In this episode of the Innovation Show, we dive into Chapter 3 of Gary Hamel's influential book, 'Leading the Revolution.' Gary, one of the early proponents of business model generation, discusses the concept of Business Concept Innovation and how it has reshaped industries over the years. We explore examples of companies like Dell and Apple, which have successfully implemented innovative business models, and we delve into the components of business model innovation, including customer interaction, strategies, and value networks. Gary also shares his insights on overcoming organizational inertia, fostering a culture of innovation, and the importance of rethinking conventional business assumptions. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in driving innovation within their organization and staying ahead of the curve.

 

00:00 Introduction to Gary Hamill Series

00:13 Business Concept Innovation

02:44 Examples of Business Model Innovation

04:41 Expanding the Innovation Horizon

05:49 Defining Radical Innovation

08:49 Challenges in Business Model Innovation

17:07 Importance of Deconstructing Assumptions

26:01 Executive Support for Innovation

37:46 Assessing Company Resources for Innovation

38:24 Challenges in Big Companies vs. Startups

38:38 Haier's Approach to Entrepreneurship

40:42 The Importance of Public Policy in Innovation

44:19 The Role of Government in Business Innovation

44:31 Decadence and Complacency in Organizations

46:03 Historical Examples of Efficient Government

50:46 The Need for Courageous Leadership

51:52 Activism and Innovation in Companies

53:27 Building a Resilient Business Model

56:42 Strategic Decisions in Business Models

59:21 The Importance of Customer Contact

01:03:44 First Mover vs. Smart Mover

01:07:44 Competitive Lockout and Choke Points

01:12:14 Preparing for a Rapidly Changing Economy

01:12:44 Continuous Learning and Personal Responsibility

01:14:03 Conclusion and Contact Information

Gary Hamel on Leading the Revolution Part 1

 

In this episode, renowned business thinker Gary Hamel discusses his book 'Leading the Revolution' with Aidan McCullen, offering an innovative action plan for companies or individuals aiming to stay ahead of the industry. Drawing on successful examples from companies like Charles Schwab, Virgin, GE Capital, and profiling innovators like Ken Kutaragi of Sony PlayStation, Hamel shares how to grow and innovate amidst market chaos. He explores the origin of revolutionary business concepts, key criteria for building activist-friendly and revolutionary-ready companies, the dangers of becoming ‘one vision wonders,’ and harnessing employee imagination. The conversation also reflects on business failures, the cyclical nature of market success, and the essential need for continuous reinvention. Join for invaluable insights on thriving in turbulent times.

 

00:00 Introduction to Industry Revolutionaries

00:41 Exploring Revolutionary Business Concepts

00:48 Key Criteria for Building Revolutionary Companies

00:55 Avoiding One Vision Wonders

00:59 Harnessing Employee Imagination

01:11 Practical Advice for 21st Century Success

01:23 Welcoming Back a Business Thinker

01:50 Insights from Leading the Revolution

02:37 Honoring Professor Paul Hamel

03:23 Corporate Climate in 2000

03:56 Technological Advancements and Market Shifts

04:43 The Importance of Innovation

05:16 Challenges for Established Companies

06:15 Digital Transformation and Its Pitfalls

06:53 Investment in Technology

09:04 Organizational Orthodoxies

10:42 The Danger of Unchallenged Assumptions

11:19 Examples of Missed Opportunities

15:25 The Future of Retail and Education

17:23 The Importance of Humility in Leadership

18:24 Case Study: Sony's Rise and Challenges

20:44 Leadership and Organizational Dynamics

23:31 Encouraging Innovation from the Periphery

24:32 Case Study: Haier's Entrepreneurial Platform

29:07 Changing the Rules for Success

31:17 Forming Partnerships with Young Companies

32:22 Understanding Innovation Risk

36:31 De-Risking Innovation

37:55 The Importance of Intellectual Commitment

39:17 Challenges of Business Model Innovation

44:37 Strategic Planning vs. Strategy

50:27 The Illusion of Corporate Vitality

59:11 The Need for Innovative Leadership

01:01:13 Conclusion and Next Steps

 

Find Gary:

https://www.garyhamel.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-hamel-791b096/

https://x.com/profhamel

In this episode of The Innovation Show, host Aidan McCullen welcomes back esteemed guest Gary Hamel, celebrated business strategist and co-author of the revolutionary article on core competencies. They dive deep into the concept of competence-based competition, discussing the origins, importance, and modern applications of core competencies. Gary shares insights from his extensive work alongside CK Prahalad and reflects on how their ideas shaped corporate strategy. Using historical and contemporary examples, including Tesla and HAIER, they explore how focusing on deep skills can lead to enduring competitive advantages. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in innovation, strategy, and the future of business in a rapidly evolving world.

