Unlearn Barry O'Reilly

The innovative spirit of startups is one of their strengths, something that seems to disappear as a company matures. Does it have to be that way? In this episode of Unlearn, host Barry O’Reilly is joined by Elliott Parker, CEO of High Alpha Innovation, who is an expert in corporate innovation and entrepreneurship. Together, they explore how corporations can regain the innovative spirit of startups to drive growth and transformation, and it begins with changing how they think about traditional metrics and strategies.

Elliott Parker is a seasoned entrepreneur with a deep-rooted passion for innovation and problem-solving. With a background in working for large corporations and witnessing firsthand the power of entrepreneurship in his family, he brings a unique perspective on the intersection of startups and established companies.

Unlearning to Achieve Big Objectives

In a rapidly evolving business landscape, the ability to unlearn traditional practices and embrace new ways of thinking is crucial for fostering innovation and staying ahead of the curve. Elliott's experience with disruptive events like the collapse of a well-established company highlighted the importance of taking control of fate and exploring alternative paths, even if they involve risks. Elliott seeks to challenge conventional wisdom and to be open to new approaches, so that organizations can adapt to change, drive growth, and seize opportunities that may not have been apparent before.

Nature's Innovation Process vs. Corporate Innovation

What can organizations learn from the Amazon jungle? Resilience and innovation. Elliott shares how companies can draw inspiration from nature to drive creativity and problem-solving. By emulating the decentralized, bottom-up approach to innovation seen in natural ecosystems, businesses can encourage experimentation, embrace uncertainty, and uncover novel solutions to complex challenges. Just as diverse organisms in the jungle adapt and thrive in response to constraints and opportunities, companies can benefit from fostering a culture of exploration and learning at all levels.

Scaling Innovation with Corporations

When startups collaborate with corporations, they have access to resources, expertise, and networks that help them tackle complex issues and bring innovative solutions to the market at a much larger scale. Not only does innovation itself become scalable, it’s also a unique opportunity to address significant societal problems and drive meaningful change. Not only can this approach accelerate the pace of innovation, but it also creates a ripple effect that begins in the company and reaches society as a whole.

Impact of Broadening Insights Portfolio

Thinking of insights as valuable assets, like a diverse investment portfolio, is key to expanding knowledge within a company. By exploring different ideas, trying new things, and questioning the usual way of doing things, businesses can discover fresh opportunities for growth and change. Encouraging a culture of ongoing learning and curiosity while steering clear of strict rules and top-down communication helps companies stay flexible, evolve, and succeed in a constantly shifting business world.


Resources

Elliott Parker on LinkedIn | High Alpha Innovation

What problem are you trying to solve? Is it even the right one? In this episode of Unlearn, host Barry O’Reilly is joined by Renee Hawkins, a skilled technology and transformation practitioner. Together, they discuss problem solving, aligning business strategies with purpose, and how to pivot your organization successfully. With practical tips on networking, market research, and seeking advice, Renee offers a roadmap for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact in the business world.

Renee Hawkins, a technology and transformational practitioner with over 25 years of experience, brings a wealth of knowledge from her time at Thoughtworks and her current role as a fractional COO. Renee's approach of asking for help, networking, and continuous learning serves as an inspiration for aspiring fractional leaders.

The Influence of Thoughtworks and Roy Singham

During his time at Thoughtworks, Roy Singham was a visionary leader who influenced Renee’s entire approach to business. Roy led with purpose and kept social justice and inclusivity top of mind, which made Thoughtworks an incredible organization, internally and externally. When you take time to study the impact of influential leaders like Roy, you can gain insights into creating a culture that drives innovation and fosters a sense of purpose among your team.

Transforming Business Models

To deal with the challenges and leverage the opportunities of changing a business model, you need to ensure that your team, operations, and value stream are consistent with the new goals of your business. When you divide the transformation process into achievable steps and concentrate on urgent needs, you can manage complicated changes and prepare your company for success.

