Today, Paul reflects on his journey as an innovation evangelist and shares the valuable lessons he's learned over nearly four decades in the industry. He expresses gratitude to his listeners, guests, and colleagues while recount...

 Jim Fava is the recently retired Executive Director at Anthesis Group, which supports businesses and governments in understanding and navigating the risks and opportunities they face. Throughout his career, Jim has provided invaluable guidance, tools, and expertise on strategies and actions that enable organizations to operate in a more environmentally responsible and sustainable manner. Renowned as the "father of modern-day life cycle assessment," he has devoted his career to advancing and promoting the practice and application of life cycle information worldwide. His efforts have contributed significantly to supporting global decision-making processes. Notably, he led the United States delegation responsible for shaping the first generation of ISO LCA standards. Moreover, Jim co-founded influential organizations such as the UNEP/SETAC Life Cycle Initiative, Five Winds International, and the Forum for Sustainability through Life Cycle Innovation (FSLCI). Today, Jim and I discuss what his career taught him about supporting businesses and governments, turning risks into opportunities, and strategies and actions to operate more sustainably. Jim shares his journey from frat house to c-suite and talks about how he saw the human impact on the environment firsthand and started focusing on sustainability. He outlines life cycle assessment and how it helps us understand the environmental impact of a product over its entire life. He cites disposable diapers as a case study to understand life cycle assessment. Jim also recounts his experience in developing the Technical Framework for Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and the Code of Practice that eventually became the foundation of the International Organization for Standardization's (ISO) Environmental Management Standards.  “You have to put what we want to have happen in the language of the decision-makers, and that's our revenue, brand, cost, and risk management.” - Jim Fava This week on Innovation Talks: ●     Jim’s best sustainable business strategies ●     The Life Cycle Assessment journey to sustainability ●     What cloth diapers can teach us about sustainability ●     How Jim played a leading role in the development the Life Cycle Assessment Methodology ●     How Life Cycle thinking affects product design ●     The ten golden rules for achieving sustainability ●     How to drive change ●     The urgency of sustainability in business management ●     The role of the product manager  Resources Mentioned: ●     Early Life Cycle Assessment Books Laid the Foundation for Modern-Day LCA (https://globe.setac.org/early-life-cycle-assessment-books-laid-the-foundation-for-modern-day-lca/)●     The Origins of LCA: Perspective from The Father of Modern-Day Life Cycle Assessment (https://www.anthesisgroup.com/the-origins-of-lca-perspective-from-the-father-of-modern-day-life-cycle-assessment/) Connect with Jim Fava: ●     Jim Fava Website (https://globe.setac.org/)●     Jim Fava on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-fava-04b88b5/) This Podcast is brought to you by Sopheon Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Innovation Talks. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. 

