as a guiding force. Picture them as friends always armed with the best advice, guiding you through launching your venture, shaking things up at work, or […]
Unlocking the Door to Innovation
February 20, 2024 13:00 - 12 minutes - 17.9 MBEmbarking on becoming an innovation consultant is an adventure fraught with challenges and opportunities. The question that often arises is: What kind of experience does diving into the depths of innovation consulting require? Breaking into this highly competitive field necessitates a blend of academic knowledge and real-world practice. Still, the pathway is less about a […]
Startup Stories: Resactly’s AI Meets Gastronomy
February 13, 2024 13:00 - 42 minutes - 58.6 MBIn the convergence of gastronomy and technology, Fisayo Oluwadiya stands at the forefront, embodying the fusion of engineering, culinary artistry, and entrepreneurship. This week, our conversation delves into her brainchild, Resactly, a pioneering AI-powered restaurant recommendation system that promises to reshape how we navigate the culinary landscape. A Palatable Blend of Passions Fisayo, an engineer, […]
Spotting Fake Innovation Consultants
February 06, 2024 13:00 - 11 minutes - 15.7 MBIn the ever-evolving realm of innovation, a troubling trend is emerging—the rise of self-proclaimed experts with credentials as insubstantial as the pages of the very innovation books they often quote. This prompts us to question whether an individual can genuinely be considered an expert in a multifaceted field based solely on theoretical knowledge or if […]
7 Secrets to Innovation Success
January 30, 2024 13:00 - 17 minutes - 24 MBLaws exist to keep some form of order or control such as the traffic laws we follow to avoid chaos as we drive around. There are a variety of laws that exist. Scientific laws are laws that we can test and prove, and we can reconfirm that the law still applies. An example would be […]
Exploring the Future of Home Automation with OliverIQ’s Will West and Eric Smith
January 23, 2024 13:00 - 43 minutes - 60.6 MBDuring CES 2024, the innovative products and concepts on display showed the exciting future of technology. OliverIQ debuted to the public with its unique home automation platform. This versatile solution streamlines the process of turning your home “smart.” Founders Will West, and Eric Smith presented OliverIQ as a solution that turns connectivity across devices into […]
2024 Innovation and Trends to Watch
January 16, 2024 13:00 - 18 minutes - 25.6 MBThe world of innovation is wildly fascinating and constantly developing. At the CES conference in Las Vegas, some of innovation's biggest names display their newest creations for the world to see. The fact that any one of these creations could develop into a groundbreaking innovation with global reach is exciting. This year, innovations varied from […]
The Number 1 Reason Teams Fail at Innovation
January 09, 2024 13:00 - 11 minutes - 16.2 MBAlthough failure is sometimes necessary for innovation, failure is an experience that companies and organizations can avoid by understanding the reasons behind it. Poor ideas and poor execution can cause an innovation project failure. But what causes teams to make these mistakes in the first place? And how can companies best avoid these mistakes? By […]
Leading Through Uncertainty: Innovation Leadership in Time of Crisis
December 12, 2023 13:00 - 27 minutes - 38 MBIn today's fast-paced world, change is the only constant. The volatility of the stock market, sudden changes in the workforce due to automation, or shifts in consumer behavior due to evolving technologies have thrown individuals and organizations into an era of uncertainty. It feels like we've been thrust onto a roller coaster ride, experiencing exhilarating […]
Einstein’s Secret to Effective Problem-Solving
December 05, 2023 13:00 - 21 minutes - 29.9 MBAlbert Einstein once said, “If I had an hour to solve a problem, I'd spend 55 minutes thinking about the problem and five minutes thinking about solutions.” This quote is more than just a clever remark; it encapsulates a fundamental truth about problem-solving that many overlook. It emphasizes the importance of deeply understanding a problem […]
When Innovation Stagnates: The Consequences of Slowing Research and Innovation
November 28, 2023 13:00 - 23 minutes - 32.5 MBImagine a world where people never invented the wheel and were unaware of the phenomenon of fire. Or, more relatable to our modern era, a world without the internet. These inventions, both ancient and modern, were all birthed from the womb of research and innovation. But what happens when this life-giving flow of ideas slows […]
How To Unleash Your Creative Imagination
