My Book is Now Available! Get a Sneak Peek at the Chapters Inside!

I am proud to announce that my book is officially available. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who pre-ordered and received their copy, and a warm welcome in advance to all future readers!

Beyond Eureka! is all about exploring what innovating is about. I've drawn from my experiences as a serial CEO in tech and countless conversations with innovators from various organizations to focus on twelve key questions. These questions are simple at first glance, but as you'll see, they open up deeper discussions about assumptions and conclusions that are often overlooked or based on oversimplified examples. By delving into these discussions, my goal is to help entrepreneurs challenge their thinking, refine their strategies, and ultimately enhance their capacity to innovate effectively.

These twelve questions are addressed in twelve largely independent chapters, each functioning as a separate booklet.

1. Are you an inventor or an innovator?

Maybe you are both, but don’t lose sight of the fact that inventors and innovators have two different roles and perspectives. Inventors focus on their area of expertise and advance that domain without necessarily thinking of commercial applications. Innovators start from a market that reflects the spirit of the time, and their mission is to create a business by offering products capable of attracting customers. Think of them as great stage directors.?

2. What is a typical innovation journey?

More often than not, it’s like a roller coaster with more angst than amusement. I chose to discuss the fascinating story of the first two decades of Kodak, which illustrates how its founder, George Eastman, moved through difficult paths fraught with obstacles. This has been the fate of most innovators throughout history, and it’s no different today.

3. Do you need to be disruptive?

Do you develop an Apple watch because you want to disrupt the Swiss watch industry or because you want to create something special for your potential customers? My point is that the disruption framework often relies on debatable assumptions and might mislead innovators in both startups and large companies more than guide them.

4. When is the right time?

This question echoes the well-known adage that success is about being in the right place at the right time. So, why do some innovators achieve greater success than others? It's not as simple as labeling some as geniuses and dismissing the rest. In this chapter, I explore what 'timing' really involves. 'Forward thinking' isn't about the impossible feat of predicting the future; rather, it's about gaining a deep understanding of the present.

5. What is a window of opportunity?

It's a great expression but a complex concept. If the window represents a wide opening that anyone can pass through, how will you distinguish yourself from the crowd? And if it's just a small opening, how will you recognize the vast potential beyond it? I describe the “innovation kairos” as a complex interplay of ideological, societal, cultural, political, economic, and human layers. These layers are constantly evolving at their own pace, creating an environment where an innovation can either go unnoticed or break through, drift into the mores, and potentially altering existing paradigms."

6. Can competing innovations coexist?

Absolutely. The presence of multiple innovations often signals a robust market with diverse needs and preferences, indicating that there are various ways to serve that market. The concept of “innovation kairos” supports the idea that competing innovations can thrive together. It reminds us that innovation isn't a zero-sum game; rather, it's a dynamic ecosystem where multiple solutions can succeed simultaneously, each catering to different facets of customers’ expectations.

7. Why is standing out challenging?

While innovations can emerge in quiet, dormant spaces, they often arise in active, bustling environments where there's so much ongoing activity that it fuels the birth of numerous new ideas, which may later diverge in various directions. Innovators enter these vibrant arenas believing they will make a significant impact. However, they frequently find themselves overwhelmed by the very dynamics they help to ignite. Despite this, they play an essential role as pioneers or trailblazers, even if they don't become the legendary figures celebrated in mainstream narratives. Their contributions are vital, paving the way for future developments and setting the stage for the next waves of innovation.

8. Can David thrive in Goliath’s world?

Startups often receive motivational pep talks painting them as the plucky underdogs poised to disrupt industries. However, it's crucial to recognize the challenges posed by established companies. While there's a common perception they may be vulnerable, the reality is that many established firms are themselves powerful innovators. They often possess a late-comer advantage—the ability to capitalize on their resources, market knowledge, and customer bases to innovate effectively, adapt quickly, and even co-opt the innovations introduced by startups.

9. Where is the right place?

The innovation kairos presents a vast and intricate landscape filled with numerous opportunities. Determining the best place to innovate isn’t just about geographic location; it's also about understanding the most conducive environment for your innovation to flourish. This decision depends on various factors, including the maturity and nature of your business, your strategic objectives, and the specific demands of your target market. In today's globalized world, where innovation can occur anywhere, the “right place” is more about finding the right ecosystem that aligns with your vision and the resources you have at your disposal.

10. Do you need to be connected to succeed?

Absolutely. The innovation landscape, or what I call the 'innovation kairos', is deeply influenced by networks of relationships that span educational, financial, and professional realms. These genealogies of people weave through various institutions such as universities, companies, laboratories, and other organizations, each playing a pivotal role in disseminating knowledge and skills. Being connected within these networks can significantly enhance one's access to vital resources, mentorship, and collaboration opportunities, all of which are crucial for driving innovation forward.

11. Are women and minorities unwelcome?

Unfortunately, the same complex networks that shape the innovation landscape, or the 'innovation kairos,' also elucidate why women and minorities have often been marginalized in the history of innovations. These networks have traditionally been dominated by more homogeneous groups, which has led to an implicit exclusion of diverse perspectives and talents. Transforming these entrenched genealogies to include a broader array of voices and insights is crucial but will not be an instantaneous process. It requires deliberate efforts to dismantle barriers, foster inclusivity, and recalibrate the traditional routes of knowledge and power within these networks.

12. How can organizations remain innovative?

Innovation, regardless of the perspective you adopt, ultimately revolves around people—whether they're tinkering in their garages or brainstorming in corporate boardrooms. It isn't the corporate entities themselves that bring about innovation; it's the individuals they employ. Therefore, when discussions arise about companies struggling with innovation due to their corporate structure, it’s essential to delve deeper. We must ask: Who within these organizations is stifling new ideas, and why? This is particularly perplexing considering that most CEOs emphasize innovation as critical to their company’s future growth. The answer often lies in understanding the internal power dynamics and cultural barriers that can hinder the free flow of innovative thinking and risk-taking within companies.

I'm thrilled to take you on an exciting journey through the pages of this book, where you'll discover the fascinating meandering paths we have to tread when we innovate. Yet, as we move along, we uncover and harness our own strengths. We may end up creating magic, and sometimes we might not—but every step will still enrich us. Regardless of the size of the impact we make—or echoing Steve Jobs's vision, the dent we put in the universe—every attempt is valuable. Even our setbacks will contribute meaningfully to our growth and to the world around us.