Ian and the host, Aidan McCullen, explore how companies past and present have navigated the transition from the 'first curve' - a state of established practices and security - to the 'second curve' of innovation and adaptation in the face of new technologies and markets. They discuss examples of organisations like HR Block, SGI (Silicon Graphics), and Volvo, and how they've managed to pivot or struggled with these shifts.

Ian offers profound insights into the societal move towards a knowledge economy, the importance of venture capital in disruptive innovation, consumer empowerment, and the geographical shift in economic power towards the Asia-Pacific region. Furthermore, they discuss the importance of organisational culture in adapting to change, the challenges of measuring success on the second curve, and the personal and societal impacts of these transitions.

The conversation concludes by emphasising the need for individuals and organisations to embrace uncertainty, leverage existing competencies, and prepare for a future that prioritises hyper-effectiveness and adaptive skills. 

00:00 Introduction to the Second Curve

00:31 Understanding the Shift from First to Second Curve

00:56 The Impact of the Second Curve on Organizations

01:44 The Second Curve and the Post-Industrial Economy

02:10 The Role of Knowledge in the Second Curve

02:48 The Power of Disruptive Innovation

03:03 The Shift in Consumer Power

03:34 The Geographic Transformation of the Second Curve

04:36 The Importance of People in the Second Curve

05:31 The Second Curve Mindset

06:25 The Dilemma of the Second Curve

09:02 The Role of Technology in the Second Curve

15:06 The Impact of the Second Curve on Individuals

18:24 The Future of the Second Curve

48:19 Conclusion: Embracing the Second Curve

Find ian here: http://ianmorrison.com

Working mothers are disproportionately bearing the burden of poor physical and mental health outcomes, on top of economic burdens amplified by parenthood. But this isn’t just an individual issue. What impacts the mother has negative ripple effects for children, families, employers, and our nation as a whole. In recent years, this burden has increased, along with women’s likelihood of dying after childbirth. The infographic below highlights the gravity of these burdens and the national toll this stress on working mothers creates. Working mothers are plagued by depression, anxiety, and burnout at higher rates than both working fathers and coworkers without children. Mental health issues are the leading cause of maternal mortality, which the CDC recently identified as preventable in 84% of cases. Health issues are compounded by economic distress, such as the cost of childcare, which has risen 214% since 1990, while average family income has only risen 143%. Missed days from work due to mental distress cost the economy over $47 billion.

Find the report here: 

https://www.christenseninstitute.org/blog/the-hug-that-americas-mothers-need-now/

Ideation from Within with Kaihan Krippendorff Harnessing Inner Innovation: The IDEAS Framework with Kaihan Krippendorff This episode of the Corporate Explorer Field Book, presented by Wazoku, features an insightful discussion with Kaihan Krippendorff, a renowned innovation strategist. Krippendorff introduces the IDEAS framework, a method developed over 15 years to foster breakthrough ideas within large corporations.

The framework is an acronym for Imagine, Dissect, Expand, Analyze, and Sell, representing five types of conversations critical to nurturing a culture of innovation.

He emphasizes the framework's practicality by sharing his experience of conducting hundreds of workshops, generating billions in revenue through the innovative ideas it has produced. Krippendorff also explores common barriers to innovation and offers strategies to overcome them, making it a valuable resource for leaders aiming to drive internal innovation and create a sustainable innovation ecosystem.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Corporate Explorer and Wazoku

00:37 Ideation From Within: Generating Breakthrough Ideas

01:08 Kaihan Krippendorff's IDEAS Framework Unveiled

02:04 The Power of Conversations in Ideation

02:42 The Evolution and Impact of the IDEAS Framework

04:51 Exploring the IDEAS Framework in Detail

09:23 Overcoming Barriers with the IDEAS Framework

13:03 Concluding Remarks and Where to Find Kaihan

13:33 Closing and Recap of Wazoku's Mission

Find Kaihan here.

That series with Kaihan is here on YouTube:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMxiNrgE29RLWDfWatSwogqFqLQVytkWO&si=k8umYt_1eh0aXolb

The Second Curve: Bracing for Changes in Technology, Consumers, and Markets

The podcast sees futurist and author, Ian Morrison, discuss the concept of his book, 'The Second Curve'. This concept delineates how businesses must straddle their existing 'first curve' while preparing for a 'second curve' defined by new technologies, market shifts, and emerging consumer behaviors. Morrison cites examples, like Microsoft and Apple, of successful navigation from the first to second curve and emphasizes the importance of not abandoning the profit potential of the existing business too soon. Concerning organisations, Morrison discusses a shift from mechanistic to more fluid 'organic' forms, referencing shifts to more connected, network-driven models and an importance of corporate culture. He also explains the strategy of 'virtual integration' employed by companies like Apple, contrasting it to traditional integration approaches. Morrison finishes by highlighting the enduring relevance of adaptable, entrepreneurial culture in the success of these transformations.

