Innovation Talks

Today, Paul has an enlightening conversation on the future of technology and innovation with futurist Thomas Frey to explore how emerging technologies, robotics, and biotechnologies are poised to reshape our lives. Diving into the potential evolution of entertainment, healthcare, quantum computing, and the role of personal bots, they offer a glimpse of a future where technology redefines human potential.

Thomas Frey is a prominent futurist and the founder of the Da Vinci Institute. Renowned for his engaging keynotes and thought-provoking predictions, Thomas travels globally to discuss how burgeoning technologies will shape the future. With extensive expertise in foresight and innovation, he is often sought after for his ability to expand people's understanding of upcoming trends and developments. Thomas has also authored several publications, including "Future Like a Boss," and actively contributes to his blog at futuristspeaker.com.

"Technology will redefine human potential, enabling people to become exponentially more adaptable." ~Thomas Frey

Today on Innovation Talks:

·     The inevitability and rapid pace of technology.

·     There is a need for exponentially better talent in the tech industry.

·     The potential of robotic performances and races blends with human entertainment.

·     The shift from pharmaceutical solutions to biotechnological systems.

·     The world's largest quantum computer and its future applications.

·     Predictions, including smart glasses and personal bots.

·     Insights into demographic changes and their implications on technology and jobs.

·     Philosophical thoughts on societal balance and the necessity of struggle.

Resources Mentioned:

"Future Like a Boss": Thomas Frey’s book is available as a course on thinking like a futurist.

Quantum computing developments by Quantinium.

https://www.quantinuum.com/

Thomas Frey's columns and blogs at Future Speaker.

https://futuristspeaker.com/

12 Famous Quotes that Will Change Your Life

https://futuristspeaker.com/futurist-thomas-frey-insights/12-famous-quotes-that-will-change-your-life/

Connect with Thomas Frey:

Website: https://futuristspeaker.com/

Thomas Frey Futurist of the Year 2024

https://foty2024.sgmk.edu.pl/en/thomas-frey-en/ 

Ready to Transform Your Innovation Strategy?

If you're a product manager or innovator looking to streamline your processes and turn chaos into control, you won't want to miss this opportunity.

Dive into our exclusive, free eBook on Innovation Ops strategies designed just for you.

Learn the secrets to revolutionizing your approach and achieving success with clarity and precision.

Download your copy today.

Visit https://info.sopheon.com/innovationops-ebook

Start your journey to becoming an innovation powerhouse now!

This Podcast is brought to you by Sopheon



Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Innovation Talks. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

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Be sure to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, and share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more listeners like you.

For additional information about new product development or corporate innovation, sign up for Sopheon’s monthly newsletter, where we share news and industry best practices! The fastest way to do this is to go to sopheon.com and click here.

Today, Paul and Neil Hawkins discuss integrating sustainability into corporate innovation, focusing on blending value creation, project discipline, and collaboration to achieve long-term sustainability goals. An industry expert, Neil discusses his strategies and experiences from his extensive career promoting sustainable business practices.

For 31 years, Neil was a key leader at Dow, ultimately serving as Chief Sustainability Officer and CVP, Environment, Health, & Safety for the last twelve years. He was the architect of the breakthrough “valuing nature” collaboration with The Nature Conservancy, and he integrated environmental and social considerations into the core of the Dow’s business strategy and public reporting. He is widely recognized as one of the world's top sustainable business thought leaders. After Dow, as President of Michigan’s Erb Family Foundation, a $350mm regional philanthropy, he focused on improving regional arts in the Great Lakes ecosystem, promoting environmental justice, and founding the Sustainable Business Network of Detroit. He served as interim CEO and President of the World Environment Center, facilitating a merger with Wildlife Habitat Council. He is President of Michigan Sustainability Associates, LLC and Research Advisor/Instructor at Harvard University in the Master of Sustainability ALM program.

"Cultivate an environment where sustainability is not just a checkmark but a core value driving every stage gate process." ~Neil Hawkins

Today on Innovation Talks:

·     Integrating sustainability into corporate processes is crucial: Embedding sustainability within every business process drives long-term success and profitability.

