Join Dr. Christian Mühlroth as he sits down with David Kaufman, a six-time USA Triathlon All-American and Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives at Resideo. Discover what it takes to complete over 100 triathlons while leading corporate innovation programs. David shares insights on managing risk, fostering a culture of innovation, and the parallels between triathlon and business success.
Key Highlights:
David Kaufman is a seasoned triathlete and corporate leader, known for his strategic initiatives at Resideo. With a passion for endurance sports and innovation, David brings a unique perspective to the intersection of athletics and business.
Don't miss this inspiring episode! Subscribe now to stay updated on future conversations that blend sports, innovation, and leadership.
#Triathlon #Innovation #Leadership #Podcast #R&D
In this conversation, we explore the intersection of military experience, technology, and leadership through the lens of Dave Brewer, a retired Air Force officer. He shares insights on burnout, the importance of enjoyment in work, and the evolving landscape of defense innovation, particularly in space strategy.
The discussion delves into misunderstood technologies like AI and cryptocurrency, the cultural differences in innovation, and the ethical implications of space exploration. Brewer emphasizes the need for purpose-driven approaches in technology and leadership, while reflecting on his personal journey and the balance between work and life.
In this conversation, Ben Haefle, CEO of Lean Startup Co., discusses the realities of corporate innovation, emphasizing the importance of core innovation over disruptive innovation. He explains the Lean Startup methodology, focusing on strategic alignment, milestones, team roles, governance, and culture.
The discussion also touches on the concept of innovation theater and the role of AI in enhancing the Lean Startup process. Haefle concludes with insights on the necessity of human creativity in the innovation landscape.
TAKEAWAYS
CHAPTERS
00:00 The Reality of Corporate Innovation
03:09 Understanding Lean Startup Methodology
06:01 Strategic Alignment in Innovation
08:51 Milestones and Measuring Progress
12:07 The Role of Teams in Innovation
14:57 Governance and Accountability in Innovation
19:12 Culture and Its Impact on Innovation
23:04 Innovation Theater: The Illusion of Progress
26:55 The Future of Lean Startup and AI
30:10 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways
The truth behind the Grammy Awards 🏆 What does it really take to win? How are nominees selected, and what role does AI play in music today? Panos Panay, President of the Recording Academy, reveals everything—from the intense behind-the-scenes orchestration of music’s biggest night to how technology and creativity intersect.
Get insider access to the peer-to-peer Grammy voting process 🎤, the impact of a win on an artist’s career 💰, and why human creativity still reigns supreme in the AI era. This is a must-listen for music creators, fans, and anyone curious about the future of the music industry.
📌 CHAPTERS
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"Why are we trying to fight all of this?"
The pace of technological advancement outstrips our ability to adapt, a phenomenon captured by MarTec's Law. In this episode, Dr. Chris Mühlroth and Scott Brinker, VP of Platform Ecosystem at HubSpot delve into the complexities of technological advancement and its implications for organizations.
They discuss MarTec's Law, which highlights the disparity between the rapid pace of technological change and the slower adaptation of organizations.
The dialogue explores strategies for embracing technology, the importance of building platform ecosystems, and the potential of agentic AI to enhance productivity. They also reflect on the societal impacts of AI and the need for individuals to adapt to these changes while maintaining critical skills.
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Join renowned aging researcher Dr. Aubrey de Grey in an enlightening conversation about the science and societal impact of anti-aging technologies. Explore the concept of aging as a medical problem, the interplay of genetics and lifestyle, and groundbreaking research at the LEV Foundation aimed at reversing the effects of aging. Discover how biological age indicators like grip strength and innovative mouse studies are shaping the future of longevity research.
Together with Aubrey, we delve into the societal and economic implications of anti-aging advancements, the importance of health optimization, and the role of informed decision-making in extending health spans. Whether you're intrigued by cutting-edge science or the philosophical questions surrounding life extension, this episode offers profound insights into the future of human health and longevity.
"AI is an amazing tool for brainstorming, giving ideas, and being a thought partner, but even when machines can do better than humans, we still like the story behind it. The human behind the machine is what really matters."
In this episode, we exchange with Mike Todasco, former Senior Director of Innovation at PayPal and current AI Fellow at San Diego State University, to explore the fascinating intersection of innovation, AI, and storytelling. Mike’s unique career journey, from accountant to innovation leader, offers unexpected insights into what it takes to build a culture that truly embraces creativity.