November 21, 2023 13:00 - 30 minutes - 42.4 MBHave you ever found yourself lost in your thoughts, daydreaming, or ideating without barriers? That's your creative imagination at work! Creative imagination is an incredible power within us—it can manifest our hopes, dreams, and aspirations. Unleashing the power of our creative imagination can be the key to realizing our personal and professional goals. What is […]
Bridging the Digital Divide with Innovation and Connectivity
November 14, 2023 13:00 - 42 minutes - 58.8 MBIn one of the most insightful episodes of Killer Innovations, I had the pleasure of hosting Mark Tubinis from Veea. Our conversation revolved around bridging the digital divide with cable technology, particularly in Panama. Mark passionately shared his experiences, recounting how people, for the first time, could use the internet from devices other than just […]
Exploring The Future of Cable Broadband With Paul Broadhurst
November 07, 2023 13:00 - 31 minutes - 43.1 MBI had the pleasure of interviewing Paul Broadhurst, the President and CEO of the Technetix Group. We met in the mobile studio during SCTE Cable-Tec Expo in Denver, CO. Paul shared his excitement about the growing confidence and support in the cable broadband industry. He particularly emphasized the emergence of new vendors and sponsors at […]
Calix’s Evolution Through Innovation
October 31, 2023 12:00 - 37 minutes - 51.9 MBIn this episode of Killer Innovations, I had the pleasure of speaking with Ken Grelck, SVP of Sales at Calix, about the company's impressive transformation from a hardware-focused organization to a cloud and software-centric business. Ken shed light on how Calix concentrates on improving customer experience, regardless of the size of their network. Their dedication […]
Balancing Innovation and Security in Open-Source Software
October 24, 2023 12:00 - 39 minutes - 54.4 MBRob Wilmoth from Red Hat joined me in the mobile studio at the 2023 SCTE Cable-Tech Expo, where we delved into numerous discussions on enterprise technology, software customization, open-source security, and innovation. Red Hat, known for its 30-year history, has been instrumental in the enterprise technology landscape. The company's ability to harden, secure, and provide […]
The Blame Culture and How It Kills Innovation
October 17, 2023 12:00 - 29 minutes - 41.3 MBHave you ever been present when something has gone wrong, and everyone is quick to assign blame? It's human nature to want to hold someone accountable when there's a failure, but what happens when we let a blame culture take over? The blame culture will stifle creativity and innovation in an organization. When each team […]
Government and Innovation – Who is Really Pulling the Strings?
October 10, 2023 12:00 - 27 minutes - 39.7 MBAs the world becomes more digital and technology-focused, the need for innovation has never been greater. Startups and entrepreneurs drive this innovation, creating solutions to problems that have never been solved before. However, innovation is more than just creating a new product or service – it requires a supportive ecosystem to thrive. This is where […]
Balancing Creativity and Practicality
October 03, 2023 12:00 - 24 minutes - 34.8 MBCreativity and practicality are often two opposing forces in problem-solving and decision-making. On the one hand, we desire to develop innovative ideas and think outside the box. On the other hand, we require practical solutions that we can efficiently implement. However, contrary to popular belief, these two forces do not have to be at odds. […]
Achieving Monumental Innovation with Marginal Gains
September 26, 2023 12:00 - 31 minutes - 45.4 MBFor years, the British Cycling team was known for their spectacular failure, not winning a single Tour de France for over a century. Then came Dave Brailsford in 2003, who introduced the concept of “marginal gains.” Brailsford believed that by improving every area related to cycling by just 1%, the cumulative gains would lead to […]
Benevolent Innovation – Blending Profit and Purpose
September 19, 2023 12:00 - 21 minutes - 31.4 MBImagine a tree that grows in the heart of your community. Each branch represents a different innovation. It's not simply content to grow and reach for the sky independently. Instead, it shares its bounty with the community around it. Its fruits provide nourishment, its shade offers comfort, and its roots stabilize the soil. The tree […]
The Art of Storytelling For Business and Innovation
September 12, 2023 12:00 - 27 minutes - 39.9 MBStorytelling has been a part of human culture since the dawn of time. In ancient times, our ancestors used cave paintings and oral traditions to tell tales of their exploits, the world, and the gods they worshipped. These stories were a way to instill values, pass down history, and maintain cultural identity. As societies evolved, […]