·     Leadership and employee enthusiasm are vital: Effective transformational change hinges on support from both top leadership and committed lower-level employees.

·     Addressing middle management resistance: The so-called "frozen middle" often resists change; successful strategies involve engaging and educating them.

·     Early efforts yield financial and environmental returns: Dow's initial sustainability goals delivered a $4 billion return on a $1 billion investment, demonstrating clear economic benefits.

·     Focus on expertise before implementation: Ensuring capable individuals are in place before integrating sustainability screens prevents ineffective practices.

·     Continuous progress in sustainable innovation: Companies increasingly adopt sustainability strategies, illustrating an industry-wide shift towards more sustainable practices.

·     Collaborative initiatives drive innovation: Partnerships with other industries and stakeholders can significantly accelerate sustainability goals.

·     Listening to stakeholders enhances outcomes: Understanding internal and external stakeholder needs is essential for effective sustainability integration.

Guest contact information:

Follow Neil Hawkins on LinkedIn for updates on sustainability topics

https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-hawkins-he-him-his-695a977?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3B9AeDqQXXSSSaugUSH2vRzQ%3D%3D

Resources mentioned:

Project Charter Blog

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/trick-sustainability-consulting-projects-project-neil-neil-adhpe/

Value Proposition Blog for Sustainability

https://www.wholeworks.com/blog/value-proposition-framework-sustainable-development

Systems Change --- Breakthrough versus Incremental -- Systems Shift

https://www.wholeworks.com/blog/value-proposition-framework-sustainable-development

Ready to Transform Your Innovation Strategy?

If you're a product manager or innovator looking to streamline your processes and turn chaos into control, you won't want to miss this opportunity.

Dive into our exclusive, free eBook on Innovation Ops strategies designed just for you.

Learn the secrets to revolutionizing your approach and achieving success with clarity and precision.

Download your copy today.

Visit https://info.sopheon.com/innovationops-ebook

Start your journey to becoming an innovation powerhouse now!

This Podcast is brought to you by Sopheon

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Innovation Talks. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | Stitcher | Spotify | iHeart

Be sure to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, and share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more listeners like you.

For additional information about new product development or corporate innovation, sign up for Sopheon’s monthly newsletter, where we share news and industry best practices! The fastest way to do this is to go to sopheon.com and click here.

Today, Paul and guest Bob Cooper look deeply into the deployment of artificial intelligence in new product development. The discussion revolves around the challenges of successfully implementing AI projects, the high failure rates, and the potential solutions to overcome these hurdles. They also discuss how AI transforms product innovation and process improvements across various industries, with insights drawn from Bob Cooper's extensive research and practical experiences.

Bob Cooper, the founder of the Stage-Gate® methodology, is a renowned expert in new product development and innovation management. With decades of experience, he has been instrumental in refining processes businesses use to navigate the complexities of bringing new products to market. As a prolific author and a thought leader, his work continues to influence how organizations harness technological advancements like artificial intelligence to stay competitive. Cooper’s blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on expertise makes him a valuable resource for understanding the intricacies of AI in product development.

"Imagine AI not as a replacement, but as an augmentation of human capabilities. With the right balance, AI can drive unprecedented innovation in product development."

 ~ Bob Cooper

Today on Innovation Talks:

·     AI project failures often mimic traditional product development failures, with up to 80% of projects floundering due to poor technical understanding and misjudgment of user needs.

·     The misinformation from vendors and promotional blogs significantly contributes to the high failure rate of AI projects.

·     Successful AI deployment frequently parallels the Stage-Gate® processes used in traditional product development, highlighting the need for structured project management.

·     Data quality is as crucial to AI as material quality is to manufacturing physical products; insufficient or poor-quality data undermines AI performance.

·     While AI's role in product innovation is substantial, its impact is even more significant in process improvements, facilitating everything from idea generation to market launches.

·     Trust and readiness to adopt AI are major hurdles; many companies are reluctant to rely fully on AI for decision-making, preferring human oversight.