Today, Paul has an enlightening conversation on the future of technology and innovation with futurist Thomas Frey to explore how emerging technologies, robotics, and biotechnologies are poised to reshape our lives. Diving into the potential evolution of entertainment, healthcare, quantum computing, and the role of personal bots, they offer a glimpse of a future where technology redefines human potential. Thomas Frey is a prominent futurist and the founder of the Da Vinci Institute. Renowned for his engaging keynotes and thought-provoking predictions, Thomas travels globally to discuss how burgeoning technologies will shape the future. With extensive expertise in foresight and innovation, he is often sought after for his ability to expand people's understanding of upcoming trends and developments. Thomas has also authored several publications, including "Future Like a Boss," and actively contributes to his blog at futuristspeaker.com. "Technology will redefine human potential, enabling people to become exponentially more adaptable." ~Thomas Frey Today on Innovation Talks: ·     The inevitability and rapid pace of technology.·     There is a need for exponentially better talent in the tech industry.·     The potential of robotic performances and races blends with human entertainment.·     The shift from pharmaceutical solutions to biotechnological systems.·     The world's largest quantum computer and its future applications.·     Predictions, including smart glasses and personal bots.·     Insights into demographic changes and their implications on technology and jobs.·     Philosophical thoughts on societal balance and the necessity of struggle. Resources Mentioned: "Future Like a Boss (https://futuristspeaker.com/thomas-frey-future-like-a-boss-online-course/)": Thomas Frey’s book is available as a course on thinking like a futurist. Quantum computing developments by Quantinium (https://www.quantinuum.com/).https://www.quantinuum.com/ (https://www.quantinuum.com/) Thomas Frey's columns and blogs at Future Speaker (https://futuristspeaker.com/).https://futuristspeaker.com/ (https://futuristspeaker.com/)12 Famous Quotes that Will Change Your Life (https://futuristspeaker.com/futurist-thomas-frey-insights/12-famous-quotes-that-will-change-your-life/)https://futuristspeaker.com/futurist-thomas-frey-insights/12-famous-quotes-that-will-change-your-life/ (https://futuristspeaker.com/futurist-thomas-frey-insights/12-famous-quotes-that-will-change-your-life/)  Connect with Thomas Frey: Website: https://futuristspeaker.com/ (https://futuristspeaker.com/)  Thomas Frey Futurist of the Year 2024 (https://foty2024.sgmk.edu.pl/en/thomas-frey-en/)https://foty2024.sgmk.edu.pl/en/thomas-frey-en/ (https://foty2024.sgmk.edu.pl/en/thomas-frey-en/)   Ready to Transform Your Innovation Strategy?If you're a product manager or innovator looking to streamline your processes and turn chaos into control, you won't want to miss this opportunity.Dive into our exclusive, free eBook on Innovation Ops strategies designed just for you.Learn the secrets to revolutionizing your approach and achieving success with clarity and precision.Download your copy today (https://info.sopheon.com/innovationops-ebook).

Today, Paul and Neil Hawkins discuss integrating sustainability into corporate innovation, focusing on blending value creation, project discipline, and collaboration to achieve long-term sustainability goals. An industry expert, Neil discusses his strategies and experiences from his extensive career promoting sustainable business practices. For 31 years, Neil was a key leader at Dow, ultimately serving as Chief Sustainability Officer and CVP, Environment, Health, & Safety for the last twelve years. He was the architect of the breakthrough “valuing nature” collaboration with The Nature Conservancy, and he integrated environmental and social considerations into the core of the Dow’s business strategy and public reporting. He is widely recognized as one of the world's top sustainable business thought leaders. After Dow, as President of Michigan’s Erb Family Foundation, a $350mm regional philanthropy, he focused on improving regional arts in the Great Lakes ecosystem, promoting environmental justice, and founding the Sustainable Business Network of Detroit. He served as interim CEO and President of the World Environment Center, facilitating a merger with Wildlife Habitat Council. He is President of Michigan Sustainability Associates, LLC and Research Advisor/Instructor at Harvard University in the Master of Sustainability ALM program. "Cultivate an environment where sustainability is not just a checkmark but a core value driving every stage gate process." ~Neil Hawkins Today on Innovation Talks: ·     Integrating sustainability into corporate processes is crucial: Embedding sustainability within every business process drives long-term success and profitability.·     Leadership and employee enthusiasm are vital: Effective transformational change hinges on support from both top leadership and committed lower-level employees.·     Addressing middle management resistance: The so-called "frozen middle" often resists change; successful strategies involve engaging and educating them.·     Early efforts yield financial and environmental returns: Dow's initial sustainability goals delivered a $4 billion return on a $1 billion investment, demonstrating clear economic benefits.·     Focus on expertise before implementation: Ensuring capable individuals are in place before integrating sustainability screens prevents ineffective practices.·     Continuous progress in sustainable innovation: Companies increasingly adopt sustainability strategies, illustrating an industry-wide shift towards more sustainable practices.·     Collaborative initiatives drive innovation: Partnerships with other industries and stakeholders can significantly accelerate sustainability goals.·     Listening to stakeholders enhances outcomes: Understanding internal and external stakeholder needs is essential for effective sustainability integration. Guest contact information: Follow Neil Hawkins on LinkedIn for updates on sustainability topics (https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-hawkins-he-him-his-695a977?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3B9AeDqQXXSSSaugUSH2vRzQ%3D%3D)https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-hawkins-he-him-his-695a977?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3B9AeDqQXXSSSaugUSH2vRzQ%3D%3D (https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-hawkins-he-him-his-695a977?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3B9AeDqQXXSSSaugUSH2vRzQ%3D%3D) Resources mentioned: Project Charter Blog (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/trick-sustainability-consulting-projects-project-neil-neil-adhpe/)

