The Innovation Show

Latest Episodes:

Wendy Smith - Both/And Thinking Part 2 Jun 20, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, we are joined again by Wendy Smith,

co-author of 'Both/And Thinking: Embrace Creative Tensions to Solve Your Toughest Problems.'

Wendy elaborates on the nuances between dilemmas, paradoxes, and tensions, emphasising that these terms are not interchangeable and revealing the psychological and practical implications of recognising and navigating paradoxes. Drawing from her personal experiences and research, Wendy illustrates how both/and thinking can be applied to career decisions, organisational challenges, and broader societal issues. She discusses the limitations of either/or thinking and the harmful patterns it can create, such as intensification, overcorrection, and polarisation.

Using examples from companies like Lego and Gore, Wendy shows how balancing tradition and innovation, centralisation and decentralisation, and other competing demands can lead to more sustainable success. The conversation also delves into the four types of paradoxes: learning, performing, organising, and belonging, and explores strategies to manage these tensions effectively.

This episode is essential for anyone facing complex decisions in their personal or professional life.

00:00 Introduction to Both/And Thinking

00:12 Understanding Tensions and Dilemmas

03:08 Defining Paradox and Its Importance

05:23 Embracing Paradoxes in Real Life

08:00 Conditions That Highlight Paradoxes

16:51 Exploring the Four Types of Paradoxes

23:28 Navigating Organisational Paradoxes

31:23 The Paradox System Framework

36:57 Lego's Journey Through Paradox

45:40 Conclusion and Further Resources

Find Wendy here: https://bothandthinking.net/book/

And on Substack here: https://wendyksmith.substack.com

Wendy Smith, Both and Thinking, Aidan McCullen, innovation, paradox, decision making, leadership, career challenges, tension management, creativity, organisational behaviour, success, problem solving, conflict resolution

Wendy Smith - Both/And Thinking Part1 Jun 13, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, we are joined by Wendy Smith, co-author of 'Both/And Thinking: Embrace Creative Tensions to Solve Your Toughest Problems.' Wendy elaborates on the nuances between dilemmas, paradoxes, and tensions, emphasising that these terms are not interchangeable and revealing the psychological and practical implications of recognising and navigating paradoxes. Drawing from her personal experiences and research, Wendy illustrates how both/and thinking can be applied to career decisions, organisational challenges, and broader societal issues. She discusses the limitations of either/or thinking and the harmful patterns it can create, such as intensification, overcorrection, and polarisation. Using examples from companies like Lego and Gore, Wendy shows how balancing tradition and innovation, centralisation and decentralisation, and other competing demands can lead to more sustainable success. The conversation also delves into the four types of paradoxes: learning, performing, organising, and belonging, and explores strategies to manage these tensions effectively. This episode is essential for anyone facing complex decisions in their personal or professional life. 00:00 Introduction to Both/And Thinking 00:12 Understanding Tensions and Dilemmas 03:08 Defining Paradox and Its Importance 05:23 Embracing Paradoxes in Real Life 08:00 Conditions That Highlight Paradoxes 16:51 Exploring the Four Types of Paradoxes 23:28 Navigating Organisational Paradoxes 31:23 The Paradox System Framework 36:57 Lego's Journey Through Paradox 45:40 Conclusion and Further Resources

Getting the Senior Team Onboard with Alexander Pett Jun 10, 2024

Show notes

Mastering High-Stakes Conversations for Corporate Innovation

In this episode, we dive into the essential techniques for leading high-stakes conversations to secure senior-level commitment to corporate innovation. Our guest, Alexander Pett, an expert in executive team dynamics, discusses the crucial concept of 'productive tension' and how recognizing and addressing disagreement can lead to authentic agreement and commitment. Pett outlines practical strategies for effectively framing issues, maintaining engagement, and navigating political dynamics in boardroom settings. Tune in to learn how to prepare and communicate strategically, ensuring your innovative ideas gain the buy-in they need to succeed.

