A Weekend of Inspiration: Reflections from the InMerge Innovation Summit

A Weekend of Inspiration: Reflections from the InMerge Innovation Summit

Caution: This article contains much more inspiration, startup ideas and disruptive ideas. Don't read all if you have an allergy to the innovation.        

While weekends are usually reserved for disconnecting from technology and immersing myself in nature, today I felt compelled to share the invaluable lessons gleaned from the two-day InMerge Innovation Summit.

1. The Power of Karma:

Huseyn Abizadeh 's unwavering support and generosity remind us that good deeds are never in vain. His invitation to the summit opened doors to incredible opportunities, and I'm deeply grateful. To Hamed Noroozi , another hidden hero, thank you for your unwavering attention and dedication. Love and respect to you both!

2. A Government Embracing Innovation:

Witnessing our government prioritize innovation and break down outdated barriers was truly inspiring. Jamal Aghayev 's vision for the future and Inara Valiyeva 's focus on nurturing the ecosystem offer hope for a vibrant future. Let's keep this government-business-innovation triangle thriving!

3. The Value of Team Appreciation:

I couldn't skip this. Mainly people talk about themselves, but I learned from Farrukh Ali that a team is everything and power behind the success. He set a remarkable example by leading his team with respect and appreciation. Their dedication and collaborative spirit were evident in the summit's organization and success. Thank you for creating such a meaningful experience!

4. Kindness as a Sales Strategy:

Mauro Kern and Dave Hengartner 's genuine kindness and generosity left a lasting impression. Seeing them prioritize kindness over self-promotion was refreshing and inspiring. Thank you both, and please know that the chocolate was a delightful touch! I hope we will meet again soon.

5. Collaboration Across Borders:

Abay Absamet 's insights into the Kazakhstan market and Zaynab Atabaeva 's perspectives on Uzbekistan's ecosystem highlighted the exciting innovations happening beyond the Caspian Sea and we must evaluate this opportunity. Thank you for your openness to collaboration and knowledge sharing.

6. Innovation: Open to All Ages:

Paul Misener 's message that age is no barrier to innovation was both insightful and empowering. His 10 rules for a Culture of Innovation provided valuable guidance:

7. From QA Tester to Leader:

Meeting Kristel Kruustuk , a former QA tester who now leads a 200-member team, was a powerful moment. Her journey and willingness to share her experience serve as an inspiration for women in all fields. I promised her a 100-member startup next year, and I am determined to make it happen!

8. Women Leading the Way:

The achievements of Aysel Gulmammadova , Nargiz Amrahova , and Nazrin Asgarzade (Guluzade) demonstrate the immense potential of women in innovation. Congratulations on your well-deserved success!

I should also mention here, the ideal, strong, beautiful, charming ladies: Fidan Tofidi and Farida Asgarzade, MBA . We talked about some secret things, can't reveal here. :)

9. Opportunities for Our Nation:

JB Straubel 's remarks regarding the high cost and integration challenges of batteries in Tesla cars presented a unique opportunity for our nation. As an energy-rich country, we have the resources and potential to develop solutions. Kheyraddin Mehdizada, MBA 's call for increased support for oil tech, chemtech, and energy tech startups is a step in the right direction. Let's connect and unlock these possibilities!

10. Steve Wozniak's Inspiring Words:

Mr Steve Wozniak 's journey and his heartfelt speech left me with a mix of emotions. While I couldn't capture all his insights, some key messages resonated deeply.

"Do whatever you want to do regardless of others' opinion," "Say yes to new opportunities," and "Find people different from you" are powerful reminders to embrace individuality, explore possibilities, and build diverse teams.

11. Defying Borders:

Chris Barton 's message complements Steve's perfectly. He encourages us to "defy borders" and push beyond limitations. Let's break down barriers and embrace boundless innovation.

Also, my own insights to share:

• The world is literally small. Who we wished to see in our lives, who changed the billions life, we had a chance to see. They acted as they were supposed to. Now, it is our turn.
• If you can't invent, at least leverage current processes.
• If you get your work done 5 seconds faster, several days saved in a year. (Paul Misener)
• Doing 0.01% more makes more value, and doing 0.01% less makes much more less value than it does the effect of doing 0.01% more.
• I just suddenly remembered this phrase: "You only 2000 calls away from being a millioner". I don't know who said that, but it means this what is knowing right people, it even takes less steps to achieve your goals.
• Surronding with right people. Right doesn't mean likeminded. It means even different minded people, but same goals, same vision.

Additional Takeaways:

• The world is smaller than we ever thought. The dreamers who changed the lives of billions, those we wished to see, stood before us at the InMerge Innovation Summit. They shared their stories, their wisdom, and their challenges, reminding us that greatness is achievable and the time to act is now.
• Their journeys were unique, their paths diverse, yet one common thread resonated throughout: leverage existing processes, optimize your time, and surround yourself with the right people.
• As Paul Misener eloquently stated, "If you can't invent, at least leverage current processes. Even 5 seconds saved each day translates to several days saved in a year." This simple yet profound insight highlights the power of continuous improvement and maximizing efficiency.
• But it's not just about efficiency; it's about impact. Doing 0.01% more, as the summit suggested, can lead to significantly more value. Conversely, doing 0.01% less can have a disproportionately negative effect. This emphasizes the importance of dedication, consistency, and striving for continuous progress.
• I just suddenly remembered this phrase: "You only 2000 calls away from being a millioner". I don't know who said that, but it underscores the critical role of building the right network. Surrounding yourself with individuals who share your goals and vision, even if they come from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, can accelerate your journey and unlock remarkable opportunities.
• The InMerge Innovation Summit was more than just an event; it was a wake-up call. It was a reminder that the tools and resources we need are already available. It was a call to action, urging us to leverage our talents, optimize our time, build strong networks, and take action to create a better future.
• The world is watching. The stage is set. Let's embrace the inspiration, harness the lessons learned, and step into our own power. Let's use our time wisely, leverage existing processes, and collaborate with the right people to build a world filled with innovation, progress, and positive change.

Our time to act is now.

The InMerge Innovation Summit was a whirlwind of inspiration, knowledge, and connections. I stand here energized and driven to contribute to our nation's innovation journey. Together, let's turn these insights into action and build a future brimming with innovation and success.