Today, Paul and guest Bob Cooper look deeply into the deployment of artificial intelligence in new product development. The discussion revolves around the challenges of successfully implementing AI projects, the high failure rates, and the potential solutions to overcome these hurdles. They also discuss how AI transforms product innovation and process improvements across various industries, with insights drawn from Bob Cooper's extensive research and practical experiences. Bob Cooper, the founder of the Stage-Gate® methodology, is a renowned expert in new product development and innovation management. With decades of experience, he has been instrumental in refining processes businesses use to navigate the complexities of bringing new products to market. As a prolific author and a thought leader, his work continues to influence how organizations harness technological advancements like artificial intelligence to stay competitive. Cooper’s blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on expertise makes him a valuable resource for understanding the intricacies of AI in product development. "Imagine AI not as a replacement, but as an augmentation of human capabilities. With the right balance, AI can drive unprecedented innovation in product development." ~ Bob Cooper Today on Innovation Talks: ·     AI project failures often mimic traditional product development failures, with up to 80% of projects floundering due to poor technical understanding and misjudgment of user needs.·     The misinformation from vendors and promotional blogs significantly contributes to the high failure rate of AI projects.·     Successful AI deployment frequently parallels the Stage-Gate® processes used in traditional product development, highlighting the need for structured project management.·     Data quality is as crucial to AI as material quality is to manufacturing physical products; insufficient or poor-quality data undermines AI performance.·     While AI's role in product innovation is substantial, its impact is even more significant in process improvements, facilitating everything from idea generation to market launches.·     Trust and readiness to adopt AI are major hurdles; many companies are reluctant to rely fully on AI for decision-making, preferring human oversight.·     The financial sector has adopted AI more rapidly than product development industries, indicating a sector-specific readiness and application of AI technologies.·     Personal and professional AI literacy is essential; proficiency with tools like ChatGPT can significantly boost productivity and innovation capabilities.   Guest Contact Information: Website: www.bobcooper.ca (http://www.bobcooper.ca)http://www.bobcooper.ca/ (http://www.bobcooper.ca/) Resources Mentioned: http://www.bobcooper.ca/articles/artificial-intelligence-in-npd (http://www.bobcooper.ca/articles/artificial-intelligence-in-npd) Rapid model: Roadmap for AI Implementation and Deployment (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/adopting-artificial-intelligence-new-product-rapid-model-cooper-wze4e)https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/adopting-artificial-intelligence-new-product-rapid-model-cooper-wze4eStage-Gate® methodology (https://www.stage-gate.com/blog/the-stage-gate-model-an-overview/)https://www.stage-gate.com/blog/the-stage-gate-model-an-overview/ (https://www.stage-gate.com/blog/the-stage-gate-model-an-overview/)

Colonel Eddie Corrigan is the Assistant Head of the UK Ministry of Defense's Concepts, Strategy, Force Development, Doctrine, and Lessons Defense Logistics division. With over 33 years of tactical, operational, and strategic experience across many l...

  Today, Paul discusses the intricacies of corporate innovation and explores the challenges and successes in the mobile technology market of the early 2000s. Alex Slawsby, Chief Growth Officer at

