Afleveringen

  • Navigating Organizational Transitions with Stan Deetz  In this episode, we cap off a brilliant year of growth with the insightful Stan Deetz, author of 'Leading Organizations Through Transitions'. Stan shares his expertise on managing change within organizations, focusing on technological disruptions, mergers and acquisitions, and the intricate dynamics of power shifts. We dive deep into the effects of AI on organizational structures, the concept of tacit knowledge, and the adjustments required for a healthy and resilient workforce. Stan also discusses the importance of humility and measurement in driving successful change, with practical advice on maintaining the delicate balance between efficiency and adaptability. Join us for an engaging conversation that offers valuable lessons for navigating complex organizational transitions. 00:00 Introduction and Recap 00:43 New Books and Projects 01:50 Technological Disruption and Organizational Change 03:09 The Sophomoric Effect and AI Challenges 04:44 AI's Impact on Knowledge Workers 06:17 Bias and Vigilance in AI Systems 09:05 Tacit Knowledge and Organizational Expertise 29:45 Forms, Data, and Organizational Decisions 39:14 Understanding the Impact of Our Products 39:53 Leadership and Institutional Knowledge 40:31 Navigating Organizational Transitions 41:56 The Myth of Stable Environments 43:56 The Importance of Diversity and Systems 47:43 Challenges of Short-Term Measurements 50:10 The Value of Long-Term Organizational Health 01:04:47 Cultural Sensitivity in Multinational Operations 01:11:02 The Need for Customization in Management 01:13:43 Starting Organizational Change with Humility 01:17:03 Personal and Organizational Growth   Find Stan here:   

  • Corporate Explorer Fieldbook Finale: Leadership, AI, and Open Innovation In the concluding episode of the Corporate Explorer Fieldbook series, we reflect on insights and contributions from various industry experts throughout 2024. We'll delve into the necessity of leadership for scaling innovation and explore the transformative potential of AI. Joined by Andy Binns and Eugene Ivanov, we discuss the evolution of the corporate explorer concept, emphasize the importance of a supportive network, and highlight Wazoku's role in pioneering total innovation. Tune in for an engaging discussion on the future of corporate exploration and the pivotal role of leadership and technological advancements.   00:00 Introduction and Gratitude 01:26 Preface and Genesis of the Book 02:25 Challenges and Insights in Corporate Exploration 08:37 The Role of AI in Corporate Exploration 11:11 Open Innovation and Ecosystems 16:47 Leadership and Scaling 23:16 Conclusion and Future Directions  

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  • Honoring Charles Handy: Wisdom on Innovation, Leadership, and Life   In this episode, we pay tribute to the late Charles Handy, an influential philosopher, storyteller, and thought leader. The host re-releases a special episode recorded at Handy's London home following his stroke. Despite his condition, Handy remained impressively positive, attributing his enhanced creativity to his impairment. He shares profound insights on various concepts like the 'white stone,' 'citizenship within organizations,' and his famous 'shamrock organization.' Handy emphasizes the importance of making changes before they become critical and inspires with his reflections on challenging orthodoxy, dreaming big, and understanding leadership versus management. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom on how to navigate and innovate in both personal and organizational spheres.   00:00 Remembering Charles Handy 01:33 Introduction to the Second Curve 02:37 The Concept of the Second Curve 04:32 Davy's Bar and the Importance of Change 09:50 Personal Stories and Life Lessons 18:54 The Three Selves and Identity 36:03 Leadership vs. Management 39:56 The Shamrock Organization 42:13 Citizenship in Organizations 45:36 Efficiency vs. Effectiveness 48:31 The Donut Theory 54:52 Final Thoughts and Legacy

  • Creating Effective Reward Systems   In this episode of The Innovation Show, we welcome back Steve Kerr to discuss how to create positive reward systems within organizations. Steve details the 'bullseye exercise' and emphasizes the importance of defining performance in actionable terms. He shares insights from his experience at GE, covering the implementation of the 'wing to wing' approach, the impact of stretch goals, and strategies for devising comprehensive metrics. Throughout the conversation, Steve highlights the necessity of aligning rewards with business objectives and fostering a culture of candor and innovation.   00:00 Introduction and Overview 01:12 Defining Performance in Actionable Terms 01:28 The Bullseye Exercise 02:47 Connecting Incentives and Rewards 04:25 Challenges in Measurement and Bureaucracy 05:35 Real-World Examples and Cost Analysis 07:13 The Importance of Candor and Rational Behavior 14:04 Stretch Goals and Organizational Culture 23:06 Challenges in Rewarding Employees 23:23 Understanding Quartiling and Quotas 24:07 Jack Welch's Bottom 10% Rule 29:31 Financial and Non-Financial Rewards 31:54 The Importance of Timeliness in Rewards 37:31 Wing to Wing: Seeing Through the Customer's Eyes 42:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   On the Folly of Rewarding A,While Hoping for B   Aidan McCullen, Steve Kerr, reward systems, employee behavior, BF Skinner, dysfunctional behaviors, fixing reward systems, CEO memo, leadership development, GE, Goldman Sachs, ultimate rewards, boundaryless organization, performance measurement, innovative culture, healthcare system, preventive care, stretch goals, Jack Welch, candid culture