00:00 Introduction to High-Stakes Conversations

01:31 The Importance of Productive Tension

05:23 Pre-Work and Stakeholder Engagement

07:12 Creating and Maintaining Productive Tension

08:44 Communication Skills and Self-Awareness

18:30 Frameworks for Effective Dialogue

20:55 Final Thoughts and Advice

Corporate Innovation, Senior Team Engagement, Productive Tension, Executive Leadership, Alexander Pett, Aidan McCullen, Corporate Explorer, High Stakes Conversations, Leadership Strategies, Boardroom Dynamics, Effective Communication, Innovation Leadership, Pre-Meeting Preparation, Organizational Change, Executive Buy-In, David Kantor, Group Dynamics, Empathy in Leadership, Political Savvy, Agreement and Advocacy

Alison Taylor - Higher Ground Jun 03, 2024

Show notes

Ethical Business Leadership in a Turbulent World | Alison Taylor's Insights

Join Alison Taylor, NYU Stern ethics professor and author of 'Higher Ground: How Business Can Do the Right Thing in a Turbulent World.' Alison shares her guidance on how companies can navigate ethical challenges in today's volatile landscape. She emphasizes the importance of going back to first principles and treating human beings with dignity and respect. Discover the significant shifts in business ethics, stakeholder capitalism, and the role of transparency and social media. Learn about the critical role of corporate culture, leadership, and the importance of addressing systemic issues within organizations. Whether you're a CEO, board member, or business leader, this discussion is packed with indispensable insights on creating a responsible and sustainable business.

00:00 Introduction to Ethical Business Practices

01:16 Understanding the Modern Business Landscape

02:36 The Rise of Transparency and Stakeholder Capitalism

04:36 Navigating Ethical Challenges in Business

08:41 The Complexity of ESG and Innovation

11:54 The Role of Leadership and Culture in Ethics

30:17 Addressing Corruption and Corporate Responsibility

34:39 Human Rights and Business Ethics

37:21 Tools for Building Ethical and Effective Cultures

49:09 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Find Alison here:

https://www.alisontaylor.co

That article was mentioned during the episode here.

https://hbr.org/2017/12/5-signs-your-organization-might-be-headed-for-an-ethics-scandal

Gathering Customer Discovery Data with Vanessa Ceia May 28, 2024

Show notes

Get Out of the Building: How to Gathering Customer Discovery Data with Vanessa Ceia

In this episode, we explore the critical shift needed for corporate explorers to succeed—moving from an inside-out to an outside-in mindset. Highlighting Corporate Explorer Field Book chapters, we discuss how customer discovery interviews can overcome inherent corporate biases. Sponsored by Wazoku, our guest Vanessa Ceia, an innovation expert, explains the importance of different interview stages—ideation, incubation, and scaling—and how qualitative research like focus groups and interviews are essential throughout the innovation process. Gain insights into preparing, conducting, and analysing interviews to gather customer-driven data and foster effective, sustainable innovation ecosystems.

00:00 Overcoming Corporate Mindset Obstacles

01:01 Introducing the Corporate Explorer Series Sponsor

01:37 Meet the Expert: Vanessa Ceia

02:05 Deep Dive into Customer-Driven Innovation

03:22 Exploring the Innovation Funnel: Ideation to Scaling

11:40 Incorporating Stakeholder Feedback for Success

14:35 Mastering the Interview Process for Innovation

19:53 Concluding Thoughts and Sponsor Acknowledgment

Aidan McCullen, Vanessa Ceia, customer discovery, corporate explorer, bias, assumptions, customer interviews, innovation, sustainability, value growth, qualitative research, innovation maturity, ideation, incubation, scaling, problem validation, MVP, customer segmentation

Teresa Amabile - The Progress Principle May 23, 2024

Show notes

Teresa Amabile - The Progress Principle

The Progress Principle: How Small Wins Boost Motivation and Happiness at Work

In the latest episode, Aidan McCullen welcomes Teresa Amabile, author of 'The Progress Principle,' to delve into her extensive research on motivation and emotions in the workplace.