Alex Slawbsy is the Chief Growth Officer of InnoLead, an organization that creates content, events, and tools to help the world's largest network of corporate strategy, innovation, and R&D leaders drive change more successfully. Over the past 20 years, Alex has dedicated his time to researching, teaching, guiding, and leading corporate innovation strategy development, capability building, and new business incubation. Before InnoLead, Alex was the Director of Innovation at Embraer-X and an innovation consultant for several years for organizations, including Clayton Christensen’s disruptive innovation consultancy, Innosight. Alex holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Brown University and a Master of Business Administration degree from the MIT Sloan School of Management. Alex joins me today to discuss why innovation leaders must shape culture to drive organizational change. He explains why innovation is difficult to quantify and how it’s challenging for innovation leaders to argue their necessity to an organization. He outlines why innovating and change-making imply building trust and relationships within an organization. Alex also discusses hybrid work in the post-COVID era and how remote work may affect organizational culture, change-making, and innovation. “If you’re trying to move the organization, you need to build the relationships, the bonds, the trust, and perhaps the mentorship with the people who will support you.” - Alex Slawsby This week on Innovation Talks:●     Alex’s background in corporate innovation and the history of InnoLead●     The difference between innovation and invention●     Alex’s insights on current shifts in innovation●     Current conversations around innovation, uncertainty, and the economy●     Communicating the value innovation leaders and innovation teams bring to an organization●     The innovator’s dilemma and navigating innovation and change-resistant people●     The challenge of getting people to support something that may not be in the best interest of their careers●     How innovation teams are often perceived in companies●     How to avoid and manage the clash between innovation and the core business●     Connecting with consumers to understand what’s best for them Connect with Alex Slawsby:●     InnoLead (https://www.innovationleader.com/)●     InnoLead on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/innovation-leader/)●     InnoLead on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/innolead/)●     InnoLead on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/innovationldr/)●     InnoLead on Twitter (https://twitter.com/InnoLead)●     Alex Slawsby on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexslawsby/) This podcast is brought to you by Sopheon. Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Innovation Talks. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innovation-talks/id1555857396) | TuneIn (https://tunein.com/podcasts/Technology-Podcasts/Innovation-Talks-p1412337/) |

This week's episode explores the intricacies of AI-powered innovation and its transformative effects across various industries. Together with George Young, we dismantle the limitations and potential of artificial intelligence and machine learning in predicting outcomes. George elucidates these technologies' ongoing disruptions, especially within the consumer packaged goods sector during the COVID-19 pandemic, and underscores the rising importance of sustainability in modern manufacturing.George Young is a seasoned expert in digital innovation. Twenty years ago, he co-founded Calypso and is now the vice president of global digital services at Rockwell Automation. Based in Mumbai, George is deeply involved in digital transformations that address India's rapid infrastructure expansion. With an illustrious career stretching from organic chemistry and consulting to production and business management, George remains passionate about problem-solving and applying cutting-edge digital tools. His pivotal role in integrating digital information into physical products has significantly advanced consumer and product experiences."Introducing minimum viable products and emphasizing the importance of iterative feedback over waiting for perfection is fundamental to successful innovation." - George YoungToday on Innovation Talks:·     Limitations of AI and ML: George Young emphasizes that these technologies cannot predict outcomes without understanding the root causes.·     COVID-19 Disruptions: Insights into how the pandemic challenged the consumer packaged goods sector and prompted innovations.·     Digital Information in Physical Products: George illustrates digital tech integration in products like refrigerators and tires for improved consumer experiences.·     Generative AI in Innovation: Discussion on how AI can automate tasks like writing specifications, freeing time for more complex work.·     Cross-Disciplinary Expertise: The value of combining different fields of expertise to gain a competitive edge in product development.·     Sustainability and Worker Safety: Emphasizing these aspects can lower production costs and increase overall efficiency.·     Minimum Viable Products: Launching MVPs and continually seeking feedback to refine and perfect products is important.·     AI/ML for Portfolio Management: Using AI and machine learning to predict project cycle time and success rates, thereby enhancing portfolio management.Resources Mentioned:"13 Steps to Mindful Consulting (https://www.amazon.com/Steps-Mindful-Consulting-George-Young/dp/1791722563)": George Young's book based on Buddhist principles for a balanced and productive professional life.Connect with George Young:Email: george.young@rockwellautomation.com (mailto:george.young@rockwellautomation.com)Ready to Transform Your Innovation Strategy? If you're a product manager or innovator looking to streamline your processes and turn chaos into control, you won't want to miss this opportunity. Dive into our exclusive, free eBook on Innovation Ops strategies designed just for you. Learn the secrets to revolutionizing your approach and achieving success with clarity and precision. Download your copy today (https://info.sopheon.com/innovationops-ebook). Visit https://info.sopheon.

Langdon Morris is a globally recognized futurist, innovation expert, and strategy consultant with a career transition into innovation dating back to 1998-99. As the founder of Innovation Labs in 2001, he has played a crucial role in est...

