The Innovation Show

By: The Innovation Show
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  • Summary

  • A Global weekly show interviewing authors to inspire, educate and inform the business world and the curious. Presented by the author of "Undisruptable", this Global show speaks of something greater beyond innovation, disruption and technology. It speaks to the human need to learn: how to adapt to and love a changing world. It embraces the spirit of constant change, of staying receptive, of always learning.
    The Innovation Show
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Economics
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Episodes
  • Eric von Hippel - Free User Innovation Part 2

    Eric von Hippel - Free User Innovation Part 2
    Jan 29 2025
    Episode Summary: Eric von Hippel - Free User Innovation (Part 2) Introduction Host Aidan McCullen welcomes back Eric von Hippel for Part 2 of their discussion on Free User Innovation, supported by Wazoku, a company pioneering Total Innovation by connecting people, ideas, and technology. Aidan highlights the great feedback received from Part 1 and sets the stage for a deeper dive into the division of labor between users and producers in the innovation process. Key Themes & Discussions 1. Users as the Real Innovators Traditionally, innovation is associated with manufacturers, but users actually drive pioneering innovation.From skateboards to mountain bikes to heart-lung machines, users create solutions out of necessity, while manufacturers enter the scene later.Manufacturers avoid new markets because they require scale and certainty before investing resources. 2. The Heart-Lung Machine Story (User Innovation in Medicine) John Haysham Gibbon, a surgeon, saw the urgent need for a heart-lung machine to save children needing heart surgery.He approached manufacturers, but they rejected him because there was no proven market.Using charitable funding, Gibbon developed the machine himself and successfully used it on a patient.Other surgeons saw the proof of concept, replicated it in their own hospitals, and slowly created a market for manufacturers to step in and refine the machine.This illustrates user-driven pioneering innovation followed by manufacturer refinement and scaling. 3. The Corporate Rebel Dilemma (Why Organizations Resist Innovation) Employees who spot future opportunities (corporate rebels) often face internal resistance.Example: Ken Kutaragi, the man behind the PlayStation, initially faced rejection from Sony’s leadership.Change only happened when a new executive backed him, allowing the idea to flourish. The challenge: CEOs see corporate rebels as resource drains on an unproven idea.Corporate rebels feel frustrated that leadership doesn’t recognize obvious opportunities.Balancing both perspectives is crucial for organizational innovation. 4. Kodak and the Digital Camera - A Cautionary Tale The first digital camera was invented inside Kodak, but executives rejected it.Why? Kodak was built on film—their expertise, business model, and infrastructure all depended on film.Employees resisted the shift because it threatened their roles.The result? Kodak missed the digital revolution, proving that organizations often resist innovations that threaten their existing business model. 5. Hidden Roadblocks to Innovation (The Reward System Problem) Even when innovation is recognized, company structures resist change.Example: A head of manufacturing refused to introduce an innovation because his bonus depended on reducing scrap waste—and every new product increased waste.Organizations are hardwired to maintain existing incentives, even when they conflict with innovation goals. 6. Users Innovate, Manufacturers Improve (The Division of Labor in Innovation) Users innovate for function, manufacturers innovate for refinement and scale.Example: Mountain bikes were first created by users modifying existing bicycles.Once enough demand existed, manufacturers stepped in and improved features like suspension systems.The orthopedic surgeon who added a spring-loaded seat post to absorb shocks is a great example of this process. 7. The Challenge of Recognizing Frontline Innovation (Listening to the Right People) Innovations often come from unexpected sources, but organizations fail to listen.Example: A furniture upholsterer noticed unusual wear on waiting room chairs at a cardiologist’s office.This led to the discovery of Type A personality, as anxious patients wore down chairs faster. Who notices early warning signs in an organization? Often, it’s not management but cleaners, frontline workers, or maintenance staff. 8. The Hilton Hotel Internet Story (Why Systems Fail to Observe User Needs) In the early days of dial-up internet, hotel maintenance staff constantly reattached phone jacks that guests removed to connect their computers.Instead of recognizing this as a need for in-room internet, hotels initially resisted change and instead tried to physically block users from unplugging phones.This highlights how organizations often fight user behavior instead of adapting to it. Final Thoughts & Takeaways Users drive pioneering innovation, while manufacturers refine and scale it.Corporate rebels are essential but face resistance—they must frame ideas in ways that align with company incentives.Organizations must actively listen to unexpected voices (maintenance staff, frontline workers) for hidden innovation opportunities.Systemic roadblocks (like reward structures) often hinder innovation—even when everyone agrees on the need for change. Closing Remarks Aidan thanks Eric von Hippel for an insightful conversation full of real-world examples. Eric reiterates the importance of recognizing and supporting user-driven ...
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    37 mins
  • Henry Mintzberg - Rebalancing Society