  • Fixing Dysfunctional Behaviors in Organizations   In this episode, our guest Steve Kerr shares insights from his book on reward systems. He explains how flawed reward systems can lead to irrational behaviors in employees similar to B.F. Skinner's 'blaming the rat' theory. Kerr discusses the importance of effective measurement and reward systems in organizations and provides practical steps to realign them for better outcomes. He uses analogies from the healthcare system and historical military examples to highlight the pervasive issues and solutions for leadership in various contexts. This discussion is crucial for anyone involved in organizational transformation and leadership.   00:00 Introduction to Reward Systems 00:52 Meet Steve Kerr: Leadership and Legacy 01:28 The Folly of Rewarding A While Hoping for B 01:49 Three-Step Process to Realign Reward Systems 02:38 Measurement and Performance: Key Insights 04:31 Healthcare System Example: Misaligned Rewards 08:08 Stretch Goals and Innovation Challenges 12:33 Military Analogy: World War II vs. Vietnam 14:28 Organizational Dynamics and Leadership Challenges 16:04 Effective Performance Reviews 20:22 Creating a Candid Culture 22:07 Conclusion and Next Episode   On the Folly of Rewarding A,While Hoping for B   Aidan McCullen, Steve Kerr, reward systems, employee behavior, BF Skinner, dysfunctional behaviors, fixing reward systems, CEO memo, leadership development, GE, Goldman Sachs, ultimate rewards, boundaryless organization, performance measurement, innovative culture, healthcare system, preventive care, stretch goals, Jack Welch, candid culture

  • Explore how innovative leadership principles and storytelling can transform personal and professional growth with 3M's Chief Science Advocate, Jayshree Seth. In this episode of The Innovation Show, Jayshree shares memorable acrostics and blueprints for success from her trio of books, discusses key elements of effective leadership, and delves into the importance of advocacy and diverse perspectives. Gain insights on balancing long-term vision with detailed execution and the role of positive emotions in fostering a creative and innovative environment.   00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 02:34 The Importance of Leadership 04:31 Leak Proof Leadership Explained 09:01 The Role of Storytelling in Innovation 11:08 The Five I's of Innovation 17:01 Advocacy and Leadership 22:24 Supervisory Skills and Employee Relationships 27:13 The Future is Already Here 28:35 Understanding Trends and Megatrends 30:35 The TNT Factor: Trends, Needs, Threats 31:24 Exploring the TREND Mnemonic 35:14 Bridging the Business-Technical Gap 41:39 Effective Leadership Communication 50:54 The Kaleidoscope of Leadership 56:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Jayshree previously on the show: innovation, Jayshree Seth, 3M, Chief Science Advocate, engineering, empathy, collaboration, patents, creativity, storytelling, visionary leadership, purpose-driven leadership, resilience, engineering innovation, STEM, scientific advocacy, women in science, leadership strategies

