In this episode, we sit down with William ‘Bill’ Damon, a leading expert on adolescence and author of *The Path to Purpose*, to explore the vital role of purpose in shaping resilient and fulfilled lives. Bill shares insights from his extensive research, including collaborations with Howard Gardner and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, and discusses how purpose influences various aspects of life—family, education, and work. He also reflects on his personal journey, offering practical advice for anyone interested in fostering a sense of purpose in themselves or others. This conversation is a must-listen for parents, educators, and mentors alike.
In this episode, we delve into a profound moment of opportunity in human history, examining how organisations can harness leadership to help people and communities thrive. The discussion centres on the new book, ‘Leading Through: Activating the Soul, Heart, and Mind of Leadership,’ authored by Kim, Jonathan, and Erin Clark. The Clarks share their experiences from diverse fields to propose a shift from the outdated power-over paradigm to a more human-centric, flexible, and adaptive way of leading. Topics covered include the challenges and potential of the new paradigm, real-life examples from the authors’ professional journeys, and the enduring need for empathetic leadership even in the face of daunting organisational inertia.
Ellie Charles Mann Hummel
Innovating Corporate KPIs – Ellie Amirnasr and Charles Vaillant
Driving Progress with Mann+Hummel’s Hunter Strategy
In this episode of the Corporate Explorer series, we dive into innovative business practices with Mann+Hummel’s CTO/CDO Charles Vaillant and Digital Ventures Manager Ellie Amirnasr. The guests discuss the pitfalls of applying traditional KPIs too early in new business ventures and advocate for non-financial progress metrics. They introduce the ‘Hunter Strategy’ for pursuing business validation and scaling within exploration-type projects. The conversation covers how to manage resource allocation efficiently, the evolution of their innovation framework, and essential advice for corporate explorers. This episode is sponsored by Wazoku, a leader in creating sustainable innovation ecosystems.
00:00 Introduction to Business Innovation
01:10 Sponsor Acknowledgment
01:49 Meet the Guests: Ellie Amirnasr and Charles Vaillant
02:54 Understanding Mann and Hummel
04:56 Challenges with Traditional Metrics
10:54 Hunter Strategy Explained
17:21 Implementing Effective Metrics
23:59 Resource Allocation in R&D
30:18 Advice for Corporate Explorers
34:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Business Innovation, KPIs, Venture Management, Non-Financial KPIs, Innovation Ecosystems, Corporate Exploration, Growth Validation, Hunter Strategy, Mann and Hummel, Wazoku, Aidan McCullen, Ellie Amirnasr, Charles Vaillaint, Corporate R&D, Digital Ventures, Strategic Metrics, Innovative Processes, Resource Allocation, R&D Investments, Corporate Transformation
Find Charles: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chvaillant/
Find Ellie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellie-amirnasr/
Find Aidan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aidanmccullen/
Aidan and David Rogers, the author of ‘The Digital Transformation Roadmap’ delve into the significant challenges and strategies for digital transformation within organisations. Key topics include overcoming psychological and organisational debt, technical capabilities required for transformation, the importance of suitable technology, retaining key talent, and evolving organisational culture. David also shares insights on governance and iterative funding, emphasising the need for smart shutdowns and resource allocation. The episode is packed with practical examples, including successful digital transformations at Walmart and Netflix. David’s profound experience and practical tools make this essential listening for business leaders and innovators.
Stop Relying on Gut Feeling: How Business Experimentation Drives Innovation
In the ever-changing world of business, instinct can only take you so far. The latest episode of The Innovation Show dives deep into the world of data-driven innovation, exploring how business experimentation can de-risk new ventures and lead to success.
Our Corporate Explorers, Sarah Spoto (Product Marketing Manager for Electric Vehicles & Customer Experience with Cadillac) and Vincent Ducret (ChangeLogic), share their experiences implementing a groundbreaking business experimentation framework for General Motors in China.
This episode unpacks the importance of assumption analysis, prioritizing hypotheses, and iterative experimentation for making informed decisions based on real customer data, not just intuition.
You’ll also learn about:
The challenges of corporate innovation and how to overcome them
How to foster a culture of experimentation that embraces celebrating failures as learning opportunities
A real-world example of business experimentation in action
Unleash the Power of “Both/And” Thinking: Solve Toughest Problems & Make Breakthrough DecisionsTired of either/or choices? This episode of The Innovation Show cracks the code on navigating paradoxes. Join Wendy Smith, co-author of “Both/And Thinking,” as she reveals the power of embracing tensions for better problem-solving in your career, organization, and beyond. Discover the four types of paradoxes and practical strategies to manage them effectively. Learn from Lego’s success story and more!
Mastering high-stakes conversations is essential for driving corporate innovation. In this episode, Alexander Pett, an expert in executive team dynamics, reveals the power of “productive tension.” Learn how to strategically navigate disagreements, secure senior-level buy-in, and effectively communicate your innovative ideas in the boardroom. Tune in to discover practical frameworks and communication strategies that will empower you to lead successful organizational change.
Join Alison Taylor, NYU Stern ethics professor and author, to explore ethical challenges, stakeholder capitalism, corporate culture, and the role of leadership in building a responsible and sustainable business.
Teresa Amabile, author of ‘The Progress Principle,’ sharesher extensive research on motivation and emotions in the workplace.
Discover Ellen Langer’s transformative insights on mindfulness and positive psychology for boosting creativity and innovation, on the innovation show.