In this episode of the Ideation Podcast, innovation consultant Vijay Kumar discusses how organizations and individuals can apply design thinking when developing creative solutions to problems. Here are the show notes from this episode: How to Overcome the Obstacles of Executing Human-Centered Design Avoid Blind Spots Organizations must be careful not to develop narrowed-thinking when creating innovations to solve problems. Building Innovations for People Rather than focusing on the problem, innovators should have a clear understanding of the end user. Practice Empathy Innovators have a high level of empathy in order to understand how and why a customer will use a product or service. Develop a clear understanding of the end user and avoid making decisions based on assumptions. Think of Innovation’s Environment Take a step back and ask who will use the product or service and in what context. Understanding the entire context and environment in which a product or service exists is key to developing a successful innovation. Breeding a Culture of Innovation at Your Workplace “Cultivating an innovative culture is the most difficult challenge any organization faces and the biggest challenge to being successful in your innovation.” says Kumar. Empower the Individual Empowering individuals to be champions of innovative actions will help organizations succeed as a whole. Kumar uses Proctor and Gamble as one example of a company that embodies empowerment. Make Innovation a Team Effort Organizations should practice teamwork and approach innovative thinking as a collaborative effort. Try making your project a multidisciplinary effort, connecting individuals across departments. Innovation is often sparked when seemingly unrelated ideas intersect. Integrate Processes Because individuals have unique processes to approaching an issue, it is important to develop a process that all members can agree to. Collaborative discussions that facilitate open mindedness can help companies integrate individuals into a cohesive team. Measuring Success - 10 Types of Innovation Kumar says that there is no single measure to an organization’s success. Organizations should review and measure innovations based on qualitative data rather than just focusing on quantitative measurements. Using the 10 types of innovations as a framework, organizations can map how successful the company has been in each area of innovation. Resources for Further Discovery The Design of Business by Roger Martin The Art of Innovation by Tom Kelley Claudia Kotchka “101 Design Methods: A Structured Approach for Driving Innovation in Your Organization. ABOUT VIJAY KUMAR Vijay Kumar is a professor at the Illinois Institute of Technology’s Institute of Design in Chicago. He is an innovation consultant, coach, and adviser to global organizations for the use of structured methods for conceiving reliable human-centered innovations and turning them into strategic plans for organizations. Kumar has dedicated his entire career to the study of strategic design planning and methods. His interest in design thinking was sparked by interactions with famous American designers Charles and Ray Earn. While attending design school in India, Kumar was fascinated by the way the designers approached innovation, realizing how the human mind makes connections for creatively solving complex problems. Kumar has consulted to global organizations such as Autodesk, McDonald’s, Motorola, Pfizer, P&G, SC Johnson, Shell, Steelcase, T-Mobile, Target, Texas Instruments, and Zurich Financials among others. Kumar is the author of the book, “101 Design Methods: A Structured Approach for Driving Innovation in Your Organization.” He is an Honorary Senior Fellow of the Design Futures Council.
Join host Charles Lee on this engaging episode of the Ideation Podcast, where he interviews Jeff Eyet, a visionary leader in AI integration and implementation. Together, they unravel common myths about AI, explore its real-world applications, and share actionable advice for leveraging AI in business and career development. This episode covers essential topics including: Why most people have spent less than 10 hours engaging with AI tools How AI can enhance jobs instead of replacing them The critical importance of understanding AI terminology for effective communication The often-overlooked environmental impacts of AI, including water and energy consumption Treating generative AI as a partner rather than a replacement Why creativity, curiosity, and empathy are must-have skills in the age of AI Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or a business leader looking to bolster AI, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Tune in now to uncover the realities of AI and prepare for the opportunities it brings.
12/6/24 • 31:31
In this episode of the Ideation Podcast, Paull Young, Nonprofit Partnerships Lead at Facebook, shares his stories from his journey and lessons learned from leading digital and social impact efforts for notable brands like charity: water, Instagram, and now, Facebook. Paull shares his thoughts on numerous topics including inspiring and activating unforgettable experiences and innovative products for donors, reimagining charity, doing the hard work of simple, product development insights, and effective partnership building. Paull Young was born and educated in Australia. In his current role at Facebook, Paull helps nonprofits around the world raise money and support their missions on Facebook and Instagram.Prior to starting this role in 2018 Paull spent 4 years working on strategic partnerships for Instagram. While at Instagram Paull led the media partnerships strategy for the launches of Stories, Live, Boomerang, IGTV and ranked feed. Paull is a veteran of the nonprofit sector, leading digital at leading NYC based nonprofit charity: water for 5 years prior to joining Instagram. In this time Paull was responsible as a member of charity: water's first executive team for raising over $37 million online to fund clean and safe drinking water projects around the world.