  • The AI Battle Mirrors Past Format Wars “History never repeats itself, but it does often rhyme.” — Mark Twain [TLDR: This week’s Thursday Thought explores the ongoing battle for AI dominance among tech giants like OpenAI, Anthropic, X, Google, and Microsoft, drawing parallels to historic format wars that have shaped various industries. From the iconic VHS vs. Betamax struggle to the intense competition between gaming consoles like PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo, and the enduring rivalry between iPhone and Android, these conflicts reveal a recurring pattern. As AI companies follow similar paths, it’s clear that, while technology evolves, the strategic dynamics remain strikingly similar.] The current battle for dominance between tech giants like OpenAI, Google, Anthropic and Microsoft is not just a race to the top — it’s a modern-day format war. By examining the patterns of previous technology battles, we can gain insight into how this AI competition is likely to play out. Three key patterns emerge from past format battles that are now being mirrored in the AI space: The Power of Network Effects: Just like previous format wars, the AI battle will be heavily influenced by network effects. (A network effect occurs when a product or service becomes more valuable as more people use it, creating a positive feedback loop that can lead to rapid growth and market dominance.) The Underdog Advantage: History has shown that the winner is often not the one everyone expects — not the biggest company or even the best product. Early market leaders may fall behind as more adaptable or better-networked competitors take the lead. Ecosystem Building is Key: The final battleground is not just the technology itself, but the entire ecosystem built around it. Companies that successfully create a thriving ecosystem of developers, partners, and content will probably emerge as the ultimate winners. To understand these dynamics better, let’s revisit three strategic battles that shaped the technology landscape: the VCR format war, the console wars, and the smartphone OS wars. Each of these battles offers valuable lessons for understanding the current AI competition. The VCR War: A Template for Format Battles (The also-rans in the VCR war (that I know of) included Philips and Grundig’s Video 2000 (V2000), and RCA’s Capacitance Electronic Disc (CED). The videotape format war between VHS and Betamax in the late 20th century stands as one of the most emblematic battles over technological dominance. Introduced in the mid-1970s, Sony’s Betamax initially captivated the market with its superior video quality and compact design. However, JVC’s VHS, which entered the market shortly after, quickly emerged as a formidable competitor by addressing consumer needs more effectively with longer recording times — up to two hours initially, which was soon extended to four, six, and even eight hours as the technology developed. The success of VHS was not solely because of its technical merits. JVC employed a strategic approach by licensing its VHS technology to an array of manufacturers, including heavyweights like Panasonic, Sharp, and RCA. This move flooded the market with VHS players, making the format more accessible to the average consumer. To further tip the scale in their favour, during the mid-1970s JVC established VCR supply relationships with leading national consumer electronics companies in Europe and the United States. In supplying Thomson, Thorn, and Telefunken (all independent companies at that time) as well as U.S. partners, JVC was able to gain the cash and the diversity of market experience that ultimately enabled it to outpace Philips and Sony. Philips developed videotape competencies in parallel with JVC, but it failed to build a worldwide network of OEM relationships that would have allowed it to accelerate the refinement of its videotape competence through the sale of core products. According to , by the...

  • Gold Crushes Ants, Ill-Fitting Robes and Disruption's Power Redistribution Aidan McCullen: [00:00:00] Gold Crushes Ants, Ill-Fitting Robes and The Power Redistribution of Disruption. Just a brief reminder of what this episode is in case you have not heard it before.. Each week I write a newsletter called The Thursday Thought. For years, listeners to the Innovation Show have asked me to narrate it. I never had enough time. So today, I am using AI. I have cloned my voice. It is not perfect, but it saves me hours of effort. For those who want the short version. Here is a paragraph: Disruption redistributes organisational power, information and status. As Machiavelli noted, those in power dislike such change. However, there is a twist to this week’s Thursday Thought. Sometimes, the new-found power does not sit well with those who inherit it, to their detriment and to that of the organisation. Gold Crushes Ants! Let's begin with a quote by Plato from "The Republic." Plato wrote: "But when the cobbler or any other man [00:01:00] whom nature designed to be a trader, having his heart lifted up by wealth or strength or the number of his followers, or any like advantage, attempts to force his way into the class of warriors, or a warrior into that of legislators and guardians, for which he is unfitted, and either to take the implements or the duties of the other; or when one man is trader, legislator, and warrior all in one, then I think you will agree with me in saying that this interchange and this meddling of one with another is the ruin of the State." This passage from Plato's The Republic expresses the idea that societal roles should be distinct and specialised to ensure the stability and well-being of the state. Plato argues that each individual has a natural aptitude and should perform the role suited to their abilities. The cobbler (a metaphor for any tradesperson), the warrior, and the legislator/guardian represent different classes in society. Plato believes that problems arise when individuals try to take on roles for which they are [00:02:00] not naturally suited or when they attempt to accumulate power by combining multiple roles. For example, if a cobbler tries to become a warrior or a warrior tries to become a legislator, it disrupts the social order and leads to chaos and ruin. This concept is part of Plato's broader vision of a just society, where everyone contributes according to their strengths and society functions smoothly as a result. The Power Shift. Let's take for example, the significant shift in power that occurred in many organisations due to the advent of digital technology. The rise of roles such as heads of digital, data, AI and E.S.G. transformed traditional industries, from media companies to physical retailers. These new roles require a different set of skills, mindsets and perspectives, often leading to friction within long-held hierarchies. In many traditional organisations, digital leaders face resistance similar to what Plato described. Established professionals, [00:03:00] akin to the warriors and legislators in The Republic, often see these newcomers as threats to their traditional roles and authority. This resistance can be rooted in a fear of obsolescence or a reluctance to adapt to new methods and technologies. For instance, the introduction of digital journalism revealed how technology can challenge the conventional roles within a newsroom. It changes the "speed to market", it raises concerns about traditional journalists and the changing nature of editorial control. This works both ways, where new power dynamics can lead to tensions when digital leaders overstep their bounds or when their innovations disrupt the status quo too abruptly. All of a sudden, their importance leads to ego problems. Gold Crushes Ants: The Gradual Path to Power and Responsibility. “If you give a ton of gold to an ant, it will only crush the ant.” — Sadguru There’s a profound parable shared by Sadguru...

