Killer Innovations with Phil McKinney - A Show About Ideas Creativity And Innovation

Phil McKinney
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Killer Innovations with Phil McKinney - A Show About Ideas Creativity And Innovation

Step into the world of relentless creativity with the Killer Innovations Podcast, hosted by Phil McKinney. Since 2005, it has carved its niche in history as the longest-running podcast. Join the community of innovators, designers, creatives, entrepreneurs, and visionaries who are constantly pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo. Discover the power of thinking differently and taking risks to achieve success. The podcast covers a wide range of topics, including innovation, technology, business, leadership, creativity, design, and more. Every episode is not just talk; it's about taking action and implementing strategies to help you become a successful innovator. Each episode provides practical tips, real-life examples, and thought-provoking insights to challenge your thinking and inspire you to unleash your creativity. The podcast archive: KillerInnovations.com About Phil McKinney: Phil McKinney, CTO of HP (ret) and CEO of CableLabs, has been credited with forming and leading multiple teams that FastCompany and BusinessWeek list as one of the “50 Most Innovative”. His recognition includes Vanity Fair naming him “The Innovation Guru,” MSNBC and Fox Business calling him "The Gadget Guy," and the San Jose Mercury News dubbing him the "chief seer."

  1. 6 DAYS AGO

    How To Think Like Thomas Edison

    In 1878, gas lamp manufacturers celebrated their dominance, believing their industry was untouchable. But in a small workshop in Menlo Park, Thomas Edison made a bold declaration: he would create an electric light so revolutionary that it would make gas lamps obsolete. The press mocked him. Experts dismissed him. Even some of his colleagues doubted him. But 18 months later, Edison unveiled the first practical incandescent light bulb, forever changing the world. What set Edison apart wasn't just his inventive capacity but his systematic problem—solving approach. His famous quote, “Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration,” wasn't just philosophy—it was a blueprint for structured innovation. If you want to think like Thomas Edison, you must understand his methodology, which relied on systematic experimentation, market-driven innovation, and turning failure into information. The Edison Approach to Thinking Edison's thinking wasn't random; it followed structured principles that fueled his breakthroughs. Here are three core patterns that defined his problem-solving strategy: * Systematic Experimentation Edison didn't stumble upon great ideas—he tested thousands of possibilities. Where others saw failure, he saw data. Unlike inventors who sought a single, perfect solution, Edison methodically worked through every possible variation until he found the best one. This systematic approach now influences everything from pharmaceutical research to software development. * Market-Focused Innovation Edison understood that an invention wasn't valuable unless people wanted it. He didn't just ask, “Can it work?”—he asked, “Will people buy it?” This focus on commercial viability is what separates true innovation from mere experimentation. Think like Thomas Edison, and you'll focus on solving real-world problems with market-ready solutions. * Failure as Data Edison's perspective on failure wasn't just positive—it was strategic. His famous remark, “I have not failed 10,000 times. I've successfully found 10,000 ways that won't work,” highlights how he treated failure as an essential part of discovery. He wasn't failing—he was collecting data. How Edison Thought Through Problems Edison's approach to problem-solving followed a repeatable process, which innovators still use today. * Define the Problem in Market Terms Edison began with the market, unlike other inventors who started with technical specifications. When developing the light bulb, he didn't just aim to create electric light—he calculated the exact price point and operational costs that would make it competitive with gas lamps. * Break Down the Problem into Components Edison knew he could tackle significant challenges more efficiently by breaking them into smaller problems. For the light bulb, he separated the challenge into: * Finding the right filament material * Determining the ideal atmospheric conditions inside the bulb * Optimizing electrical current flow * Designing a cost-effective manufacturing process * Creating a distribution system for mass adoption By thinking systematically, he made an impossible challenge solvable. * Conduct Systematic Experiments Edison's thousands of light bulb tests seemed like trial and error to outsiders. However, he used detailed experimental matrices to test multiple variables simultaneously while maintaining rigorous documentation. His team examined: * Over 6,000 plant-based materials for filaments