    Henry Mintzberg - Rebalancing Society
    Jan 24 2025

    Rebalancing Society with Henry Mintzberg: Addressing Imbalances in Politics, Economy, and Community

    In this episode, Aidan McCullen is joined by renowned business strategist Henry Mintzberg to discuss his book on radical renewal. Mintzberg explores the root causes of our current societal crisis, emphasizing the need for balance among the public, private, and plural sectors. They delve into historical and contemporary issues that have led to extreme imbalances, from capitalism's dominance post-1989 to today's political polarization. Offering insights grounded in history and strategy, Mintzberg advocates for a strengthened community sector to restore equilibrium. Addressing not only societal but also personal imbalances, Mintzberg highlights the urgency for action amid global challenges like economic disparity, environmental degradation, and political unrest. The conversation serves as a wake-up call encouraging listeners to engage in meaningful change at both the individual and community levels.

    00:00 Introduction: Enough is Enough!

    00:38 Welcoming the Guest: Henry Mintzberg

    02:44 Understanding Imbalance in Society

    05:47 The Role of Business and Government

    08:05 Historical Context and Current Issues

    11:30 The Concept of Rebalancing Society

    18:16 Personal Responsibility and Action

    23:56 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action

    Find more info here: https://mintzberg.org/books/rebalancing-society
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    41 mins
  • Aidan McCullen - The True Origin of The Innovation Show

    Aidan McCullen - The True Origin of The Innovation Show
    Jan 17 2025

    A conversation with Aidan McCullen, host of The Innovation Show and author of 'Undisruptable'.

    This a re-edited version of Tech Tonic, the world's first AI Thought Show with hosts (and friends) Scott Wolfson and Kes Sampanthar. Each episode, they explore the world of artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and their impact on our lives. With engaging discussions, expert guests, and a dash of humor, Tech Tonic provides a unique perspect.

    Aidan shares his origin story, detailing his transition from professional rugby to digital transformation and media. Discover the inspiration behind his podcast, the importance of continuous learning, and the concept of 'the show before the show'. Aidan's journey is filled with insights on overcoming resistance, embracing reinvention, and the value of autodidactic learning. Don't miss this deep dive into the life of a true innovator.

    00:00 Introduction and Initial Struggles

    00:29 Welcome to the Innovation Show

    00:58 Aidan McCullen's Journey

    01:24 Early Days and Learning Curves

    03:45 The Birth of the Innovation Show

    05:59 Challenges and Resistance

    10:07 Taking the Leap

    11:26 Seth Godin and the First Episode

    13:24 The Concept of Reinvention

    18:45 The Power of Discipline and Consistency

    29:05 Digital Transformation and Creative Destruction

    34:59 The Power of Education and Strategic Alignment

    36:03 Embracing Failure and the Path to Success

    37:04 The Journey of an Autodidact

    38:31 Overcoming Skepticism and Building Credibility

    42:44 The Importance of Coachability and Learnability

    46:10 The Role of Passion in Professional Growth

    57:45 The Reinvention Summit and Its Vision

    01:00:48 The Neuroscience of Learning and Thinking

    01:07:13 The Journey and Future of Reinvention

    01:16:26 Reflections and Final Thoughts

    Find TechTonic here: https://www.youtube.com/@theAIthoughtshow/streams

    #InnovationShow #AidanMcCullen #DigitalTransformation #ContinuousLearning #Reinvention #Podcast
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    1 hr and 21 mins

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