In this opening installment of Nordic Visionaries, I introduce a fresh series spotlighting entrepreneurs, creators, and advocates at the crossroads of innovation and sustainability throughout the Nordic countries. 

My first guest, Mathias Wikström, sheds light on how cultural values shape our approach to protecting nature and why weaving sustainability into financial services is a long-term strategy. Together, we examine how transparent banking practices, combined with mindful consumer choices, can boost both human and environmental well-being.

Mathias also reveals the importance of storytelling in shifting habits, highlighting a real-life example from Bank of the West, where a new perspective on everyday transactions sparked a surge of interest and retention. This conversation touches on the power of empathy, the need for collaboration across sectors, and how linking every purchase to environmental impact might become a normal part of daily life. 

This engaging episode sets the stage for a series that probes the Nordic mindset on merging profit with a strong sense of responsibility for people and the planet.

Have you ever considered the role that discipline, trust, and storytelling play in shaping truly innovative leaders?

In this episode of the Innovation Storytellers Show, I'm honored to welcome Miles Garrett, a veteran leader, author, and former Executive Officer of the nuclear-powered submarine USS Cheyenne. Drawing from his extensive 25-year career spanning both the United States Marine Corps and the Navy, Miles shares powerful insights into leadership, innovation, and the critical role storytelling plays in high-stakes environments.

Miles takes us behind the scenes to explore why consistent conversations around leadership are not just beneficial but necessary. He shares his own experience in the military, where peer-to-peer conversations shape organizational culture and instill vital traits like intrinsic motivation, professional trust, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. But what happens when these conversations aren't happening? Miles highlights how ignoring leadership fundamentals can quickly undermine organizational morale and effectiveness, whether in the military or in business.

Our discussion also covers the fascinating connection between risk-taking, innovation, and storytelling. Miles vividly recounts historical examples, illustrating why leaders must balance boldness with accountability to inspire genuine breakthroughs. He argues convincingly that innovation thrives when leaders foster trust, enabling their teams to share ideas without fear confidently.

Throughout the conversation, Miles challenges conventional perceptions of leadership, pushing us to reconsider what truly drives people internally versus externally. He offers practical strategies for cultivating intrinsic motivation, building professional trust, and pursuing excellence in any organization.

Join us for this thought-provoking episode and explore how timeless principles from military leadership can fuel innovation in your own organization. Could a stronger focus on trust, motivation, and storytelling unlock new possibilities for your team? Tune in and share your thoughts.

Can innovation truly succeed without trust, integrity, and the right team behind it? In this episode of the Innovation Storytellers Show I welcome Tracy Nolan, Senior Vice President of MarketPoint at Humana, for an insightful discussion on what it really takes to lead big ideas and bold changes.

Tracy shares how her journey began in an unexpected place—retail—where an inventive approach led to record-breaking sales, setting the stage for a career of embracing innovation. Through her remarkable experiences in telecom, notably leading Sprint’s transformative turnaround and groundbreaking merger with T-Mobile, Tracy underscores how calculated risk-taking and bold decisions can radically shift a company's direction.

At the heart of their conversation is the critical role of trust during times of change, especially mergers and acquisitions. Tracy candidly discusses the strategies that built trust with teams she led, emphasizing the necessity of open, transparent communication—even in tough situations. Her relatable story about the "goose in the parking lot" vividly illustrates how addressing seemingly small team concerns can significantly impact company culture and morale.

Transitioning from telecom to healthcare, Tracy brings these leadership lessons to Humana, where she now tackles healthcare’s complex landscape. She reveals her approach to fostering a culture of innovation and shared vision, highlighting that successful innovation isn’t about dictating strategy from above but rather bringing teams along on a collective journey toward clearly visualized goals.

The episode wraps with Tracy tackling my hot-seat questions, revealing her personal thoughts on the greatest innovation of all time, the historical team she'd most love to have joined, and the one innovation she'd love to see next—ideas sure to spark lively debate among listeners.

What role does trust play in your innovation journey? Share your experiences with us after tuning in to this inspiring conversation!

What happens when AI meets automotive repair? Can technology bridge the growing knowledge gap between seasoned mechanics and the next generation of technicians? And how will the “Right to Repair” movement reshape how vehicles are maintained in the future?

In this episode of Innovation Storytellers Show, I sit down with Eric West, Chief Growth Officer at Convertible AI, to explore the intersection of AI, workforce training, and the future of vehicle diagnostics. 