    25 min

  2. FEB 18

    How To Think Like Nicola Tesla

    Picture this: A man stands in a dusty Colorado laboratory, surrounded by crackling electrical arcs illuminating the night sky. While others might flinch at the raw power, Nicola Tesla, sketching in his notebook, remains unfazed. He isn’t just observing—he’s envisioning the future of wireless energy, mentally simulating systems with perfect clarity before ever building a prototype. His thinking process wasn’t just innovative—it was revolutionary. But what if you could think like Nicola Tesla? What if you could harness his ability to see solutions before others even recognize the problem? His mental approach, built on visualization, systems thinking, and rigorous problem-solving, isn’t just for engineers—it’s a framework that can help entrepreneurs, creatives, and business leaders. The Foundation of Tesla’s Thinking Tesla’s cognitive edge rested on three powerful mental models: * Mental Visualization: Unlike most inventors who relied on trial-and-error with physical prototypes, Tesla designed and tested machines entirely in his mind. Before touching a tool, he could run a full simulation of a working motor, identify flaws, and refine the design. This exemplifies aesthetic thinking, where function and form create a unified whole. * Systems Thinking: Tesla never saw inventions in isolation. When he developed alternating current (AC), he wasn’t just creating a motor—he envisioned an entire power grid. This interconnected view is what modern businesses use today when designing ecosystems like Apple’s hardware-software integration. * Divergent and Convergent Thinking: Tesla generated bold, out-of-the-box ideas (divergent thinking) and then rigorously tested them mentally to narrow down the best approach (convergent thinking). This allowed him to sidestep costly trial-and-error cycles that slowed other inventors. By applying these thinking methods, Tesla reshaped industries. And these same principles can transform the way you approach innovation. How Tesla Thought Through Problems Tesla didn’t just stumble upon breakthroughs—he followed a structured process that made his ideas a reality: * Initial Visualization – He built a complete mental image of the problem and potential solutions before working with materials. * Mental Simulation – He ran mental “experiments,” observing how his imagined designs behaved under different conditions. * Systematic Refinement – Through repeated mental iterations, he perfected his designs before moving to real-world implementation. * Physical Verification – Only after exhaustive mental testing would he construct the prototype, often achieving success on the first attempt. * Integration Thinking – Tesla considered how his inventions fit into a broader system, ensuring long-term relevance and scalability. This process helped him develop the AC motor, wireless transmission, and even early robotics concepts—years ahead of his time. Think Like Nicola Tesla in the Modern World Tesla’s methods aren’t relics of the past—they are actively used in today’s most successful companies: * Mental Prototyping – SpaceX engineers run digital simulations before building rockets, just as Tesla tested his inventions mentally. * Systems Integration – Companies like Amazon don’t just launch products; they create ecosystems that work seamlessly together. * Applied Visualization – Designers at companies like IDEO and Apple use mental modeling techniques to ref...

    21 min

  3. FEB 11

    Building an Innovation Studio Part 2

    Ever wondered what it takes to build a space that sparks creativity and enables innovation? I've been on a journey transforming my studio from a simple podcast recording room into a full-fledged innovation workspace, and I'm excited to share the progress with you. Five months ago, we embarked on a complete teardown and reconstruction. While we missed our January completion target, the transformation has been remarkable. We've installed hardwood flooring (goodbye, dust allergies!), added professional-grade tool organization with Husky cabinets, and installed a suspended lighting grid that would make theater technicians proud. The studio now features dedicated zones for different types of creative work. There's a 3D printing station with the constantly-running Bamboo Labs X1 Carbon, professional audio and video equipment storage, and flexible workspace areas for prototyping and ideation sessions. Everything is designed to keep the floor clear and maximize the space's versatility. Some challenges have emerged along the way – like the unexpected acoustic effects of the hardwood flooring (hello, echo!) and the adventure of hoisting heavy tool cabinets above the garage with a man lift (don't tell my wife!). We're still working on sound suppression solutions and evaluating options for a collaboration display wall. Want to see how it all comes together? Check out the full video tour where I dive into the details of each upgrade and share the thinking behind the design decisions. You'll get an inside look at the professional-grade lighting grid installation, the cable management solutions, and even some fresh 3D prints hot off the printer. If you're interested in innovation, making, or creating your own creative workspace, consider supporting the channel by becoming a member. You'll get exclusive content, live stream invites, and early access to videos. Plus, you might even get a chance to collaborate on prototyping your own ideas in the studio. Subscribe and join me on this journey of creation and innovation. Become a member on:  YouTube Members: https://www.youtube.com/@PhilMcKinney Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/philmckinney   To learn more about the innovation studio build, listen to this week's show: Building an Innovation Studio Part 2: 5-Month Transformation Update.

