Innovation Storytellers

In this episode, Kay Sargent, Director of Workplace Thought Leadership at HOK discusses how work environments should evolve to become spaces that meet and invigorate our needs. The conversation takes us through Kay's diverse career, highlighting her adaptability and curiosity, keeping her at the forefront of workplace innovation.

We also explore the concept of curiosity as a driving force in business. Kay's perspective on this is enlightening: staying curious is essential for problem-solving and innovation within any organization. This trait, she believes, is what separates dynamic, forward-thinking leaders from those who remain stagnant.

Perhaps the most striking part of our discussion revolves around challenging the status quo. Kay, known for her candid and provocative approach, often plays the role of a 'gadfly,'' pushing organizations to think beyond traditional norms. This approach is crucial in achieving transformative growth and adapting to future possibilities.

The episode isn't just about workspace design; it's a narrative on how changing our environments can lead us to new heights of creativity and efficiency. Kay's stories and insights serve as a reminder that innovation isn't just about ideas; it's about creating a suitable space for those ideas to flourish.

As we wrap up our conversation, we invite you, our listeners, to reflect on your own 'aha' moments in transforming workspaces or organizational cultures. How has the design of your work environment influenced your creativity and productivity?

Today, we take a journey into the heart of African innovation. Our esteemed guest, Nkem Nweke from Microsoft, brings a fresh and insightful perspective on technological advancements in Africa.

Nkem, based in Lagos, Nigeria, is not just an innovator but a storyteller of change. His work in problem framing, design sprints, and disruptive product development reshapes how we think about technology's role in addressing local and global challenges. He offers a deep dive into Microsoft's innovative culture, especially Microsoft Garage's role in encouraging creative problem-solving and prototyping.

Our conversation goes beyond the walls of Microsoft. We delve into the realities of technological development in Africa, a continent pulsating with the desire for innovation yet grappling with unique challenges like limited connectivity. Nkem poses thought-provoking questions: In a world racing towards 5G, how do we build solutions for areas still in a 2G or no G environment? How relevant is AI for those at the bottom of the pyramid?

This episode is a journey into the streets of Lagos, the heart of Africa's biggest economy, exploring the vibrant pulse of innovation. It's a discussion about the opportunities in the challenges, and the role of African teams in shaping global technology, particularly in developing large language models.

Join us as Nkem Nweke guides us through this fascinating innovation landscape, challenges, and opportunities. Share your thoughts and insights as we explore how technology can be more inclusive and resonate with the diverse needs of global communities.

As a New York City native, public transportation has been a central part of my life. It's more than just a means of travel; it's where life happens. This personal connection brings extra excitement to my conversation today with SEPTA's Chief Innovation Officer, Emily Yates. Emily is not just a strategic leader; she's a visionary, redefining how we perceive and interact with urban spaces.

In our enlightening discussion, Emily opens up about her approach to innovation. She challenges the traditional notion of innovation as being the first globally, advocating instead for pioneering within one's own space. This perspective is especially poignant for Philadelphia, as Emily illustrates how the city embraces this ethos to redefine itself.

The heart of our conversation revolves around human-centered innovation. Emily passionately believes that the advancements in a city should improve the quality of life for all its residents, not just the privileged few. This approach is particularly relevant as we discuss the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and how it has exposed and amplified social inequities.

Emily shares how SEPTA uses technology and data for operational efficiency and as tools to address these deep-rooted inequalities. We delve into how spatial inequity within Philadelphia has been identified and addressed through innovative participatory budgeting driven by data and community input.

This episode isn't just about the technicalities of transforming a city into a smart one; it's a narrative of hope, inclusivity, and the power of innovative thinking to create spaces where everyone has a voice.

In my latest episode of Innovation Storytellers Show, I welcome Dr. Scott Walper, Science Director for Synthetic Biology at the US Office of Naval Research Global. The conversation took an exciting turn into the world of engineered living materials, a realm where the boundaries between the living and the inanimate blur into a new reality of possibilities.

Dr. Walper's enthusiasm was palpable as he spoke about his favorite subject, engineered living materials. He shared how this field transforms what we once viewed as dead materials—like walls and clothes—into living, multifunctional systems. This isn't just theoretical; it's a reality in synthetic biology today, with remarkable advancements in the past decade.

An interesting point Dr. Walper made was about the art of science communication. He believes that as a scientist, one must also be a persuasive storyteller, almost like a 'used car salesman.' This means recognizing the audience's needs and selling the idea, even if it's as complex as a scientific concept. It's crucial to make science accessible and relatable. This approach is particularly vital when introducing innovative ideas that might seem like science fiction. By creating a narrative and showing how these ideas can fill gaps or solve problems, even in the future, scientists can lay a foundation for acceptance and understanding of their work.