In this episode, I sit down with Adrian Wong, a startup and global corporation innovation technology leader and venture partner with expertise in digital transformation, early-stage startups, and new product development. We discuss the evolving landscape of user experience (UX) design, the importance of understanding customer needs, and the challenges and opportunities that emerging technologies like AI, VR, and AR present for businesses. Adrian shares his insights on the future of UX and the critical role that design plays in shaping successful products and brands. Adrian is a dotcom veteran with a unique hybrid background as a product and creative director in startups and innovation CTO in corporations across a dozen industries. He’s scaled gaming startup PKR to the fastest-growing UK tech company, pioneered innovation labs for AstraZeneca, BDO, and Wipro, and works as a fractional CxO and venture capitalist to invest in and support emerging digital ventures. He specializes in product, growth, artificial intelligence and corporate innovation - the practical application and commercialisation of emerging tech combined with consumer-grade UX for competitive advantage and democratisation of advanced technologies."Understanding the right problems to solve with technology is a common challenge for companies, and there's a growing emphasis on continuous learning and user research." ~Adrian WongToday on Innovation Talks:·     The Cambridge, UK, area fosters innovation due to its concentration of talent and innovative tech companies.·     User research and qualitative research are crucial for understanding customer behavior and incorporating it into the digital space.·     Voice interaction and differences in device interactions across the world, such as the super app environment in China, impact AI interactions and privacy concerns.·     Data privacy and IP protection pose challenges and opportunities for corporations and startups.·     The evolution of UX has progressed from static to dynamic, personalized experiences, with a focus on accessibility and inclusive design.·     Lean and agile methodologies have contributed to a more collaborative and iterative design process.·     AI and data analytics have led to increased personalization and customization in user experiences.·     The future of UX may involve multimodal interfaces, haptic feedback, brain-computer interfaces, and seamless cross-device experiences affecting the physical world. Connect with Adrian Wong:https://www.adrianxwong.com/ (https://www.adrianxwong.com/)https://www.linkedin.com/in/axwong/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/axwong/)https://x.com/adrianxwong (https://x.com/adrianxwong)https://www.openvc.app/fund/Adrian%20Wong (https://www.openvc.app/fund/Adrian%20Wong)https://portfolio-collective.com/profile/adrian_1/ (https://portfolio-collective.com/profile/adrian_1/)Resources Mentioned:https://www.rainforest-alliance.org/ (https://www.rainforest-alliance.org/)RSC Sustainability (https://www.rscsustainability.com/)Ready to Transform Your Innovation Strategy?If you're a product manager or innovator looking to streamline your processes and turn chaos into control, you won't want to miss this opportunity.Dive into our exclusive,

In this week's episode, I had an insightful conversation with Ruth Rennie about the growing importance of sustainability in business and how companies can leverage data to drive meaningful change. We explore the various factors pushing ...

We use roadmaps as a reference to tailor our projects and various investments in the business. They’re essentially our guide—a compass to where we want to be with all the details of getting there. However, many are confused by road mapping, especially regarding how it starts and who should spearhead it.  In this episode, I describe roadmapping and the different kinds of roadmaps. I explain what road mapping is from the viewpoint of innovation and why we conduct road mapping exercises in the first place. I share valuable resources that dive deeper into road mapping. I also discuss when an organization should update its roadmap and the data that makes an excellent roadmap. "Roadmapping is not a single-person endeavor, but a shared initiative." - Paul Heller This week on Innovation Talks: ●     Defining road mapping and the different varieties●     Roadmapping from an innovation perspective●     Considering when to update a roadmap in your corporation●     Why do we conduct road mapping exercises●     Valuable resources for road mapping Resources Mentioned: ●     Cambridge Roadmapping (https://www.cambridgeroadmapping.net/roadmapping)●     IfM Engage (https://engage.ifm.eng.cam.ac.uk./roadmapping/)●     Sopheon Roadmapping (https://www.sopheon.com/de/roadmapping/) This Podcast is brought to you by Sopheon Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Innovation Talks. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innovation-talks/id1555857396) | TuneIn (https://tunein.com/podcasts/Technology-Podcasts/Innovation-Talks-p1412337/) | GooglePlay (https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9pbm5vdmF0aW9udGFsa3MubGlic3luLmNvbS9yc3M%3D) | Stitcher (https://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=614195) | Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/1dX5b8tWI29YbgeMwZF5Uh) | iHeart (https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-innovation-talks-82985745/) Be sure to connect with us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/SopheonCorp/), Twitter (https://twitter.com/sopheon), and LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/sopheon/), and share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more listeners like you. For additional information about new product development or corporate innovation, sign up for Sopheon’s monthly newsletter, where we share news and industry best practices! The fastest way to do this is to go to sopheon.com (https://www.sopheon.com/) and click here (https://info.sopheon.com/subscribe).