 

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:23 The Concept of Competence-Based Competition

01:24 Historical Context and Development

02:26 Core Competence and Strategic Implications

05:03 Challenges and Misinterpretations

13:37 Modern Examples and Applications

28:23 Strategic Conversations and Future Focus

35:12 The Danger of Viewing Companies as Product Sets

35:33 Intel vs. TSMC: A Strategic Misstep

37:56 Bounded Innovation and Core Competencies

38:49 Uber's Broader Vision Beyond Ride-Hailing

42:23 Amazon's Evolution from Online Retailer to Logistics Giant

43:21 US Car Makers' Myopia and Missed Opportunities

44:24 Historical Examples: Honda and Sony

47:01 Tesla: An Energy Company, Not Just a Car Maker

48:08 Microsoft's Myopic View and Missed Opportunities

56:00 The Importance of Organizational Flexibility

01:02:26 Encouraging Internal Innovation

01:08:42 Conclusion and Next Steps

Pedro Oliveira: User Innovation in Healthcare

 

Welcome to a new series inspired by Eric Von Hippel, and sponsored by Wazoku. In today's episode, we are joined by Professor Pedro Oliveira, founder and president of Patient Innovation, to explore the role of patients and caregivers in developing new medical products and services. Discover remarkable stories of user-generated medical innovations, such as Tal Golesworthy's life-saving aortic support and Louis Plante's innovative lung-clearing device. Learn how Patient Innovation is helping to bring these solutions to market through a multi-sided platform that connects patient innovators with industry. Find out more about this transformative approach to healthcare innovation and the positive impact it has had on countless lives.

 

00:00 Introduction to the Series and Sponsor

00:29 Focus on User Innovation in Healthcare

00:53 Interview with Professor Pedro Oliveira

01:20 Eric von Hippel's Influence on User Innovation

03:55 Patient Innovator Stories: Tal Golesworthy

05:17 Patient Innovator Stories: Louis Plante

12:35 Patient Innovator Stories: Hans and Be My Eyes

19:06 The Multi-Sided Platform for Patient Innovation

25:35 Encouraging More Patient Innovations

27:26 Conclusion and Sponsor Message

 

Find Pedro  https://patient-innovation.com/who

 

Find Wazoku: www.Wazoku.com

User Innovation, Healthcare Innovation, Patient-Driven Innovation, Medical Breakthroughs, Pedro Oliveira, Eric von Hippel, Tal Golesworthy, ExoVasc, Louis Plante, Flutter Device, Hans Be My Eyes, Be My Eyes, Multi-Sided Platforms, Patient Entrepreneurship, Medical Devices, Assistive Technology, Digital Health, Open Innovation, Future of Medicine, Patient Advocacy, Caregiver Innovation

The Future of Foresight & Innovation: Insights with Gary Hamel | The Innovation Show

 

In this episode, we have the pleasure of welcoming back Gary Hamel, a leading expert in business strategy and management. Host Aidan McCullen and Gary Hamel dive deep into the concept of foresight, stressing the importance of understanding broad themes and emerging trends to guide companies toward future opportunities. They discuss companies' common blind spots and failures in anticipating the future, as well as ways to leverage resources effectively. Gary shares insights on the necessity of innovation at all levels of an organization, the perils of becoming too attached to current successes, and how organizations can think more creatively about emerging technologies. They also cover historical examples from companies like IBM, Kodak, and 3M to illustrate key lessons in foresight and innovation.

 

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:20 The Importance of Foresight

02:19 Recognizing Emerging Trends

04:30 Challenges of Organizational Change

09:13 Cultural Perspectives on Innovation

14:31 Historical Examples of Foresight Failures

30:58 Innovation in Cost Structures

34:34 The Urgency of Innovation in Healthcare

35:10 The Need for Builders in Leadership

35:55 Resource Leverage: Doing More with Less

36:55 Learning from Guerrilla Warfare and 9/11

39:06 Speed to Market: Lessons from Japanese Companies

40:24 The Importance of Rapid Iteration

44:00 Building Consensus and Leveraging Employee Insights

47:47 The Role of Strategic Focus in Innovation

53:30 Learning from Kodak and 3M

57:48 Metaphors and Organizational Change

01:07:12 Predicting the Future: The Smartphone and Cloud Computing

01:10:04 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Gary Hamel Part 1: Competing for the Future 1

 

In this episode of the Innovation Show, renowned management thinker Gary Hamel discusses his extensive work in the field of organizational transformation and innovation. Reflecting on his early experiences at the University of Michigan and the London Business School, Hamel shares insights into the impact of foreign competition on American businesses in the late 1970s, and the critical importance of foresight and humility for executives. He delves into his consulting work with companies like Nokia and Apple, emphasizing the need for open strategy, diversity of thought, and the constant reinvention of competencies. Hamel also offers practical advice for leaders on avoiding the pitfalls of complacency and short-term thinking, urging them to build organizations that can thrive and innovate in a rapidly changing world.

