Innovation Storytellers

Susan Lindner

Did you ever wonder how an innovation got to its finish line? How innovators saw the future, made a product, and created change – in our world and in their companies? I did. Innovation Storytellers invites changemakers to describe how they created their innovation and just as important – THE STORIES – that made us fall in love with them. Come learn how great innovations need great stories to make them move around the world and how to become a better storyteller in the process. I’m Susan Lindner, the Innovation Storyteller. But I wasn’t always. I’ve been a wannabe revolutionary, an epidemiologist at the CDC and an AIDS educator in the brothels of Thailand helping to turn former sex workers into entrepreneurs. Trained as an anthropologist and the Founder of Emerging Media, I’ve spent the last twenty years working with innovators from 60+ countries. Ranging from cutting edge startups to Fortune 100 companies like GE, Corning, Citi, Olayan, and nine foreign governments, helping their leaders to tell their stories and teaching them how to become incredible advocates for their innovations. Great innovation stories make change possible. They let us step into a future we can’t see yet. I started this podcast to shine a light on our generation of great innovators, to learn how they brought their innovation to life and the stories they told to bring them to the world. read less
BusinessBusiness

Episodes

175: Creating a Halo Effect Around Innovation That Drives Real Value
4d ago
175: Creating a Halo Effect Around Innovation That Drives Real Value
In this episode of the Innovation Storyteller Show, I sit down with Alex Trotta, Product Owner at Moody’s, who brings over 14 years of experience working at some of the most influential financial institutions in the world, including Citibank, MasterCard, and Goldman Sachs. Our conversation dives deep into how organizations, both large and small, can introduce innovation in a way that creates real impact and lasting value. One of the most important takeaways from Alex’s journey is the need to focus innovation efforts. Too often, businesses launch multiple initiatives at once—corporate ventures, accelerators, hackathons—and fail to give any one of them the attention, funding, or time they need to grow. According to Alex, innovation needs to be strategically aligned with company-wide goals, rather than being siloed off in a separate department. A key theme in our discussion is the concept of creating a "halo effect" around innovation. Alex explains how aligning innovation with influential figures or well-known brands can generate excitement and support within the organization. By building this halo effect, internal teams are more likely to rally behind innovative projects, elevating their own profiles within the company while driving real results. One of the most powerful insights Alex shares is the importance of data-driven decision-making in innovation. It’s not enough to simply have a good idea. You need the data to back it up. Alex emphasizes that using tools already in place—such as Salesforce, Jira, or ServiceNow—can accelerate the feedback loop and ensure that the decisions being made align with customer needs. Without this data, even the best ideas can fall flat when presented to leadership. Another crucial point Alex makes is the need for metrics. Whether you are pursuing a new product, process improvement, or business model innovation, having clear metrics allows you to assess whether to continue on your current path or pivot in a new direction. He advises innovators to not only measure success but also to be prepared to present the value of failure to leadership. Failure isn’t the end; it’s often where the most valuable lessons are learned. Throughout our conversation, Alex touches on the challenges of innovation within large organizations, particularly when it comes to securing ongoing funding and support. He argues that when innovation is viewed as a company-wide focus, rather than just the responsibility of a specific team, it has a better chance of surviving budget cuts during tough times. Ultimately, this episode is filled with practical advice for anyone working in corporate innovation. Whether you are at the beginning stages of an innovation initiative or trying to scale it within a large organization, Alex’s insights provide a roadmap for creating a more focused, data-driven approach that drives real value.