Building Effective Communication Strategies

Communication is essential for keeping teams on the same page and achieving business outcomes. Renee values storytelling, honesty, and frequent updates as ways to keep everyone updated and involved. By using effective communication methods, such as weekly reports or town hall meetings, you can make sure that your team remains in sync, inspired, and oriented towards common objectives.

Embracing Fractional Work and Portfolio Careers

Working fractionally and having a portfolio career can be very advantageous in the changing world of business today. Renee tells us how she went from conventional roles to providing fractional assistance to various companies. By being flexible, learning constantly, and exploring different opportunities, you can use your skills in different projects and sectors while keeping a good balance between work and life.


Resources

Renee Hawkins on LinkedIn

They say those who don’t learn from the past are doomed to repeat it. As true a statement as it is, it’s missing one crucial element. If you never confront the reality of the present and get to the heart of why you are where you are, you won’t be able to unlearn the habits that got you there in the first place. In this episode of Unlearn, Barry O’Reilly talks with Dom Price, Work Futurist at Atlassian, who shares insights on facing the reality of the present, unlearning outdated practices, and embracing new ways of working to drive meaningful change and growth in organizations. 

Dom's early work experience started in London at Deloitte, where he spent three years as an accountant. His job left him unfulfilled and passionless, but that all changed over sushi. Don’s boss at Deloitte offered him the opportunity to work in either New York or Sydney. Despite the allure of New York's size and boldness, Dom chose Sydney for its smaller team environment, where he could have a more hands-on, full-stack experience. This decision marked the beginning of a diverse and interesting career journey that eventually led him to Atlassian.

Embracing Reality and Unlearning Past Practices

Dom highlights the importance of facing the honest reality of the current situation in organizations. When leaders truly acknowledge where they are today, they can pay homage to the past while also identifying areas that need to be unlearned or improved. Not only will this allow those leaders to eliminate what is holding an organization back, it will also shine the light on what is exceptional and should be elevated. Taking this approach will help break away from average practices and strive for continuous improvement.

Collaboration Over Silos

Barry and Dom discuss the significance of breaking down silos within organizations to foster better collaboration and communication. This begins with recognizing that the entire company runs day to day on the hundreds of small tasks that require input from every team member and department. When collaboration and breaking down silos becomes a priority, a company can enhance its efficiency, productivity, and overall effectiveness. Equally as important, this type of culture honors the diverse perspectives they bring.

Seeking Growth and Avoiding Plateaus

Over time, companies trend toward mediocrity and status quo, but Dom stands firmly against the plateaus that seem inevitable. There is always a place for growth and improvement, and it requires each person involved to challenge themselves, step out of comfort zones, and actively seek new opportunities. Instead of complacency, a mindset of continuous learning, adaptation, and growth will ensure excellence and innovation.

Practical Change Initiatives Over Theoretical Transformations

Dom discusses the pitfalls of theoretical transformations, such as Agile transformations, that lack a clear understanding of the underlying goals and realities of the organization. Instead, he advocates for practical, action-oriented change initiatives that address specific needs and challenges within the organization. By focusing on tangible outcomes and being honest about real issues, companies can drive sustainable change and meaningful progress.

Balancing Heritage and Innovation

Not all of a company’s past should be unlearned, nor should its achievements be forgotten. There is a balance to strike between an organization’s rich heritage and the need for innovation and adaptation. Dom shares how companies can find a balance between honoring the past and embracing innovation, and companies can leverage their heritage while staying relevant and competitive in a rapidly changing environment.

Resources

Dominic Price on LinkedIn | Atlassian

How well would you fare in the high-stakes world of blockchain and cryptocurrency? Could you navigate the complexities of decentralized technology and its potential to revolutionize society? In this episode of Unlearn, Barry O'Reilly sits down with Anne Connelly, a blockchain expert passionate about leveraging technology to transform lives in emerging economies.

