Idea To Value - Creativity And Innovation

In this episode of the Idea to Value Podcast, we speak with Professor Lav Varshney from the University of Illinois about progress in the computational field of Artificial Creativity, whether there is a mathematical limit to creativity and whether a computer will ever write a symphony. https://www.ideatovalue.com/podc/nickskillicorn/2017/10/podcast-024-prof-lav-varshney-computers-becoming-creative/  It's a fascinating episode for anyone who wants to know what separates humans from machines, as creativity can no longer be thought of as an exclusively human trait. Topics discussed in this episode: * How IBM's Watson team wanted to find the next artificial intelligence challenge after their win on Jeopardy, and settled on creativity (01:30) * How they used this technology for creativity in cuisine with Chef Watson (03:30) * How can a computer possibly be creative? Isn't that a human trait? (05:30) * How computers are able to assess and select their own creative output (07:30) * Is there a mathematical limit to c

In today's episode of the Idea to Value Podcast, we talk about the Impostor Syndrome with one of the world's leading experts, Dr Valerie Young. https://www.ideatovalue.com/podc/nickskillicorn/2017/10/podcast-023-dr-valerie-young-5-ways-people-experience-impostor-syndrome/  This is something which millions of people from all occupations suffer from but may not understand the reasons for. Here, we discuss its causes, effects, and how you can deal with it. Topics covered in this episode: * What the Impostor Syndrome is (03:00) * Who it affects (04:30) * How entrepreneurs can get over the procrastination that comes with launching a new product (06:30) * The five different ways that people experience the Impostor Syndrome (09:00): - The Perfectionist - The Expert - The Natural Genius - The Soloist / Rugged Individualist - Superman / Superwoman * How each person with any of the characteristics can overcome their unique challenges (13:00) * If you want to stop feeling like an Impostor, you need to stop thinking lik

In today's episode of the Idea to Value Podcast, we chat with Paul Sloane, one of Twitter's biggest innovation influencers and author of multiple books on the subject, including the third edition of The Leader's Guide to Lateral Thinking Skills. https://www.ideatovalue.com/podc/nickskillicorn/2017/09/podcast-022-paul-sloane-leaders-need-courageous-innovate/  In this week's episode, we talk about why leader's need courage to actually try new things and innovate, and learn some case studies of inspiring leaders who have succeeded in doing just that. Topics covered in today's episode: * What stops most companies from innovating is not a lack of ideas but a lack of leadership (01:30) * Is lateral thinking just a new way to think of lots of new ideas? (03:30) * Approaching problems from a new direction will lead to novel new solutions which can't be found using a traditional academic way of solving a problem (04:45) * Leadership is about creating an environment where ideas can be turned into action (05:30) * Grea

In today's episode of the Idea to Value Podcast, we speak with one of the world's most well-respected innovation professors, Jeff de Graff from the University of Michigan. https://www.ideatovalue.com/inno/nickskillicorn/2017/08/podcast-21-jeff-de-graff-need-conflict-succeed-innovation/  Jeff has been involved in Innovation research and teaching for more than 3 decades (which is almost as long as I've been alive...), is the author of multiple books on the subject of creativity and innovation, has worked with around half of the Fortune 500 companies and is known as the Dean of Innovation. Definitely, an episode not to be missed. Topics covered in this episode: * In his most recent book The Innovation Code, he wants to dispell three ideas (02:00): 1. that there is a one-size fits-all way to innovate 2. how innovation needs to get away from using a standard process 3. how innovation is borne from constructive conflict * Data shows that only about 25% of companies consistently show up across the lists of "Most In

In today's episode of the Idea to Value Podcast, we talk to Brad Barbera, author of "Keep Innovation Simple", Innovation Strategist and holder of the first patent for low-fat mayonnaise. https://www.ideatovalue.com/inno/nickskillicorn/2017/08/podcast-20-brad-barbera-learn-love-chaos-hate-confusion/  Topics covered in this episode: * Is there a perfect formula for innovation which works for all companies? (03:00) * Why you need to be careful about applying best practice from other companies (04:30) * How you can keep innovation simple (06:45) * What affects an individual's capability of being innovative (07:45) * Why you should develop a mindset of "Respectful Irreverence" (10:30) * You need to have some grit to get through the tough times of innovation (12:30) * Why some companies want to downgrade their innovativeness, and why it is hard to change (13:15) * Why the simple things are so hard, but the most important (14:00) * The difference between complexity and complication (16:30) * The importance of π pi-

