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. 4 DAYS AGO

    The Experimenter Mindset

    Why do some innovators bounce back stronger from every setback?  In this episode, we dive into the fascinating story of a product demo that literally burst into flames in front of a potential investor – and how that spectacular failure led to three groundbreaking patents. The key? Something called the experimenter mindset. It's a powerful approach used by leading innovators that completely transforms how we view outcomes. Instead of seeing things as successes or failures, experimenters view every result as valuable data pointing toward their next breakthrough. This episode breaks down the five core characteristics that make up the experimenter's DNA and shows exactly how to develop each one. You'll see how real teams use simple tools like the three-column technique to extract powerful insights from every outcome, and how keeping a “friction log” can turn your most contentious meetings into breakthrough sessions. Some key takeaways from the episode: Why emotional detachment is crucial for innovation (and how to develop it) The power of hypothesis-driven thinking in everyday situations A simple documentation method that compounds learning over time How pattern recognition transforms random data points into breakthrough insights The iterative mindset that keeps you moving forward The most valuable insight might be the distinction between experimental results and personal worth. As one engineer in our story discovered, separating these two can be the difference between quitting and breakthrough innovation. Whether you're leading a team, building a product, or working on personal projects, this episode offers practical tools for transforming setbacks into stepping stones toward your next innovation. Want to start applying these concepts right away? Grab a piece of paper and try the three-column technique we demonstrate in the episode. It's surprisingly simple but remarkably powerful at extracting valuable insights from any situation. Check out the full episode to get the complete framework and see real examples of how teams are using these tools to drive innovation. #Innovation #ExperimenterMindset #Leadership #ProductDevelopment #CreativeProblemSolving To learn about the experimenter mindset, listen to this week's show: The Experimenter Mindset: How to Learn From Every Failure.

    22 min

  2. DEC 10

    How to Be a Professional Innovator

    In poker, strategies divide professionals and amateurs. A professional poker player participates in only 15% of hands, while amateurs engage far more recklessly. This principle applies to innovation as well. To stand out as a professional innovator, you must move beyond enthusiasm and adopt a disciplined, strategic approach to managing ideas and resources. The Traits of a Professional Innovator Professional innovators understand that success lies not in chasing every idea but in executing the right ones effectively. Here’s what sets them apart: * Strategic Thinking: Professionals clearly envision their goals and the landscape they operate within. They critically assess opportunities, focusing on projects that align with long-term objectives. * Resource Management: Time, energy, and capital are finite. Professionals allocate these resources carefully, ensuring they support projects with the highest potential returns. * Risk Awareness: Innovation involves uncertainty, but professional innovators evaluate risks thoroughly. They create contingency plans to manage challenges, turning potential threats into manageable risks. Steps to Transition From Amateur to Professional Many innovators start as amateurs, brimming with ideas but lacking direction. Here are actionable steps to leap: * Hone Strategic Planning Skills A professional innovator sets clear, actionable goals and develops a roadmap with measurable milestones. This clarity prevents distractions and ensures focused efforts. * Prioritize Effectively Not all tasks are created equal. Understand the distinction between urgent and important tasks, and direct your energy toward activities that drive long-term impact. * Embrace Failure Failure isn’t a setback—it’s a learning opportunity. Analyze what went wrong in past projects to refine your approach and build resilience for future endeavors. * Evaluate Ideas Systematically Before pursuing a new project, assess its potential impact and alignment with your overall strategy. Ask questions like: * Does this idea solve a significant problem? * Can it scale effectively? * Does it align with my core objectives? By filtering out less promising ideas early, you conserve resources for high-potential opportunities. The Mindset of a Professional Innovator Adopting the mindset of a professional innovator means balancing passion with practicality. Enthusiasm plays a crucial role, but strategic foresight must anchor it. Professionals view innovation as a discipline that requires thoughtful planning, adaptability, and consistent follow-through. In conclusion, the journey from amateur to professional innovator is about more than experience. It’s a commitment to strategic thinking, effective resource allocation, and embracing challenges. The world of innovation is vast and full of opportunities. Equip yourself with the right tools and mindset, and you’ll achieve success and inspire others to elevate their approaches. Whether you’re just starting or refining your approach, remember being a professional innovator is within reach. Take deliberate steps, and watch your impact grow.   To learn about being a professional innovator, listen to this week's show: How to Be a Professional Innovator.