·     The financial sector has adopted AI more rapidly than product development industries, indicating a sector-specific readiness and application of AI technologies.

·     Personal and professional AI literacy is essential; proficiency with tools like ChatGPT can significantly boost productivity and innovation capabilities.

Guest Contact Information:

Website: www.bobcooper.ca

http://www.bobcooper.ca/

Resources Mentioned:

http://www.bobcooper.ca/articles/artificial-intelligence-in-npd

Rapid model: Roadmap for AI Implementation and Deployment

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/adopting-artificial-intelligence-new-product-rapid-model-cooper-wze4e

Stage-Gate® methodology

https://www.stage-gate.com/blog/the-stage-gate-model-an-overview/

Siemens software for digital twin technology

https://www.siemens.com/global/en/company/stories/industry/the-digital-twin.html

ChatGPT for idea generation and campaign strategies

https://chatgpt.com/

Resources:

Bob Cooper’s published books on innovation and new product development

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Robert-G.-Cooper/author/B001IGOJG6?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

This Podcast is brought to you by Sopheon

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Innovation Talks. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | Stitcher | Spotify | iHeart

Be sure to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, and share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more listeners like you.

For additional information about new product development or corporate innovation, sign up for Sopheon’s monthly newsletter, where we share news and industry best practices! The fastest way to do this is to go to sopheon.com and click here.

Colonel Eddie Corrigan is the Assistant Head of the UK Ministry of Defense's Concepts, Strategy, Force Development, Doctrine, and Lessons Defense Logistics division. With over 33 years of tactical, operational, and strategic experience across many logistics and supply chain activities in the defense and global context, he has delivered logistics effects and outputs – including supply, distribution, movements, information services, and infrastructure – around the world. From 2007 to 2010, Eddie served in the Royal Logistics Corps, where he was responsible for supplying and distributing all supplies to a military force of over 10,000 people and commanding a regiment of 600 people.

Eddie joins me today to discuss the connection between innovation and defense for national security and military defenses. We discuss how he began working in innovation management and the challenges of creating, developing, and distributing new technologies. We discuss the impact of the Russia/Ukraine conflict on innovation. We discuss the relationship between corporate industries and the military, how it has shifted over the years, and how these collaborative efforts have benefited civilians and the military. We discuss cyber-security, the challenges associated with defending against cyber threats, and the solutions currently available to help defend against cyber attacks. We also discuss the benefits of converting AI capabilities into defense assets and how startup corporations can begin collaborating with the military on creating new, innovative defense technologies.

“Industry does lead the way – but we are following quite closely.” - Colonel Eddie Corrigan

This week on Innovation Talks:

●     How Eddie initially got involved in innovation management

●     The challenges associated with creating innovative technology

●     The ecosystem of using innovative ideas in national defense

●     How the Russia/Ukraine conflict is impacting the world of innovation

●     Collaboration efforts between national military defenses and corporate industries

●     Eddie’s advice to startup corporations on collaborating with the military on new, innovative technologies

●     Defending against cyber attacks and cyber-security issues

●     Converting AI capabilities into beneficial military and defense assets

●     The innovation and technology challenges Russia is currently facing in its conflict with Ukraine

Connect with Colonel Eddie Corrigan:

●     Colonel Eddie Corrigan on LinkedIn

This Podcast is brought to you by Sopheon

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Innovation Talks. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify | iHeart

Be sure to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, and share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more listeners like you.

For additional information about new product development or corporate innovation, sign up for Sopheon’s monthly newsletter, where we share news and industry best practices! The fastest way to do this is to go to sopheon.com and click here.

Today, Paul discusses the intricacies of corporate innovation and explores the challenges and successes in the mobile technology market of the early 2000s. Alex Slawsby, Chief Growth Officer at Innolead, joins in this enlightening discussion and introduces listeners to the upcoming Impact conference in Boston. The conference, aimed at corporate innovation leaders, will feature sessions on AI, collaboration, digital transformation, and much more.