Curious about how storytelling can make or break your next big idea? Wondering how AI is transforming both corporate innovation and personal creativity? Mike shares real-world examples, invaluable lessons, and practical advice you won’t want to miss. Tune in to discover how to harness the power of storytelling and AI to stay ahead in today's fast-changing world!
"Strategic foresight, as I define it, is really about the capability of organizations to, in a systematic way, create superior positions in markets of the future."
In this episode, Dr. Christian Mühlroth engages in a discussion with Professor Dr. René Rohrbeck, a leading expert in strategy foresight and innovation, Professor of Strategy and EDHEC & UNESCO Chair addressing a pivotal question: is corporate foresight still relevant in a world driven by short-term gains?
Together with René, we examine the vital role of foresight in helping companies navigate today's staggering uncertainty, exploring how future-oriented thinking can give businesses a competitive edge. René provides insightful examples of how companies can anticipate existential threats, adapt to market shifts, and use foresight to gain a competitive advantage. The discussion also addresses the potential risks of AI echo chambers in strategic planning and the importance of making bold, long-term decisions in an increasingly unpredictable business environment. This episode offers valuable insights for anyone seeking to future-proof their business strategies.
*** RELATED LINKS ***
Below we have listed all the sources that René refers to in the podcast episode:
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"The term ‘war gaming’ comes from military war gaming. I think often business leaders are experiencing competition as being something very brutal when they fight over market shares."
In this episode, we welcome Prof. Dr. Jan Oliver Schwarz, a renowned expert in strategic foresight and trend analysis. As the Head of the Bavarian Foresight Institute and a member of the World Economic Forum's Global Foresight Network, Jan brings a wealth of knowledge on how businesses can anticipate industry disruptions and stay ahead of competitors through innovative role-playing simulations known as business war gaming. Discover the origins, mechanics, and real-world applications of these simulations, and learn how they can reveal surprising insights about market dynamics and competitor strategies.
Tune in to gain valuable lessons on future-proofing your organization and driving successful outcomes in an ever-evolving marketplace. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your strategic toolkit and navigate uncertainty with confidence.
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“We live in very dynamic times. But ask yourself, ’What can you control?’. And the only thing you can control is your way of thinking. And if you feel a little bit more optimistic, a little bit more open, I guarantee you're going to have a chance to invent that future that you always wanted to see happen.”
In this captivating episode, we welcome Dr. Frederik G. Pferdt, Google's first Chief Innovation Evangelist and author of the insightful new book, "What's Next is Now." Frederik shares his profound philosophy on cultivating a future-ready mind state, highlighting the importance of radical optimism, unreserved openness, and compulsive curiosity. Join us as Frederik delves into inspiring stories from his book, including the remarkable journey of Seth, an activist and artist whose innovative spirit led to the creation of Google's largest community and volunteering program. Discover how embracing what you can control and fostering creativity can transform your personal and professional life.
Tune in to explore how you can shape your future with a mind state that sees opportunities in every challenge. Don't miss this chance to learn from one of the leading voices in innovation and creativity. Listen now and start building the future you envision!
*** RELATED LINKS ***
Check out Frederik's new book "What's Next Is Now": whatsnextisnowthebook.com
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"How can you create this army of everyday innovators throughout your organization? Whether it's 100 people or 100,000 employees, democratizing innovation is key."
In this episode of Innovation Rockstars, we feature Michael McCathren, Senior Principal for Enterprise Innovation at Chick-fil-A and former Adjunct Professor at the University of Georgia. Michael shares his incredible journey from a 15-year-old restaurant worker to leading innovation at Chick-fil-A.
Discover how his team transformed from project execution to becoming in-house innovation consultants, democratizing innovation across the company. Learn about their unique approach to fostering a culture of innovation, including consulting, facilitation, and leveraging Gen-AI. This episode is a must-listen for corporate leaders and innovation enthusiasts looking to understand how to foster a culture of innovation, scale innovation and drive impactful change.
Tune in to learn about best practices and strategies for scaling innovation across large teams.
*** RELATED LINKS *** Check out Michael's book "6Ps of Essential Innovation" (https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Michael-McCathren/dp/B0B5GZ6BT2) we talk about in this episode.
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“A [startup] program gives a very clear collaboration platform to engage with startups. It's a clear gateway that corporations can create to send a signal to the startup ecosystem, that they are ready to collaborate.”
