20 Ways to Think & Act Like an Innovator
1 - DARE TO BE DIFFERENT (even a little crazy) Do you remember Apple’s ”Think Different” campaign from -97? The one in which Apple pays homage to what…
Innovation Culture
Do we want to stop talking about innovation? Leaders be authentic!
Innovation is a word on everyone’s lips. Events about it or with an agenda on innovation-related subjects (digital transformation, Internet of Things, …
Shifting Innovation Perspectives for 2019
Three years ago Derek Bishop, Jo Geraghty and I published our book, Building a Culture of Innovation. [1] The book was inspired by, and written for, al…
The art and science of communicating complex ideas
This article is based on a talk I gave at Bristech in December 2018: ‘Talking Tech: the Art and Science of Communicating Complex Ideas’. By all accoun…
Do Boards Care About Innovation?
Innovation is supposed to be the hottest of hot things at the moment, as executives strive to cope with the volatile times we find ourselves in. The po…
Communicating about innovation: two approaches to understanding your audience
Years ago, I remember reading a short story in which a barrister (I think it was Rumpole of the Bailey) successfully defended a driver charged with dan…
So, do you really understand innovation?
So, if I walked into your office tomorrow, stopped the first person I came across and asked them what they understood your organisation’s innovation st…
How to create an innovation culture that lasts
Many organisations kick-off an innovation programme with innovation training or brainstorming sessions. Seeing that it is easier to execute, this can b…
Lessons learned running corporate teams like startups
Being a strong supporter of Lean Startup principles, I always try to apply them to problem-solving, especially in situations of extreme uncertainty. Le…
Innovation communications: the crucial importance of stories and shared language
Many years ago, when I managed the communications function for a leading digital innovation agency in London, we were engaged on a project for Sony. At…
A higher purpose brings a higher culture
At an individual level, many of us try to make changes within our lives and ourselves to lead a happier more fulfilled life. We’re trying to find purpo…
The 3-D Innovation Culture Jigsaw
You know that jigsaw that you got for Christmas, no not the 50-piece children’s one with large friendly pieces and obvious connections. I’m talking abo…
Learning from our scars
In general, those of us in the corporate environment remain reluctant to discuss things that don't quite go to plan (at least not openly). Far too ofte…
Are People Really Afraid Of Change?
When we talk of innovation, there's a common perception that people aren't particularly fond of change. They'll strive to protect the status quo as muc…
The Real State of Innovation Strategy, Leadership & Culture
We all know there’s nothing new about innovation, or even innovation strategy, leadership or culture. The truth is that as an outcome of creative endea…
Innovation Theatre – CEO’s we MUST do better
To all the CEO’s out there who are the conductors of innovation theatre within their organisations and showcase this theatre as your innovation strateg…
Five Key Tenets of Cultural Intrapreneurship
In my last article I made the distinction between structural or procedural intrapreneurship and cultural intrapreneurship. Structural or procedural in…
Toward embedding a Culture of Intrapreneurship
The basic concept of intrapreneurship is simple: Intrapreneurship is the act of behaving like an entrepreneur while working within a large organizatio…
Overcoming resistance in pursuit of innovation-led growth
When thinking about the resistance to change, especially that required in the pursuit of innovation-led growth, Machiavelli had it nailed… “There is n…
No one wants to say they’re an innovative company – Cris Beswick and David Cowland discuss
David Cowland: Straight in with a controversial title! But read on before you think we’ve lost the plot. What does ‘Innovation’ really mean? Some of th…