Alex Slawsby is a seasoned innovation leader with extensive experience in both analytical and executive roles. Beginning his career at IDC, he specialized in the mobile devices market, gaining profound insights into the challenges and innovations of the early 2000s. Alex currently serves as the Chief Growth Officer at Innolead, where he spearheads growth initiatives and fosters innovation across various corporate sectors. His knowledge of the evolution of digital experiences and organizational agility makes him a vital thought leader in the industry.

"Innovation thrives when companies shift their focus from features to outcomes, delivering experiences that truly delight the customer." ~Alex Slawsby

Today on Innovation Talks:

·     The Impact conference in Boston, scheduled for October 23 to 25, will focus on innovation themes and bring together notable speakers from leading organizations.

·     In the early 2000s, mobile device companies often compromised product functionality by adding features without understanding consumer needs.

·     Effective innovation requires balancing what's best for the company now versus what truly satisfies the customer.

·     Transparent conversations within organizations are essential for navigating and implementing change.

·     Companies must shift from technology-driven innovation to a more consumer-centered approach to create resonating products.

·     The discussion highlights the rise and fall of mobile device companies like Palm and Handspring, emphasizing the need to adapt to market changes.

·     Organizational agility and the ability to quickly pivot are key factors in achieving long-term success in the innovation landscape.

·     There is a growing need for transformation and innovation workshops to help companies stay customer-centric and adapt to digital needs.

Resources Mentioned:

Impact Conference in Boston, October 23 to 25

https://www.innovationleader.com/impact/

Innolead, for additional resources on corporate innovation

https://www.innovationleader.com

Alex on Innovation Talks

https://www.sopheon.com/podcasts-audio/innovation-leadership-101-how-chief-innovation-officers-shape-culture-and-drive-change-with-alex-slawsby-1

Guest Contact Information:

Alex Slawsby: LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexslawsby/

Ready to Transform Your Innovation Strategy?

If you're a product manager or innovator looking to streamline your processes and turn chaos into control, you won't want to miss this opportunity.

Dive into our exclusive, free eBook on Innovation Ops strategies designed just for you.

Learn the secrets to revolutionizing your approach and achieving success with clarity and precision.

Download your copy today.

Visit https://info.sopheon.com/innovationops-ebook

Start your journey to becoming an innovation powerhouse now!

This Podcast is brought to you by Sopheon

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Innovation Talks. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | Stitcher | Spotify | iHeart

Be sure to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, and share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more listeners like you.

For additional information about new product development or corporate innovation, sign up for Sopheon’s monthly newsletter, where we share news and industry best practices! The fastest way to do this is to go to sopheon.com and click here.

Alex Slawbsy is the Chief Growth Officer of InnoLead, an organization that creates content, events, and tools to help the world's largest network of corporate strategy, innovation, and R&D leaders drive change more successfully. Over the past 20 years, Alex has dedicated his time to researching, teaching, guiding, and leading corporate innovation strategy development, capability building, and new business incubation. Before InnoLead, Alex was the Director of Innovation at Embraer-X and an innovation consultant for several years for organizations, including Clayton Christensen’s disruptive innovation consultancy, Innosight. Alex holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Brown University and a Master of Business Administration degree from the MIT Sloan School of Management.

Alex joins me today to discuss why innovation leaders must shape culture to drive organizational change. He explains why innovation is difficult to quantify and how it’s challenging for innovation leaders to argue their necessity to an organization. He outlines why innovating and change-making imply building trust and relationships within an organization. Alex also discusses hybrid work in the post-COVID era and how remote work may affect organizational culture, change-making, and innovation.