In this episode, we welcome Paolo Lombardi, author of the book ‘Startup Program Design’ and Director of Artificial Intelligence Innovation at Taylor & Francis. Together with Paolo, an expert in AI and startup engagement, we delve into the essentials of effectively partnering with startups, exploring various engagement models such as venture funds, hackathons, accelerators, and incubators.
Paolo shares his unique journey, starting with coding at age seven, and how his early experiences shaped his career in technology and AI. He emphasizes the importance of choosing the right startup engagement program, avoiding common pitfalls, and aligning corporate goals with startup innovation. Paolo also offers insights on fostering productive relationships between corporate managers and startup founders to mitigate cultural clashes and maximize collaboration success.
This episode is packed with practical advice for corporates and startups looking to navigate the complex landscape of innovation partnerships and drive impactful results.
*** RELATED LINKS *** To check out Paolo's book ‘Startup Program Design’ we talk about in this episode, click on the following link: https://www.startupprogramdesign.com
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"Measuring innovation is not about finding one perfect metric; it's about understanding the broader impact on your organization."
In this enlightening episode of the Innovation Rockstars podcast, we welcome Dan Toma, acclaimed author, innovation expert, and co-founder of OUTCOME to demystify the complexities of measuring innovation performance. Dan, known for his entrepreneurial spirit and deep understanding of enterprise transformation, explores why traditional R&D metrics fall short and shares his unique perspectives on effective innovation measurement. Whether you're a startup enthusiast or a leader in a blue-chip company, this discussion will challenge your assumptions and offer new insights into fostering innovation effectively within your organization. Join us as we dive deep into the art and science of innovation measurement with one of the industry's thought leaders.
This episode is a treasure trove of insights for aspiring innovators and entrepreneurs seeking practical advice on navigating the complexities of global business and making impactful decisions.
*** RELATED LINKS ***
For further reading, check out Dan's publications:
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"No technology is ever going to make an impact today unless somebody is going to make money from it. And that's the cold hard reality."
In this episode, we welcome Prof. Dr. Andy Wynn, CEO TTIP Global, Professor @ IE Business School in Madrid, and professional globetrotter. Facing Andy’s decades of international business and innovation expertise, we explore the critical lessons gleaned from his global experiences—adaptability, problem-solving, and the power of networking. Key for listeners, Andy emphasizes how these skills are indispensable for anyone looking to thrive in today’s fast-paced business environment. We also discuss the often-underestimated importance of commercializing innovation, and how it overshadows the mere cultivation of a so-called innovation culture. Plus, Andy shares some personal anecdotes about transitioning from a corporate setting to launching successful businesses.
This episode is a treasure trove of insights for aspiring innovators and entrepreneurs seeking practical advice on navigating the complexities of global business and making impactful decisions.
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"One of the ways that I see humans are creating a problem for AI is that these large models... rely at the end of the day on data that humans have created and even that humans have curated."
In this engaging episode of the Innovation Rockstars podcast, we converse with Andreas Welsch, Chief AI Strategist at Intelligence Briefing and Adjunct Lecturer at West Chester University of Pennsylvania.
Together with Andreas, we explore the nuanced dynamics between humans and generative AI, emphasizing the challenges posed by human-generated data on AI's performance. Andreas sheds light on strategic AI applications in business, highlighting the necessity of aligning AI initiatives with organizational goals. The discussion extends to the future role of AI in the workplace and the concept of AI agents in business negotiations, culminating with Andreas imparting valuable career advice for aspiring professionals in the AI domain. Ready for a mind-expanding journey? Tune in to this episode and fuel your curiosity about the AI landscape's future!
Tune in to uncover how AI is reshaping our professional landscapes and why it's more than just a technological advancement—it's a catalyst for innovation and strategic growth.
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"Identify your most important problems as an organization, and then think whether you have a way to address them. That's the sweet spot where you should concentrate your strategy on."
In this episode, we are delighted to welcome Prof. Dr. Christian Stadler, a strategic management expert and Professor of Strategy from the Warwick Business School.
Together with Christian, we delve into the concept of "Open Innovation" exploring how businesses can democratize strategic planning by involving a broader range of voices within the organization. Christian shares insights and experiences from his book "Open Strategy", illustrating the value of diverse input in strategy formulation and execution. The conversation also touches on the evolving role of technology, such as AI, in enhancing strategic processes and the importance of adaptability and experimentation in corporate cultures embracing open strategy.
