The Art & Science of Innovation with Robyn Bolton of Mile Zero

The New Next

In the second 2024 episode of "The New Next," Matt and Robyn Bolton, founder of Mile Zero.io, delve into innovation and its integration into business strategies. Robyn outlines her method of intertwining architecture, behaviors, and culture to foster innovation, emphasizing the need for bespoke strategic playbooks and executive coaching for effective implementation. The duo discusses the challenges in aligning innovation with business goals and the pitfalls of corporate innovation programs, including the difficulty in maintaining momentum after events like hackathons.

The conversation explores innovation's pace across various industries, from the swift cycles in tech to the slower adaptability in traditional sectors like oil and gas, highlighting the necessity for agility. They touch upon the transformation of internal innovations into commercial products and the role of Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) in allowing corporations to explore new markets despite inherent risks and the demand for immediate results.

A significant focus is on the Microsoft and OpenAI partnership, examining the integration of nonprofit and for-profit goals, leadership dynamics, and the impact on AI development and governance. The episode also covers the ethical and regulatory aspects of AI, its influence on jobs, creativity, and the incorporation of AI in publishing and corporate innovation.

Leadership's role in embracing technology and overcoming resistance to change is discussed, emphasizing the importance of understanding human motivations. The podcast concludes with a call to prioritize action over ideas, the execution challenges in corporate innovation programs, and the pivotal role of leadership and resource allocation in cultivating an innovative environment. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for those looking to navigate the intricacies of corporate innovation and technological evolution.

Connect with Robyn Bolton MileZero.io

Connect with Matthew Jensen MatthewADJensen.com

Podcast Summary:

Introduction to Robyn Bolton (00:00:00 - 00:01:00)

Robyn's Approach to Innovation (00:01:00 - 00:02:48)

Role of a Strategic Playbook (00:02:48 - 00:04:41)

Day-to-Day Collaboration and Innovation Process (00:04:41 - 00:07:39)

Challenges in Corporate Innovation Programs (00:07:39 - 00:10:17)

Holistic Approach to Innovation and Its Importance (00:10:32 - 00:12:00)

Innovation Across Diverse Industries (00:12:12 - 00:15:00)

Customer Perception and Market Adaptation (00:15:00 - 00:17:37)

Internal Innovations as Commercial Products (00:17:37 - 00:19:00)

Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) (00:19:08 - 00:19:49)

Microsoft and OpenAI Partnership (00:22:06 - 00:23:04)

Dynamics of Nonprofit vs. For-Profit in AI Development (00:25:41 - 00:28:48)

Regulatory and Ethical Considerations in Emerging Technologies (00:28:48 - 00:30:28)

AI's Impact on Jobs and Creativity (00:30:36 - 00:35:28)

AI in Corporate Innovation and Research (00:35:36 - 00:39:00)

Incorporating AI in Publishing (00:39:26 - 00:43:00)

Leadership and Resistance to Change (00:43:08 - 00:51:07)

Innovation and Individual Roles (00:51:32 - 00:53:46)

Identifying and Nurturing Innovators (00:53:46 - 00:55:14)

Overcoming Resistance to Change (00:55:14 - 00:59:22)

Robyn's Core Beliefs about Innovation (00:59:22 - 01:01:24)

Measurement, Resource Allocation, and Innovation's Core Aspects (01:01:54 - 01:03:13)

Fostering Curiosity and Inclusive Innovation (01:03:13 - 01:08:07)

Emotional Decision-Making and Value of Action (01:08:07 - 01:11:21)

Corporate Innovation Challenges and Leadership (01:11:21 - End)