Innovation Rockstars

"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:

"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.

*** FEEDBACK WELCOME *** We'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Don't hesitate to contact us at info@innovationrockstars.show with your feedback, comments, or questions.

*** FEEDBACK WELCOME *** We'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Don't hesitate to contact us at info@innovationrockstars.show with your feedback, comments, or questions.

"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.

*** FEEDBACK WELCOME *** We'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Don't hesitate to contact us at info@innovationrockstars.show with your feedback, comments, or questions.

"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.

*** FEEDBACK WELCOME *** We'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Don't hesitate to contact us at info@innovationrockstars.show with your feedback, comments, or questions.

"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.

** 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.

"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."

“There is an appetite for XR experiences to break out of just entertainment. So there is a real chance for XR to make it into our daily lives. It can really break the mold of the mundane routines that we do by making it really more convenient for us.”

“When building a community make sure that you really understand for whom you are building it, what is it for and what will be the benefit both for the business and most importantly, for the community itself, because without people, you don't have community.”

In this inspiring episode, we are joined by Justyna Baber, Innovation Community Leader at the world-famous Swedish furniture store IKEA. Justyna's passion for bringing people together and the need within the organization to unite people and projects around innovation was the basis for the creation of the IKEA Innovation Community.

Join us as we learn about the genesis of the IKEA Innovation Community, but also the strategies used to keep this community not only active but growing and evolving over time. We will also discuss the broader impact of the IKEA Innovation Community and how it indirectly influences innovation and adaptation within the organization by bringing together passionate people from different roles to catalyze learning, sharing, and connections.

Whether you're part of a large corporation or a startup, this episode offers valuable insights into fostering creativity, encouraging collaboration, and building a thriving innovation community.

“We're at a position where it's so early that anyone who gets involved in the spatial computing area/ the metaverse area has the opportunity to shape the way it develops. It's a super exciting time.”

In this enlightening episode, we're joined by Leslie Shannon, a Silicon Valley-based “novophiliac” and Head of Trend and Innovation Scouting at Nokia. Drawing from her extensive knowledge and passion, Leslie discusses with us the potential and future of spatial computing - often better known as the metaverse. 

She also unpacks the revolutionary capabilities of virtual, augmented, and mixed reality and how they’re reshaping various industries. Thereby she addresses the challenges accompanying these advancements, particularly the importance of user privacy and security in an increasingly interconnected digital landscape.

Embark on this exploration of interconnected realities. It's a must-listen for anyone curious about where technology is leading us next!

Related links:

“In fact, I believe there is not a lack of innovative ideas out there, but a lack of rolling up our sleeves and getting to work.”

“We try to get our people attached to the learning rather than the outcome. It's not a failure if you decide to kill your project. In fact, we celebrate that.”