174: How Verizon is Helping Doctors and Patients Tell a Healthier Innovation Story
01-10-2024
174: How Verizon is Helping Doctors and Patients Tell a Healthier Innovation Story
In this episode of the Innovation Storytellers Show, I explore the intricate world of healthcare innovation with Robin Goldsmith, Global Lead of Health Innovation & Strategy at Verizon Business. As the healthcare industry undergoes a seismic shift, Robin sheds light on the importance of investing in new technologies that deliver long-term benefits, especially when faced with tight margins and staff shortages. We discuss the critical role of storytelling in communicating the value of technology to healthcare providers. Robin emphasizes that solutions must resonate with their unique challenges and enhance the patient experience. It’s not just about technology for its own sake; it’s about understanding how these innovations can transform everyday operations for doctors, nurses, and patients alike. With advancements in AI, 5G, and secure networks, we examine the potential for real-time data accessibility and improved patient outcomes. Robin shares insights from his extensive experience in health data analytics and digital transformation, highlighting the importance of practical use cases that demonstrate the tangible benefits of new technologies. Additionally, we touch on the frustrations that many healthcare professionals face when integrating technology into their workflows and how understanding their needs is crucial for fostering acceptance and encouraging innovation. Join us as we explore how Verizon is helping shape a healthier innovation story for both doctors and patients, paving the way for a more connected and efficient healthcare ecosystem. Don’t miss this enlightening discussion about the future of healthcare and the exciting technologies that will drive it forward!
173: The Art of Innovation Storytelling -- Making the Complex Simple
24-09-2024
173: The Art of Innovation Storytelling -- Making the Complex Simple
How do we turn complex problems into simple, innovative solutions that drive real-world impact? In this episode of the Innovation Storyteller Show, I sit down with Joe Salesky, the Founder and CEO of Fixing.World, to explore the art of innovation and storytelling in a rapidly changing business landscape. Joe, a seasoned Silicon Valley entrepreneur and inventor, brings over 40 years of experience in leading diverse teams to create transformative solutions on a global scale. Throughout our conversation, Joe shares his insights on how technology—ranging from AI to digital books—can revolutionize industries, with a particular focus on improving early childhood education. We dive into the trillion-book challenge, discussing how digital distribution can help bridge the gap for millions of children worldwide who lack access to books, addressing both cognitive development and social inequity. Joe also talks about the importance of delivering simple solutions to hard problems, emphasizing the need for quick, effective proofs of value to overcome organizational inertia. We explore how trust, empathy, and diverse teams are crucial in driving innovation and building lasting brand engagement in today’s noisy market. Join us as we uncover how to leverage innovation and storytelling to make the impossible possible, and how these principles can be applied to your own business challenges. How do you make complex ideas simple and impactful? Let’s dive in and find out together.
171: How CMT Drives Consumer Safety with Breakthrough Telematics
10-09-2024
171: How CMT Drives Consumer Safety with Breakthrough Telematics
In this episode of Innovation Storytellers Show, I’m joined by two pioneers in telematics—Hari Balakrishnan, Co-Founder and CTO, and Bill Powers, Co-Founder and CEO of Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT). Together, they’ve built the world’s largest telematics service provider, measuring and protecting over 40 million drivers globally. Throughout our conversation, Hari and Bill take us inside the early days of CMT, where intuition and belief were at the core of their efforts, long before they had data to rely on. They describe how their approach to telematics evolved, blending visionary thinking with real-time data to enhance driver safety, lower insurance costs, and provide critical insights into driving behavior. From crash detection to influencing insurance premiums, CMT’s work is driving major transformations in how we approach road safety. We also explore the human side of building an innovative company. Bill emphasizes the importance of listening to feedback, even when it comes as a "no," and Hari reflects on how learning from negative feedback was crucial in identifying the right partners. They share how their partnership with SoftBank helped fuel CMT’s growth, with investors who believed in their long-term vision for safer roads through technology. Whether you’re fascinated by the future of telematics, or curious about the journey of a startup that achieved unicorn status, this episode offers insights into how CMT is using technology to create a safer, more connected world. Tune in to hear their inspiring story of resilience, adaptability, and groundbreaking innovation.
170: How Redbox is Supercharging Your Creativity
03-09-2024
170: How Redbox is Supercharging Your Creativity
In this episode of the Innovation Storytellers Podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Edwin Garcia, Partner & General Manager at RedBox Innovation US. Edwin and I explored the profound ways in which creativity and innovation can be supercharged through immersive experiences. RedBox takes a distinctive approach to fostering creativity with their "inspiration excursions." These are not just typical travel experiences; they’re carefully curated journeys to locations around the world designed to deeply engage participants with new environments and ideas. Whether it’s the bustling streets of New York or the rich coffee culture of Tokyo, Edwin explains how these excursions transform inspiration into actionable ideas by immersing individuals in sensory-rich experiences. We also tackled the complexities of innovation, particularly how to measure the outcomes of inspiration services. Edwin discussed how companies innovate for two main reasons: purpose and panic. He emphasized that during challenging times, like the current climate where traditional venues are facing reduced attendance, investing in innovation can be crucial for recovery and long-term success. Drawing on historical examples, Edwin highlighted how Howard Schultz revitalized Starbucks by returning to its core values, demonstrating the balance between exploring new ideas and honing existing strengths. Finally, Edwin shared practical strategies for enhancing creativity, including the "perspective change" exercise and empathy mapping. These tools encourage looking at problems from multiple angles and deeply understanding different perspectives, which can lead to more innovative solutions.