How Failures Lead to Innovation
September 05, 2023 12:00 - 20 minutes - 30.3 MBIn today's society, people often glorify and celebrate success while they avoid failure at all costs and regard it as shameful. However, failure can be an essential part of the innovation process. Many of the world's greatest inventions and breakthroughs have come about due to failure. Why is failure a powerful catalyst for innovation? How […]
How To Monetize Your Innovation Skills
August 29, 2023 12:00 - 23 minutes - 33.4 MBSteve Jobs once said, “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.” But can it distinguish between a successful business and a failure? The answer is yes. In this age of cut-throat competition, innovation is key to your success and survival in the market. However, the million-dollar question is how to monetize your innovation skills […]
Understanding the Innovation Economy and Its Impact on Our World
August 22, 2023 12:00 - 21 minutes - 30.6 MBAs an innovator, you must understand the innovation economy and how your creative work will affect you personally and professionally. The innovation economy, often characterized by rapid technological advancements and digitalization, is emerging as a powerful global force. It represents a shift from traditional industries to more knowledge-based ones, where ideas, innovation, and intellectual capital […]
Revolutionary Ripples – How Small Innovations Can Create a Big Impact
August 15, 2023 12:00 - 25 minutes - 36.8 MBThe world we inhabit is constantly changing. From the technological advances of interconnectivity to the global movements that bring about social change, nothing seems stagnant for long. But often, it's not the sweeping revolutions that move us forward – it's the small, everyday changes that can create a ripple effect and have a big impact […]
10 Ways to Find New Ideas
August 08, 2023 12:00 - 24 minutes - 34.8 MBHave you ever found yourself stuck in a creative rut, unable to develop fresh ideas? Or maybe you struggle to find inspiration for a new project or task. It can be frustrating and discouraging, but you're not alone. It's easy to fall into a routine and rely on the same old ways to find ideas, […]
How to Cultivate a Creativity Habit
August 01, 2023 12:00 - 23 minutes - 33.9 MBYou've probably heard the saying that ‘Creativity is a muscle.' Like your biceps or triceps, your creative mind needs regular exercise to stay in shape. What exercises will let you build your creative muscle? How do you turn these creativity exercises into a habit that is a routine part of your daily life? For many […]
Navigating Uncharted Territory with Innovation
July 25, 2023 12:00 - 12 minutes - 18.9 MBHello, Innovators! Welcome back to another episode of the Killer Innovations podcast. I am so happy to be back in the studio with you today, and I'm excited to give you an update on the show and myself. A few months ago, in February, I had to undergo open heart surgery at the Mayo Clinic […]
The Best of Killer Innovations: A New Way to Power Up
July 18, 2023 12:00 - 28 minutes - 39.9 MBContinuing our Best of Killer Innovation series, we look at David Su’s innovative solution to the problem of disposable and short-lived battery life and his tips for success that helped him start Atmosic. Being connected has become an essential part of our daily lives. Wireless has made huge strides over the past two decades. IoT […]
The Best of Killer Innovations: Innovations in Customer Support
July 11, 2023 12:00 - 28 minutes - 40.1 MBContinuing our Best of Killer Innovation series, we examine how one creator, Rama Sreenivasan of Blitzz, looked outside the box and created solutions to the hindrances he faced on his innovative journey. When you're in the middle of an important project and equipment fails, you want it fixed fast. In this week's show, I talk […]
The Best of Killer Innovations: Creating a Disruptive Ideation Workshop
July 04, 2023 12:00 - 30 minutes - 43.1 MBYou can learn, practice, and perfect the skill of innovation. To keep the innovation funnel flowing, generating quality ideas is essential. On this week’s Best of Killer Innovation Series, we ask, how do you boost innovation in a team lacking confidence? One practical approach is organizing a disruptive ideation workshop. Let's explore how to create […]
The Best of Killer Innovations: The Art of Innovation Leadership
June 27, 2023 12:00 - 21 minutes - 31.5 MBOn this week’s Best of Killer Innovation Series, we analyze qualities that promote strong innovation leadership and will help any organization become a trailblazer in the game. What are the unique skill sets needed for innovation leadership? We all have a list of what good leadership skills are but what are the unique ones you […]