Unlearn Barry O'Reilly

Description:
AI is transforming the world, and William is working on how IP is impacted in an AI world… 

William Carbone is an AI expert, former IBMer, and now a seasoned entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in aerospace, quantum computing, and AI.
At IBM, William’s main focus was to identify opportunities, driving business & technology strategies and roadmap for the industries worldwide. He led the Business Development for IBM's Global Automotive, Aerospace & Defense industries. 

Currently, William is the CEO and co-founder of Evalify, a flagship venture under Nobody Studios, and the CEO and co-founder of The Adjacent Possible. He also serves as the Program Director for the Master in AI at the Rome Business School (RBS) and advises the European Commission as a senior consultant. From creating an innovation studio to developing cutting-edge tools for intellectual property assessment, His work spans Quantum, Spacetech, AI, and various domains.

In this episode hosted by Barry O’Reilly, William discusses his journey, including his transition from corporate life and the transformative experiences that shaped his entrepreneurial path. He delves into the practical aspects of innovation and intellectual property, offering advice on navigating these complex areas. This episode is packed with insights for anyone looking to improve their approach to entrepreneurship and understand the value of mental health in the process.

Key Takeaways from the episode include:

Entrepreneurial Journey: The transition from corporate life to entrepreneurship involves significant rewiring of the brain and requires navigating uncharted territories with curiosity and resilience.

Parallels with Music: William's self-taught journey as a pianist highlights the importance of playfulness and self-expression, which he parallels with the creative process in entrepreneurship.

Innovation and IP Assessment: William discusses the development of a tool that evaluates the patentability and intellectual property risks of startup ideas, providing investors with quick and affordable insights.

Unlearning Traditional Methods: The necessity of unlearning conventional approaches to intellectual property and embracing new technologies and methodologies to stay competitive.

Mental Health for Founders: The critical importance of mental health for entrepreneurs, with William sharing his experience of attending a silent meditation retreat to find clarity and balance.

Future of Intellectual Property: The potential of AI and advanced tools to democratize access to intellectual property insights, helping entrepreneurs and investors make better-informed decisions.

Additional Insights:

Leadership and Innovation: This episode emphasizes the role of leadership in fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration within startups.

Role of AI in IP: The discussion involves the advancements in AI that have made tools like E-Verify possible, highlighting the transformative potential of these technologies in the intellectual property space.

Practical Applications: This episode provides insights about real-world examples of how the IP assessment tool has helped investors make quicker and more informed decisions, reducing the risk and enhancing the potential for successful investments.

Episode...

The definition of success can change everything. Properly defined, you have an agile organization where each team member can contribute fully. Poorly defined, you have stagnant teams and users that don’t like the products. In this episode of the Unlearn Podcast, host Barry O'Reilly sits down with Josh Seiden, a sought-after designer, strategy consultant, and coach. Together, they explore the importance of understanding user behavior, how that behavior can be translated into goals, and how company alignment on Outcomes and Key Results can drive business outcomes. 

Josh Seiden has collaborated with top-tier brands such as PayPal, Johnson & Johnson, and 3M. His expertise lies in launching and building innovative products and services, as well as fostering agile and entrepreneurial mindsets within organizations. He is the author of “Outcomes Over Output” and co-author of “Who Does What By How Much,” "Sense and Respond," and "Lean UX," all cementing his reputation as a thought leader in the field of user-centered design and business strategy.

When User Experience Became Design

We know now that understanding how users will experience a product is a critical part of designing a new product, but back in the 90’s when Josh began his career in the industry, it was a radical idea. "A friend told me, 'We’re hiring designers here,' and I laughed, 'Why are you telling me this? I’m not a designer.' But that thing you’re doing here, we call that design," Seiden recalls. This unconventional designation became an entire industry, and his unconventional path to it meant he brought a unique perspective to the field of user experience design. Barry notes that this is a story that gets told again and again on the Unlearn podcast; that the conventional wisdom on how to find or become an expert is often wrong.


Don't Forget Why You’re Building What You’re Building 

Barry points out that companies often measure things like the speed of production, but forget to measure the consumer behavior change that would really demonstrate the value of the project. Josh explains that measurability is important over the life of a project, but keeping the focus on outcomes for actual people is the most important thing to track. This is the key premise of Outcomes over Output that answers the question: what is an outcome? Josh’s definition, “An Outcome is a measurable change in user behavior that creates value.” If you need to identify the outcome you should be measuring for your...

Accelerator, Incubator, Venture Capital, Venture Studio? There are a lot of ways to get a new startup off the ground. Ben Yoskovitz, founding partner at Highline Beta, joins Barry O'Reilly on this episode of the Unlearn Podcast to talk about exactly that, and Ben shares insights into the world of venture studios, discussing his journey from founding Year One Labs, a venture studio before there were venture studios, to establishing Highline Beta. Ben's expertise in creating and scaling startups provides a unique perspective on the dynamics of venture studios and the strategies for success in the startup ecosystem. 

Trend Towards More StartupsYou always learn the most from failure, and in sharing the difficulties he had with Standout Jobs in the late 2000’s, Ben highlights the importance of building things that people actually want. By applying Lean Startup principles and working with some incredible entrepreneurs, what he was really doing was learning how to build products and companies more effectively.  Failure after failure isn’t fun, but being willing to share what you learn can help you create something incredible. “Founders do need to hear from other founders. you know, sometimes you need a shoulder to lean on,” Ben says, “and that might not be a blog post, or a podcast, that might be actually talking to another human.”

Understanding the Inflection PointsHow do you make an entrepreneur panic? Tell them they’re locked into a single idea for 25 years. Barry notes that “this idea of pursuing multiple ideas in different domains, but doing it in parallel…” lets the multi-passionate and the multi-skilled create value. Ben talks about the difficulty in working with corporate partners and investors when building startups, because they’re not speaking the same language, and the same challenges keep happening again and again - this was the impetus to find a better way to create new companies. The same challenges kept happening at the same inflection points, which means it can be systematized.

Scaling a Venture StudioBen talks about the challenges and strategies involved in scaling a venture studio, emphasizing the need for effective people management and business model refinement. He reflects on his own experiences and acknowledges the importance of recognizing strengths and weaknesses in leadership roles. Ben discusses the evolution of Highline Beta and the considerations involved in scaling the business, including generating revenue, hiring the right talent, and defining the future direction of the studio. "I think studios are meant to create shortcuts for founders. Not in a bad way, but give me the shortcut tools to validate faster, get to market faster, raise capital faster, recruit a team faster." This can make all the difference for a new startup.

Specialization in Venture StudiosBen and Barry discuss the trend of specialization in venture studios, with Ben highlighting the emergence of more specialized studios focusing on specific industries or markets. He emphasizes the potential benefits of vertical venture studios, where the playbooks are standardized and refined for targeted sectors. Ben envisions a future where studios become experts in niche areas, leveraging their experience to create value and drive better outcomes for startups. The conversation explores...

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.


strong style="background-color:...

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.

strong style="background-color:...