168: How CNA Unlocked the Tools & Tactics to Accelerate Innovation
20-08-2024
168: How CNA Unlocked the Tools & Tactics to Accelerate Innovation
Could your organization benefit from a new approach to innovation? In today's episode of Innovation Storytellers, Benjamin Atkinson, Director of Innovation at CNA Insurance, discusses transforming theoretical innovation into actionable strategies.  Benjamin shares his pivotal transition into innovation, sparked by early experiences where he managed a highly specialized R&D team without being the technical expert. This challenge led him to realize the power of enabling smart people to accomplish things beyond their imagination through well-designed processes and supportive tools. After introducing us to the Kirton Adaption-Innovation theory we also explore the concept of "death threats" from Eureka Ranch. This technique engages critical thinkers early in the innovation process to refine and validate new ideas effectively, avoiding the common pitfalls of groupthink and premature consensus. We also touch on Benjamin's insights into risk management and his application of lessons from Clayton Christensen's Innovator's Dilemma. The conversation dives into how these experiences have shaped his current role at CNA, guiding executive leadership in navigating complex problems with innovative solutions. Benjamin's stories of innovation at Toyota further illuminate the shift from technology-driven to problem-centric innovation strategies. Through this lens, he emphasizes the importance of positioning the right people in the right roles, akin to assembling a top-tier sports team where each player intuitively knows their part in a well-coordinated play. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to foster an environment where innovation thrives through structured yet flexible processes. Join us to understand how you can equip your team to turn groundbreaking ideas into practical, scalable solutions.
167: How to Use Fluid Thinking to Unleash Your Innovation Mind
13-08-2024
167: How to Use Fluid Thinking to Unleash Your Innovation Mind
In this episode, I am going to take you on a fascinating journey into the subconscious realm of our minds, exploring the science of fluid thinking and subconscious success with renowned cognitive scientist, Phillip Campbell.  Phillip is not only an expert in cognitive science and an executive brain coach but also the author of the enlightening book "Brain Habits". He is the CEO of enigmaFIT, a globally recognized brain coaching company, that aids individuals in tapping into their subconscious minds to improve their innovative thinking and problem-solving skills.  We will learn more about the four pillars of Phillip's approach, notably, the Controlling Attention Pillar and the Complex Problem-Solving Pillar. Phillip shares his expertise on the intersection of cognitive science, subconscious habits, and how we can harness these facets for personal growth and success.  This conversation uncovers the intricacies of fluid thinking, a concept deeply intertwined with our capacity to adapt, innovate, and encounter novel problems. Phillip also sheds light on the neuroscience of midlife crisis and the shift in thinking patterns that can lead to transformative life decisions, explaining how such changes can literally recode our brains.  For those curious about their own ability to focus and want to explore their level of distractibility, Phillip offers a complimentary Focused Thinking assessment. This tool provides powerful insights and sets the foundation for your personal journey towards enhanced subconscious success.  Tune in and explore the science behind our subconscious success, learn about innovative thinking, and get ready to embark on a journey of personal growth.