In today's episode of the Idea to Value Podcast, we talk with professional magician Kostya Kimlat, recently a winner on the magic TV show Penn & Teller's Fool Us. https://www.ideatovalue.com/podc/nickskillicorn/2017/08/podcast-019-kostya-kimlat-methods-vs-effects-creative-like-magician/  We talk about what constitutes originality and creativity in the art form of magic, what it takes to create your own tricks, and why customers always care more about the effect of what they experience compared to the method of how it was done. Topics discussed in today's episode: * Why magic causes such joy and bewilderment in people (02:00) * How magicians hide their skills and creativity instead of showing them off like other artists (06:00) * What most people see as creativity in magic was actually creative 100 years ago (08:00) * The two way to be creative and innovative: methods vs effects (08:30) * How knowing too much about your methods can make you lose sight of what your customers see (11:00) * How he developed

In today's episode of the Idea to Value Podcast, we speak with Stuart Semple, a visual artist based in Dorset, England and also one of the people in the centre of a recent controversy within the artistic world. What follows is an interesting story about how one of the world's most famous artists Anish Kapoor was given the exclusive rights to produce art using the "blackest black" pigment ever produced, called Vantablack (which I have written about previously here: https://www.ideatovalue.com/curi/nickskillicorn/2016/07/new-blackest-material-world-absorbing-99-965-light/). Stuart is leading the fight back, saying it is bad news for all other artists to be prevented from expressing themselves using this new medium, and has also worked to make extreme colours available to everyone with his "pinkest pink" paint (except for Mr Kapoor though). Topics covered in this episode: * Stuart's history and current art projects (01:00) * The controversy behind Vantablack and how the artistic community was excluded (02:30) *

In today's episode of the Idea to Value Podcast, we talk with 10-times Bestselling Author Trevor Crane about what it takes to write a book to take your business to the next level. https://www.ideatovalue.com/podc/nickskillicorn/2017/07/podcast-017-trevor-crane-everyone-publish-book-grow-business/  Trevor helps people from all walks of life not only gain the confidence and tools to publish their book, but to do it in a way that it is highly likely to become a bestseller and turbocharge their business. Topics covered in this interview: * All of the things which prevented him from getting his first book published (02:00) * The importance of getting help (03:30) * Why journaling doesn't work (06:00) * How the most important thing is to truly decide to get it done and committing to it (07:30) * Why you should declare to the world that you will get it done (08:00) * Why you should write a book at all, to help your business (10:30) * The worst way, and best way, to make money as an author (15:00) * How you find out

In this episode of the Idea to Value podcast, we speak with Tony Ulwick, CEO of Strategyn and the person who introduced the world to the Jobs to be Done theory of innovation. https://www.ideatovalue.com/podc/nickskillicorn/2017/07/podcast-016-tony-ulwick-origin-jobs-done-innovation-theory/  Topics covered in this episode: * His initial experience of failure at IBM with the PC Junior and how it triggered the search for the process to find out what people wanted (01:00) * What causes a disconnect between what companies expect people want, and how the market actually reacts (05:00) * What is a customer need and how to define it (05:30) * How Tony introduced Outcome-Driven Innovation to Professor Clayton Christensen, and how this became the Jobs to be done theory (07:00) * What exactly is Jobs to be done theory? (09:00) * Most innovations struggle because they only get part of a job done, not the entire job (10:30) * How Jobs to be done can be used to both discover new markets, or improve offerings in an existin

In this episode of the Idea to Value Podcast, I speak with Samuel West, the creator and curator of the Museum of Failure in Helsingborg, Sweden. https://www.ideatovalue.com/podc/nickskillicorn/2017/06/podcast-015-samuel-west-can-learn-museum-failure/  The Museum of Failure is a collection of interesting innovation failures. The majority of all innovation projects fail and the museum showcases these failures to provide visitors a fascinating learning experience. The collection consists of over seventy failed products and services from around the world. Every item provides unique insight into the risky business of innovation. Talking points from the episode: Why "failure as a badge of honour" in Silicon Valley is not necessarily a good thing (03:45) The failure of the Nokia N-Gage, and how it illustrates how Nokia failed to admit negative indicators (05:00) The failure of Blockbuster, and how it shows the importance of being willing to flex and change your business model over time (07:45) The failure of KODAK