Find Ian here: http://ianmorrison.com

00:00 Introduction: The Dilemma of the Second Curve

00:57 The Journey of the Author: From Geographic Change to Futurism

04:40 The Genesis of the Second Curve Concept

05:41 The Challenges of Navigating the Second Curve

06:47 The Impact of Technological Change on Businesses

09:02 The Role of Forecasting in Navigating Change

11:29 The Pitney Bowes Case Study: Navigating the Second Curve

13:13 The Importance of Timing in Jumping to the Second Curve

13:48 The Role of Innovation in Business Survival

15:18 The Impact of External Changes on Business Strategies

17:06 The Challenges of Adapting to New Business Models

18:37 The Role of Emotional Intelligence and Flexibility in Navigating Change

21:39 The Pitney Bowes Story: A Lesson in Navigating the Second Curve

37:16 The Role of Culture in Navigating the Second Curve

50:15 Conclusion: The Future of the Second Curve

IanMorrison #AidanMcCullen #BusinessInnovation #DigitalTransformation #SecondCurve #PitneyBowes #SonyVsDisney #OrganizationalChange #FutureOfWork 

Defining the Market in Innovation with Tony Ulwick The fifth episode of the Corporate Explorer series features Tony Ulwick, the acclaimed author of 'Jobs to be Done.' He discusses the critical role of precisely defining the market in the innovation process. The conversation delves into the intricacies of identifying a target market, a common pitfall many innovators encounter, and introduces the 'Jobs to be Done Market Definition Canvas.' This tool aids in understanding the market, reducing uncertainty, and aligning team objectives.

The episode underlines the importance of creating products that are guaranteed to succeed based on a systematic approach to innovation. Ulwick provides concrete examples to demonstrate how the 'Jobs to be Done' methodology revolutionizes the way one defines a market, thereby influencing the overall innovation process. This episode provides valuable knowledge for entrepreneurs, innovators, or anyone involved in the product development process. 

 Find Tony and his free ebook or audiobook here: https://jobs-to-be-done-book.com

#MarketDefinition, #JobsToBeDone, #BusinessObjectives, #ProductMarketFit, #InnovationProcess, #CustomerOutcome, #LeanStartup, #MarketNeeds, #UnmetNeeds, #SolutionSpace, #ProblemSpace, #NorthStar, #DigitalService, #HardwareProducts, #SoftwareSolutions, #ServiceSolutions, #Efficiency

Corporate Explorers: Navigating Through Toxic Assumptions with Narendra Laljani

Episode Description:

In this insightful episode of our Corporate Explorer series, we dive deep into the crucial topic of "Outside-In: Overcoming Toxic Assumptions with Market Insight" with our distinguished guest, Narendra Laljani. As a co-author of the chapter, management educator, consultant, and program director at Henley Business School, Laljani brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to our discussion, illuminating the path for organizations aiming to navigate the treacherous waters of innovation and strategic adaptation.

Key Highlights:

• Introduction to the Series [00:00:00]: We kick off the episode with gratitude towards our sponsor, Wazoku, for supporting the exploration of effective, sustainable innovation ecosystems. A brief overview sets the stage for our deep dive into overcoming toxic assumptions through market insight, highlighting the journey through previous series parts with Mike Tushman and Andy Binns.

• The Core Challenges [00:02:00]: Laljani and host Aidan McCullen discuss the dual challenges of the "inside-out" and "outside-in" perspectives that organizations face. Through captivating examples such as Encyclopaedia Britannica, Kodak, and Thomas Cook, we explore the pitfalls of success recipes and the importance of adapting to environmental changes.

• Narendra Laljani's Rich Experience [00:04:00]: Laljani shares his extensive background in corporate exploration, offering personal anecdotes and lessons learned from both successes and failures. His insights into leadership challenges and strategic execution are not to be missed.

• Overcoming Embedded Assumptions [00:05:00]: Delving into the metaphor of organizational DNA, we discuss how deeply embedded assumptions and beliefs shape corporate culture and decision-making processes, often to the detriment of innovation and growth.

• Mental Models and Industry Paradigms [00:09:00]: The conversation broadens to include the concept of mental models within organizations and entire industries, emphasizing the importance of challenging existing paradigms to uncover new opportunities.

• The Value of New Perspectives [00:12:00]: Highlighting the critical role of newcomers in injecting fresh thinking into stagnant environments, we discuss strategies for preserving and leveraging newness within corporate structures.

• A Framework for Innovation [00:14:00]: Laljani introduces a practical framework for challenging assumptions, derived from the work of C.K. Prahalad and Gary Hamel, offering listeners a tool for strategic innovation and thought provocation.

• Continuous Learning as a Competitive Edge [00:16:00]: The episode concludes with a powerful discussion on the importance of learning, unlearning, and relearning, underscoring continuous learning as the only sustainable competitive advantage in the future.

