Join renowned aging researcher Dr. Aubrey de Grey in an enlightening conversation about the science and societal impact of anti-aging technologies. Explore the concept of aging as a medical problem, the interplay of genetics and lifestyle, and groundbreaking research at the LEV Foundation aimed at reversing the effects of aging. Discover how biological age indicators like grip strength and innovative mouse studies are shaping the future of longevity research.

Together with Aubrey, we delve into the societal and economic implications of anti-aging advancements, the importance of health optimization, and the role of informed decision-making in extending health spans. Whether you're intrigued by cutting-edge science or the philosophical questions surrounding life extension, this episode offers profound insights into the future of human health and longevity.

"AI is an amazing tool for brainstorming, giving ideas, and being a thought partner, but even when machines can do better than humans, we still like the story behind it. The human behind the machine is what really matters."

In this episode, we exchange with Mike Todasco, former Senior Director of Innovation at PayPal and current AI Fellow at San Diego State University, to explore the fascinating intersection of innovation, AI, and storytelling. Mike’s unique career journey, from accountant to innovation leader, offers unexpected insights into what it takes to build a culture that truly embraces creativity.

Curious about how storytelling can make or break your next big idea? Wondering how AI is transforming both corporate innovation and personal creativity? Mike shares real-world examples, invaluable lessons, and practical advice you won’t want to miss. Tune in to discover how to harness the power of storytelling and AI to stay ahead in today's fast-changing world!

"Strategic foresight, as I define it, is really about the capability of organizations to, in a systematic way, create superior positions in markets of the future."

In this episode, Dr. Christian Mühlroth engages in a discussion with Professor Dr. René Rohrbeck, a leading expert in strategy foresight and innovation, Professor of Strategy and EDHEC & UNESCO Chair addressing a pivotal question: is corporate foresight still relevant in a world driven by short-term gains?

Together with René, we examine the vital role of foresight in helping companies navigate today's staggering uncertainty, exploring how future-oriented thinking can give businesses a competitive edge. René provides insightful examples of how companies can anticipate existential threats, adapt to market shifts, and use foresight to gain a competitive advantage. The discussion also addresses the potential risks of AI echo chambers in strategic planning and the importance of making bold, long-term decisions in an increasingly unpredictable business environment. This episode offers valuable insights for anyone seeking to future-proof their business strategies.

*** RELATED LINKS ***

Below we have listed all the sources that René refers to in the podcast episode:

• Upright Platform⁠
• ⁠The Ørsted story⁠
• Study from Prof. Dr. René Rohrbeck & Menes Etingue Kum on ⁠"Corporate foresight and its impact on firm performance: A longitudinal analysis"
• ⁠The Merryll Lynch case⁠
• ⁠EDHEC FIT Chair⁠
• ⁠Global Foresight Network of the World Economic Forum
• Article from Amy Webb ⁠"Bringing True Strategic Foresight Back to Business"⁠

*** FEEDBACK WELCOME ***We'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Don't hesitate to contact us at info@innovationrockstars.show with your feedback, comments, or questions.

*** HUNGRY FOR MORE? ***Check out our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠innovation-rockstars.show⁠⁠⁠⁠ or⁠ browse our Innovation Rockstars channel on all major podcast platforms.

"The term ‘war gaming’ comes from military war gaming. I think often business leaders are experiencing competition as being something very brutal when they fight over market shares."

In this episode, we welcome Prof. Dr. Jan Oliver Schwarz, a renowned expert in strategic foresight and trend analysis. As the Head of the Bavarian Foresight Institute and a member of the World Economic Forum's Global Foresight Network, Jan brings a wealth of knowledge on how businesses can anticipate industry disruptions and stay ahead of competitors through innovative role-playing simulations known as business war gaming. Discover the origins, mechanics, and real-world applications of these simulations, and learn how they can reveal surprising insights about market dynamics and competitor strategies.

Tune in to gain valuable lessons on future-proofing your organization and driving successful outcomes in an ever-evolving marketplace. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your strategic toolkit and navigate uncertainty with confidence.

*** FEEDBACK WELCOME ***

We'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Don't hesitate to contact us at info@innovationrockstars.show with your feedback, comments, or questions.

*** HUNGRY FOR MORE? ***

Check out our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠innovation-rockstars.show⁠⁠⁠⁠ or⁠ browse our Innovation Rockstars channel on all major podcast platforms.

“We live in very dynamic times. But ask yourself, ’What can you control?’. And the only thing you can control is your way of thinking. And if you feel a little bit more optimistic, a little bit more open, I guarantee you're going to have a chance to invent that future that you always wanted to see happen.”

In this captivating episode, we welcome Dr. Frederik G. Pferdt, Google's first Chief Innovation Evangelist and author of the insightful new book, "What's Next is Now." Frederik shares his profound philosophy on cultivating a future-ready mind state, highlighting the importance of radical optimism, unreserved openness, and compulsive curiosity. Join us as Frederik delves into inspiring stories from his book, including the remarkable journey of Seth, an activist and artist whose innovative spirit led to the creation of Google's largest community and volunteering program. Discover how embracing what you can control and fostering creativity can transform your personal and professional life.