Amabile's study of nearly 12,000 diary entries from workers in seven companies reveals that making even small progress in meaningful work is crucial for positive emotions and high motivation.

The conversation touches on key concepts like the role of clear goals, autonomy, sufficient resources, and the importance of supportive interpersonal events in fostering a productive work environment. The script also previews Amabile's upcoming book, 'Retiring: Creating a Life That Works for You,' which explores the challenges and experiences of transitioning into retirement.

00:00 Unlocking Motivation: The Power of Progress

01:34 Welcome Teresa Amabile: Exploring The Progress Principle

02:52 From Work Progress to Retirement: A New Research Journey

09:43 The Progress Principle: Small Wins, Big Impact

10:56 Managers, Take Note: The Surprising Truth About Motivation

17:27 Catalysts and Nourishers: The Keys to Sustained Progress

29:25 Real-World Impact: Stories from the Research

41:30 The Inner Work-Life Effect: A Deep Dive into Research Findings

50:50 A Call to Action for Leaders and Individuals

51:24 Closing Thoughts and Future Works

Find Teresa here: https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/profile.aspx?facId=6409

The Progress Principle here: https://www.progressprinciple.com

Tags: Aidan McCullen, Teresa Amabile, The Progress Principle, Inner Work Life, Creativity at Work, Employee Motivation, Small Wins, Positive Emotions, Innovation Management, Employee Engagement, Job Satisfaction, Workplace Psychology, Career Development, Retirement Planning, Work-Life Balance, Leadership Skills, Management Strategies, Team Building, Productivity, , Organizational Behavior

Howard Gardner: The Synthesizing Mind May 17, 2024

Show notes

Howard Gardner: The Synthesizing Mind

https://thethursdaythought.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Innovation Show, Howard Gardner, renowned for his theory of multiple intelligences, discusses his memoir 'A Synthesizing Mind,' recounting his life's intellectual journey.

Gardner talks about his career, his passion for understanding intelligence, his work on 'good work,' and how modern innovations like large language models impact his theories.

He shares personal anecdotes, the importance of synthesizing information, and his thoughts on education and ethics in the 21st century. Join us for a truly memorable episode as we delve deep into Gardner's mind and explore the essence of a synthesizer.

We talk innovation, creativity, ethics, goodness, education and life itself.

00:00 Unveiling the Synthesizing Mind of Howard Gardner

01:56 Exploring the Essence of the Synthesizing Mind

06:20 The Role of Synthesizers in Innovation and Entrepreneurship

14:36 Good Work: The Triple Helix of Excellence, Engagement, and Ethics

17:55 Navigating the Complexities of Good Work and Ethical Dilemmas

20:47 The Impact of Multiple Intelligences on Innovation

33:22 Exploring Musical Intelligence and Personal Reflections

33:46 The Impact and Legacy of 'Frames of Mind'

34:38 The Journey of Synthesizing Knowledge

35:56 Upcoming Publications: The Essential Howard Gardner

36:47 Reflections on Life, Learning, and Legacy

38:31 Navigating the Digital Age: Challenges and Strategies

44:17 The Misuse of Multiple Intelligences Theory

46:08 Ethical Considerations in Public Speaking and Publishing

47:22 The Importance of Good Work and Ethical Values

48:29 Revisiting Truth, Beauty, and Goodness in the Modern Era

01:01:29 Personal Experiences Shaping Educational Perspectives

01:05:24 The Essence of Continuous Learning and Good Work

Find Howard here:

https://www.howardgardner.com

The Good Project:

https://www.thegoodproject.org/good-blog

Project Zero:

https://pz.harvard.edu/projects/the-good-project

In 2024, Teachers College Press is issuing two volumes: The Essential Howard Gardner on Education (spring); The Essential Howard Gardner on Mind (fall). Covering work from several decades, each volume contains over two dozen articles, along with my autobiographical notes and up-to-date comments on the background, motivation, and impact of these publications.