  • AI Transforming Consulting: Strategies, Ethics, and the Future   The world of consulting is experiencing a seismic shift, largely driven by AI. In this episode, we are joined by Ryan Shanks (Head of Innovation for Accenture EMEA), Alex Osterwalder (CEO of Strategyzer), and Rita McGrath (Columbia Professor, Author and Founder of Valize). They discuss the traditional consulting model, the impact AI has on roles within consulting, and the broader implications on the industry and society. They also delve into the importance of human skills, the evolving business models, the significance of trust in digital transformation, and the shifting landscape of organizational structures and career paths. A must-watch for anyone involved in or interested in the consulting sector.   00:00 Introduction to the Changing World of Consulting 00:40 Traditional Consulting Models and Their Evolution 02:01 Impact of AI on Consulting Roles 02:28 Building and Hiring in the New Consulting Landscape 03:23 AI's Role in Transforming Business Models 05:18 Real-World Examples of AI Integration 14:09 The Need for Continuous Reinvention 18:28 Outcome-Based Consulting and Ethical Dilemmas 24:46 Future of Consulting: Marketplaces and Ecosystems 26:35 The Rise of Small AI-Driven Firms 27:23 Impact on Education and Hiring 28:35 Human Skills in the Age of AI 30:22 Trust and Ethics in AI 31:36 Adapting to Rapid Change 32:53 The Role of Human Sciences 36:09 The Future of Work and AI 43:16 Leadership and Governance Challenges 46:10 Final Thoughts and Reflections   Find Rita: Find Alex: Find Ryan: https://ie.linkedin.com/in/ryanmartinshanks Find The Reinvention Summit:   Innovation, AI, Consulting, Business Strategy, Digital Transformation, Reinvention, Change Management, Future of Work, Organisational Culture, Emerging Trends, Rita McGrath, Alex Osterwalder, Ryan Shanks, Strategic Inflection Points, Ecosystem Thinking, Entrepreneurship, Human-Centric Design, Technology Disruption, Leadership, Continuous Reinvention

  • Garvan Callan - Unlocking Digital Transformation Join us for an enlightening episode as Aidan McCullen welcomes Garvan Callan, author of 'Digital Business Strategy,' to the Innovation Show. They delve deep into the essence of digital transformation, from defining digitization and digitalization, to exploring the importance of building digital businesses with customer-centric strategies. Gain valuable knowledge on how to reimagine organizational frameworks, harness new technologies, and cultivate a culture of perpetual innovation. Learn practical frameworks, case studies, and leadership approaches essential for thriving in the digital age. Don't miss this comprehensive discussion on staying ahead in an ever-evolving technological landscape.   00:00 Promo for The Reinvention Summit 00:29 Welcoming Garvan Callan 01:11 Origins of Digital Transformation 02:35 Understanding Digitization vs. Digitalization 04:46 The Digital Business Landscape 08:54 Customer-Centric Digital Strategies 14:04 The E Plus One Experience 17:12 Digital 360 Framework 22:54 Challenges of Digital Transformation 28:47 Building Strategy: Efficiency and Simplification 29:40 The Spin Out Syndrome and Simplification Journey 32:27 The Phoenix Metaphor and Organizational Resistance 33:11 The Spider Web Analogy and Data Challenges 34:28 Adapting Strategy for Rapid Change 35:14 Scaling Up: Challenges and Recalibration 37:25 The Agile Organization and Breaking Silos 41:07 Open Business Models and Technological Integration 45:16 Risk Management in Agile and Fluid Organizations 49:05 The Waltzer Effect: Combining Technologies for Change 53:21 The Culture Iceberg: Values and Beliefs 56:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   Find Garvan here:  The Reinvention Summit;   digital transformation, business strategy, digital innovation, future-proofing, digital age, Reinvention Summit, innovation, workshops, digital business, media company, digitalization, digitization, digital frameworks, digital execution, customer centricity, digital definition, digital processes, competitive advantage, leadership, organizational culture  