Tune in to explore how you can shape your future with a mind state that sees opportunities in every challenge. Don't miss this chance to learn from one of the leading voices in innovation and creativity. Listen now and start building the future you envision!

*** RELATED LINKS ***
Check out Frederik's new book "What's Next Is Now": whatsnextisnowthebook.com

*** FEEDBACK WELCOME ***
We'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Don't hesitate to contact us at info@innovationrockstars.show with your feedback, comments, or questions.

*** HUNGRY FOR MORE? ***
Check out our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠innovation-rockstars.show⁠⁠⁠⁠ or browse our Innovation Rockstars channel on all major podcast platforms.

"How can you create this army of everyday innovators throughout your organization? Whether it's 100 people or 100,000 employees, democratizing innovation is key."

In this episode of Innovation Rockstars, we feature Michael McCathren, Senior Principal for Enterprise Innovation at Chick-fil-A and former Adjunct Professor at the University of Georgia. Michael shares his incredible journey from a 15-year-old restaurant worker to leading innovation at Chick-fil-A.

Discover how his team transformed from project execution to becoming in-house innovation consultants, democratizing innovation across the company. Learn about their unique approach to fostering a culture of innovation, including consulting, facilitation, and leveraging Gen-AI. This episode is a must-listen for corporate leaders and innovation enthusiasts looking to understand how to foster a culture of innovation, scale innovation and drive impactful change.

Tune in to learn about best practices and strategies for scaling innovation across large teams.

*** RELATED LINKS *** Check out Michael's book "6Ps of Essential Innovation" (https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Michael-McCathren/dp/B0B5GZ6BT2) we talk about in this episode.

*** FEEDBACK WELCOME ***

We'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Don't hesitate to contact us at info@innovationrockstars.show with your feedback, comments, or questions.

*** HUNGRY FOR MORE? ***

Check out our website at ⁠⁠⁠www.innovation-rockstars.show⁠⁠⁠ or browse our Innovation Rockstars channel on all major podcast platforms.

“A [startup] program gives a very clear collaboration platform to engage with startups. It's a clear gateway that corporations can create to send a signal to the startup ecosystem, that they are ready to collaborate.”

In this episode, we welcome Paolo Lombardi, author of the book ‘Startup Program Design’ and Director of Artificial Intelligence Innovation at Taylor & Francis. Together with Paolo, an expert in AI and startup engagement, we delve into the essentials of effectively partnering with startups, exploring various engagement models such as venture funds, hackathons, accelerators, and incubators.

Paolo shares his unique journey, starting with coding at age seven, and how his early experiences shaped his career in technology and AI. He emphasizes the importance of choosing the right startup engagement program, avoiding common pitfalls, and aligning corporate goals with startup innovation. Paolo also offers insights on fostering productive relationships between corporate managers and startup founders to mitigate cultural clashes and maximize collaboration success.

This episode is packed with practical advice for corporates and startups looking to navigate the complex landscape of innovation partnerships and drive impactful results.

*** RELATED LINKS *** To check out Paolo's book ‘Startup Program Design’ we talk about in this episode, click on the following link: https://www.startupprogramdesign.com

*** FEEDBACK WELCOME ***
We'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Don't hesitate to contact us at info@innovationrockstars.show with your feedback, comments, or questions.

*** HUNGRY FOR MORE? ***
Check out our website at ⁠⁠www.innovation-rockstars.show⁠⁠ or browse our Innovation Rockstars channel on all major podcast platforms.

"Measuring innovation is not about finding one perfect metric; it's about understanding the broader impact on your organization."

In this enlightening episode of the Innovation Rockstars podcast, we welcome Dan Toma, acclaimed author, innovation expert, and co-founder of OUTCOME to demystify the complexities of measuring innovation performance. Dan, known for his entrepreneurial spirit and deep understanding of enterprise transformation, explores why traditional R&D metrics fall short and shares his unique perspectives on effective innovation measurement. Whether you're a startup enthusiast or a leader in a blue-chip company, this discussion will challenge your assumptions and offer new insights into fostering innovation effectively within your organization. Join us as we dive deep into the art and science of innovation measurement with one of the industry's thought leaders.

This episode is a treasure trove of insights for aspiring innovators and entrepreneurs seeking practical advice on navigating the complexities of global business and making impactful decisions.

*** RELATED LINKS ***
For further reading, check out Dan's publications:

• Innovation Accounting - A practical guide for measuring your innovation ecosystem’s performance
• The Corporate Startup - How established companies can create successful innovation ecosystems

*** FEEDBACK WELCOME ***

We'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Don't hesitate to contact us at info@innovationrockstars.show with your feedback, comments, or questions.

*** HUNGRY FOR MORE? ***

Check out our website at ⁠www.innovation-rockstars.show⁠ or browse our Innovation Rockstars channel on all major podcast platforms.