As a faculty member at Singularity University and Boston University, who has also lectured at Oxford University, Anne teaches about how blockchain can enable us to redesign the foundations of society . She is also the author of "Bitcoin and the Future Fundraising," a guide that guides charities on how to accept crypto donations. Anne shares her journey from the nonprofit sector to the world of crypto, highlighting the importance of risk-taking and unlearning traditional structures to embrace innovation.

Embracing Risk and Making Tough Decisions

Anne's journey into the blockchain space began with a pivotal decision to forgo a promotion in the nonprofit sector for a career in an emerging industry. She reflects on the momentous choice she made, stating, "I would rather try and fail than never have tried at all." Even in the face of extreme uncertainty, there are times to take a risk and be open to new opportunities. Anne's story serves as a reminder that sometimes the path less traveled can lead to unexpected and fulfilling outcomes. As she navigated the decision-making process, Anne's willingness to embrace uncertainty and step outside her comfort zone ultimately propelled her toward a path of innovation and growth.

Transformational Experiences at Singularity University

Anne's experience at Singularity University's Global Solutions Program marked a turning point in her understanding of the potential of technology to address global challenges. She discusses the fusion of her passion for social impact with the innovative solutions offered by technology. Anne believes in rethinking the traditional approaches to problem-solving, stating, "We could make this a little bit better, but why? If we completely transformed it, we could make such a difference." Anne is a champion for using the power of technology to drive meaningful change on a global scale through a holistic and impactful approach to addressing societal issues.

Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs)

Decentralized Autonomous Organizations have an incredible disruptive potential in reshaping how we govern ourselves as a society. Anne explains how DAOs enable groups to collaborate without traditional hierarchies, leveraging blockchain technology for transparent decision-making processes. She highlights a real-world example of Constitution DAO, where a collective effort raised funds to purchase a copy of the US Constitution. These decentralized systems offer unique possibilities by democratizing decision-making, which allows for meaningful innovation in traditional governance models.

Onboarding and Adoption of Crypto Technology

Anne shares the challenges of onboarding newcomers into the crypto and blockchain space, especially when it comes to accessible entry points. She shares a story about introducing a group of skeptics to Bitcoin. Their resistance held firm until they had a true, hands-on experience, which shifted their perceptions entirely. There’s a disparity in crypto adoption rates across different groups and regions, and Anne highlights how crypto often resonates with populations facing financial instability or limited access to traditional banking. If we want to encourage broader participation in the crypto ecosystem, we must focus on creating more inclusive strategies.

Read full show notes at BarryO'Reilly.com

Resources

Anne Connelly on the Web | LinkedIn | X(Twitter)

Would you be willing to take on mission critical, make or break projects as your career? How would you handle the challenges that arise from situations like bankruptcies and mergers while managing the extreme pressure that comes from such high stakes?

Daniel Henry doesn’t just take on high stakes projects as they arise. He actively seeks them out. Daniel’s fascinating career has spanned EDS, American Airlines, and most recently, CIO at McDonald’s. He has gained invaluable insight in building teams, developing leadership, and taking on hard things to help you grow. And one of the best insights he offers is how to make big problems small.

Embracing Simplicity in Problem-Solving at Large Companies

In the realm of large corporations, the ability to simplify complex problems is a crucial skill. Daniel emphasizes the significance of breaking down overwhelming challenges into smaller, more manageable tasks, so that teams can navigate the complexities of technology and business transformation. His advice to "make the problems really small" serves as a valuable strategy for initiating progress and innovation within large organizations.

The Importance of Working on Mission-Critical Projects

Engaging with mission-critical projects can be a defining factor in one's career growth and development. Daniel reflects tackling projects that have the potential to make or break a company, which helped him resilience and leadership skills. His advice to focus on the most critical tasks resonates with the idea of continuous learning and self-improvement.

Building and Leading High-Performance Teams

High-performance teams are a cornerstone of success in any organization. Daniel highlights the importance of aligning team members with a clear purpose to drive collaboration and goal achievement, and the type of leadership that will get them there. When you embrace the critical role of purpose-driven leadership and foster a shared understanding of objectives and strategies, you’re able to develop strong, innovative teams within any organization.