    12 min

  3. DEC 3

    How To Build An Explorer Mindset

    Want to know why some people get excited about uncertainty while others run from it? It's all about having an explorer mindset. Think of it as having the ability to see opportunities where others only see obstacles. In this episode, I share how history's greatest innovators transformed uncertainty into their superpower – from ancient mariners charting unknown waters to modern entrepreneurs reshaping entire industries. The best part? You can tap into these same patterns of thinking. I break down three key traits of the explorer mindset that set breakthrough thinkers apart: Seeing uncertainty as an invitation to discover Using questions as powerful tools for insight Getting comfortable with being uncomfortable But I don't just talk theory. You'll get real, practical ways to build these skills week by week. My favorite is the Daily Unknown Challenge – a simple but powerful way to stretch your comfort zone bit by bit. Of course, it's not all smooth sailing. We also look at the tricky parts nobody talks about, like: How to avoid getting overwhelmed by too many possibilities Ways to bring others along on your journey when they prefer the familiar path Tips for balancing exploration with actually getting things done Dealing with pushback from those who prefer “business as usual” Here's what makes this topic so exciting: anyone can develop an explorer mindset. You don't need special talents or an adventurous personality – just the right approach and consistent practice. Want to know the strategies that real innovators use to create breakthrough success? Tune in to hear the full story. I share specific practices you can start using today to build your own explorer mindset. Whether you're leading a team, running a business, or just want to think differently, this episode will change how you see uncertainty. You might find it hard to go back to “business as usual” once you see the world through an explorer's eyes. Ready to transform challenges into opportunities?  Watch the full video or listen to the podcast for all the details. And hey, drop a comment – I'd love to hear what makes you nervous about stepping into the unknown. Want to go deeper?  Join our community of innovators and explorers by supporting us on Patreon. You'll get exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and direct access to the live stream from my personal innovation studio, where we can explore ideas together. You will also get access to The Innovators Community over on Discord! 🎯 RESOURCE: Download the Guide to the Explorer Mindset mentioned in the video: https://www.patreon.com/philmckinney   To learn about building an explorer mindset, listen to this week's show: How To Build An Explorer Mindset.

    21 min

  4. NOV 26

    How to Build a Success Mindset

    Your brain often lies to you about what’s possible. Success isn’t just about skills, connections, or even luck. The real differentiator is your mindset—the internal operating system that drives how you interpret challenges and opportunities. Developing a success mindset isn’t about forced positivity or empty mantras; it’s about reshaping the way your brain processes the world, making success a possibility and a consistent outcome. The Hidden Architecture of Achievement Consider two people with identical skills. Why does one excel while the other stagnates? The answer lies in mindset. Your success mindset determines how you approach uncertainty, learn from failures, and seize opportunities. Neuroscience confirms that beliefs shape neural pathways, influencing everything from creativity to resilience. Mindset vs. Thinking Skills Think of your brain as a computer. Your thinking skills—problem-solving, decision-making, planning—are like software programs. However, even the best programs falter on an outdated operating system. A success mindset is the foundational architecture that enables your thinking skills to thrive. Here’s how they differ: * Thinking Skills: * Solve problems and generate ideas. * Plan strategies and make decisions. * Mindset: * Believes in possibilities. * Assigns meaning to failure. * Views personal potential as dynamic. A robust mindset ensures your brain operates entirely, turning challenges into opportunities. Four Game-Changing Mindsets for Success Exceptional achievers often share four key mental frameworks. Adopting these can help you navigate challenges and unlock potential: * The Explorer Mindset Embrace uncertainty as a doorway to discovery. Treat confusion as a natural part of growth and ask, “What can I learn?” instead of fearing failure. * The Experimenter Mindset View life as a series of experiments. Separate self-worth from outcomes and transform failures into valuable data for future success. * The Connector Mindset Foster collaboration over competition. Recognize the power of diverse perspectives, and learn from the successes of others rather than comparing yourself. * The Navigator Mindset Stay flexible in the face of challenges. Focus on progress over perfection and ask, “What’s my next best move?” to maintain momentum. Avoiding the Silent Success Killers As empowering mindsets propel us forward, specific patterns can silently sabotage our progress. Beware of these destructive tendencies: * The Fortress Mindset: Over-prioritizes safety, avoiding growth opportunities. * The Fixed Identity Mindset: Equates current abilities with permanent limitations. * The Finite Game Mindset: Treats success as a zero-sum game, fostering scarcity thinking. Rewiring Your Mental Operating System The good news? My mindset remains flexible. You can rewire your brain and build a success mindset with deliberate effort: * Map Your Current Programming: Identify recurring beliefs about your capabilities and how you respond to setbacks. * Install New Mental Software: Replace self-limiting thoughts with open-ended questions like, “How might this work?” * Run Regular System Updates: Test new approaches, gather evidence that challenges limiting beliefs, and surround yourself with growth-oriented individuals. The Compound Effect of Mindset Shifts Minor mindset adjustments can yield massive long-term results. Like an airplane that changes its trajectory by just one degree, even slight changes in how you interpret challe...

