Innovation Storytellers

In this episode of the Innovation Storytellers Show, I sit down with Dr. Mark van Rijmenam, a Strategic Futurist and Global Keynote Speaker known for his expertise in emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, and the metaverse. Mark and I first connected at the Global Speakers Federation Conference in Bali, where his keynote on digital transformation and the accelerating pace of AI left a lasting impression.  We kick off our conversation by diving into the rapid evolution of AI and why businesses must adapt swiftly to harness its full potential. Mark explains how tools like Generative AI can drive creativity and productivity, but he also warns that if we aren’t ready to integrate these innovations, we risk falling behind. As the conversation progresses, Mark shares his thoughts on the rise of agentic AI, where intelligent agents collaborate autonomously — a development that’s pushing the boundaries of what AI can achieve today. However,  it’s not just about AI. Mark sheds light on the untapped potential of blockchain, a technology often misunderstood as just the backbone of cryptocurrencies. He paints a picture of blockchain as the “plumbing” of the future internet, capable of enabling secure, transparent data sharing without compromising control. For Mark, it’s time to move beyond crypto-skepticism and see blockchain as a tool for building trust and collaboration across industries. Our discussion takes a fascinating turn as we explore the role of education in this era of exponential change. Mark is candid about his frustrations with our outdated educational systems, which still mirror methods from centuries ago. He argues for a fundamental shift, one that embraces technology and focuses on fostering adaptability and resilience over rote learning. Whether you’re an executive, an innovator, or an educator, this episode is packed with actionable insights on how to leverage AI and emerging technologies to stay ahead of the curve. Are you prepared for the exponential pace of change, or will you risk being left behind?

What if the most groundbreaking solutions weren’t waiting within your organization’s walls but scattered across industries, continents, and disciplines, just waiting to be tapped? In this episode, I sit down with Kyle Basler-Reeder, ExxonMobil’s Global Open Innovation Lead, to discuss how he’s redefined problem-solving for one of the world’s largest energy companies. Kyle shares his unique journey from his early days as a 15-year-old aspiring entrepreneur to spearheading a program that searches far and wide for fresh perspectives on complex challenges. He dives into the methods and philosophies behind ExxonMobil’s open innovation framework, a system he’s crafted to harness creativity from diverse fields like agriculture, aerospace, and even pharmaceuticals. Kyle introduces us to what he calls “Level Seven” of open innovation, where ExxonMobil looks to industries far beyond its own, bringing in insights from unexpected sources to tackle persistent and “stubborn” problems. He also reveals the fascinating world of “all-star solvers”—the polymaths who thrive on solving radically different challenges and who bring a Da Vinci-like approach to crowdsourced solutions. Listen in as Kyle demystifies the path to open innovation, shares strategies for overcoming internal resistance, and highlights why bringing in “outside minds” has been transformative for ExxonMobil’s innovation journey. Whether you’re looking to jumpstart innovation or tackle longstanding challenges in your own organization, this episode offers practical insights on expanding beyond the familiar and embracing a truly global approach to problem-solving.

In this episode of Innovation Storytellers, I sit down with Yaron Flint, author, and seasoned innovation strategist, to explore what it truly takes to drive long-term innovation in today’s dynamic environment. As someone with deep experience spanning automotive, smart materials, environmental, and construction tech, Yaron brings a wealth of insights into how to make innovation strategies a reality within established organizations. Yaron argues that no innovation effort can thrive without a champion at the helm—a dedicated advocate who navigates complexities galvanizes support, and keeps the momentum alive. This champion, he explains, must be willing to take calculated risks, champion the cause, and turn passive stakeholders into active supporters. Yaron shares stories from his career on how internal champions, equipped with strategic storytelling and persistence, have driven breakthrough success and garnered buy-in even when facing resistance. We also touch on Yaron’s recent achievements, including projects that bridged technologies from unrelated industries to achieve new solutions, like his award-winning environmental project in manufacturing. Yaron provides a glimpse into his methodology for forging partnerships and cross-sector collaborations, emphasizing that a genuine partnership is an ongoing commitment to learning and evolving together. As we dive into his book, Innovative Business Development: Implementing Transformation from Within, Yaron offers practical tools for leaders looking to adopt and sustain innovation across sectors, no matter the challenges. Tune in to discover why having a champion is essential and learn how cross-cultural and cross-sector experiences can be leveraged to foster innovation that is as profitable as it is transformative. Is your organization ready to make the leap? Listen now and share your thoughts on what it takes to turn innovative ideas into organizational wins.