The Role of Storytelling in Attracting Top Talent

Storytelling plays a pivotal role in attracting top talent to organizations, especially in the technology sector. A powerful narrative that includes the journey of technological transformation and the challenges that were overcome, companies can more easily attract top talent who are seeking meaningful and impactful work. Daniel also underscores the importance of transparency in the narrative and the workplace culture it builds.

Scaling Technology Innovations Globally

Daniel discusses the importance of starting small and learning fast when expanding technology solutions across global, diverse markets. Sweeping changes, especially with technology, require a strategic and iterative approach. Daniel’s approach begins with running ‘experiments’ in smaller regions, analyzing the data, and basing the wider implementation on those data-driven insights to ensure smoother transitions for companies and their customers.

Resources:

Daniel Henry on LinkedIn | X(Twitter)

What was your biggest personal transformation? More importantly, who helped you achieve it? Read this blog and episode of the Unlearn Podcast for top leadership transformation mindset advice from a world-class leadership coach.

Sabrina Braham is an executive coach, mastermind group leader, author, and leadership and career development expert with almost three decades of experience, but she nearly walked away from that journey before it ever began. What kept her going? A teacher who was more like a coach. He encouraged and believed in her, which helped her completely transform what she thought about herself and her future. And now, Sabrina does that for others.

There’s a reason that 97% of all CEOs in the United States have coaches for leadership transformation mindset advice. Asking for feedback is a powerful tool for personal growth and development. Embracing the discomfort of asking questions can lead to valuable insights, accelerated learning, and improved decision-making.


Embracing Growth Mindset and Overcoming Self-Doubt

We all have moments that transform us. For Sabrina, it was when her psychology teacher refused to let her quit and had her enroll in the most difficult classes. "He totally believed in me," she reflects. This experience sparked a shift from self-doubt to a growth mindset, and the encouragement helped her see and embrace her full potential. Often, a big part of transformation is identifying the self-imposed limitations we have created, and Sabrina’s journey from uncertainty to academic excellence is an inspiring example of how a single act of faith from another can catalyze our growth and help us transcend our perceived barriers.

The Power of Asking for Feedback

Many of us live in a precarious balancing act every day: personal turmoil, parenthood, entrepreneurship, partnership. Sometimes we need the voice of clarity to help us make sense of it all. But first, we need to ask that voice to speak. Asking for feedback is not a sign of weakness, but a brave step towards self-betterment, and it’s not about uncovering flaws alone. It’s all about acknowledging and harnessing our inherent strengths. When we embrace vulnerability, we can actively seek out the insights that will propel us forward.

Building Relationships and Political Savvy

Workplace dynamics are an intricate dance, and it’s critical to nurture relationships and develop political acumen. Sabrina challenges the notion that career advancements are merely the result of nepotism, suggesting that the key lies in "deepening your relationships with people." The subtleties of professional success include both genuine connection and strategic navigation of organizational landscapes, which lead to recognition and advancement. In other words, how we interact with others will significantly influence our career trajectory.

The Role of Mastermind Groups in Accelerating Growth

Sabrina is passionate about leading executive mastermind groups, describing them as a collective committed to mutual growth, where "everybody in the group helping the person that's talking." These groups act as a powerful catalyst for personal and professional development, offering a space where shared experiences and diverse viewpoints can lead to unexpected insights and breakthroughs. A well-run mastermind group is the ideal community for leadership transformation mindset advice. They become your own personal “board of directors”. Mastermind groups harness collaborative intelligence, allowing each member to contribute to and benefit from the collective wisdom. It's a testament to the idea that by coming together, we can amplify our learning and accelerate our journey towards our goals.

Resources
For full show notes, go to BarryO'Reilly.com

Sabrina Braham MA MFT PCC  on the web | LinkedIn | Leadership Podcast