    17 min

  4. FEB 4

    The 90-Second Rule

    Ever wondered why simple decisions feel like defusing a bomb? In this week's episode, we unpack the 90-Second Rule – a game-changing approach to conquering decision paralysis that's transforming how top performers work. Did you know you lose an average of 37 minutes overthinking each important decision? Multiply that by dozens of decisions per day, and you're wasting weeks of your life each year to mental paralysis. But what if you could make better decisions in just 90 seconds? We dive deep into the neuroscience of decision-making, revealing why your brain treats choosing lunch like it's choosing a career path. You'll discover the surprising link between decision fatigue and poor choices, and learn a counter-intuitive technique used by successful leaders to make faster, better decisions. Plus, we'll show you exactly how to implement this system in your daily life, with real examples from work, creative projects, and personal situations. Ready to transform your decision-making? Our member community gets access to the complete decision-making toolkit, including: Monthly Q&A sessions Decision-making templates Priority topic requests Behind-the-scenes content Support the creation of more science-backed productivity content by joining us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/philmckinney. Your membership helps us continue bringing you strategies that actually work. Listen now to stop overthinking and start doing. 🎧 To learn more about the 90-second rule, listen to this week's show: The 90-Second Rule.

    14 min

  5. JAN 28

    Why Google’s Innovation Strategy is Failing

    Google spends over $45 billion on R&D a year, yet its graveyard of failed innovations keeps growing – Google+, Glass, Stadia, and countless others. But here's the surprising truth: this pattern isn't unique to Google. Even with unlimited resources and top talent, tech giants struggle to innovate alone. The era of solo innovation is dead. Consider this: in 1985, breakthrough innovations required input from 2-3 organizations. Today, that number has exploded to 15-20 organizations for cutting-edge technologies. Tesla, often praised for vertical integration, relies on 300+ suppliers, multiple university partnerships, and data from millions of drivers. The innovation game has fundamentally changed. Modern breakthroughs emerge from complex webs of collaboration between competitors, startups, universities, and governments. Companies clinging to the lone wolf approach are falling behind. CRISPR gene editing technology, often attributed to a single lab, actually required dozens of universities, multiple government grants, and countless biotech firms working in parallel. SpaceX's reusable rockets build on NASA research, hundreds of suppliers, and open-source contributions. The message is clear: your organization's innovation potential isn't limited by your internal resources – it's limited by your ability to orchestrate an ecosystem of partners. Listen to the podcast: https://killerinnovations.com/subscribe-to-podcast/ Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/@PhilMcKinney Want the complete innovation ecosystem playbook? Become a member and get instant access to our comprehensive Innovation Ecosystem Playbook, participate in the discussion in our exclusive Discord community of innovators, and much more. Our community is transforming how companies approach breakthrough innovation. Join the community and get the Innovation Playbook: https://www.philmckinney.com/#/portal/signup Become a member via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/philmckinney #innovation #businessstrategy #technology #leadership To learn why Google's strategy is failing, listen to this week's show: Why Google's Innovation Strategy is Failing (And What It Means For Your Business)

    20 min

  6. JAN 21

    Consume Less to Create More

    Ever notice how you can spend hours scrolling through “inspiration” but end up feeling creatively drained? You're not alone. In this eye-opening episode, we dive into a counterintuitive truth about creativity that could transform how you generate ideas and solve problems. What if I told you that the secret to unlocking your creativity isn't about consuming more content, but less? That by creating intentional gaps in your constant consumption of social media, articles, and “inspiration,” you could rediscover your authentic creative voice? In this episode, I share my personal journey from being a compulsive consumer of content to rediscovering the joy of original thinking. You'll learn practical, immediately applicable strategies to: Create space for your own ideas to emerge Build confidence in your authentic, creative voice Transform your morning routine from consumption to creation Develop sustainable practices that foster genuine creativity Most importantly, you'll discover why your most valuable creative asset isn't your ability to absorb others' ideas – it's your unique perspective and vision. This isn't about dramatic lifestyle changes or complete digital detoxes. Instead, you'll learn small, achievable shifts that can lead to profound changes in how you think and create. Whether you're a professional looking to bring more innovation to your work, or simply someone who wants to rediscover their creative spark, this episode offers a fresh perspective on how to make space for your original ideas to flourish. Want to go deeper into creativity and innovation? Join our community of creators and innovators. Members get access to: Our private community for sharing challenges and victories on Patreon Monthly live Q&A sessions addressing your specific creative challenges Early access to upcoming content and special features Check out the membership options on YouTube or Patreon (links below) and choose the one that works best for you. Your support helps ensure we can keep creating content that challenges conventional thinking and sparks innovation. Join us on: YouTube Members: https://www.youtube.com/@PhilMcKinney Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/philmckinney To learn how to consume less to create more, listen to this week's show: Consume Less to Create More: Unlocking Your True Creative Potential.