166: How TIAA is Transforming Retirement into Longevity
06-08-2024
166: How TIAA is Transforming Retirement into Longevity
I sat down with Melora Zaner, the Chief Design Officer at TIAA, to discuss the often-overlooked value of incremental innovation and the transformative power of design in addressing pressing societal challenges like retirement.  Our conversation starts with an urgent issue that many are facing—the retirement crisis in America. We discuss the alarming statistics indicating that 40% of Americans are on track to run out of money in their retirement years. Melora offers an intriguing alternative by asking, "What if we shift our thinking from 'retirement planning' to 'longevity planning'?" This approach puts the focus on sustained income, healthcare provisions, and overall quality of life, rather than just a lump sum that may or may not last a lifetime. Innovation doesn't have to be grandiose to be impactful, as Melora eloquently points out. The episode delves into the concept of 'breadcrumbing,' a term Melora uses to describe the art of celebrating small, incremental changes that lead toward a significant shift. These small steps, often overlooked in the constant quest for disruptive change, can offer customers stepping stones, helping them see a future where their needs and concerns are addressed. We also discuss the importance of storytelling in the journey of innovation. How do you narrate a story that balances the celebration of small victories with the drive toward grand visions? The idea is to offer manageable steps, or breadcrumbs, to make the journey less daunting and more rewarding for both customers and organizations. These incremental changes shouldn't be underestimated; they often result in exponential gains over time, especially when they address specific customer pain points. Finally, Melora shares insights into getting internal stakeholders on board with innovation. She emphasizes that incremental wins can build confidence internally and set the stage for bigger, more disruptive changes in the long run. Tune into this episode of Innovation Storytellers Show to explore the power of incremental innovation and design-led thinking in transforming how we approach complex challenges, from the retirement crisis to customer engagement and internal alignment. Because sometimes, the biggest changes start with the smallest steps. Don't miss this enlightening discussion, full of actionable insights and thought-provoking concepts that challenge the status quo.
163: How Sage Built their Innovation Academy from the Ground Up
16-07-2024
163: How Sage Built their Innovation Academy from the Ground Up
In this week’s episode of the Innovation Storytellers Show, I’m joined by Bronwyn Dorrofield, Director of the Innovation Academy at Sage. Bronwyn, who initially carved her niche in product marketing, is now pioneering innovative learning solutions that integrate cross-functional collaboration across Sage. Her journey underscores a profound dedication to fostering a culture where experimentation and innovation flourish. Together, we explore how the Innovation Academy was conceived and developed in response to the diverse needs within Sage. Bronwyn shares the genesis of the academy, starting from a grassroots movement by passionate volunteers eager to make a difference. This community of innovators gradually transformed into a formal academy, focusing on practical and continuous innovation, driven by real-world problems and solutions. We discuss the unique learning spaces created within the academy, which spotlight innovation and encourage learning from both successes and setbacks. These spaces are not just about transferring knowledge but are designed to deeply engage participants and encourage them to apply what they've learned in practical, impactful ways. Bronwyn also delves into the broader impacts of the academy, including its integration into Sage's main learning and development framework and how it supports employees across various functions with essential skills, from perfecting pitches to mastering empathetic customer engagements. Join us to hear how Sage's Innovation Academy is creating innovators and leaders equipped to drive change and inspire a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. How does your organization integrate innovation into daily operations? We’d love to hear your thoughts.
161: How Diageo’s Smoke DNAi is Reimagining the Future of Whisky
02-07-2024
161: How Diageo’s Smoke DNAi is Reimagining the Future of Whisky
Have you ever wondered how tradition and modern science blend to create the perfect whisky? In this captivating episode of Innovation Storytellers Show, host Susan Lindner sits down with Aimée Morrison, Diageo's Master Blender, to explore the fascinating intersection of history, innovation, and cutting-edge technology in the Scotch whisky industry. Aimée shares her inspiring journey from falling in love with whisky and analytical science during her university days to becoming a key figure at Diageo. She discusses the groundbreaking Smoke DNAi project, which leverages custom algorithms to interpret complex data from the whisky maturation process, opening up a realm of possibilities for creating new flavor profiles. Focusing on the reopening of the Port Ellen distillery, Aimée highlights how Diageo is pushing the boundaries of experimentation, blending tradition with technology to ensure the quality and innovation of its whiskies. She passionately explains, "This is just the beginning for us at Portel. From the new make to the mature, the opportunities for experimentation are endless, and I’m thrilled to be part of this journey." In this episode, you’ll also discover the potential of digital twins in various fields and how Diageo uses these innovations to complement the art of whisky blending. Aimée emphasizes, "At the end of the day, a human nose is our greatest tool. While digital techniques like gas chromatography enhance our understanding, they can't replicate the sensitivity and descriptive analysis a human can provide." Join us to explore the exciting future of whisky and the incredible potential of Smoke DNAi, and learn how to taste whisky from a master herself best. Aimée’s journey and insights offer a unique perspective on the seamless blend of tradition and science driving whisky innovation.
