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
  • Fueling Today with Tomorrow Eating the Seed Potato or Planting the Seed Snake

    Fueling Today with Tomorrow Eating the Seed Potato or Planting the Seed Snake
    Jan 15 2025
    Fueling Today with Tomorrow Eating the Seed Potato or Planting the Seed Snake "Do Not Mortgage Your Future for Small Gains Now" - Nassim Nicholas Taleb "Business leaders are being motivated and rewarded to heat their houses by burning their furniture." - Mark W. Johnson In our pursuit of immediate comfort or short-term gains, we often sacrifice the foundations of future success. This principle is captured in countless cautionary stories. In this week's Thursday Thought, we explore those of the Irish Potato Famine, corporate strategy, and the unexpected world of collectible snakes. To build a sustainable future, we must resist the urge to mortgage it for fleeting rewards. As the old saying goes, "We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children." Similarly, our future isn't something we passively receive—it’s something we shape with the choices we make today. The Irish Famine: Eating the Seed Corn During the Great Irish famine, desperation led farmers to consume their seed potatoes—the very resource needed to secure future harvests. Fishermen sold their nets, and artisans sold their tools, sacrificing not just physical assets but the means of their future livelihoods. This poignant image of short-term survival at the expense of long-term resilience serves as a powerful metaphor for organisational decision-making. In the corporate world, this dynamic plays out when companies sell valuable assets or slash critical investments in research and development and innovation to sustain short-term valuation. Consider Sears, a retail pioneer that, under financial pressure, sold off its highly profitable financial arms, including Discover Card and Allstate Insurance. These divestments provided immediate capital but stripped Sears of lucrative assets that could have supported its survival during the retail industry's famine. By "eating its seed potato," Sears left itself with little to plant for the future. Efficiency-driven strategies are seductive because they deliver quick results and a sense of control. Yet, these strategies often resemble mining soil without replenishing it. Companies that prioritise cost-cutting and share buybacks over innovation may temporarily appease shareholders, but they risk sacrificing their ability to adapt and grow. The story of Heinz under CEO Tony O’Reilly is a cautionary tale. To boost earnings, O’Reilly slashed R&D and marketing budgets, undermining the company’s long-term competitiveness. Bill Johnson, O’Reilly’s successor, later admitted, “We weren’t supporting our brands, and we weren’t being innovative at all…. In terms of cost cutting, the mistake for the industry, in retrospect, is that it did not take the cost out of the system. It took the cost out of the product.” Like farmers consuming their seed potato, Heinz prioritised immediate gain over future resilience, leaving it vulnerable to shifting market demands. Planting the Seed Potato: Philips’ Strategic Reinvestment Philips serves as a masterclass in planting and replanting the seed potato for future success. (We discussed Philips with friend of the show and prolific author Paul Nunes, links here and video embed below). In 2006, while still profitable, Philips made the bold decision to phase out its incandescent lighting business, recognising that LEDs would soon become more cost-effective. Rather than eating the seed potato of its legacy business, Philips acquired smaller LED-focused companies, cultivating this new field until its LED division grew into a $7 billion powerhouse. By 2016, Philips had spun off its lighting business into Philips Lighting (now Signify), freeing resources for its next strategic planting. In an impressive act of replanting, Philips pivoted to the healthcare industry, focusing on diagnosis and treatment equipment. Through careful planning and a balanced portfolio strategy, Philips invested heavily in this fertile ground. By 2017, most of the company’s revenue came from high-end medical equipment, cementing its place as a leader in the healthcare sector. This transformation was not an overnight miracle but the result of strategic foresight and the courage to reallocate resources from legacy crops to future harvests. Planting the Seed Snake On this week's Innovation Show, our Keynote speaker at the Reinvention Summit, Seth Godin shared the story of Justin Kobylka. Justin is a pioneer in the snake breeding industry. Once a small-scale operation where pythons sold for $20, the market transformed thanks to the internet, which expanded access to collectors globally. Justin's key differentiator was his early investment in his facilities and the genetic quality of his pythons. Many times, he might have sold off his prize python for a healthy reward and many times he resisted. Instead of cashing out by selling his most valuable snakes for immediate gain, he retained them to breed even more extraordinary future generations. Conclusion: ...
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    8 mins
  • Seth Godin - This Is Strategy

    Seth Godin - This Is Strategy
    Jan 14 2025

    Seth Godin - This Is Strategy | The Innovation Show

    Join us on this episode of The Innovation Show with the inimitable Seth Godin, author of 21 international bestsellers that have profoundly influenced the way we think about work and art. In this engaging conversation, Seth delves into his latest book on strategy, emphasizing the importance of identifying your smallest viable audience, understanding and leveraging systems, and prioritizing long-term thinking over instant gratification. He shares valuable insights on why most people gravitate towards instructions rather than forging their own paths, the concept of 'elegant strategy,' and how viewing challenges as a game can make failures more manageable. Seth also explores the impact of AI on the workforce and the significance of systems in shaping our strategies. Whether you're transforming an industry, sparking a movement, or building a career, this episode is a must-listen for change-makers and innovators.