In my new episode of Innovation Storytellers, I chat with Rob Majteles as we delve into the transformative potential of Impact Frameworks in Innovation. During our enlightening conversation, Rob shares an inspiring example of a global agricultural company that has radically shifted its business model to embed sustainability into its core operations. This shift involves a comprehensive reevaluation of their impact on carbon emissions and biodiversity, representing a profound change from their historical reliance on fossil fuels. The company is not only adjusting to new market realities but is also setting a benchmark in the industry for integrating climate and sustainability considerations into every facet of its business. This involves complex risk analyses and a strategic overhaul that aims to generate value-added revenue through sustainable practices. Rob emphasizes the importance of viewing impact not just as an external obligation but as a crucial component of internal corporate strategy. By meticulously defining, aligning, and executing impact through detailed strategic roadmaps, companies can navigate the complexities of modern markets and unlock substantial opportunities for growth and innovation. Our discussion delves deep into how these frameworks can be a catalyst for significant organizational change, enabling companies to thrive in an increasingly conscientious business environment. Join us as we unpack these themes and more, understanding how true innovation often begins with rethinking how we measure and implement impact at every level of business.

What role does innovation play in the federal government, especially when it comes to healthcare? On this episode of Innovation Storytellers, we take a deep dive into the innovation happening at the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) with Allison Amrhein, Director of the VHA Innovators Network. Allison brings us behind the scenes, sharing how the VA empowers frontline employees and veterans to identify problems and collaborate on solutions that impact real lives. It’s not about fancy tech—it’s about solving everyday challenges. From building a sense of community among employees to fostering a culture of human-centered design, the VA is showing how innovation can happen anywhere, even in the most traditional environments. During our conversation, Allison explains how the VA focuses on identifying problems before jumping to solutions—a mindset that has transformed how healthcare providers and veterans innovate together. We also explore the VA’s Greenhouse Initiative, a program that connects industry and entrepreneurs with the VA to shape products not yet on the market.

In this episode, David Schatsky, a retired Research & Innovation Executive from Deloitte, shares his profound insights on leveraging narrative to champion big ideas and foster widespread adoption of innovative technologies. His experience at Deloitte, designing and leading cutting-edge research programs and creating an acclaimed online course in artificial intelligence, has positioned him as a luminary in translating complex innovations into actionable strategies. David dives into the challenges that often accompany climate tech solutions—ranging from skepticism about climate change to the intricacies of corporate buy-in. He elaborates on the methodology employed by Deloitte's futurists to identify viable commercial opportunities, emphasizing the critical role of open innovation and strategic storytelling in overcoming these hurdles. During our conversation, David discusses his pivotal role in launching a climate tech advisory service at Deloitte. This initiative aimed to fill a crucial gap in professional services, extending beyond basic compliance and reporting to actively facilitate emissions reductions through advanced technologies like carbon capture, energy storage, and sustainable production methods. We explore how David and his team developed a comprehensive taxonomy of climate technologies to aid clients in understanding and navigating this complex field. This taxonomy, covering hundreds of technologies and innovators, serves as a foundational tool for technology scouting, techno-economic analysis, and facilitating partnerships that drive meaningful environmental impact. Tune in to learn how storytelling can not only convey the urgency and feasibility of embracing climate tech but also inspire corporate leaders and innovators to invest in solutions that can shape a sustainable future.

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.

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!

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.