Dr. Walper also discussed the challenge of explaining complex technologies like AI, which often go into a 'black box' that's hard for the average person to understand. He stressed the importance of not dumbing down science but making it accessible and exciting without losing its essence. According to him, the key is to frame scientific innovations in terms of their impact on improving lives. This approach makes the science more relatable and encourages trust and investment in these ideas.

Our conversation delves into the fascinating intersection of science and storytelling and how the latter is essential for the progression of the former. By focusing on how innovations can positively impact people's lives, scientists and innovators can craft narratives that resonate with a wider audience, fostering greater understanding and support for their work. This episode is a testament to the power of storytelling in science and technology and its role in shaping a future where these fields are more integrated into our daily lives.

In this episode of Innovation Storytellers Show, I welcome Natalie Turner, Founder & CEO of The Entheo Network and the brain behind The Six 'I's® of Innovation. Natalie offers a riveting exploration of how innovation can be an everyday practice, accessible to all, not just reserved for specialized teams. She discusses how the Six 'I's® model can serve as a compass, guiding us in integrating innovation into our daily work and strategic projects alike.

Natalie emphasizes the importance of 'purpose-driven innovation.' She challenges listeners to ponder the real impact of their innovative ideas, especially in our current times when not all innovation leads to positive outcomes. Her current work, focused on developing new care models for the elderly at risk of homelessness, serves as a testament to this approach, applying the Six 'I's® to identify opportunities and understand the needs of vulnerable populations.

Furthermore, Natalie draws an intriguing comparison between the innovation process and the classic tale of Oliver Twist, highlighting the crucial role of stakeholder engagement and collaboration. She stresses the importance of involving investors and decision-makers early in the innovation journey, likening it to building a collaborative ecosystem where every participant is a key contributor from the onset.

Tune in to this episode for an enlightening discussion with Natalie Turner. Discover how you can apply the Six 'I's® in your everyday work to foster innovation and how purpose-driven approaches can lead to more humane and effective solutions for critical social issues. This episode is a beacon for anyone seeking to understand and navigate the multifaceted landscape of innovation.

In the latest episode of Innovation Storytellers Show, I had the pleasure of talking with Wade Bitaraf, the Founder of Energy & Sustainability at Plug and Play. Our conversation is a deep dive into the transformative role of startups in reshaping the energy sector, particularly the oil and gas industry, at a time when the world is grappling with climate change.

Wade brings to the table a wealth of experience from Plug and Play, an organization that stands out for its unique approach in helping startups gain significant traction in the open market. We discuss the nuances of how these startups are not just working with big companies but also forming synergies with smaller businesses and tapping into larger networks for inspiration and contacts.

A significant part of our discussion revolves around the technological advancements in the oil and gas industry. Wade elaborates on how data analytics, sensors, and software are revolutionizing operations, enhancing efficiency in warehouse and supply chain management, and more importantly, paving the way for a sustainable future. He highlights the critical impact of these innovations in reducing emissions and moving towards the global goal of net-zero carbon.

Wade sheds light on the importance of cross-industry collaboration. The journey to reducing emissions and accounting for them isn't a solo endeavor for the oil and gas sector. It requires a concerted effort, involving electric utilities and the broader energy industry, to make meaningful progress.

One of the most striking points Wade makes is about the evolution of the innovation landscape. Sustainability goals, which were once peripheral considerations, are now at the forefront of corporate innovation strategies. This shift is not just a trend but a necessity, as we see chief innovation officers increasingly incorporating climate goals into their agendas.

As we wrap up our conversation, Wade reflects on the exciting opportunities that lie ahead. The prototypes and projects emerging in this space are not just about innovation for innovation's sake; they are about innovating to save our planet. It's a narrative that's becoming more prevalent, and rightfully so, as we witness sustainability and innovation walking hand in hand, charting a path for a better future.

This week's episode provides a fascinating look into the art of communication in innovation. It's crucial for reaching audiences, teams, and the broader market. Carmen Collins is a name I've admired and spoken about at international conferences, even before we met for this podcast. Carmen's transformative work at Cisco, particularly in reviving the brand through employee voices and social media post-telecom boom, is inspiring.

In this episode, Carmen, with her extensive experience in social media brand marketing and communications, delves into the art of creating compelling dialogues around innovation on social media. Her journey includes leading roles at Intuit QuickBooks and other notable brands, where she harnessed the power of storytelling to align corporate vision with engaging content strategies.

We'll explore how Carmen's approach to social media transcends traditional marketing, focusing on tangible goals and priorities rather than just surface-level engagement. Her accolades, including being a top woman in communications and a four-time winner of the Social Media Professional of the Year, speak volumes about her expertise.

Our conversation takes a deep dive into integrating social media strategy from the outset, using examples like a hypothetical Burger King Super Bowl commercial. Carmen highlights the pitfalls of not including digital and social teams in the planning phase, leading to potential flops on platforms like TikTok or Instagram.

