What does it take to build a seamless connection between the agile world of startups and the structured environments of corporate innovators? In this episode of Innovation Storytellers, I had the pleasure of speaking with Trena Blair, Founder & CEO of FD Global Connections, who brought her extensive expertise to the table in exploring how to bridge these two worlds.

Trena shared insights from her book, Decoding Global Growth: How Successful Companies Scale Internationally, a practical guide for startups scaling across borders. We explored the challenges startups face when moving from the prototype stage to becoming a scale-up, emphasizing the critical importance of resilience within leadership teams and the organizations they build. Trena discussed how the leadership skillset must evolve through the business growth lifecycle, shifting from directive approaches to fostering delegation and teamwork—essential elements for navigating the complexities of scaling.

We also touched on the cultural dynamics between startups and corporates, a factor that’s often overlooked yet can make or break partnerships. Trena highlighted the challenges of cultural misalignment, sharing an unforgettable story of a startup acquired by IBM and its “blue washing” experience—a 300-line checklist for assimilation into the corporate structure. The anecdote serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance required to preserve innovation while integrating into a larger organization.

This episode dives deep into the frameworks and strategies needed for startups and corporates to thrive together, including Trena's expert approach to risk management and governance. From assessing a startup’s capacity and capability to understanding cultural nuances and market needs, Trena offers invaluable guidance for leaders on both sides of the partnership.

What’s the secret to maintaining a startup’s innovative spirit while embracing the structure of a corporate partnership? Listen to this thought-provoking conversation and share your take!

Over the holidays, I am reflecting on one of my most downloaded episode of 2024 with my innovation guide and intellectual beacon, Peter Temes. 

In this episode, Peter and I journeyed through the intricacies of turning strategies from mere visions into tangible realities. We dissect the critical elements that transform a company’s strategy into a compelling narrative driven by morals and values, emphasizing the importance of collective belief and action in achieving success. Our discussion sheds light on the delicate balance between setting ambitious goals and the practical execution that brings them to life, underscoring the significance of establishing clear values and allowing the fruits of success to benefit every layer of an organization, especially its customers.

Join us as we delve into how adopting a collaborative rather than a top-down approach can lead to a more inclusive and impactful innovation strategy. We explore the challenges of instilling a culture that embraces change, drawing parallels with the complexities of updating data and computer systems within dynamic, fast-paced environments. Learn how parallel progress paths can be a strategic approach to fostering a forward-thinking and adaptable organizational culture, even in settings resistant to change.

I reflect on my most downloaded episode of 2024 with Louise Agersnap, the Head of WHO Innovation Hub, part of the Digital Health and Innovation Department. We enjoyed a thought-provoking discussion on the transformative initiatives happening at the World Health Organization. With over 20 years of experience in global health development and innovation, Louise brings a wealth of knowledge and insights to the table.

The conversation kicks off with a reflection on the global health sector's unique challenges and the critical need for innovative solutions. Recognizing this, WHO is empowering its teams to transition seamlessly from ideation to execution, with a nod to Kevin D'Silva and his team at Ideateplus for their role in fostering a culture of innovation.

Louise shares insights into the LEAD program, a groundbreaking initiative at WHO that empowers staff to drive impactful change through ideation, validation, and implementation. With over 250 ideas generated and 40+ projects in the pipeline, the LEAD program exemplifies the power of collaborative innovation in healthcare.

The discussion also delves into the role of storytelling in scaling innovation across 194 member states. Louise highlights the Herculean task of communicating and garnering support for innovative ideas globally, offering insights into crafting compelling narratives that inspire collaboration and drive progress.

We explore the importance of scalability and sustainability in fostering an innovation culture within WHO. With projects spanning 12 to 18 months, maintaining momentum and ensuring long-term impact are key priorities.

What does it take to thrive in a world where AI is redefining customer experience and business innovation? On this episode of the Innovation Storytellers Show, I had an incredible conversation with Jim Harris, bestselling author and globally renowned speaker on disruptive innovation, to explore how businesses can adapt to a rapidly evolving future.

Jim shared his unique journey, from teaching Stephen Covey's principles to becoming one of the most sought-after voices in AI and innovation. Drawing on decades of experience working with organizations like Walmart, IBM, and Barclays, he reflected on the challenges and opportunities presented by AI. From the democratization of AI tools to their transformative impact on industries, Jim offered deep insights into how companies must rethink their approach to innovation.