Dan Adams is a visionary in business growth and leadership, serving as president of the AIM Institute. With extensive experience guiding companies toward innovation and market-driven strategies, Dan has authored the groundbreaking book Business Builders. Dan's commitment to fostering a builder mentality in leaders has significantly impacted the business landscape, encouraging a new wave of transformative leadership.This week's episode explores the strategic mindset that sets apart the most successful companies from their competitors. Joining us is business leader Dan Adams, who discusses the concept of the "builder mentality," which is essential for long-term competitiveness and growth. We examine how these principles, laid out in Dan's new book and his research-backed survey, impact leadership styles, succession planning, and the understanding of leaders' roles in shaping companies for future success." Our belief is that the duty of a senior leader is to leave their business stronger than they found it.” - Dan Adams This Week on Innovation Talks:·     A builder mentality drives company growth: Dan Adams highlights that leadership focused on delivering customer value and expanding the company is most effective at driving growth.·     Different leaders impact organizations in unique ways: Builders, decorators, remodelers, and realtors—each leadership style has a distinct approach, with builders being the most growth-oriented.·     Understanding one's leadership style is key: Adams encourages leaders to use the self-assessment tool on his website to measure their belief system and adopt a builder mentality.·     Balancing leadership styles for sustainable growth: While different leaders have varied priorities, a balance of strategies is crucial for organic growth.·     CEOs must evolve with their companies: As companies grow, the need for a builder mentality remains critical, making succession planning pivotal.Connect with Dan Adams:LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-adams-ab8b592) Resources Mentioned:- Book: "Business Builders" by Dan Adams (http://businessbuildersamazon.com/) - AIM Institute (https://theaiminstitute.com/)- Builder Mentality Self-Assessment Tool (https://theaiminstitute.com/insights/business-builders-book/are-you-a-builder-assessment/) This Podcast is brought to you by SopheonThanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Innovation Talks. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innovation-talks/id1555857396) | TuneIn (https://tunein.com/podcasts/Technology-Podcasts/Innovation-Talks-p1412337/) | Stitcher (https://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=614195) | Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/1dX5b8tWI29YbgeMwZF5Uh) | iHeart (https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-innovation-talks-82985745/) Be sure to connect with us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/SopheonCorp/), Twitter (https://twitter.com/sopheon), and

In this week's episode, we explore the transformative role of artificial intelligence in boosting B2B selling performance. We also explore the shift in training methodologies and innovations within the sales domain, a conversation enriched by the in...

 This week, I discuss the critical role of data in innovation and decision-making. We explore the significance of data hygiene and its vital role in driving accurate and trustworthy decision-making in innovation. Drawing attentio...

Today, on Innovation Talks, we explore the intricacies of innovation coaching for emerging tech founders. We also discuss various strategies for integrating digital and analytical capabilities and the vital role of company culture in dr...

