The Most Important Question

127. How To Innovate


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In Episode 127, Quinn wants to know just how the hell “innovation” actually works.

His guest is Christopher Mims, a journalist for the Wall Street Journal, who’s spent a career asking big questions about the most pressing technological and societal issues we face, from robot trains to the future of batteries, brain implants, and whatever happens to land in-between.

The thesis: every little bit counts, and it’s more predictable than you think. Or is it?

Together, Quinn and Chris explore the team dynamics of innovation, the “great man” question, the invisible force behind Moore’s Law, and more. 

The bad news: Nobody gets to save the world. The good news: Everyone gets to save the world, a little bit.

Today’s episode is brought to you by Avocado Green Brands, where sustainability comes first. They craft their GOTS certified organic mattresses, pillows, and bedding with natural materials sourced from their organic farms in India, in their own clean-energy powered facility in Los Angeles, where their team shares a singular purpose: To raise the bar for what it means to be a sustainable business. 

Avocado is Climate Neutral Certified for net zero emissions and donates one percent of all revenue to environmental nonprofits through its membership with 1% For the Planet. 

Find out what it means to sleep organic at AvocadoMattress.com.

Have feedback or questions? Tweet us, or send a message to [email protected]

Important, Not Important Book Club:

  • Life as We Made It by Beth Shapiro

  • Arriving Today by Christopher Mims

  • https://bookshop.org/shop/importantnotimportant

  • Links:

    • mims.club

    • Twitter: @mims

    • Connect with us:

      • Subscribe to our newsletter at ImportantNotImportant.com!

      • Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/ImportantNotImp

      • Follow Quinn: twitter.com/quinnemmett

      • Follow Brian: twitter.com/beansaight

      • Like and share us on Facebook: facebook.com/ImportantNotImportant

      • Intro/outro by Tim Blane: timblane.com

      • Important, Not Important is produced by Crate Media

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