7/2/20 • 47:19
In this bonus episode of the Ideation Podcast, Bryan Stevenson, Founder/Executive Director of the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) and inspiration for the recent movie Just Mercy, shares his stories and thoughts on criminal justice reform, courage, mercy, and being influenced by civil rights heroes like Rosa Parks. This interview was originally recorded backstage at Catalyst Conference in Atlanta a few years ago. We think Mr. Stevenson’s thoughts are not only timeless but also timely for the conversations we’re having today in our society around racial equity. Under Mr. Stevenson's leadership, EJI has won major legal challenges eliminating excessive and unfair sentencing, exonerating innocent death row prisoners, confronting abuse of the incarcerated and the mentally ill, and aiding children prosecuted as adults. Mr. Stevenson has argued and won multiple cases at the United States Supreme Court, including a 2019 ruling protecting condemned prisoners who suffer from dementia and a landmark 2012 ruling that banned mandatory life-imprisonment-without-parole sentences for all children 17 or younger. Mr. Stevenson and his staff have won reversals, relief, or release from prison for over 135 wrongly condemned prisoners on death row and won relief for hundreds of others wrongly convicted or unfairly sentenced. Mr. Stevenson has initiated major new anti-poverty and anti-discrimination efforts that challenge inequality in America. He led the creation of two highly acclaimed cultural sites which opened in 2018: the Legacy Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice. These new national landmark institutions chronicle the legacy of slavery, lynching, and racial segregation, and the connection to mass incarceration and contemporary issues of racial bias. Mr. Stevenson is also a Professor of Law at the New York University School of Law.
6/19/20 • 21:09
In this episode of the Ideation Podcast, Charles Lee, CEO of Ideation, interviews Andrew Means, Senior Director of Global Impact Data Strategy for Salesforce.org, on framing the work and strategy of data and scaling social impact efforts. Andrew is a serial social entrepreneur leading organizations that use data and technology to create impact. In addition to working for Salesforce.org, he is also co-founder of social sector data infrastructure firm BrightHive and founder of professional development organization Data Analysts for Social Good, a professional organization for individuals interested in how data, technology, and analytics are changing the social sector. He has previously held leadership positions at Uptake.org, The University of Chicago’s Center for Data Science & Public Policy, and the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago. He holds a Master in Public Policy from the Harris School at the University of Chicago. Andrew is a member of the Board of Directors at Ingenuity Inc., VolunteerMatch, and The Wabash Lights, and Chairman of the Board at 10k Windows.
6/12/20 • 49:57
In this episode of the Ideation Podcast, Jamie Gutfreund, Strategic Advisor at SuperAwesome and Anzu.io, shares her insights on topics including the present/future of digital, data + creativity, data-driven marketing, developing digital products, insights into Gen Z, mixed realities, gaming, and thriving in unchartered territories! Jamie Gutfreund is an accomplished executive with significant experience building teams, creating new products and delivering results. Jamie's current activities include her role as a board member for Tubular Labs, the leading measurement and analytics solution for social video as a strategic advisor for Kidtech start up, SuperAwesome and programmatic in-game platform Anzu (On Zu). Previously, she served as Chief Consumer Experience Officer for Hasbro, where she implemented the first programmatic media campaign, established an internal creative and analytics agency and supported the growth and expansion of Pulse, a direct-to-consumer commerce effort. Also, Jamie previously served as Global Chief Marketing Officer at WPP's Wunderman Thompson, with a specific focus on highlighting the work of the agency's 20,000+ creative thinkers, data scientists and technologists across the globe. Jamie lives in LA with her family and two dogs and remains a dedicated fan of the NY Giants.
6/10/20 • 55:11
In this episode of the Ideation Podcast, Xavier Ramey shares his thoughts on public policy-informed Corporate Social Responsibility, challenges and opportunities in diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, the power of civic engagement, and equity-focused philanthropy. Xavier Ramey is the CEO of Justice Informed, LLC, a social impact consulting firm based in Chicago, IL. He is an award-winning social strategist, noted public speaker, & conflict mediator. Combining his background in economics, extensive management & social impact experience, & direct action campaigning in the Black Lives Matter movement, Xavier leads a company that brings a wealth of experience & network to clients seeking catalyzed strategies for inclusion, philanthropy, CSR, & community engagement. A native Chicagoan, he is a recognizable voice on the topics of community and economic development, policing & policy violence, & connecting the Christian faith to our lived experience. Xavier served as the lead of the Social Innovation and Philanthropy strategy in the University of Chicago's Office of Civic Engagement, managed multi-million dollar philanthropic portfolios to stimulate employment, & worked as a nonprofit Director of Development in Chicago’s North Lawndale community. Xavier is a founding member of the #LetUsBreathe Collective, an artist-activist organization committed to addressing State violence against people of color. He is a Board member of Young Chicago Authors, & the Chicago Center for Arts and Technology. Links: Justice Informed Website: https://www.justiceinformed.com/ Xavier’s Personal Site: https://www.xavierramey.com/ Xavier’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/xavierramey/ LetUsBreathe Collective: https://www.letusbreathecollective.com/
5/29/20 • 57:38
In this episode of the Ideation Podcast, Angie Richey, President of Life Pacific University, shares about her leadership journey, insights into building talented teams, removing limiting beliefs, caring for a team’s emotional health and wellness, and innovating the future of education. She also shares her thoughts on traits with Founders and/or Gen Z and their potential to impact our world. Angie has worked in numerous roles at the University prior to her presidency including VP of Enrollment and Chief Communications Officer in addition to being a professor. Angie is also a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in psychodynamic and family systems therapy. She has specialities in several areas including strengths based education and emotional health and wellness.