160: How Airbus is Pushing the Envelope on Innovation Marketing
25-06-2024
160: How Airbus is Pushing the Envelope on Innovation Marketing
How do you push the boundaries of innovation marketing in one of the most high-tech industries in the world? In this episode of the Innovation Storytellers Show, we dive into this question with two remarkable guests from Airbus: Mina Bastawros, VP of Creative and Digital Marketing, and Florent Petteni, Head of A220 & A320 Family Product Marketing. Join us as Mina and Florent share their insights on how Airbus is leading the way in innovation marketing. From embracing digital transformation to tailoring narratives that resonate with diverse audiences, they reveal the strategies that have propelled Airbus to the forefront of the aviation industry. Mina discusses the pivotal shift towards digital interactions that began seven years ago, enabling Airbus to communicate more effectively with stakeholders and attract top talent from around the globe. He emphasizes the importance of understanding your audience's needs and interests, a principle that modern marketers can relate to deeply. Florent sheds light on the art of simplifying complex problems for broader audience engagement. He explains how Airbus, despite its high-tech and engineering-centric nature, has mastered the balance between maintaining technical depth and making innovations accessible and inspiring. Through real-world examples, including a compelling sales campaign tailored to an Asian airline's visionary owner, our guests illustrate the power of empathy mapping, persona development, and storytelling in driving successful marketing initiatives. Tune in to learn how Airbus continues to challenge the status quo, innovate its marketing approaches, and connect with audiences worldwide. This episode is packed with valuable lessons for anyone involved in innovation, marketing, or the intersection of both.
159: ​​How Millennial Innovators are Changing the Game
18-06-2024
159: ​​How Millennial Innovators are Changing the Game
This week, I'm thrilled to be joined by Maarten van Kroonenburg from the Netherlands. Maarten is the visionary behind BW Ventures, and if you’re not familiar with it yet, you will be soon. As CEO, he's on a mission to revolutionize small businesses by crafting resilient and scalable models.  Drawing from his entrepreneurial journey, Maarten leads with a unique blend of strategic insight and practical wisdom. At BW Ventures, he champions structured, customer-centric approaches to innovation, empowering companies to navigate future challenges with confidence. Under Maarten’s leadership, innovation meets pragmatism, driving success through informed decisions and enduring strategies. In this episode, Maarten shares his thoughts on the evolving landscape of innovation. He discusses the generational differences in how we approach business models and the importance of maintaining a balance between value creation and sound business practices. Maarten emphasizes the game-changing potential of AI, comparing its impact to that of the smartphone, which revolutionized our daily lives by putting powerful technology in our pockets. We also delve into the nitty-gritty of ideation. Maarten believes that spending too much time in the ideation phase can cloud your judgment. Instead, he advocates for quickly jotting down initial ideas and focusing on understanding the core problems and needs they address. This approach, he argues, turns the decision-making process into an emotional connection with customers, where the real magic happens. Whether you're a seasoned innovator or just starting out, Maarten's insights offer valuable lessons on how to navigate the complexities of today’s business world. Join us as we explore how Millennial innovators like Maarten are changing the game, and why AI might just be the defining innovation of our generation.