In today's episode of the Idea to Value Podcast, we speak with Tendayi Viki on what exactly "Lean Innovation" is. https://www.ideatovalue.com/podc/nickskillicorn/2017/05/podcast-014-tendayi-viki-lean-innovation/  Tendayi is a popular innovation and strategy consultant and is one of the authors behind the recently released book "The Corporate Startup", which helps large companies understand all of the underlying mechanisms behind lean innovation to bring down the costs and risks of running innovation projects. Things we discuss in today's episode: What lean innovation is, "Doing the right things at the right time" (02:30) The dangers of premature scaling (03:45) The main hurdles to implementing Lean Innovation, and how startups handle it more effectively than large companies (05:00) How to build organisational capabilities needed for Lean Innovation (07:00) In his view, innovation is the combination of creative ideas with sustainably profitable business models (07:45) How the Lean Product Lifecycle can help

In this episode of the Idea to Value Podcast, we talk with Takashi Kudo, who is the Communications Director for TeamLab, a renowned art collective from Japan. https://www.ideatovalue.com/podc/nickskillicorn/2017/05/podcast-013-takashi-kudo-artist-collective-creative-team/  Referring to themselves as ultratechnologists, the group aims to go beyond the boundaries between art, science, technology and creativity, through co-creative activities. TeamLab is best known for its ingenious art installations based on light and projection, and in contrast to many traditional collectives, is made up of not only artists but also engineers, programmers, animators and mathematicians. In addition to gallery artworks, they also produce other digital content like applications, performance shows and specialist websites. We discuss how these hyper-creative groups develop art which pushes boundaries. Things we cover in this episode: What makes up their Art Collective (01:30) Describing the large interactive lighting exhibition "

In today's episode of the Idea to Value Podcast, I speak with one of the creators of the world-famous alcoholic drink: Bailey's Irish Cream, David Gluckman.  https://www.ideatovalue.com/podc/nickskillicorn/2017/05/podcast-012-david-gluckman-never-plan-b/  A successful brand innovator, David has worked in product development with the world's largest drinks manufacturers for several decades, also helping to bring out other successful brands like Smirnoff Black, Le Piat d'Or, Purdey's, Aqua Libra, Tanqueray Ten, Cîroc, Coole Swan and many others. We also talk about the stories from his new book "That S*it will never sell" We talk about what it takes to find an idea for a new product. Things discussed in this week's interview: Even good ideas take a long time to become a success. It took Baileys about 5-7 years to become a worldwide success. (02:30) In order for a new idea to gain traction within a company, it needs to get support from someone quite senior who sees the potential, even if that person doesn't lik

https://www.innovationandcreativitysummit.com As you're already a loyal member of the Idea to Value community, I know something about you: You care about your own creativity and ability to generate innovative new ideas. Which is why I wanted to let you know about something happening next week I KNOW you will love. And best of all, I already know you will definitely be able to make it and get value from it. How can I possibly know that you'll be able to make it? Because: 1. There is no travel involved (so no asking for approval from your boss) 2. There is no cost involved (so no need to buy tickets) 3. The stuff being shared is available whenever you want (for a limited time) So what am I talking about? I've spent the last few months working in secret, interviewing 45+ of the world's most respected thought leaders on creativity and innovation and asking them what it takes to understand your own creativity, manage innovation teams successfully and build a culture where innovation doesn't die, but thrives. And n

In today's episode of the Idea to Value Podcast, we talk to Nicole Yershon, who ran the successful Innovation Lab at Ogilvy, one of the world's largest advertising firms. https://www.ideatovalue.com/podc/nickskillicorn/2017/03/podcast-010-nicole-yershon-run-successful-innovation-lab/  We talk about what an innovation lab is, and what it takes for it to be successful and actually add value. Topics discussed today: * Moving from an analog world to a digital world (01:30) * Trying things which have never been done before (02:30) * The purpose and evolution of an Innovation Hub at Ogilvy (04:15) * The challenge of working with imperfect technology at the start (06:45) * How you measure success of innovation in a lab, the "Six R's" (07:30) * How business management happens in the creative industries (09:30) * How leadership attitudes affect innovation (11:00) * Is an innovation lab appropriate for every company? (12:00) Links included: * The six Rs behind successful innovation: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sponsor