One of the standout moments from our discussion was Jim’s story about a group of mainframe managers who, in 1993, couldn’t envision the transformative role of the internet. Fast forward 30 years, and the web is now inseparable from our personal and professional lives. This raises an essential question: How quickly can businesses recognize that the rules of the game have changed, and how do they facilitate the transition to what’s next?

We also tackled the emotional and practical aspects of AI adoption. With two-thirds of Americans expressing fear about AI, Jim emphasized the importance of education, adaptability, and understanding AI's potential to empower, rather than replace, human capabilities. He also highlighted the importance of continuous learning, citing the World Economic Forum’s findings that workers need an additional 20 days of training annually to keep pace with technological advancements.

What role do trust, cultural understanding, and collaboration play in global innovation?

In this episode of the Innovation Storytellers Show, I sit down with Gökhan Doran, Division VP and General Manager at Corning International, to uncover the keys to navigating the complexities of international manufacturing and partnerships. 

From Brazil to Nigeria, Japan to India, Gökhan shares his journey of building diverse, value-driven collaborations that blend Corning’s innovation in glass science with local expertise and creativity.

Together, we explore the human resistance to change, the importance of breaking down comfort zones, and the philosophical insights that guide Gökhan’s leadership style. Drawing inspiration from Plato, Gökhan discusses how curiosity, discipline, and a willingness to climb the metaphorical wall of fear have shaped his career and approach to partnerships.

We also dive into the challenges and opportunities of operating in a global marketplace, from fostering trust in cross-cultural collaborations to ensuring alignment on core values. Gökhan highlights how these synergies drive innovation and long-term growth, transforming partnerships into powerful engines for progress.

Whether you're leading a global team or looking to expand your business internationally, this conversation offers actionable insights into the art and science of collaboration, innovation, and leadership in a fast-changing world.

On this episode of Innovation Storytellers Show, I’m joined by Bobbie Carlton, an award-winning marketing, PR, and social media professional who is transforming the way we think about public speaking, storytelling, and women’s visibility in innovation. As the founder of Carlton PR & Marketing, Mass Innovation Nights, and Innovation Women, Bobbie has dedicated her career to breaking barriers and creating platforms that amplify diverse voices.

In our conversation, Bobbie shared her fascinating journey from broadcasting to global PR at Cognos and her transition into entrepreneurship. She revealed her passion for storytelling as a catalyst for innovation and her mission to eliminate the all-too-common “manels” (all-male panels) that dominate tech and innovation conferences. 

Through Innovation Women, she’s redefined public speaking as a tool for visibility and career advancement, positioning it as a gateway for women to claim leadership roles, board positions, and career-changing opportunities.

Bobbie also unpacked the art of memorable storytelling, emphasizing the power of refrains and structure in capturing an audience’s attention. She spoke candidly about the common mistakes speakers make, such as telling overly lengthy or irrelevant stories, and offered actionable advice to start stories closer to their conclusion to maintain impact and clarity.

We also reflected on our shared roots in PR, reminiscing about the clip books and envelope-stuffing days that shaped our understanding of the evolving communication landscape.

This conversation is a masterclass in using storytelling as a tool for innovation and a reminder of the importance of making stages more inclusive. How are you using storytelling to spark innovation and amplify voices in your field? Share your thoughts after tuning in!

Have you ever wondered what it takes to use creativity to drive global change? In this episode of the Innovation Storyteller Show, I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with AY Young, CEO and flagship artist of the Battery Tour. AY is not your average musician—he’s redefining how we think about performance, energy, and sustainability.

As someone named one of the UN’s 17 Youth Leaders, AY has taken on the ambitious challenge of aligning his music with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through his Battery Tour, he’s powered over 950 concerts globally using renewable energy while inspiring communities and corporations like General Motors and Samsung to get involved.

Our conversation dives into AY’s journey, from his early inspiration watching his parents transform their Kansas City neighborhood block by block to his innovative approach to creating music that powers real change. We also explore his groundbreaking Project 17, an album featuring one song for each of the SDGs, created in collaboration with some of the world’s top artists.

This isn’t just a story about music; it’s about how each of us can be an outlet for change. Tune in to hear AY’s incredible journey, the obstacles he’s faced, and how he’s building a movement that bridges music, sustainability, and innovation.