    16 min

  5. NOV 19

    How I Got My First Job in Innovation

    When people ask how to land their first job in innovation, my story always surprises them. It wasn’t about finding the perfect job posting or waiting for an opportunity to knock. Instead, I created my opportunity. In 1992, I worked for a small company in Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, when Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) acquired it. The transition opened a unique door for me to carve out a role that set the foundation for my career in innovation. Creating My Opportunity I was the Director of Data Center Operations at the time. While I found the role fulfilling, I discovered my true passion for exploring creative and strategic ways to drive organizational success—an area CSC had not formally defined. I decided to take matters into my own hands. Instead of waiting for a new role to materialize, I wrote my job description. Key Steps I Took: * Identify the Role You Want Before jumping into action, I envisioned a role that aligned with my passion and would bring value to the company. For me, that position focused on driving innovation within the organization. * Write Your Job Description I crafted a detailed proposal outlining what the job would entail and why it was critical for the organization. Importantly, I avoided negativity or scare tactics, like claiming the company would fail without it. Instead, I focused on strategic storytelling—painting a picture of the brighter future this role could help create. * Pitch the Idea Armed with my proposal, I approached the VP of the division. To my surprise, they were intrigued and open to the idea. After refining the proposal through several conversations, they officially created the position. Within 60 days, I transitioned into my first job in innovation. The Power of Strategic Storytelling Convincing leadership to create a new role wasn’t just about presenting facts. It was about selling a vision. I focused on: * Showing how this role could benefit the organization in the long term. * Demonstrating my unique qualifications and passion for the position. * Framing the proposal in a way that aligned with the company’s strategic goals. This approach helped me gain buy-in and set the tone for a career built on creative problem-solving and innovation. Lessons for Aspiring Innovators Here’s what my experience taught me: * Don’t Wait for the Perfect Opportunity Sometimes, the best opportunities are the ones you create. Take the initiative if you see a gap or a chance to add value. * Be Bold but Positive Pitching a new idea can feel risky, but remaining confident and constructive is crucial. Leaders want solutions, not complaints. * Prove Your Value Once you secure the role, it’s on you to deliver. Hard work and results will validate the trust your leaders placed in you. Why Your First Job in Innovation Matters Your first job in innovation is more than a career milestone; it’s a chance to set the stage for future opportunities. For me, stepping into this role unlocked doors I never knew existed and paved the way for decades of exciting challenges and successes. If you’re passionate about innovation, don’t be afraid to take risks, tell your story, and create the path that aligns with your vision. Innovation doesn’t wait—why should you? To learn about my first job in innovation, listen to this week's show: a href="http://traffic.libsyn.com/philmckinney/How_I_Got_My_First_Job_in_Innovation.