    00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

    01:19 Seth Godin on Teaching and Strategy

    02:21 The Lego Metaphor and Strategy

    04:54 Games, Systems, and Empathy

    07:34 AI and Office Plankton

    11:11 Understanding Systems and Change

    16:10 Innovation and Elegant Strategies

    21:47 The Role of Incremental Improvement vs. Innovation

    24:00 Innovation Theater and Real Change

    36:25 Long-term Thinking and Strategy

    42:15 Final Thoughts and Conclusion
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    43 mins
  • Eric von Hippel - Free User Innovation

    Eric von Hippel - Free User Innovation
    Jan 12 2025

    Eric von Hippel - Free User Innovation | The Innovation Show

    In this new series on The Innovation Show, we dive into the groundbreaking work of Eric von Hippel, MIT Sloan School professor and pioneer of free innovation. We explore how users—not just producers—drive transformative innovations, and how this paradigm has been overlooked historically. With intriguing examples such as the evolution of skateboards and center pivot irrigation systems, von Hippel illustrates the power of user-driven innovation. We also discuss the role of platforms like Wazoku and companies like Haier in harnessing the potential of free innovator communities. Eric shares his insights on how companies can leverage these external ideas and improve their own innovation processes. Don't miss this fascinating conversation on the untapped potential within each of us to innovate and create impactful solutions.

    00:00 Introduction and Wazoku Acknowledgment

    00:38 Meet Eric von Hippel

    02:08 The Concept of Free Innovation

    02:32 Historical Context and User Innovation

    04:20 Examples of User Innovation

    11:19 Crowdsourcing and Open Platforms

    16:44 Challenges and Opportunities in Innovation

    33:56 Altruism and Diffusion in Innovation

    37:31 Open vs. Free Innovation

    39:54 Conclusion and Resources

    Find Wazoku

    https://www.wazoku.com

    Find Eric von Hippel's resources including this book “Free Innovation”

    https://evhippel.mit.edu/books/
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    40 mins
  • It's Hard to Read the Label from Inside the Jar: Navigating Change from Within

    It's Hard to Read the Label from Inside the Jar: Navigating Change from Within
    Jan 9 2025

    Inside the Jar: Navigating Change and Innovation

    In this week's Thursday Thought, we delve into the complexities of navigating change from within. Using quotes, research, and insights from the Innovation Show, we explore how our perception of individuality vs. being part of a larger whole affects our ability to adapt. Drawing parallels with superorganisms like beehives, the episode discusses how business and economic cycles, like Kondratiev waves, shape our world. Highlighting examples from companies like Sony, we examine the 'inside view' trap and the importance of stepping outside our immediate focus to see the bigger picture. Join us as we read the label from outside the jar and prepare for the future.

    00:00 Introduction: Navigating Change from Within

    00:57 The Human Condition: A Drop in the Ocean

    01:22 The Beehive as a Superorganism

    04:18 Kondratieff Cycles: Understanding Economic Waves

    06:27 The Trap of the Inside View

    10:20 Escaping the Jar: Embracing Change

    12:32 Conclusion: Join Us at The Reinvention Summit

    Full article here: https://thethursdaythought.substack.com/p/its-hard-to-read-the-label-from-inside
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    13 mins
  • Are Humans Part of a Superorganism? - Byron Reese Part 1

    Are Humans Part of a Superorganism? - Byron Reese Part 1
    Jan 5 2025

    In this episode of The Innovation Show, Aiden McCullen interviews Byron Reese, author of 'We Are Agora: How Humanity Functions as a Single Super Organism that Shapes Our World and Our Future.' The discussion delves into Byron's groundbreaking Agora Theory, which suggests that humans may function as part of a larger, conscious superorganism. Topics include the origins of life, the emergence of multicellular organisms, the complexity of DNA, and the potential impacts of understanding life as part of this collective superorganism. The conversation also touches on the role of death, the concept of emergence, and how these insights can apply to organizational strategies and societal progress.

    00:00 Introduction to Agora Theory

    02:40 Understanding Superorganisms

    04:06 The Origin of Life and Cells

    19:53 The Mystery of DNA

    30:07 Understanding Multicellular Life

    32:09 Symbiosis and Multicellular Origins

    33:39 Theories of Multicellular Life

    38:12 The Universe and Life's Complexity

    44:02 DNA: The Blueprint of Life

    47:11 Human Evolution and Intelligence

    49:41 Bottleneck Events and Human Survival

    55:02 Emergence and Superorganisms

    57:46 Final Thoughts and Reflections

    Links Aidan mentioned in the episode:

    Men In Black sequence: https://youtu.be/OKnpPCQyUec?si=KSGb25FeP72Nvi7T

    Family Guy: https://youtu.be/7et6-nByfw8?si=6zIfUIQE1XlFL-oH

    Byron Reese: https://byronreese.com
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    59 mins