Moreover, we discuss the crucial role of personal connection in social media messaging. Carmen advises making content relatable by sharing the stories behind innovations, including the failures and challenges. This approach humanizes the brand and resonates deeply with audiences, tapping into our inherent attraction to stories of overcoming adversity.

Join us in this insightful episode as Carmen Collins shares her wisdom on using social media to effectively communicate innovations, balancing the demands of platform algorithms with the need to engage and captivate audiences.

I'm thrilled to have Mach Millett, the Chief Innovation Officer and Alternative Investment Practice Leader at Lockton Financial Services, join us on The Innovation Storytellers Show. Mach's impressive background spans over a decade at Marsh and a legal career at Skadden Arps, equipping him with a unique perspective on managing risks in innovation.

In this episode, we're not just talking about insurance in the traditional sense. We're delving into how to protect the future - the innovations and potential within our organizations. Mach's role at Lockton involves creating new insurance products for unaddressed risk exposures and serving as a technical expert in various complex fields. His experience crafting insurance contracts and resolving disputes gives him a unique vantage point on the intersection of innovation, law, and insurance.

Our conversation travels from Central America to the intricacies of the legal profession and deep into the insurance world. We discuss the importance of involving legal, compliance, and PR teams from the onset of an innovation project, forming an 'Innovation Council' to ensure all potential issues are addressed early. Mach shares his experiences with the challenges and triumphs of navigating innovation's legal and compliance landscapes, providing insights into how to foresee and manage the unforeseen.

This episode explores the support systems underpinning innovation. We delve into the importance of seeing around corners, anticipating risks, and extending a hand across different silos to foster successful innovation. Mach's journey from a legal expert to an innovation leader at Lockton illustrates the multifaceted nature of protecting and nurturing the next big thing.

In this episode of the Innovation Storytellers Show, I spoke with Lincoln Bleavens, Stanford University's Executive Director of Sustainability & Energy Management. With a rich background in the global energy sector, Lincoln brings a unique blend of academic and practical expertise to his role, overseeing a range of operations from energy and water management to emergency preparedness and waste management.

Our discussion centered on Stanford's innovative approach to sustainability, viewing the university as a microcosm of a larger urban system. Lincoln highlighted Stanford's significant strides in aligning its operational needs with sustainability goals. Notably, the university's transition from a natural gas-fired plant to renewable electricity and from a steam-based system to more efficient hot and chilled water systems has substantially reduced energy and water consumption.

These changes, Lincoln pointed out, are not just about adopting new technologies but represent a fundamental shift in resource management, resulting in a dramatic decrease in distribution losses and water consumption. This approach positions Stanford as a leader in sustainable innovation, demonstrating how operational efficiency can coexist with environmental stewardship.

Lincoln's insights underscore the importance of sustainability as a driver of innovation. Stanford is setting an example for other institutions and cities by focusing on long-term, sustainable solutions. His passion for applied innovation and sustainability is a testament to Stanford's commitment to leading by example in this vital area.

In summary, my conversation with Lincoln Bleavens was an in-depth look into how Stanford is pioneering a sustainable future, offering valuable lessons and strategies that could inspire a broader movement toward sustainable innovation and efficiency.

This week I explore a unique perspective on innovation through the lens of gender dynamics and intuition. Our guest, Fabienne Jacquet, a scientist, corporate innovator, author, and the founder of INNOVEVE®, brings a wealth of experience and a distinctive viewpoint on the subject.

Fabienne challenges conventional wisdom by emphasizing the importance of both masculine and feminine energies in the innovation process, transcending the traditional gender roles. She discusses the neuroscience behind these energies, explaining how different brain compositions, including the distribution of gray and white matter, contribute to diverse problem-solving approaches and ways of connecting the dots in complex situations. This concept extends beyond mere physiological differences to encompass a broader understanding of how we, as innovators, can harness these diverse energies for creative and effective problem-solving.

An intriguing part of the conversation revolves around the role of intuition in innovation. Fabienne advocates for the inclusion of diverse perspectives in the innovation process, arguing that this diversity is crucial for accumulating a wide range of information and ideas. She emphasizes the importance of being open to new cultures, experiences, and ways of thinking, as this openness is key to fostering a creative and innovative mindset. Additionally, Fabienne touches upon the often-overlooked necessity of allowing our brains time to rest, highlighting how our best ideas often emerge when we are not actively trying to force them.

A particularly fascinating aspect of the discussion is Fabienne's exploration of how feminine energy, often characterized as chaotic and less predictable, plays a crucial role in the front end of the innovation process. This contrasts with the more structured and organized masculine energy that tends to dominate the latter stages of bringing a product to market. Fabienne's approach is not just theoretical; she has applied these principles throughout her career in various fields, from academia to corporate innovation.

My conversation with Fabienne Jacquet is a journey through the intricacies of innovation and a call to embrace a more inclusive and holistic approach to creating and implementing new ideas. It's a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the deeper layers of innovation and how integrating diverse energies and perspectives can lead to more meaningful and impactful outcomes.