    7 min

  6. NOV 12

    My Meeting With Elon Musk: Innovate Like A 5-Year-Old

    When I walked into Elon Musk's office at Tesla in 2011, I knew I was about to see something remarkable, but I couldn't have predicted how mind-opening the experience would be. Elon Musk, known for revolutionizing industries through SpaceX and Tesla, has a way of questioning the world that feels almost childlike—but not in the way you might think. He roots his approach to problem-solving not an extensive knowledge of past achievements but by tackling challenges like a 5-year-old, unafraid to ask ‘why' until he reaches the core of an issue. Here's what I learned about innovation from my meeting with Elon Musk. The Power of First Principles Thinking What sets Elon Musk apart is his commitment to First Principles Thinking—a method that deconstructs problems to their fundamental truths. Instead of relying on established ideas, Musk strips away assumptions and starts from scratch. His belief is simple: assumptions can limit innovation, while first principles allow endless possibilities. He often explains it like this: “The normal way we conduct our lives is reasoning by analogy… But with first principles, you boil down to the most fundamental truths and then reason up from there.” 3 Steps to First Principles Thinking We can boil down Musk's approach into three actionable steps anyone can use. * Identify Your Assumptions: Challenge every “truth” and tradition associated with a problem. If you notice something is “always done this way,” ask yourself, “Why?” * Break Down to Fundamental Truths: Identify core, provable facts that can't be further simplified. * Build Up from Basics: Reimagine a solution based solely on these fundamental truths, ignoring all previous conventions. My Experience: How Elon Musk Sees Beyond Assumptions During our conversation about HP's military-grade rugged displays, I watched Musk break down assumptions about car interfaces. What began as a discussion about technology quickly turned into a reimagining of how drivers interact with their vehicles. For example, Musk questioned why dashboards needed physical buttons and considered the actual purpose of car displays—this ability to strip down assumptions allowed Musk to redefine what was possible for Tesla's interface design. Rethinking Innovation Like a 5-Year-Old Musk's thought process is more than just a strategy—it's a mindset. Think about how a 5-year-old constantly asks “why” to understand the world. Musk approaches challenges with a similar curiosity, seeing barriers as merely starting points for innovation. This is a reminder that breakthrough thinking doesn't require years of experience or knowledge; it requires curiosity and the courage to question what others accept as true. Facing Resistance One takeaway from my time with Elon Musk was his ability to anticipate pushback. “Government officials will push back,” he told me, predicting resistance to his vision of touch-screen interfaces in cars. Thirteen years later, regulatory bodies are challenging touch interfaces, advocating for more physical buttons for safety. Musk's foresight shows that innovators often face institutional resistance when pushing boundaries. How You Can Innovate Like Elon Musk Applying first principles thinking is more straightforward than it sounds; you don't need to be a tech billionaire. Here are a few steps: * Start Small: Apply first principles to daily routines or small business processes. * Challenge Assumptions: Identify one routine task, repeatedly ask ” why, ” and strip it down to its core need. * Build from Basics: Create a new,

    19 min

  7. NOV 5

    Einstein’s Innovation Secret Exposed

    Albert Einstein once famously said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” This quote isn't just a glimpse into his genius and a revelation of the secret behind his groundbreaking discoveries. While his contemporaries were focused on scientific data and equations, Einstein's innovation secret lay in his ability to visualize complex concepts like riding alongside a beam of light or imagining the fabric of space-time warping. He proved that imagination could lead to some of the most revolutionary scientific achievements of the 20th century. Why Imagination is the Key to Innovation The concept of imagination as the driving force behind innovation isn't just for artists or creative thinkers. It's at the core of every scientific, technological, and social advancement. From the smartphone you're using to the design of the chair you're sitting on, everything begins as a mental image. This innovation secret is critical in today's rapidly changing world, where the ability to foresee opportunities and solve complex problems is invaluable. But many don't understand that imagination isn't just an innate talent; it can be trained and developed. Einstein's approach to innovation wasn't some mystical gift but a skill he sharpened deliberately. He used specific mental exercises to enhance his imagination, and these techniques can be applied by anyone who wants to cultivate breakthrough thinking. The Three Types of Imagination To truly harness the power of imagination, it's essential to understand its three distinct types. These aren't merely artistic daydreams but purposeful approaches that, when combined, create what Einstein called “combinatory play.” This synergy allows innovators to connect seemingly unrelated ideas to discover new solutions. * Strategic imagination is the ability to foresee the future and anticipate what might be coming. It's about seeing possibilities before they become apparent to others. Visionaries like Jeff Bezos imagined online shopping dominating the retail industry long before it became mainstream. * Creative Imagination: This is where you experiment mentally with new ideas, combining and recombining concepts in novel ways. Elon Musk used this to blend electric vehicles with luxury performance, a combination revolutionizing the automotive industry. * Practical Imagination: The third form is about turning ideas into reality. This is where innovation secret number three lies—how to translate abstract concepts into tangible results. Engineers, project managers, and athletes excel at this, visualizing steps and rehearsing solutions before execution. Exercises to Strengthen Your Imagination Einstein believed that imagination was like a muscle that could be strengthened. His innovation secret was his methodical approach to mental training, using exercises that sharpened his imaginative abilities. Here are a few techniques that can help you unlock your creative potential: * Reverse Engineering Dreams: Analyze your dreams and attempt to manipulate the outcome consciously. This strengthens your ability to create complex mental scenarios. * The Empty Room Exercise: Sit in an empty room and mentally design different configurations every few minutes. This forces you to continuously generate new ideas. * System Inversion: Take a familiar process and reverse it. By breaking the mold, you challenge the assumptions that limit your creativity. Einstein's Innovation Secret Revealed At its core, Einstein's innovation secret isn't about possessing superhuman intelligence but mastering the art of imagination. By training his mind systematically, he could consistently see beyond the obvious,