5/27/20 • 41:31
In this episode of the Ideation Podcast, Chris Heuertz, Founding Partner at Gravity and Author of The Enneagram of Belonging, shares his insights into the Enneagram and its implications for self, relationships, spirituality and vocation. Topics include the origins and uniqueness of the Enneagram, true self vs. false self, personal liberation, nature vs. nurture, self-awareness, radical self-awareness, practicing compassion, virtues, making peace with our passions, and implications for the workplace. Chris Heuertz is a founding partner of Gravity, a Center for Contemplative Activism. Gravity exists to support the development of consciousness by offering contemplative retreats, spiritual direction, and Enneagram consultations and workshops. Chris spent nearly three decades in community organizing, international humanitarian work, and anti-human trafficking efforts, and was first introduced to the Enneagram in the slums of Cambodia. Since then he has trained under some of the great living Enneagram masters, and now teaches the Enneagram in workshops around the world as an International Enneagram Association Accredited Professional. Host of the Enneagram Mapmakers podcast, Chris is also featured in the new documentary NINE: The Enneagram Documentary, a journey across America to introduce the essence of the nine profile types. He is the author of seven books, including the award-winning bestseller The Sacred Enneagram and his latest work The Enneagram of Belonging; both are compassionate guides for those who want to incorporate personal growth and development with their Enneagram type.
5/20/20 • 60:03
In this episode of the Ideation Podcast, Stephen Robinson, Partner at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, shares his incredible journey from growing up in the projects in New York to becoming one of the most recognizable leaders in the legal profession. Judge Robinson openly shares about his childhood in poverty, the strength and wisdom of his mother, the pain of losing his wife to cancer, and his journey as a single father. In addition, he provides leadership insights learned from decades of leading teams through, solving complex problems, collaborating effectively with others, and making a difference in the world. Judge Stephen Robinson has had a varied career serving in high profile roles in both the public and private sectors. Judge Robinson currently is a partner in the Government Enforcement and White Collar Crime group at Skadden in New York City. Prior to joining Skadden in 2010, Judge Robinson served as a federal judge for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. He was nominated for that position by President George W. Bush in 2003. In 1998, President Bill Clinton nominated Judge Robinson as the U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut, where he served for three years.
5/18/20 • 65:46
In this episode of the Ideation Podcast, Michele L. Sullivan, social impact advisor and former President of Caterpillar Foundation and Director of Corporate Social Innovation at Caterpillar, shares her story of being a young person born with dwarfism and overcoming personal and professional challenges in her career to create significant impact in our world. In spite of being looked down upon by others, Michele learned to look up: to lead with an elevated view of others, a philosophy that landed her at the helm of one of the world most prominent philanthropy organizations and ultimately changed the course of millions of lives. While Michele’s height presented challenges that are different from those most have experienced (including uniquely humorous moments), it allowed her to see things, literally and figuratively, that others do not. With inspiring style, she offers unique takeaways for individuals that attest to the fundamental role one’s perspective plays in becoming a better person and more influential leader who makes a big impact on the world. Michele is the Author of “Looking Up: How a Different Perspective Turns Obstacles into Advantages. She is also a globally recognized leader and advisor in social impact. Michele has also inspired millions through your talks on stages like TED, Dreamforce, SXSW, The Atlantic Festival, and Global Citizen Festival. She was named by Inside Philanthropy as one of the 50 most powerful women in philanthropy and also served as a U.S. delegate to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. Helpful Links: Michele’s Website: https://www.michelelsullivan.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/followmichelel/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Michele-L-Sullivan-Looking-UP-385745471985840/ Ideation’s Website: https://theideation.com/ Charles’ Links: https://linktr.ee/charlestlee
5/15/20 • 30:51