158: Why Now? How Good Timing Makes Great Products
11-06-2024
158: Why Now? How Good Timing Makes Great Products
What if the secret ingredient to startup success isn't just what or how, but when? This week on the Innovation Storytellers Show, we're joined by Paul Orlando, a seasoned entrepreneur and the brain behind four international startup accelerators. Paul is not only a professor of entrepreneurship at the University of Southern California but also the author of the thought-provoking book "Why Now: How Good Timing Makes Great Products." In our discussion, Paul dives into the often-neglected aspect of timing in business ventures. With a background that spans continents and industries, he shares unique insights on how timing influences the success or failure of products and innovations. From technological shifts and regulatory changes to societal crises, understanding the timing landscape is crucial for any business leader. Paul doesn't just stop at theory; he offers practical frameworks and methodologies developed from years of leading innovation labs and accelerators. These tools help entrepreneurs analyze their market position, assess potential risks, and decide if the moment is ripe for their ventures—or if patience might prove more prudent. Highlighting a compelling case study of YouTube's launch and acquisition by Google, Paul illustrates the strategic mastery of timing. But perhaps even more intriguingly, he revisits the timeless strategy of being the "picks and shovels" provider in a gold rush, drawing lessons from historical figures like Levi Strauss, whose adaptability turned a practical product into a global fashion staple. Whether you're at the helm of a startup, involved in product development, or leading a corporate innovation lab, this episode is a treasure trove of strategies to ensure your initiatives hit the market at just the right time. Tune in to uncover how you can harness the power of timing to drive your projects to success. What timing drivers have you identified in your industry, and how have they shaped your business decisions? Join the conversation and share your experiences with us!
156: How Disruptive Edge Accelerates Innovation Globally
28-05-2024
156: How Disruptive Edge Accelerates Innovation Globally
In this episode of the Innovation Storytellers Show, I am joined by two trailblazers in the field of corporate innovation: June Barrage, Market Leader for the US & Middle East and  Jose Ribau, Executive in Residence at Disruptive Edge and . Together, they delve into the strategies and principles that Disruptive Edge employs to foster innovation on a global scale. The conversation begins by asking June what she believes to be the greatest innovation of all time. June, fresh from an illuminating conference in LA, highlights the transformative potential of AI, which dominated 90% of the discussions. She shares her personal and professional experiences with AI, explaining how it has become a vital part of her daily routine over the past two years. Her insights underscore how AI can revolutionize both personal and enterprise operations, emphasizing Disruptive Edge's commitment to leveraging AI to accelerate workflows and enhance time to value in all their initiatives. Jose Ribau brings another layer of depth to the discussion, focusing on the importance of defining innovation clearly. He emphasizes that whether an organization is in financial services, commercial real estate, or a nonprofit sector, having a precise understanding of what innovation means and what it aims to solve is crucial. Jose shares practical examples, such as the development of a parking app, to illustrate how involving operational staff in the innovation process can transform potential resistance into valuable feedback, driving meaningful change. Throughout the episode, June and Jose discuss the critical role of storytelling in innovation, the necessity of data-driven decision-making, and the significance of building strong alliances within an organization. They also reflect on the challenges and successes they've experienced, providing listeners with a comprehensive view of how Disruptive Edge is setting new standards for global innovation.
155: How Innovation Peer Networks Transform Outcomes
21-05-2024
155: How Innovation Peer Networks Transform Outcomes
Have you ever wondered how innovative peer networks can transform business outcomes? In this episode of Innovation Storytellers Show, I sit down with Roland Deiser, the Founder & Executive Chairman of the Center for the Future of Organization, to explore this fascinating topic. Roland Deiser brings a wealth of knowledge on the subject, with his extensive background in understanding the challenges of transformational change in large organizations. As a professor, advisor, and orchestrator of executive peer networks, Roland has dedicated his career to studying the dynamics of business ecosystems and digital transformation. During our discussion, Roland discusses the critical role of sophisticated social and political strategies in driving innovation within organizations. He highlights the importance of creating and leveraging networks both within and across industry boundaries to foster innovative conversations and processes. Roland's insights on peer-to-peer experience sharing reveal how these networks can alleviate feelings of isolation, bring diverse perspectives, and break down cognitive and organizational boundaries. We also delve into intriguing real-world examples, such as why Sony missed the opportunity to create the iPod despite its dominance in the music industry and how Blockbuster failed to capitalize on acquiring Netflix. These stories underscore the pitfalls of rigid business models and the necessity of adaptability and foresight. Furthermore, Roland elaborates on the concept of ambidexterity—excelling in present performance while designing future breakthroughs. He emphasizes the impact of technological, political, and regulatory shifts as catalysts for innovative thinking, with generative AI serving as a current example. Join us for this compelling conversation that underscores the necessity of collaboration in the innovation landscape. Discover how to build and benefit from innovative peer networks and navigate the complexities of today's fast-paced business environment.