 

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:43 Early Career and Influences

02:38 Teaching at London Business School

04:50 Consulting and Industry Experience

07:27 Collaboration with CK Prahalad

08:23 Lessons from Global Competition

22:10 Nokia's Rise and Fall

37:22 Innovative Leadership Through Video Messaging

37:42 Predicting the Future: Challenges and Insights

39:12 The Rise of Streaming and the Fall of Broadcast TV

40:39 Executive Resistance to Change

42:05 The Importance of Forgetting and Unlearning

43:49 Youthful Perspectives in Strategy Meetings

44:32 The Downfall of Nokia: Lessons in Innovation

47:06 Apple's Commitment to Silicon Mastery

48:44 Building Competencies for Future Success

53:28 The Persistence of Corporate Failings

01:04:54 The Role of Leadership in Innovation

01:10:15 Conclusion and Call to Action

 

Find Gary: https://www.garyhamel.com

To Ian Morrison, Rest in Peace.

 

In this inaugural episode of 'Innovation Show X,' host Aidan McCullen is joined by renowned guests Ian Morrison and Paul Nunes to discuss navigating the complex landscape of innovation. They explore key concepts from their influential books, 'The Second Curve' and 'Jumping the S-Curve,' providing insights into managing transitions in business, the challenges of risk and asset allocation, and how companies can sustain high performance over time. 

 

The episode also pays tribute to the late Ian Morrison for his contributions to thought leadership and innovation. 

 

Tune in to learn about the profound changes in industries like healthcare and technology and the essential balance between legacy systems and new ventures.

 

00:00 Sad News and Dedication to Ian Morrison

01:27 Introduction to Innovation Show X

01:52 Ian Morrison's Second Curve

04:17 Paul Nunez on Jumping the S Curve

06:38 Discussion on Technology and Market Changes

21:46 Healthcare and Digital Disruption

33:59 Challenges in Innovation and Risk Management

40:15 The Phoenix Metaphor and Organizational Change

53:39 Conclusion and Reflections

Henry Mintzberg - Bedtime Stories for Managers

 

In this episode, our guest is Henry Mintzberg, celebrated management thinker and author of 'Bedtime Stories for Managers.' We explore key themes from his 20th book, which is a collection of insightful essays from his widely read blog. Henry discusses the importance of managers getting out of their lofty offices to truly understand their organizations, the myth of the managerial 'maestro,' and the dangers of over-reliance on hard data. We also delve into the pitfalls of MBA programs, short-term strategy thinking, and the importance of engaging with employees and customers. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in thoughtful, experience-based approaches to management. Get ready for a wealth of metaphors, real-world examples, and thought-provoking anecdotes from one of the most respected voices in the field.

 

00:00 Introduction to Bedtime Stories for Managers

02:01 The Scrambled Eggs Story

04:28 The Myth of the Maestro Manager

06:20 Critique of MBA Programs

10:55 Emergent Strategy Explained

16:12 Leadership vs. Management

21:20 The Importance of Measuring the Right Things

23:55 The Symphony Orchestra Fallacy

24:50 Executive Boredom and Misguided Changes

26:44 The Right Leadership for Different Business Stages

29:52 Challenges of Legacy Organizations

31:53 The Family Business Dilemma

36:11 Short-Term Gains vs. Long-Term Success

44:21 Organizing Like a Cow

48:11 The Role of the Board

49:39 The Illusion of Constant Change

 

Find the book here: https://amzn.to/410aaqa

 

 

Episode Summary: Eric von Hippel - Free User Innovation (Part 2) Introduction

Host Aidan McCullen welcomes back Eric von Hippel for Part 2 of their discussion on Free User Innovation, supported by Wazoku, a company pioneering Total Innovation by connecting people, ideas, and technology. Aidan highlights the great feedback received from Part 1 and sets the stage for a deeper dive into the division of labor between users and producers in the innovation process.

Key Themes & Discussions 1. Users as the Real Innovators

• Traditionally, innovation is associated with manufacturers, but users actually drive pioneering innovation.
• From skateboards to mountain bikes to heart-lung machines, users create solutions out of necessity, while manufacturers enter the scene later.
• Manufacturers avoid new markets because they require scale and certainty before investing resources.

