Innovation Storytellers Susan Lindner

Have you ever wondered how innovative peer networks can transform business outcomes? In this episode of Innovation Storytellers Show, I sit down with Roland Deiser, the Founder & Executive Chairman of the Center for the Future of Organization, to explore this fascinating topic.
Roland Deiser brings a wealth of knowledge on the subject, with his extensive background in understanding the challenges of transformational change in large organizations. As a professor, advisor, and orchestrator of executive peer networks, Roland has dedicated his career to studying the dynamics of business ecosystems and digital transformation.
During our discussion, Roland discusses the critical role of sophisticated social and political strategies in driving innovation within organizations. He highlights the importance of creating and leveraging networks both within and across industry boundaries to foster innovative conversations and processes. Roland's insights on peer-to-peer experience sharing reveal how these networks can alleviate feelings of isolation, bring diverse perspectives, and break down cognitive and organizational boundaries.
We also delve into intriguing real-world examples, such as why Sony missed the opportunity to create the iPod despite its dominance in the music industry and how Blockbuster failed to capitalize on acquiring Netflix. These stories underscore the pitfalls of rigid business models and the necessity of adaptability and foresight.
Furthermore, Roland elaborates on the concept of ambidexterity—excelling in present performance while designing future breakthroughs. He emphasizes the impact of technological, political, and regulatory shifts as catalysts for innovative thinking, with generative AI serving as a current example.
Join us for this compelling conversation that underscores the necessity of collaboration in the innovation landscape. Discover how to build and benefit from innovative peer networks and navigate the complexities of today's fast-paced business environment.
 

What defines a strong communications culture, and how does it enable better innovation outcomes? In this episode of Innovation Storytellers, I welcome Niosha Kayhani, Director of International Programs and Commercial Products at Cubic. We delve into how his role shifted from individual innovator to empowering others to create and lead within a global organization of 7,000 people.
Niosha shares insights on how Cubic built a culture that encourages collaboration across teams, relying on a network of internal "entrepreneurs in residence" who spark creativity from within. With the CEO's unwavering support, Niosha and his team developed a structured innovation process that motivates staff through cross-functional initiatives like tiger teams, enabling rapid development with a clear 12-week focus.
Tune in to learn how Cubic’s culture of storytelling and open dialogue drives change, tackles challenges, and empowers people to thrive. Whether you’re interested in hearing about the emotional journey of letting go of personal ideas or finding the right balance between passion and adaptability, this episode is packed with valuable insights.
 

Today, we've got a special doubleheader episode that dives deep into the world of innovation consulting. But we're not just talking about any consultants; today's guests bring a distinctive approach to the innovation landscape. They hail from a firm that attracts the most creative clients and crafts unique solutions based on their diverse backgrounds and philosophies.
Joining me today, on the Innovation Storytellers Show, are Abram Sirignano and Tony Fross, who co-lead the product experience and innovation practice at Prophet. For the past six years, Prophet has stood out in the consulting world, not only for its innovative solutions in product development and organizational capabilities but also for its commitment to empowering clients to become innovators in their own right.
In this episode, we’ll explore how Prophet views organizations as living systems with DNA, bodies, minds, and souls. We'll discuss the challenges companies face when they say they want to innovate but are reluctant to change their structures. Our guests will share insights on aligning the human elements of business—like talent and leadership—with organizational goals to foster true innovation.
What does innovation mean to you? How does your organization embody its values and visions in daily operations? Tune in as we explore these questions and more, providing you with the tools to transform your own workplace.
 

My guest on the Innovation Storytellers Show this week is someone who’s turned understanding and exhibiting failures into an art form. Dr. Samuel West is a licensed clinical psychologist keen on the intersection of happiness, work, and cultural perceptions of failure.
Dr. West’s journey from treating clinical issues like depression to exploring organizational psychology led him to an intriguing discovery: the crucial role of failure in fostering innovation and creativity. His work, especially his teachings at Lund University on positive psychology and creativity, culminates in creating a fascinating project—the Museum of Failure. This traveling exhibition, which I had the pleasure of experiencing first-hand in Los Angeles, showcases failures from the tech industry and beyond, including memorable flops like Pepsi’s Clear cola and Microsoft’s Zune.
In today's episode, Samuel and I explore the many layers of failure—from its inevitability in pursuing innovation to its potential as a catalyst for significant breakthroughs. We discuss how rebranding failures as experiments can change our perspective and lessen the sting of setbacks, making innovation less agonizing and more fruitful.
Tune in as we dissect the lessons housed within the Museum of Failure and uncover why continuing to experiment, even in the face of apparent failure, is vital for sustained innovation in an ever-evolving world.
 

How often do we pause to consider the intricate, behind-the-scenes balance of technology and strategy that powers our everyday lives? In this episode of the Innovation Storytellers Show, I have an enlightening conversation with Heather Feldman, Director of Learning & Development at the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). 
Heather shares insights from her unique vantage point on defining global collaboration in the nuclear age. From balancing the operational demands of current nuclear power plants to envisioning future advancements with technologies like artificial intelligence, Heather describes EPRI's role in fostering an environment where experimentation is encouraged, and even failures are seen as steps towards success. She discusses the inception of the Global Forum for Nuclear Innovation, highlighting its aim to drive transformative change across the industry with leaders from around the world, including the International Energy Agency.
But what does all this innovation mean for the average person? Heather ties these technological advancements back to everyday life, underscoring how crucial nuclear energy is to providing a substantial portion of America's carbon-free electricity. Amidst the backdrop of recent cultural phenomena like the Oppenheimer films, Heather helps demystify the often misunderstood role of nuclear power in our energy landscape and its critical contribution to combating climate change.
As we reflect on the importance of sustainable and safe energy solutions, what are your thoughts on the role of nuclear power and innovation in our future? How should we balance the technological advancements with the ethical considerations they bring? Join the conversation and share your insights on how we can collectively enhance our understanding and implementation of nuclear technology.
 

In this episode of the Innovation Storytellers Show, we journey beyond the executive boardroom to explore the vibrant intersections of social communities, networks, and the transformative power of sharing knowledge. 
I welcome Leigh Higginbotham Butler, the Founder & CEO of Akina Technologies, to delve into how Akina is revolutionizing networking for women of color. Leigh shares her journey from leading initiatives for liver disease prevention and treatment to founding Akina Technologies, a social enterprise dedicated to addressing systematic disparities faced by black women through new media and innovative solutions. 
With a rich background in government affairs, public relations, and a heartfelt commitment to advocacy, Leigh discusses the essence of innovation as a tool for seeing ourselves, our communities, and our opportunities in a new light.
Akina Technologies emerges as a beacon of empowerment, leveraging technology to create a platform that promises personalization, representation, and meaningful connections. We talk about the development of a culturally competent AI, aiming to dismantle biases and ensure every woman of color can find resources and connections that resonate deeply with her individuality and needs.
In a reflection on Women's History Month, Leigh articulates a vision for the future where women of color are celebrated and acknowledged for their contributions to technology and innovation. From the unsung heroes behind everyday technology like text messaging to the broader aspirations of Akina Technologies, Leigh's message is clear: representation matters, and it is pivotal in shaping how we see ourselves and our potential to contribute to the world.
As we step into a new future around what women's history can be, Leigh's insights remind us of the opportunity to write it in a way that has never been written before. This episode is a call to action for everyone, from corporate leaders to community members, to recognize and support the pivotal role of women of color in technology and beyond.
What role can technology play in bridging gaps and fostering communities? How can we ensure that women of color are not just participants but leaders in the future of innovation? Share your thoughts and join the conversation as we explore these vital questions together.