Eric shares his perspective on the hidden complexities behind the so-called "technician shortage" and explains why the issue goes far beyond a simple lack of workers. He highlights how AI can capture and distribute the knowledge of master mechanics, ensuring that valuable expertise is not lost as older generations of technicians retire. The ability to embed decades of experience into AI-powered diagnostic tools can revolutionize the way mechanics diagnose and repair vehicles, making training more efficient and ensuring accuracy in the repair process.

One of the most significant shifts in the industry is the growing push for Right to Repair legislation. Eric discusses how this movement challenges the traditional power balance between independent repair shops and major automakers. As proprietary repair information becomes more accessible, AI-driven tools could empower smaller shops with the same level of technical insight as dealership service centers, ultimately creating a more competitive and consumer-friendly industry.

The conversation also touches on the role of synthetic data in AI innovation. Eric explains how AI-generated datasets are helping businesses predict vehicle issues before they occur, providing a new level of preventative maintenance. With the ability to simulate real-world conditions and test different scenarios, synthetic data is allowing auto manufacturers and repair shops to stay ahead of potential problems, improving efficiency and reducing costly repairs.

So, what does the future of AI-powered workforce training look like? How will AI reshape industries where hands-on expertise has always been essential? And most importantly, how do we ensure that innovation benefits the people who drive these industries forward? Let’s continue the conversation.

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What if the songs artists love the least become the ones fans can’t live without?

In this episode of the Innovation Storytellers Show, I sit down with Amani Roberts, DJ, professor, author, and creative powerhouse, to explore where real innovation happens in the music industry—beyond technology, beyond distribution, and deep into the creative process itself.

Amani takes us behind the scenes of some of the most legendary R&B hits, revealing how experimentation, last-minute decisions, and creative risks have shaped the soundtracks of our lives. From Earth, Wind & Fire collaborating with magician David Copperfield to transform live performances, to Kool & The Gang reinventing their sound to reach #1, we unpack the unexpected ways music evolves.

But this conversation goes beyond music. Amani shares lessons on creativity, reinvention, and ownership that apply to any industry—whether you’re leading a business, building a brand, or creating something from nothing. We also dive into the business of music today, from the rise of streaming and catalog sales to how artists are navigating a world where music is consumed differently than ever before.

If you’ve ever wondered how collaboration, risk-taking, and even rejection fuel the biggest breakthroughs, not just in music but in innovation at large. This episode is for you.

What happens when big data meets healthcare innovation? In this episode of the Innovation Storyteller Show, Susan Lindner talks with Tina Posey, CEO of HealthcarePoint, about how data is transforming clinical trials and reshaping healthcare on a global scale.

Tina shares her journey into healthcare innovation, sparked by the events of 2020, and how HealthcarePoint’s platform is revolutionizing the clinical trial process. By enabling pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, and healthcare innovators to share critical competency data, HealthcarePoint ensures regulatory compliance and safety in clinical trials. This data-driven approach not only speeds up essential research but also improves patient outcomes by ensuring the right people are in the right roles at the right time.

The conversation also explores the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in clinical trials, highlighting how FDA mandates are opening doors for previously underrepresented populations. Tina discusses the unique challenges and opportunities that arise when addressing healthcare needs across different regions, emphasizing that innovation must consider cultural and regional differences.

One of the most compelling parts of the discussion focuses on stroke care, where HealthcarePoint’s solutions have demonstrated the potential to save up to 45 minutes in treatment time—a difference that could mean full recovery instead of permanent disability. This example underscores how every second counts in healthcare and how data and AI are crucial in saving lives.

The way we power the world hasn’t fundamentally changed in decades—until now. In this episode of the Innovation Storyteller Show, I speak with Dr. Moshiel Biton, CEO and co-founder of Addionics, a company reshaping the battery industry with 3D current collector technology.

Dr. Biton shares his unconventional path into the battery space, reflecting on how the EV revolution has transformed the perception of energy storage. He explains why the fundamental structure of lithium-ion batteries has remained unchanged for over 30 years and how his company is working to overcome the limitations of existing technology. He discusses the challenges of scaling battery innovation while ensuring new solutions integrate seamlessly into existing production lines.

The conversation also explores the hurdles of securing venture capital for hardware-focused startups and why many investors hesitate to back new battery technologies. Dr. Biton describes how Addionics has navigated these challenges by offering a drop-in solution that enhances performance without requiring massive infrastructure changes.