In this episode of the Innovation Storytellers Show, I sit down with Dr. Mark van Rijmenam, a Strategic Futurist and Global Keynote Speaker known for his expertise in emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, and the metaverse. Mark and I first connected at the Global Speakers Federation Conference in Bali, where his keynote on digital transformation and the accelerating pace of AI left a lasting impression. 

We kick off our conversation by diving into the rapid evolution of AI and why businesses must adapt swiftly to harness its full potential. Mark explains how tools like Generative AI can drive creativity and productivity, but he also warns that if we aren’t ready to integrate these innovations, we risk falling behind. As the conversation progresses, Mark shares his thoughts on the rise of agentic AI, where intelligent agents collaborate autonomously — a development that’s pushing the boundaries of what AI can achieve today.

However,  it’s not just about AI. Mark sheds light on the untapped potential of blockchain, a technology often misunderstood as just the backbone of cryptocurrencies. He paints a picture of blockchain as the “plumbing” of the future internet, capable of enabling secure, transparent data sharing without compromising control. For Mark, it’s time to move beyond crypto-skepticism and see blockchain as a tool for building trust and collaboration across industries.

Our discussion takes a fascinating turn as we explore the role of education in this era of exponential change. Mark is candid about his frustrations with our outdated educational systems, which still mirror methods from centuries ago. He argues for a fundamental shift, one that embraces technology and focuses on fostering adaptability and resilience over rote learning.

Whether you’re an executive, an innovator, or an educator, this episode is packed with actionable insights on how to leverage AI and emerging technologies to stay ahead of the curve. Are you prepared for the exponential pace of change, or will you risk being left behind?

What if the most groundbreaking solutions weren’t waiting within your organization’s walls but scattered across industries, continents, and disciplines, just waiting to be tapped? In this episode, I sit down with Kyle Basler-Reeder, ExxonMobil’s Global Open Innovation Lead, to discuss how he’s redefined problem-solving for one of the world’s largest energy companies.

Kyle shares his unique journey from his early days as a 15-year-old aspiring entrepreneur to spearheading a program that searches far and wide for fresh perspectives on complex challenges. He dives into the methods and philosophies behind ExxonMobil’s open innovation framework, a system he’s crafted to harness creativity from diverse fields like agriculture, aerospace, and even pharmaceuticals.

Kyle introduces us to what he calls “Level Seven” of open innovation, where ExxonMobil looks to industries far beyond its own, bringing in insights from unexpected sources to tackle persistent and “stubborn” problems. He also reveals the fascinating world of “all-star solvers”—the polymaths who thrive on solving radically different challenges and who bring a Da Vinci-like approach to crowdsourced solutions.

Listen in as Kyle demystifies the path to open innovation, shares strategies for overcoming internal resistance, and highlights why bringing in “outside minds” has been transformative for ExxonMobil’s innovation journey. Whether you’re looking to jumpstart innovation or tackle longstanding challenges in your own organization, this episode offers practical insights on expanding beyond the familiar and embracing a truly global approach to problem-solving.

In this episode of Innovation Storytellers, I sit down with Yaron Flint, author, and seasoned innovation strategist, to explore what it truly takes to drive long-term innovation in today’s dynamic environment. As someone with deep experience spanning automotive, smart materials, environmental, and construction tech, Yaron brings a wealth of insights into how to make innovation strategies a reality within established organizations.

Yaron argues that no innovation effort can thrive without a champion at the helm—a dedicated advocate who navigates complexities galvanizes support, and keeps the momentum alive. This champion, he explains, must be willing to take calculated risks, champion the cause, and turn passive stakeholders into active supporters. Yaron shares stories from his career on how internal champions, equipped with strategic storytelling and persistence, have driven breakthrough success and garnered buy-in even when facing resistance.

We also touch on Yaron’s recent achievements, including projects that bridged technologies from unrelated industries to achieve new solutions, like his award-winning environmental project in manufacturing. Yaron provides a glimpse into his methodology for forging partnerships and cross-sector collaborations, emphasizing that a genuine partnership is an ongoing commitment to learning and evolving together.

As we dive into his book, Innovative Business Development: Implementing Transformation from Within, Yaron offers practical tools for leaders looking to adopt and sustain innovation across sectors, no matter the challenges.

Tune in to discover why having a champion is essential and learn how cross-cultural and cross-sector experiences can be leveraged to foster innovation that is as profitable as it is transformative. Is your organization ready to make the leap? Listen now and share your thoughts on what it takes to turn innovative ideas into organizational wins.