“If you’re trying to move the organization, you need to build the relationships, the bonds, the trust, and perhaps the mentorship with the people who will support you.” - Alex Slawsby

This week on Innovation Talks:

●     Alex’s background in corporate innovation and the history of InnoLead

●     The difference between innovation and invention

●     Alex’s insights on current shifts in innovation

●     Current conversations around innovation, uncertainty, and the economy

●     Communicating the value innovation leaders and innovation teams bring to an organization

●     The innovator’s dilemma and navigating innovation and change-resistant people

●     The challenge of getting people to support something that may not be in the best interest of their careers

●     How innovation teams are often perceived in companies

●     How to avoid and manage the clash between innovation and the core business

●     Connecting with consumers to understand what’s best for them

Connect with Alex Slawsby:

●     InnoLead

●     InnoLead on LinkedIn

●     InnoLead on Instagram

●     InnoLead on Facebook

●     InnoLead on Twitter

●     Alex Slawsby on LinkedIn

This podcast is brought to you by Sopheon.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Innovation Talks. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify | iHeart | Amazon

Be sure to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, and share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more listeners like you.

For additional information about new product development or corporate innovation, sign up for Sopheon’s monthly newsletter, where we share news and industry best practices! The fastest way to do this is to go to sopheon.com and click here.

This week's episode explores the intricacies of AI-powered innovation and its transformative effects across various industries. Together with George Young, we dismantle the limitations and potential of artificial intelligence and machine learning in predicting outcomes. George elucidates these technologies' ongoing disruptions, especially within the consumer packaged goods sector during the COVID-19 pandemic, and underscores the rising importance of sustainability in modern manufacturing.

George Young is a seasoned expert in digital innovation. Twenty years ago, he co-founded Calypso and is now the vice president of global digital services at Rockwell Automation. Based in Mumbai, George is deeply involved in digital transformations that address India's rapid infrastructure expansion. With an illustrious career stretching from organic chemistry and consulting to production and business management, George remains passionate about problem-solving and applying cutting-edge digital tools. His pivotal role in integrating digital information into physical products has significantly advanced consumer and product experiences.

"Introducing minimum viable products and emphasizing the importance of iterative feedback over waiting for perfection is fundamental to successful innovation." - George Young

Today on Innovation Talks:

·     Limitations of AI and ML: George Young emphasizes that these technologies cannot predict outcomes without understanding the root causes.

·     COVID-19 Disruptions: Insights into how the pandemic challenged the consumer packaged goods sector and prompted innovations.

·     Digital Information in Physical Products: George illustrates digital tech integration in products like refrigerators and tires for improved consumer experiences.

·     Generative AI in Innovation: Discussion on how AI can automate tasks like writing specifications, freeing time for more complex work.

·     Cross-Disciplinary Expertise: The value of combining different fields of expertise to gain a competitive edge in product development.

·     Sustainability and Worker Safety: Emphasizing these aspects can lower production costs and increase overall efficiency.

·     Minimum Viable Products: Launching MVPs and continually seeking feedback to refine and perfect products is important.

·     AI/ML for Portfolio Management: Using AI and machine learning to predict project cycle time and success rates, thereby enhancing portfolio management.

Resources Mentioned:

"13 Steps to Mindful Consulting": George Young's book based on Buddhist principles for a balanced and productive professional life.

Connect with George Young:

Email: [email protected]

Ready to Transform Your Innovation Strategy?

If you're a product manager or innovator looking to streamline your processes and turn chaos into control, you won't want to miss this opportunity.

Dive into our exclusive, free eBook on Innovation Ops strategies designed just for you.

Learn the secrets to revolutionizing your approach and achieving success with clarity and precision.

Download your copy today.

Visit https://info.sopheon.com/innovationops-ebook

Start your journey to becoming an innovation powerhouse now!

This Podcast is brought to you by Sopheon

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Innovation Talks. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | Stitcher | Spotify | iHeart

Be sure to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, and share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more listeners like you.

For additional information about new product development or corporate innovation, sign up for Sopheon’s monthly newsletter, where we share news and industry best practices! The fastest way to do this is to go to sopheon.com and click here.

Langdon Morris is a globally recognized futurist, innovation expert, and strategy consultant with a career transition into innovation dating back to 1998-99. As the founder of Innovation Labs in 2001, he has played a crucial role in establishing innovation departments and providing essential teaching and training for organizations worldwide. Langdon has authored several influential books on innovation and strategy, and his work has been instrumental in helping businesses and governments understand the consequences of their choices and prepare for future challenges. His extensive portfolio includes collaborations with major corporations and organizations like UNICEF, all aimed at shaping the future through a blend of strategy and innovation.