In today's episode of the Idea to Value Podcast, we speak to innovation expert Paul Hobcraft. https://www.ideatovalue.com/podc/nickskillicorn/2017/03/podcast-009-paul-hobcraft-three-horizons-framework/  Paul is the founder of Agility Innovation and is well known for his insights into the Three Horizons Framework. In today's episode, we talk about: * Why executives need coaching on innovation (05:35) * Why senior leaders often feel like they need to start from the beginning with innovation (07:35) * What has changed in innovation over the past few years, divergence and convergence (11:15) * The Three Horizons Innovation Framework (13:30) * How to think of time horizons and shareholder return in your innovation efforts (19:00) * How to allocate resources to innovation (23:00) * Exploiting vs Exploring in business (24:00) Links: * Paul's blog: https://paul4innovating.com/  * Agility Innovation: http://www.agilityinnovation.com/  * HOCA Consulting: http://www.hocaconsulting.com  Bonus: This episode was made p

In today's episode of the Idea to Value Podcast, we speak to Simon Hill, founder of Idea Management software company Wazoku. https://www.ideatovalue.com/podc/nickskillicorn/2017/02/podcast-008-simon-hill-get-everyone-involved-everyday-innovation/  Wazoku has grown steadily in the past few years into one of the big players in the idea management space, enabling companies to gather ideas from across the entire company and track their progress much more efficiently than with traditional brainstorming or idea suggestion schemes. They have also been at the forefront of what they call "EveryDay Innovation", which aims to help companies better understand what it takes for everyone in a company to be involved with innovation and to find out how they are performing against other companies. Things we cover in today's episode: * Software itself is not a silver bullet which will make you innovative (02:20) * What is EveryDay innovation? (02:45) * How you benchmark innovation across other companies (04:45) * What disting

Get your free ticket  to David Burkus' upcoming Work Smarter Summit: https://davidburkus.samcart.com/referral/SM1cAULR/999888 David Burkus is a best-selling author, an award-winning podcaster, and associate professor of management at Oral Roberts University. His latest book, Under New Management, challenges the traditional and widely accepted principles of business management and proves that they are outdated, outmoded, or simply don’t work — and reveals what does. He’s delivered keynotes to the leaders of Fortune 500 companies and the future leaders of the United States Naval Academy. David is a regular contributor to Harvard Business Review and Inc. In today's episode of the Idea to Value Podcast, we talk about the following: * The difference between how academics talk about creativity compared to individuals who are trying to innovate (03:00) * The Myths of Creativity, and "the stories we tell ourselves are true even when they are not true" (03:55) * Everyone has the potential to increase their creativity

In today's episode of the Idea to Value Podcast, we talk to Zal Dastur from Lucep. https://wp.me/p6pllj-gM Lucep is a technology company working out of Singapore and India, which enables companies to respond to leads faster than traditional methods like asking someone to call a number. They have also been nominated as one of the hottest 30 Technology companies in India in 2016. Some of the topics covered include: * What it is like starting up a company in a competitive market * How it feels to find out your customers initially don't understand what you're offering * The challenges of working across several geographical locations * Finding out example what your value-adding principle is * How Lucep approaches innovation Links *Lucep homepage https://lucep.com/ Bonus: This episode was made possible by our premium members and the Deep Creativity training system. Sign up now to get exclusive creativity exercises every single day and take your ability to generate ideas to the next level. Use coupon code PODCAST fo

In today's episode of the Idea to Value Podcast, we interview Peter Cook from the Academy of Rock. Peter takes lessons from his long experience in both the business and musical industries, and meshes them together to help companies improve the way they approach challenges. We go through some of the major things which businesses and leaders can learn from music. Some of the topics covered include: Why it is easier to swallow hard truths if they are sugar coated (03:00) Musical dissonance and cognitive dissonance, and listening effectively (03:40) How to practice effectively to actually see improvement (05:30) How business leaders can use the idea of "flow" like musicians (07:20) Why trying to "force flow" will fail (09:35) What is "purposeful improvisation" (11:30) The danger of working on an idea with no exposure to an audience (14:00) Links Peter's homepage: Academy of Rock http://www.academy-of-rock.co.uk/  Human Dynamics http://humdyn.co.uk/aboutus/  Peter's Book: Leading Innovation, Creativity and Enter