Beyond technology, he shares a thought-provoking reflection on the state of the world, envisioning a "peace generator" that could help people recognize the futility of conflict. As the conversation unfolds, it becomes clear that innovation isn’t just about advancing technology but about shaping the future in a way that benefits everyone.

Why do so many groundbreaking ideas stall before they even get started? In this episode of the Innovation Storytellers Podcast, Dr. Stefan Dietrich, Senior Advisor in Innovation and Digital Transformation, exposes the real obstacles that prevent innovation from thriving inside organizations.

Dr. Dietrich shares his experiences leading digital transformation at Siemens, AXA, and within startups, revealing the cultural and structural hurdles that slow progress. He discusses how middle management—often referred to as "corporate permafrost"—can be one of the biggest roadblocks to change and why the most successful innovators find ways to bypass bureaucracy and go straight to decision-makers.

We also explore the dangers of complacency, the challenge of proving ROI for disruptive ideas, and why companies that resist innovation put themselves at risk of becoming obsolete. Dr. Dietrich shares firsthand stories of pushing bold ideas through corporate resistance, including lessons from the early days of mobile transformation and the critical role of data in shaping decision-making.

If you've ever struggled to get leadership buy-in, seen your projects get stuck in endless approval cycles, or been asked to put a visionary idea into an Excel spreadsheet, this episode is for you.

Tune in to learn how to navigate corporate innovation, avoid the slow death of great ideas, and build a culture that embraces transformation.

How do you keep pushing forward when faced with constant setbacks, resistance, or uncertainty? For innovators and leaders, resilience isn't just a nice-to-have—it's essential. But resilience isn't simply enduring; it's about having a plan to navigate challenges and become stronger.

In this episode of Innovation Storytellers Show, I sit down with Dr. Marie-Hélène Pelletier, an expert in leadership psychology and the author of The Resilience Plan, to break down what it takes to build resilience in today's fast-changing world. MH has spent decades working with executives, entrepreneurs, and high-performing professionals, helping them cultivate the mental agility to thrive amid shifting business landscapes.

We explore why resilience isn't a personality trait—it's a skill that fluctuates over time and can be strengthened with the right strategies. MH shares the foundational elements of resilience, from the science-backed habits that sustain it to the business-inspired frameworks that help leaders apply it effectively. We also dive into why burnout is so prevalent among innovators and why simply pushing through challenges isn't a sustainable solution.

Throughout our conversation, MH introduces actionable ways to create a personal Resilience Plan tailored to your unique pressures and priorities. Whether you're leading high-stakes projects, navigating corporate resistance to change, or simply trying to maintain momentum in the face of uncertainty, this episode will give you the tools to build resilience to support your success.

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the pressures of leading change, this conversation is for you. MH's insights will help you survive and thrive, even in challenging environments.

Dr. Pelletier is providing all listeners access to free resources.

Innovation is often seen as a function of big ideas and long-term investments, but in today’s fast-changing world, organizations must rethink how they approach problem-solving and experimentation. In this episode, I sit down with Shellery Ebron and Annice Kim from RTI International to discuss how one of the world’s most respected research organizations is embedding innovation into its culture and operations.

RTI International is known for its groundbreaking research in science, health, and public policy. But what sets RTI apart is its commitment to making innovation a core value, not just an occasional initiative. Shellery and Annice share how RTI has shifted its approach, moving away from traditional, multi-year innovation cycles to a more agile, adaptable framework that allows for quicker experimentation and real-world impact.

Throughout our conversation, we explore the challenges organizations face when trying to implement innovative ideas. One of the biggest hurdles is inertia—the resistance to change that exists in every industry. Shellery and Annice discuss the importance of storytelling as a tool to overcome resistance, emphasizing that getting buy-in requires painting a vivid picture of the future. Whether talking to business leaders, researchers, or policymakers, framing innovation in a way that speaks to their priorities is key.

Another critical aspect of RTI’s innovation strategy is breaking down ambitious ideas into smaller, testable projects. Instead of waiting for full funding or a perfect plan, they encourage teams to start with small experiments that confirm key assumptions and build momentum. This step-by-step approach ensures that innovation is not just a one-time effort but a continuous process that drives real change.

From embedding innovation into corporate values to fostering a culture where experimentation is encouraged, this episode provides a fascinating look at how RTI International is shaping the future of research and social impact. Whether you’re in the public or private sector, there are valuable lessons to be learned from their approach to making innovation a sustainable, organization-wide practice.