This week's episode explores the dynamic world of rapid change and futurism. Our conversation centers around the concept of mastering rapid transformation in business and society with the insights of an expert in the field. Our guest, Langdon Morris, provides valuable perspectives on how organizations can navigate the unpredictable landscape of the future, emphasizing the importance of strategic foresight and innovation.

"Effective futurism is about understanding patterns and driving forces of change rather than making specific predictions." ~Langdon Morris

Today on Innovation Talks:

·     Understanding Patterns of Change: Langdon Morris emphasizes that effective futurism focuses on recognizing patterns and driving forces rather than making specific predictions.

·     End-User Value: Innovation's fundamental essence lies in the value the end-user or customer perceives.

·     Eradicating Polio: Langdon discusses the collaboration between UNICEF, the Gates Foundation, and others to nearly eradicate polio globally.

·     Comic Book Training: Innovative efforts included creating a comic book for illiterate health workers, significantly impacting polio vaccination campaigns.

·     Small Business Innovation: For small businesses, innovation should focus on addressing customer complaints and making practical improvements without heavy frameworks.

·     Innovation Master Plan: Medium to large companies need a structured innovation master plan to navigate rapid change effectively.

·     Shared Strategies: Combining centralized and decentralized approaches in innovation is crucial, advocating for "and" thinking.

·     Future Scenarios: Langdon's book "Hello, Future: The World in 2035" discusses potential scenarios for anticipating and preparing for future changes in innovation.

Resources Mentioned:

Langdon Morris' Websites: Explore Langdon’s works and sign up for his newsletter at http://innovationlabs.com and http://langdonmorris.com

Book: "Hello, Future: The World in 2035"

UNICEF Collaboration: Insight into the polio eradication efforts involving UNICEF and other organizations.

Frameworks for Innovation: Comprehensive approaches to scenario planning and strategic planning integrated with innovation. https://www.langdonmorris.com/publications

Connect with Langdon Morris:

http://innovationlabs.com

http://langdonmorris.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/langdon-morris-636993

Ready to Transform Your Innovation Strategy?

If you're a product manager or innovator looking to streamline your processes and turn chaos into control, you won't want to miss this opportunity.

Dive into our exclusive, free eBook on Innovation Ops strategies designed just for you.

Learn the secrets to revolutionizing your approach and achieving success with clarity and precision.

Download your copy today.

Start your journey to becoming an innovation powerhouse now!

This Podcast is brought to you by Sopheon

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Innovation Talks. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | Stitcher | Spotify | iHeart

Be sure to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, and share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more listeners like you.

For additional information about new product development or corporate innovation, sign up for Sopheon’s monthly newsletter, where we share news and industry best practices! The fastest way to do this is to go to sopheon.com and click here.

In this episode, I sit down with Adrian Wong, a startup and global corporation innovation technology leader and venture partner with expertise in digital transformation, early-stage startups, and new product development. We discuss the evolving landscape of user experience (UX) design, the importance of understanding customer needs, and the challenges and opportunities that emerging technologies like AI, VR, and AR present for businesses. Adrian shares his insights on the future of UX and the critical role that design plays in shaping successful products and brands.

Adrian is a dotcom veteran with a unique hybrid background as a product and creative director in startups and innovation CTO in corporations across a dozen industries. He’s scaled gaming startup PKR to the fastest-growing UK tech company, pioneered innovation labs for AstraZeneca, BDO, and Wipro, and works as a fractional CxO and venture capitalist to invest in and support emerging digital ventures. 

He specializes in product, growth, artificial intelligence and corporate innovation - the practical application and commercialisation of emerging tech combined with consumer-grade UX for competitive advantage and democratisation of advanced technologies.

"Understanding the right problems to solve with technology is a common challenge for companies, and there's a growing emphasis on continuous learning and user research." ~Adrian Wong

Today on Innovation Talks:

·     The Cambridge, UK, area fosters innovation due to its concentration of talent and innovative tech companies.