  • The Harmony of Ra and Horus: Bridging Exploit and Explore F Scott Fitzgerald once wrote, “The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposing ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function.” In times of turbulence, leaders must balance the two opposing ideas of exploit and explore. Ra and Horus, two pivotal figures in Egyptian mythology, symbolise the dual forces of power and intuition, rationality and creativity. Together as Ra-Horakhty, they embody a unification of opposites. In organisational terms, this metaphor captures the balance between exploitation — the optimisation of current capabilities — and exploration — the pursuit of new possibilities. Inspired by my recent conversation with Mike Tushman and Charles O’Reilly and James March’s seminal work on organisational learning, this post explores how integrating these dual forces fosters ambidexterity, enabling organisations to thrive in both the present and the future. Ra: The Organisational Force of Exploitation In mythology, Ra is the sun god, embodying power, creation, and rationality. He represents the structured, predictable cycle of the sun, providing stability and light. In organisations, Ra reflects the principles of exploitation, ensuring that current strengths are refined and utilised to their fullest potential. Organisational Ra includes: Execution and Strategy: Teams that deliver results through clear processes and focused strategies. Operational Efficiency: Optimisation of resources, ensuring stability and short-term profitability. Leadership and Structure: Leaders who prioritise alignment with organisational goals and mitigate risk. Ra aligns with the conscious mind, driving focus, clarity, and execution. However, organisations overly reliant on Ra risk stagnation, becoming trapped in suboptimal routines that limit innovation. Horus: The Organisational Force of Exploration The Eye of Horus symbolises protection, health, and restoration in ancient Egypt. According to myth, Horus lost his left eye in a battle with Seth, and it was magically restored by Hathor. This restoration came to symbolise healing and the process of becoming whole. Horus, the falcon-headed god, represents creativity and vision, capturing the spirit of exploration and long-term growth. Organisational Horus includes: Innovation and Creativity: Teams that explore bold ideas, embrace uncertainty, and foster breakthroughs. Empathy and Culture: Efforts that nurture human-centred design and foster a supportive organisational culture. Long-Term Vision: Leadership that anticipates future challenges and invests in experimentation. Horus represents the subconscious mind, fostering emotional intelligence and adaptability. However, without Ra’s structure, organisations driven solely by Horus risk lacking focus and direction. Ra-Horakhty: Uniting Exploitation and Exploration In Egyptian mythology, Ra-Horakhty — “Ra, who is Horus of the Two Horizons” — represents the unification of these complementary forces. The rising sun (Horus) and the setting sun (Ra) reflect a cyclical harmony, where opposites merge to create a greater whole. In organisations, Ra-Horakhty serves as a metaphor for ambidexterity — the ability to balance exploitation (Ra) with exploration (Horus). This balance is essential for thriving in both stable and volatile environments. Organisational Ra-Horakhty includes: Unified Leadership: Leaders who can integrate operational efficiency with visionary strategy. Ambidextrous Teams: Structures that enable both incremental improvements and bold innovations. Cultural Harmony: A mindset that values both stability and adaptability, blending logic with creativity. The Balance Between Exploitation and Exploration Scholars like James March, Tushman, O’Reilly and Binns highlights the organisational challenge of balancing exploitation and exploration: Exploitation: Refining current capabilities to maximise short-term...

  • 🎥 Mastering Ambidexterity: How to Balance Core and Explore with Michael Tushman & Charles O'Reilly What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The challenges of balancing innovation and efficiency. How Microsoft transformed its culture under Satya Nadella using the LEASH Model. The role of Corporate Explorers in driving change. Practical tools and strategies for structural ambidexterity. In this episode of the Corporate Explorer series, Charles O'Reilly III and Mike Tushman delve into the concept of corporate ambidexterity, focusing on how to balance core (exploit) and explore businesses. They emphasize the creation of separate units with distinct architectures, metrics, and cultures. The discussion explores the critical role of organizational culture and the 'LEASH' model for driving cultural transformation. Using Microsoft under Satya Nadella as a case study, they demonstrate how consistent behavior reinforcement can drive successful cultural change. This episode is essential for leaders aiming to navigate the complexities of innovation within established firms.   00:00 Introduction to Ambidexterity 00:25 Challenges in Implementing Ambidexterity 00:59 Corporate Explorer Series Overview 01:36 Guest Introduction: Charles O'Reilly and Mike Tushman 02:05 Core and Explore: Research and Insights 03:57 The Role of Culture in Ambidexterity 06:14 Microsoft's Cultural Transformation 07:32 The LEASH Model Explained 09:23 Satya Nadella's Leadership at Microsoft 16:51 Linking Personal and Organizational Renewal 18:35 Closing Remarks and Resources 💡 Learn More: Check out related episodes with Tushman & O’Reilly 👉   Engage with Us: Linkedin:  #Ambidexterity #Innovation #Leadership #OrganizationalChange #CorporateExplorer