Tune in for an insightful episode and learn about the sweet spots in your business that your strategy should focus on.
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*** SHOW NOTES ***
Interested readers can find Christian's book "Open Strategy - Open Strategy: Mastering Disruption from Outside the C-Suite" here: https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Christian-Stadler/dp/0262046113
„Foresight ist etwas, das man kontinuierlich betreiben sollte und nicht erst im Krisenmodus. Wenn ich mich kontinuierlich mit der Zukunft beschäftige, dann werde ich in der Regel auch nicht so oft überrascht und kann die eine oder andere Sache viel schneller umsetzen in der Organisation oder vielleicht eine Strategie anpassen.“
In dieser Folge haben wir wieder mal gleich 2 spannende Gäste bei uns: Carolin Šalé und Steffen Kuhn, zwei herausragende Experten im Bereich Strategic Design, Innovation Management und Foresight von Detecon Consulting.
Gemeinsam mit Caro und Steffen erkunden wir die Bedeutung von Foresight in einer sich schnell wandelnden Welt und enthüllen, warum diese Praxis als das neue "Design Thinking" gehandelt wird. Die beiden teilen ihre Einsichten, wie Unternehmen Foresight erfolgreich nutzen können, um zukünftige Herausforderungen zu bewältigen. Wir diskutieren Methoden, Tools und Fallstricke bei der Entwicklung von Zukunftsszenarien und Strategien.
Diese Folge bietet wertvolle Einblicke und praktische Ratschläge für alle, die in einer sich ständig verändernden Geschäftswelt innovativ und erfolgreich sein möchten.
Die ganze Folge auf einen Blick:
Foresight als „Second Design Thinking“
Closing
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"The future is always important but never urgent".
In this episode, we step into the world of foresight and future studies by introducing you to Daria (Dasha) Krivonos, CEO of the Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies.
We kick things off with a glimpse into what the institute is all about, setting the stage for an exploration of how the field of future studies can be a guiding compass for both organizations and societies. Together with Dasha, we dive deep into the intricacies of navigating today's complex global challenges and rapid technological advances, all while considering the central role of AI in shaping our future. Further, we uncover Dasha's journey to leading the Futures Studies Institute and gain valuable insights into her leadership style when steering diverse teams.
Join us for an enlightening episode as Dasha takes us on a journey through the importance of understanding the future in an ever-changing world.
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"Even more important than looking at the snacking industry is looking outside the box to see what is changing in consumer behavior, but also to see how certain trends complete the bigger picture."
In this episode, we welcome Barbara Schandl from Mondelēz International. With more than 25 years of experience in consumer research and marketing at a global level, Barbara has become a true expert in consumer research. In her current role as Insights & Strategy Lead SnackFuture Ventures, Barbara shares with us her insights into the ever-changing landscape of the snack industry, revealing how Mondelez is navigating market trends and forming strategic partnerships with startups. Her unique perspective and 'different animal' approach make this a must-listen for FMCG enthusiasts and innovation seekers.
Tune in and get actionable insights from this conversation about trends in the snack industry and startup partnerships, and join us on a delicious journey of innovation in the snack world!
**FEEDBACK WELCOME We'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Don't hesitate to reach out to us at info@innovationrockstars.show with your feedback, comments, or questions. **HUNGRY FOR MORE? Be sure to check out our website at www.itonicsrockstars.show or browse through our Innovation Rockstars channel on all major podcast platforms.
“Make sure you actually solve the problem and make sure you know your audience. By that I mean know who's your champion inside the organization.” In this episode, we are delighted to welcome Ronja Stoffregen, Head of Global Startup Management at DB Schenker, co-author, and lecturer at the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management. Together with Ronja, we dive into the world of venture clienting and explore how DB Schenker has embraced venture clienting, moving from 'push' to 'pull' and transforming its relationships with partners. Ronja also shares insights on how to ensure pilots deliver tangible results and provides real-world examples.
So what are you waiting for? Tune in and gain actionable insights from this informative and engaging conversation about venture clienting and DB Schenker's innovative journey.
#PowerofNice #Bebold
**SHOW NOTES: Check out the new DB Schenker Startup Terminal - The partner of choice for corporate startup collaborations:
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