In this episode, Stan Deetz explores the complexities of leading cultural and organizational change. Drawing from his book Leading Organizations Through Transition, he emphasizes the importance of communication, member involvement, and managing the psychological and systemic aspects of change. Deetz discusses strategies for creating a culture of resilience, managing resistance, and aligning organizational values with the changing landscape of business.
In this Thursday Thought, we examine the perils of unquestioned mental models. Using the metaphor of monarch butterflies’ ancient migratory paths, we explore how businesses, like Blockbuster, can cling to outdated practices. Learn why it’s essential to challenge ingrained patterns, adapt to new realities, and foster innovation in a rapidly changing world.
In this episode, Bobby Herrera, CEO and author of The Gift of Struggle, discusses the leadership lessons he’s learned from overcoming challenges. Hear how a small act of kindness on a bus at 17 transformed his life and inspired him to build a $500 million business. Discover how embracing vulnerability and sharing stories can help leaders create more connected and empowered communities.
In the final episode of our series with Peter Compo, we dive deep into the emergent approach to strategy. Together, we explore how leaders can maintain course amidst turbulence, engage teams to embrace strategy as their own, and avoid the pitfalls of complacency in both crisis and success. Essential insights for anyone navigating strategic leadership.
Join Annie Duke to explore her bestseling book, Thinking in Bets, linking NFL strategies, poker psychology, and decision-making in business. Learn how to improve decision quality, manage uncertainty, and apply cognitive science to innovation and risk assessment.
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/
Why We Can’t Admit We’re Wrong: A Deep Dive with Carol Tavris
Have you ever clung to a belief even when faced with overwhelming evidence to the contrary? You’re not alone! In this episode, Aidan McCullen chats with renowned social psychologist Carol Tavris, co-author of the groundbreaking book “Mistakes Were Made (But Not by Me).”
Together, they delve into the fascinating world of cognitive dissonance, self-justification, and memory. You’ll discover:
Why admitting mistakes is so darn hard (even for the best of us!)
How our memories can be surprisingly malleable
Real-world examples from law enforcement, politics, and even parenting
How these insights can help us all be more humble, critical thinkers
This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to understand the human tendency to rewrite history and the importance of embracing the possibility of being wrong.
Unlocking Successful Digital Transformation: Insights from David L. Rogers
In this episode, David L. Rogers, author of ‘The Digital Transformation Roadmap’ and ‘The Digital Transformation Playbook,’ joins Aidan to discuss the critical steps and challenges businesses face in their journey towards digital transformation. Rogers emphasises the importance of transforming not just products and business models but the organisation itself.
He outlines five major barriers to success: vision, priorities, experimentation, governance, and capabilities.
Through insightful case studies such as the New York Times and CNN+, Rogers illustrates the pitfalls and successful strategies for driving meaningful innovation.
Additionally, he highlights the need for iterative funding and continuous adaptation in the face of uncertainty. This episode is packed with practical advice and lessons drawn from two decades of research and real-world examples, aimed at helping leaders navigate and thrive in the digital age.
00:00 Introduction to Digital Transformation
00:57 Meet the Author: David L. Rogers
01:47 The Evolution of Digital Transformation
02:36 Challenges and Misconceptions
07:48 Defining Digital Transformation
09:56 Barriers to Success
22:26 Case Study: The New York Times
31:33 Setting Realistic Expectations for Change
32:21 Defining a Clear Vision for Change
34:03 Empathy and Resistance to Change
34:53 Challenges of Corporate Innovation
36:15 Addressing Uncertainty in Innovation
39:27 Paths to Innovation and Growth
41:41 Case Study: The Failure of CNN Plus
49:55 Iterative Funding and the Facebook Example
54:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Find David here:
Substack: http://davidrogersdigital.substack.com
Website: https://davidrogers.digital
The Missing Link Between Strategy and Innovation article David mentioned:
https://hbr.org/2024/03/the-missing-link-between-strategy-and-innovation
The episode we mentioned with Steve Blank:
The Startup Owner’s Manual: The Step-By-Step Guide for Building a Great Company
https://youtu.be/JbPRE2oCjnY?si=S0ULzjFLdnsU-1Ix
Aidan McCullen, David Rogers, digital transformation roadmap, digital transformation playbook, corporate governance, iterative experimentation, Facebook, CNN Plus, startup funding, media industry, New York Times, Steve Blank, Bob Dorf, Rita McGrath, Stefan Tompkin, Peter Thiel, Jason Keillar, Jeff Zucker