2. The Heart-Lung Machine Story (User Innovation in Medicine)

• John Haysham Gibbon, a surgeon, saw the urgent need for a heart-lung machine to save children needing heart surgery.
• He approached manufacturers, but they rejected him because there was no proven market.
• Using charitable funding, Gibbon developed the machine himself and successfully used it on a patient.
• Other surgeons saw the proof of concept, replicated it in their own hospitals, and slowly created a market for manufacturers to step in and refine the machine.
• This illustrates user-driven pioneering innovation followed by manufacturer refinement and scaling.

3. The Corporate Rebel Dilemma (Why Organizations Resist Innovation)

• Employees who spot future opportunities (corporate rebels) often face internal resistance.
• Example: Ken Kutaragi, the man behind the PlayStation, initially faced rejection from Sony’s leadership.
• Change only happened when a new executive backed him, allowing the idea to flourish.

The challenge:

• CEOs see corporate rebels as resource drains on an unproven idea.
• Corporate rebels feel frustrated that leadership doesn’t recognize obvious opportunities.
• Balancing both perspectives is crucial for organizational innovation.

4. Kodak and the Digital Camera - A Cautionary Tale

• The first digital camera was invented inside Kodak, but executives rejected it.
• Why? Kodak was built on film—their expertise, business model, and infrastructure all depended on film.
• Employees resisted the shift because it threatened their roles.
• The result? Kodak missed the digital revolution, proving that organizations often resist innovations that threaten their existing business model.

5. Hidden Roadblocks to Innovation (The Reward System Problem)

• Even when innovation is recognized, company structures resist change.
• Example: A head of manufacturing refused to introduce an innovation because his bonus depended on reducing scrap waste—and every new product increased waste.
• Organizations are hardwired to maintain existing incentives, even when they conflict with innovation goals.

6. Users Innovate, Manufacturers Improve (The Division of Labor in Innovation)

• Users innovate for function, manufacturers innovate for refinement and scale.
• Example: Mountain bikes were first created by users modifying existing bicycles.
• Once enough demand existed, manufacturers stepped in and improved features like suspension systems.
• The orthopedic surgeon who added a spring-loaded seat post to absorb shocks is a great example of this process.

7. The Challenge of Recognizing Frontline Innovation (Listening to the Right People)

• Innovations often come from unexpected sources, but organizations fail to listen.
• Example:
  • A furniture upholsterer noticed unusual wear on waiting room chairs at a cardiologist’s office.
  • This led to the discovery of Type A personality, as anxious patients wore down chairs faster.
• Who notices early warning signs in an organization? Often, it’s not management but cleaners, frontline workers, or maintenance staff.

8. The Hilton Hotel Internet Story (Why Systems Fail to Observe User Needs)

• In the early days of dial-up internet, hotel maintenance staff constantly reattached phone jacks that guests removed to connect their computers.
• Instead of recognizing this as a need for in-room internet, hotels initially resisted change and instead tried to physically block users from unplugging phones.
• This highlights how organizations often fight user behavior instead of adapting to it.

Final Thoughts & Takeaways

• Users drive pioneering innovation, while manufacturers refine and scale it.
• Corporate rebels are essential but face resistance—they must frame ideas in ways that align with company incentives.
• Organizations must actively listen to unexpected voices (maintenance staff, frontline workers) for hidden innovation opportunities.
• Systemic roadblocks (like reward structures) often hinder innovation—even when everyone agrees on the need for change.

Closing Remarks

Aidan thanks Eric von Hippel for an insightful conversation full of real-world examples. Eric reiterates the importance of recognizing and supporting user-driven innovation in all industries.

Rebalancing Society with Henry Mintzberg: Addressing Imbalances in Politics, Economy, and Community

 

In this episode, Aidan McCullen is joined by renowned business strategist Henry Mintzberg to discuss his book on radical renewal. Mintzberg explores the root causes of our current societal crisis, emphasizing the need for balance among the public, private, and plural sectors. They delve into historical and contemporary issues that have led to extreme imbalances, from capitalism's dominance post-1989 to today's political polarization. Offering insights grounded in history and strategy, Mintzberg advocates for a strengthened community sector to restore equilibrium. Addressing not only societal but also personal imbalances, Mintzberg highlights the urgency for action amid global challenges like economic disparity, environmental degradation, and political unrest. The conversation serves as a wake-up call encouraging listeners to engage in meaningful change at both the individual and community levels.

 

00:00 Introduction: Enough is Enough!

00:38 Welcoming the Guest: Henry Mintzberg

02:44 Understanding Imbalance in Society

05:47 The Role of Business and Government

08:05 Historical Context and Current Issues

11:30 The Concept of Rebalancing Society

18:16 Personal Responsibility and Action

23:56 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action

 

Find more info here: https://mintzberg.org/books/rebalancing-society