For those interested in path-breaking work in education, psychology, and related fields, these books are indeed Essential Reading.

Blurbs for Education volume:

"A fascinating look at educational issues by one of our nation's finest and most creative academics. This is vintage Howard!" ―David C. Berliner, Regents Professor Emeritus, Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College, Arizona State University

"For more than 40 years, Dr. Howard Gardner has been one of―if not the―most influential scholar on the American educational system. It is thrilling to see a single volume that brings together Gardner's research and writings on educational institutions ranging from pre-K through the university. Readers who know Gardner best for his work on multiple intelligences theory will benefit tremendously from this exposure to his thinking on topics such as what it means to do good work, the purpose of a liberal arts education, and the role of social media in contemporary young people's development." ―Scott Seider, associate professor of applied developmental and educational psychology, Lynch School of Education and Human Development, Boston College

"The Essential Howard Gardner on Education offers a crisp distillation of Gardner's lasting contributions to our understanding of teaching and learning in a complex, ever-changing world. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to Gardner's work, this masterfully crafted narrative provides an accessible overview of Gardner's wide-ranging contributions to the field of education, including his educational philosophy; the provenance, uptake, and legacy of multiple intelligences theory; what it means to educate for truth, beauty, and goodness; and much more." ―Katie Davis, associate professor, Information School, University of Washington

"This is the book we've been waiting for. Here are the pithy, clear, and on-point vistas of one of the leading minds in his field. In the age of education fads and magic bullets, this book will become the indispensable GPS―Gardner Positioning System―to survey vast vistas in education and allied fields. Fasten your seat belt and prepare for an exhilarating journey." ―Marcelo M. Suárez-Orozco, chancellor, University of Massachusetts Boston

Early blurb for Mind volume:

"Howard Gardner has long been one of our most lucid, wide-ranging, and influential thinkers about cognitive science, development, and education. This collection captures his distinguished career exceptionally well."

―Alison Gopnik, Distinguished Professor of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley

George Glackin - Value Flows and Design Criteria Maps May 13, 2024

Show notes

This episode delves into the challenges corporate explorers face when introducing new business opportunities, emphasising the importance of crafting compelling value propositions. Featuring guest George Glackin, co-author of a chapter on value flows and design criteria maps, the discussion highlights these tools as essential for developing products or services that truly delight customers. Through the Swiffer Wet Jet case study, the effectiveness of these methodologies in real-world application is explored. Additionally, the episode covers the importance of overcoming the 'curse of expertise' and fostering diverse team collaboration to achieve innovation success. Sponsored by Wazoku, the episode advocates for connected collective intelligence in driving sustainable innovation ecosystems.

00:00 Introduction to Corporate Explorers and Value Propositions

00:43 Sponsor Spotlight: Wazoku's Role in Innovation

01:29 Guest Introduction: George Glackin on Value Flows and Design Criteria Maps

01:41 The Genesis of Value Flows and Design Criteria Maps

03:26 The Curse of Expertise and Its Impact

05:05 Exploring the Value Flow with a Practical Example

05:57 Deep Dive into Design Criteria Maps

09:07 Applying the Framework: The Swiffer Wet Jet Case Study

13:17 Breaking Down Silos for Successful Product Development

15:34 The Importance of Validation and Scaling in Innovation

17:07 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Go to the book website – www.thecorporateexplorer.com/contact and complete the contact form requesting the corrected version of chapter 5 and chapter 10.

Also see here for chapter 5:

https://irp.cdn-website.com/7703216a/files/uploaded/CE-Fieldbook-Chapter5-Explorer-Insight-to-Opportuity.pdf

Navigating Misinformation with Empathy: Misbelief with Dan Ariely May 06, 2024

Show notes

Dan Ariely

Navigating Misinformation with Empathy: Misbelief with Dan Ariely

This episode features Dan Ariely, author of 'Misbelief, what makes rational people believe irrational things', focusing on the psychology behind misinformation and belief in conspiracy theories.