    12 min

  7. JAN 7

    What Nokia, Kodak, and Blockbuster All Missed: The Groupthink Factor

    It was a quiet moment in a Nokia conference room that would eventually cost $100 billion. An engineer stood nervously, holding a prototype of a full touchscreen phone. The response from management? “Interesting, but that's not how phones work.” This dismissal highlighted the absence of the groupthink factor—a unified vision that could have driven innovation. One year later, Apple launched the iPhone, and Nokia‘s dominance began to crumble. Around the same time, in a Blockbuster boardroom, executives were dismissing Netflix as a “very small niche business,” turning down a $50 million acquisition offer. Today, Netflix is worth over $100 billion, while Blockbuster is a cautionary tale. And let's not forget Kodak, who actually invented the first digital camera but convinced themselves it would never replace film – right up until they filed for bankruptcy after a century of market dominance. Three industry titans. Three catastrophic falls. Most people think these were just bad decisions – moments where smart leaders somehow got it wrong. But what if there was something deeper at work? What if these weren't just isolated mistakes, but symptoms of a hidden pattern that's probably affecting your organization right now? Here's the scary part: the faster your market is moving, the more susceptible you become to this pattern. Even more troubling? The organizations that succumb to it never see it coming. In fact, they're usually convinced they're making the right decisions right up until reality proves them catastrophically wrong. In this episode, we'll reveal the subtle force that brought down these giants and may be killing innovation in your organization right now. More importantly, we'll show you how to spot it before it's too late. Join us to discover what these fallen giants missed – and how you can avoid being next.   To learn about the groupthink factor, listen to this week's show: What Nokia, Kodak, and Blockbuster All Missed: The Groupthink Factor.

    43 min

  8. 12/31/2024

    15 Innovation Jobs That Don’t Require a Degree

    What if the biggest predictor of success in innovation wasn't what everyone thinks? Our research tracking 1,000+ innovation professionals revealed a shocking truth about who succeeds in this high-paying field – and it's not what you'd expect. In this episode, we break down 15 innovation careers that are transforming industries, with salaries ranging from $70k to $400k+. But here's what makes this guide different: we're not just giving you job titles and salaries. We reveal the actual personalities that thrive in each role, alternative paths to break in without traditional credentials, and the unexpected traits that separate success from failure. From Research & Development to Innovation Management, Product Development, Digital Innovation, and the startup ecosystem, we explore how these roles are shaping the future – and why companies are desperate to fill them. Key takeaways: Why failing at least 3 times makes you MORE likely to succeed in innovation Alternative qualification paths for every role (no degree required) The personality traits that matter more than technical skills Real salary data based on current market conditions Which roles are best suited for different working styles Most importantly, you'll learn why your past “failures” might be the exact preparation you need for a successful innovation career. Whether you're a career changer, recent graduate, or experienced professional looking to pivot, this guide shows you the practical steps to break into the innovation economy. Bonus: Members get access to our comprehensive career guide, including detailed personality profiles, qualification roadmaps, and monthly salary updates. Plus, connect with innovation professionals in our private community. Download 👉 INNOVATION CAREER GUIDE The download is for members of the Innovators Community. Become a member on at Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/philmckinney   To learn about the innovation jobs that don't require a college degree, listen to this week's show: 15 Innovation Jobs That Don’t Require a Degree.

    43 min
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4.6
out of 5
74 Ratings

About

Step into the world of relentless creativity with the Killer Innovations Podcast, hosted by Phil McKinney. Since 2005, it has carved its niche in history as the longest-running podcast. Join the community of innovators, designers, creatives, entrepreneurs, and visionaries who are constantly pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo. Discover the power of thinking differently and taking risks to achieve success. The podcast covers a wide range of topics, including innovation, technology, business, leadership, creativity, design, and more. Every episode is not just talk; it's about taking action and implementing strategies to help you become a successful innovator. Each episode provides practical tips, real-life examples, and thought-provoking insights to challenge your thinking and inspire you to unleash your creativity. The podcast archive: KillerInnovations.com About Phil McKinney: Phil McKinney, CTO of HP (ret) and CEO of CableLabs, has been credited with forming and leading multiple teams that FastCompany and BusinessWeek list as one of the “50 Most Innovative”. His recognition includes Vanity Fair naming him “The Innovation Guru,” MSNBC and Fox Business calling him "The Gadget Guy," and the San Jose Mercury News dubbing him the "chief seer."

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