  •   Technological Taylorism: How Modern AI is Reshaping the Future of Work In this episode, we delve into the concept of Technological Taylorism and how the advent of AI and automation is restructuring the workforce. We revisit Frederick Taylor’s principles of scientific management and examine their relevance in today's job market. The discussion covers the rise in workplace surveillance, the transformation of jobs into piecemeal tasks, and the increasing vulnerability of freelance and middle management roles. The episode also explores the larger implications of AI on job creation, economic growth, and the potential for a technological singularity. Featuring insights from experts like Paul Daugherty and Yossi Sheffi, this thought-provoking discussion questions the future of labor in an efficient, data-driven world. 00:00 Introduction: Technological Taylorism and the Future of Work 00:32 The Legacy of Frederick Taylor's Scientific Management 01:31 Modern Workforce Surveillance and AI 03:04 The Rise of Freelancers and Automation 05:39 Creative Destruction in the Digital Age 08:13 The Future of Work: Concerns and Predictions 10:24 Conclusion: Human + Machine Paradigm   Technological Taylorism: The Automation of Efficiency and the Future of Work The philosopher and media theorist Marshall McLuhan contends that "we shape our tools, and thereafter our tools shape us", The idea suggests that we create and adapt to technologies. These technologies, in turn, shape our behaviours, perceptions, and ultimately, our societies. This goes for any technology from the stopwatch to the advanced artificial intelligence.  I hope I am wrong... In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Frederick Taylor introduced a management approach that would fundamentally change the industrial world. With tools as basic as a pen, ledger, and stopwatch, Taylor meticulously observed and recorded the activities of factory workers, aiming to enhance efficiency through what he termed "scientific management." This system dissected every action into its basic elements. Taylor's analysis led to the precise timing and reorganization of each task to maximize speed and efficiency. Initially, these changes led to significant productivity gains, but they also stripped workers of their autonomy and sense of craftsmanship. Understandably, Taylorism reduced skilled artisans to interchangeable cogs in a mechanized process. Fast forward to today, and Taylor's shadow looms large over modern workforce management. Today's management practices have evolved to slice jobs into ever-smaller tasks. In 2019, The Wall Street Journal highlighted a significant shift towards workplace surveillance, labelling employees as "workforce data generators." This marked a new phase in management's scientific approach, now armed with AI-driven tools far beyond Taylor's  stopwatch. The COVID-19 pandemic and the shift to remote work turbocharged the use of these surveillance tools. A 2021 study by Gartner revealed that the adoption of technologies like facial recognition among employers had doubled to 60% during the pandemic, with predictions of continued growth. This surge in monitoring tools reflects a crisis-induced rush towards greater control, reminiscent of Taylor's response to perceived inefficiencies. The narrative has been that a surefire way to protect yourself in an age of AI is to have a complex, human job. However, when you really examine any complex job it is just a Gordian knot of simple tasks, tasks that can be cheese sliced apart. Consider, AI-powered project management software that eliminates middle management by automating tasks. Once it has unbundled jobs into tasks, it then assembles freelance teams. While these freelancers initially benefit, the software soon learns from their work, and gradually replaces them too.  Freelancers are increasingly becoming a significant part of the workforce. A 2022 study by Upwork found that 38% of Americans engaged in...

  • Paul Daugherty - Radically Human In this episode, we dive deep with Paul Daugherty, Senior Technology Advisor to Accenture and author of 'Radically Human' and 'Human + Machine'. We explore the evolution of artificial intelligence, its impact on businesses, and how companies can navigate the AI-driven landscape using the IDEAS framework. Paul shares insights into human-centered AI, the importance of trust, and how organizations can reimagine work in the age of AI.  00:00 Introduction to Human-Centered AI 00:49 Guest Introduction: Paul Daugherty 01:45 Context of the Books: Human + Machine and Radically Human 03:06 Research Insights: AI's Impact on Business Performance 04:38 Pandemic as an Accelerant for Technology Adoption 06:23 Tech Vision 2024: Key Trends and Predictions 09:47 Challenges and Opportunities for CTOs 18:26 The Digital Core: Modernizing for the AI Era 24:47 Every Company is a Technology Company 28:30 Phases of Intelligent Technology 35:23 The Digital Divide: A Growing Concern 36:14 Supporting Displaced Workers 38:30 The Trust Gap in the Workforce 41:37 The IDEAS Framework: An Overview 46:49 Deep Learning and Its Limitations 53:14 The Role of Data in AI 59:56 Machine Teaching and Human-Machine Hybrids 01:02:03 Innovating in the Cloud 01:05:18 Strategic Approaches: Forever Beta and Colabbing 01:07:44 The Importance of Trust 01:08:47 Conclusion and Contact Information

  • In a world of instant gratification and AI shortcuts, are we losing sight of the value of struggle? 🤔 Join us as we explore the importance of embracing challenges and the deeper connection forged through effort and perseverance. From personal anecdotes in sports to the insights of Naomi S. Baron, Albert Camus, Andrew Huberman, and Yuval Noah Harari, we uncover the transformative power of struggle in learning, creativity, and personal growth.  Discover why "passing through the desert of boredom" is crucial for laying down neural pathways and achieving meaningful results. We'll also delve into the impact of AI on education and organizations, and how bypassing the struggle can lead to a sense of detachment and diminished ownership. Don't miss this thought-provoking exploration of why struggle is not just essential for success, but also for finding deeper meaning in our achievements. 💡  🔗 Check out the full article here:   Find the Reinvention Summit here  https://www.thereinventionsummit.com

