Maker's Wave Bora Celik

In this episode, I talked to Marylene Delbourg-Delphis about her book "Beyond Eureka!: The Rocky Roads to Innovating"

- Marylene is one of the first European women to have founded a tech company in Silicon Valley. She has a PhD in philosophy and has helped over 30 companies as a shadow CEO or board member.

- She started in tech by creating a relational database for her research on the history of perfumes. This led her to start a company in France and later in Silicon Valley with co-founder Guy Kawasaki.

- Marylene helps other entrepreneurs to avoid tunnel vision and to understand her own problems as a CEO. She recommends all CEOs talk to and help other CEOs.

Writing the Book

- The book addresses questions related to innovation that Marylene had herself as an entrepreneur and that other entrepreneurs frequently ask her.

- Instead of a broad dissertation on innovation, the book analyzes innovation from the perspective of specific questions - what differentiates inventors vs innovators, disruptive vs sustaining innovation, competing products, timing, women's impact, etc.

Bootstrapping vs VC Funding

- Bootstrapping allows testing variations of the product in the beginning. But more resources may be needed if something is picking up.

- VC funding makes sense if you know what you're doing and are comfortable with VCs who may not understand the business deeply. It depends on the specific business.

Innovators vs Entrepreneurs

- Not all startups are innovative. Marylene distinguishes between entrepreneurs and innovators in her book.

Kairos (Timeliness)

- Kairos is a Greek word reflecting that when starting something, the world is composed of multiple layers, each with its own tempo. Creators must decide which layer to address.

- Some innovations strike a chord with slow-moving ideological layers that don't compel immediate purchase. Others, like Bill Gates' OS, match the fast pace of frequent enterprise upgrades.

Complexity of Customers

- Innovators hope their eureka moment will translate into a wow moment for customers. But people live on their own "planets" with complex, multi-layered minds.

- Segments that should buy the product often have different timings and agendas than expected. Pre-mortems are useful to anticipate reasons for delayed purchases.

Power of Small Innovations

- Most innovations start small, as part of an "innovation stack" of building blocks that enable bigger breakthroughs. Being a trailblazer, even in a small way, makes a real difference.

- The innovation kairos acts as a grinder - original plans and criteria for success often change along the way. Embarking on innovation is a treasure hunt without guaranteed success.

Disruption

- Marylene argues "disruption" is outdated jargon not useful as an innovation methodology. Products succeed by creating value and seducing customers, not destroying incumbents.

- Even Kodak, often cited as disruptive, emerged from a mess of trial and error in photography, not a clear aim to disrupt.

Micro-Management

- Great innovators like Steve Jobs and Bill Gates were extremely detail-oriented. Attention to the smallest details is critical for innovation to avoid product-breaking flaws.

- "Micromanagement" has a bad reputation among non-innovative financially-oriented CEOs who don't want to focus on product details. But innovators must.

Other Key Concepts

- Thinking Thick - considering all the complex implications and causal systems around what we do. Simplification comes after complexity.

- Multidisciplinary Brain - cultivating imagination by reading widely, appreciating arts/music, going to exhibitions. Puts the mind in a different place.

- Pivoting - repurposing efforts when things aren't working as originally planned. Requires creativity and intellectual honesty.

In this episode, I sat down with Shane Heath, the founder of MUD\WTR, to discuss the intersection of wellness, creativity, and entrepreneurship. Shane shares his personal journey of reducing caffeine intake and developing a healthier morning ritual, which led to the creation of MUD\WTR, a coffee alternative that combines mushrooms and superfoods.



Join us for an insightful conversation about the role of healthy habits in fostering creativity, and learn how Shane is revolutionizing the way we approach our daily rituals with MUD\WTR.



Key takeaways from our chat:



- Excessive caffeine intake can lead to anxiety, jitters, and poor sleep quality, which can negatively impact creativity and flow state.



- Developing a personalized morning routine that includes hydration, mindfulness practices, and healthy beverages can enhance mental clarity and productivity.



- MUD\WTR aims to provide a healthier alternative to coffee by using organic ingredients like mushrooms and adaptogens, offering energy and focus with less caffeine.



- The company's product development process involves extensive research on ingredients, customer feedback, and a stage-gate approach to refine ideas.



- MUD\WTR's brand positioning strategy is like an arrow - starting with a sharp, attention-grabbing message, then broadening to relate to a wider audience, and finally providing a solution and call-to-action.



- The company's recently opened mindfulness studio, Gather, serves as a physical expression of the brand, offering a cafe, co-working space, and wellness classes.



- As a founder, Shane emphasizes the importance of personal growth, adaptability, and focusing on long-term, sustainable growth for the company.

In an inspiring conversation, I dive deep with Tom Kay, the visionary founder of Finisterre, the iconic sustainable outdoor brand that has been making waves in the industry for over two decades.

From its humble beginnings crafting fleeces for cold-water surfers to its evolution as a certified B-Corp, Finisterre has never wavered in its commitment to building a truly beautiful business that puts people and the planet first.

Tom shares captivating stories and hard-won wisdom from his 21-year entrepreneurial journey - the highs, the lows, and the unwavering conviction that has propelled Finisterre to become a beacon of authenticity and sustainability in the fashion world.

Whether you're a founder looking for inspiration, a creative seeking to reconnect with your purpose, or simply someone who appreciates the power of a well-told story, this conversation is not to be missed.

Topics discussed:


Finisterre's origin: born from Tom's love of surfing and sustainability
First product: a highly functional, sustainable fleece for cold-water surfing
Expanding product range based on Tom's needs as a surfer
Collaborations with brands and artists that share Finisterre's values
B-Corp status and commitment to being a regenerative business
Balancing beautiful design with high-performance, sustainable materials
Emotional attachment to products: goal of 15+ year product life
Repairs celebrated as a badge of honor, enabling longer use
Finisterre's influence pushing sustainability in the wider industry
Struggles and triumphs of the 21-year entrepreneurial journey
Tom's creative process: best ideas come in nature, water
Unwavering conviction for building a meaningful, impactful brand
Using business as a platform for positive change from day one
Team culture: "Sea Tuesdays" to strengthen connection to the mission
The power of an "outsider" recognizing Finisterre as a "beautiful business"
Balancing fatherhood with entrepreneurship: being present, having no regrets
Renting wetsuits: making sustainability accessible and encouraging considered consumption
Reflecting on Finisterre's journey while excited for the road ahead