In this episode of Innovation Talks, we dive into the intricate world of data-driven innovation. I have the pleasure of speaking with Krishnan Venkata, who sheds light on the potential value of mining various data sources, from research and development to consumer feedback. We explore how harnessing internal and external data, including insights from the web like blogs and forums, can revolutionize how companies understand and respond to consumer preferences.Krishnan Venkata is the Chief Client Officer at Latent View Analytics, a firm dedicated to maximizing the value of data for decision-making. With a technology and knowledge services background, Krishnan advises early-stage tech companies on growth strategies. Originally from India and currently based in Seattle, Washington, Krishnan brings an international perspective to the conversation. His journey from a small startup to leading a team of 1500 at Latent View Analytics speaks volumes about his commitment to leveraging analytics for innovation."Mining external data sources like blogs, forums, and reviews is essential to truly understand and anticipate consumer preferences." ~ Krishnan VenkataToday on Innovation Talks:* The value of mining diverse data sources: Learn how data from R&D, patents, chemical formulations, and consumer feedback can provide unique insights.* Importance of external data: Discover how blogs, forums, and online reviews reveal consumer preferences and trends.* Recognizing the challenge of data silos: Understand why data being confined within departmental boundaries hampers actionable insights.* Actionable insights in practice: Real-world examples highlight the importance of taking steps based on predictive insights, such as managing inventory.* Generative AI for insights: Explore how AI can generate and alert you to potential decisions, starting with moderate accuracy and improving over time.* Identifying AI use cases: Address organizations' struggle to pinpoint where AI can truly add value.* Overcoming the fear of failure: Recognize the necessity of experimentation and the readiness to fail fast, learning along the way.* Collaboration and data sharing: Grasp the shift towards collaborative innovation and the mutual trust required for data sharing within supply chains.Contact Krishnan:LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/krishnanvenkata/)Latent View Analytics (https://www.latentview.com/))Resources Mentioned:Latent View Analytics (https://www.latentview.com/)): Specializing in maximizing data value and analytics for decision-making.“Smart Innovation” Platform (https://www.latentview.com/smart-innovation/): A tool by Latent View Analytics that helps predict and leverage market trends.Ready to Transform Your Innovation Strategy?If you're a product manager or innovator looking to streamline your processes and turn chaos into control, you won't want to miss this opportunity.Dive into our exclusive, free eBook on Innovation Ops strategies designed just for you.Learn the secrets to revolutionizing your approach and achieving success with clarity and precision.Download your copy today (https://info.sopheon.com/innovationops-ebook).

 In this week's episode, we delve into the critical role of enterprise technology and why it matters in today's rapidly evolving business landscape. Our guest, Geoff Scott, sheds light on the complexities of integrating personal communication tools like iMessage into enterprise data systems, the transformative power of cloud computing, and the significance of community and face-to-face collaboration in fostering innovation. Geoff shares his valuable insights on how businesses can navigate the challenges of modern enterprise architecture, data migration, and maintaining effective operations in a digital-first world. Geoff Scott is a seasoned technology leader specializing in SAP implementation and operations. As the CEO of Americas’ SAP Users’ Group (ASUG), one of the largest technology communities globally, Geoff brings together a diverse ecosystem of purchasers, users, implementers, partners, and consultants. His career spans a transition from accounting to consulting, with hands-on experience in various industries, including automotive, food, and fashion. Geoff's primary focus is on enabling customers to maximize the value of their SAP investment through strategic collaboration with the partner ecosystem and SAP itself. Outside his role at ASUG, Geoff engages with global system implementers, consulting firms, and technology providers to align technological advancements with business value. "Enterprise technology should make jobs faster, smarter, and less friction-filled, with an emphasis on the importance of people and relationships." ~ Geoff Scott Today on Innovation Talks: • The challenge of integrating personal communication tools like iMessage into enterprise systems and ensuring data consistency.• The necessity of having all data available, including tacit knowledge, for AI tools to be effective.• The limitations of AI in high-stakes decision-making and the potential consequences of errors, exemplified by autonomous driving.• The scalability and speed advantages of cloud computing over traditional server provisioning, along with security and licensing considerations.• The superior security provided by hyperscalers compared to internal data centers, particularly for startups.• The importance of community and face-to-face collaboration in fostering innovation and professional growth.• The role of SAP as the central nervous system of an enterprise and the need for integration with major ERP systems for effective business operations.• The future of enterprise technology in the cloud, software as a service (SaaS), and minimal customization, highlighting the challenges and necessity of transitioning from on-premise systems.Connect with Geoff Scott:·     LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoff-scott-ugs/)·     geoff.scott@asug.com  Resources Mentioned:• Cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Microsoft's cloud-based solutions for SAP, Excel, and Outlook.• ASUG (Americas’ SAP Users’ Group (https://www.asug.com/)) for technology-related community events and resources.   Ready to Transform Your Innovation Strategy? If you're a product manager or innovator looking to streamline your processes and turn chaos into control, you won't want to miss this opportunity.  Dive into our exclusive,

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