  • AI's Influence on Creativity, Writing, and Learning: A Deep Dive with Naomi S. Baron   Join us in this insightful episode as we explore the profound impact of artificial intelligence on writing, creativity, and education with renowned linguist and author Naomi S. Baron. Delve into key discussions from her book, 'Who Wrote This: How AI and the Lure of Efficiency Threaten Human Writing,' highlighting both the potential benefits and ethical dilemmas of AI-generated content. Discover the complexity of copyright issues in the AI era, the importance of maintaining manual skills and personal touch in professional fields, and the significance of mental challenges in fostering authentic creativity. Learn about AI breakthroughs, such as AlphaFold in medicine, and real-world experiments like Google's Notebook LLM. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the evolving role of AI in our lives, the protection of human authorship, and the vital interplay between technology and the human mind.   00:00 Introduction to AI Writing Tools 00:52 Meet the Expert: Naomi S. Baron 01:28 AI's Impact on Authorship and Creativity 03:08 The Deep Dive Experiment 06:05 Legal and Ethical Concerns 14:24 The Value of Human Creativity 28:46 The Struggle and Reward of Creativity 31:48 The Creative Struggle: Is It Necessary? 32:45 Artistic Mastery: From Bach to Picasso 35:44 Innovation and Discipline: Insights from Peter Compo 36:38 The Impact of AI on Education and Skills 42:13 The Importance of Personal Voice in Writing 44:35 The Physicality of Reading and Writing 54:35 The Future of Jobs in the Age of AI 01:01:51 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections

  • In this week’s Thursday Thought, we explore the crucial role of 'Helpful Cassandras'—individuals with heightened perceptions of change within business environments. Drawing on analogies from nature, quotes from visionaries like Warren Buffet and Andy Grove, and the concept of 'Umwelt' by Jakob von Uexküll, we discuss how different sensory frameworks shape our understanding of market shifts and disruptions. The episode highlights the importance of recognizing and supporting these perceptive individuals to stay ahead of crises and seize new opportunities. Don't miss out on the launch of The Reinvention Summit, featuring a workshop led by Rita McGrath on early warnings and trend detection.   00:00 Introduction: Focus on the Playing Field 00:30 The Role of Helpful Cassandras 00:46 Developing Organizational Antennas 01:53 Understanding Umwelt in Business 03:14 Rodents: Masters of Olfactory Perception 04:26 Economic Signals: Smelling the Sausage 06:45 The Cassandra Story: Andy Grove and the Helpful Cassandras 09:16 Embracing Early Warnings 10:51 Conclusion: Join The Reinvention Summit     Article: Navigating Change: The Hidden Scents, Sausages and Trip Wires  “Games are won by players who focus on the playing field - not by those whose eyes are glued to the scoreboard.” - Warren Buffet. Just as different species perceive their environments in unique ways, individuals within a business environment experience and interpret the world around them through their subjective lenses. Some of these individuals—like modern-day Cassandras—are particularly attuned to early signs of change or disruption, but their warnings are often ignored. Using the analogy of rodents' heightened sense of smell, we explore how these Helpful Cassandras can guide companies away from crisis or towards new opportunities.yet are frequently overlooked. Embracing their foresight is crucial to navigating an uncertain future. "The capacity of an organization to read its environment somewhere out there, which requires hiring some people whose sole job is to pay attention to the things that we're not paying attention to. If you think about any system, any [00:01:00] creature has only certain antennas. Which means that those antennas allow them to be in touch with this part of the world and not that part of the world. And they get in trouble when the world suddenly has something as a threat to them that they have no antennas for. So it's very important in an organization to develop the capacity here to have these kind of emergent antennas. And or to have at least parts of things that are paying attention to what people are not paying attention to, because, in most every case, when a crisis is coming, there are people who know nobody wants to listen to them because things are going well. And you certainly don't help your career by talking about them. So I think organizations, if they want to really be on the edge of things, have to build in as capacity here to surveil parts of environment. That it has not been paying very much attention to." - Stan Deetz, Innovation Show 559  Jakob von Uexküll was a pioneering biologist interested in how living beings perceive their environments. [00:02:00] He argued that organisms experience life through species-specific, subjective reference frames he called Umwelt (The German word for environment). Each species experiences the world through its own unique sensory lens. A tick, for instance, uses the smell of butyric acid to locate a mammalian host, while a star-nosed mole relies on touch to navigate underground. Despite sharing the same physical space, animals perceive their surroundings in vastly different ways. This idea of Umwelt applies not only to biology but also to how individuals in a business environment interpret signals of change. In the business world, we each operate with different sensory frameworks. Some colleagues are tuned into technological advances, others are adept at...