In the latest episode of the Innovation Storytellers Show, Susan Lindner engages in a compelling conversation with Mike Todasco, a distinguished figure in the tech world and former member of the original PayPal team. Mike brings a wealth of experience and insight into the discussion, shedding light on how innovation has shaped his career and continues to influence the tech landscape. Their conversation traverses Mike's transformative journey from PayPal to his current role as an AI expert, highlighting the pivotal role of innovation in both personal and professional contexts. Mike elaborates on the nuances of patents and the evolution of mobile technology, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in driving innovation. One of the standout topics is the impact of artificial intelligence across various fields. Mike explores how AI is revolutionizing ideation, healthcare, and voting while stressing the need for organizations to learn from past failures and cultivate a culture of risk and creativity. He also discusses the concept of decoupling rewards from results, drawing on insights from the poker player mindset, and how this approach can reshape our understanding of success and failure in innovation.

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.

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.

In this episode, we're discussing the future of innovation management with Joanne Hyland, President of rInnovation Group. Joanne brings a wealth of experience and insight into how organizations can develop and sustain effective innovation management systems.  We discuss the evolving landscape of innovation—from incremental improvements to breakthrough advancements—and the crucial role that standards and processes play in supporting these efforts. Joanne sheds light on how important it is to build a robust innovation management system that can withstand the test of time and adapt to changing needs of ever varying innovations. We discuss how building an innovation management system that stands the test of time involves understanding your organization's context, capacity, and culture and integrating these elements into a cohesive strategy. However, it's not all about theory. Joanne also addresses a common challenge: the tendency to cling to the status quo. She shares her own experiences with change and offers valuable advice on fostering a culture that's not just accepting but enthusiastic about transformation. If you're curious about how to implement a successful innovation management strategy or if your organization struggles with change resistance, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in for actionable insights and inspiring perspectives from one of the field's leading experts.

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.

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.

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.

Join Dr. Judith Tumusiime, federal grants manager at the Cambridge Community Development Department, on the Innovation Storytellers Show, who shares her unique insights into revitalizing urban areas through innovation. She also highlights the importance of involving all players - government, private sector, and the community - in developing sustainable and self-sustaining innovations.  We explore how putting people at the center of innovation can lead to more successful and impactful outcomes. Everyone has a stake in creating a more sustainable future, from employees and customers to local communities and government regulators. We'll discuss why this collaboration is crucial for identifying and implementing effective solutions. We also take a closer look at the role of corporations in sustainability when it comes to the issue of plastic waste. Judith shares her insights on the challenges of finding sustainable solutions for plastic bottles and how working with companies like Coca-Cola and Pepsi can be a crucial factor in creating change. Listen to this inspiring conversation about working together to create a more sustainable, people-centered future.

On this week's edition of Innovation Storytellers join us on our journey to re-imagine healthcare with Jennifer Lo, Senior Director of Design at IDEO. Discover how they are revolutionizing healthcare by utilizing lean thinking and human-centered design principles. In addition, get insights into IDEO's unique approach to problem-solving, where they involve patients and break down barriers to create solutions that truly make a difference.  From creating inclusive designs to driving sustainable growth, listen to how IDEO is leading the charge for a better future for all. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from the experts and discover how design can make a meaningful impact on our lives.

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.

Are you ready to explore how digital advancements reshape industries and create new business opportunities? In this exciting episode of the Innovation Storytellers Show, I sat down with Robert C. Wolcott, Cofounder of The World Innovation Network (TWIN Global), and Kaihan Krippendorff, Founder of Outthinker Networks, to discuss their groundbreaking new book, "Proximity: How PROXIMITY is the New Digital Strategy All Innovators Need to Know." In our conversation, we delve into the concept of proximity and its profound impact on various sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, and transportation. Rob and Kaihan reveal how digital technology is pushing the production and provision of value closer to the moment of actual demand, thereby challenging traditional business models and supply chains. From the immediacy of 3D printing to the strategic possibilities of health monitoring devices and AI, we uncover how proximity is transforming our world. Rob shares fascinating insights on the strategic shift towards "anything, anywhere, anytime," emphasizing both the opportunities and challenges this new approach brings. Meanwhile, Kaihan illustrates the practical applications of proximity with real-world examples, such as the Coca-Cola Freestyle machine and on-demand pharmaceuticals, showcasing how proximity is already changing the game.