·     User research and qualitative research are crucial for understanding customer behavior and incorporating it into the digital space.

·     Voice interaction and differences in device interactions across the world, such as the super app environment in China, impact AI interactions and privacy concerns.

·     Data privacy and IP protection pose challenges and opportunities for corporations and startups.

·     The evolution of UX has progressed from static to dynamic, personalized experiences, with a focus on accessibility and inclusive design.

·     Lean and agile methodologies have contributed to a more collaborative and iterative design process.

·     AI and data analytics have led to increased personalization and customization in user experiences.

·     The future of UX may involve multimodal interfaces, haptic feedback, brain-computer interfaces, and seamless cross-device experiences affecting the physical world.

Connect with Adrian Wong:

https://www.adrianxwong.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/axwong/

https://x.com/adrianxwong

https://www.openvc.app/fund/Adrian%20Wong

https://portfolio-collective.com/profile/adrian_1/

Resources Mentioned:

https://www.rainforest-alliance.org/

RSC Sustainability

Ready to Transform Your Innovation Strategy?

If you're a product manager or innovator looking to streamline your processes and turn chaos into control, you won't want to miss this opportunity.

Dive into our exclusive, free eBook on Innovation Ops strategies designed just for you.

Learn the secrets to revolutionizing your approach and achieving success with clarity and precision.

Download your copy today.

Start your journey to becoming an innovation powerhouse now!

This Podcast is brought to you by Sopheon

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Innovation Talks. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | Stitcher | Spotify | iHeart

Be sure to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, and share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more listeners like you.

For additional information about new product development or corporate innovation, sign up for Sopheon’s monthly newsletter, where we share news and industry best practices! The fastest way to do this is to go to sopheon.com and click here.

In this week's episode, I had an insightful conversation with Ruth Rennie about the growing importance of sustainability in business and how companies can leverage data to drive meaningful change. We explore the various factors pushing organizations to prioritize sustainability, the challenges they face in measuring and acting on sustainability data, and the crucial role of innovation in developing sustainable solutions. Ruth shares her expertise on how companies can effectively integrate sustainability into their operations and supply chains, ultimately creating value for their brand and the planet.

Ruth Rennie is a seasoned expert in sustainability and social impact, currently serving as the Director of Standards and Impacts at Fairtrade International. With a robust background in social research and international development, Ruth has dedicated her career to advancing fair trade practices and improving the livelihoods of producers worldwide. Her extensive experience includes leading complex projects and developing rigorous standards that ensure ethical and sustainable supply chains. Ruth's passion for social justice and her strategic vision make her a pivotal figure in promoting equitable trade and fostering positive global change.

"Sustainability and innovation are both necessary for each other, leading to a fundamental rethinking of current business models and ways of working to incorporate sustainability." ~Ruth Rennie

Today on Innovation Talks:

·     Millennials and consumers are increasingly pressuring companies to demonstrate sustainability efforts.

·     Companies face legal action over misleading sustainability claims, forcing greater transparency and accountability.

·     Specific and granular data is needed to understand and address sustainability challenges within supply chains.

·     Companies are focusing on ensuring sustainable processes within their supply chain and developing new sustainable products and services.

·     Sustainability and innovation are interconnected and need to be measured, monitored, and integrated into business processes.

·     Companies need to associate value with sustainability across the organization, not just for marketing purposes.

·     Aligning incentives and bringing together various skill sets can help support sustainability initiatives.

·     Collecting the right and accurate data, rather than just gathering a large amount of data, is crucial for making informed decisions and driving innovation.

Contact Ruth Rennie:

LinkedIn

Ready to Transform Your Innovation Strategy?

If you're a product manager or innovator looking to streamline your processes and turn chaos into control, you won't want to miss this opportunity.

Dive into our exclusive, free eBook on Innovation Ops strategies designed just for you.

Learn the secrets to revolutionizing your approach and achieving success with clarity and precision.

Download your copy today.

Start your journey to becoming an innovation powerhouse now!

This Podcast is brought to you by Sopheon

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Innovation Talks. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

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