  • Stan Deetz 2   Navigating Organizational Change: Insights on Leadership, Culture, and AI with Stan Deetz   In this comprehensive episode, join renowned expert Stan Deetz as we explore the complexities of organizational change. Delve into the challenges leaders face when reshaping deeply ingrained cultural assumptions and managing innovation. Discover the impact of language in fostering change, the role of visionary leadership, and the importance of addressing environmental factors before they become crises. Learn about the significant influence of AI on organizational structures and the critical need for maintaining tacit knowledge and genuine communication in a digital age. Gain valuable perspectives on the intersection of leadership, culture, and technology in transforming modern organizations.   00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back 00:09 The Ugly Truth About Transitions 00:51 Challenging Cultural Assumptions 02:24 The Metaphor of Left-Handedness 05:28 The Struggle of Change Agents 11:35 The Role of Founders in Shaping Culture 15:40 Generational Clashes in Organizations 23:22 The Importance of Praising Mistakes 26:42 Timing and Crisis in Organizational Change 29:49 The Need for Vision in Transformation 30:41 The Power of Vision in Leadership 34:12 The Role of Language in Organizational Change 35:15 Challenges in Communicating New Ideas 47:17 Tacit Knowledge and Organizational Wisdom 51:37 AI and the Future of Management 53:42 Concluding Thoughts and Future Discussions   Find Stan here:    Innovation, Change Management, Organizational Culture, Leadership, Communication, Transition, Transformation, Vision, Language, Learning, Tacit Knowing, AI, Diversity, Neurodiversity, Organizational Change, Culture Change, Innovation Culture, Digital Transformation, Future of Work, Change Leadership, Aidan McCullen, Stan Deetz, Aristotle, George Bernard Shaw, Jack Welch, Braverman, Chomsky, Giddens, Weber

  • Build Before You Die: The Critical Need for Proactive Capability Building   In this week's Thursday Thought, we delve into why building capabilities proactively is essential for companies to navigate disruptive change. Through quotes from Clayton Christensen, Stan Deetz, and the Spartan Warrior Mantra, we explore the concept of 'sweating in times of peace' to avoid future crises. Using the analogy of Conan the Barbarian, we examine how companies can strengthen their core competencies to stay competitive. We'll discuss how digital-first companies like Toyota have successfully prepared for technological shifts through early capability building, offering lessons that underscore the peril of waiting until it's too late. Join us to learn how to build for tomorrow, today, and avoid becoming a corporate cautionary tale.   00:00 Introduction: Build Before You Die 00:01 The Importance of Proactive Capability Building 00:04 Quotes to Ponder 00:47 Lessons from Conan and Spartans 01:20 Digital Natives vs. Traditional Businesses 01:55 The Cost of Waiting 02:37 Strategies for Building Competencies 03:03 The Role of Leadership in Capability Development 03:52 The Predictable Pattern of Disruption 05:19 Case Study: Toyota's Long-Term Vision 08:21 The Essence of Organizational Capability 09:07 Conclusion: Continuous Journey of Reinvention 09:20 Join Us at The Reinvention Summit  

  • Stan Deetz - Transforming Organizational Culture: Insights and Strategies for Modern Success In this comprehensive episode, we explore pivotal topics in organizational culture and change management with experts like Stanley Deetz. From understanding the role of communication in periods of transition and mergers to building resilience and effective leadership, our discussions cover a wide range of issues critical to the modern workplace. We delve into the historical shifts in corporate culture, the influence of Japanese practices on American companies, and the evolving mindsets driven by generational changes and Artificial Intelligence. Learn about the power of systems thinking and organic metaphors in fostering innovation and teamwork. Discover essential strategies for managing change, overcoming fear, and leveraging diversity for organizational success. Join us to gain profound insights and practical tools for navigating and transforming organizational culture. 00:00 Introduction to Organizational Culture and Change 01:07 Origins and Development of the Book 02:24 Understanding Organizational Culture 02:50 Seton Hall and Online Education 04:59 Navigating Organizational Change 05:48 Managing Hearts, Minds, and Souls 10:47 The Role of Conflict in Innovation 18:10 Historical Shifts in Corporate Culture 26:15 Internal Models vs. External Realities 26:51 Generational Shifts in Organizational Metaphors 29:06 Cultural Fragmentation and Countercultures 31:00 Mechanistic vs. Organic Metaphors 32:33 Psychologizing Organizational Change 39:38 Systemic Thinking in Organizations 44:05 Challenges in Team Dynamics 46:43 Understanding Assumptions in Change Management 51:21 Conclusion and Contact Information Find the episode we mentioned with George Lakoffat 32.25 with here: Stan Deetz, Stanley Deetz, Organizational culture, communication, Aidan McCullen, cultural change, leadership, organizational transitions, mergers, technological innovations, globalization, Seton Hall University, ethical issues, member involvement, executive master's program, organizational development,  change processes, corporate culture, workplace dynamics