Ariely discusses how stress, personality traits, and social dynamics contribute to the spread of false beliefs, emphasising the importance of resilience and trust in combating misinformation.

He shares personal experiences, including being targeted by disinformation, and highlights his role in the NBC show 'The Irrational' that combines social science with solving crimes. The conversation touches on various psychological concepts, the impact of cognitive biases, and the role of social context in shaping beliefs.

Ariely proposes empathy and understanding over conflict in addressing belief in misinformation and discusses the broader implications of trust erosion in society.

00:00 Unraveling the Web of Misinformation

01:12 Welcome Dan Ariely: Exploring Misbelief

02:15 The Making of 'The Irrational': A TV Show Inspired by Real Science

06:13 Embracing Imperfections: The Philosophy of Kintsugi

12:22 The Personal Impact of Misinformation on Dan Ariely

18:39 The Psychological Journey into Misbelief

22:08 Navigating the Flood of Misinformation in the Digital Age

26:42 The Role of Stress in Cultivating Misbeliefs

33:49 Challenging Cognitive Biases and Misbeliefs

40:01 Navigating Societal Divides: The Abortion Debate

40:59 The Power of Uncertainty in Dialogue

41:25 Innovation and the 'Us vs. Them' Mentality

42:33 Exploring the Dunning-Kruger Effect

47:15 The Role of Memory in Shaping Beliefs

49:02 Personality Traits and Susceptibility to Misbelief

52:07 Social Dynamics: Ostracism and Its Effects

01:01:38 Understanding Cognitive Dissonance

01:07:13 The Importance of Resilience and Trust

01:15:52 Concluding Thoughts on Misbelief and Social Change

Dan Ariely, Behavioral Economics, Misbelief, Misinformation, Social Media, Conspiracy Theories, Political Affiliation, Psychology, Fake News, Empathy, Cognitive Bias, Trust in Society, Resilience, Stress and Misbelief, Cognitive Dissonance, Shibboleth, Secure Attachment, Dunning-Kruger Effect, Innovation, Identity and Belief, AI and Misinformation

Find Dan at www.DanAriely.com

Unpacking Mindfulness and Positive Psychology with Ellen Langer May 04, 2024

Show notes

Unpacking Mindfulness and Positive Psychology with Ellen Langer

This podcast episode features Ellen Langer, known as the mother of mindfulness and positive psychology, discussing her latest book 'The Mindful Body' and its comprehensive insights into achieving chronic health through mindfulness. Langer covers a variety of topics, from the pitfalls of social comparison to the power of positive framing and the immense control people have over their health and happiness through mindful practices. Through anecdotes and empirical studies, she illustrates how changing perceptions and embracing variability can alleviate chronic illnesses, transform education, and enhance daily living. The discussion also touches on the psychological effects of labels, the importance of mindfulness in caregiving, and the transformative potential of mindful learning in both personal and professional contexts. Langer emphasizes the choice available in interpretations of our experiences and encourages a mindful approach to life's challenges to add more life to our years.

00:00 Welcome to the Mindful Body: An Introduction

00:44 The Pitfalls of Social Comparison

03:54 Embracing Imperfection and Mindfulness

05:22 Rethinking Regrets and Embracing Life's Uncertainties

07:29 The Power of Perspective: Learning from Loss

13:12 Understanding Emotions and Behavior

16:46 Mindful Learning and the Value of Mistakes

23:30 Challenging Conventional Wisdom on Health and Vision

27:20 Exploring the Power of Mindfulness in Managing Chronic Illness

28:03 The Transformative Effects of Mindfulness on Health

29:56 The Pygmalion Effect: Expectations Shaping Reality

30:59 Harnessing Placebo Effects and Mindful Healing