In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, our hosts, Andrew Romeo and Anthony Sapountzis are joined by Finbar OHanlon, the Co-founder of APAC Innovation Institute. Fin is also a Corporate Advisor, Strategist, and Company Director specializing in Digital transformation (Ai) and Human Capability. In this episode, Fin gives insights on challenging norms, embracing curiosity, and fostering innovation across music and technology.

Fin shares a remarkable journey marked by defiance of conventions and an unquenchable thirst for innovation. Starting as a rebellious student in a Christian school, he transitioned into the realm of technology from a successful career in music. Despite societal pressures and challenges, his innate curiosity and passion for learning guided him towards remarkable achievements. Notably, his early interest in digital audio technology led him to a pivotal role in a prominent music store and eventually to Apple as a digital audio specialist, where he tackled industry-defining challenges.

Fin's narrative centers on embracing the unknown and pushing boundaries. He discovered that his greatest successes emerged when he challenged established norms and fostered innovation. His transition to the tech world involved unconventional approaches, such as creating an enterprise-grade video-switching system for banks, despite not fitting the traditional software developer mold. His experiences span multiple countries, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and the value of questioning norms and embracing change.

Throughout the episode, Fin highlights the significance of structured thinking and validation regarding innovation. He stresses that ideas alone are not enough; they must be transformed into well-defined opportunities with consideration for pricing, development costs, timelines, and success probabilities. Moreover, he advocates for a blueprint approach in innovation involving identifying unmet needs, customer segmentation, pricing strategies, and preliminary business plans.

Fin's journey is an inspiring testament to the power of curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to challenge conventional wisdom. His story underscores the idea that innovation is a continuous process that requires effort, creativity, and the courage to think differently.

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