    20 min

  8. OCT 29

    A Model Career in Innovation

    In the world of technology and innovation, building a model career often means evolving with industry changes, embracing risks, and showing resilience. Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with Nimrod Ben-Natan, CEO of Harmonic, whose career path is a true model for success in innovation. Starting as a software developer in the mid-90s, Nimrod has led Harmonic through groundbreaking advancements in network virtualization and broadband. Here, he shares his journey and advice for aspiring innovators looking to build their own model careers in tech. From Software Developer to CEO Ben-Natan’s career at Harmonic began in 1996 as a software developer, working on solutions for fiber optics and digital video. He transitioned from technical roles into customer-facing and leadership positions, illustrating how a model career involves versatility and a willingness to pivot. Through multiple cycles of industry change, he worked on projects from digital ad insertion to video-on-demand, each requiring a deep understanding of technology and customer needs. This adaptability helped him to rise to his current position, leading the company as it navigates a continually evolving industry. Embracing Failure as Part of Success A key turning point for Ben-Natan was Harmonic’s decision to enter the broadband access market with a new hardware approach. However, the project faced significant setbacks, even failing to meet industry standards initially. Instead of abandoning the effort, Ben-Natan and his team pivoted toward a network function virtualization approach, eventually achieving market leadership in this area. This experience highlights a vital component of a model career in innovation: seeing failure as an opportunity to pivot and improve. “Failure isn't a negative—it's education,” I emphasized, aligning with Ben-Natan’s view that resilience and learning from setbacks are essential for long-term success. A Vision for the Future Looking ahead, Ben-Natan shared insights on how emerging tech professionals can build a model career in today’s rapidly shifting environment. His advice includes: * Commit to continuous learning: Keep up with evolving skills and industry developments. Staying stagnant can render skills obsolete quickly. * Foster curiosity: Let your curiosity drive your career path, whether in hardware, software, or another technology area. * Value in-person connections: Ben-Natan strongly advocates for in-office experiences to gain essential social skills and professional insight, especially for younger professionals. Ben-Natan also stressed the importance of balancing technical knowledge with an understanding of customer needs, which he believes has been crucial in his model career. By combining technical and customer-facing roles, he gained a 360-degree view of the industry, ultimately guiding him through various high-stakes decisions. The Long Bet on Innovation Not every company can maintain a long-term vision, especially regarding risky ventures. Harmonic’s success with network function virtualization took nearly a decade to realize. Yet, the management team’s commitment to a long-term strategy allowed them to weather the uncertainties and ultimately bring innovative products to market. I pointed out that few companies have the patience for a 10-year development process. According to Ben-Natan, Harmonic’s resilience was rooted in a firm conviction that this investment would provide lasting value, positioning the company for industry leadership. Building Your Model Career in Innovation

    37 min
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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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