Where to Find Us: Tune in to this compelling episode on platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify to gain insights into overcoming toxic assumptions with market insight. For those looking to dive deeper into strategic innovation and corporate exploration, connect with Narendra Laljani on LinkedIn or explore the upcoming Strategic Innovation Program at Henley Business School.

Join us in 'Fit to Compete, Part 2' where Michael Beer, the renowned expert in corporate strategy, delves into the crucial elements of business innovation and transformation. This episode offers insightful discussions on strategic fitness, the power of honest conversations, and the roles of leadership and culture in driving organizational change. Featuring a case study on Becton Dickinson, Mike highlights the essentiality of aligning strategy with internal communication for corporate success. Perfect for professionals and leaders seeking guidance in the dynamic world of business."

Main topics with timestamps:

1. Strategic Fitness Process - [00:00:00]
2. Long-Term Investment Challenges - [00:13:00]
3. Impact of Company Culture and Leadership - [00:30:00]
4. Role of Succession Planning - [00:43:00]
5. Becton Dickinson Case Study - [00:51:00]
6. Transformative Leadership and Values - [00:57:00]
7. Innovation in Corporate Strategy - [01:03:00]
8. Conclusion and Key Takeaways - [01:10:00]

Articles mentioned in the episode: The Great Training Robbery https://www.hbs.edu/ris/Publication%20Files/16-121_bc0f03ce-27de-4479-a90e-9d78b8da7b67.pdf

Find Mike Beer: https://www.beermichael.com

Fit to Compete - Why Honest Conversations about Your Company’s Capabilities Are the Key to a Winning Strategy

In part 1, we set the context for the book and discuss:

• Mike's background and inspiration for the book.
• The problem of organisational silence and how it hinders strategic execution and transformation
• The concept of strategic fitness and how it helps organizations align their strategy and culture
• The process and benefits of holding honest conversations with everyone in the organization
• The challenges and barriers of overcoming the silent killers, such as fear, hierarchy, and complacency
• The vision and courage to create a culture of corporate stewardship and continuous learning.

Find Mike here:

https://www.beermichael.com

The HBR article I mentioned:: https://hbr.org/1990/11/why-change-programs-dont-produce-change

The HBR article Mike mentioned: https://www.hbs.edu/ris/Publication%20Files/16-121_bc0f03ce-27de-4479-a90e-9d78b8da7b67.pdf

Hunting Zones with Andrew Binns

Brought to you by Wazoku, the Corporate Explorer series is designed to uncover the depth of insight and experience within corporations, beyond management gurus and academics.

🌐 Episode Description: Join Andrew Binns in this insightful episode of "Hunting Zones," where he explores the world of Corporate Explorers—innovative leaders who embark on the challenging journey of building new ventures within established organizations. In this episode, we delve into the crucial aspects of inspiring and guiding aspiring Corporate Explorers, offering actionable insights for success.

🚀 Episode Highlights:

• Finding Inspiration: Discover where aspiring Corporate Explorers should seek inspiration and how to ignite the passion to solve customer problems within established organizations.

• Guidance for Stepping Forward: Explore valuable guidance for encouraging Corporate Explorers to step forward and take on the challenge of building new ventures.

• Increasing Proposal Quality: Learn effective strategies to increase the odds of generating high-quality proposals that align with business strategy and attract senior sponsors' support.

• Getting Started: Uncover practical tips on how to get started on the challenging road of corporate innovation and guide the energy of budding innovators toward lucrative market opportunities.

• Hunting Zones Defined: Understand the concept of "hunting zones" as defined by Andrew Binss, which provide boundaries to innovative impulses, helping generate ideas in line with business strategy and more likely to attract investment.

🎯 Bounded Diversity Approach: Explore the concept of "bounded diversity" as a powerful approach to ideation within corporations. Learn how defining boundaries, or hunting zones, facilitates a free range of ideas, ensuring a strong connection to the business strategy and creating a win-win situation for idea generators and investors.

🔍 Case Study: Nvidia's Success Story: Delve into the success story of Nvidia, led by CEO Jensen Huang. Learn how the company shifted into new market areas, building a software ecosystem alongside its traditional semiconductor business. Discover how Huang strategically defined hunting zones in gaming, autonomous vehicles, enterprise computing, and scientific computing, guiding his team towards innovative solutions and significant growth.

Tune in to "Hunting Zones with Andrew Binns" for a captivating exploration of corporate innovation, insightful strategies, and real-world success stories. Whether you're an aspiring Corporate Explorer or a business enthusiast, this episode offers valuable perspectives on navigating the dynamic landscape of corporate ventures. 🎧✨

Wazoku helps large organizations create effective, sustainable innovation ecosystems that accelerate efficiency gains and new value growth. It does this through intelligent enterprise software that connects and harnesses the power of employees, suppliers, start-ups, universities, and the unique Wazoku Crowd of 700,000+ global Problem Solvers.

Wazoku calls this 'connected collective intelligence'

Find Wazoku at www.Wazoku.com